Detroit Renewable Power Calls Back Prior Owner Employees to Energy-from-Waste Plant to Restart New Level of Operations

DETROIT, Dec. 6, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Detroit Renewable Power LLC ("DRP") is calling back 91 workers who had been temporarily laid off as a result of actions of the previous owners of the Detroit energy-from-waste (EFW) facility.  The call back is part of a systematic plan for restarting the facility to insure the highest standards of operation.  A total of approximately 130 workers are expected to be called back once the EFW plant resumes full operations.

The announcement was made by DRP Operating President Paul Maier.

"We are making significant, immediate improvements in the plant and understand the important role it plays in providing responsible waste management, recycling and vital energy services for Detroit," Maier said.  "Our new owners will accept nothing less than best-in-class standards of operation in all areas of performance affecting our ability to provide a long-term, cost-effective and environmentally-friendly supply of renewable energy from waste derived fuel for the essential energy needs of Detroit's core business districts."

The EFW plant was closed in October and its workers laid off by the prior owners.  The plant was purchased Nov. 16 by DRP parent company, Detroit Renewable Energy LLC (DRE) in a $50 million investment in Detroit that also included Detroit Thermal, LLC, the owner and operator of Detroit's district energy underground steam system along the Woodward Corridor from the riverfront to New Center-Midtown.  The companies operate as independent subsidiaries of DRE.

DRP has already conducted extensive surveys of existing conditions as part of its restart program to improve efficiencies in how the plant operates, according to Maier.  

EFW plant enhancements include:

• Improvements to the area that receives waste from collection trucks for more efficient separation and processing of trash, and better prevention of odors from escaping the plant.

• Upgrading and adding new "continuous monitoring systems" (CMS) for 24-7-365 controls to meet or exceed Michigan and Federal environmental standards and permits, including new EPA standards.

• Internal improvements for employee work, break and lockers areas as part of a plant-wide program to enhance the employee quality of life, and emphasize working safety as a primary standard.

Maier also said that new programs are being developed for pro-active community outreach, open communication, transparency and better partnering with the neighboring areas, especially including odor control, plant appearances and more efficient traffic flow.

About Detroit Renewable Power LLC: Detroit Renewable Power LLC provides Detroit with recycling; clean, renewable energy and environmentally responsible solid-waste management though its best-in-class energy-from-waste (EFW) facility that produces steam and electricity.  The steam is sold to Detroit Thermal, LLC for its district energy underground stream system along the Woodward Avenue corridor from the riverfront to New Center-Midtown.  DRP steam is also used to generate electric sold to Detroit Edison. Detroit Renewable Power is a subsidiary of Detroit Renewable Energy LLC. Detroit Renewable Power LLC:  www.detroitrenewablepower.com.

About Detroit Renewable Energy LLC:  Detroit Renewable Energy LLC, www.detroitrenewable.com, is the holding company formed in 2010 for the independent operations of Detroit Thermal, LLC, http://www.detroitthermal.com/; Detroit Renewable Power LLC, www.detroitrenewablepower.com, operator of the Detroit energy-from-waste plant; and Hamtramck Energy Services, LLC, Hamtramck Energy Services, operator of private steam plants at five General Motors facilities.  

About Detroit Thermal, LLC:  Detroit Thermal, LLC, acquired by Detroit Renewable Energy LLC in 2010, provides cost-effective, environmentally-friendly heating and cooling services to a group of more than 145 buildings along the extended Woodward Corridor from the downtown riverfront to the New Center area using steam produced from renewable energy sources.  Detroit Thermal has invested more than $35 million to upgrade its extensive underground "district energy" system and its main generating plant to provide safe, reliable and worry-free district energy services.  Web: www.detroitthermal.com

About District Energy:  District energy systems produce steam, hot water or chilled water at central plants and then distribute the energy to heat and cool buildings across city districts.  It eliminates the need for individual buildings to have their own boilers or furnaces, chillers or air conditioners, and usually uses renewable energy sources such as refuse, salvaged wood, or lake and ocean water.  District energy is experiencing a surge in interest from cities and businesses seeking to shrink their carbon footprint, avoid construction costs, increase their energy reliability and lower fuel and operating costs. General info:  www.districtenergy.org.

SOURCE Detroit Renewable Power LLC