Dairy Industry Faces Pressure Over Waste-to-Energy Plant Proposal
Source: DairyNews.today
The advocacy group Don’t Burn Waipā is urging the dairy industry to take a firm stance against a proposed waste-to-energy plant in Te Awamutu.
The group’s spokesperson, Eoin Fitzpatrick, recently reached out to key leaders in the sector, including Fonterra CEO Miles Hurrell, LIC CEO David Chin, DairyNZ CEO Campbell Parker, and Federated Farmers CEO Terry Copeland, to join the opposition.
The plant, named Paewira and proposed by Hamilton-based Global Contracting Solutions, is intended for Racecourse Road in Te Awamutu. The application for this facility was referred to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) by Minister for the Environment Penny Simmonds at the request of the Waikato Regional Council in August. A board of inquiry will now determine the plant’s future.
“I am sure you are aware that a new round of submissions has been announced,” Fitzpatrick stated in an email addressed to dairy industry leaders. “I would like to encourage your organisations to lodge submissions and spread the word among your employees, customers, suppliers, and shareholders. If this project proceeds, it could be detrimental for all of us.”
Fitzpatrick voiced concern over potential dioxin emissions from the facility and questioned its placement in an area zoned for dairy industrial use but also near residential areas, schools, and local businesses. “I am genuinely concerned about the lack of opposition to this from the people we pay to look after our best interests,” he said, criticizing government inaction on the issue.
In contrast, Global Contracting Solutions has presented a more positive outlook, stating that the plant will generate 60 jobs, promote waste minimization education, help clean the nearby Mangapiko Stream, and honor the local Ngāti Apakura community's connection to the land. Craig Tuhoro, a representative for the company, pointed out that his firm processes up to 100,000 tonnes of scrap metal annually and emphasized the need for a sustainable alternative to landfilling approximately 18,000 tonnes of waste residue.
Industry response to the proposal appears to be building. Fonterra has already registered its opposition, and sources indicate DairyNZ may follow suit. Meanwhile, Don’t Burn Waipa secretary Nick Cantlon has asked the Te Awamutu-Kihikihi Community Board to recommend a local representative to serve on the inquiry board. The board is currently preparing a formal motion to oppose the application.
Public submissions on the proposal close on December 18, and the Environmental Protection Authority will soon begin reviewing feedback from stakeholders and community members alike.
The plant, named Paewira and proposed by Hamilton-based Global Contracting Solutions, is intended for Racecourse Road in Te Awamutu. The application for this facility was referred to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) by Minister for the Environment Penny Simmonds at the request of the Waikato Regional Council in August. A board of inquiry will now determine the plant’s future.
“I am sure you are aware that a new round of submissions has been announced,” Fitzpatrick stated in an email addressed to dairy industry leaders. “I would like to encourage your organisations to lodge submissions and spread the word among your employees, customers, suppliers, and shareholders. If this project proceeds, it could be detrimental for all of us.”
Fitzpatrick voiced concern over potential dioxin emissions from the facility and questioned its placement in an area zoned for dairy industrial use but also near residential areas, schools, and local businesses. “I am genuinely concerned about the lack of opposition to this from the people we pay to look after our best interests,” he said, criticizing government inaction on the issue.
In contrast, Global Contracting Solutions has presented a more positive outlook, stating that the plant will generate 60 jobs, promote waste minimization education, help clean the nearby Mangapiko Stream, and honor the local Ngāti Apakura community's connection to the land. Craig Tuhoro, a representative for the company, pointed out that his firm processes up to 100,000 tonnes of scrap metal annually and emphasized the need for a sustainable alternative to landfilling approximately 18,000 tonnes of waste residue.
Industry response to the proposal appears to be building. Fonterra has already registered its opposition, and sources indicate DairyNZ may follow suit. Meanwhile, Don’t Burn Waipa secretary Nick Cantlon has asked the Te Awamutu-Kihikihi Community Board to recommend a local representative to serve on the inquiry board. The board is currently preparing a formal motion to oppose the application.
Public submissions on the proposal close on December 18, and the Environmental Protection Authority will soon begin reviewing feedback from stakeholders and community members alike.
