Walt Ritter

Emerald Waste Services (EWS) was formed in January 2006 by a veteran management team to pursue acquistion opportunities in the solid waste collection and disposal industry. Since its formation, EWS has successfully closed and integrated seven acquistions in the Florida, Alabama and Mississippi gulf coast region to become the largest independent provider of waste management services in this high growth geography. The Company currently manages collection routes and landfill operations in 40 counties extending from Daytona Beach, Florida to Pascagoula, Mississippi. EWS is currently the largest owner of landfill airspace in Northwest Florida, Southwest Alabama and Southern Mississippi, owning ten landfills in the market area. The company has permitted airspace of approximately 45.2mm³ yards. EWS has capitalized on its airspace advantage to become the dominant C&D hauler in its market territories, garnering a market share in excess of 70% in many counties. The company has also built its MSW business and is generally first or second in terms of market position in those counties it serves. The strategic locations of the landfill assets in this region combined with its impressive hauling operations have provided the Company a platform to capitalize on the region's rapid development.