AAT 's Submission to City of Launceston on the proposed Dunedin Composting Facility
AAT is the peak body representing 25,000 licensed freshwater anglers in Tasmania.
Anglers have contacted AAT with concerns regarding the potential contamination of surface and groundwater flowing into the North Esk River from the proposed development. Of particular concern is the possibility of run-off flowing into the North Esk or groundwater seeping into the river between the Hills Creek junction and Corra Lynn.
This is a popular spot for recreation and a favourite fishing stretch for many Launceston anglers. Members are already incensed by the need for an EPA directive not to eat fish from this stretch of the North Esk due to leachate pollution from firefighting fuels from Launceston Airport.
Reassurances have been given regarding efforts to prevent groundwater contamination from the Airport yet restrictions remain, the pollutant is within the river system and the directive seems permanent. AAT considers similar run off from the proposed facility could well lead to comparable long-term environmental impacts and further loss of recreational values.
As peak representative body for anglers in the state AAT expects that regular monitoring for acknowledged pathogens and other environmental pollutants contained within the waste is undertaken, that results from such testing are made public and that we be notified of impacts involving the water flows and any contamination in order to advise members of potential health hazards when fishing the North Esk.
