By Cody Boteler, Waste Dive.

Connecticut's Department of Environmental Protection has selected the Sacyr Rooney Recovery Team to redevelop Hartford's Materials Innovation and Recycle Authority (MIRA) waste-to-energy facility, as reported by the Hartford Courant. The team comprises the Spanish company Sacry, Manhattan Construction Group, Synagro and CWPM.

The plan calls for recycling an estimated 40% of incoming waste, either through anaerobic digestion, composting or enhanced recycling technologies. The remainder would be processed via combustion. Sacyr Rooney must now reach a final agreement with Hartford, which DEEP hopes will happen by August, before the plan can proceed. he developer would need a year to obtain permits and two years for construction, with a target of 2022 for full operation.

Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin promised to fight the plan or negotiate for additional environmental protections and higher payments to the city. Bronin said that incinerating and processing trash could not be "the highest and best use for approximately 100 acres of riverfront land." DEEP officials say the developer's plan would result in lower tipping fees and contract rates for customers.