Barro Group is planning to use oxygen suppression to extinguish the remaining landfill hotspot at the Kealba Landfill.
Underground fires have been burning for more four years at the site, having caused much anguish and resulted in Barro’s licence being cancelled.
The Environment Protection Authority Victoria gave its latest update to community members this week.
“EPA continues to inspect the landfill,” western metropolitan region regional manager Steve Lansdell said in the update. “The last inspection was on 19 December. We are continuing regular inspections in January.
“We have completed a review of Barro Group’s landfill hotspot remediation design. We expect further monitoring and updates from Barro before they finalise the design.
“The design details how Barro Group plans to extinguish the remaining landfill hotspot. The plan is to use oxygen suppression. This means sealing the hotspot off so the hotspot can’t continue to burn. Their design will also include smoke, dust, and odour suppression techniques.”
Lansdell said Barro plans to install gas bores around the hotspot during January and February and it will use these bores to monitor any changes in the hotspot.
The next community meeting will likely be February 29 subject to venue availability.
