The EPA has also directed the Warrnambool City Council to seek justification for Midfield's proposal for 24-hour, seven-day a week operations as part of the planning permit process.

The directions are part of an EPA report detailing the community’s views on Midfield's application for a works approval to develop the protein recovery plant and biofilter.  

After receiving an application from Midfield on August 9, the EPA held a community meeting on November 7 to allow residents to raise issues and concerns about the proposal.

The report details concerns raised at the meeting, chaired by Jennifer Lilburn, as well as written submissions the EPA's recommendations arising from both. 

Mrs Lilburn said community concerns about the proposal were varied and, in some cases, heightened “due to past performance on the part of the applicant”. 

“The EPA, Warrnambool City Council and The Midfield Group have critical roles to play in acknowledging concerns and working with community members to transparently and thoroughly explain how any potential impacts of the proposed development will be negated,” she said.

The report recommended that prior to determination of the works approval application, Midfield should undertake a series of actions at the EPA’s direction. 

These included verifying, through an independent odour assessment, the exact nature and extent of odour likely to be generated by the biofilter and providing supporting evidence of the successful application of both the protein recovery plant and biofilter technologies in comparable locations within close proximity of residential, educational and/or recreational uses, particularly regarding odour, air and noise emissions. 

Midfield Meat should also provide written assurance that the design, construction and operation of the protein recovery plant and biofilter will be compliant with relevant EPA policy and legislation parameters, and what contingency measures will be put in place in case of equipment or system failure.

To assist consideration of the planning permit application Warrnambool City Council should, according to the report, request justification as to why the proposal seeks 24-hour, seven-day a week operations, request a transport management plan and rationale for the current and proposed future mode of product transport being primarily via road, rather than rail. 

A works approval is required from the EPA, which must consider these recommendations, for any waste management activities that have the potential for significant environmental impacts.

The EPA will make a decision on the works approval by January 10.