FoMC strongly opposes waste incinerator proposed for Wollert

On 18 November, FoMC lodged its 2^nd submission opposing the approval of a waste incinerator in Summerhill Road, Wollert.

FoMC supports the No Northern Incinerator Group which is leading the community push to prevent this polluting incinerator being approved and constructed.

The waste incinerator poses a risk to the air quality, land and waterways near the proposed site.  Curly Sedge Creek which feeds into Merri Creek runs through the proposed waste incinerator site, meaning Merri Creek would be affected if sediment or surface water leaves the site.

No sorting of waste on-site is proposed prior to incineration. Cleanaway intends to rely on contractors to do this and not take responsibility if the waste stream is not what is required.  The volume of waste may only be reduced to 25% of the original amount and will likely be a reportable priority waste, meaning it can’t be put in a normal “household waste” landfill, only in more strictly engineered landfills, if no reuse option for incinerator waste is identified and approved.

Proposed sediment controls would not be effective in dealing with the high clay content of local soils, meaning runoff from the site during construction and operation would likely increase the sediment load to Merri Creek. 

Peak flood levels are predicted to inundate much of the site, potentially including areas where incinerator wastes will be stored outdoors under cover. The site will not be sewered so it won’t be possible to discharge liquid wastes to the sewer in emergencies.

No baseline health or ecological data has been collected so it won’t be possible to check if the incinerator has made local health and ecological conditions worse, should it go ahead.

The risks to health of the community and environment have been assessed using simplistic methods and inappropriate German data for incinerator waste.

In summary, the proposed waste incinerator in Summerhill Road, Wollert should not be approved, is proposed for an inappropriate location. The case made for its approval it is not supported by good quality data that is relevant to the proposed site in Wollert.