Minister opens new $2 million liquid waste facility for Kalgoorlie-Boulder

31/7/00

A new $2 million liquid waste treatment facility was opened today by Environment Minister Cheryl Edwardes.
The facility uses three treatment processes: biodegradable liquid waste treatment, waste oil separation and chemical fixation and stabilisation.
It will have the capacity to treat those liquid wastes that were previously disposed of at the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder's Yarri Road Waste Disposal Facility.
After treatment by the chemical fixation and stabilisation process, the inert solid waste is disposed of in a licensed landfill site. Wherever possible, treated liquid waste is recycled on site for use in processing waste coming into the facility. Recovered oil is sent to Perth for recycling.
The treatment facility has an ability to process 300,000 litres of liquid waste, 200,000 litres of oil waste and 60,000 litres of grease trap waste.
After treatment, solid waste is disposed of in a licensed landfill site. Liquid waste is recycled on site for use in processing waste coming into the facility. Oil waste is stored in drums before being sent to Perth for recycling.
"I am particularly pleased to see that the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder has not chosen to take the 'quick-fix' option and opted for the appropriate disposal of effluents at a commercial treatment facility," Mrs Edwardes said.
"The city has shown its commitment to the on-going maintenance of the environment and is an example to other major regional areas that there is an appropriate way to dispose of their industrial liquid waste.
"For their part, Transpacific Industries, owners of the operator Western Resource Recovery, are providing proof of their commitment to environmental protection by providing this facility for the treatment of liquid wastes in accordance with statutory requirements.
"I congratulate the combined effort by the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder and the foresight of Western Resource Recovery in making a big commercial decision to establish the facility and provide work for about a dozen local people."
Mrs Edwardes said the facility was important, not only because there was sufficient quantities of waste to justify a commercial business, but also an acceptance by local industry that they need appropriate disposal methods and support this venture.
Media contact: Steve Manchee - 9421 7777