News | August 27, 2013

TRC, SMDA & AEW Win Environmental Award For Innovative Program At Michigan Landfills

Plantings Comprise State-of-the-Art Leachate Removal Plan

Lowell, MA (Marketwired) - TRC Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRR), together with South Macomb (Mich.) Disposal Authority (SMDA) and Anderson, Eckstein and Westrick, Inc. (AEW), has been recognized by the Environmental Management Association for innovative rehabilitation of former solid-waste landfill properties, using a combination of technologies including phytoremediation.

Representatives from the companies accepted the 2012 Environmental Achievement Award at a ceremony at the Detroit Athletic Club in Detroit, Michigan. The SMDA submitted the entry to the EMA for consideration for this year's award. A panel of judges of the EMA chooses the honoree after narrowing the finalists to three.

SMDA, with AEW, engaged TRC to design and execute a remedial strategy that would efficiently address the environmental issues and capture contaminated leachate from the 80-acre site in Macomb County, Michigan. Five municipalities used the landfills for solid waste disposal from 1968-1975. After remediation, this former landfill site is now a park-like setting, being used by pedestrians and families.

Phytoremediation is a process to decontaminate soil or water by using plants and trees to absorb or break down pollutants in lieu of traditional pumping systems. The four-year project helped bring the SMDA into compliance with its regulatory obligations, allaying concern of the environmental agency as well as neighboring properties. Moreover, TRC's innovative remedial design resulted in an efficient post-closure care plan, which streamlined post-closure obligations without compromising effectiveness or safety.

"Addressing the liability and legacy issues associated with the closure and post-closure of landfills requires expert knowledge and modern, innovative, cost-effective solutions," said Chris Vincze, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of TRC. "We are proud to be recognized by EMA for our work on this project, and we commend the SMDA for their commitment to cleaning up the site for the benefit of the surrounding community."

"The SMDA's Board was convinced that phytoremediation was the best and most cost-effective solution for this park setting site," said Roy Rose, President and Chief Executive Officer of AEW. "TRC has done a great job on implementing a remediation plan and following through on the construction."

"We are very pleased with the creativity and professionalism that both TRC and AEW have demonstrated throughout this project. SMDA was committed to resolve the landfill issues, and the 'green' clean-up strategy developed and executed by TRC was both effective and efficient," according to John Chirkun, Chairman of the SMDA.

About TRC
A pioneer in groundbreaking scientific and engineering developments since the 1960s, TRC is a national engineering, consulting and construction management firm that provides integrated services to the energy, environmental and infrastructure markets. TRC serves a broad range of clients in government and industry, implementing complex projects from initial concept to delivery and operation. TRC delivers results that enable clients to achieve success in a complex and changing world. For more information and updates from the Company, visit TRC's website at www.TRCsolutions.com and follow TRC on Twitter at @TRC_Companies and on LinkedIn.

Source: TRC Companies, Inc.