The company, Transpacific Industries Group, said this week in response to last week’s article in the Harden Murrumburrah Express that biosolids have been used to fertilise farmland within the Harden Shire for more than 10 years.

Last week the Express reported that a number concerns had been raised in the Galong area about the company’s plans to install a hardstand area were it could store up to 5,000 tonnes of waste for up to 90 days.

The company now has a development application before the council, seeking approval for the expansion of its operations in the shire.

A company spokesman said in a statement that more than 12,000 tonnes were currently applied to land in the Shire each year and that each site received biosolids underwent a detailed environmental assessment that was provided to the EPA and local council.

The spokesman said biosolids were the biomass produced from the treatment plant digesters at the end of the sewerage treatment process. 

“When in storage, biosolids naturally form a barrier on the surface which traps potential odours,” the spokesman said.

“Transpacific has submitted a development application to construct and operate a biosolid hardstand in the Harden Shire. The EPA and Harden Shire Council have been consulted as part of this process, and it is now open for public comment.

“The biosolids hardstand will allow for delivery of biosolids during times of regional wet weather, with material transported to the facility used exclusively on Boorowa Flats.”

Transpacific currently stores biosolids on the property and other properties in the central west of NSW, where it adheres to the NSW EPA ‘Use and disposal of biosolids products‘ guidelines.

“Biosolid material is rich in nutrients and organic matter, providing significant benefits to farmland as a soil conditioner. There has been strong support for biosolids in Harden Shire, with demand continuing to be high,” the spokesman said.