March 5, 2014

The Tasmania's Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Board has approved the proposed construction and operation of a fish waste processing facility outside Triabunna on the state's east coast.

The said facility would process up to 20,000 tonnes of fish waste from the aquaculture industry into valuable commodities such as fish oils and health products.

EPA Board chair, John Ramsay says the Board has decided the proposed facility could be developed and managed in an environmentally sustainable and acceptable manner, with certain conditions.

"Tassal Operations Pty Ltd submitted a proposal to build and operate the facility to be located off the Tasman Highway approximately five kilometres north of Triabunna," Ramsay said.

He commented that nine representations were received in relation to the permit application, which was submitted in January 2014. Seven of these representations were supportive of the proposal.

EPA Board gave consideration to various environmental issues, particularly odour and wastewater management. Besides, the operator will have to undertake a survey to ensure the facility is meeting the Air Policy requirements.

The Board has also recommended site specific conditions to manage the wastewater irrigation.

The EPA Board's environmental assessment, including the environmental conditions that must be included in any permit, has been forwarded to Glamorgan Spring Bay Council. One of the representations that did not support the proposal also raised issues in relation to the planning scheme. As its usual procedure, the Council will review planning issues before deciding whether a permit is to be granted.

This news is made available by www.FIS.com