Governor Terry Branstad Tours Lake Mills Unique Greenhouse and Sustainable Landfill Gas-To-Energy Facility

LAKE MILLS, Iowa, July 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Iowa Governor Terry E. Branstad spent Tuesday July 19th getting a look at two Lake Mills facilities that show Iowa's commitment to be more sustainable and green, while creating jobs.  The Governor, along with several state and local leaders, toured Perfect Circle's greenhouse and Waste Management's Landfill Gas-To-Energy operations in Lake Mills.  Heat from the adjacent Waste Management power plant is used for the growing operation in the hi-tech Perfect Circle greenhouse.

"With a minimal carbon footprint, we believe this Perfect Circle greenhouse is a model for sustainable business in Iowa and across the country," said Michael O'Brien, Perfect Circle Corporation CEO.  "We're creating green jobs and organic produce that help grow our local economy.  We're encouraged the Governor has made job creation one of the top priorities of his administration."

Governor Branstad toured the Perfect Circle facility and saw first-hand how high-quality, organic produce is grown year-round using the alternative heat.  The produce is soil-grown, even in a cold weather state like Iowa.  This cuts down shipping distances for fresh, locally-grown produce for residents and businesses.  

The Governor also toured Waste Management's Gas-To-Energy facility that provides energy to the Perfect Circle greenhouse. The Waste Management facility captures methane gas from the Central Disposal Landfill and pumps the gas to engines that generate enough power for more than 4,000 homes across Iowa.  

"Governor Branstad's commitment to sustainable business is a key to our operations in Lake Mills and throughout the State of Iowa," said Julie Ketchum, Waste Management Director of Government Affairs. "With oil prices at near-record highs, our facility operates around the clock, cutting demand for foreign oil and other natural resources, and providing clean, sustainable power for local companies to deliver to homes and business."

"These operations are tremendous examples of how business is constantly adapting to meet the needs of Iowans with job creation, clean power and affordable organic produce that is grown locally," said Governor Terry Branstad.  "I'm encouraged by the commitment here to add good paying 'green' jobs with sustainable operations."

Waste Management pioneered sustainable landfill gas-to-energy technology more than two decades ago and the company dedication to clean energy solutions continues today.  By 2020, Waste Management expects to double its current power output nationwide, providing electricity for more than two million homes and businesses.

ABOUT PERFECT CIRCLE CORPORATION

It is the mission of The Perfect Circle Corporation to change the traditional food paradigm of growing food thousands of miles from its market during certain seasons of the year.  By using an alternative heat source, Perfect Circle has developed a model in which it grows the highest quality organic produce on a year round basis in areas which would otherwise rely on warm weather locations to fill the void in produce availability.  Minimizing transportation of its produce, using the latest soil growing techniques, and incorporating a highly efficient heat source all make Perfect Circle a green, sustainable business.

ABOUT WASTE MANAGEMENT

Waste Management, based in Houston, Texas, is the leading provider of comprehensive waste management services in North America. Through its subsidiaries, the company provides collection, transfer, recycling and resource recovery, and disposal services. It is also a leading developer, operator and owner of waste-to-energy and landfill gas-to-energy facilities in the United States. The company's customers include residential, commercial, industrial and municipal customers throughout North America. To learn more information about Waste Management visit www.wm.com or www.thinkgreenfromhome.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Waste Management

Media
Julie Ketchum
651-334-4309
[email protected]

The Perfect Circle Corp.

Marketing
Joshua O'Brien
641-583-2138
[email protected]

SOURCE Waste Management