Updated: Florida company looking to build recycling facility in Van Buren Co.
VAN BUREN COUNTY, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – A West Michigan community is working through the hurdles for a proposed state of the art recycling facility.
A Florida company is looking to build a $150 million solid-waste processing facility near Hartford. The company says it could put more than 1,000 people to work.
The green park would be developed along the I-94 corridor between Hartford and Watervliet. What is currently empty land now has the potential to host a thousand new jobs.
Like many communities in Michigan, the prospect of new jobs gets people talking.
“Would welcome anything that would bring new jobs,” said one resident.
“Lot of people around here would appreciate it,” said another.
When a company out of Florida called Waste Not Technologies proposed a 2,000 acre green park in 2008, county leaders listened up.
“What a shot in the arm to southwest Michigan to have that many new jobs,” said Ed Vandervries, Van Buren County Land and Economic Development.
The company would have to buy private land and get approval for tax incentives. The proposal is an ambitious idea. An online video suggests what the recycling facility would look like, including a separation facility and numerous other buildings where the materials would be made into new products, taking in 1,000 tons of garbage a day.
Vandervries says Van Buren County isn't investing any money, but did amend the area's solid waste plan.
“It got started because of WNT, but it paves the way for any company that recycles,” said Vandervries, “whether small or large scale.”
The State Department of Natural Resources and Environment will have to sign off on the idea before Waste Not can move forward.
County leaders say the area is a prime site for new development.
“I hope they come through and do what they say they can and want to do,” said Vandervries, “not only good for the economy, but good for the environment as well.”
A company representative for the firm would not agree to an interview with Newschannel 3 over the phone, we emailed the firm a number of questions on Tuesday, the following is the response.
Q: What is the timeframe for the proposed development in Hartford, Michigan?
A: WNT is planning to move forward with the Hartford WNT GreenPark™ within the next few months. This will include finalizing the project and applying for permits. Once those items have been accomplished, the construction should begin.
Q: If given approval etc, when would you realistically begin/end building?
A: The construction could start as soon as ninety (90) days, and will likely take approximately twelve (12) to eighteen (18) months. The GreenPark™ will ramp up to full production during that time as well.
Q: What requirements would you need from state/local community in order to commit to West Michigan?
A: WNT requires a suitable site, an acceptable incentive package, and availability of waste contracts. The current Hartford site is acceptable, and WNT is working with the MEDC to complete the incentive process. WNT is working with local officials to identify the required waste contracts.
Q: How many jobs would it bring?
A: The WNT GreePark will bring approximately 1,400 direct hires with additional jobs being created by support companies locating in the area.
Q: What kind of work would it be?
A: The jobs will vary from laborers to executives, and will draw from Hartford, Van Buren County and surrounding communities.
Q: What about criticism that the proposal here and other locations are not realistic?
A: It is regrettable that some individuals want to voice negative opinions. There are Materials Recovery Facilities all over the country. The only difference is that WNT and its affiliates actually use the reclaimed raw materials to manufacture products.
Q: That the company is unwilling to provide enough detail that makes this idea legitimate?
A: WNT and GGH will disclose information to the appropriate officials as we apply for permits and move forward with the projects. WNT will not disclose proprietary information to individuals and communities without adequately protecting the information.
Tommy Harrison
Director of Community Affairs
Global Green Holdings, LLC
