SWERF facility to have highest level of assessment: Minister

26/10/01
Environment and Heritage Minister Dr Judy Edwards today upheld public appeals for the highest level of environmental assessment on the proposed Solid Waste to Energy Recycling Facility (SWERF) in Maddington.
Brightstar Environmental has proposed to construct a waste to energy recycling facility within the City of Gosnells, which would process municipal, commercial and industrial waste into recyclable products and electricity.
Twenty appeals were lodged with the Appeals Convener after the Environmental Protection Authority set the level of assessment at Public Environmental Review (PER).
The appellants objected to this assessment, arguing that the proposal should be examined at the highest level, Environmental Review and Management Program (ERMP).
Dr Edwards said she had responded to a high level of public interest and concern in making her decision.
"This is the first proposal for a solid waste to energy facility received by the Labor Government and given this new technology is not yet fully operational, a thorough examination of any possible environmental and health impacts is needed to address community concerns."
Dr Edwards said the Government was also exploring ways in which funding assistance could be made available to the community for independent technical advice on major resource recovery proposals like SWERF.
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