Official Publication of the
ISSUE 87 | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2019
www.insidewaste.com.au
INSIDE
Investors across the waste industry mull the next steps following the EPA’s decision to stop the use of AWT on agricultural land.
NSW EPA ends AWT
PP: 255003/07055
ISSN 1837-5618
FOLLOWING COMPREHENSIVE independent studies, the NSW EPA is stopping the restricted use of mixed waste organic material or alternative waste treatments (AWT) on agricultural land and is ceasing use on plantation forests and mining rehabilitation land until further controls can be considered, with applications on agricultural land ceasing since October 26 this year. NSW EPA mentioned that there was a “robust scientific” basis for the its decision to stop the use of the material. “The restricted use of the mixed waste organic material had been permitted on the basis that it provided beneficial reuse of waste, and extensive independent research commissioned by the EPA found that it no longer passed that test,” the report had said. The EPA had commissioned an assessment overseen by an independent panel formed by the Office of the Chief Scientist and Engineer for possible health risks related to the use of this product on agricultural land. The assessment used what the EPA called “very cautious assumptions”, to estimate how much exposure a person might have to chemicals present in the material. The NSW Food Authority and NSW Health have reviewed the initial findings of the health risk assessment and expert scientific advice, and further work is
being done, overseen by an independent panel formed by the Office of the Chief Scientist and Engineer. The full results of the review are expected to be completed in the coming months. As of now, upon reviewing the findings on whether or not it posed any health risks to human beings, it was reported by the EPA that the use of mixed waste organic material on agricultural land in unlikely to present any health risk to the general public. In response to this action, the Waste Management Association of Australia (WMAA) is calling for greater involvement in consultations following the surprise announcement. The waste and resource recovery industry were informed some six weeks ago that the EPA had completed research into the impacts of mixed waste organics and the exception was that the regulator would then release its findings for wider consultation. “It is imperative that industry is given a chance to review the findings, particularly as the EPA has confirmed its statement that the use of mixed waste organic material on agricultural land is unlikely to present any health risk to the general public,” said Gayle Sloan, WMAA CEO. “Industry and local councils have invested significantly in AWT in NSW over many years with the support of
the EPA. “The EPA itself, in its review of waste and resource recovery infrastructure, noted in 2017 there was in fact a one million tonne shortage of AWT processing capacity across the state. “It is also important that industry does not suffer losses because of this decision.” Sloan stressed the importance of maintaining the public’s confidence in the waste industry with the many challenges it constantly faces. “Industry and government have a shared responsibility to work together to find long-term sustainable solutions,” Sloan continued. “We appreciate government is willing to look into financial relief packages for industry and local government that may be severely impacted by the revocation of this exemption and order.” Tony Khoury, executive director of the Waste Contractors and Recyclers Association (WCRA) is concerned that the NSW government’s decision to stop AWT outputs will not be beneficial to the industry. “This decision by the NSW Government to revoke the Resource Recovery Exemption and Order for Mixed Waste Organic Outputs (MWOO) on 26 October 2018 with 24 hours’ notice, has threatened the viability of the AWT sector both in NSW and potentially nationally,” Khoury said. “Further to the recent issues regarding the China national sword,
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waste generators will be also asking the question about whether recycling and resource recovery are sustainable in the short term.” Khoury added that these NSW businesses form a significant part of the resource recovery industry (accounting for 500,000 tonnes annually), and the EPA’s decision will have what he calls “dire long-term consequences”. “As a matter of urgency, we have called on the NSW Government to release all reports, that the Government has relied upon and led to this decision. Further, we will continue lobbying the NSW Government for clarity around how businesses will be compensated for the landfill levy, gate fees, loss of income and carbon credit losses arising from this surprise decision.” Khoury continued. Garth Lamb, chief development officer of Re.Group, shared similar concerns with Inside Waste saying that the EPA’s decision has implications for all resource recovery operators in NSW, and not just AWT operators. “The critical question is: How will the government now work with operators and councils to ensure that its decision does not have negative impacts on those who have invested and acted in good faith to keep material out of landfill and in the productive economy?” Lamb concluded. More on this story on page 15: Anissa Levy steps down as EPA chief. For the full report go to: www.insidewaste.com.au
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