On 2 November 2018, DWER was advised that GD Pork had been placed into administration, and the works approval was transferred to new occupier Westpork on 17 May 2019.
On 25 July 2019, DWER issued an Environmental Protection Notice (EPN) to Westpork Pty Ltd to require destocking of the facility by 15 June 2020, unless a licence was issued prior to this date to allow the site to continue to operate. This date was extended to 15 December 2020 to allow for the completion of site upgrades and improvements.
Westpork has removed the build-up of solid effluent from the southern pond and has improved the operation of the anaerobic digestor.
DWER officers visited the premises on 13 August 2019 to observe the progress of maintenance works necessary for the proposed improvements.
After visiting the premises, DWER hosted a community consultation session at the Kodja Place Precinct in Kojonup. Representatives from DWER, Westpork and the Shire of Kojonup provided an overview of the current and future management of the premises and responded to questions.
On 3 October 2019 DWER issued Works Approval W6268/2019/1 to Westpork to allow the construction of additional waste treatment infrastructure to help reduce the risk of impacts from odour emissions. The works approval allowed time limited operations of the infrastructure to ensure that once the works are completed they can be operated to ensure improvements to odour emissions are not delayed.
On 10 June 2020, DWER extended the expiry date on works approval W5865/2015/1 to allow Westpork to complete construction of the infrastructure and improvements through Works Approval W6268/2019/1, to apply for a licence and for DWER to complete decision making on that licence application.
In May 2020, Westpork notified DWER on completed improvements and upgrades to wastewater infrastructure and subsequently applied for a licence on 1 July 2020.
Updated January 2021
What is happening now?
Show moreDWER issued Licence L9254/2020/1 for the ongoing operation of the premises on 26 November 2020. The licence was subject to a 21-day appeals period and no appeals were lodged.
While Westpork has removed the build-up of solid effluent from the southern pond, it is now undertaking similar maintenance activities on its northern pond to eliminate it as a significant source of odour emissions. This maintenance is expected to be completed towards the end of the 2021 summer period.
DWER officers visited the premises on 15 December 2020 to observe the improvements to the premises. DWER will continue to inspect the premises to assess compliance with the licence and monitor emissions.
More information
Show moreMembers of the community are reminded that it is important to report odour impacts at the time that they occur by calling the Pollution Watch Hotline on 1300 784 782. The online reporting tool can be used to lodge complaints after the impact has occurred..
If you have any further questions relating to this issue, please email info@dwer.wa.gov.au.
