It would involve laying a 90-millimetre polyethene pipe underground from the plant at Levys Point to a sewer pit at the corner of Dickson and Watson streets and a short 50m section across the Merri River to carry treated effluent into the Wannon water system.

Part of it would run across a Crown land conservation zone and some native vegetation would be removed. 

However, there is no description of a pumping station to move the effluent. 

The pipeline project follows an earlier round of  applications for upgrading the rendering plant  to improve efficiency, and capture methane gas. The former state government granted  $1.5 million towards the proposed   improvements.

Midfield will appear before the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal in April to object to the council’s failure last year to grant a timely decision on the upgrade.

The pipeline proposal, which has been advertised for submissions until February 2,  describes the sewerage main as “a key piece of infrastructure in the ongoing operation and sustainable management of the rendering plant”. 

There have been previous unsuccessful objections to the rendering plant which has operated since the 1970s, mainly over concerns due its proximity to wetlands and the rail trail. One objector told The Standard there were fears if the pipeline was built it would further  entrench the rendering plant remaining in a sensitive environmental area. 

Midfield is also keen to embark on multi-million-dollar expansions at its abattoir site which have also triggered objections. A special planning panel will sit next month.