A Port Hedland waste to energy facility has been recommended for approval by the Environmental Protection Authority.
The Boodarie Waste to Energy and Recycling Facility is expected to handle up to 255,000 tonnes of waste per year and will incorporate a Materials Recovery Facility to separate out incompatible materials, metals and other recyclables, as well as five gasification modules each with a thermal capacity of 18 megawatts.
The proposal by New Energy Corporation Pty Ltd also includes a steam generating plant, best practice pollution control and associated infrastructure.
EPA Chairman Paul Vogel said waste management in the Pilbara had struggled to keep up with the pressure associated with the mining boom.
The facility would process commercial and industrial waste as well as household waste from the Town of Port Hedland, however the facility would not process hazardous materials such as medical waste, asbestos, radioactive waste, highly corrosive or toxic liquids, gases or explosives.
Waste to Energy is the process of converting waste products into a form of energy such as heat, steam or synthetic gas, which can then be used directly or further converted into products such as electricity or synthetic fuels.
Dr Vogel said a comprehensive and independent review conducted by the EPA and Waste Authority into waste to energy facilities internationally found that state-of-the-art plants could operate within strict international emissions standards.
“The EPA and Waste Authority’s advice to the Minister for Environment clearly outlines that in assessing any waste to energy proposal, proponents must demonstrate that the technology components have a track record in waste treatment and are capable of meeting best practice in emissions standards,” Dr Vogel said.
“The key components of the Boodarie facility are all proven technologies with examples operating elsewhere, allowing the proposal to meet the EPA’s objective for air quality.”
Dr Vogel said the EPA assessed the preliminary design of the Boodarie facility, under Part IV of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (EP Act).
Dr Vogel said the final design and commissioning of the facility would he handled by the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) under Part V of the EP Act.
He said that the Works Approval issued by the DEC would ensure a rigorous and staged commissioning process.
Emission performance would need to be demonstrated at each stage prior to proceeding to the next stage.
The DEC would not issue the Part V operating Licence until it had been demonstrated that the plant could operate as claimed.
The EPA’s report to the Government is now open to a two-week public appeal period closing April 22, 2013.
The Minister for Environment will make the final decision.
EPA Report 1469 is available at www.epa.wa.gov.au
Media Contact: Nadia Miraudo 0400 866 450
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