Submissions open for Hexion Works Approval

Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) is assessing a Works Approval application from Hexion seeking to increase the capacity of its existing facility by constructing and installing a larger phenolic resin manufacturing facility at Ballarat Road, Deer Park.

The plant produces a range of resins to supply wood products for the building and specialty phenolic industries. Once a resin batch is completed, it is transferred to a storage tank via a pump, where it is cooled. A vacuum pump is used to control pressure and temperature. The vacuum pump exhaust passes through a water/ caustic scrubber before venting to the atmosphere.

The proposed new vent will be required to be licensed by EPA. The proposed vent will run up the side of the new reactor building.

It’s proposed to construct:

1. Three layers of Reactor Unit Structure.

2. Bunded tank farm for raw materials and finish product storage.

3. Empty intermediate bulk container storage yard.

4. Tie-in to existing facilities as needed.

EPA will assess the application for potential environmental impacts, such as noise, odour, air emissions and potential land, surface water and ground water contamination risks.

To view the application and make a submission visit www.engage.vic.gov.au

Submissions on the application are open from 28 October 2020 until 25 November 2020.

What is a Works Approval?

Works Approvals are issued by EPA under the Environment Protection Act 1970. They are required for industrial and waste management activities that have the potential for significant environmental impact.

A Works Approval permits plant and equipment to be installed, the operation of which will result in one or more of:

• the discharge of waste to the environment

• an increase in, or alteration to, an existing discharge

• a change in the way waste is treated or stored.

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