About Us
River Birch Renewable Energy Solutions continues to innovate at the intersection of sustainability and advanced technology, solidifying its position as a leader in the renewable energy sector. The company is committed to transforming the way waste is managed, turning environmental challenges into opportunities for resource recovery and renewable energy production. Through its state-of-the-art landfill, gas plant, and injection well operations, River Birch pioneers new methods to minimize waste, maximize renewable energy production, and reduce emissions across industries.
As the third-largest renewable natural gas plant in the United States, along with cutting-edge initiatives in carbon capture, solar energy, and hydrogen production, River Birch is setting the standard for a carbon-negative future. By investing in groundbreaking technologies and scaling its impact nationwide, the company is actively shaping the future of renewable energy and creating a world where sustainability and innovation go hand in hand—ensuring that tomorrow’s energy solutions are built on a foundation of responsibility and progress today.
Leadership
Jim Ward is the President of River Birch, LLC. Under his leadership, River Birch has established itself as a key player in the waste disposal industry across Southeast Louisiana, particularly in Jefferson Parish and the Greater New Orleans area.
In 2019, under Ward’s direction, River Birch finalized an agreement to acquire the remaining term of Waste Connections’ contract to operate the Jefferson Parish landfill, further solidifying the company’s influence in the local waste management sector.
Fred Heebe is the Founder of River Birch, LLC and River Birch Renewable Energy, a company specializing in alternative fuel innovation. Based in New Orleans, Louisiana, Heebe is a prominent businessman recognized for his leadership in the waste management industry.
Heebe's career has been defined by significant involvement in waste disposal operations across Southeast Louisiana. Alongside his stepfather, Jim Ward, he co-owns the River Birch Landfill, located in Waggaman near Avondale, LA. The landfill has become a major player in the region's waste management sector, particularly in Jefferson Parish and the Greater New Orleans area.
Under Heebe's guidance, River Birch has been converting gas produced by decomposing waste into pipeline-grade natural gas for over a decade. Looking ahead, Heebe is spearheading initiatives aimed at increasing energy output and efficiency, with the ambitious goal of creating the world’s first "carbon-neutral" facility of its kind.
George "Brian" DeJean, Jr. is a key member of the River Birch staff, serving as the Lead Engineer for the River Birch Gas Plant, River Birch Gas Field, River Birch Injection Well, and Jefferson Parish Gas Field. With extensive experience as a project manager and mechanical engineer, Brian specializes in multi-disciplined renewable energy projects.
Brian currently serves as the Gas Plant Chief Operations Officer at River Birch Landfill, where he oversees the engineering and operations management. He led the engineering of the third-largest high-BTU gas plant in the United States and most efficient one at 99.5%. In an effort to develop and implement waste to energy projects with de minimus emissions, several projects have been completed successfully and are in operation as a result. READ MORE.
.png)
Injection Well Overview:
Real-time Monitoring
INJECTION WELL CAPACITY
River Birch maintains 2 injection wells with
a disposal capacity of 1.2M gallons per day.
Our injection wells are 6,500 linear
feet into the ground.
OUR COMMITMENT
River Birch, is proud to be Louisiana’s only commercial Class I Non-Hazardous Injection Well Facility. Our mission is to offer a responsible and eco-friendly alternative for disposing of non-hazardous industrial and petroleum liquid waste. Our advanced facility is tailored to meet the needs of both commercial and industrial sectors, ensuring that waste generated from various operations is processed and disposed of safely.
WHY CHOOSE RIVER BIRCH?
River Birch proudly uses the latest advances in injection well technology to
ensure the protection of our surrounding ecosystems. Our facility is fully permitted
by the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).