Maryland Environmental Service Signs Landmark Agreement with Bioenergy DevCo

Maryland Environmental Service (MES) announced today it has entered into an agreement with Bioenergy DevCo (BDC). MES, a State-owned not-for-profit, will provide extensive operational expertise to BDC as it designs, sites, constructs, permits, and subsequently operates two anaerobic digestion (AD) facilities planned for the Baltimore area in Maryland.

BDC, headquartered in Howard County since 2016, is a world leader in the finance, design, construction, engineering, and operation of AD facilities. The company recently announced plans to develop facilities in the United States, including Maryland. AD technology naturally breaks down organic waste, typically headed for incineration or landfills, and converts the waste into renewable natural gas and an organic soil amendment. Used extensively internationally, the technology is an environmentally sound means of creating renewable energy while processing organic waste and reducing air, water, and soil pollution in local communities.

“This agreement is an important step toward achieving greater environmental sustainability in Maryland,” said Roy McGrath, CEO of Maryland Environmental Service. “We’re establishing innovative ways to achieve Governor Hogan’s goal of 100% clean energy by 2040. Technology, like through this new anaerobic digestion agreement, will help localities preserve landfill space while disposing of organic waste in an economical and sustainable way. The 50-years of experience MES’ team brings to the table will now help facilitate this progressive technology in Maryland and beyond,” said McGrath.

“With their long history and track record throughout Maryland and the Delmarva, we believe MES is the right partner to accelerate the development of AD projects that help municipalities meet their zero waste and renewable energy goals,” said Shawn Kreloff, CEO of Bioenergy DevCo.

Under the agreement, MES will:

• Support site, design, permit, and other necessary operational and commissioning, and management of the facilities.
• Perform engineering services including QA/QC (quality assurance and control.)
• Create construction documents, materials, and equipment and procurement specifications.
• Provide environmental documentation and permitting and technical services.

The initial AD facilities are in development for Jessup and planned for Northeast Maryland. Anaerobic digestion will:

• Reduce the amount of waste traditionally held in landfills by up to 40%.
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Create renewable energy, by converting the waste into natural gas.
• Turn waste management challenges into profitable economic development solutions.

About Maryland Environmental Service

Established in 1970, MES operates over 1,000 environmental projects and services across the mid-Atlantic Region, employing over 850 teammates. MES ranks as the 25th largest business in the Baltimore region. An independent, self-supporting State agency, MES enhances and protects Maryland’s environment through innovative solutions to the region’s most complex environmental challenges. MES’ unique, not-for-profit public corporation status combines public sector commitment to environmental protection with private sector flexibility and responsiveness. More than two-thirds of MES’ revenues flow to the private sector. MES receives no direct State operations funding and does not have regulatory authority. To learn more, visit www.menv.com