The name ‘Michell’ has been synonymous with the Australian wool industry since 1870 when GH Michell and Sons launched a family business that processed wool and traded it throughout the world.
Fast forward 134 years, and the company is still at the forefront of the international textile industry. In recent years, it’s maintained a business plan that focuses on its environmental responsibilities to address local residents’ concerns of air quality and odour emissions.
EPA Executive Director Operations Andrew Wood said: “This company has dealt with complaints from neighbourhood residents over air quality, but it’s been able to resolve the issues through its operations and processing facilities.”
In addition, the company’s environmental credentials have extended beyond odour management initiatives. It has reduced a dependence on mains water supplies and also invested in infrastructure to help capture and supply a larger amount of filtered stormwater.
Stormwater at the Salisbury site is now filtered through established wetlands before being stored in an aquifer for future use. This process prevents contaminants from roads and gutters polluting the state’s waterways.
The use of less chemicals in the company’s wool cleaning process to reduce salt loads on the sewer system has also been a significant in reducing the load on the state’s treatment works at Bolivar, while also making water recycling to market gardeners easier.
Michell Wool has also invested in a multi-million dollar scheme to remove solids from its effluent stream.
The EPA is encouraging any of its licensed companies that have developed new work practices, or have achieved improvements that benefit the environment, to share their news with the wider community through the EPA Monitor. Please contact Chris Metevelis at the EPA on (08) 8204 2054.
