Perth Voice Interactive

PLANS for WA’s first waste-to-energy plant are in doubt after the WA environmental protection authority ordered a 12-month review of the facility over “potential air quality issues” and public concern.

The eastern metropolitan regional council wants to build the $25 million plant 15km north-east of Perth in Hazelmere, at an existing recycling site, to convert waste wood into the fuel source “syngas”, by heating it to 800 degrees celsius.

Critics argue the site might release toxic emissions and is a waste of timber: supporters say it diverts rubbish from landfill and is a source of alternative energy.

In an email to EMRC members, CEO Peter Schneider says the EPA’s review is “extremely disappointing”.

“We are informed this formal level of assessment was based on the level of public interest—13 submissions were received during the public comment period—and potential air quality issues,” he wrote.

“This is extremely disappointing and unfortunately there are no appeal provisions within the environmental protection act.

Urgent meeting

“This could now involve an estimated 9-12 month process, if all goes well—we have sought an urgent meeting with the EPA.”

The EMRC works on behalf of six member-councils, including Bayswater, and provides waste management services.

“The city supports full and thorough assessment of all EMRC proposals to the level that is deemed appropriate by the EPA,” mayor Sylvan Albert says.

“The review period will have limited impact on Bayswater residents as the city’s recyclable materials are processed at the Collier Road transfer station.”

The plant would use a process called “pyrolysis” to process 13,000 tonnes of timber every year.

It is estimated the technique could power the equivalent of 10,000 homes.

The review includes four weeks’ public consultation.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK