Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has now assessed and granted Midfield Meats’ Works Approval application for a proposed new protein recovery plant at its Warrnambool abattoir site.
The successful application, which was originally made on 9 August 2018, was granted to Midfield Meat Processing Pty Ltd (Midfield) to construct a new high standard protein recovery plant (PRP) adjacent to the existing abattoir located at 24 Scott St, Warrnambool, Victoria.
“EPA will only issue a Works Approval when it is confident that the proposal adequately minimises any risks of harm to the environment and public health, and fully complies with the Environment Protection Act, relevant regulations, policies and guidelines,” said EPA Executive Director - Regulatory Standards, Assessments & Permissioning, Tim Eaton.
“The decision comes following extensive public consultation including a ‘20b’ consultation conference in Warrnambool on 7 November and the consideration of 15 submissions and two requests for more information from Midfield.
“We were conscious of concerns about odour and noise, which are amplified by the plant’s proximity to residential areas, and they were a key focus of EPA’s assessment, but were not the only potential impacts from the application that EPA reviewed.
“Such plants traditionally have a larger buffer zone to residential areas so EPA needed to be satisfied this project minimised the risk of offsite odour and noise and won’t result in amenity loss for the nearby community.
“EPA’s assessment considered any potential risks to human health and the environment including emissions to air, greenhouse gas emission, noise, the wastewater treatment system, and operational contingencies.
“EPA’s Works Approval alone does not give the Midfield Meats project the green light – it must also receive planning permission from Warrnambool City Council.”
To read more about the Midfield Meats Works Approval please go to: https://engage.vic.gov.au/epa-works-approvals