Waste to energy facility environmental and planning due diligence

Challenge

SLR were engaged by Verus Energy Limited based in the United Kingdom to undertake a comprehensive Environmental and Planning Due Diligence assessment to assist in site selection for a significant waste to energy facility to be developed in Victoria. SLR were selected based on our experience in Victorian Planning and Environmental Approvals for similar proposed developments.

Our team provided a detailed overview of all environmental and planning constraints pertaining to a perspective former industrial site that could be redeveloped into the proposed facility. Our team also assisted with providing the client with a valuable understanding of both applicable Commonwealth and State planning and environment legislative requirements pertaining to the future proposal.

Solution

Our team were engaged to undertake a qualitative (desktop) due diligence assessment of a preferred site for the development of the Waste to Energy Facility with a 50 megawatt electrical generation capacity processing approximately 500 Kilo-Tonnes Per Annum of waste. The analysis encompassed the applicable planning and environmental constraints and opportunities associated with the development of the facility. The following site-specific attributes were considered in the scope of works:

• Land title & encumbrances
• Soils and geology
• Groundwater
• Potential acid sulfate soils
• Fill materials
• Environmental Protection Authority priority sites register
• Asbestos
• Offsite waste and contaminated soil disposal
• Flora and fauna, ecological vegetation classes, threatened species & habitats
• Scattered trees
• Cultural heritage
• Catchment management
• Topographical features
• Bushfire prone areas
• Flooding and inundation
• Surface water & water ways
• Transport networks
• Climate
• Landscape & visual amenity
• Utilities
• Socio-economic
• Air quality
• Human health risks
• Noise & vibration.

Impact

Our team provided a comprehensive Environmental and Planning Due Diligence report complete with a comprehensive listing of appendices containing all relevant information collated pertaining to constraints at the site. This provided the client an all-inclusive reference report during site acquisition contractual discussions involving legal representatives.