Remondis has hosed down concerns of fires caused by spontaneous combustion at its organics waste processing facility at Awaba.
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The company said there had been a minor fire in a compost pile in January.
But Remondis is not concerned about the potential for more serious fires as we approach summer.
"There was a minor combustion incident in one of the compost piles in January 2019," a spokesperson for Remondis said.
"This was a natural phenomenon, something that occurs on occasion at green waste handling facilities.
This was a natural phenomenon, something that occurs on occasion at green waste handling facilities.
- - Remondis spokesperson
"This occurs as a result of heat being produced during the composting process when natural organisms break down organic matter. As per Remondis's procedures and regulatory reporting, the matter was dealt with promptly and the fire brigade and SafeWork NSW were notified as a precaution."
The combustion was minor and was cooled quickly, the spokesperson said.
"There was no damage to property, the environment and there were no immediate risks to employees of Remondis, the council or general public safety."
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Even if another fire were to start in a compost pile, the company said it was well equipped to deal with it.
"Consistent with industry standards, Remondis has a range of advanced heat monitoring and response protocols, including a comprehensive fire management plan," the spokesperson said.
"Further, the stockpiles are strategically positioned and separated in open space, meaning there are minimal risks to structures, the environment and personal safety.
"It also means that if there is a rare combustion incident it can be dealt with quickly and safely."
The uptake by Lake Macquarie City residents of the weekly food and garden collection service had been "exceptionally positive" and had surpassed both council's and Remondis's tonnage projections, the spokesperson said.
"However, at no point has the facility exceeded its operational capability and licencing requirements to receive and process the material.
"The facility is operating well within its approved capacity."
Green waste that would otherwise end up in landfill is recycled into compost at the Awaba facility.
