The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has concluded its assessment of a proposal by Break O' Day Council for an inert Landfill in Scamander.
Break O' Day Council (BODC) is proposing to construct and operate an inert landfill at the site of a former Level 2 putrescible landfill, which currently operates as a municipal waste transfer station. The proposal is to accept up to 3,000 tonnes of inert waste per year, to be filled in cells and then capped.
The Chair of the EPA Board, Andrew Paul, said that the Board concluded the proposed development can be managed in an environmentally sustainable and acceptable manner, and will be subject to a range of construction and operational conditions. The Board requires these conditions to be included in any permit subsequently granted by the Break O' Day Council.
“Various environmental issues were considered by the Board in its assessment, particularly including new stormwater and groundwater impacts from the inert landfill, and potential leachate from the underlying putrescible landfill. To ensure these issues are addressed, conditions will require a Site Water Management Plan including stormwater infrastructure, waste capping and water monitoring of surface and ground water." Mr Paul said.
Two representations were received in relation to the permit application. The environmental issues raised in these representations related to water quality. Representors also raised concerns about the limited operation hours proposed by Break O' Day Council, and the potential resulting illegal dumping of waste. Public consultation was open for 28 days from 14 May 2022.
The proposal was considered by the Board 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 Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994 (the EMPC Act).
The functions of the Board 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 Board undertook the assessment of the proposal in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Principles defined in Section 74 of the Act.
The Board's Environmental Assessment Report, including the environmental conditions, has been issued to Break O' Day Council.
The decision in relation to the proposal by Break O' Day Council for an inert Landfill in Scamander can be viewed on this website