The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has fined PHBCP, the operating company of Wollondilly based Western Sydney Meatworx Abattoir, $15,000 after it failed to comply with a Pollution Reduction Program. The fine is the largest amount it can issue under its legislation.
The abattoir’s licence requires it to produce a Pollution Reduction Program report on how the company manages effluent and protects the local environment.
EPA Director Regulatory Operations Jacinta Hanemann said the abattoir’s compliance with the program is critical because of its location on steep terrain and close to a waterway.
“Effluent management, including using treated water for irrigation, must be properly managed to protect the health of the surrounding environment. This includes Myrtle Creek and things like soil health, with essential microbes living in the soil,” said Hanemann.
With poor irrigation practices leading to potential effluent run-off and a spread of contaminated water, the report was necessary to identify if the land was acceptable for further irrigation said Hanemann.
“The EPA required the company to undertake a Pollution Reduction Program, which involved doing an impact assessment of the irrigation practices at the abattoir and identifying improvements to the current effluent management system,” she said.
Hanemann added that licensees are legally required to follow the environment protection conditions placed on them and if Western Sydney Meatworx Abattoir continued to operate without the requested information, it would face further penalties.
