This will move Veolia a step closer to construction of the plant, currently expected to start in August 2013.
The facility, to be built on the Cross Green Industrial Estate, will provide Leeds with a long-term solution to waste going to landfill. Up to 214,000 tonnes of Leeds’ black bin waste will go through the facility a year. Recyclable materials will be removed with the remainder being incinerated. The process will generate enough electricity to power up to 20,000 homes.
Reflecting their joint commitment to the local community, Veolia has agreed to make a significant sum of money available annually to support projects in the local area that provide sustainable benefits. Veolia has also agreed to share any excess money made from selling electricity and recyclable materials with the council, a significant proportion of which would also be used to support local projects.
The contract between Leeds City Council and Veolia has now been published on the council’s website.
Councillor Mark Dobson, executive member for the environment said:
“These are really significant milestones for a project that will save us around £200 million compared to the cost of landfilling waste over the lifetime of the contract.
“This is an important long-term partnership and when we take into account other improvements to waste services that we’re making, we can confidently say that we are delivering a sustainable plan to make Leeds cleaner and greener.”
Paul Fowler, Veolia Environmental Services’ Leeds General Manager said:
“As well as the financial and environmental savings the facility will bring to the city, we’re committed to providing a boost to the local economy through job creation.
“Around three hundred temporary jobs will be created during the construction phase of the facility. Once operational there will be around 45 permanent posts, both technical and non-technical, and we’re working closely with Leeds City Council to deliver opportunities for apprenticeships, work placements and work experience schemes for local people.”
Veolia and its partners will also support the city’s economy by buying available equipment, materials and services from Leeds businesses where possible so local companies will benefit from the facility.
Veolia are committed to working with local residents as part of the community liaison group. Residents and other stakeholders are invited to join to hear updates on the project as construction starts right through to its operational phase.
Local residents interested in joining the community liaison group can contact [email protected] or call 0800 085 8980.
Notes to editors:
A copy of the contract between Leeds City Council and Veolia can be found at http://www.leeds.gov.uk/leedswaste
Contacts
Amanda Burns
Senior communications officer
Leeds City Council
0113 395 1577
[email protected]
and
Kevin Parker
Regional Communications Manager
Veolia Environmental Services (UK) Plc Tel : 07909 883 226
[email protected]
Or visit www.veoliaenvironmentalservices.co.uk. You can also follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/veolia_es_uk
Contacts
For more information please contact:
Kevin Parker
Regional Communications Manager
Veolia Environmental Services
Mobile (07909 883226)
Email: [email protected]
Or visit www.veoliaenvironmentalservices.co.uk/Leeds
You can also follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/VeoliaUK