New draft rules that ensure that energy from waste projects in NSW meet and exceed world best practice air quality standards, have been released by the NSW Government for community and industry feedback.
Energy and Environment Minister Matt Kean said the draft Energy from Waste Policy Statement has been revised and bolstered to align with recommendations from the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer.
“My expectation, and our communities expectation is that we have the strictest air quality standards for energy from waste projects, to protect human health and protect our environment,” Mr Kean said.
“The draft policy tightens restrictions on emissions including hydrogen fluoride, mercury, cadmium, thallium and heavy metals, to ensure that they meet and where possible beat current world leading jurisdictions.
“It also includes the implementation of ongoing reporting requirements for operators of energy from waste facilities and will require real-time emissions data to be made publicly available online to boost community confidence and transparency.
“This is an important step in considering the future of waste in our State, with more details to come when we release the 20 Year Waste Strategy which will deliver a long-term framework for the management of waste resources in NSW.”
The draft Energy from Waste Policy Statement will be on public exhibition until Friday 30 April 2021, and is available via: https://yoursay.epa.nsw.gov.au/energy-waste-policy-statement
