The timetable for a proposed PFI waste treatment facility which will divert thousands of tonnes of Norfolk's household waste from landfill took a step forward, with councillors being recommended to invite a shortlist of four waste management organisations to proceed to the next stage and submit detailed proposals for the new facility.

The four recommended bidders are:

• A consortium comprising Cory Environmental Management Ltd with Wheelabrator Technologies Inc
• AmeyCespa, a consortium comprising Amey UK plc with Cespa SA
• MVV Umwelt GmbH
• Resources from Waste, a consortium comprising United Utilities Plc, Laing O'Rourke Plc and John Laing Investments Limited

Ian Monson, Norfolk County Council's Cabinet Member for Waste and the Environment and Chairman of the Norfolk Waste Project Board which has made the recommendation said: "The timetable for this important project, which will reduce our reliance on landfill and help us tackle climate change, is progressing well. The pre-qualification process generated considerable interest from the global waste management industry and, following a thorough financial, legal and technical evaluation of ten applicants, we have identified a strong shortlist of four high quality organisations all of which have robust financial and waste management credentials."

Subject to Cabinet approval, shortlisted bidders will be invited to submit detailed solutions for the proposed waste treatment facility by January 2010. A further shortlist of two candidates will be made in the summer, prior to the selection of a preferred bidder in October 2010, with contracts expected to be awarded in March 2011.

(CD/KMcA)