Australian Paper has confirmed that following a successful VCAT process, EPA Victoria has issued an amended Works Approval for its Energy from Waste (EfW) proposal. The Works Approval is a key component of the proposed $600 million plus EfW facility to be located at Maryvale Mill in the Latrobe Valley. Source: Timberbiz
Australian Paper was originally granted a Works Approval in late 2018 confirming that the proposed development would meet international best practise and use continuous emissions monitoring technology.
The Works Approval also found that Australian Paper’s proposal meets the guidelines governing human health and the environment.
“Community engagement is core to our approach as shown through the EPA Works Approval process which included public submissions and a community conference. Australian Paper’s commitment to consultation continues to be demonstrated by active engagement with all parties and genuine consideration of their views,” said Mr David Jettner, Australian Paper GM Corporate Development.
“The VCAT process has provided Australian Paper with additional stakeholder engagement opportunities and as a result of this process, we are satisfied with the fact that our Works Approval now contains more detail consistent with our Application.
“With the successful issuance of an amended Works Approval, Australian Paper is able to continue working towards this potential major addition to Victoria’s waste management infrastructure.
“With the modelled closure of the Hampton Park landfill in 2025, South East Melbourne is facing a waste management crisis. Australian Paper’s EfW project would provide an important opportunity to create energy from waste currently being sent to landfill. There would also be potential to re-use ash from the facility for road base and construction applications.”
Australian Paper’s facility would divert approximately 650,000 tonnes of residual waste annually from Gippsland and Melbourne landfill, and utilise Best Available Techniques in emissions control to comply with stringent European limits adopted by EPA Victoria.
“Our facility remains the first EfW project in Victoria to achieve an EPA Works Approval. This is a significant step towards a $600 million plus investment in the Latrobe Valley economy,” said Mr Jettner.
The EfW project would reduce Australian Paper’s reliance on fossil fuels to stabilise its energy future and support ongoing capital investment at the site.
