Provide feedback on our proposal for release of recycled water at Trafalgar Landfill

Consultation has concluded

This consultation has now closed. We would like to thank our community members who took the time to provide their feedback.

We are exploring a longer-term solution to managing recycled water (treated leachate) from the closed Trafalgar Landfill.

Background

The Trafalgar Landfill, which was operational between 1975 – 2011, is now in its post-closure phase. As part of this phase, Council is responsible for the on-going landfill gas and leachate management.

At the time of closure, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) issued Baw Baw Shire Council with a 30-year Aftercare Management Plan, which Council is currently implementing.

What is Leachate?

Leachate is the technical name for liquid that has drained through the landfill site. The current process for leachate (recycled water) at Trafalgar Landfill sees the leachate collected and pumped into an on-site dam where it is aerated and treated by reverse osmosis (water purifying process). After the water has been treated, it meets all relevant water quality standards making it safe.

What is the recycled water used for?

The recycled water is currently used to irrigate the landfill cap when weather conditions are suitable and there is cap demand. Cap demand occurs when the grass cover on the landfill requires water to keep the grass green and help to reduce erosion.

About the Proposal

To combat the issue of irrigation not being able to occur during the wetter months, Council has completed a thorough investigation in leachate management options to find a more suitable, long-term solution.

Council explored four options, each with their own strengths and limitations. You can view a detailed description of each option and their feasibility.

As a result of the investigation, Council has opted to pursue 'Option 2', to release recycled water through a surface water drain to the environment, a safe, economical and respected method across the industry.

Council has completed a risk assessment that demonstrated that the water meets required quality levels to make it safe for release to the environment. Further to this, each time water is treated, it will be tested and any water results that do not meet the required levels will not be released.

Council will need to seek a licence from the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to implement this method.

We’re asking community members and residents to review the details of 'Option 2' and let us know your feedback, and what else Council should be considering about this project.

As part of the feedback process, we’d also like to know how to best keep you informed about Council’s management of this site.

How you can get involved

Consultation for this proposal closed on Sunday 1 September 2024.

The feedback received will be considered by Council as part of the final proposal.

This consultation has now closed. We would like to thank our community members who took the time to provide their feedback.

We are exploring a longer-term solution to managing recycled water (treated leachate) from the closed Trafalgar Landfill.

Background

The Trafalgar Landfill, which was operational between 1975 – 2011, is now in its post-closure phase. As part of this phase, Council is responsible for the on-going landfill gas and leachate management.

At the time of closure, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) issued Baw Baw Shire Council with a 30-year Aftercare Management Plan, which Council is currently implementing.

What is Leachate?

Leachate is the technical name for liquid that has drained through the landfill site. The current process for leachate (recycled water) at Trafalgar Landfill sees the leachate collected and pumped into an on-site dam where it is aerated and treated by reverse osmosis (water purifying process). After the water has been treated, it meets all relevant water quality standards making it safe.

What is the recycled water used for?

The recycled water is currently used to irrigate the landfill cap when weather conditions are suitable and there is cap demand. Cap demand occurs when the grass cover on the landfill requires water to keep the grass green and help to reduce erosion.

About the Proposal

To combat the issue of irrigation not being able to occur during the wetter months, Council has completed a thorough investigation in leachate management options to find a more suitable, long-term solution.

Council explored four options, each with their own strengths and limitations. You can view a detailed description of each option and their feasibility.

As a result of the investigation, Council has opted to pursue 'Option 2', to release recycled water through a surface water drain to the environment, a safe, economical and respected method across the industry.

Council has completed a risk assessment that demonstrated that the water meets required quality levels to make it safe for release to the environment. Further to this, each time water is treated, it will be tested and any water results that do not meet the required levels will not be released.

Council will need to seek a licence from the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to implement this method.

We’re asking community members and residents to review the details of 'Option 2' and let us know your feedback, and what else Council should be considering about this project.

As part of the feedback process, we’d also like to know how to best keep you informed about Council’s management of this site.

How you can get involved

Consultation for this proposal closed on Sunday 1 September 2024.

The feedback received will be considered by Council as part of the final proposal.

  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

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    Consultation has concluded