On October 27, Greater Houston By-Product Synergy project participants met for the Third Working Meeting, Year 2, to discuss current synergy activities, identify new synergies, and discuss comments recently submitted to EPA on the proposed revisions to the Definition of Solid Waste. The meeting was hosted by Baker Hughes.

Following a Safety Moment and summary of the Baker Hughes facility by Melanie Brook-Lander and Eric Murray, we heard comments about current synergies from all attendees. Michael Snyder of Dow Chemical, who was attending for the first time, gave a summary of the company’s five facilities in the Houston area as well as potential synergy opportunities.

Larry Covert, Alternative Fuels Manager, CEMEX made a presentation about the New Braunfels, TX Kiln Alternative Fuels Operations that have now been significantly expanded following receipt of a modified permit from TCEQ. This facility is now permitted to receive: Tire-derived Fuel (TDF), Wood-derived Fuel; Refuse-derived Fuel; bio solids; agricultural wastes and dedicated energy crops like sorghum; and other alternative fuels.

Following the general discussion, working groups separated to continue development on current and new synergy opportunities. The Recyclables Working Group, for example, introduced how a sample of the plastic sheathing used in Baker Hughes’ cables is currently under evaluation by CEMEX. The group also discussed alternatives for shredding baled textiles from Goodwill so they can be used by CEMEX as an alternative fuel. An action item was to identify additional quantities of similar materials, like oily rags, to justify purchase of a shredder. The Chemicals Working Group identified several synergy opportunities in individual meetings and focused their general discussion on strategies to increase company participation in the Greater Houston BPS project.

Following the working groups, Kieran Sikdar and Susan Fernandes presented to the group a number of new additional projects being tackled by the US BCSD. This included highlights from our Fall Meeting and an overview of comments the Business Council recently submitted to the EPA in response to the proposed changes to the definition of solid waste. Comments can be accessed by clicking here.

The meeting ended with a tour of the Baker Hughes waste management area, led by Eric Murray.

The next GHBPS working meeting will be held at Goodwill Industries of Houston on Wednesday, January 18, 2012. Contact Susan Fernandes, Project Manager, at fernandes@usbcsd.org if you’re interested in attending.