EPA to host community meeting in Quantong

The meeting will occur at Quantong Recreation Reserve on Wednesday, May 26, from 7-8.30pm.

Quantong residents have said that the move is "fantastic news" and a step in the right direction.

EPA spokesman Ernie Sanchez stressed the meeting was the next step of the process, under section 20B of the Environment Protection Act 1970, if a given application receives sufficient interest.

"Based on the submissions we decided it was worth conducting a 20B conference," Mr Sanchez said.

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"The idea of it is to give the community an opportunity to clarify any misunderstandings; it's a great opportunity to ask questions, to fill gaps in knowledge and to share information. That's really what it's about," Mr Sanchez said.

After the meeting, the independent chair will write a report summarizing concerns and giving recommendations for the EPA's consideration.

The application, lodged by Water Sustainability Farm Pty Ltd, would treat waste from Australian Plant Proteins in Horsham and would consist of "solar drying evaporation basins and a sludge drying pad for the processing of food manufacturing by-products."

The facility would manage an estimated 57,000 litres of saline waste a day, along with up to five cubic metres of "dewatered sludge".

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Residents have come out against the plan, with many stating they are not against the concept but would not like it in Quantong for environmental reasons, while others are concerned with the increase of traffic on local roads.

Due to COVID restrictions, the meeting can host a maximum of 100 attendees.

Residents are advised to RSVP by Monday, May 24.

"It would be inadvisable to just turn up on the day," Mr Sanchez said.

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