TAS tyre recycling plant gets EPA nod

End of life tyres
A council permit is all that is needed for a new tyre disposal and recycling facility to go ahead after a local proposal received EPA approval.

Barwicks Landscape Supplies, a local business offering organics and timber recycling services, submitted a proposal to EPA Tasmania in April for the premises in Brighton. It plans to use a mobile shredder to shred up to 300,000 tyres (3,000 tonnes) a year, and the recovered product off site for disposal.

Follow a period of public consultation in April, during which time no objections were received, EPA TAS finalised its assessment of a proposed facility in May.

It concluded the proposed materials handling facility could be developed and managed in an environmentally sustainable and acceptable manner, with certain conditions, which would need to be included in any permit granted by the Brighton Council.

“Various environmental issues were considered in the assessment, particularly the fire management and noise,” said EPA TAS Director Wes Ford.

“The proponent will be required to prepare, in consultation with the Tasmania Fire Service, a Fire Response Plan for my approval and the activity must be managed in accordance with the plan.

“The assessment identified the shredder as a key noise emitter, hence noise attenuation measures have been proposed that are expected to minimise any potential for environmental nuisance at nearby businesses,” he added. “However, a noise survey will be required, post commencement of operation, to ensure that noise levels are appropriate.”

The Director’s environmental assessment, including the environmental conditions that must be included in any permit, have been forwarded to Brighton Council, for consideration for planning permission. A decision is expected within the next few weeks.

The completed EPA TAS assessment can be viewed on its website.

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