An animal blood processing plant in Maryborough has applied to Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) for a development licence.

The application is for a new wastewater treatment plant and box dryer at the existing SONAC Australia (Pty Ltd) rendering plant on Maryborough-Dunolly Rd.

EPA will assess the SONAC application for any impacts to the environment including noise, odour, dust or water contamination issues.

If accepted the wastewater treatment plant would treat an average 13 kilolitres an hour. Upgrades to the plant would enable an increase in production capacity, with recycled water to be produced for reuse onsite and discharged to trade waste. 

The proposal is stage one of a projected two stage upgrade.

Public consultation between 22 March and 12 April 2022 is encouraged and you can make a submission and get more information by going to epa.vic.gov.au/sonac-pty-ltd

What is a development licence?

To perform prescribed activities that may cause harm, you must have a permission such as a licence, permit or registration. 

Permissions work alongside the general environmental duty, ensuring performance standards and conditions are met across a range of activities.

There are three tiers of permissions based on the level of risk to human health and the environment: 

            1. Licenses for high-risk prescribed activities.  

            2. Permits for medium-risk prescribed activities.  

            3. Registrations for low-risk prescribed activities.  

This risk-based approach means we can target different levels of risk with the right balance of permissions and conditions. Our Permissions scheme policy (publication 1799) outlines:  

            • your role, as the permission holder, in ensuring compliance and preventing harm  

            • what we consider when assessing an application for a permission  

            • how permissions work to manage the risks related to prescribed activities

Find out more at epa.vic.gov.au/for-business/new-laws-and-your-business/permissions