The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has concluded its assessment of a proposal for a new asphalt plant in Launceston, Tasmania.
The proposal involves the construction and operation of an asphalt plant in Mowbray, Launceston by Downer EDI.
The plant will replace its facility on a Boral quarry site also in Mowbray, which will be decommissioned.
The plant is set to have a production capacity of 50,000 tonnes per annum.
The batch process will enable incorporation of a small proportion of recycled plastics, glass, fly ash, rubber, and recycled asphalt material in addition to bitumen and crushed rock.
EPA executive director, environmental assessments Martin Read made the determination under delegation from the EPA Board.
He concluded that the proposed development can be managed in an environmentally sustainable and acceptable manner, with certain conditions.
The Board requires these conditions to be included in any permit subsequently granted by the City of Launceston.
“Various environmental issues were considered by the Board in its assessment, particularly noise and air emissions,” Read said.
“The conditions imposed require monitoring and verification of emissions after plant commissioning as well as management measures to ensure appropriate mitigation.”
The proposal was considered by the executive director in the context of the sustainable development objectives of the Resource Management and Planning System of Tasmania (RMPS), and in the context of the objectives of the Environmental Management and Pollution Control System (EMPCS) established by the EMPC Act.
Public consultation was open for 28 days from 19 February 2022. One representation on a planning matter was received in relation to the permit application.