Hydro-Québec to move ahead with 7.6-megawatt green energy project - Waste
Management to produce electricity using waste from its Saint-Nicéphore
facilities

DRUMMONDVILLE, QC, Dec. 18 /CNW Telbec/ - Waste Management (WM) is thrilled by Hydro-Québec's announcement that it will move ahead with its project to generate 7.6 megawatts of electricity from landfill gas collected at WM's site in the Saint-Nicéphore district of Drummondville. The project, which has a 20 year lifespan, was selected following a public bidding process, for its environmental benefits, energy efficiency and competitive rates.

The announcement by the Quebec Crown Corporation confirms the implementation of an environmental project that WM has long nurtured. For several years, the company had been looking for a partner to harness the landfill gas collected at its facilities. By December 1, 2012 , at the latest, landfill gas from the decomposition of buried waste will produce enough electricity to power the equivalent of about 6,500 homes.

Multiple benefits

The WM project will fuel engines connected to generators that will produce the electricity. The heat from the engines will be recovered to feed the Serres Demers greenhouse complex. That company will soon build greenhouses on WM land to grow tomatoes.

"We are very enthusiastic about the idea of bringing this sustainable-development project to fruition. The green energy generated at our facilities will power Québec's public network as well as support the growth of a new business in the area," said Daniel Brien , General Manager of WM landfill sites.

Completion of the project to harness landfill gas for energy will require an important financial investment by WM. About 125 workers will be involved in the construction of buildings and installation of equipment.

The project to convert landfill gas into electricity is among the sustainable-development initiatives of WM, which has pledged to double green energy production at its facilities by 2020 and to supply the equivalent of two million homes across North America . Through the establishment of over 100 beneficial-use gas projects on the continent, WM has developed unparalleled expertise in this area, providing the equivalent of more than 470 megawatts of energy, enough to power approximately 400,000 homes.

WM has operated in the Saint-Nicéphore district of Drummondville since 1997. The company provides collection, recovery, transportation and safe disposal of residential and commercial waste. WM is the leading provider of comprehensive waste management services in North America , serving thousands of communities, thanks to the dedication of its 50,000 employees.

For further information: Martin Dussault, Director, Public Affairs, Waste Management, [phone]