Life After Landfill – regulatory

requirementsKate Hamer and Thomas Gallasch

Waste to Resources, Regulation and ComplianceEPA

27th September 2007

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Welcome• Thank you for inviting the EPA to talk at this

forum

• The presentation aims to provide some guidance to Councils regarding waste management during the implementation phase of the Landfill Guidelines, released January 2007

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Outline• Future options for landfill operations• The planning process • Statutory timelines• Transfer station design specifications• Basic design requirements• Licensing requirements• Questions

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Future options for landfill operations• Close the landfill and implement a transfer station

• Close the landfill, no after use

• Close landfill, after use (other than transfer station)

• Close the landfill and select an alternative site for the operation of a transfer station

• Continue to operation the landfill in accordance with the Environmental Management of Landfill Facilities (municipal solid waste and commercial and industrial general waste), dated January 2007

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The Planning Process• A sound planning process with milestones and timelines

can not be under-estimated when making any decision regarding future waste management strategies.

• The planning process will have the most influence over the success

• Should identify limitations– E.g. budgetary– Logistical

• Have regard to the requirements, in particular the timelines, outlined in the Landfill Guidelines (2007).

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The Planning Process (continued)• Areas for which the EPA has limited regulatory control,

but will assist with the planning process include:– Future waste management strategy – Resource recovery and achieving best practice within your

community– Expectations of the community– Revision of existing contracts/obligations of existing

contracts– Safety– Consideration of costs and other resource implications for

closure and/or upgrade of existing facilities– Availability of funding, e.g. for infrastructure

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Statutory Timelines• The planning process should take into

consideration statutory timelines associated with any future actions:– Section 46 of the Environment Protection Act, 1993 (the

Act) requires proposed variations to licence conditions to be given minimum 14 days comment period

– New applications require to be processed within 2 months under S42 of the Act

– Will advertising be required? – Is a development application and or amendment

required?

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Transfer Station Design Specifications• No one specification suits all applications!• Design will depend on:

– Waste volumes– Waste types– Waste contracts– Recycling – Method of receival (ie private, public, MSW)– Method of removal (ie wheelie bins, roll on roll off)– Climate– Budget

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Some Basic Design Requirements• Siting• Separation distances• Infrastructure• Climate• Hydrology• Design• Stormwater management

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Some Basic Design Requirements cont.• Design should also address potential

environmental impacts:

– Visual impact– Noise– Odour– Dust– Vectors– Litter

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Some Basic Design Requirements cont.• Reference documents

– VIC & NSW- good guidance but need careful consideration of regulatory background as well as definitions that might not be applicable in SA

– SA EPA – Environmental Guidelines for resource Recovery and Waste Transfer Depots

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Licensing Requirements • Closed Landfills (and no further scheduled activity)

– Maintain a licence– No fee associated with the licence– Conditions will reflect the outcomes of the closure

and post closure management plan

• Closed Landfill & Transfer Station– Site will have 2 separate licences – Landfill will continue to be licensed after closure– New licence number and conditions for the transfer

station (fee applies)

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Licensing & Other Requirements cont.• Afteruse other than transfer station

– E.g. council depots• Afteruse for recreational purposes

– E.g. walking track

• For all apply:– Consider requirements of closure and post closure

conditions of the licence– Consider OHS&W requirements

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Conclusion• Plan for your outcomes and consult with the

EPA early