LAWPCA Press Release

New England Organics’ Hawk Ridge Compost Facility has become a model for other wastewater and biosolids treatment facilities nationwide. The facility passed an independent audit in March of this year, proving that the company has an effective biosolids environmental management system that supports continually improvement of environmental performance, exceeds regulatory obligations, utilizes good practices, and provides the opportunity for public participation.

“NEO is in an elite group. Thank you to everyone who has worked so hard to differentiate us with this recognition. This results from a great team effort. Thank you all!” says Jamie Ecker, General Manager.

Chris Bales (center) recieves his anniversary paddle from General Manager, Jamie Ecker, and Director of Product Marketing, John Kelly

“If you measure success by the relationships Chris has built, he’s probably the wealthiest guy in the company” said Ecker.

Click here to read what NEO’s newest sales person had to say about Chris.

“Rob makes scheduling a breeze.  I don’t know how he accommodates our requests sometimes, but he always manages.” - Ms. Jane Carroll, Greater Augusta Utilities

“All the people representing your company are nothing short of excellent to deal with, plant operations staff are also complimentary with those they contact on a daily basis too.” – Craig Butterfield, Portland Water District

Mr. Jeff McBurnie joins us as the Director of Regulatory Affairs & Strategic Permitting.  Jeff has spent his career in the water, wastewater and residuals management industries, is a licensed professional engineer, and holds his Class IV Water System Operator license.  His leadership ability is well demonstrated by his participation as an Executive Committee Member and Chairman of the Residuals Committee for the Maine Wastewater Control Association.  To learn more about Jeff, click here.

Mr. David Rowe joins us as NEO’s Controller.  Dave has hit the ground running.  For the past ten years, he held the position of Controller at Casella’s Maine Energy Recovery Company, a sister company to NEO.  Dave fully understands the reporting requirements and systems of NEO and has already proven to be a great asset.  To learn more about Dave, click here.

Mr. Toby Alves joins us as a Product Sales Specialist for NH, MA, and RI. Toby has an extensive background in sales and golf course management.  In fact, he managed a 100% organic golf course in Massachusetts.  Toby holds a horticulture and agronomy degree and is happy to discuss NEO’s Earthlife product line.  Call him at 207-347-3608.

Mr. James Talvy joins us as an Environmental Project Manager in our New Hampshire office.  As a former dairy and beef  farmer, Jim has extensive experience in agriculture, crop and soil management, and regulatory affairs.  Jim manages liming agents and fertilization products for NEO and is happy to receive calls from farmers and reclamation engineers in Massachusetts, at 603-228-6482.

Eighty 7th graders from Portland’s King Middle School learned about soil science and soil bacteria from NEO’s project manager, Jeff Brinck and award winning compost salesman, Chris Bales.

On October 2, 2009, Jeff and Chris traveled to Broadturn Farm in Scarborough, Maine to assist King’s lead science teacher, Ruth Maclean, with a coordinated curriculum segment called “SOIL SUPERHEROES”. Under their direction, the students spread compost; pulled soil samples; answered questions such as: “What does bacteria need to thrive in the soil?” and “Give 5 examples of things the farmer can add to the soil to improve it.”; and saw first hand, some of the other day to day field management chores of a typical farm.

“Every day, the people at New England Organics help farmers improve soil fertility.  Seldom, do we get the opportunity to share this information with a broader group. The kids really got a lot out of this”, said Jeff, “one of them even told me that this was the first time they had seen lettuce outside of the grocery store.”

The lesson did not end with the field day, once the soil test results came back from the lab a few weeks later, Jeff joined the classes at the school to review results and talk about what sort of amendments the farmer could add to “fine tune” the soil. The lesson ended with Chris Bales escorting the students to the parking lot to see the 600 pound pumpkin, grown with compost, that he turned into a boat!

New England Organics sends a “Thank You” to the teachers and all of the 7th graders at King Middle School.

Congratulations to Elroy Morgan of Bradford, Maine!  He used earthlife™ Compost to grow Maine’s largest pumpkin, weighing in at 1200 lbs!

This spring, Elroy Morgan filled his pick- up truck with earthlife™ Compost from New England Organics’ Hawk Ridge Compost Facility in Unity, ME.   On October 12, he stopped by the Hawk Ridge sign with his giant pumpkin on his way home from the Damariscotta Pumpkin Fest where he was recognized as Maine’s 2009 State Champion Pumpkin Grower.

earthlife™ customers and vendors should be on the look-out for Chris Bales, NEO’s award winning salesman.  He is traveling the countryside snapping photos of onlookers in awe of the 642 lb. Pumpkin Boat in the back of his pick-up truck.

Click here to learn more about earthlife™ or the Darmariscotta Pumpkinfest.

Marian Orfeo NACWA, Tim Williams WEF, James Ecker NEO, Ned Beecher NEBRA, Mark King MDEP

On September 23, 2009, New England Organics’ Hawk Ridge Compost Facility held a reception and tour in celebration of becoming the first privately operated facility in the nation to receive the National Biosolids Partnership’s Environmental Management Systems Certification.  Clients and associates gathered to congratulate NEO on this significant accomplishment.  Ms. Marian Orfea, Past President of the National Association of Clean Water Agencies; Mr. Tim Williams, Managing Director of Government Affairs for the Water Environment Federation; Mr. James Ecker, General Manager of NEO; Mr. Ned Beecher, Executive Director of the Northeast Biosolids and Residuals Association; and Mr. Mark King, Environmental Specialist for the Maine Department of Environmental Management all presented comments regarding the importance of the EMS program and the dedication necessary to achieve certification.

James Ecker explained that NEO has embraced the continuous improvement strategies of the program and is committed to managing residuals responsibly.

Hawk Ridge Compost Facility provides biosolids composting services to over 30 municipal wastewater treatment plants in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts.  The resulting compost, which meets state and federal requirements for Class A biosolids, is distributed for use in landscaping, reclamation, topsoil manufacturing and agriculture.

“Thank You” to our customers for attending: Lewiston-Auburn Water Pollution Control Authority, Kennebec Sanitary Treatment District,  Portland Water District, and the Castine Pollution Control Facility.

Barker Farm

The 2009 Maine Farm Days was held August 21-22 at the Barker Farm in Leeds Maine. This fifth generation dairy farm owned and operated by David and Vicky Barker has done an exemplary job of maintaining its land, water and animal resources in such a way as to have minimal impact on the environment.

Recycling is a big part of the effort.  By utilizing organic materials that would otherwise be land filled, the Barkers have been able to reduce their fertilization costs and continuously improve their soil. This event provided the opportunity for attendees to tour the farm and see first hand, how they do it.  Over the years the Barker Farm has beneficially used Class B Biosolids from the Lewiston Auburn Water Pollution Control Authority, Fiberlime, compost, and BioMix manufactured topsoil.  If you missed the NEO booth at the event or would like more information about these or any other NEO agricultural products, contact Jeff Brinck, Project Manager at 207-347-3600.

John Leslie and Bill Michaud of NEO with Students

2009 State Envirothon Winners Announced

Bangor, ME – June 2, 2009 – As a result of the State Envirothon held on May 28th at Nutting Hall, University of Maine in Orono, Jay High School will represent Maine at the international Canon Envirothon competition. The Maine Association of Conservation Districts awarded plaques to the three top-scoring high school Envirothon teams at the event. The first, second and third place winning teams respectively were: Jay High School, Dirigo High School from Dixfield, and Science Explorer Post #897 from Jay. Seventeen teams representing 16 high schools from around the state competed at this event.

This achievement signifies that New England’s largest biosolids composting facility, Hawk Ridge, meets the requirements and supports excellence in biosolids management practices, exceeds or augments regulatory compliance obligations, and presents meaningful opportunities for public participation.

The NBP is an alliance of the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) and the Water Environment Federation (WEF) with advisory support from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

“Our team has spent the last two years diligently working to reach this important goal. It is essential that our customers and the communities, in which we operate, receive the very best and most responsible service. Their trust and respect are the foundation of our business,” said James Ecker, General Manager of NEO.

New England Organics provides removal, transportation, processing, and marketing of organic resources — including biosolids, short paper fiber, ash, wood wastes, food wastes, and compost. For over 25 years, NEO has helped clients build, manage, and maintain sustainable and effective waste solutions.

An Environmental Management System (EMS) is a systematic set of processes and practices that enable an organization to reduce its environmental impacts and increase its operating efficiency. It is a continual cycle of planning, implementing, reviewing and improving environmental and health & safety processes which an organization undertakes to meet its business and environmental goals. As part of a national campaign orchestrated by the National Biosolids Partnership, numerous wastewater treatment facilities have received or are working toward certification. With this certification, New England Organics is in the company of Los Angeles, Denver, and Washington DC, as well as twenty other major municipalities.

“The National Biosolids Partnership is pleased with the New England Organics – Hawk Ridge Compost Facility’s successful completion and verification of the NBP EMS program,” said NBP Chair Richard Lanyon. ‘The Partnership believes that instituting an EMS for utility management is vital to enhancing environmental excellence in local communities.’

For more information on the New England Organics – Hawk Ridge Compost Facility Biosolids EMS program, contact Melanie Solmos at 207-347-3614 or visit: www.newenglandorganics.com. For more information on the NBP EMS program and to view the Hawk Ridge Compost Facility audit report, visit www.biosolids.org.

Our recycling/management of organic residuals includes the distribution of granulated fertilizer pellets to markets with roots in agriculture, landscaping and turf management

Affectionately referred to as “Boston Beans” by many of its loyal following, New England Organics distributes Boston’s version of Milorganite to various markets throughout New England.  For example, our granulated fertilizer pellets have aided in growing safe and playable turf for many of New England’s top sports teams.  From local high schools and the region’s most prestigious universities to the many professional and semi-professional teams, our fertilizer pellets have likely helped keep the turf full and green.

As an affordable alternative to chemically formulated fertilizers, our granulated biosolids pellets offer a slow release source of nitrogen, phosphorous and iron preferred by many in the sod industry in particular.  As reported by a well-respected sod grower, “I have used many fertilizers and growth enhancement products and New England Organics’ pellets have out-performed them all in terms of germination, root growth and overall plant response.”

Sod growers and sports turf managers are not alone in reaping the benefits of our local source of this high quality fertilizer.  The plush green that drapes some of the area’s most scenic country clubs has been supported by the same slow release source of nitrogen, iron and trace minerals that are required for healthy plant growth.  In addition, various agricultural communities throughout New England use it to boost yields in their hay and corn fields, and topsoil blenders use it to add nitrogen and organic matter to soil blends.  It is truly a product with a multitude of applications. Offered in bulk deliveries, it is considered a United States EPA a Class A, Exceptional Quality product that is available primarily in markets throughout New England, New York and Pennsylvania.  It is fully approved for use outside of New England as well so please Contact Us for additional information or visit our Products Page to learn more.

The beneficial use of this exceptional product is only part of the story.  Managing organic residuals with such a diverse distribution network requires diligent attention to the details in all levels of service.  It is imperative that there is safe, reliable and consistent distribution of the material, that environmental compliance is of utmost importance, and that end users are well informed of the product capabilities.  This is where New England Organics excels. To learn more about the services we provide to the generator of organic residuals please visit our Services page.

Each year our transporters ship over 500,000 tons of material throughout the northeastern United States to make recycling and disposal possible for hundreds of customers.  Transportation Manager Bob Trombley in Unity, Maine, assisted by Scott Martineau in Concord, New Hampshire and Michele Wallace in Portland, Maine ensure that every load is picked-up and delivered on-time.

The New England Organics fleet includes tractors, dump trailers, walking floor trailers, roll-off trucks and containers of various sizes.  All equipment is outfitted to safely and reliably haul difficult to handle materials.  Gaskets, liners and tarps protect from spills, leaks and fugitive dust.  An array of best management practices further reduce the risk of accident or injury to persons or the environment including: spill prevention and response, monthly safety training, safety and environmental audits, and regular preventative maintenance.  With over 600,000 miles over the road every year, New England Organics has a near perfect record when it comes to random DOT inspections.

Why not let your residuals travel with New England Organics?

Each year our transporters ship over 500,000 tons of material throughout the northeastern United States to make recycling and disposal possible for hundreds of customers.  Transportation Manager Bob Trombley in Unity, Maine, assisted by Scott Martineau in Concord, New Hampshire and Michele Wallace in Portland, Maine ensure that every load is picked-up and delivered on-time.  

The New England Organics fleet includes tractors, dump trailers, walking floor trailers, roll-off trucks and containers of various sizes.  All equipment is outfitted to safely and reliably haul difficult to handle materials.  Gaskets, liners and tarps protect from spills, leaks and fugitive dust.  An array of best management practices further reduce the risk of accident or injury to persons or the environment including: spill prevention and response, monthly safety training, safety and environmental audits, and regular preventative maintenance.  With over 600,000 miles over the road every year, New England Organics has a near perfect record when it comes to random DOT inspections.

Why not let your residuals travel with New England Organics?

Right next door to the treatment plant, the inquisitive tourist will discover FMC Biopolymer, Maine's only seaweed processing plant.  FMC converts seaweed into carrageenan and other valuable products.  After extracting the high end products from seaweed, FMC converts all the remaining material into Algefiber TM soil amendment.  In 2006, FMC’s Production Manager Paul Rhoda and his colleague John McGuire selected New England Organics to develop a distribution program to bring Algefiber to  local Maine farmers.  A combination of R&D, strategic sales and efficient transportation operations have brought immediate success to this new program.  Visit the FMC web site to learn more about the seaweed products you use every day at www.fmc.com.

Our recycling/management of organic residuals includes the distribution of granulated fertilizer pellets to markets with roots in agriculture, landscaping and turf management

Affectionately referred to as “Boston Beans” by many of its loyal following, New England Organics distributes Boston’s version of MilorganiteÒ to various markets throughout New England.  For example, our granulated fertilizer pellets have aided in growing safe and playable turf for many of New England’s top sports teams.  From local high schools and the region’s most prestigious universities to the many professional and semi-professional teams, our fertilizer pellets have likely helped keep the turf full and green. 

As an affordable alternative to chemically formulated fertilizers, our granulated biosolids pellets offer a slow release source of nitrogen, phosphorous and iron preferred by many in the sod industry in particular.  As reported by a well-respected sod grower, “I have used many fertilizers and growth enhancement products and New England Organics’ pellets have out-performed them all in terms of germination, root growth and overall plant response.”

Sod growers and sports turf managers are not alone in reaping the benefits of our local source of this high quality fertilizer.  The plush green that drapes some of the area’s most scenic country clubs has been supported by the same slow release source of nitrogen, iron and trace minerals that are required for healthy plant growth.  In addition, various agricultural communities throughout New England use it to boost yields in their hay and corn fields, and topsoil blenders use it to add nitrogen and organic matter to soil blends.  It is truly a product with a multitude of applications.

Offered in bulk deliveries, it is considered a United States EPA a Class A, Exceptional Quality product that is available primarily in markets throughout New England, New York and Pennsylvania.  It is fully approved for use outside of New England as well so please Contact Us for additional information or visit our Products Page to learn more.

The beneficial use of this exceptional product is only part of the story.  Managing organic residuals with such a diverse distribution network requires diligent attention to the details in all levels of service.  It is imperative that there is safe, reliable and consistent distribution of the material, that environmental compliance is of utmost importance, and that end users are well informed of the product capabilities.  This is where New England Organics excels. To learn more about the services we provide to the generator of organic residuals please visit our Services page.