The Southern Metropolitan Regional Council has applied for a lifeline for its Canning Vale waste facility, the largest in the state, after the Department Of Environment and Conservation moved to shut down the plant because of odour issues.
The SMRC has applied for a two-year extension to its interim licence to operate the plant, allowing it to install new odour treatment equipment and devise a new green waste management plan.
It said it applied to operate the plant at 65 per cent capacity, which would allow it to process waste from its member councils, but not handle commercial waste.
Acting SMRC chief executive Tim Youe said the proposed licence amendments presented a solution that would be in the interest of all parties.
The plant has been the subject of long-running comunity complaints, which culminated in the DEC issuing a 10-week notice of closure earlier this month. It stipulated the regional council needs to find an alternative site for its waste and composting operations.
“The licence amendment details a course of action to be undertaken by the SMRC that allows the facility to continue to accept and process waste,” Mr Youe said.
“By remaining in operation, the SMRC will be able to fund and execute a detailed odour management plan and community engagement plan that will improve the way we work within the community.”
Mr Youe said an extension would also protect the jobs of the facility’s 40 staff.
“We’re confident that what we’ve proposed is viable and puts in place the next phase for the RRRC, which we know will reap rewards for all parties involved and the environment,” he said.
