Covanta's John G. Waffenschmidt Reappointed to the Pennsylvania Environmental Justice Advisory Board

MORRISTOWN, N.J., June 26, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Covanta, a world leader in sustainable waste management and renewable energy, today announced that John G. Waffenschmidt, vice president of environmental science and community affairs, has been reappointed to the Pennsylvania Environmental Justice Advisory Board (EJAB) by Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary E. Christopher Abruzzo.

The EJAB is charged with overseeing the implementation of DEP's Enhanced Public Participation Policy to protect the health of local communities, especially communities with the greatest concentration of environmental risks. Among the group's objectives is to ensure that the DEP maintains a proactive approach to Environmental Justice (EJ) within the state, and increase the level of environmental monitoring in low-income and minority communities.

"I'm thrilled to have been reappointed to the EJAB and to continue our work serving the citizens of Pennsylvania," said Waffenschmidt. "At Covanta, we recognize our responsibility to address the concerns of the communities in which we operate and to raise awareness for EJ issues, such as those reviewed in the EJAB."

Covanta's Energy-from-Waste facilities provide a safe and sustainable waste disposal method that is superior to landfills, reduces greenhouse gases and produces clean, renewable energy from solid waste. The company continues to work to address the needs of communities by maintaining healthy relationships and constructive interaction with community leaders, clients and others interested in facility operations. Covanta is one of only a few publically traded companies which have adopted a comprehensive EJ policy.

"We truly value John's tremendous experience and obvious passion for addressing environmental justice issues and encouraging the cooperation of industries and communities," said Secretary E. Christopher Abruzzo, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. "We look forward to his continued involvement and greatly appreciate his dedicated service to the Commonwealth."

In addition to his work at Covanta, Waffenschmidt also serves the Product Stewardship Institute (PSI) Advisory Council, the Regional Plan Association, Long Island Chapter, and was a member of the original workgroup that helped establish the PA EJAB. He also participates in different policy forums and gives lectures related to sustainability. His second consecutive two-year term will extend through 2016.

About Covanta
Covanta is a world leader in providing sustainable waste and energy solutions. The Company's 45 Energy-from-Waste facilities provide communities and businesses around the world with environmentally sound solid waste disposal by using waste to generate clean, renewable energy. Annually, Covanta's modern Energy-from-Waste facilities safely and securely convert approximately 20 million tons of waste into clean, renewable electricity to power one million homes and recycle over 440,000 tons of metal. Energy-from-Waste facilities reduce greenhouse gases, complement recycling and are a critical component to sustainable solid waste management. For more information, visit www.covanta.com.

SOURCE Covanta