❓ A parliamentary question regarding Loongana Lime's operations, specifically concerning waste oil usage, particulate emissions, and compliance with environmental regulations. The Minister's response details the DEP's actions and Loongana Lime's improvements.
AnsweredQoN 779Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to question on notice No. 583 of March 20 2003 and answers provided -
(1) Is it correct that the DEP has been advised by Loongana Lime Pty Ltd in a letter dated February 25 2003 in part stating ‘As you are probably aware Loongana Lime had a lot of operational problems with the oil we were picking up early in 2002 (Jan-March). The quality of the oil was very poor (water and dirt) and this led to very uneven burning conditions within the kilns. The consequence of this was unburnt fuels reporting to the baghouses and causing blinding of the bags which resulted in the kiln not being able to perform at all. Early in April 2002 a decision was made to shut down both shaft kilns and look for an alternate fuel’?
(2) If no to (1), can the Minister specifically state what was in the letter?
(3) If yes to (1), can the Minister explain why the DEP permitted and allowed Loongana Lime to burn very poor quality waste oil which contained water and dirt which led to uneven burning conditions within the kilns and complaints from residents?
(4) Is it correct that the DEP has been advised by Loongana Lime Pty Ltd in a letter dated February 25 2003 in part stating ‘Overall our quicklime production was down from 85 000 tonnes to 41 000 tonnes because of the kiln closures, we are still only running one shaft kiln and the FBK intermittently mainly due to the fact that corporately our future has been uncertain and clients have been reticent to take up supply agreements’?
(5) Can the Minister explain factually why particulate levels have reduced significantly from 690mg/m3 in April 2001 to 17 mg/m3 in December 2002 from the Loongana Lime premises?
(6) If no to (5), why not?
(7) Can the Minister explain why the DEP has conveniently accommodated a breach of condition A5 for Loongana Lime in relation to particulate levels which is a serious offence under the
Environmental Protection Act 1986
given that that is there is a perfectly logical explanation as to why particulate levels may have reduced, part of which is outlined in question (4) above?
(8) If no to (7), why not?
(1) Is it correct that the DEP has been advised by Loongana Lime Pty Ltd in a letter dated February 25 2003 in part stating ‘As you are probably aware Loongana Lime had a lot of operational problems with the oil we were picking up early in 2002 (Jan-March). The quality of the oil was very poor (water and dirt) and this led to very uneven burning conditions within the kilns. The consequence of this was unburnt fuels reporting to the baghouses and causing blinding of the bags which resulted in the kiln not being able to perform at all. Early in April 2002 a decision was made to shut down both shaft kilns and look for an alternate fuel’?
(2) If no to (1), can the Minister specifically state what was in the letter?
(3) If yes to (1), can the Minister explain why the DEP permitted and allowed Loongana Lime to burn very poor quality waste oil which contained water and dirt which led to uneven burning conditions within the kilns and complaints from residents?
(4) Is it correct that the DEP has been advised by Loongana Lime Pty Ltd in a letter dated February 25 2003 in part stating ‘Overall our quicklime production was down from 85 000 tonnes to 41 000 tonnes because of the kiln closures, we are still only running one shaft kiln and the FBK intermittently mainly due to the fact that corporately our future has been uncertain and clients have been reticent to take up supply agreements’?
(5) Can the Minister explain factually why particulate levels have reduced significantly from 690mg/m3 in April 2001 to 17 mg/m3 in December 2002 from the Loongana Lime premises?
(6) If no to (5), why not?
(7) Can the Minister explain why the DEP has conveniently accommodated a breach of condition A5 for Loongana Lime in relation to particulate levels which is a serious offence under the
Environmental Protection Act 1986
given that that is there is a perfectly logical explanation as to why particulate levels may have reduced, part of which is outlined in question (4) above?
(8) If no to (7), why not?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
13 June 2003
Responded by
Minister for Housing and Works representing the Minister for the Environment and Heritage
Response time
29 days
(1) Yes, the letter was part of the Annual Environmental Report from Loongana Lime. (2) Answered by (1). (3) Loongana Lime are permitted to burn recycled oil under its current licence. Due to the logistics involved with having many suppliers of the recycled oil, the product inadvertently became contaminated. This in turn affected the efficiency of burning within the kilns. Subsequent monitoring reports and the level of community complaints identified this problem. In response, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) requested an investigation and the plant was closed down until such time satisfactory performance was possible. The DEP will only allow Loongana Lime to operate in accordance with its licence. If inputs into the operation, including fuel sources, are not consistent with the licence, then the DEP will respond accordingly to ensure compliance. (4) Yes, the letter stated there was a reduction in quicklime production by approximately half. (5) The primary reasons for the improvement in particulate levels include: · Installation of the emission filter system (bag houses). · Use of a refined oil product in place of the previous recycled oil that was prone to contamination and inefficient burning. · Manipulating feed rates and rock type to achieve the maximum burning efficiencies. (6) Answered by (5). (7) The DEP did not ‘conveniently accommodate’ a breach of Condition A5. After the initial investigation into the particulate issue, the DEP utilised the appropriate actions as defined in Departmental guidelines and was satisfied with the commitments from Loongana Lime in relation to its management of particulate levels. These improvements included installing a filter system, using a refined oil and manipulating kiln feed and production rates. The DEP will continue to scrutinise Loongana Lime in relation to its operations and the prevention of pollution. It is worth noting that particulates reduced to 2.4% of its previous levels with the implementation of the above measures. (8) Answered by (7).
(2) Answered by (1). (3) Loongana Lime are permitted to burn recycled oil under its current licence. Due to the logistics involved with having many suppliers of the recycled oil, the product inadvertently became contaminated. This in turn affected the efficiency of burning within the kilns. Subsequent monitoring reports and the level of community complaints identified this problem. In response, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) requested an investigation and the plant was closed down until such time satisfactory performance was possible. The DEP will only allow Loongana Lime to operate in accordance with its licence. If inputs into the operation, including fuel sources, are not consistent with the licence, then the DEP will respond accordingly to ensure compliance. (4) Yes, the letter stated there was a reduction in quicklime production by approximately half. (5) The primary reasons for the improvement in particulate levels include: · Installation of the emission filter system (bag houses). · Use of a refined oil product in place of the previous recycled oil that was prone to contamination and inefficient burning. · Manipulating feed rates and rock type to achieve the maximum burning efficiencies. (6) Answered by (5). (7) The DEP did not ‘conveniently accommodate’ a breach of Condition A5. After the initial investigation into the particulate issue, the DEP utilised the appropriate actions as defined in Departmental guidelines and was satisfied with the commitments from Loongana Lime in relation to its management of particulate levels. These improvements included installing a filter system, using a refined oil and manipulating kiln feed and production rates. The DEP will continue to scrutinise Loongana Lime in relation to its operations and the prevention of pollution. It is worth noting that particulates reduced to 2.4% of its previous levels with the implementation of the above measures. (8) Answered by (7).
(3) Loongana Lime are permitted to burn recycled oil under its current licence. Due to the logistics involved with having many suppliers of the recycled oil, the product inadvertently became contaminated. This in turn affected the efficiency of burning within the kilns. Subsequent monitoring reports and the level of community complaints identified this problem. In response, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) requested an investigation and the plant was closed down until such time satisfactory performance was possible. The DEP will only allow Loongana Lime to operate in accordance with its licence. If inputs into the operation, including fuel sources, are not consistent with the licence, then the DEP will respond accordingly to ensure compliance. (4) Yes, the letter stated there was a reduction in quicklime production by approximately half. (5) The primary reasons for the improvement in particulate levels include: · Installation of the emission filter system (bag houses). · Use of a refined oil product in place of the previous recycled oil that was prone to contamination and inefficient burning. · Manipulating feed rates and rock type to achieve the maximum burning efficiencies. (6) Answered by (5). (7) The DEP did not ‘conveniently accommodate’ a breach of Condition A5. After the initial investigation into the particulate issue, the DEP utilised the appropriate actions as defined in Departmental guidelines and was satisfied with the commitments from Loongana Lime in relation to its management of particulate levels. These improvements included installing a filter system, using a refined oil and manipulating kiln feed and production rates. The DEP will continue to scrutinise Loongana Lime in relation to its operations and the prevention of pollution. It is worth noting that particulates reduced to 2.4% of its previous levels with the implementation of the above measures. (8) Answered by (7).
(4) Yes, the letter stated there was a reduction in quicklime production by approximately half. (5) The primary reasons for the improvement in particulate levels include: · Installation of the emission filter system (bag houses). · Use of a refined oil product in place of the previous recycled oil that was prone to contamination and inefficient burning. · Manipulating feed rates and rock type to achieve the maximum burning efficiencies. (6) Answered by (5). (7) The DEP did not ‘conveniently accommodate’ a breach of Condition A5. After the initial investigation into the particulate issue, the DEP utilised the appropriate actions as defined in Departmental guidelines and was satisfied with the commitments from Loongana Lime in relation to its management of particulate levels. These improvements included installing a filter system, using a refined oil and manipulating kiln feed and production rates. The DEP will continue to scrutinise Loongana Lime in relation to its operations and the prevention of pollution. It is worth noting that particulates reduced to 2.4% of its previous levels with the implementation of the above measures. (8) Answered by (7).
(5) The primary reasons for the improvement in particulate levels include: · Installation of the emission filter system (bag houses). · Use of a refined oil product in place of the previous recycled oil that was prone to contamination and inefficient burning. · Manipulating feed rates and rock type to achieve the maximum burning efficiencies. (6) Answered by (5). (7) The DEP did not ‘conveniently accommodate’ a breach of Condition A5. After the initial investigation into the particulate issue, the DEP utilised the appropriate actions as defined in Departmental guidelines and was satisfied with the commitments from Loongana Lime in relation to its management of particulate levels. These improvements included installing a filter system, using a refined oil and manipulating kiln feed and production rates. The DEP will continue to scrutinise Loongana Lime in relation to its operations and the prevention of pollution. It is worth noting that particulates reduced to 2.4% of its previous levels with the implementation of the above measures. (8) Answered by (7).
· Installation of the emission filter system (bag houses). · Use of a refined oil product in place of the previous recycled oil that was prone to contamination and inefficient burning. · Manipulating feed rates and rock type to achieve the maximum burning efficiencies. (6) Answered by (5). (7) The DEP did not ‘conveniently accommodate’ a breach of Condition A5. After the initial investigation into the particulate issue, the DEP utilised the appropriate actions as defined in Departmental guidelines and was satisfied with the commitments from Loongana Lime in relation to its management of particulate levels. These improvements included installing a filter system, using a refined oil and manipulating kiln feed and production rates. The DEP will continue to scrutinise Loongana Lime in relation to its operations and the prevention of pollution. It is worth noting that particulates reduced to 2.4% of its previous levels with the implementation of the above measures. (8) Answered by (7).
(6) Answered by (5). (7) The DEP did not ‘conveniently accommodate’ a breach of Condition A5. After the initial investigation into the particulate issue, the DEP utilised the appropriate actions as defined in Departmental guidelines and was satisfied with the commitments from Loongana Lime in relation to its management of particulate levels. These improvements included installing a filter system, using a refined oil and manipulating kiln feed and production rates. The DEP will continue to scrutinise Loongana Lime in relation to its operations and the prevention of pollution. It is worth noting that particulates reduced to 2.4% of its previous levels with the implementation of the above measures. (8) Answered by (7).
(7) The DEP did not ‘conveniently accommodate’ a breach of Condition A5. After the initial investigation into the particulate issue, the DEP utilised the appropriate actions as defined in Departmental guidelines and was satisfied with the commitments from Loongana Lime in relation to its management of particulate levels. These improvements included installing a filter system, using a refined oil and manipulating kiln feed and production rates. The DEP will continue to scrutinise Loongana Lime in relation to its operations and the prevention of pollution. It is worth noting that particulates reduced to 2.4% of its previous levels with the implementation of the above measures. (8) Answered by (7).
(8) Answered by (7).
(2) Answered by (1). (3) Loongana Lime are permitted to burn recycled oil under its current licence. Due to the logistics involved with having many suppliers of the recycled oil, the product inadvertently became contaminated. This in turn affected the efficiency of burning within the kilns. Subsequent monitoring reports and the level of community complaints identified this problem. In response, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) requested an investigation and the plant was closed down until such time satisfactory performance was possible. The DEP will only allow Loongana Lime to operate in accordance with its licence. If inputs into the operation, including fuel sources, are not consistent with the licence, then the DEP will respond accordingly to ensure compliance. (4) Yes, the letter stated there was a reduction in quicklime production by approximately half. (5) The primary reasons for the improvement in particulate levels include: · Installation of the emission filter system (bag houses). · Use of a refined oil product in place of the previous recycled oil that was prone to contamination and inefficient burning. · Manipulating feed rates and rock type to achieve the maximum burning efficiencies. (6) Answered by (5). (7) The DEP did not ‘conveniently accommodate’ a breach of Condition A5. After the initial investigation into the particulate issue, the DEP utilised the appropriate actions as defined in Departmental guidelines and was satisfied with the commitments from Loongana Lime in relation to its management of particulate levels. These improvements included installing a filter system, using a refined oil and manipulating kiln feed and production rates. The DEP will continue to scrutinise Loongana Lime in relation to its operations and the prevention of pollution. It is worth noting that particulates reduced to 2.4% of its previous levels with the implementation of the above measures. (8) Answered by (7).
(3) Loongana Lime are permitted to burn recycled oil under its current licence. Due to the logistics involved with having many suppliers of the recycled oil, the product inadvertently became contaminated. This in turn affected the efficiency of burning within the kilns. Subsequent monitoring reports and the level of community complaints identified this problem. In response, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) requested an investigation and the plant was closed down until such time satisfactory performance was possible. The DEP will only allow Loongana Lime to operate in accordance with its licence. If inputs into the operation, including fuel sources, are not consistent with the licence, then the DEP will respond accordingly to ensure compliance. (4) Yes, the letter stated there was a reduction in quicklime production by approximately half. (5) The primary reasons for the improvement in particulate levels include: · Installation of the emission filter system (bag houses). · Use of a refined oil product in place of the previous recycled oil that was prone to contamination and inefficient burning. · Manipulating feed rates and rock type to achieve the maximum burning efficiencies. (6) Answered by (5). (7) The DEP did not ‘conveniently accommodate’ a breach of Condition A5. After the initial investigation into the particulate issue, the DEP utilised the appropriate actions as defined in Departmental guidelines and was satisfied with the commitments from Loongana Lime in relation to its management of particulate levels. These improvements included installing a filter system, using a refined oil and manipulating kiln feed and production rates. The DEP will continue to scrutinise Loongana Lime in relation to its operations and the prevention of pollution. It is worth noting that particulates reduced to 2.4% of its previous levels with the implementation of the above measures. (8) Answered by (7).
(4) Yes, the letter stated there was a reduction in quicklime production by approximately half. (5) The primary reasons for the improvement in particulate levels include: · Installation of the emission filter system (bag houses). · Use of a refined oil product in place of the previous recycled oil that was prone to contamination and inefficient burning. · Manipulating feed rates and rock type to achieve the maximum burning efficiencies. (6) Answered by (5). (7) The DEP did not ‘conveniently accommodate’ a breach of Condition A5. After the initial investigation into the particulate issue, the DEP utilised the appropriate actions as defined in Departmental guidelines and was satisfied with the commitments from Loongana Lime in relation to its management of particulate levels. These improvements included installing a filter system, using a refined oil and manipulating kiln feed and production rates. The DEP will continue to scrutinise Loongana Lime in relation to its operations and the prevention of pollution. It is worth noting that particulates reduced to 2.4% of its previous levels with the implementation of the above measures. (8) Answered by (7).
(5) The primary reasons for the improvement in particulate levels include: · Installation of the emission filter system (bag houses). · Use of a refined oil product in place of the previous recycled oil that was prone to contamination and inefficient burning. · Manipulating feed rates and rock type to achieve the maximum burning efficiencies. (6) Answered by (5). (7) The DEP did not ‘conveniently accommodate’ a breach of Condition A5. After the initial investigation into the particulate issue, the DEP utilised the appropriate actions as defined in Departmental guidelines and was satisfied with the commitments from Loongana Lime in relation to its management of particulate levels. These improvements included installing a filter system, using a refined oil and manipulating kiln feed and production rates. The DEP will continue to scrutinise Loongana Lime in relation to its operations and the prevention of pollution. It is worth noting that particulates reduced to 2.4% of its previous levels with the implementation of the above measures. (8) Answered by (7).
· Installation of the emission filter system (bag houses). · Use of a refined oil product in place of the previous recycled oil that was prone to contamination and inefficient burning. · Manipulating feed rates and rock type to achieve the maximum burning efficiencies. (6) Answered by (5). (7) The DEP did not ‘conveniently accommodate’ a breach of Condition A5. After the initial investigation into the particulate issue, the DEP utilised the appropriate actions as defined in Departmental guidelines and was satisfied with the commitments from Loongana Lime in relation to its management of particulate levels. These improvements included installing a filter system, using a refined oil and manipulating kiln feed and production rates. The DEP will continue to scrutinise Loongana Lime in relation to its operations and the prevention of pollution. It is worth noting that particulates reduced to 2.4% of its previous levels with the implementation of the above measures. (8) Answered by (7).
(6) Answered by (5). (7) The DEP did not ‘conveniently accommodate’ a breach of Condition A5. After the initial investigation into the particulate issue, the DEP utilised the appropriate actions as defined in Departmental guidelines and was satisfied with the commitments from Loongana Lime in relation to its management of particulate levels. These improvements included installing a filter system, using a refined oil and manipulating kiln feed and production rates. The DEP will continue to scrutinise Loongana Lime in relation to its operations and the prevention of pollution. It is worth noting that particulates reduced to 2.4% of its previous levels with the implementation of the above measures. (8) Answered by (7).
(7) The DEP did not ‘conveniently accommodate’ a breach of Condition A5. After the initial investigation into the particulate issue, the DEP utilised the appropriate actions as defined in Departmental guidelines and was satisfied with the commitments from Loongana Lime in relation to its management of particulate levels. These improvements included installing a filter system, using a refined oil and manipulating kiln feed and production rates. The DEP will continue to scrutinise Loongana Lime in relation to its operations and the prevention of pollution. It is worth noting that particulates reduced to 2.4% of its previous levels with the implementation of the above measures. (8) Answered by (7).
(8) Answered by (7).
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