A report regarding Hydro Aluminium’s demolition of underground infrastructure and storage of contaminated soils is on public exhibition from Thursday.
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Hydro has been preparing an Environmental Impacts Statement for more than two years in consultation with the community, Cessnock City Council, the NSW Environment Protection Authority and the NSW Department of Planning and Environment.
The report covers the demolition of the large stacks and underground infrastructure on the smelter site, and the storage of contaminated soils and non-recyclable waste materials in an onsite containment cell, including the construction and ongoing monitoring of the containment cell.
Hydro is in the process of preparing the smelter site and buffer zone for redevelopment.
Stage one demolition has been approved by Cessnock City Council, which includes demolition of the majority of site buildings and structures.
Rezoning applications have also received endorsement from both Cessnock and Maitland councils.
Biodiversity certification is underway and aluminium, steel, oil and other materials are being recycled.
Recycling options are being assessed for the spent pot lining material that is presently being stored on site, with a three-to-four-year timeline to have the spent pot lining recycled.
Hydro Aluminium Kurri managing director Richard Brown said he was pleased with progress to date.
“We’ve been consulting with the community and other stakeholders for more than two years now, and their input has altered and improved this project,” he said.
“We are keen to see the site redeveloped to help create jobs, but need prepare the site properly, which takes time.”
The statement can be viewed at www.majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au with hard copies also available at locations around Cessnock and Maitland.
The report will be on exhibition until September 12 and a community drop-in session will also be held to provide details on the statement.
The drop-in session will be held on Tuesday, August 30 from 4-7pm at the Hunter Region Business Enterprise Centre.
Feedback on all parts of the redevelopment project can be given by calling 1800 066 243, emailling community.kurri@hydro.com or mailing to Hydro Aluminium Kurri Kurri, PO Box 1, Kurri NSW 2327.