The site of Non Organic Disposals in Darch.
Camera IconThe site of Non Organic Disposals in Darch. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Residents are concerned about harmful particles from a Darch concrete recycling plant

Laura PondJoondalup Times

A CONCRETE recycling plant in Darch is being monitored after residents petitioned the City of Wanneroo to conduct a health and environmental audit of the site.

The petition with 256 signatures was submitted at the April 5 council meeting, requesting the City audit Non Organic Disposals run by Cell 6 to address issues including excessive dust and “other potentially harmful particles”, vermin and snakes emanating from the Furniss Road site.

It also wanted the City to consider rezoning the site “for an alternative use compatible with a residential area” and make submissions to the Environment Minister on behalf of residents before its licence renewal in June 2017.

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A report by the City said the facility was licensed by the Department of Environment Regulation as a construction and demolition recycling facility and inert solid waste depot.

The department advised that three unannounced inspections of the site detected no dust emissions and it conducts on-going monitoring and testing of materials, describing the facility as well managed.

The City also found it was compliant through its investigations into dust emissions though it intends to conduct further inspections during summer and that there was no waste that would attract rodents or snakes.

The report said the site received planning approval in 2006 and was consistent with the area’s agreed structure plan, which showed it could ultimately be developed as residential with a small business section.

“In order for this to proceed, a structure plan amendment to rezone the land is required,” it said.

“In addition to this, it would need to be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the City, the Department of Planning and/or the Department of Environmental Regulation that any geotechnical and environmental issues associated with the landfill site are resolved.”

Following the council resolution on September 13, the City will make submissions to the department for any non-compliance during the licence renewal process next year and request a reduced licence duration because of the site being incompatible with adjacent residential areas.

The department will amend licence conditions to ensure dust suppression is used on all stockpiles and air monitoring equipment is installed, with both agencies to take action for any non-compliance.