Serco’s Post

Friday’s Environment Ministers Meeting must deliver immediate action to address the current #battery fire crisis enveloping the waste and resource recovery (WARR) industry. “The #WARR industry is seeing fires on a daily basis in our #waste collection vehicles and facilities, putting workers and infrastructure at risk,” Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association of Australia Chief Executive Officer Gayle Sloan said today. “Whilst we appreciate a comprehensive national strategy that addresses everything from battery design through to end of life takes time, we need urgent action on the ground now for #collection points in all states, for all batteries, while the plan is developed.” she said. “The nation’s #environment ministers must deliver immediate action to provide a safe disposal solution for all batteries. The reality is that all items with batteries must have a separate safe #disposal pathway to get them out of kerbside bins, trucks and facilities that are not designed to collect these potentially incendiary devices. “Removing them from the traditional collection stream requires urgent attention and funding. Our workers and facilities need to be safe, just like every other industry. We cannot continue as is with the rate of fires. “Our industry is fast approaching a time when we will not be able to insure our trucks and facilities, which will mean services to the community will be in doubt – and this is not something we say lightly." #wmrr #warr #batterysafety #dontbinbatteries #bcycle #recycling #consumption #productstewardship #design #production Tanya Plibersek Penny Sharpe Steve Dimopoulos Leanne Linard MP Reece Whitby nicholas duigan Rebecca Vassarotti Kate Worden

New case study: Cotton Valley WRC: £17m investment project spanning multiple phases to address operational challenges & enhance treatment capacity to maintain regulatory compliance. Anglian Water’s Cotton Valley Water Recycling Centre serves a substantial population equivalent from Milton Keynes and the surrounding area, treating wastewater to stringent regulatory standards before discharge. Over time, the facility has encountered various operational challenges that hindered its efficiency and compliance. These operational challenges included limitations in post-digestion dewatering capacity, recurring pollution incidents during high storm surges, the imposition of a stringent phosphorus standard, and inadequate stormwater storage capacity. Addressing these challenges became imperative to ensure the facility’s long-term sustainability and resilience. The Anglian Water @one Alliance was tasked with identifying the issues affecting the Cotton Valley WRC and finding and undertaking solution to address each issue. The identified issues were (i) post-digestion dewatering capacity, (ii) pollution incidents and stormwater management, (iii) phosphorus standard compliance, and (iv) treatment plant station resilience. Read the full case study to see how the Anglian Water @one Alliance overcame these issues: https://lnkd.in/gza4Txfb Anglian Water Services Anglian Water @one Alliance Waveney Pumps GLASSWELL & LAST LIMITED HAYES GFS LIMITED Field Systems Designs Ltd CSG Steelway UK Freeflow Pipesystems EPS Water UK HUBER Technology UK & Ireland Power Testing Limited Sulzer Water Solutions Alfa Laval SPIRAC Richard Alan PAKTRONIC ENGINEERING COMPANY LIMITED #water #watersupply #waterindustry #engineers #engineering #construction #utilities #utilityindustry #watertreatment #wastewatertreatment #sewagetreatment #sewerage #sewer #pumpingstation

Amid water supply challenges and climate uncertainties, potable water reuse projects are becoming increasingly important. In this Engineering News-Record article, our VP of Reuse, Zakir Hirani, underscores the pivotal role of innovative solutions like water reuse in addressing these pressing challenges. https://stantec.co/4bZnnTf #water #StantecWater #Reuse #sustainability

Summit County is making strides toward reducing construction and demolition (C&D) waste, with a new study revealing that nearly one-third of this debris could be diverted from landfills. Conducted with support from our RRS experts, the study provides insight into potential recovery opportunities, examining materials like wood and scrap metal. As the county works to meet its ambitious diversion goals, there's a clear opportunity to improve waste management practices during construction and demolition. Check out the full article to learn how Summit County is tackling C&D waste challenges and building a more sustainable future. #Construction #Demolition #Recycling #CircularEconomy

I’ve spent around 2 years leading our community’s fight against an incinerator usually into the small hours once work and family are done (last night was spent trying to understand hydrogeological vulnerability and nitrate vulnerable zones further!). It was nice our incinerator planning success got a mention here (Swadlincote), but we’re not clear yet and are gearing up to fight an appeal (any environmental experts and Rule 6 party experts welcome in my inbox!): https://lnkd.in/em5BdNjh This post has no other purpose than to invite people into my inbox from my amazing networks and through a few careful hashtags, and to also gloat that the tide is turning on incineration - it might not be the investment piece it once was (there’s actually quite a dark contractual aspect to it all too with some Council’s fearful of fines if they don’t support a minimum amount of waste to be sent to them - which doesn’t support recycling and turns feedstock into a commodity). #environment #sustainability #planning #environmentalprotection #netzero #wastemanagement #investment #esg #infrastructure #energyfromwaste #eastmidlands #derbyshire

Big news --> TITLE V PERMITTING UPDATED! On April 17th, EPA removed a massive barrier to entry for the place based biochar market seeking to utilize Air Curtain systems like the AirBurners CharBoss and the TigerCat Carbonator. This is very important to the biochar industry as these types of mobile, multi-functional, place-based biochar systems have the ability to scale rapidly. They are an excellent entry point into the biochar industry for composters, land owners, clean C&D waste disposal facilities, municipalities and many more sectors. Not to mention the disaster cleanup opportunities to convert hazardous fuels to biochar for durable carbon benefit after an event. We anticipate removal of the burdensome pricing of permitting for these systems we will result in rapid adoption as they now qualify for carbon credits. Additionally, these systems can be paired with thermal heat capture to generate electricity on-site. There are significant IRA tax incentives available through the end of calendar year 2024 that makes adoption of this technology extremely attractive. (UPCOMING WEBINARS) The important highlights: - EPA believes removing title V permitting requirements for ACIs "will simplify compliance and reduce administrative cost burden for owners and operators of these types of units." - Rule states "If you are the owner or operator of an air curtain incinerator that burns only wood waste, clean lumber, and yard waste...you are exempt from the obligation to obtain a title V operating permit." - For decades, Air Curtain Incinerators (ACI) have been subject to financially burdensome Title V permitting. USBI has been involved w tests where Title V permitting cost $40,000 for a single day demonstration permit! Ouch! - The EPA received supportive comments from States & industry stakeholders to remove title V permitting requirements for these air curtain incinerators, indicating the requirements were unnecessarily burdensome & expensive. (We know that Air Burners Inc spent years advocating for ACI system & a key reason this rule has been updated.) - State & industry stakeholders commented that the title V requirements for these units are overly burdensome & costly, particularly in light of the dependence on ACI units to mitigate natural disaster debris, such as massive amounts of clean wood & vegetative waste for wildfire mitigation & forest management; burning of storm-generated wood & vegetative debris; & burning of land clearing debris. - EPA concludes "the title V permit requirement for ACIs that only burn wood waste, clean lumber, and yard waste is inconsistent with the definition of 'solid waste incineration unit' in CAA section 129(g)(1)." Watch for more ACI content in our May newsletter! https://lnkd.in/ga8jXBc7

Here's a project that needs to go ahead: Walker Industries South Landfill. It's not a nice-to-have, it's an absolute necessity. According to Waste to Resource Ontario, the province's landfills will be full in about nine years. It takes about ten years to get a landfill operational, so you can see the problem. And we'll run out of space even sooner if Michigan and New York stop accepting our garbage, as Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer pledged in 2018 (she didn't deliver, but who's to say she won't in the future?). In response to this growing need, Walker is stepping up with Phase 2 of its South Landfill. It's a state-of-the-art, engineered landfill designed with exceptional safety and environmental controls that accepts only solid non-hazardous waste. Phase 2 of the South Landfill would be developed on lands owned by Walker, located immediately east of current landfilling operations. Existing waste management infrastructure, such as the site entrance, will not change. The terms of reference are up for public review right now at southlandfillphase2.com, after which they'll be submitted to the provincial Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks. Landfills are not exciting or romantic projects, but they are absolutely essential, and we need this one to go ahead.

As the world commemorates Earth Day, it is crucial to highlight innovative businesses that exemplify environmental stewardship and sustainability.    Corporate Planning, in collaboration with our client Project Annona, stands as a leader in such endeavours, presenting a pioneering approach to waste management and resource utilisation. This Earth Day, let us showcase their transformative ability to repurpose waste streams into valuable products, emphasising the call for collective action to safeguard our planet.   At Corporate Planning, we provide strategic financial advice and have partnered with Project Annona to secure funding for their transformative initiatives. Through meticulous strategic planning and financial expertise, Corporate Planning supports Project Annona in accessing the necessary resources to propel their innovative waste management projects forward.   Project Annona leverages modified clays sourced from its wash plant to enhance grouting processes, ensuring stability and performance in engineering applications. Specialised drilling rigs facilitate the installation of hydraulic barriers using deep soil mixing techniques, utilising modified clay to create stable barriers at significant depths. Moreover, modified clay serves as a crucial tool in flood alleviation projects, with bespoke mixers aiding in the preparation and injection of clay into flood-prone areas, thus mitigating erosion and safeguarding communities.   Furthermore, Project Annona's innovative solutions extend to environmental remediation, where modified clays are utilised to extinguish underground fires and mitigate environmental hazards. They employ bespoke equipment, including twin-shaft pug-mills with integrated silos, for the production of Hydraulic Bound Mixtures (HBM) sourced from trench arising's.   Field trials effectively demonstrate the efficacy of HBM in various applications, including trench backfilling and duct installation, showcasing the versatility and performance of this innovative material. Thermal imaging techniques are employed to assess the effectiveness of HBM in extinguishing underground fires, highlighting its potential to reduce environmental degradation and promote recovery.   As we celebrate Earth Day, our collaboration with Project Annona serves as a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration in addressing environmental challenges. By reengineering waste streams into usable products, Project Annona not only contributes to environmental remediation but also champions the principles of a circular economy and sustainable development.    Together, we can continue to champion initiatives that protect our planet and pave the way for a more sustainable future.   What actions or collaboration are you taking to protect our planet? #SustainabilitySolutions #WasteManagement #CircularEconomy #CorporatePlanning #ClimateAction #GreenTechnology #EnvironmentalStewardship #CollaborativeEfforts #InnovativeBusiness

We are hard at work on the upcoming Annual Winter Road Maintenance issue of InfraStructures that will be published in August. It will also feature stories from all sectors of the industry... Including the Hillhead quarry show! Have a look at the preliminary version at - https://lnkd.in/eCFcSZqP Reserve your ad space now - call +1-416-795-1295 -- NSSGA Receives EPA Grant to Advance Aggregates Sustainability The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) is proud to announce it has been awarded a five-year, $9.65 million grant by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). With the EPA grant funding and support, NSSGA aims to provide the aggregates industry with essential resources to: robustly produce and release Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs); establish guidelines on best management practices for reducing CO2 emissions; and enhance the industry’s capacity to sequester CO2. Over the next five years, NSSGA will engage its partners to create, train and promote resources, as the industry continues to be a beacon of sustainability. Key initiatives will include: NSSGA to Become Program Operator for Aggregates Industry PCR and EPD: NSSGA will have full-time staff to administer the program, facilitating more robust updates and ensuring comprehensive oversight. Access to Digital Tools and Solutions: Providing the aggregates industry with robust tools to transparently report the environmental impacts of their products. Comprehensive Training Programs: In collaboration with state associations, universities, and other partners, equipping industry professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to implement sustainable practices, perform life cycle assessments and produce EPDs. Best Management Practices for CO2 Reduction and Sequestration: Establishing and promoting guidelines that help the industry reduce its carbon footprint and also enhance its ability to sequester CO2 effectively. The production of aggregates is an inherently low-carbon process, and member operations utilize various measures to reduce their energy use and carbon footprint. This grant initiative follows the successful application submitted by NSSGA. With this opportunity, NSSGA continues to lead the way in promoting sustainability within the aggregate industry. For more information about the grant funding and initiatives, please contact the NSSGA GARA team. Learn more at www.nssga.org

📢 #MHnS and Stantec teams are thrilled about a new collaboration with one of our longstanding clients, the City of Lloydminster ! Under the guidance of the City’s Environmental Service’s team, we will be working on an Integrated Waste Management and Facility Master Plan to guide the city’s solid waste management for the next twenty years.🌱 ♻ Advancing Lloydminster’s City Council’s strategic goals in environmental stewardship, this comprehensive plan will assess the current waste management system and identify strategies to enhance and support it. Key focus areas include: • Waste Reduction and Reuse • Waste Diversion • Alternative Waste Technologies (including Waste-to-Energy) • Landfilling options ⌛ Although in the early stages, we are excited about the collaboration between #MHnS and Stantec’s waste planning and landfill engineering teams, as well as leaders from City of Lloydminster administration. 👏 With our combined expertise and dedication to our client, we are confident we can help improve Lloydminster’s waste management systems. We look forward to engaging with City Council, key stakeholders, and the public to gather valuable input as we develop the Master Plan. Stay tuned for updates! #WasteManagement #Sustainability #CityPlanning #WasteReduction #BetterTogether