Benjamin Millar
The operators of Melbourne Regional Landfill are seeking approval to almost double the storage capacity for waste water run-off on the Ravenhall site.
Cleanaway has applied to build two new leachate ponds to capture the waste water created by the soaking of rainwater through decomposing waste in the existing landfill.
The works, which require approval from Environment Protection Authority Victoria, would allow the storage of an extra 20 million litres of leachate, taking the total capacity to 48 million litres.
EPA works approvals are required for industrial and waste management activities that have the potential for significant environmental impact.
Melton council planning services manager Bob Baggio said a planning permit application lodged with council for the proposed works is expected to be considered by council in the coming months.
“Council takes into account potential impacts to the community and the environment when making a decision on applications like this,” he said.
A summary of the proposal notes the proposed new leachate ponds would have a surface area of 1.6 hectares and be located in the lowest point of the quarry pit in the central half of the site.
“Locating the pond in the most suitable position was a key consideration in attempts to address any potential risks of odour and visual impact as well as dust control during construction and ongoing operation of the ponds once commissioned,” it states.
“The ponds will have an odour curtain around their perimeter as part of Cleanaway best practice and odour management.”
The proposed leachate pond design and location was presented at several community engagement meetings during 2020 and in February this year.
“Initial queries raised from the community were predominantly on how the leachate will be handled, stored and treated, which are all valid concerns and were responded to by further explanation of the liner composition system and EPA requirements during design, construction and operation of leachate ponds,” the summary stated.
Public submissions will be accepted until April 14 via engage.vic.gov.au/epa-works-approvals/landfill-operations-proposed-leachate-ponds
