Covanta’s Fairfax, Va., EfW Facility Undergoes Updates, Resumes Operations

Last year, Morristown, N.J.-based Covanta Holding Corp.’s Fairfax County Resource Recovery Facility in Fairfax, Va., suffered some disruptions due to a fire and a hurricane, causing it to go offline for months. But as of December 2017, the facility has resumed operations after upgrades were completed to improve the facility’s performance and enhance fire detection, prevention and response.  Some of the updates include the use of infrared/thermal imaging cameras, the installation of non-flammable roofing materials and expanded sprinkler systems, improved waste storage procedures and improved notification and coordination protocols with the county and the local fire and rescue department.

“We are grateful to Fairfax County and the Fire and Rescue Department for their efforts and cooperation while we worked to repair and enhance our systems at the facility,” said Joey Neuhoff, vice president and general manager of Covanta’s mid-Atlantic region, in a statement. “Over the last 25 years, we have been proud to provide the community a vital public service and a sustainable solution for managing waste, so we are happy to be getting back to work.”

The energy-from-waste (EfW) facility serves the sustainable waste disposal needs of Fairfax County residents and other neighboring communities. The facility recycles approximately 9,000 tons of metals annually and processes up to 3,000 tons of municipal solid waste per day to produce enough renewable energy to continuously power 80,000 homes.