Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has approved a works approval application from SELX Operations Pty Ltd to construct and operate a saleyard at Mortlake.
EPA formally accepted the company’s application in October 2016 to construct and operate a saleyard with an annual design throughput of 200,000 cattle at corner Hamilton Highway and Connewarren Lane.
EPA Development Assessments Manager, Tim Faragher said EPA comprehensively examined the application in line with the Environment Protection Act 1970, relevant state environment protection policies and guidelines.
“The assessment also considered four public submissions that were received during the public comment period and considered the views expressed by the local community at an information session held in November last year,” he said.
“The key environmental concerns raised by the public were around potential odour, noise, surface water and groundwater impacts.”
“EPA’s assessment focused on potential odour and noise emissions and surface water impacts associated with the proposed wastewater treatment plant, solid waste management, effluent reuse scheme and the stormwater management system.”
“EPA’s assessment has determined that the environmental risk posed by this proposal is considered acceptable and has issued a works approval with conditions.”
The works approval conditions include:
- final designs for wastewater treatment system and wetland be submitted for approval prior to commencing construction
- commissioning and contingency plans be submitted for approval prior to commencing commissioning
- an operational environment improvement plan (EIP), including monitoring, compliance review and corrective actions be submitted for approval prior to commencing commissioning
Works approvals are issued by EPA Victoria under the Environment Protection Act 1970. They are required for industrial and waste management activities that have the potential for significant environmental impact.
For further information on the works approval application, please visit: http://www.epa.vic.gov.au/our-work/licences-and-approvals/public-participation/featured-applications/western-victoria-livestock-exchange