EPA Victoria has rejected a proposed Environment Improvement Plan (EIP) by Hazeldene’s Chicken Farm to discharge and reuse water off-site at their Boyles Lane premises in Lockwood.
EPA Acting North West Regional Manager Shaun Burke said a detailed EPA assessment determined the wastewater quality was not within the acceptable levels (Class C) required to allow the discharge of wastewater.
“The application was rejected by EPA due to unacceptable water quality, the subsequent environmental impact and risks, and ongoing community concerns,” Mr Burke said.
“EPA specifications are designed to protect the environment and the community from adverse impacts,” Mr Burke said.
EPA’s assessment considered whether the proposed reuse scheme would meet discharge, deposit and operating specifications acceptable to the Authority.
“EPA will continue to provide guidance to Hazeldene’s in regards to ongoing wastewater treatment and disposal to ensure it will have acceptable environmental and community impacts,” Mr Burke said.