By Barry Healy
SYDNEY — A dramatic dispute has erupted between NSW environment minister Pam Allan and the director general of the Environmental Protection Agency over the continued operation of the Waterloo waste processing incinerator. On August 8, Allan announced her desire to shut down the controversial plant, located next to the small working-class district of Zetland, whose operating licence was due to expire on August 13.
The EPAs Dr Neil Shepherd immediately contradicted her at a press conference, saying: "The incinerator, as it is currently operating, is not believed to be a threat to public health". He added that he had just extended the plants operating licence for a year.
The EPA decision contradicts its own test data, which show that highly levels of carcinogenic dioxin in the plant's gas emissions and ash residues severely breach acceptable levels.
Sydney faces a crisis in waste landfill, producing a debate around alternative waste disposal methods. The Eastern Suburbs Waste Management Inquiry reported in December that the best solution would be to shut the incinerator after developing a "cluster park" of recycling industries to sort and process waste, and produce materials such as compost, recycled building materials and repaired household goods.
According to Pam Allan, the NSW government is prepared to spend $650,000 establishing the facility, which would require 18 months' "lead time". Unfortunately, the state Waste Service has stalled on the report's findings for eight months, creating the opportunity for the EPA to intervene.
According to Anne Brown, secretary of the Zetland Community Action Group, "The EPA seem to be acting as the public relations arm of the incinerators owners. We are calling for full testing and for the shutting of the plant."
[Barry Healy is waste project officer with South Sydney City Council.]