‘Our concerns were valid’: Risdon Vale residents’ relief at EPA warning for waste processor

Risdon Vale residents say they finally feel heard after a nearby waste processor was issued a stern warning by Tasmania’s environmental watchdog. Here’s why they’re still watching closely.

A photo of the Spectran Group site at Risdon Vale, taken on February 27, 2024. Image shows a large pile of waste. Image: Supplied.

Risdon Vale residents say they finally feel heard after a nearby waste processor was issued a stern warning by Tasmania’s environmental watchdog.

Reprocess Tas, at 20 and 42 Scotts Road, has been a source of anxiety for residents living near it, who were ‘fed up with dust and noise pollution.’

On Monday the processor, owned by Spectran Group, was issued an environmental protection notice (EPN), which said operations were causing or likely to be causing “serious or material environmental harm or environmental nuisance”.

The EPN comes with a list of changes which need to be made – and if they’re not addressed Reprocess could be fined $200,000.

“I was pleased with the result from the EPA,” Risdon Vale resident Regina Williams said on Friday.

“Our concerns were valid, it was confirmed by the EPA.

“It’s now just a matter of watch this space to see what they do and whether they appeal the notice.”

Risdon Vale Residents Garry Witt, Regina Williams, and Irena Luckus. Picture: Linda Higginson

Ms Williams said her and others were also watching closely to see if the company would continue to pursue approval of a development application for retrospective approval for “level two” industrial activity at the sites.

She said the community had little faith the company could operate at level two, without proving a disruption.

“It should not be approved because of the closeness to houses, to water and schools,” she said.

“If it is put forward, the group will put a submission in against it. We would urge the council to reject it.”

Ms Williams said action should have been taken sooner.

“Every issue we addressed with council had been ignored. We raised the same issues with the EPA, they were right onto it,” she said.

“The community are very disillusioned with the Clarence City Council.”

Residents of Risdon Vale who are upset about the dumping in the area. Picture: Linda Higginson

Clarence Council mayor Brendan Blomeley said the council was glad to see a “firm approach” by EPA.

“We expect Spectran to address all the issues in the Environmental Protection Notice as quickly as possible” he said.

He said the council did not ignore residents.

“Council continually referred the concerns of residents to the EPA as the governing authority, and worked directly with the EPA to assist its decision regarding the classification of activities occurring on site.

“It is not that council did not want to step in, we simply had no authority do so.”

“However, the root cause of this problem is not council or the EPA, it is Spectran not abiding by their permits.”

Labor Leader Dean Winter, who spoke in support of Risdon Vale residents earlier this year, said the EPN validated the concerns of residents.

Labor Member for Franklin Dean Winter listening to the concerns of the residents. Picture: Linda Higginson

“The EPN issued to Reprocess Tas is a major win for residents of Risdon Vale, the community has long called out the facility for undertaking unlawful activities at the site,” he said.

“The EPN has justified residents’ concerns and has rightfully called on the company to lift its game.”

A Reprocess Tas spokesperson said the operator was examining the notice and “working within its terms.”