Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) is inviting community members to attend a consultation session in Jindivick on Thursday, 3 September to discuss Yarra Valley Stock Removers’ plans to establish a knackery in the area.
The consultation session, known as a 20B conference, provides an opportunity for EPA and the applicant to discuss and clarify concerns people raised in their submissions.
The knackery, proposed for 32 Beattie Road, would gather and process about 1400 tonnes of animal carcasses from surrounding farms, localities and roads per year.
If approved, the process would generate about 4300 litres of waste water per day and approximately 1.6ML per year, which the company plans to treat in a facultative pond and use for irrigation.
EPA Development Assessments Manager, Tim Faragher said EPA received the company’s Works Approval application on 25 June and following this, the community had the opportunity to make a public submission over a three week period.
“During this time, EPA received 13 submissions from 60 individual community members,” Mr Faragher said.
“The concerns related to site suitability, adequacy of the proposed wastewater treatment system and reuse area and potential impact to the beneficial uses of Tarago River.”
“The event on 3 September is a formal, independently facilitated statutory conference under section 20B of the Environment Protection Act 1970.
“EPA holds these sessions when there is community interest in a Works Approval application and we take into account the recommendations of the facilitator when making a decision on the application.
“On top of this, EPA will also assess information provided by internal experts, relevant government agencies, such as Department of Health and Human Services and Baw Baw Shire Council, before making a decision,” he said.
EPA has until 22 October 2015 to assess and make a decision regarding the application.
The 20B conference will be held on the 3 September in the Jindivick Community Hall, starting with coffee at 6pm and the meeting commencing at 6:30pm.
For further information, please visit:
http://www.epa.vic.gov.au/our-work/licences-and-approvals/public-participation/featured-applications/yarra-valley-stock-removers