Incinerator contract signed just a few days beore election

Seems strange that the County Council have rushed through, and signed a contract for the controversial Calvert incinerator just days before the election. Could it be that the cabinet member, Steven Adams thought he should push the decision through just in case he does not regain power?

I would have thought the fair thing to do would been to leave ths matter to the incoming administration.

Peter Cooper 23 April 2013

The County Council press release reads as follows;

Energy from waste contract signed

Date: 22-04-2013

Buckinghamshire County Council has signed a contract with FCC Environment to build and operate an Energy from Waste plant in Greatmoor, north Buckinghamshire.

The facility will convert 300,000 tonnes of waste a year—that cannot be recycled—into enough energy to power up to 36,000 homes. It will also create around 300 temporary jobs during the construction phase, 64 permanent jobs and 31 further jobs in the supply chain.

The 30-year contract will be funded through an innovative use of construction-only finance and prudential borrowing.

Neil Gibson, Strategic Director for Communities and Built Environment, said: “Both the Council and FCC Environment have worked very hard to reach this stage and ensure that Buckinghamshire’s waste will be managed more sustainably in the future. The Energy from Waste facility will not only divert substantial amounts of waste from landfill but it will also be saving our council tax payers over £150 million over the life of the contract. We are very excited to be working with FCC Environment to deliver this.”

Steven Adams, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “The Buckinghamshire County Council Energy from Waste project is another example of this council working to protect this county’s natural environment, keep council tax bills low and protect investment in other critical frontline services by being innovative and bold. This exciting project is an exemplar of local government at its best.”

The County Council named FCC Environment as its preferred bidder for the residual waste treatment contract in 2011, and the Cabinet awarded the contract last July (2012).

FCC Environment Chief Executive Paul Taylor said: “We are delighted to have reached this important milestone with Buckinghamshire County Council, and are looking forward now to delivering the facilities and an integrated service that the county can be proud of."

Construction of the plant is anticipated to start later this year.