PRESS ROOM

SPSA, Beach Begin Discussions to Close Composting Facility

(Chesapeake, VA March 12, 2007) -- The Southeastern Public Service Authority (SPSA) and the City of Virginia Beach have begun negotiations aimed at closing SPSA’s Yard Waste Facility located at 1991 Jake Sears Road.  The City has been considering closure of the facility during the past several months due to odors associated with its composting operations.  Both SPSA and the City have contracted with independent companies to conduct evaluations of the environmental and public health aspects of the yard waste processing facility.  Preliminary reports from the consultants suggest that it is not possible to eliminate all odors associated with the operation. 

            SPSA’s employees have worked hard to institute many operational improvements to mitigate the impact of the site’s activities on the neighboring communities.  SPSA, like the City, is sensitive to the odors and perceived health concerns expressed by citizens residing close to the facility and, as a result, has agreed to enter into negotiations regarding closure of the facility. 

            John Hadfield, SPSA’s Executive Director, said “As long as the final terms of the closure protect the investment made on behalf of the SPSA member communities in the yard waste facility and recognizes SPSA’s commitment to recycling, a negotiated resolution is in everyone’s best interest.”  He added, “While SPSA recognizes that the composting facility is performing an important public service through the recycling of yard debris and has always operated in compliance with its permit, we also recognize the concerns of the citizens and are willing to work with the City to locate a new site for SPSA’s continued recycling operations.”

For more information, contact Felicia Blow at (757) 420-4700.         

SPSA has been providing efficient and environmentally sound waste disposal services to the region and its residents since 1985. SPSA’s solid waste management system includes waste-to-energy, yard waste composting, drop-off and curbside recycling as well as other recycling programs, household hazardous waste collection, landfilling, landfill gas-to-energy and education programs. This integrated waste management system enables SPSA to put 57% of the waste it receives to a beneficial use, thus allowing the region to reduce its dependence on landfills.