After careful consideration and with strict conditions to protect human health and the environment, EPA has approved a development licence application to Steel Cement Pty Ltd to expand their existing slag grinding facility in an industrial area of Yarraville.
Steel Cement operates an existing licensed cement slag grinding facility at 2a Francis Street, Yarraville, and applied to expand their facility in two stages adding two cement mills and storage areas. Once operating, the plant would import and process cement materials. At full capacity approximately 1.5m tonnes of cement would be produced per year.
In arriving at its decision, EPA took into consideration community concerns around:
- air emissions
- noise impacts from 24/7 operation
- public health impact from cumulative air pollution and dust
- greenhouse gases and climate
- proximity to residents.
EPA’s assessment determined that:
- appropriate measures will be taken to ensure that risks of harm to human health and environment can be minimised so far as reasonably practicable
- the application is consistent with best available technique and technology for the production of cement
- the facility will produce minimal air emissions in line with the Air Pollution Assessment Criteria (APAC), and minimal noise and vibration levels in line with EPA guidelines
- water emissions will have low impacts to the environment
- the facility poses a low and acceptable risk of harm to human health and the environment.
Under the licence, Steel Cement will be required to install key pollution control equipment and adhere to strict licence conditions such as:
- inclusion of air pollution controls and monitoring equipment
- incorporation of triple stormwater interceptor traps prior to discharge
- implementation of a construction environmental management plan during construction
- proof of performance monitoring during commissioning activities.
