Sutherland Shire Council told Sydney Water it was concerned Greenhills Beach residents could be subjected to odours from a proposed trial of a liquid food waste operation at the Cronulla sewage treatment plant.
However, Sydney Water has assured the council that ‘‘air quality impacts’’ to the nearby residential community ‘‘are not anticipated’’.
‘‘The food waste will be sourced from local businesses which may benefit financially from the proposal and it will also reduce the amount of [organic] waste going to landfill. ‘‘By diverting organic waste from landfill,the amount of greenhouse gases generated will also be reduced.’’
- Sydney Water
During a three-year trial, proposed to start in January next year, liquid food waste, mainly pulped fruit and vegetables from local businesses, will be used to make methane to generate electricity to help power the co-generation plant.
Methane gas is already produced at the plant from the anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge for the same purpose.
The NSW Office of Environment and Heritage provided a grant to support the ‘‘co-digestion’’ trial.
Sydney Water did not require the council’s consent but submitted a draft review of environmental factors.
The council’s environment health and regulation committee was due to consider a staff report on the matter last night, Monday June 22.
The report, by the environmental science and policy unit manager, recommended the trial ‘‘should be supported as it has many benefits to the community and to the environment’’.
‘‘The co-digestion trial is anticipated to increase the amount of renewable energy generated at the [plant] to 60 per cent of their current energy needs,’’ the report says.
‘‘The food waste will be sourced from local businesses which may benefit financially from the proposal and it will also reduce the amount of [organic] waste going to landfill.
‘‘By diverting organic waste from landfill,the amount of greenhouse gases generated will also be reduced.’’
The report says the unit identified a number of deficiencies in the draft review of environmental factors, relating to odour, traffic and plant capacity.
A discussion with Sydney Water had provided answers to those concerns.
The report says odour is the main environmental problem associated with the co-digestion of liquid food waste.
‘‘Sydney Water has indicated that a number of stakeholders aside from council have raised concerns over odour issues,’’ it says.
‘‘Sydney Water has agreed to consider either a canister system or installing additional piping that will link into existing odour treatment designs at the plant to reduce odour nuisance.
‘‘The exact treatment method for odour will be decided upon at the design phase of the trial project.’’
EXTRA TRUCKS MAY AFFECT CYCLISTS: REPORT
The new operation is expected to lead to an extra six- to 10 semi-trailer movements each weekday.
The council report says, in isolation, this impact is insignificant, but cumulative effects need to be considered and it would reinforce traffic congestion on Captain Cook Drive.
‘‘Captain Cook Drive is a popular cyclist route for individuals and families,’’ the report says.
‘‘Sydney Water have not addressed any likely impacts on cyclists as a result of increased traffic movements.
‘‘After discussions with Sydney Water, they have agreed to include the impacts on cyclists in their review of environmental factors.’’
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