❓ A parliamentary question addresses environmental concerns related to mushroom farms, specifically buffer distances, air quality, and potential health impacts. The response clarifies buffer guidelines, enforcement responsibilities, and indicates no air quality testing is conducted, referring health-related concerns to the Minister for Health.
AnsweredQoN 79Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
(1) Did the Environmental Protection Authority’s 1997 preliminary guidelines for the environment and planning recommend buffer distances for intensive agricultural mushroom farms located in the metropolitan area; and, if so, what was the recommended buffer distances and are the recommendations current? (2) What is the purpose of the buffer area? (3) Who is responsible for the enforcement of these buffer distances? (4) Does the Environmental Protection Authority or the Department of Environment conduct air quality tests in the vicinity of intensive agriculture mushroom farms; and, if so, what is the purpose of these air monitoring tests? (5) Are air quality tests carried out to determine the level of airborne endotoxins; and, if so, are records of the air monitoring tests maintained? (6) Is the EPA-DE aware of the research that indicates that hypersensitivity pneumonitis can be induced by mushroom spores? (7) Is the EPA-DE aware of any workers at intensive agriculture mushroom farms or persons living in the near vicinity of these farms complaining of respiratory dysfunction or bronchial hyper-responsiveness; and, if so, how many cases are involved? Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for some notice of this question. On behalf of the Minister for the Environment I am happy to provide the following response - (1) The Environmental Protection Authority’s guidance 3 of 2005 on separation distances between industrial and sensitive land uses advises that a general buffer distance of between 500 and 1 000 metres should be maintained for mushroom farms that use on-site blended soils or compost, depending on the size of the facility. This is a general guidance and it is recognised that a lesser buffer may be acceptable in particular cases. The EPA’s 1997 preliminary guidelines for environment and planning are no longer current. (2) The advised general buffer distance for odour and noise pertains to mushroom farms using on-site blended soils or compost. (3) The EPA and the Department of Environment considered the adequacy of buffer distances to nearby residential land uses when assessing development proposals and licence applications submitted to it under the Environmental Protection Act 1986. The EPA and the Department of Environment have also provided advice on general buffer distances to the Western Australian Planning Commission and local authorities that are responsible for planning and development decisions. (4)-(5) No. (6)-(7) No. These matters should be referred to the Minister for Health.
(2) What is the purpose of the buffer area? (3) Who is responsible for the enforcement of these buffer distances? (4) Does the Environmental Protection Authority or the Department of Environment conduct air quality tests in the vicinity of intensive agriculture mushroom farms; and, if so, what is the purpose of these air monitoring tests? (5) Are air quality tests carried out to determine the level of airborne endotoxins; and, if so, are records of the air monitoring tests maintained? (6) Is the EPA-DE aware of the research that indicates that hypersensitivity pneumonitis can be induced by mushroom spores? (7) Is the EPA-DE aware of any workers at intensive agriculture mushroom farms or persons living in the near vicinity of these farms complaining of respiratory dysfunction or bronchial hyper-responsiveness; and, if so, how many cases are involved? Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. On behalf of the Minister for the Environment I am happy to provide the following response - (1) The Environmental Protection Authority’s guidance 3 of 2005 on separation distances between industrial and sensitive land uses advises that a general buffer distance of between 500 and 1 000 metres should be maintained for mushroom farms that use on-site blended soils or compost, depending on the size of the facility. This is a general guidance and it is recognised that a lesser buffer may be acceptable in particular cases. The EPA’s 1997 preliminary guidelines for environment and planning are no longer current. (2) The advised general buffer distance for odour and noise pertains to mushroom farms using on-site blended soils or compost. (3) The EPA and the Department of Environment considered the adequacy of buffer distances to nearby residential land uses when assessing development proposals and licence applications submitted to it under the Environmental Protection Act 1986. The EPA and the Department of Environment have also provided advice on general buffer distances to the Western Australian Planning Commission and local authorities that are responsible for planning and development decisions. (4)-(5) No. (6)-(7) No. These matters should be referred to the Minister for Health.
(3) Who is responsible for the enforcement of these buffer distances? (4) Does the Environmental Protection Authority or the Department of Environment conduct air quality tests in the vicinity of intensive agriculture mushroom farms; and, if so, what is the purpose of these air monitoring tests? (5) Are air quality tests carried out to determine the level of airborne endotoxins; and, if so, are records of the air monitoring tests maintained? (6) Is the EPA-DE aware of the research that indicates that hypersensitivity pneumonitis can be induced by mushroom spores? (7) Is the EPA-DE aware of any workers at intensive agriculture mushroom farms or persons living in the near vicinity of these farms complaining of respiratory dysfunction or bronchial hyper-responsiveness; and, if so, how many cases are involved? Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. On behalf of the Minister for the Environment I am happy to provide the following response - (1) The Environmental Protection Authority’s guidance 3 of 2005 on separation distances between industrial and sensitive land uses advises that a general buffer distance of between 500 and 1 000 metres should be maintained for mushroom farms that use on-site blended soils or compost, depending on the size of the facility. This is a general guidance and it is recognised that a lesser buffer may be acceptable in particular cases. The EPA’s 1997 preliminary guidelines for environment and planning are no longer current. (2) The advised general buffer distance for odour and noise pertains to mushroom farms using on-site blended soils or compost. (3) The EPA and the Department of Environment considered the adequacy of buffer distances to nearby residential land uses when assessing development proposals and licence applications submitted to it under the Environmental Protection Act 1986. The EPA and the Department of Environment have also provided advice on general buffer distances to the Western Australian Planning Commission and local authorities that are responsible for planning and development decisions. (4)-(5) No. (6)-(7) No. These matters should be referred to the Minister for Health.
(4) Does the Environmental Protection Authority or the Department of Environment conduct air quality tests in the vicinity of intensive agriculture mushroom farms; and, if so, what is the purpose of these air monitoring tests? (5) Are air quality tests carried out to determine the level of airborne endotoxins; and, if so, are records of the air monitoring tests maintained? (6) Is the EPA-DE aware of the research that indicates that hypersensitivity pneumonitis can be induced by mushroom spores? (7) Is the EPA-DE aware of any workers at intensive agriculture mushroom farms or persons living in the near vicinity of these farms complaining of respiratory dysfunction or bronchial hyper-responsiveness; and, if so, how many cases are involved? Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. On behalf of the Minister for the Environment I am happy to provide the following response - (1) The Environmental Protection Authority’s guidance 3 of 2005 on separation distances between industrial and sensitive land uses advises that a general buffer distance of between 500 and 1 000 metres should be maintained for mushroom farms that use on-site blended soils or compost, depending on the size of the facility. This is a general guidance and it is recognised that a lesser buffer may be acceptable in particular cases. The EPA’s 1997 preliminary guidelines for environment and planning are no longer current. (2) The advised general buffer distance for odour and noise pertains to mushroom farms using on-site blended soils or compost. (3) The EPA and the Department of Environment considered the adequacy of buffer distances to nearby residential land uses when assessing development proposals and licence applications submitted to it under the Environmental Protection Act 1986. The EPA and the Department of Environment have also provided advice on general buffer distances to the Western Australian Planning Commission and local authorities that are responsible for planning and development decisions. (4)-(5) No. (6)-(7) No. These matters should be referred to the Minister for Health.
(5) Are air quality tests carried out to determine the level of airborne endotoxins; and, if so, are records of the air monitoring tests maintained? (6) Is the EPA-DE aware of the research that indicates that hypersensitivity pneumonitis can be induced by mushroom spores? (7) Is the EPA-DE aware of any workers at intensive agriculture mushroom farms or persons living in the near vicinity of these farms complaining of respiratory dysfunction or bronchial hyper-responsiveness; and, if so, how many cases are involved? Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. On behalf of the Minister for the Environment I am happy to provide the following response - (1) The Environmental Protection Authority’s guidance 3 of 2005 on separation distances between industrial and sensitive land uses advises that a general buffer distance of between 500 and 1 000 metres should be maintained for mushroom farms that use on-site blended soils or compost, depending on the size of the facility. This is a general guidance and it is recognised that a lesser buffer may be acceptable in particular cases. The EPA’s 1997 preliminary guidelines for environment and planning are no longer current. (2) The advised general buffer distance for odour and noise pertains to mushroom farms using on-site blended soils or compost. (3) The EPA and the Department of Environment considered the adequacy of buffer distances to nearby residential land uses when assessing development proposals and licence applications submitted to it under the Environmental Protection Act 1986. The EPA and the Department of Environment have also provided advice on general buffer distances to the Western Australian Planning Commission and local authorities that are responsible for planning and development decisions. (4)-(5) No. (6)-(7) No. These matters should be referred to the Minister for Health.
(6) Is the EPA-DE aware of the research that indicates that hypersensitivity pneumonitis can be induced by mushroom spores? (7) Is the EPA-DE aware of any workers at intensive agriculture mushroom farms or persons living in the near vicinity of these farms complaining of respiratory dysfunction or bronchial hyper-responsiveness; and, if so, how many cases are involved? Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. On behalf of the Minister for the Environment I am happy to provide the following response - (1) The Environmental Protection Authority’s guidance 3 of 2005 on separation distances between industrial and sensitive land uses advises that a general buffer distance of between 500 and 1 000 metres should be maintained for mushroom farms that use on-site blended soils or compost, depending on the size of the facility. This is a general guidance and it is recognised that a lesser buffer may be acceptable in particular cases. The EPA’s 1997 preliminary guidelines for environment and planning are no longer current. (2) The advised general buffer distance for odour and noise pertains to mushroom farms using on-site blended soils or compost. (3) The EPA and the Department of Environment considered the adequacy of buffer distances to nearby residential land uses when assessing development proposals and licence applications submitted to it under the Environmental Protection Act 1986. The EPA and the Department of Environment have also provided advice on general buffer distances to the Western Australian Planning Commission and local authorities that are responsible for planning and development decisions. (4)-(5) No. (6)-(7) No. These matters should be referred to the Minister for Health.
(7) Is the EPA-DE aware of any workers at intensive agriculture mushroom farms or persons living in the near vicinity of these farms complaining of respiratory dysfunction or bronchial hyper-responsiveness; and, if so, how many cases are involved? Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. On behalf of the Minister for the Environment I am happy to provide the following response - (1) The Environmental Protection Authority’s guidance 3 of 2005 on separation distances between industrial and sensitive land uses advises that a general buffer distance of between 500 and 1 000 metres should be maintained for mushroom farms that use on-site blended soils or compost, depending on the size of the facility. This is a general guidance and it is recognised that a lesser buffer may be acceptable in particular cases. The EPA’s 1997 preliminary guidelines for environment and planning are no longer current. (2) The advised general buffer distance for odour and noise pertains to mushroom farms using on-site blended soils or compost. (3) The EPA and the Department of Environment considered the adequacy of buffer distances to nearby residential land uses when assessing development proposals and licence applications submitted to it under the Environmental Protection Act 1986. The EPA and the Department of Environment have also provided advice on general buffer distances to the Western Australian Planning Commission and local authorities that are responsible for planning and development decisions. (4)-(5) No. (6)-(7) No. These matters should be referred to the Minister for Health.
Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. On behalf of the Minister for the Environment I am happy to provide the following response - (1) The Environmental Protection Authority’s guidance 3 of 2005 on separation distances between industrial and sensitive land uses advises that a general buffer distance of between 500 and 1 000 metres should be maintained for mushroom farms that use on-site blended soils or compost, depending on the size of the facility. This is a general guidance and it is recognised that a lesser buffer may be acceptable in particular cases. The EPA’s 1997 preliminary guidelines for environment and planning are no longer current. (2) The advised general buffer distance for odour and noise pertains to mushroom farms using on-site blended soils or compost. (3) The EPA and the Department of Environment considered the adequacy of buffer distances to nearby residential land uses when assessing development proposals and licence applications submitted to it under the Environmental Protection Act 1986. The EPA and the Department of Environment have also provided advice on general buffer distances to the Western Australian Planning Commission and local authorities that are responsible for planning and development decisions. (4)-(5) No. (6)-(7) No. These matters should be referred to the Minister for Health.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. On behalf of the Minister for the Environment I am happy to provide the following response - (1) The Environmental Protection Authority’s guidance 3 of 2005 on separation distances between industrial and sensitive land uses advises that a general buffer distance of between 500 and 1 000 metres should be maintained for mushroom farms that use on-site blended soils or compost, depending on the size of the facility. This is a general guidance and it is recognised that a lesser buffer may be acceptable in particular cases. The EPA’s 1997 preliminary guidelines for environment and planning are no longer current. (2) The advised general buffer distance for odour and noise pertains to mushroom farms using on-site blended soils or compost. (3) The EPA and the Department of Environment considered the adequacy of buffer distances to nearby residential land uses when assessing development proposals and licence applications submitted to it under the Environmental Protection Act 1986. The EPA and the Department of Environment have also provided advice on general buffer distances to the Western Australian Planning Commission and local authorities that are responsible for planning and development decisions. (4)-(5) No. (6)-(7) No. These matters should be referred to the Minister for Health.
(1) The Environmental Protection Authority’s guidance 3 of 2005 on separation distances between industrial and sensitive land uses advises that a general buffer distance of between 500 and 1 000 metres should be maintained for mushroom farms that use on-site blended soils or compost, depending on the size of the facility. This is a general guidance and it is recognised that a lesser buffer may be acceptable in particular cases. The EPA’s 1997 preliminary guidelines for environment and planning are no longer current. (2) The advised general buffer distance for odour and noise pertains to mushroom farms using on-site blended soils or compost. (3) The EPA and the Department of Environment considered the adequacy of buffer distances to nearby residential land uses when assessing development proposals and licence applications submitted to it under the Environmental Protection Act 1986. The EPA and the Department of Environment have also provided advice on general buffer distances to the Western Australian Planning Commission and local authorities that are responsible for planning and development decisions. (4)-(5) No. (6)-(7) No. These matters should be referred to the Minister for Health.
(2) The advised general buffer distance for odour and noise pertains to mushroom farms using on-site blended soils or compost. (3) The EPA and the Department of Environment considered the adequacy of buffer distances to nearby residential land uses when assessing development proposals and licence applications submitted to it under the Environmental Protection Act 1986. The EPA and the Department of Environment have also provided advice on general buffer distances to the Western Australian Planning Commission and local authorities that are responsible for planning and development decisions. (4)-(5) No. (6)-(7) No. These matters should be referred to the Minister for Health.
(3) The EPA and the Department of Environment considered the adequacy of buffer distances to nearby residential land uses when assessing development proposals and licence applications submitted to it under the Environmental Protection Act 1986. The EPA and the Department of Environment have also provided advice on general buffer distances to the Western Australian Planning Commission and local authorities that are responsible for planning and development decisions. (4)-(5) No. (6)-(7) No. These matters should be referred to the Minister for Health.
(4)-(5) No. (6)-(7) No. These matters should be referred to the Minister for Health.
(6)-(7) No. These matters should be referred to the Minister for Health.
(2) What is the purpose of the buffer area? (3) Who is responsible for the enforcement of these buffer distances? (4) Does the Environmental Protection Authority or the Department of Environment conduct air quality tests in the vicinity of intensive agriculture mushroom farms; and, if so, what is the purpose of these air monitoring tests? (5) Are air quality tests carried out to determine the level of airborne endotoxins; and, if so, are records of the air monitoring tests maintained? (6) Is the EPA-DE aware of the research that indicates that hypersensitivity pneumonitis can be induced by mushroom spores? (7) Is the EPA-DE aware of any workers at intensive agriculture mushroom farms or persons living in the near vicinity of these farms complaining of respiratory dysfunction or bronchial hyper-responsiveness; and, if so, how many cases are involved? Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. On behalf of the Minister for the Environment I am happy to provide the following response - (1) The Environmental Protection Authority’s guidance 3 of 2005 on separation distances between industrial and sensitive land uses advises that a general buffer distance of between 500 and 1 000 metres should be maintained for mushroom farms that use on-site blended soils or compost, depending on the size of the facility. This is a general guidance and it is recognised that a lesser buffer may be acceptable in particular cases. The EPA’s 1997 preliminary guidelines for environment and planning are no longer current. (2) The advised general buffer distance for odour and noise pertains to mushroom farms using on-site blended soils or compost. (3) The EPA and the Department of Environment considered the adequacy of buffer distances to nearby residential land uses when assessing development proposals and licence applications submitted to it under the Environmental Protection Act 1986. The EPA and the Department of Environment have also provided advice on general buffer distances to the Western Australian Planning Commission and local authorities that are responsible for planning and development decisions. (4)-(5) No. (6)-(7) No. These matters should be referred to the Minister for Health.
(3) Who is responsible for the enforcement of these buffer distances? (4) Does the Environmental Protection Authority or the Department of Environment conduct air quality tests in the vicinity of intensive agriculture mushroom farms; and, if so, what is the purpose of these air monitoring tests? (5) Are air quality tests carried out to determine the level of airborne endotoxins; and, if so, are records of the air monitoring tests maintained? (6) Is the EPA-DE aware of the research that indicates that hypersensitivity pneumonitis can be induced by mushroom spores? (7) Is the EPA-DE aware of any workers at intensive agriculture mushroom farms or persons living in the near vicinity of these farms complaining of respiratory dysfunction or bronchial hyper-responsiveness; and, if so, how many cases are involved? Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. On behalf of the Minister for the Environment I am happy to provide the following response - (1) The Environmental Protection Authority’s guidance 3 of 2005 on separation distances between industrial and sensitive land uses advises that a general buffer distance of between 500 and 1 000 metres should be maintained for mushroom farms that use on-site blended soils or compost, depending on the size of the facility. This is a general guidance and it is recognised that a lesser buffer may be acceptable in particular cases. The EPA’s 1997 preliminary guidelines for environment and planning are no longer current. (2) The advised general buffer distance for odour and noise pertains to mushroom farms using on-site blended soils or compost. (3) The EPA and the Department of Environment considered the adequacy of buffer distances to nearby residential land uses when assessing development proposals and licence applications submitted to it under the Environmental Protection Act 1986. The EPA and the Department of Environment have also provided advice on general buffer distances to the Western Australian Planning Commission and local authorities that are responsible for planning and development decisions. (4)-(5) No. (6)-(7) No. These matters should be referred to the Minister for Health.
(4) Does the Environmental Protection Authority or the Department of Environment conduct air quality tests in the vicinity of intensive agriculture mushroom farms; and, if so, what is the purpose of these air monitoring tests? (5) Are air quality tests carried out to determine the level of airborne endotoxins; and, if so, are records of the air monitoring tests maintained? (6) Is the EPA-DE aware of the research that indicates that hypersensitivity pneumonitis can be induced by mushroom spores? (7) Is the EPA-DE aware of any workers at intensive agriculture mushroom farms or persons living in the near vicinity of these farms complaining of respiratory dysfunction or bronchial hyper-responsiveness; and, if so, how many cases are involved? Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. On behalf of the Minister for the Environment I am happy to provide the following response - (1) The Environmental Protection Authority’s guidance 3 of 2005 on separation distances between industrial and sensitive land uses advises that a general buffer distance of between 500 and 1 000 metres should be maintained for mushroom farms that use on-site blended soils or compost, depending on the size of the facility. This is a general guidance and it is recognised that a lesser buffer may be acceptable in particular cases. The EPA’s 1997 preliminary guidelines for environment and planning are no longer current. (2) The advised general buffer distance for odour and noise pertains to mushroom farms using on-site blended soils or compost. (3) The EPA and the Department of Environment considered the adequacy of buffer distances to nearby residential land uses when assessing development proposals and licence applications submitted to it under the Environmental Protection Act 1986. The EPA and the Department of Environment have also provided advice on general buffer distances to the Western Australian Planning Commission and local authorities that are responsible for planning and development decisions. (4)-(5) No. (6)-(7) No. These matters should be referred to the Minister for Health.
(5) Are air quality tests carried out to determine the level of airborne endotoxins; and, if so, are records of the air monitoring tests maintained? (6) Is the EPA-DE aware of the research that indicates that hypersensitivity pneumonitis can be induced by mushroom spores? (7) Is the EPA-DE aware of any workers at intensive agriculture mushroom farms or persons living in the near vicinity of these farms complaining of respiratory dysfunction or bronchial hyper-responsiveness; and, if so, how many cases are involved? Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. On behalf of the Minister for the Environment I am happy to provide the following response - (1) The Environmental Protection Authority’s guidance 3 of 2005 on separation distances between industrial and sensitive land uses advises that a general buffer distance of between 500 and 1 000 metres should be maintained for mushroom farms that use on-site blended soils or compost, depending on the size of the facility. This is a general guidance and it is recognised that a lesser buffer may be acceptable in particular cases. The EPA’s 1997 preliminary guidelines for environment and planning are no longer current. (2) The advised general buffer distance for odour and noise pertains to mushroom farms using on-site blended soils or compost. (3) The EPA and the Department of Environment considered the adequacy of buffer distances to nearby residential land uses when assessing development proposals and licence applications submitted to it under the Environmental Protection Act 1986. The EPA and the Department of Environment have also provided advice on general buffer distances to the Western Australian Planning Commission and local authorities that are responsible for planning and development decisions. (4)-(5) No. (6)-(7) No. These matters should be referred to the Minister for Health.
(6) Is the EPA-DE aware of the research that indicates that hypersensitivity pneumonitis can be induced by mushroom spores? (7) Is the EPA-DE aware of any workers at intensive agriculture mushroom farms or persons living in the near vicinity of these farms complaining of respiratory dysfunction or bronchial hyper-responsiveness; and, if so, how many cases are involved? Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. On behalf of the Minister for the Environment I am happy to provide the following response - (1) The Environmental Protection Authority’s guidance 3 of 2005 on separation distances between industrial and sensitive land uses advises that a general buffer distance of between 500 and 1 000 metres should be maintained for mushroom farms that use on-site blended soils or compost, depending on the size of the facility. This is a general guidance and it is recognised that a lesser buffer may be acceptable in particular cases. The EPA’s 1997 preliminary guidelines for environment and planning are no longer current. (2) The advised general buffer distance for odour and noise pertains to mushroom farms using on-site blended soils or compost. (3) The EPA and the Department of Environment considered the adequacy of buffer distances to nearby residential land uses when assessing development proposals and licence applications submitted to it under the Environmental Protection Act 1986. The EPA and the Department of Environment have also provided advice on general buffer distances to the Western Australian Planning Commission and local authorities that are responsible for planning and development decisions. (4)-(5) No. (6)-(7) No. These matters should be referred to the Minister for Health.
(7) Is the EPA-DE aware of any workers at intensive agriculture mushroom farms or persons living in the near vicinity of these farms complaining of respiratory dysfunction or bronchial hyper-responsiveness; and, if so, how many cases are involved? Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. On behalf of the Minister for the Environment I am happy to provide the following response - (1) The Environmental Protection Authority’s guidance 3 of 2005 on separation distances between industrial and sensitive land uses advises that a general buffer distance of between 500 and 1 000 metres should be maintained for mushroom farms that use on-site blended soils or compost, depending on the size of the facility. This is a general guidance and it is recognised that a lesser buffer may be acceptable in particular cases. The EPA’s 1997 preliminary guidelines for environment and planning are no longer current. (2) The advised general buffer distance for odour and noise pertains to mushroom farms using on-site blended soils or compost. (3) The EPA and the Department of Environment considered the adequacy of buffer distances to nearby residential land uses when assessing development proposals and licence applications submitted to it under the Environmental Protection Act 1986. The EPA and the Department of Environment have also provided advice on general buffer distances to the Western Australian Planning Commission and local authorities that are responsible for planning and development decisions. (4)-(5) No. (6)-(7) No. These matters should be referred to the Minister for Health.
Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. On behalf of the Minister for the Environment I am happy to provide the following response - (1) The Environmental Protection Authority’s guidance 3 of 2005 on separation distances between industrial and sensitive land uses advises that a general buffer distance of between 500 and 1 000 metres should be maintained for mushroom farms that use on-site blended soils or compost, depending on the size of the facility. This is a general guidance and it is recognised that a lesser buffer may be acceptable in particular cases. The EPA’s 1997 preliminary guidelines for environment and planning are no longer current. (2) The advised general buffer distance for odour and noise pertains to mushroom farms using on-site blended soils or compost. (3) The EPA and the Department of Environment considered the adequacy of buffer distances to nearby residential land uses when assessing development proposals and licence applications submitted to it under the Environmental Protection Act 1986. The EPA and the Department of Environment have also provided advice on general buffer distances to the Western Australian Planning Commission and local authorities that are responsible for planning and development decisions. (4)-(5) No. (6)-(7) No. These matters should be referred to the Minister for Health.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. On behalf of the Minister for the Environment I am happy to provide the following response - (1) The Environmental Protection Authority’s guidance 3 of 2005 on separation distances between industrial and sensitive land uses advises that a general buffer distance of between 500 and 1 000 metres should be maintained for mushroom farms that use on-site blended soils or compost, depending on the size of the facility. This is a general guidance and it is recognised that a lesser buffer may be acceptable in particular cases. The EPA’s 1997 preliminary guidelines for environment and planning are no longer current. (2) The advised general buffer distance for odour and noise pertains to mushroom farms using on-site blended soils or compost. (3) The EPA and the Department of Environment considered the adequacy of buffer distances to nearby residential land uses when assessing development proposals and licence applications submitted to it under the Environmental Protection Act 1986. The EPA and the Department of Environment have also provided advice on general buffer distances to the Western Australian Planning Commission and local authorities that are responsible for planning and development decisions. (4)-(5) No. (6)-(7) No. These matters should be referred to the Minister for Health.
(1) The Environmental Protection Authority’s guidance 3 of 2005 on separation distances between industrial and sensitive land uses advises that a general buffer distance of between 500 and 1 000 metres should be maintained for mushroom farms that use on-site blended soils or compost, depending on the size of the facility. This is a general guidance and it is recognised that a lesser buffer may be acceptable in particular cases. The EPA’s 1997 preliminary guidelines for environment and planning are no longer current. (2) The advised general buffer distance for odour and noise pertains to mushroom farms using on-site blended soils or compost. (3) The EPA and the Department of Environment considered the adequacy of buffer distances to nearby residential land uses when assessing development proposals and licence applications submitted to it under the Environmental Protection Act 1986. The EPA and the Department of Environment have also provided advice on general buffer distances to the Western Australian Planning Commission and local authorities that are responsible for planning and development decisions. (4)-(5) No. (6)-(7) No. These matters should be referred to the Minister for Health.
(2) The advised general buffer distance for odour and noise pertains to mushroom farms using on-site blended soils or compost. (3) The EPA and the Department of Environment considered the adequacy of buffer distances to nearby residential land uses when assessing development proposals and licence applications submitted to it under the Environmental Protection Act 1986. The EPA and the Department of Environment have also provided advice on general buffer distances to the Western Australian Planning Commission and local authorities that are responsible for planning and development decisions. (4)-(5) No. (6)-(7) No. These matters should be referred to the Minister for Health.
(3) The EPA and the Department of Environment considered the adequacy of buffer distances to nearby residential land uses when assessing development proposals and licence applications submitted to it under the Environmental Protection Act 1986. The EPA and the Department of Environment have also provided advice on general buffer distances to the Western Australian Planning Commission and local authorities that are responsible for planning and development decisions. (4)-(5) No. (6)-(7) No. These matters should be referred to the Minister for Health.
(4)-(5) No. (6)-(7) No. These matters should be referred to the Minister for Health.
(6)-(7) No. These matters should be referred to the Minister for Health.
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