The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted conditional approval for Tasmanian salmon company, Tassal to build and operate an $11m fish factory near Triabunna.
The factory which will process all the fish waste generated in Tasmania and turn it into fish oil, health products and fish feed, is expected to provide an employment boost in the area by generating 30 jobs during construction, and 20 jobs when the factory commences operations at the end of the year, The Mercury reports.
Mayor Bertrand Cadart of the Glamorgan Spring Bay Council said that he was ‘confident’ that the plans will gain full approval.
“We want this to be on the move as soon as possible, it is very important to Triabunna and Glamorgan Spring Bay,” said Cadart.
The EPA has imposed a number of conditions on the factory relating to odour and wastewater in response to concerns from local residents, coupled with any potential negative impact that the factory may have on the local tourism industry.
John Ramsey, chair of the EPA said that seven of the nine representations were in support of the development.
“The two public representations that were not supportive were about the potential odour impacts on tourists and residents and the proposed irrigation of the wastewater at the site,’’ Ramsay said.
“The Board has recommended site specific odour conditions to ensure the facility meets the requirements of the state Air Policy.”