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VIC: Release of the IWMP and Guideline for combustible recyclable and waste material
04/09/2017
Source: EPA Victoria
The Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, the Hon Lily D’Ambrosio MP, on 29 August 2017 announced a new Interim Waste Management Policy for Resource Recovery Facilities. The IWMP gives EPA VIC additional powers to support fire agencies reduce the risk of fires at Victorian waste and resource recovery facilities. http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/category/ministers/minister-for-energy-environment-climate-change/
The IWMP applies to operators of sites that store a wide variety of combustible recyclable and waste material (CRWM) and requires storage of materials in a way that reduces risks to human health and the environment. The IWMP will remain in place for 12 months, during which time further solutions for improving fire safety at resource recovery facilities will be developed.
EPA has developed a new guideline, that sits under the IWMP, to support industry and provide practical guidance for implementing the requirements in the policy. The guideline was developed in partnership with other government agencies such as MFB, CFA, local councils and MWRRG as well as in consultation with waste industry and resource recovery representatives.
The guideline outlines requirements for a fire risk assessment, controls to reduce fire risk, a fire management plan and CRWM storage requirements for waste and resource facilities. The guideline will be used by EPA, CFA, MFB and operators of a broad definition of waste and resource recovery facilities to assess compliance with IWMP requirements. We will continue to work with industry towards long term solutions for recyclable materials.
The policy and guideline can be accessed here: www.epa.vic.gov.au/our-work/setting-standards/management-and-storage-of-crwm
If you have any questions in the meantime, please feel free to call EPA VIC on 1300 372 842 or email contact@epa.vic.gov.aucontact@epa.vic.gov.au.
