COURTLAND
On Monday, July 24, the Southampton County Board of Supervisors will have a public hearing at 7 p.m. for a conditional use permit by a potential new business. If ultimately successful, Project Recovery could build and operate a rubber depolymerization facility, also known as the de-manufacturing of tires.

The matter has already been before the Planning Commission in June, which unanimously gave its recommendation to the supervisors for approval. Beth Lewis, secretary, said then she had received only one call so far, expressing concern about possible odors and emissions.

The 10-acre property would be on the west side of Rose Valley Road about 1,130 feet south of its intersection with General Thomas Highway.

The application is being made by Franklin Southampton Economic Development Inc., on behalf of the Industrial Development Authority of the county.

Referred to as Project Recovery, representatives made their pitch to the commissioners. In essence, tires would be put into large chambers to be de-constructed instead of burning, burying or grinding them down.

“We’re excited about this,” said Jim Brice with PR. “It will transform billions in waste. We see us as a renewable energy company.”

Although road tires could feasibly be used, the company chooses not to for the time being. Instead, PR would work to meet manufacturers’ demands to get rid of blemished tires from factories. At the plant in North Carolina, PR already gets 60,000 tires daily.

The planning members asked how the county might benefit in the way of employment, etc.

Amanda Jarratt, president and CEO of FSEDI, said “Conditions to the company’s entry into Virginia preclude giving details of the number of employees or their salaries at this time. This is a competitive situation and FSEDI is working with Virginia to secure this project for the state.”