Environmental Benefits
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Our commitment is to improve our waste transportation, recycling and reprocessing methods and to implement policies and procedures to ensure that there is negligible (or preferably no) adverse environmental impact as a result of our activities. No leachate The Vermitech System is a "dry" process with a high moisture zone only in the surface 100mm. The work areas and catchment areas are all hard paved with bitumen asphalt forming an impervious barrier to protect the soil. The open V-tech 1 system has a first flush system to catch any run off from rain events. Run off from the dam is tested monthly. All tests have met the nutrient, BOD, COD and pathogen levels set by the EPA to allow release of water to the creek below the site. The enclosed nature of the new systems removes the possibility of rain generated run off. |
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A Koala, her cub, and a Kookaburra quietly survey Vermitech's Plant from the bough of a Gum tree. This unretouched photo emphasises that the Vermitech Waste Management system is among the most environmentally friendly in the world. |
| Dust levels are well within the EPA guidelines and steps are taken to continually reduce dust levels through enclosure of potential dust sources. |
| Noise is minimised by selection of machinery and proper maintenance of noise suppression systems. |
| No Odour Vermiculture is a low temperature mesophyllic 10 - 35 C reaction. Worms are sensitive to most toxic and odourous gases. The neutralisation and immobilisation of gases is an integral part of the "Vermitech know how". No system is emission free, but there are no noxious odours. The natural processes involve the production of CO2. Systems are being trialled to determine the exact emission profiles and this data will be made available. Indicative results and mass balance data suggests that the Vermitech System produces minimal amounts of Greenhouse gases and may be entitled to claim green house credits. |
| Energy Consumption Diesel usage is approximately 2 litres per tonne of waste processed. A small amount of energy is consumed in the office and to run the power screen. |
| Environmentally Sound Technology The Vermtech System is listed in the UNEP maESTro data base: |
The United Nations Environment Development Department has defined that Environmentally Sound Technologies (ESTs) encompass technologies that have the potential for significantly improved environmental performance relative to other technologies. Broadly speaking, these technologies protect the environment, are less polluting, use resources in a sustainable manner, recycle more of their wastes and products, and handle all residual wastes in a more environmentally acceptable way than the technologies for which they are substitutes.
If these criteria are used to compare vermiculture with other technologies such as composting, incineration and landfill, vermiculture will be seen to offer significant advantages. The technical ability to convert a range of wastes has been established. It meets the most stringent conditions of environmental sustainability - no process pollution, low energy consumption. There is almost 100% capture of organic material and nutrients. The capital and operating costs are competitive and there is a high value added end product. There is more to the evaluation, particularly where technologies are developed in one country and are to be exported around the world.
EST under United Nations 21 Agenda
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Chapter 34 of the United Nations Agenda 21 document explains, Environmentally Sound Technologies are not just "individual technologies, but total systems which include know-how, procedures, goods and services, and equipment as well as organizational and managerial procedures". "Consequently, when considering technology transfer, one needs to adopt an approach which incorporates both the human resource and local capacity building aspects of technology choices....and to recognize the need to ensure that Environmentally Sound. Technologies are compatible with nationally determined socio-economic, cultural and environmental priorities and development goals." |
Acts Governing Biosolids Management (NSW)
Vermitech stands on its record to date, a record which has proven its procedures and plants adhere to all legal, governmental and statutory requirements for the operations and management of its business. These categories include:
Pollution prevention and control
- Protection of the Environment Administration Act
- Protection of the Environment Operations Bill
- Environmentally Hazardous Chemicals Act
- Waste Minimisation and Management Act
- Ozone Protection Act
- Pesticides Act
Land use planning and control
- Environmental Planning and Assessment Act
- Local Government Act
Conservation
- National Parks and WildLife Act
- Threatened Species Conservation Act
- Wilderness Act
- Heritage Act
Natural resources management
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Water Administration and related Acts
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Mining Acts
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Fisheries Acts
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Forestry and related Acts
Various Legislations and Acts applying to the approval, building and operation of sewerage treatment and effluent use schemes in NSW
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