Despite receiving more than a 100 signatures, a petition against the proposed biosolids plant at St Leonards is unlikely to play an official part in the City of Launceston council's decision on the development.
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The council's community and place general manager Leanne Hurst recommended the petitioners be advised the development application would be considered by the council following the Environmental Protection Authority's decision, as was due process. Meaning the petition would not play a part in a decision.
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The petition amassed 104 signatures and asked the council to reject the 91 Blessington Road plant's DA citing potential impacts on nearby residents and ratepayers drinking water and air quality.
The proposed plant will initially process between 3000 to 5000 tonnes of biosolids annually from TasWater's northern sewerage treatment plants.
It will improve it from class three, which if untreated must be sent to landfill, to class two through a compost technique using wood chips. The resulting compost will be spread over 194 hectares.
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Biosolids are produced from the treatment of sewage, after the water is cleaned and discharged, it's the remaining solid sludge from toilets, sinks, dishwashers, washing machines and showers.
Due to legislation the DA had to go to the EPA first. Following a decision by the EPA, it will then be considered by the council, as the planning authority of the city.
Ms Hurst said it was not known when the EPA would make its decision but all who made DA representations would be notified when it was due before the council.
A final decision on the council's official response to the petition will be made on Thursday at the council's meeting.
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