Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has received a works approval* application from 12 Apostles Hot Springs Pty Ltd to construct onsite waste water treatment plants. These will service a proposed geothermal hot springs project on Booringa Road, Princetown.
The proposal would consist of a new hot springs and spa resort located on 194 acres (78.60ha) of land that is currently operated as a dairy farm.
The company aims to have spas and 30 rooms of accommodation up and running by 2020, with a view to moving to 150 rooms by 2026.
To operate, the company requires an EPA works approval for a waste water treatment plant at its site as it will not be connected to existing infrastructure in the area.
The works will independently treat two separate streams of wastewater, one is from toilets/spa laundry etc (peak flow rate of 72 kilolitres per day / 27 megalitres annually) and the other is backwash water (from spas) at 40 kL per day.
EPA will assess whether there would be any impacts on local groundwater or on soil, as it is proposed that treated wastewater will be used for irrigation and not taken offsite.
This proposal would also require a planning permit from the local council.
The company will be hosting a drop-in information session with EPA in attendance at Port Campbell Art Space, 50 Lord Street, Port Campbell on Thursday 14th June 2pm – 5pm.
*Works approvals are issued by EPA under the Environment Protection Act 1970). They are required for industrial and waste management activities that have the potential for significant environmental impact.
A works approval permits plant and equipment to be installed, the operation of which will result in one or more of:
- the discharge of waste to the environment
- an increase in, or alteration to, an existing discharge
- a change in the way waste is treated or stored.
To view the company’s application, visit: https://engage.vic.gov.au/epa-works-approvals/12-apostles-hot-springs-resort-works-approval-application