The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has concluded its assessment of a proposal by Downer EDI Works for an Asphalt Plant at 59 Remount Road, Mowbray in Launceston.
The proposal involves construction and operation of an asphalt plant in Mowbray with a production capacity of 50,000 tonnes per annum. The batch process will enable incorporation of a small proportion of recycled plastics, glass, fly ash, rubber, and recycled asphalt material in addition to bitumen and crushed rock. The proposed asphalt plant will replace an existing Downer EDI facility located on a Boral Quarry site also in Mowbray, which will be decommissioned.
The EPA Executive Director, Environmental Assessments, Martin Read, who made the determination under delegation from the EPA Board, concluded the proposed development can be managed in an environmentally sustainable and acceptable manner, with certain conditions. The Board requires these conditions to be included in any permit subsequently granted by the City of Launceston.
“Various environmental issues were considered by the Board in its assessment, particularly noise and air emissions. The conditions imposed require monitoring and verification of emissions after plant commissioning as well as management measures to ensure appropriate mitigation," Dr Read said.
Public consultation was open for 28 days from 19 February 2022. One representation on a planning matter was received in relation to the permit application.
The proposal was considered by the Executive Director in the context of the sustainable development objectives of the Resource Management and Planning System of Tasmania (RMPS), and in the context of the objectives of the Environmental Management and Pollution Control System (EMPCS) established by the EMPC Act.
The functions of the EPA are to administer and enforce the provisions of the EMPC Act, to further the RMPS and EMPCS objectives and, in particular, to use its best endeavours to protect the environment of Tasmania.
The Executive Director undertook the assessment of the proposal in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Principles defined in Section 74 of the Act.
The Executive Director's environmental assessment report, including the environmental conditions, has been issued to Downer EDI Works and the City of Launceston.
The decision by the Executive Director in relation to the Downer EDI Works Asphalt Plant can be viewed on this website.