A parliamentary question seeks clarification on the environmental and health risks associated with the new Biowise composting facility in Kwinana, specifically regarding the types of waste used and the identified risks.

AnsweredQoN 88Legislative Council
Asked
21 June 2001
Portfolio
the Environment and Heritage

QuestionView source ↗

In relation to the Minister’s media announcement on June 7 2001 on the establishment of a new composting facility, Biowise, in Kwinana -
(1) What are the ‘other wastes’, besides biosolids, that will be used by this process?
(2) What are the ‘low environmental and health risks’ that have been identified with this process?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
31 July 2001
Responded by
Minister for Housing representing the Minister for the Environment and Heritage
Response time
40 days
(2) Potential environmental risks associated with the Biowise facility include odour, dust, noise and contamination of soil/groundwater from leachate. The risks are low because the facility has been designed to minimise environmental impacts and an Environmental Management Plan is in place. Health risks include vector / pest problems and exposure to chemical or organic contaminants or pathogens. The risks are low because measures to avoid and manage vector / pest problems are in place and addressed in the Environmental Management Plan, and Biowise have committed to producing compost in accordance with the draft National Guidelines Sewerage Systems – Biosolids Management and AS 4454-1997: Composts, soil conditioners and mulches.
Health risks include vector / pest problems and exposure to chemical or organic contaminants or pathogens. The risks are low because measures to avoid and manage vector / pest problems are in place and addressed in the Environmental Management Plan, and Biowise have committed to producing compost in accordance with the draft National Guidelines Sewerage Systems – Biosolids Management and AS 4454-1997: Composts, soil conditioners and mulches.

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