Acid gas scrubbers to be installed at Welshpool incinerator

20/10/94

The State Government has paved the way for a reduction in the level of pollution from the Stephenson and Ward incinerator in Welshpool.

Planning Minister Richard Lewis said today he had approved the installation of state-of-the-art acid gas scrubbers at the incinerator.

Mr Lewis said the installation of the scrubbers would remove hydrochloric acid gas and other potential pollutants from the waste gas stream.

The Minister said the scrubbers would greatly improve conditions for residents in the area who have been complaining about acid odours from the incinerator.

"I believe the decision to approve the installation of the acid gas scrubbers is a commonsense one which will benefit nearby residents," he said.

"It is a decision supported by the best environmental advice and will give the incinerator world-class environmental standards."

Mr Lewis said that last December a report by Colin Porter, former director of the Department of Conservation and Environment, recommended the installation of the scrubbers at the Felspar Road site.

Following that report, Stephenson and Ward sought approval from the City of Canning for installation of the $500,000 scrubbers.

Although the professional officers of the council recommended approval, the council refused the application.

Stephenson and Ward appealed to the Minister.  Mr Lewis said today that after a thorough investigation of all the issues by the Town Planning Appeal Committee, he had decided to uphold the company's appeal.

He said it would have been illogical in the extreme not to allow the appeal.

"The incinerator is on industrial zoned land in conformity with the City zoning scheme and the council has in the past approved extensions to the facility," Mr Lewis said.

"Council's refusal to allow the scrubbers meant the incinerator would continue operating but not in an environmentally friendly way.

"Council's refusal also meant the incinerator would not be able to comply with EPA licence conditions governing the operation of such waste disposal facilities."

Media contact: Tony Robertson 222 9595