The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has received an application for a pork rendering facility in Laverton North.
Submitted by JBS Pork Pty Ltd, the application requests permission to construct the proposed porcine rendering facility at 52-58 Pipe Road, which would neighbour the company’s current abattoir facility.
As part of the proposed site, a building dedicated to processing pork products will include enclosed material handling systems and an odour control system.
According to the application, any airborne residue will be captured and treated, whereas wastewater would also be treated on site before being discharged to a sewer and under an existing agreements the applicant has.
The proposed plant is set to only process porcine by-products and do so at a rate of 15 tonnes per hour.
The rendering process would convert the animal by-products into tallow, oils and protein heavy substances used in products such as stock feed, pet food, fertilisers and for other industrial purposes.
JBS Pork states that its proposed configuration will limit the need for additional truck movement and mitigate noise pollution and fumes in the area.
Several noise sources were identified in the application, which includes processing equipment, ventilation systems and vehicle movements.
JBS Pork said these potential noise risks would be managed through building design, operational controls and separation from residential areas.
The company purchased the site in November 2023, prior to which it was used as a sheep hide processing facility dating back to the 1950s.
The EPA is now assessing the application and has called for community members and those who may be affected to look at the proposal and submit feedback before they make a decision.
All feedback will be considered as part of the assessment process to determine whether the development complies with environmental regulations and minimises impacts on the surrounding area.
A separate planning permit application for the industrial use and development of the site was lodged with the Department of Transport and Planning in December last year.
To provide feedback by 11 March, visit: https://engage.vic.gov.au/jbs-pork-australia-pty-ltd-app048479
