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Gippsland Water is granted EPA approval for Soil and Organic Recycling Facility (SORF)The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has granted Gippsland Water approval for the initial stages of its proposed Soil and Organic Recycling Facility at Dutson Downs. By Gippsland Water - 28th November 2005 - Back to News The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has granted Gippsland Water approval for the initial stages of its proposed Soil and Organic Recycling Facility at Dutson Downs.
Stages one and two of the facility will involve treatment of organic liquids, sludges and solids using best practice technology.
Liquid and sludge organic waste streams, such as grease trap waste will be separated into solid and aqueous components. The aqueous phase will be treated via the existing water treatment system. The separated solid phase, along with other organic solids such as contaminated soils, biosolids and greenwaste, will be treated and recycled using the natural process of composting.
The solid wastes will be composted in enclosed vessels to a standard that will allow them to be beneficially reused.
The composting process is aerobic and importantly will reduce odours from existing operations and provide the foundation process for closure and rehabilitation of the Bioremediation Pond.
Although a number of liquid and composting plants are present in Victoria this is the first facility to combine liquid and sludge separation with in-vessel composting with the ability to utilise the end product for agricultural and land rehabilitation purposes.
Gippsland Water Chief Executive Officer John Mitchell said Gippsland Water was pleased to receive the works approval for the project which would greatly benefit Gippsland.
"The works approval for stages one and two marks an important milestone in the development of the Soil and Organic Recycling Facility," said Mr Mitchell. "This facility is the first of its kind in Victoria using innovative waste recycling and treatment, and represents a more superior and sustainable approach to the management of soils and organic wastes.
"The EPA’s acceptance of this proposal is testament to the significant work that has been undertaken in the developmental stages of the project in ensuring that the facility meets stringent performance, workplace and environmental standards."
"Gippsland Water is committed to improving the management of our wastes at Dutson Downs and to reducing the odours which are presently generated from the existing organic waste treatment process. With the approval of stages one and two, our region will be implementing best practice and will benefit with improvements to our environment," said Mr Mitchell.
For further information contact Gippsland Water’s Customer Service Centre on 1800 066 401.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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