LEGAL proceedings continue between the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale and local composting facility Bio-Organics Pty Ltd with a trial date set.
The three-day trial follows months of negotiations and council action relating to alleged illegal operations at the composting site.
“Our court case relates to the lack of planning approval for the site, however we share the concerns of our residents regarding environmental and health impacts the operations may have for this Shire,” chief executive officer Mr Richard Gorbunow said.
“The Shire cannot comment extensively due to current legal proceedings, but for those residents with questions or concerns, please contact the Department of Environment and Regulation as the licensing authority.”
Bio-Organics was at the centre of serious water contamination concerns in Parliament last year which resulted in the business being asked by the Department of Environment and Regulation to meet the conditions of their license in February.
Residents are concerned the Peel-Harvey estuary, along with the Jandakot Mound may be affected by the processing of unknown liquid waste at Bio-Organics and is the cause of what Shadow Minister for Environment Chris Tallentire described as “sewerage-type smells that are so acute people are woken up in the middle of the night”.
The case between the Shire and Bio-Organics was heard at Armadale Magistrates Court on December 12 and is also before the State Administrative Tribunal on the same matter.
The trial is set to be held in early November.
