Press Release

Simi Valley, CA, September 24, 2007 – Waste Management announced today it resubmitted its application to the Ventura County Planning Department for the modernization and expansion of the Simi Valley Landfill and Recycling Center.

The revised application provides additional detail regarding specific facilities included in the proposal, as well as the methodology used in calculations and forecasts (e.g. traffic counts, landfill life, etc), and plans to handle sewage treatment for employees who will be relocated to the landfill site. The updated application is the starting point for the formal public process to review project elements and impacts, as mandated by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and is a follow-up to WM’s original application, which was submitted to the County on April 13 of this year.

The original application included extensive background data and engineering studies conducted over the past two years in preparation for the submittal. However, as anticipated, County staff determined that additional information and documents were needed to meet internal requirements as well as comply with CEQA. As outlined by CEQA, the Planning Department is the lead agency for Waste Management’s project.

“We are happy to provide as much information as is necessary for the County to fairly and accurately evaluate our project,” said Mike Smith, Waste Management’s Market Area General Manager for Ventura County.

The County will evaluate the revised application and once the application has been deemed complete, an environmental impact report (EIR) will be completed by a neutral, third-party consultant.

“Community input is a critical part of the CEQA process and as soon as our application is complete, we will be reaching out to local residents to hear their thoughts on the project. We also encourage everyone to visit our facility and take a tour,” added Smith.

More information about the status of the project is available online at: http://www.keepingventuracountyclean.com/projectupdate.html. Members of the public are encouraged to call 805-579-7478 to schedule a tour of the facility.

Waste Management provides Ventura County with recycling, trash hauling and solid waste disposal through G.I. Industries and the Simi Valley Landfill and Recycling Center. Waste Management has owned and operated G.I. Industries since 1998 and the SVLRC site since 1983 and employs more than 230 people in Ventura County. The SVLRC provides approximately 60% of Ventura County's daily refuse disposal needs. The company operates a “green power” program at the site that generates enough power for 2,500 homes, and clean-burning LNG powers 38 of its trucks. Waste Management is a significant contributor to area community groups. For more information visit our website www.keepingventuracountyclean.com.