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Fish Processing Plant
Environmental Effects Report
for Huon Valley Seafoods Pty Ltd
at 49 Wilmot Rd, HUONVILLE
May 2010
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 2
Contact Details for Environmental Effects Report:
Ambrose Coad & Stephen Oates
49 Wilmot Road, Huonville
TAS 7109
03 6264 1700
C Cover page photo: Photo of
Refer to this report as: SEAM; 2010. Fish Processing Plant Environmental Effects Report. Huon Valley Seafoods Pty Ltd
(version 5 - May 2010)
Sustainable Environmental Assessment and Management [SEAM] 1
PO Box 2064, Lower Sandy Bay 7005
160 New Town Rd, NEW TOWN 7008
Mobile 0419 330 686 Phone (03) 6228 1600 Fax 6228 1700
Email [email protected]
1 SEAM is an environmental consultancy service specialising in a range of environmental management services including environmental assessments and environmental management plans for new and
existing developments. An aspect of the work is to strive for sustainable management of our resources.
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 3
SUMMARY
This Environmental Effects Report (EER) has been prepared to provide supporting
information to the Board of the Environment Protection Authority under Section 27 of the Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994. The Huon Valley
Council have advised that the current approved use of the site is Light Industry and
that no planning approval would be required for the proposed increase in production
to 3000 tonnes per annum, subject to the operating hours remaining at 7am to 7pm
Monday to Saturday.
The following parameters form the basis of the development:
a maximum of approximately 3,000 tonnes per annum of fish will be processed;
and
products will mainly consist of marine farmed salmon, and other fish products on
a much smaller scale (E.g. shell fish, trawl fish and fish harvested on a seasonal
basis. Salmon from Macquarie Harbour will not be processed at this facility.
The key environmental management issues and recommended measures to mitigate
impacts are listed:
1. The operations will continue to focus on dry, clean up of any fish waste and
diligent attention to management of floor drains to minimise any solids to the
sewer.
2. Wastewater will be disposed of to the existing sewage connection within the
premises. Discharge levels will not exceed any trade waste agreement.
3. Solid fish waste will be taken off site by Veolia to the existing fish meal plant at
Triabunna. Solid fish waste will be stored in marked crates in a coolroom and
held for not greater than 48 hours.
4. Odour management is linked to attention to good house keeping. Good
housekeeping will continue to be a feature of the fish processing operations by
Huon Valley Seafoods.
5. Noise management will be managed in accordance with recommendations of a
specialist noise report prepared for the site.
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 4
CONTENTS
SUMMARY ...................................................................................................... 3
FOREWORD .................................................................................................... 7
PART A - PROPONENT INFORMATION ........................................................ 8
Operator and Tennant ............................................................................................................ 8
Building Owner .................................................................................................................... 8
PART B - PROJECT DESCRIPTION ............................................................ 10
Description of Project ......................................................................................................... 10 Project Timetable ................................................................................................................ 14
Project Area & Site Plan ..................................................................................................... 15 Statutory Approvals ............................................................................................................ 15
PART C - POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS.................................. 16
1. Flora and Fauna............................................................................................................... 16
2. Rivers, creeks, wetlands & estuaries ................................................................................ 16
3. Significant Areas ............................................................................................................. 16
4. Coastal Zone ................................................................................................................... 16
5. Marine Areas .................................................................................................................. 17
6. Air Emissions (includes odour) ........................................................................................ 17
7. Wastewater Management................................................................................................. 18
8. Solid Waste Management ................................................................................................ 23
9. Noise .............................................................................................................................. 24
10. Transport Impacts.......................................................................................................... 26
11. Other off Site Impacts ................................................................................................... 26
12. Dangerous Goods and Chemicals ................................................................................... 27
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 5
13. Site Contamination ........................................................................................................ 28
14. Cultural & Aboriginal Heritage...................................................................................... 28
15. Sites of High Public Interest .......................................................................................... 28
16. Rehabilitation ................................................................................................................ 28
17. Council Information Requirements ................................................................................ 28
18. External Risks ............................................................................................................... 28
19. Public Health................................................................................................................. 29
20. Sustainability ................................................................................................................ 30
21. Monitoring & Review.................................................................................................... 30
22. Responsibilities ............................................................................................................. 32
PART D - ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMITMENTS ................. 34
PART E - CONSULTATION PROCESS ........................................................ 37
REFERENCES .............................................................................................. 38
APPENDIX A - RELEVANT STATUTORY APPROVALS .............................. 39
APPENDIX B – NOISE MEASUREMENTS AND ANALYSIS ........................ 45
APPENDIX C – HUON VALLEY COUNCIL ADVICE ON DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION ............................................................................................... 61
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 6
LIST OF FIGURES
1. Aerial photo of Site
2. Location Plan
3. Site Plan
4. Flow chart of Fish Processing Operations
6. Vegetation
7. Drainage Plan – Wastewater and Stormwater
List of Tables
Table 1 Proposed Timetable
Table 2 List of Statutory Approvals Held by Huon Valley Seafoods
Table 3 Refrigerant Gases
Table 4 List of Potential External Risks
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 7
FOREWORD
Huon Valley Seafoods (HVS) has operated since September 2000 as a major processor of
Atlantic Salmon for both Spring Smoked Seafoods and Huon Aquaculture at their Port Huon
site.
In May 2008 the premises at Port Huon was sold to Huon Aquaculture and Huon Valley
Seafoods moved to the current premises at 49 Wilmot Rd Huonville. The premises was originally set up as a fruit processing plant and then in 1995 it was taken over by Osprey
Seafoods Pty Ltd for processing abalone.
Additional to this HVS has been a major supplier of other services to industry within the
Huon area including cold storage, blast freezing and ice production. The company has been
handling and freezing apples, fish heads and frames for pet food, apple juice and Atlantic
Salmon.
Following the sale of the Port Huon site most of these services have been carried out at the
current HVS site at 49 Wilmot Road, Huonville, which has included handling up to 3000 tonnes of product annually. This has all been under the above services of freezing, handling
and storage.
Loss of HVS customers has meant a reduction in work at the site. Therefore HVS is now looking to cover this loss by the expansion of the processing side from the current Level 1 of
100 tonnes of processing to approximately 3000 tonnes per annum. This requires HVS to
move to a Level 2A or 2B permit under the Environmental Management & Pollution Control Act 1994. The class of assessment as to 2A or 2B has to be determined by the Director of the
EPA.
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 8
PART A - PROPONENT INFORMATION
Operator and Tennant
Huon Valley Seafoods Pty Ltd 49 Wilmot Rd, Huonville Tasmania 7109
03 62641700
ABN 41 094 760 246
Building Owner
Huon Valley Seafoods Pty Ltd 49 Wilmot Rd, Huonville
Tasmania 7109
03 62641700
ABN 41 094 760 246
9
Figure 1 - Aerial
photo of Site
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010
10
PART B - PROJECT DESCRIPTION
1. Description of Project
An EER is required as Huon Valley Seafoods (HVS) intend to extend their operations
from freezing and packing of fish and a small amount of processing of fish to contract
processing of salmon and other fish products to a maximum of approximately 3,000
tonnes per annum of fish. The EER aims to provide assessment and management of
any potential environmental impacts as a result of the addition of contract processing
of fish at the factory.
The following form the basis of the application:
the amount to be processed is approximately 3,000 tonnes per annum, and
products will consist mostly of marine farmed salmon, shellfish, trawl fish and
other fish harvested on a seasonal basis.
The property is situated at 49 Wilmot Road Huonville (see Figure 1). The area is
Light Industrial with several other businesses surrounding the premises as well as
several dwellings located at the front of the premises on Wilmot Rd.
A Location Plan is shown in Figure 2.
The existing factory layout which will not change in the short term as shown in
Figure 3. It is noted that a proposed freezer extension has already been approved by
the Huon Valley Council and this project will proceed in the next financial year.
The steps in the processing of fish and fish products are outlined in Figure 4. Fish
will be delivered to the factory by truck and unloaded to cool storage by a forklift.
Fish will usually arrive in sufficient time for processing so as to be ready for delivery
to market by the next morning. The business will continue to operate between 7am
and 7 pm Monday to Saturday
The fish will be processed in modern stainless steel equipment and stored on ice for
transport to market. The fish to be processed will be mainly Atlantic Salmon from
local fish farms. There will be no processing of fish from Macquarie Harbour. Fish
will be placed in a blast freezer or one of several coolrooms and be loaded into trucks
and transported to market.
The site infrastructure will include existing factory facilities and an approved but yet
to be constructed cool store on the south-west site boundary. The new cool store will
also reduce any operational noise (See later section of Noise Management).
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 11
Figure 2 - Location Plan
Huon Valley
Seafoods
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 12
Figure 3 - Site Plan
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 13
Figure 4 - General Process Flow Diagram for Seafood Processing Operations
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 14
Project Timetable
Months ending
Activity 30/4/10 21/5/10 30/6/10 Post
1/7/10
Consultation with all relevant agencies
Planning Application
determined by Council and EER to Environment Division
Commence contract processing
Issue of permit for 10/11
Table 1 – Proposed Timetable
Due to the fact that this is an existing operation the timeframe and assessment process
will hopefully tie in with the commencement of the contract pack date of 30 June
2010 2.
2 Up to 30 June 2010 the amount of fish to be processed will be less than 100 tonnes
per annum.
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 15
2. Project Area & Site Plan
Statutory Approvals Huon Valley Seafoods Pty Ltd currently operates under an Australian Quarantine Inspection
Services rating of an “A” Establishment and intends to continue this top rating standard of
processing. It has the following approvals at its Huonville operations:
LEGISLATION PERMIT JURISDICATION
Export Control Act 1982 Certificate of Registration of an Export Registered Establishment – Registration
# 26
Australian Quarantine Inspection Service of
Department of Agriculture
Fisheries and Forestry
Export Control (Fish and
Fish Products ) Orders 2005
Approval of the Delegate of an
Approved Arrangement
Australian Quarantine
Inspection Service of Department of Agriculture
Fisheries and Forestry
Fisheries Management Act
1991
Fish Receiver Permit # 2846 Australian Fisheries
Management Authority
Food Act 2003 Certificate of Registration of a Food
Business
Huon Valley Council
Living Marine Resources
Management Act 1995
Fish Processing Licence Department of Primary
Industries Water
Corporation Act 2001 Certificate of the Registration of a
Company
Australian Securities &
Investment Commission
Table 2 – List of Statutory Approvals held by Huon Valley Seafoods.
These permits are shown in Appendix A.
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 16
PART C - POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL
EFFECTS
This section describes how the operations are to be managed and operated so as to meet
satisfactory environmental performance standards. It is a statement of proposed service and
potential environmental impacts in the context of adding contract processing of fish to the existing fish storage and handling operations. The development does not require a
Development Application under the Land Use Planning and Approval Act 1993 as determined
by the Huon Valley Council (Appendix C). However as the amount of fish to be processed
will reach level of greater than 100 tonnes of products, an assessment is required by the Board of the Environment Protection Authority (EPA). It is anticipated that the EPA will issue an
environmental protection notice based on this EER for ongoing environmental regulation.
Huon Valley Seafoods Pty. Ltd. is committed to meeting and exceeding all contemporary
environmental standards. It meets its environmental duty and seeks to obtain a Level 2
approval under the Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994 for the operations.
The EER is structured by listing the potential environmental impacts for each aspect, and then
evaluating the impacts and providing measures to mitigate any significant impacts.
1. Flora and Fauna The factory is located behind residential dwellings in Wilmot Road, Huonville and the
facilities cover the entire site, with no remaining vegetation apart from a small strip of lawn along the northern boundary. It is intended to landscape the northern perimeter of the site
with trees. The eastern permitter is already landscaped with a hedge and the southern
permitter boarder other Light Industrial activities (Red Shed Restorations and Total Auto Mechanics). The western permitter extends across open pasture to the Huon River some
250m away.
2. Rivers, creeks, wetlands & estuaries The site is 250m east of the Huon River. Stormwater is collected in the Council stormwater
management system and is discharged to the Huon River.
3. Significant Areas There are no significant reserves within 1 km of the factory. There are sports grounds on the other side of Wilmot Street and the Huonville High School is over 500m to the north also on
the eastern side of Wilmot Rd.
4. Coastal Zone The site is located 250 metres east of the Huon River. It has no coastal impacts.
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 17
5. Marine Areas The site is not located in or near any Marine Areas.
6. Air Emissions (includes odour)
Air Emissions Potential Environmental Impacts The major sources of air emissions are:
odours from existing waste in contracted waste transport vehicles
fugitive odours from the fish on receival odours from the solid waste skip bins when being loaded to trucks
any rotten or putrid fish from the processing chain that may emanate from the factory
Factory Emissions Impact Evaluation The premises are positioned to minimise odours as it is surrounded by open space on all sides.
A car park is located at the factory front and provides a buffer zone to yards of three dwellings located on Wilmot Road. A large hedge screens the factory from these dwellings
The most effective way to minimise any odours is to ensure that fish waste is stored in the
coolroom and taken off site as soon as is practicable after processing operations. This measure ensures efficient processing operations and is a sound management practice. The
premises are run on mains electricity so there are no other air emissions.
Air Emissions Mitigation Measures Air emissions are to comply with the relevant provisions of the Environment Protection
Policy (Air Quality)3. The relevant section in the Schedule states that if the regulatory
authority is satisfied that an odour from an activity is likely to cause environmental harm or
an environmental nuisance, the authority should require that the odour emission from the
source not exceed the odour criteria specified in Schedule 3 at or beyond the boundary of the land on which the source is located. Schedule 3 of the policy states that odour emissions
should not exceed 2 odour units for one hour at modelled 99.9% ile concentration. This level
is unlikely to cause complaints from people with normal odour sensitivity.
HVS aims to ensure that nuisance odours will not be detected to any significant degree
beyond the boundary of the premises as determined by odour modelling. HVS will operate a
detection system for nuisance odours which includes checking for fugitive sources regularly.
Greenhouse Gases With respect to green house gas emissions, there is no prior measurement of greenhouse gas
emissions for the operations. The operations have relied on main electricity as well as slow
combustion engine or diesel vehicles and refrigerant units. There are a total of four refrigerant units as follows:
1 blast freezer
1 holding freezer
3 The Environment Protection Policy (Air Quality) 2004.
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 18
2 small chillers
The refrigerant units use the following refrigerant gases.
Refrigerant Gases
404A / 507 a mixture of gases including tetrafluoroethane
Table 3 - Refrigerant Gases
Gas 404A is a relatively new refrigerant gas and it does not contain any ozone depleting substances. The usage will be R404A / 507. Therefore the emission of greenhouse gases is
considered to be negligible.
The units will be serviced by Kibbey and Cooper Refrigeration Pty Ltd
Another coolroom is proposed to be installed in the north west corner of the property. It is
also proposed to landscape the property boundaries so as to provide a visual and amenity
improvement to the premises.
7. Wastewater Management
Wastewater Potential Environmental Impacts The most significant potential environmental impact is if fish processing wastewater were to
seep into the stormwater system. However this is extremely unlikely as all drains in the factory drain to the sewer system.
Wastewater Impacts Evaluation Figure 5 shows the floor drainage system for the collection of wastewater at the factory. The
wastewater collection system for the facility has been designed based on state of the art fish
processing plants as originally set by for abalone processing. Essentially the system of management by HVS is based on a waste minimization approach where floor waste is
collected by a dry clean up with broom prior to any hosing down of the floors. In the factory
there are drainage catchpoints as shown in Figure 5.
The drains have a double stainless steel mesh with openings of approximately 5 mm.
Following this initial floor waste dry clean up, the floors are thoroughly cleaned by hosing, as
the factory has an existing concrete floor and drainage system. All floor waste drains to an existing septic tank estimated to be 2700 Litres. The tank is accessible and amenities waste
discharge into the system below the tank.
The existing 2700-litre tank has been installed to allow for the processing of bulky fish and if
there is a need to hold the solids. Solids will be removed as required. The wastewater drains
to Southern Water’s sewage system at Ranelagh. A permit to discharge trade waste to sewer will be obtained from Southern Water. The maximum amount of anticipated to be discharged
to sewer is 7.8 kL / day however processing will usually only occur 3 days per week and the
existing 2700-litre tank will buffer loads to the system.
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 19
Fish wastewater from the proposed contract processing conducted monitoring of its
wastewater stream in 2009 as recommended and advised by Southern Water. Results are listed in the table below with an average for each parameters provided as well as the
Standards for Acceptance of Liquid Trade Waste to Sewer obtained from the Tasmanian
Plumbing Regulations. Those results that are above the recommended standard are shown as shaded.
Laboratory results of samples are attached at the end of this report.
Analyte Units Mean Standards for
acceptance of Liquid
Trade Waste to
Sewers
pH 6.5 6 - 10
Conductivity µS/cm 1499
TSS mg/L 707
Ammonia mg-N/L 1.95
100
Nitrogen T mg-N/L 130 150
Phosphorus T mg-P/L 11.4 50
Oil & Grease mg/L 171 200
BOD mgO2/L 1400 600
COD mgO2/L 3266 1500
MBAS mg/L <0.25 500
Table 4 - Results of Monitoring of Contract Fish processing Wastewater
It is apparent from the results that 2 parametres exceed the Plumbing Regulations for the
Biological Oxygen Demand and the Chemical Oxygen Demand. Obviously the wastewater from the fish processing operations will contain relatively high BOD due to some blood
entering the wastewater stream. It is proposed however that the contract processing of fish
will be managed by separating out congealed blood and conduct dry clean ups prior to hosing
down the premises. Wastewater will also be held in septic tanks so that the quantities of wastewater are managed.
Wastewater Mitigation Measures It is proposed that all solid matter shall be removed from the floors by sweeping prior to the
floors being thoroughly hosed into the drainage system.
The discharge of solid matter and pollutants in liquid waste shall be prevented by all practical
means including:
good housekeeping, provision of adequate containers to avoid loss to the floor the control of spillages by sweeping, brooming, shovelling, vacuum cleaning,
impoundment
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 20
pumping out of sludgy wastes from the separation tank if necessary (capacity 2700 litres) which is on the sewer line
separating out congealed blood and conduct dry clean ups prior to hosing down the
premises
installation of further steel mesh in drainage points
To achieve this end HVS will have comprehensive operating instructions and thorough
training and supervision of employees and contractors on site. Cleaning schedules will be conducted in accordance with the Hygiene Cleaning program outlined below.
HVS has applied for a Trade Waste Agreement to Southern Water.
Stormwater will discharge to the Council storm water system which drains to the Huon River.
All process water will be chlorinated and readings taken once daily by the Production Manager. The readings will be recorded on the Daily Hygiene Report. A residual chlorine
level will be maintained.
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 21
Figure 5 - Drainage Plan: Wastewater and Stormwater
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 22
HYGIENE CLEANING PROGRAM
The Food Processing Accreditation Manual of HVS details the Hygiene Cleaning program as
follows: EQUIPMENT, TABLES AND APRONS
Hosed down and scrubbed with chlorofoam after each production day and rinsed thoroughly
with a high-pressure hose. FLOORS AND DRAINS
Cleaned daily after production, with a high-pressure hose and Hypochlorite. Steam cleaned at
end of each production run. WALLS
Cleaned daily, with high-pressure hose after production.
Scrubbed with cholrofoam and rinsed thoroughly with high-pressure hose when soiled.
Steam cleaned at the end of each production run. CEILINGS AND LIGHTS
Scrubbed and cleaned with chlorofoam when soiled.
LUNCHROOM, TOILETS AND AMENITIES
Cleaned daily, after production with chlorofoam.
Soap dispensers and paper towel dispensers checked daily.
EDIBLE PRODUCT CONTAINERS AND BINS
Rinsed, scrubbed with chlorofoam and rinsed thoroughly with high-pressure hose after each
production day.
INEDIBLE PRODUCT CONTAINERS (Black)
Rinsed, scrubbed with chlorofoam and rinsed thoroughly with high pressure hose daily after
each production day.
CHILLER
Scrubbed and cleaned with high-pressure hose and chlorofoam when empty, at least once per
week. Cleaned daily, with high-pressure water in vacant areas.
TRANSPORT BINS
Cleaned with high-pressure water, immediately after emptying.
Scrubbed when Soiled.
EXTERIOR
Concrete hosed with high-pressure water immediately after receival of product and at the end
of each production day. Exterior grounds and building maintained on a regular basis as
required.
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 23
8. Solid Waste Management
Solid Waste Potential Environmental Impacts Solid wastes are generated throughout the process of fish manufacturing at the following sources:
fish heads, and gut from the filleting line
fish skins from the skinning line putrid or rotten fish
miscellaneous packaging, domestic and commercial waste
Discharge of solid matter and pollutants in liquid waste is and will continue to be prevented
by all practical means with:
good housekeeping
provision of adequate containers to avoid loss to the floor the control of spillages by sweeping, brooming, shovelling, vacuum cleaning
impoundment and pumping out of sludges and solid wastes and collected in a separation
tank (capacity 2700 litres) which is on site.
Solid Waste Impacts Evaluation All solid wastes are to be stored in separate trays and deposited to a skip bin for daily
removal.
All solid wastes handled within the premises shall be contained as far as practicable to
prevent spillage. All wastes stored at the premises shall be held in a leak proof container,
which shall be fitted with a weather proof and animal resistant cover. The cover shall be used
at all times when waste is held in the container. These containers will be clearly marked “waste product only”.
All solid waste will be removed from the premises only by contractors with a current Waste Transport Business Environment Protection Notice licence. It is proposed that Veolia or
another licensed waste transport business continue to take solid waste, as is currently done.
Solid Waste Mitigation Measures All solid waste will be removed to a refuse disposal site or rendering plant licensed and
approved in accordance with the EMPCA. All solid waste is intended to be removed from premises within 48 hours or as soon as is practicable after. It is proposed that Veolia take
solid waste to the Triabunna fish meal plant for processing and it is hoped that in the future
fish gut will also be reused. A contingency is for fish gut to be blast frozen and exported to Asia or failing this sent to George Town Seafoods for making to silage.
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 24
9. Noise
Noise Potential Environmental Impacts The main source of noise from the proposed fish processing plant is the refrigeration units used to run the cool rooms. Figure 6 below shows the location of a blast freezer refrigerant
unit (NW of Factory) and three other refrigerant units (SW of factory).
Transport noise is generated from pan techs and other heavy vehicles associated with general industrial activities. Wilmot Road is a major arterial road for traffic travelling to Ranelagh.
Transport impacts are discussed in the next section on Traffic Movements.
The surrounding areas are not tranquil and have noise levels commensurate with a light
industrial area (Ambient back noise levels are at 49d (B)A).
Noise Impact Evaluation Noise emissions from the existing premises have not been a significant issue apart from a
complaint from a resident to the west of the premises in 2009. This noise has been subject to an investigation and report by Pearu Terts Noise Consultant (See Appendix B). Noise
monitoring was conducted on 2/3/09 and 12/5/09. The report was commissioned to identify
the source of any noise and as a consequence works were undertaken to reduce noise levels. It is reported that the house in question is double brick with ceiling insulation and the
windows appear to be the main noise conduit. The blast freezer operates for 24 hours stints
post harvest for various clients at different times of the year and was identified as the source
of the noise.
The property is located approximately 200m away and is by no means the closest neighbour
(there are three dwellings on the eastern side of the factory that front Wilmot Rd). There is also a Furniture Restorer, known as the Red Shed, located adjacent to the factory on the SW
of the site and an auto repairer next to it on Wilmot Rd adjacent to the driveway into HVS.
In summary this is a light industrial area with a commensurate ambient background noise levels and the proposed processing is not expected to lead to an increase in noise levels. The
statistical noise analysis indicated that the area is not tranquil. Rural areas are not usually
tranquil because of farming and associated activities. Wilmot Rd carries traffic including log trucks early in the morning can be heard with an average maximum noise level of 48 dB(A).
The night time noise of the plant according to Mr Terts is likely to be heard at 9 dB(A) less
that is 39 dB(A).
It was reported that the noise level is likely to be acceptable although marginally, because of
the presence of the tonal component which makes low level noises annoying.
The owner of the dwelling that was the subject to the noise complaint to the west has a
proposed subdivision before Council proposed on the south eastern side see Figure 6. Huon
Valley Seafoods has no objection to this subdivision provided that their rights to continue to operate their business is not jeopardised.
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 25
Noise Mitigation Measures This issue is being addressed by HVS through the adoption of the recommendations of the
independent noise report. Some enclosures and dampening treatment has been undertaken on
the plant. HVS have also positioned some containers along the south west corner to mitigate the noise impacts. The results of these noise abatement measures has resulted in an ambient
operational noise level L90 = 56d(B)A (11am) and ambient operational noise level L90 =
47.5d(B)A (9.40pm).
The report provides further recommendation as listed below:
The acoustic integrity of the compressor room can be improved;
The plant could be made to be vibration isolated from the enclosing roof and walls
Provide an “acoustic boot” for the small square hole near the door and the an acoustic
noise barrier be installed around the roof mounted fan (i.e. an acoustically lined inner skin of perforated metal with sound absorbing material about 1.5m high)
Consider installing intelligent Reversing Beeper to any vehicles operating on site
(E.g. forklift trucks)
Instigate the practice of sliding material off trucks rather than dropping the material
onto the ground
HVS intend to adopt these practices in a staged approach. It is also proposed to install a
permanent coolroom in the south west corner (see Figures 3 and 6) as a further mitigation
measure. A program of screen plantings of native vegetation is also proposed for the site.
Of note is that HVS have excellent relations with the neighbouring houses and are in regular
communication about their operations. HVS understand any potential noise issues and have been willing to take steps to abate any noise concerns.
Figure 6 – Location of Development with potential Noise Generation points and nearest Noise
Receptors
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 26
10. Transport Impacts The traffic movements to the factory have been ongoing since the plant was established over
10 years ago. Recent traffic movements over the last year as reported by HVS were:
Apple deliveries In - February to August three trucks per day into the factory 3 times
per day for 3 day as per week (subtotal = 252 movements)
Apple deliveries Out - February to August two 20 tonne trucks per month (subtotal =
14)
Fish Head and Frame deliveries In – one truck in per day and 2 trucks out per month
(subtotal = 240 + 24 = 264)
Frozen Fish Deliveries – November – April one truck in per day for 6 days per week
and one truck out per day 4 days week (subtotal = 240)
Total Truck movements with existing operations = 870 per annum
With the change to contract fish processing the following transport movements are
anticipated:
Frozen Fish Deliveries – November – April one truck in per day for 6 days per week
and one truck out per day 4 days week (subtotal = 240)
Contract Fish processing – 3 trucks in per week and 3 trucks out per week ( subtotal =
300
Total Truck movements with proposed operations = 540 per annum
Also contract fish processing will lead to more staff movements in their own cars
however the noise impact is not considered to be of the same level as truck noise impacts.
Fort lift trucks will continue to operate with loading and unloading.
Assumptions include breaks on Public Holidays and no processing on Sundays,
operations remain between 7 am and 7 pm
It therefore can be concluded that the transport movements for HVS will in act decrease
to 60% of current traffic movement with the proposed change to the addition on contract
fish processing.
11. Other off Site Impacts There are not considered to be any other impacts apart from those listed herein. The nearest dwellings are located at the front of the premises on Wilmot Road.
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 27
12. Dangerous Goods and Chemicals
Hazardous Waste Potential Environmental Impacts Chemical Storage
The chemicals proposed to be stored on site include ezychlor (Sodium Hypochlorite) for
sterilizing the premises. It will be stored separately and handled under strict supervision of the Quality Control Officer. The quantity to be stored is five containers each of 25 litres.
Other chemicals used include:
Alcafoam CL (Foaming chlorinated detergent / sanitiser
Pur – hand 321B (Liquid hand cleaner) Pur-Chlor 127B (Bleach and Steriliser) installed in line
Sewer – Cide (Sewer Cleansing concentrate)
Refrigerant gases including a mixture of gases such as tetrafluoroethane
All chemicals are suitably labelled with warning of toxicity, and directions for use in the
premises. Generators will operate the coolrooms and there is some storage of petrochemical
oils for maintenance. MSD sheets are all held on site.
Hazardous Waste Impact Evaluation There will be very small quantities of hazardous wastes and there are considered to be very
minor environmental issue for this activity.
Hazardous Waste Mitigation Measures All chemicals are suitably labelled with warning of toxicity, and directions for use in the
premises. None of the hazardous materials stored on site requires a Dangerous Goods
Licence. Generators operate the coolrooms and there is some storage of petrochemical oils for
maintenance.
All chemicals, pesticides and poisons will be stored separately and handled under strict
supervision of QC Officer/Manager. All chemicals are to be suitably labelled with warnings of toxicity, and directions for use in premises.
The Manager is responsible for all cleaning programs and trains new personnel on correct cleaning procedures before commencing work.
Any bunding requirements shall be in accordance with the Dangerous Goods Regulations
1998 (Part 7, Section 44), AS 1940 (1993) and AS 3780 (1994). No Dangerous Goods licences are required. As a minimum, all bunding should be impervious to the materials
stored in the bunds and be able to contain at least 110% of the volume of the largest vessel
stored in the bund.
If there is a release of any hazardous material then the Manager will advise both the EPA
Director of Environmental Management and the Huon Valley Council. Containment and
bunding in accordance with the Material Safety Data Sheets will be followed so as to prevent any adverse impacts to the community surrounding the plant.
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 28
13. Site Contamination Before being taken over by HVS, the site was used as an abalone canning (retort processing factory) and at one time a fruit processing factory. A full site history has not been undertaken
and the history of pesticide or other chemical storage is unknown. Therefore the site status
should reflect this history and prior to any future change of use to more sensitive use such as residential sue, a detailed site history should be undertaken. However the current and
proposed use will remain as light industrial therefore site contamination investigation is not
considered to be a necessary step with this development.
14. Cultural & Aboriginal Heritage The site has no known cultural or Aboriginal heritage values and the land is not listed on the
any heritage register.
15. Sites of High Public Interest There are no known sites of any high public interest. The premises are located in a light
industrial zone.
16. Rehabilitation The plant and equipment at the premises are all of standard operational condition. The
processing facilities are all stainless steel and there is an existing drainage system for an
existing factory. If the premises close, all portable equipment will be removed and the
premises vacated.
17. Council Information Requirements The premises are in the Huon Valley Light Industrial Zone and connected to both a reticulated sewer system and a reticulated water and storm water system (see Part 7 liquid effluent for
details). It is proposed to employ up to 30 staff. The premises will operate up to 6 days per
week between 7 am and 7 pm. .
18. External Risks HVS has an Emergency Plan for its Huonville premises. The table below lists the likely
emergency events and the mitigation measures to deal with such emergencies
ISSUE MITIGATION STRATEGY Power failure Stop processing, store all fish into coolrooms
and DO NOT OPEN COOLROOMS until power returns, on resumption of power
monitor fish in accordance with Food Safety
Standards
Public safety of premises Premises has an alarm system Table 4 – List of Potential External Risks
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 29
19. Public Health The main public health issues are addressed under the following subheadings.
Fly Control If a problem with flies is discovered during a pre operation inspection a fogging knock down fly spray “Settling Day” will be used before production commences. A complete wash down
after fogging would be employed. The same format would be employed if during production
a fly problem existed. A complete clearance of product and the above format will be implemented.
Vermin Control Bait stations will be highlighted in yellow on an internal premises plan. Bait stations to be
clearly labelled “POISON” and are checked weekly by the Manager/QC Officer and recorded
on the Hygiene and Premises Report. HVS engage a reputable pest control firm to bait the premises once per month and report and check all the base stations.
Communicable Diseases HVS has adopted the following procedure with respect to communicable diseases:
No Person, while known or suspected to be suffering from, or to be a carrier of a disease
likely to be transmitted through processed food or while affected with infected wounds, skin infections, sores or diarrhoea, is permitted to work in any food handling area in the
capacity in which there is a likelihood of such a person directly or indirectly
contaminating food with pathogenic micro-organisms.
Any person so affected must immediately report their illness to management.
Injuries Any person who has a cut or wound must not continue to handle processed food or food
contact surfaces until the injury is completely protected by a water proof covering which is firmly secured, and which is conspicuous in colour.
Personal Cleanliness A person in a food handling area must maintain a high degree of personal cleanliness. A
person must not wear any jewellery when engaged in preparing processed food except sleeper
earrings and plain wedding rings.
A person must not wear fingernail varnish if handling food with bare hands.
A person must not engage in any behaviour which could result in contamination of processed
food, such as eating, smoking, chewing anything such as gum, sticks, tobacco or betel nuts, or
any other unhygienic behaviour in food handling areas.
A person who will be engaged in handling food must wash his or her hands at the following
times:
on entering the food handling area immediately after using the toilet
after touching the nose or mouth
after handling contaminated material whenever necessary to avoid contaminating the food in the area
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 30
A person who will be engaged in handling food must wash and disinfect his or her hands
immediately after handling any material, which might be capable of transmitting disease.
Protective Clothing A person in a food handling area must at all times:
(a) wear suitable protective clothing and footwear
(b) wear a head-covering that encloses the hair (c) if medium or high risk food is prepared in the area and the person has a beard or
moustache, or both wear a head covering that encloses the scalp hair, and the beard or
moustache, or both; and (d) if the person is wearing gloves – ensure that the gloves are in a sound, clean and
sanitary condition
If a person wears disposable gloves or other disposable protective clothing in a food handling area, the gloves or other clothing must be discarded after use and must not be reused.
Protective clothing worn by a person in a food handling area must not have an outer breast pocket and must be light coloured; and either washable or disposable.
A person in a food handling area must keep protective clothing clean so as not to present a risk of contamination to the processed food.
Protective outer clothing (including footwear, overalls, aprons, headwear and gloves) used in
a food handling area must not be worn outside the establishment.
New and existing personnel are informed of the above hygiene requirements. All personnel
are supervised and trained by the Manager/QC Officer.
20. Sustainability HVS are committed to ensuring the operations meet sustainability principals as much as
possible. They will incorporate several key environmental initiatives including and not limited to:
The existence of a sealed car park with storm water collection points Installation of their own ice making facility and appropriate disinfection procedures
Compliance with full AQIS requirements for export of their product
Continued use of the existing 2700 septic tank as a tool for pre-treatment / capture of any sludgy waste generated
Landscaping and bordering with native plants and trees
21. Monitoring & Review Monitoring is to be conducted in two parts – quarantine and environmental.
As part of the quarantine requirements there will be a comprehensive program of monitoring
for the following aspects of the operations:
ice water chlorination
sanitation
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 31
Ice is to be manufactured from potable standard water, which conforms to Export Control
(Processed Food) Orders – Schedule 2, 24.1. The water is to be sampled not less than
monthly during periods of operation, or more frequently if required. Samples are to be analysed at a NATA registered laboratory and records are to be retained on the premises.
AQIS regional office to be notified in writing by fax within 2 working days of receipt of the
results of examination of any sample of water / ice if it does not comply with the following
any E. coli per 100 ml more than 10 coliform organisations per 100 ml
any two consecutive samples containing 1 to 10 coliforms per 100 ml
any three samples containing 1 to 10 coliforms per 100 ml in any consecutive 12 month period
There is to be a chlorination program for processing water. All process water will be
chlorinated and readings taken once daily by the Production Manager. The readings are recorded on the Daily Hygiene Report. A residual chlorine level will be maintained.
HVS is to have a Listeria sampling and testing program. Listeria analysis results are to be kept on the premises and are to be available for inspection by authorised AQIS personnel.
Testing will be performed by a NATA registered laboratory.
Environmental monitoring will occur with respect to:
wastewater quality and quantity
odour audits
solid waste generation
Wastewater monitoring for quality and quantity will occur as part of a Trade Waste
Agreement with Southern Water. Compliance with water quality objectives of the sewage discharge is expected to be met. Parameters to be analysed will be:
pH
temperature Chemical Oxygen Demand
Biological Oxygen Demand
Total Suspended Solids
Floatable Oils and Grease Rate of Discharge
Odour audits (see section 6) are also proposed to be undertaken if there are any odour complaints.
HVS will review the Environmental Management Plan at an interval of between 3 and 5
years. Reviews should include a comparison of the actual operation versus any predictions with respect to solid waste, noise, odours, trade waste and hygiene made in this document.
All personnel are supervised and trained by the Manager/QC Officer.
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 32
22. Responsibilities The standards of Personal hygiene are outlined below.
Dress Code It is a requirement that clean factory issue overalls or coats be worn in the processing areas at
all times.
These overalls or coats must be clean and kept in a hygienic condition. Street clothing is not allowed into processing areas. Overalls, dustcoats etc must be removed before leaving the
premises for the day. Items taken home for washing must not be worn home.
Anyone entering a processing area must wear clean approved gumboots. These can either be gumboots for process workers or leather ankle boots or approved shoes for other staff. No
other footwear is acceptable. Gumboots worn outside the factory must only be worn in transit
between the factor and amenities block. They must not be worn home e.g. off concreted
areas. All personnel entering a processing area must wear factory issue hat. These hats are either
bump hats or soft cloth hats for process workers. All loose hair should be tucked into the hat.
In addition all beards and moustaches must be covered. All hair clips or grips or hair bands must be contained inside the hat, or else removed from the
hair.
Used gloves must be disposed of correctly in the bins provided
Entering processing areas
All boots and gumboots must be sanitised by walking through the footbath positioned in the
main entrance to the processing area. All personnel must wash their hands upon entering and leaving the processing area.
Hands must be washed after going to the toilet - every time.
Street clothing Jackets, jumpers and all other street clothing are not allowed to be worn over overalls in
processing areas.
The top layer of clothing worn in processing areas must be dust/laboratory coat, and warm clothing or jackets should be under these overalls.
No jackets or jumpers are to be left in the processing area. They should be kept in the lockers
provided in the amenities.
Smoking Smoking is strictly forbidden in all processing areas, lunchroom, and fish receivable areas.
Eating
Eating food, including soft drink, and chewing of gum in the processing areas is strictly
forbidden.
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 33
First aid dressings It is important that all cuts and sores are covered with an approved dressing and the dressing be covered with a fingerstall or waterproof glove if on the hands, and a sleeve cuff if on the
arms. These can be obtained from the first aid room as appropriate.
If any dressing should get lost during production, then the supervisor should be informed immediately so it can be retrieved.
Sleeves on clothing All personnel handling fish must either roll up their sleeves to above the elbow or wear
protective sleeve cuffs.
Watches
No watches of any sort are to be worn in the processing areas.
Jewellery Because of the serious risk of contamination of product, the wearing of jewellery in
processing areas is prohibited. The only exceptions to this are plain wedding bands.
However if a wedding band contains stones of any sort, then a glove must cover it. Bracelets, brooches, bangles, chains, earrings, nose studs etc., are not permitted.
Nail polish Because nail polish can chip off and some has been found in product which has caused
customer complaints, the wearing of nail polish is forbidden, except when covered by a glove,
at all times.
Wearing of aprons All process workers are required to wear approved aprons as issued and should be kept clean
at all times and always tied back. Personal issued aprons should be used at all times, no on else's.
Sickness Anyone showing symptoms of diarrhoea or vomiting must advise their supervisor or management immediately and go to the doctor for treatment. Under no circumstances must
anyone work in processing areas when they have the above symptoms, as we risk
contaminating product.
Drivers Truck drivers and forklift operators are to obey all safety requirements and to make sure their vehicle is cleaned inside and out at end of use
General All rubbish to be placed in containers provided. Anyone who works on processing lines must report to supervisor immediately any item is
found to be missing and which may have fallen into product. i.e. contact lenses, parts of
spectacles, false teeth etc. We must do everything we can to avoid product contamination
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 34
PART D - ENVIRONMENTAL
MANAGEMENT COMMITMENTS
This section documents environmental commitments outlined in the EER. It is proposed that
they form the basis of the environmental conditions for any Environment Protection Notice issued by the EPA. Activities are to be conducted in accordance with the requirements of
EMPCA and the Regulations thereunder and in accordance with the requirements of any
relevant State Policies. These commitments must not be construed as an exemption from any
of those requirements.
General Conditions
1) The total annual amount of products produced per annum shall be approximately 3,000 tonnes per annum.
2) A copy of this EER, permit conditions and any associated documents referred to in
the conditions will be held in a location, which is known and accessible to the
responsible person(s).
3) If there is an incident such as a spill of waste or chemicals, HVS will take every effort
to minimise the emission of a pollutant and the threat of serious or material
environmental harm. HVS also undertake to advise the appropriate authorities such as the EPA, Southern Water and the Huon Valley Council of such an incident.
4) There will be no processing of fish or fish products from Macquarie Harbour unless a Biosecurity Management Plan is submitted to the EPA for prior approval for such
processing
Wastewater Management
5) The discharge of solid matter and pollutants in liquid waste will be prevented by all practical means such as: good housekeeping, provision of adequate containers to
avoid loss to the floor, the control of spillages by sweeping, brooming, shovelling,
vacuum cleaning, impoundment and pumping out of liquid wastes and trapping into
separation tank (capacity 2700 litres).
6) All process water will be chlorinated and readings taken once daily by the Production
Manager. The readings will be recorded on the Daily Hygiene Report. A residual chlorine level will be maintained.
Stormwater Management
7) Stormwater will be managed in the Council storm water management system.
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 35
Solid Waste Management
8) All solid waste shall be removed from both the processing floor and loading areas.
All wash down water from the processing floors will discharge to the sewer system.
9) All solid wastes handled within the premises shall be contained as far as practicable to
prevent spillage. All wastes stored at the premises shall be held in a leak proof container, which shall be fitted with a weather proof and animal resistant cover. The
cover shall be used at all times when waste is held in the container. These containers
will be clearly marked “waste product only”.
10) All solid waste (removed for a fee) will be removed from the premises only by
contractors with a current Waste Transport Business Environment Protection Notice
licence.
11) All solid waste (removed for a fee) will be removed to a refuse disposal site or
rendering plant licensed and approved in accordance with the Act4. It is intended that
all solid waste will be removed from premises within 48 hours.
Hazardous Waste Management
12) All chemicals, pesticides and poisons will be stored separately and handled under
strict supervision of QC Officer/Manager. All chemicals will be suitably labelled
with warnings of toxicity, and directions for use in premises.
13) Any bunding requirements will be in accordance with the Dangerous Goods
Regulations 1998 (Part 7, Section 44), AS 1940 (1993), and AS 3780 (1994).
14) If there is a release off site of any hazardous material then the Manager will advise
both the EPA and the Huon Valley Council. Containment in accordance with the
Material Safety Data Sheets will be followed so as to prevent any adverse impacts to the community surrounding the plant.
Air and Noise
15) HVS will manage any odours so that an environmental nuisance will not be detected
to any significant degree at places in other ownership. HVS will endeavour to detect
and check any nuisance odours or noise from fugitive sources on a daily basis.
4 It is proposed to have fish waste sent to an existing fish meal plant.
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 36
Monitoring
16) Wastewater monitoring for quality and quantity will occur as part of a Trade Waste
Agreement with Southern Water. Compliance with water quality objectives of the
sewage discharge is expected to be met. Parameters to be analysed will be: pH
temperature
Chemical Oxygen Demand Biological Oxygen Demand
Total Suspended Solids
Floatable Oils and Grease
Rate of Discharge
17) Odour audits are proposed to be undertaken if there are any odour complaints. 18) HVS will review the Environmental Management Plan at an interval of between 3 and 5 years.
Reviews will include a comparison of the actual operation versus any predictions with respect to
solid waste, noise, odours, trade waste and hygiene.
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 37
PART E - CONSULTATION PROCESS
Consultation has been undertaken with the Huon Valley Council and the Environment
Division as follows:
Discussions with Mr Glen Doyle (General Manager) Huon Valley Council and
Mathew Grimsey at the Huon Valley Council offices
Meeting with Dr Sarah Richards (Environmental Scientist) from the Environment
Division on 29 April 2010
Meeting with Dr Judi Marshall of Southern Water on 29 April 2010
Discussions and review of drafts of this report with Mr Shane Hogue
The EPA officers have indicated that the project is likely be a Level 2A project however this
is a matter to be determined by the Director of the EPA. In making this determination consideration needs to be taken into account the fact that the Huon Valley Council does not
require a Development Application for a new planning permit. Also historically this site has
been has very heavy processing of abalone and other foods with regular truck movements and
has not had a history of any complaints or concerns from the community of Council
HVS have prepared this EER as part of its application for the extension of operations to
include contract processing of fish and fish products. The existing permitted use is not expected to have any significant alterations, or changes or additions to transport movements,
solid waste, odour or noise levels. Wastewater discharges are a matter to be resolved with
Southern Water.
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 38
REFERENCES AS/NZS 2107:2000; Recommended Design Sound levels and Reverberation times for
interiors
Environment Protection Authority, 2009; Environmental Effects Guidelines for the Relocation
of fish processing facility
Department of Primary Industries Water & Environment, 2009; Environment Protection Noise Policy
Department of Primary Industries Water & Environment, 2004; Tasmanian Environment Protection Policy (Air Quality)
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 39
APPENDIX A - RELEVANT STATUTORY
APPROVALS
Certificate of Registration of an Export
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 40
Approval by the Delegate of an Approved Arrangement
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 41
Fish Receiver Permit
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 42
Certificate of Registration of a Food Business
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 43
Fish Processing License
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 44
Certificate of Registration of a Company
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 45
APPENDIX B – NOISE MEASUREMENTS
AND ANALYSIS
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 46
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 47
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 48
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010
49
Huon Valley Seafoods Field report for noise monitoring, 2/3/2009 and 12/5/2009
General
The blast freezer operation at 49 Wilmot (Ranelagh) Rd is extending noise to the neighbour at
“Inlet Farm”, 49 Wilmot Rd. The neighbours report noise facing the plant, inside adjacent
rooms, and on the riverside of the house (reflecting off the cliffs on the other side of the Huon
River. The house is double brick with steel over a shingle roof with ceiling insulation. The
windows would appear the main noise conduit.
The blast freezer operation (24 hr when in use) occurs post harvest times for various clients at
different times of the year. Some enclosure and dampening treatment has been undertaken on
the plant. The HVS also attempts some physical shielding by positioning stacks of containers
and parking of a truck.
The main source of the complaint was found to be mid-frequency tonal noise from the freezer
compressor plant, combined with the low frequency broadband noise eof the circulatory fan
systems.
Instruments used
Rion Precision Integrating Sound Level Meter Model NL-11, s/n 840216, with
Rion Octave Band Filter Model NX-01A, s/n 11140944, both Laboratory Certified
December 2008;
Brűel & Kjær Precision Integrating Sound Level Meter Type 2218 s/n 784345, with
Brűel & Kjær 1/3 Octave Filter Set Type 1616 s/n 661719, both Laboratory Certified
December 2008;
Brűel & Kjær Sound Level Calibrator Type 4230 s/n 1655635, Laboratory Certified
December 2008;
Brűel & Kjær Level Recorder Type 2306;
Brűel & Kjær Statistical Noise Analyser Type 4426 s/n 957489, Laboratory Certified
October 2007;
Weather Instruments (Aneroid barometer, Zeal Wet/Dry bulb Psychrometer, Suunto KB-
14/360R compass, Kaindl Windmaster 2 wind speed meter);
Steel measuring tape;
Hengstler Geotech M10 measuring wheel;
Location descriptions
The aerial photo on page A8 shows all Locations.
Location 1. 3.5 m in front of door to lean-to compressor enclosure, microphone at 1.2 m
height.
Location 2. 3.5 m in front of dual fans at southern end of shed, microphone at 1.2 m
height.
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 50
Location 3. 7.0 m in front of main wall of lean-to compressor enclosure, microphone at
1.2 m height.
Location 4. At rear boundary fence, 32.0 m WSW, perpendicularly away from wall of
lean-to compressor enclosure, with unobscured line of sight, microphone at 1.2 m
height.
Location 5. 1.0 m from walls, inside lean-to compressor enclosure, microphone at 1.2 m
height.
Comments
The outside walls of the compressor enclosure vibrate; an indication of structural
conduction of noise via the internal struts to the roof. During the visit, the compressor/s
were on 50-60% of the time.
. There are unshielded holes in the ceiling and doorway wall of the enclosure.
. The two electric compressor motors, both rated at 2900 rpm, work simultaneously at
times, resulting in interference beating, additional to an 800Hz tonal feature.
The main shed emanates broadband low frequency noise.
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 51
Statistical distribution of ambient noise
Location Loc 4 Loc 3
Situation ambient operation ambient operation
Date 12/05/2009 12/05/2009
Time 21:40 23:15
Duration 15 15
Samples 9000 9000
L1 53.3 60.3
L2 52.5 60.0
L5 51.8 59.5
L10 51.3 59.3
L20 50.8 58.5
L50 49.5 57.5
L90 47.5 56.0
L99 46.5 55.3
Leq (A) 49.6 57.5
Spectral (octaves) and spatial distribution of ambient noise
Location Loc 1 Loc 1 Loc 2 Loc 2 Loc 3 Loc 3 Loc 4* Loc 4* Loc 5
Date 12/5/2009 12/5/2009 12/5/09 12/5/09 12/5/09 12/5/09 12/5/09 12/5/09 12/5/09
Start time 21:40 21:41 21:45 21:46 22:00 22:10 21:20 21:50 23:00
Noise ambient operation
compressor ON Both fans One fan
compressor ON
compressor + fans ON
ambient operation
compressor ON
compressor ON
Duration 10 s Leq 10 s Leq 10 s Leq 10 s Leq 10 s Leq 10 s Leq 1 min Leq 1 min Leq 10 s Leq
A 60.7 64.3 71.1 66.6 61.5 61.5 48.4 52.4 88.5
C 70.9 71.1 66.9 67.1 91.8
Lin 70.8 69.5 69.1 60 61.4 90.4
Duration 10 s Leq 10 s Leq 10 s Leq 10 s Leq 10 s Leq 10 s Leq 1 min Leq 1 min Leq 10 s Leq
31.5 65.3 66.1 67.4 57.4 57.6 63
63 57 52 52.5 43.3 43.2 66.6
125 57.9 54.8 59.1 55.1 54.9 69.7
250 63.4 59.7 61.4 50.1 51.4 86.8
500 63.9 55.9 59.1 43.7 47.5 88.7
1k 58.9 51.6 58.5 42.9 49.7 89.5
2k 51.1 44.7 48.7 35.6 38.0 79.5
4k 40.1 35.5 41.7 26.2 26.0 66.6
8k 30.3 26.8 33.4 57
*[derived from ⅓ s]
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 52
Spectral (octaves) distribution of ambient noise to boundary
Octave band noise spectra - ambient operations
Huon Valley Seafoods, 12/5/2009
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
31.5 63 125 250 500 1k 2k 4k 8k
Frequency band (Hz)
dB
Loc 4 12/5/2009 21:20
Ambient operation 1 min
Leq
Loc 4 12/5/2009 21:50
Compressor ON 1 min
Leq
Loc 5 12/5/2009 23:00
Compressor ON 10 s Leq
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 53
Spectral (octaves) distribution of ambient noise within yard
Octave band noise spectra - ambient operations
Huon Valley Seafoods, 12/5/2009
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
31.5 63 125 250 500 1k 2k 4k 8k
Frequency band (Hz)
dB
Loc 1 12/5/2009 21:41
Compressor ON 10 s Leq
Loc 3 12/5/2009 22:00
Compressor ON 10 s Leq
Loc 3 12/5/2009 22:10
Compressor + fans ON
10 s Leq
Loc 5 12/5/2009 23:00
Compressor ON 10 s Leq
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 54
Photographs
Main freezer shed, compressor lean-to enclosure, truck and loading bay, 2/3/2009
Note enclosure roof vent, and structurally supported heat exchanger on roof.
Stack of shipping containers at rear corner of yard, with neighbour in background, 2/3/2009
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 55
Side view of HVS from midway along driveway to 59 Wilmot Rd, 2/3/2009
Composite view of main freezer shed ceiling space adjacent to compressor lean-to, 2/3/2009
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 56
Lean-to compressor enclosure, main shed with ceiling opening, 2/3/2009
View of HVS from house at 59 Wilmot Rd, 2/3/2009
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 57
DUAL COMPRESSOR MOTORS, FRAME EXTENDS TO CEILING, 2/3/2009 DETAIL OF ENCLOSURE DOOR AND INSULATION, 2/3/2009
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 58
Aerial photograph showing Locations
Map shows approximate locations. Note: storage stacks currently present in the yard are absent from the photo.
Blast freezer compressor enclosure (Location 5) GR 0355 3594 (Tasmap Huonville 1:25000, 1987)
Neighbouring house GR 0333 3599 (Tasmap Huonville 1:25000, 1987)
Mapped distance from compressors to house = 225 m (calculated by grid reference difference), 210 m (direct from map), 220 m (by airphoto scale)
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 59
Statistical Analysis, ambient operations monitoring, Location 3 and 4
Huon Valley Seafoods rear yard, 12/5/2009
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
0102030405060708090100
Percentage of time noise level exceeded
No
ise l
evel
dB
(A)
Loc 4 ambient operation
12/05/2009 21:40
Loc 3 ambient operation
12/05/2009 23:15
Weather observations
Date 12/05/2009
Location Loc 3
Time 22:30
Temp °C 12
Relative Humidity % 76
Pressure hPa 1015
Wind speed average m/s calm
Cloud cover x/8 8
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 60
Third octave analysis of background noise at Location 4, rear boundary
Frequency band Hz 20 25 31.5 40 50 63 80 100 125 160 200 250 315 400 500 630 800 1k 1.25k 1.6k 2k 2.5k 3.15k 4k 5k dB(A) dB(Lin)
Ambient plant ON 1 min Leq 43.7 57.3 38 37 38.2 36.2 40.2 47.8 45.1 53.6 44.1 40.2 48.2 38.7 37.8 40 38.9 38.2 37.1 33.2 29.4 28.4 26.2 48.4 60
Ambient plant with COMPRESSORS 1 min Leq 44.3 57.5 39.6 38.9 38.5 36.8 39.6 47.5 43.3 53.7 44.2 46.5 48.2 38.3 45.4 41.6 48.6 40.5 39.4 35.7 32.8 28.5 26 52.4 61.4
Ambient noise spectra by 1/3 octaves, Huon Valley Seafoods boundary, 12/5/2009
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
20
25
31.5 40
50
63
80
100
125
160
200
250
315
400
500
630
800 1k
1.2
5k
1.6
k
2k
2.5
k
3.1
5k
4k
5k
Frequency band (Hz)
dB
Ambient plant ON 1 min Leq
Ambient plant w ith COMPRESSORS 1 min Leq
Low er limit of reportable measurement
Environmental Effects Report for Huon Valley Seafoods, May 2010 61
APPENDIX C – HUON VALLEY COUNCIL
ADVICE ON DEVELOPMENT
APPLICATION