Landfill Sustainability Guide 2004 - epa.tas.gov.au€¦ · Landfill Sustainability Guide 2004 DEPARTMENTof PRIMARYINDUSTRIES, WATER andENVIRONMENT Environment Division GPO Box 44

Landfill Sustainability

Guide

2004

DEPARTMENT ofPRIMARY INDUSTRIES,WATER and ENVIRONMENT

Environment DivisionGPO Box 44 Hobart, Tasmania, 7001

DisclaimerThis document has been produced and published by the TasmanianDepartment of Primary Industries, Water and Environment (DPIWE). Thisdocument is not a substitute for independent legal or professional advice.

Although every care has been taken in the production of the work, neitherthe Crown in the right of the State of Tasmania nor any servant or agent ofthe Crown accepts responsibility for any loss or damage suffered at any timeby any person as a result of any error or inaccuracy in the publication,whether or not the error or inaccuracy has resulted from negligence or anyother cause.

The information contained within this document is designed to give guidanceto the landfills, within Tasmania, and is necessarily general. Specialist advicemay be required for specific sites or issues.

Acknowledgements

• Victorian Environment Protection Agency (EPA)• Meinhardt Consultants

For further information please visit www.dpiwe.tas.gov.au/landfills oremail E
[email protected]
www.dpiwe.tas.gov.au/landfills

cdavenport

© Crown in Right of the State of Tasmania This work is copyright. Apart from any use permitted under the Commonwealth Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced without written permission from the Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment, GPO Box 44, Hobart Tasmania, 7001.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. BACKGROUND .....................................................................................................1

1.1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................... 11.1.1 What is the purpose of the Sustainability Guide?................................................................................................11.1.2 Who should read the Sustainability Guide? ..........................................................................................................21.1.3 What activities does the Sustainability Guide address?.....................................................................................21.1.4 What does the Sustainability Guide contain?......................................................................................................21.1.5 How do I use the Sustainability Guide? ..................................................................................................................21.1.6 Implementation Timeframe ......................................................................................................................................3

1.2 PRINCIPLES AND ISSUES ......................................................................................... 41.2.1 Principles .........................................................................................................................................................................41.2.2 Environmental issues ....................................................................................................................................................41.2.3 Statutory framework.....................................................................................................................................................5

1.3 CLASSIFICATION OF LANDFILLS............................................................................... 71.3.1 Landfill Classification System....................................................................................................................................71.3.2 Waste types ....................................................................................................................................................................81.3.3 Specific Disposal Requirements for Certain Waste Types ................................................................................11

1.4 ACCEPTANCE OF CONTROLLED WASTES ................................................................ 131.4.1 Tasmanian waste tracking and classification system.......................................................................................131.4.2 Analytical Testing........................................................................................................................................................13

2. LANDFILL SITING AND PLANNING ........................................................................16

2.1 DEMAND ............................................................................................................. 162.2 COMMUNITY LIAISON .......................................................................................... 172.3 GEOLOGY........................................................................................................... 172.4 HYDROGEOLOGY................................................................................................. 182.5 BUFFER DISTANCES ............................................................................................... 192.6 SURFACE WATERS................................................................................................. 212.7 INFRASTRUCTURE.................................................................................................. 212.8 FLORA AND FAUNA.............................................................................................. 222.9 GEOCONSERVATION AND GEO-HERITAGE............................................................ 232.10 HISTORIC AND CULTURAL HERITAGE ...................................................................... 242.11 LAND OWNERSHIP AND USE.................................................................................. 242.12 SITE SELECTION ................................................................................................... 25

3. DESIGN ..............................................................................................................27

3.1 LEACHATE CONTAINMENT AND COLLECTION ........................................................ 283.1.1 Leachate Barrier ..........................................................................................................................................................283.1.2 Leachate Collection System for Category B and C Landfills.........................................................................323.1.3 Leachate Management for Category B and C Landfills .................................................................................34

3.2 SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT .......................................................................... 363.3 GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT FOR CATEROGY B AND C LANDFILLS...................... 373.4 LANDFILL GAS MANAGEMENT .............................................................................. 393.5 CONSTRUCTION QUALITY ASSURANCE FOR ENGINEERED LINERS ............................. 403.6 WASTE MINIMISATION ......................................................................................... 413.7 SITE SECURITY ...................................................................................................... 423.8 SIGNAGE............................................................................................................ 433.9 TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT........................................................................................ 433.10 PLANNING TO MINIMISE OFF-SITE IMPACTS........................................................... 443.11 PLANNING FOR REHABILITATION........................................................................... 44

4. OPERATION ........................................................................................................46

4.1 WASTE MINIMISATION ......................................................................................... 464.2 WASTE HANDLING ............................................................................................... 47

4.2.1 Waste acceptance and screening ........................................................................................................................474.2.2 Waste placement and compaction .....................................................................................................................484.2.3 Waste covering............................................................................................................................................................49

4.3 WATER MANAGEMENT ......................................................................................... 514.3.1 Leachate collection and management..............................................................................................................514.3.2 Surface water management..................................................................................................................................51

4.4 NUISANCE MANAGEMENT ................................................................................... 524.4.1 Dust.................................................................................................................................................................................524.4.2 Litter................................................................................................................................................................................534.4.3 Nuisance fauna and weed species .......................................................................................................................534.4.4 Odour .............................................................................................................................................................................544.4.5 Noise...............................................................................................................................................................................54

4.5 FIRES................................................................................................................... 554.5.1 Fire prevention .............................................................................................................................................................554.5.2 Fire control ....................................................................................................................................................................56

4.6 TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT........................................................................................ 564.7 STAFFING ............................................................................................................ 57

4.7.1 Training requirements.................................................................................................................................................574.7.2 Occupational Health and Safety ...........................................................................................................................58

4.8 MONITORING PROGRAMS.................................................................................... 584.8.1 Groundwater................................................................................................................................................................584.8.2 Surface water...............................................................................................................................................................614.8.3 Leachate.......................................................................................................................................................................634.8.4 Landfill gas....................................................................................................................................................................63

4.9 DOCUMENTATION FOR REPORTING AND REVIEW.................................................... 654.9.1 Waste acceptance records......................................................................................................................................654.9.2 Filling Plan.....................................................................................................................................................................664.9.3 Contingency and cost planning ............................................................................................................................664.9.4 Incident Management..............................................................................................................................................674.9.5 Annual report ...............................................................................................................................................................684.9.6 Five-yearly review........................................................................................................................................................68

5. REHABILITATION AND AFTER-CARE .....................................................................70

5.1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................... 705.2 POTENTIAL POST-CLOSURE USES ........................................................................... 705.3 FINAL REHABILITATION ......................................................................................... 72

5.3.1 Removal of site structures.........................................................................................................................................725.3.2 Additional compaction ............................................................................................................................................735.3.3 Completion of capping............................................................................................................................................735.3.5 Emissions management............................................................................................................................................79

5.4 AFTER-CARE ........................................................................................................ 795.4.1 Maintenance ...............................................................................................................................................................795.4.2 Monitoring.....................................................................................................................................................................805.4.3 Site closure....................................................................................................................................................................815.4.4 Reporting.......................................................................................................................................................................815.4.5 Site sign-off...................................................................................................................................................................82

6. REFERENCES .......................................................................................................83

6.1 LEGISLATION....................................................................................................... 836.2 GUIDELINES......................................................................................................... 846.3 STANDARDS......................................................................................................... 856.4 SOFTWARE........................................................................................................... 85

LIST OF APPENDICES

APPENDIX A Suggested plant species............................................................... 85

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1.1 Landfill Classification System........................................................... 7Table 2.1 Landfill Categories ....................................................................... 19Table 2.2 Distance between Landfills and Sensitive Receptors ...................... 20Table 2.3 Example of a Site Selection Matrix ................................................ 25Table 3.1 Landfill Category and Parameter Matrix ........................................ 29Table 3.2 Landfill Surface Water Requirements ............................................. 36Table 3.3 Landfill Site Security Requirements ................................................. 42Table 4.1 Landfill Placement and Compaction Requirements.......................... 48Table 4.2 Landfill Minimum Cover Requirements ............................................ 50Table 4.3 Landfill Surface Water and Turbidity Limits....................................... 51Table 4.4 Groundwater Monitoring Parameters............................................ 60Table 4.5 Surface Water and Leachate Dam Monitoring Parameters .............. 62Table 5.1 Indicative Landfill Cap Requirements (Clay / Composite Cap)......... 74Table 5.2 Recommended Application of Topsoil for Plant Categories .............. 75

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 3.1 Elements of Landfill Design for Category B and C Landfills................. 27Figure 5.1 Representation of the Various Component Layers. ......................... 76

DPIWE Landfill Sustainability Guide – Tasmania Sept 2004 i

GLOSSARY / ACRONYMSAfter-care The period of time, usually up to 25 - 50 years after a

landfill ceases to accept waste stream. After-careconsists of monitoring and maintenance of theclosed landfill.

Amenity The current existence of healthy, pleasant andagreeable (community) surroundings.

ANZECC Australian and New Zealand Environment andConservation Council (now superseded by EPHC).

Aquifer A saturated permeable geologic unit that cantransmit significant quantities of water underordinary hydraulic gradients.

ARMCANZ Agriculture and Resource Management Council ofAustralia and New Zealand

AS Australian Standards

ASLP Australian Standard Leaching Procedure.

Beneficial use The environmentally benign and useful applicationor use of a resource that is of public benefit,including welfare, safety, health or aestheticenjoyment.

Best PracticeEnvironmentalManagement (BPEM)

As defined in Section 4 of the EMPCA, 1994

Bioremediation The remediation or decontamination of anycontaminated matter by the use of processesinvolving biological organisms.

Board Means the Board of Environmental Managementand Pollution Control established under section 12 ofthe Environmental Management and PollutionControl Act 1994

Buffer distance The distance between the tipping area of a landfillsite and a segment of the environment to beprotected.

Category A Landfill Landfills able to accept solid inert material and fillmaterial. Also referred to as Solid Inert Landfills.

Category B Landfill Landfills able to accept the same wastes as SolidInert Landfills as well as low level contaminated soiland putrescible waste. Also referred to asPutrescible Landfills.

Category C Landfill Landfills able to accept the same wastes asPutrescible Landfills as well as contaminated soil,controlled waste, other hazardous waste andspecial waste. Also referred to as Secure Landfills.

Capping The placement of one or more layers to form either atemporary or permanent covering above thewaste.

DPIWE Landfill Sustainability Guide – Tasmania Sept 2004 ii

Cation ExchangeCapacity

When applied to clay, means the ability toexchange naturally occurring cations with cationsfrom leachate in contact with the clay. Thisexchange can over time alter clay permeability.

Cell A section of a landfill.

Clay Fine-grained sedimentary rock of low permeabilitythat is capable of being shaped when moist.

Clean fill Soil, rock, concrete, asphalt or similar non-putresciblematerial that is not contaminated by other waste;and does not contain contaminated levelsexceeding limits for fill material set by the Director inBulletin 105, Classification and Management ofContaminated Soil for Disposal.

Closure Cessation of all waste placement activities eitherwith a cell or the entire landfill.

Composting The process of the aerobic conversion of organicmaterials by micro-organisms into soil conditioners,compost or humus. It is a process that must becarried out under controlled conditions yieldingcured products.

Controlled waste Wastes currently defined in Section 3 of theEnvironmental Management and Pollution ControlAct 1994 (EMPCA) and the EnvironmentalManagement and Pollution Control (WasteManagement) Regulations 2000.

Cover material Material approved by the Regulatory Authority foruse to cover waste deposited within a landfill.

Decomposition The physical, chemical and biological break downof waste materials by micro-organisms.

Director Director of Environmental Management as definedin the EMPCA

DP&EMP Development Proposal and EnvironmentalManagement Plan

DPIWE Department of Primary Industries, Water andEnvironment

EMP Environmental Management Plan - a detailed planfor the development, operation, rehabilitation andafter-care of a landfill (generally replaces theDP&EMP after initial establishment of the landfill iscompleted).

EMPCA Environmental Management and Pollution ControlAct 1994.

Engineered Clay Liner A liner that is constructed by mechanicaltransformation of locally available materials.

EPHC Environment Protection and Heritage Council.

EIN Environmental Infringement Notice

http://www.dpiwe.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/WebPages/CDAT-53L38C?OpenDocument

DPIWE Landfill Sustainability Guide – Tasmania Sept 2004 iii

EPN Environment Protection Notice

Fill material Material consisting of clay, soil and crushed rock thatis not contaminated or mixed with any othermaterial.

Fines (a) Very small particles, particularly. those smallerthan the average in a mixture of particles of varioussizes, or the fine-grained sediment that settles slowlyto the bottom of a body of water.

(b) An engineering term for the clay- and silt-sized soilparticles with diameters less than 0.074 mm.

Geo-syntheticComposite Liner (GCL)

A liner that includes a layer of imported lowpermeability material (eg bentonite clay) protectedby two or more geotextile layers

Geomembrane A synthetic impervious material such as HDPE inconjunction with a geo-synthetic composite liner.

Geotextile A synthetic boundary layer that is used to protect anarea above or below the geotextile.

Greenhouse gases Gases, such as methane and carbon dioxide, whichcontribute to the greenhouse effect, which inturn is thought to cause global warming.

Gully A channel or small valley cut by concentrated run-off but through which water commonly flows onlyduring and immediately after heavy rains or duringthe melting of snow.

Groundwater Water saturating the voids in the soil and rock; waterin the zone of saturation in the Earth’s crust.

HDPE High Density Polyethylene (see geomembrane).

Hydraulic gradient A change in the hydraulic head along a fluid flowpath that determines the direction of groundwatermovement.

Hydraulic conductivity This is the speed that water (including leachate) willflow within the substrata. Commonly referred to asthe K-Value.

Hydrogeology The study of subsurface water with the emphasis ondirection of flow, interconnections and interactionswith the surrounding strata.

Inert waste Wastes that do not undergo environmentallysignificant physical, chemical or biologicaltransformations and have no potentially hazardouscontent once landfilled. Substantial quantities ofinert waste may be derived from building anddemolition works, including bricks, concrete, glass,plastics, metal, and timber. Inert waste must not becontaminated or mixed with any other material.

Landfill gas Gaseous emissions from the decomposition of waste.Also called ‘biogas’.

DPIWE Landfill Sustainability Guide – Tasmania Sept 2004 iv

Landfill liner A landfill liner used to separate the waste materialfrom the natural substrate. A landfill liner may beeither constructed from natural in situ material (e.g.clay) or from artificial material (e.g. geomembranesor GCL),

Landfill site A waste facility used for the purposes of disposing ofwaste to land.

Leachate Liquid that is either released by or has percolatedthrough waste and contains dissolved or suspendedforms of gases, other liquids and solids.

Leachate Dam As used in this document means an engineered damusing a HDPE geomembrane as a landfill liner thatcontains leachate or contaminated water.

Level 1 Activity As defined in Section 3 of EMPCA



Liner A barrier between the waste deposited in a landfilland the underlying substrata c.f. engineered liner.

Liquid waste Any waste product that is in liquid form. Thedifference between a solid and liquid waste isdefined as to whether the waste product isspadeable (able to be lifted and moved in heapswith a spade).

Lithology A term applied to the study of sediments, referring totheir general characteristics. Lithology generallyrelates to descriptions based upon hand specimensand outcrops rather than microscopic or chemicalfeatures

LUPAA Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993

Methane (CH4) An explosive, odourless and colourless gas producedin a landfill by organic waste undergoing anaerobicdecomposition.

Monitoring Bore A bore that is installed into a previously drilled hole.Various sections of the installed bore may be slottedto allow movement of groundwater through thebore.

Mulching The size-reduction of organic materials using one ormore of the following processes: cutting, milling,shredding, grinding and other means. The mulch isthen usually pasteurised.

http://www.thelaw.tas.gov.au/index.w3p

DPIWE Landfill Sustainability Guide – Tasmania Sept 2004 v

Municipal waste Wastes arising from the three waste sub-streams:

(a) Kerbside domestic waste - household solid andinert waste placed out for kerbside collection

(b) Other domestic waste - residential solid and inertwastes.

(c) Other Council waste - Council generated solidand inert waste arising form street sweepings,litter bins, parks and garden clean ups and treelopping.

NATA National Association of Testing Authorities.

NEPM National Environment Protection Measure

NTU Nephelometric Turbidity Unit

OH & S Occupational Health and Safety

Operator A person who has the management or control of thelandfill (other than as an employee).

Organic waste One or more of the following types of waste: garden,untreated wood fibrous, vegetables, fruits, cereals,bio-solids, manures, fatty foods, meat, fish and fattysludges.

PCB Polychlorinated biphenyls.

Permeability Saturated hydraulic conductivity (K-Value).

Permit A permit granted under the Land Use Planning andApprovals Act 1993

PEVs Protected Environmental Value(s)

Planning Authority Means a Local Council

Putrescible Defined in Section 1.3.2.

Regulatory Authority The authority responsible for the environmentalregulation of particular activities, normally as follows:

(a) Level 1 activities and planning matters: LocalCouncil.

(b) Level 2 activities: Director of EnvironmentalManagement.

(c) Proposed level 2 activities: The Board ofEnvironmental Management and PollutionControl.

Rehabilitation The overall process of landfill closure, capping,revegetation, monitoring and after-care.

DPIWE Landfill Sustainability Guide – Tasmania Sept 2004 vi

Remediation Work for the rehabilitation and monitoring of premisesthe subject of a permit and that is required by theconditions of a permit to be carried out:

( a ) While the premises are being used for thepurpose to which the permit relates,

(b ) After the premises cease being used for thepurpose to which the permit relates, or

(c)Both.

RMPS Resource Management and Planning System

Run-off The portion of precipitation that drains from an areaas surface flow.

Seismic activity Vibrations within the earth or along its surfacecaused by movements or fracturing within thelithosphere

Sludge Semi-liquid waste produced as a by-product of anindustrial process.

Soil Plasticity Index The difference between the liquid limit and theplastic limit is the range of water content over whichthe soil is plastic.

SustainableDevelopment

Managing resources in a way and at a rate, thatenables people and communities to provide for theirsocial, economic and ecological needs withoutcompromising the ability of future generations to dothe same.

TCLP Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure.

Uniformity Coefficient Measure of uniformity in the grading of a material. Anumerical expression of the variety in particle sizes inmixed natural soils, defined as the ratio of the sievesize through which 60% (by weight) of the materialpasses to the sieve size that allows 10% of thematerial to pass. It is unity for a material whoseparticles are all of the same size, and it increaseswith variety in size (as high as 30 for heterogeneoussand).

Valley A linear, low-lying tract of land bordered on bothsides by higher land and frequently traversed by astream or river. All valleys have been cut by runningwater over time.

DPIWE Landfill Sustainability Guide – Tasmania Sept 2004 1

1. BACKGROUND

1.1 INTRODUCTION

The Landfill Sustainability Guide for siting, design, operation & after-careof landfills (the ‘Sustainability Guide’) supersedes the draft TasmanianLandfill Code of Practice released in November 1996. The draft Code ofPractice has often been referred to in assessment processes and in permitconditions. The new Sustainability Guide also supersedes two other relateddraft documents, the Guidelines for the Rehabilitation of Refuse DisposalSites and Guidelines for the Establishment and Management of LandfillSites for Construction, Demolition and Solid Inert Wastes, released in May1996.

The concepts and principles in the draft documents represented bestpractice environmental management at the time of development but arenow dated. Since that time, understanding of best practice for landfilldesign, operation, management and groundwater protection hasadvanced significantly. This is reflected in the adoption of increasinglystringent standards for landfilling in other Australian states andinternationally.

1.1.1 What is the purpose of the Sustainability Guide?

The aim of the Sustainability Guide is to provide a consistent and effectiveframework for minimising environmental impacts arising from the siting,design, operation and rehabilitation of landfills in Tasmania.

The objectives of the Sustainability Guide are to:

• help developers establish and manage landfilling activities incompliance with environmental legislation and policies;

• promote consistency in the regulation of landfills in Tasmania;

• clearly identify the issues that need to be managed and options fortheir management;

• inform industry and the community of acceptable standards forlandfills; and

• encourage high level landfilling standards based on the most effective,affordable and innovative mix of mechanisms available.

The Sustainability Guide is designed to help landfill operators achieve goodenvironmental performance.

While the Sustainability Guide itself is not a legally enforceable document,permit conditions (which are legally enforceable) are likely to be derivedfrom the acceptable standards and recommendations described withinthe Sustainability Guide.

The standards described in this Sustainability Guide should also be takeninto consideration when preparing Development Proposal andEnvironmental Management Plans (for proposed new sites) and whenreviewing Environmental Management Plans (for existing sites).


1.1.2 Who should read the Sustainability Guide?

The Sustainability Guide provides information relevant to regulators,consultants, operators and proponents of landfills. All personnel included inplanning, owning or operating a landfill need to be familiar with thisSustainability Guide. The Sustainability Guide also provides the broadercommunity with an understanding of the standards expected ofTasmanian landfills.

1.1.3 What activities does the Sustainability Guide address?

The Sustainability Guide is designed to apply to all landfills that areassessed by the Board of Environment Management and Pollution Control(i.e. landfills that are Level 2 activities). However, the principles should beapplied to all landfills.

1.1.4 What does the Sustainability Guide contain?

The following chapters present environmental issues that should beaddressed at particular stages of a landfill’s ‘life’. The Sustainability Guidepresents ‘acceptable standards’ and ‘recommendations’ for each of theenvironmental aspects associated with these standards.

Acceptable standards provide the minimum requirements forperformance-based environmental management and regulation oflandfills, and the recommendations provide guidance on possible meansof achieving these standards. The acceptable standards may beprescriptive on certain key issues.

The Sustainability Guide is structured so that users can focus their attentionon issues relevant to their site (i.e. selecting a site, designing a new site or anextension to an existing site, operating or rehabilitating a site).

Although this guideline parallels best practice environmental managementat the time of writing, best practice is likely to evolve over time. Therefore,the document will be updated periodically. Any major updates will beundertaken in consultation with proponents and landfill operators.

1.1.5 How do I use the Sustainability Guide?

Regulators should utilise the acceptable standards as a basis for draftingand reviewing landfill permit conditions, unless there is no environmentaljustification for doing so at a particular site. Landfill operators must complywith all permit conditions and should also review the range ofrecommendations in the Sustainability Guide and select those mostappropriate for the particular site.

Proponents seeking to deviate from the acceptable standardrequirements of the Sustainability Guide will be required to develop thecase to justify such deviation on environmental grounds to the satisfactionof the Regulatory Authority. Innovation in achieving best practiceenvironmental management is encouraged provided it has a sound basisin science.


The Sustainability Guide is not intended to encompass all aspects ofenvironmental protection relevant to landfilling activities. References areprovided to other policies and guidelines where appropriate. Users areencouraged to undertake further reading to ensure that they are fullyaware of requirements and approaches to minimising environmental riskand financial liability.

Proponents and operators are encouraged to continually improveperformance through innovation and uptake of appropriate,internationally recognised practices to achieve better environmentaloutcomes.

Since this Sustainability Guide may not be applicable to every situation,users should seek further information or advice from the relevant RegulatoryAuthority when planning to adopt practices discussed in the SustainabilityGuide.

1.1.6 Implementation Timeframe

The Regulatory Authority will progressively implement this SustainabilityGuide over time as site permit conditions are written or reviewed, subjectto normal consultative processes and appeal provisions.

Section 2 of this Sustainability Guide ‘Landfill Siting and Planning’ willgenerally not be applied to existing landfills; all other Sections of theSustainability Guide will be progressively applied to all landfills. Section 3‘Design’ will be applied to new cells at existing landfills, and extensions oflandfills from the date of this Guide.

Operators of existing landfills will be expected to comply, as a minimum,with all acceptable standards in sections 3, 4 and 5 by no later than June2009, unless the operator can demonstrate comparable reductions inenvironmental risk by other solutions, subject to approval by the RegulatoryAuthority.


1.2 PRINCIPLES AND ISSUES

1.2.1 Principles

Waste management performs a critical role in public health and safetyand amenity. Effective waste management also provides an opportunityto conserve resources through effective avoidance and diversion ofwaste. This is effectively expressed through a hierarchy of wastemanagement options, which are listed below in order of preference:

a) avoidance

b) reuse

c) recycling

d) energy recovery

e) disposal

This hierarchy recognises that waste is best reduced or avoided at thepoint of production or generation, and that there is a need for strategies forre-using and recycling those wastes that are generated. Inevitably, someresidual wastes will need to be disposed of to landfill, but this should onlyoccur when options further up the hierarchy are not practicable. Disposalof controlled and non-degradable wastes might also include‘containment’ as they will remain in situ for some time. Controlled wastesmay also be subjected to treatment in order to render them safe for reuseor containment.

The EMPCA requires that landfill disposal of residual waste does not causesignificant environmental harm. To achieve this, existing and potentiallandfill operators need to be aware of the risks landfilling poses to thequality of air, water, land and community amenity. Operators need tomanage these risks effectively and operate in accordance withsustainable development principles.

1.2.2 Environmental issues

The environmental issues of primary concern to the community and theRegulatory Authority in relation to landfilling operations are as follows:

Water Quality

Surface waters and groundwater can be polluted by leachate from landfillsites (leachate is the liquid released by, or water that has percolatedthrough, waste). Leachate may cause serious water pollution if it is notproperly managed. Surface water run-off from land surrounding a landfilldisposal area can cause unacceptable sediment loads in receivingwaters, while surface water infiltration of wastes can lead to excessivegeneration of leachate.


Air Quality

Landfill gas contains methane, carbon dioxide and a variety of potentiallycorrosive, toxic or odorous components. Emissions of methane and carbondioxide contribute significantly to the ‘greenhouse effect’. Uncontrolledmigration of landfill gas to the root zone of plants may lead to vegetationdieback. Methane can also present an explosion risk and if not used, awasted energy / fuel source. Significant uncontrolled landfill gas emissionsare not a satisfactory landfill practice.

Land Management

All land is valuable, and the impact of its use as landfill needs to besustainable. Proper care of a landfill as a valuable asset should result ineffective remediation to a landform that blends with its surroundings andcan be used for other purposes following closure.

Resource Conservation

Resource conservation goals include diverting waste materials that can bere-used or recycled from landfills to minimise the loss of capacity, andmanaging the site to ensure that potentially reusable materials are notreceived and properly documenting the nature of wastes received.

Health Impacts

The very nature of a landfill disposal site means that disease vectors andpathogens will be present. Ongoing implementation of programs tominimise the presence and transfer of pathogens must be undertaken.

Other Impacts

Other potential impacts from landfills include fire, dust, noise, odour, pestplant and animals, and litter. These may occur on or in the neighbourhoodof the landfill site.

Water and air pollution remain important issues after the landfill is closed.Good engineering design and operational practices will greatly reduce therisk of problems during rehabilitation and after-care (e.g. leachatecollection, capping and landfill gas control).

1.2.3 Statutory framework

The Sustainability Guide has been developed to further the objectives ofTasmania’s RMPS, which encourages sustainable development ofTasmania’s resources. The RMPS includes legislation and supporting policyrelevant to solid waste management, including:

• Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993 (LUPAA);

• Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994 (EMPCA);

• Environmental Management and Pollution Control (WasteManagement) Regulations 2000;

• State Policy on Water Quality Management 1997; and

• Classification and Management of Contaminated Soil for Disposal(Bulletin 105)


Landfills that receive 100 tonnes or more of solid waste per annum aredetermined to be a “level 2 activity” under Schedule 2 of the EMPCA.Consequently, regulatory approval is required from the Board for the designand operation of these landfills.

According to the RMPS framework, applications to develop and operate alandfill are made to the relevant Planning Authority. The Planning Authorityassesses the planning aspects of the proposal and refers the permitapplication to the Board of Environmental Management and PollutionControl (the Board) if it is a Level 2 activity. The Board conducts anenvironmental impact assessment in accordance with the EMPCA and willadvise the Planning Authority of the environmental conditions that must beattached to the permit, if the application is not refused. The Board andthe Planning Authority decide on the proposal after a public commentperiod and an integrated environmental and planning assessment hastaken place. The decision is subject to appeal by the applicant or thepublic representors.

To gain approval, proponents must demonstrate that the acceptablestandards outlined in the following chapters will be achieved. Proponentsmay select the best mix of controls for site development and managementto achieve the required outcome and document these in theDevelopment Proposal and Environmental Management Plan (DP&EMP).In general, a DP&EMP will consider the impact of the development anddemonstrate the means to mitigate these impacts, and will address issuesincluding (but not limited to) those described within this SustainabilityGuide. Proponents can obtain further guidance on the information that isrequired from the Regulatory Authority and the Planning Authority.

In the operational phase, the activity will be subject to a permit withspecified conditions designed to give effect to this Sustainability Guide.

Enforcement action can be taken where permit conditions or EMPCA arebreached.

An existing permit may be modified through an environment protectionnotice if changes in the permit are required. When the magnitude ornature of the proposed change is environmentally significant or thedevelopment is a significant intensification of use, a new developmentapplication is likely to be required.

If the nature or quantity of wastes entering a landfill changes, theRegulatory Authority must be informed.


1.3 CLASSIFICATION OF LANDFILLS

1.3.1 Landfill Classification System

Three categories of landfill are established:

Category A: Solid Inert Landfill

Category B: Putrescible Landfill

Category C: Secure Landfill

Table 1.1 describes the types of wastes that may be accepted at eachcategory of landfill for disposal. Some acceptable standards andrecommendations vary according to these categories.

Table 1.1 Landfill Classification System

Landfill Category

Waste type A

(Solid Inert)

B

(Putrescible)

C

(Secure)

Solid inert material(includes clean fill)

Potentially contaminatedmaterial 1

Fill material

Low levelcontaminated soil

?

Contaminated soil

Contaminated soil forremediation

Putrescible waste

Controlled waste ?

Key: permitted not permitted? may be accepted, subject to approval by the Regulatory Authority for the type of

waste. Analytical testing may be required.

1. The basis for classification of potentially contaminated material is defined in DPIWEInformation Bulletin 105, Classification and Management of Contaminated Soil forDisposal.


1.3.2 Waste types

Descriptions of each waste type shown in Table 1.1 are provided below.Note that some substances such as cytotoxic waste may not be suitablefor disposal at any landfills (see Section 1.3.3). Certain wastes may requiretreatment prior to disposal.

Solid inert material may be defined as waste which will not degrade in theshort term, and which has a negligible risk to the environment (see also thedefinition of solid inert waste). Examples of solid inert material may include:

• inert building and demolition waste (see exclusions below);

• clean fill;

• wood;

• bricks;

• inert synthetic materials

• concrete;

• rocks; and

• fencing material.

Solid inert materials as defined above do NOT include:

• asbestos sheet and asbestos fibre;

• contaminated soil;

• treated timber;

• tyres;

• putrescible waste;

• green waste;

• recyclable metal items

• all other waste from domestic, government, commercial andindustrial sources not specifically listed above.

Re-use and recycling options should be closely examined for solid inertwastes.

Potentially contaminated materials are materials that may contain metals,organic substances or other wastes that will have a harmful effect on theenvironment if disposed of in an inappropriate manner. DPIWE InformationBulletin 105, Classification and Management of Contaminated Soil forDisposal, establishes four distinct levels of ‘soil’ as follows:

1. Fill material;

2. Low Level Contaminated Soil;

3. Contaminated Soil; and

4. Contaminated Soil for Remediation.


Soils may require testing by appropriately qualified and accreditedpersonnel to determine the appropriate means of disposal. Note thatContaminated Soil for Remediation is generally not considered acceptablefor disposal without prior treatment to reduce the concentration ofcontaminants or leachability of contaminants. Contaminated Soil mayonly be accepted at Secure Landfills, whereas Low Level ContaminatedSoil may be accepted at nominated Putrescible Landfills for use asintermediate cover. Further information is provided in DPIWE InformationBulletin 105, Classification and Management of Contaminated Soil forDisposal.

Putrescible waste may be defined as waste containing major componentsable to be decomposed by bacterial action, often resulting in offensiveodours. This includes:

• household domestic garbage, either set aside for kerb-side collectionor delivered by the householder directly to the landfill;

• local Council generated waste (e.g. waste from street-sweeping,litter bins and parks);

• food waste from industrial or commercial sources such as restaurants,food markets, supermarkets etc.;

• paper and cardboard, and

• green waste.

Some putrescible wastes that decompose readily are ideal for compostingoperations - see Guidelines for Recycling of Organic Wastes in Tasmania(DPIWE 1996a) for further details.

Controlled Waste is defined in EMPCA as follows:

(a) a substance that is controlled waste within the meaning of –

(i) the National Environment Protection Measure entitled theMovement of Controlled Waste Between States andTerritories made by the National Environment ProtectionCouncil on 26 June 1998, as amended from time to time;or

(ii) any National Environment Protection Measure substitutedfor the Measure referred to above, as amended fromtime to time; and

(b) a substance that is prescribed by the regulations to becontrolled waste.

http://147.109.11.178/websites/production/public/interpreview.nsf/Preview/Attachments/CDAT-5Y82LR?OpenDocument&Time=09:47:07


The Environmental Management and Pollution Control (WasteManagement) Regulations 2000 further prescribe waste to becontrolled waste if it exhibits an environmentally significantcharacteristic (as listed in the above National Environmental ProtectionMeasure) and is one of the following:

(a) derived or arising from agricultural produce or veterinary chemicalproducts within the meaning of the Agricultural and VeterinaryChemicals (Control of Use) Act 1995;

(b) a dangerous good within the meaning of the Dangerous GoodsAct 1998;

(c) derived or arising from poisons within the meaning of the PoisonsAct 1971;

(d) a waste within the meaning of the Quarantine Regulations 2000 ofthe Commonwealth, as amended;

(e) a scheduled waste within the meaning of a National ManagementPlan; or

(f) any other waste declared by the Director, by notice published inthe Gazette, to be waste consisting of, or containing a quantity of,a pollutant that when placed in, or discharged into, theenvironment may:

(i) directly or indirectly cause environmental harm; or

(ii) give rise to the abnormal concentration of any substance inany plant, animal or organism above naturalconcentrations; or

(iii) adversely affect the use or value of the receiving waters forrecreational, commercial, domestic, agricultural or industrialpurposes; or

(iv) contain sufficient heat, or be likely to generate sufficient heatby itself or in combination with other matter, to ignite orcause fire; or

(v) give rise to undesirable, abnormal or harmful growth of aplant, animal, virus or organism.

Because of the hazardous nature of controlled wastes, strong emphasisshould be placed on reducing the amount of waste at the source.Recycling and treatment options should also be explored prior to disposal(e.g. certain organic solvents and waste oils may be recycled or reclaimed,and some may be suitable for biological treatment).


Inevitably some controlled waste is included in the municipal waste (e.g.domestic paint stripper, batteries, pesticides, solvents or smoke detectorsthat contain radioactive material). Where practical, controlled wastes inthe domestic waste stream should be identified and strategies developedfor removal and separate treatment and disposal. With all forms of wastetreatment however, there are usually residues that require landfill disposal.Such residues may need to be immobilised by chemical fixation orencapsulation to prevent the leaching of contaminants into surface orground waters.

The chemical constituents of most controlled wastes require analysis beforedisposal to landfill to ensure compliance with levels specified by theRegulatory Authority (See Section 1.4).

In general, controlled wastes can be accepted for disposal only at SecureLandfills, however disposal of some controlled wastes (e.g. tyres, asbestosand sharps that have been appropriately packaged) may be allowed in

Putrescible Landfills at the discretion of the Director of EnvironmentalManagement.

1.3.3 Specific Disposal Requirements for Certain Waste Types

Asbestos must be transported and disposed under strictly controlledconditions. Sites used for the disposal of asbestos waste need to havepermits for this purpose. Removal, transport and disposal of asbestos wastemust be in accordance with relevant environmental and occupationalhealth guidelines.

Liquid waste: Receipt of liquid wastes at landfills is generally not consideredbest practice environmental management. Liquid waste, includingdomestic grease trap wastes and septic tank pump-outs, should bemanaged according to one of the following options.

1. Liquid wastes that exhibit high biochemical oxygen demand may notbe suitable for some sewer and wastewater treatment systems. Suchwastes may be able to be tankered directly to an anaerobic digesteror similar wastewater treatment plant.

2. Wastes may be dewatered by press, evaporation, centrifuge, etc.Liquids may then be reused or directed to sewer as appropriate.

3. Solids may be recovered for disposal at a Category C landfill andliquids directed to sewer via an appropriate pre-treatment facility.

4. Wastes may be applied to land – subject to detailed assessment andin most cases requiring winter storage.

5. Wastes may be diverted to an approved composting facility (mayrequire winter storage).

Application of these options is subject to the availability of facilities,authority approval and permit conditions.

Clinical and related wastes should be managed in accordance with a method approved by the Director of Environmental Management.


Material containing Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) should only be dealtwith in accordance with the National Strategy for the Management ofScheduled Waste (ANZECC 1993) and the Polychlorinated BiphenylsManagement Plan (ANZECC 1999). Disposal of non-scheduled solid PCBwaste to landfill must be approved by the Regulatory Authority and mustconform to the requirements for discharge to air, water, and land thatapply to the treatment and disposal of scheduled PCB waste.

Any waste believed to be radioactive (excluding domestic smokedetectors) should not be accepted at a landfill without approval from theDepartment of Health and Human Services and the Director.

Sludges destined for disposal at an approved landfill must be of aspadeable consistency unless the landfill is approved by the RegulatoryAuthority to receive liquid sludge. The water content of the waste sludgeshould be reduced by on-site treatment (e.g. belt press, centrifugation,drying beds) at the plant of origin to ensure easier waste handling and toreduce the volume of leachate generated by landfill disposal. Sludgesshould generally be tested for contaminants prior to acceptance at alandfill (see Section 1.4.2).

Industrial sludges may contain significant amounts of potentially hazardousmaterials, including heavy metals that typically exhibit increased solubilityunder acidic conditions commonly found in landfills. In particular, pH levelsin the early stages of burial (when the pH is generally around 5.0 - 6.5 for thefirst two years increasing to pH 6.5 - 7.5 after ten years) pose a significant riskof increased contaminant solubility. Where sludge is found to be acidic orslightly alkaline, it should be treated with lime prior to disposal to increasepH and to minimise the potential for leaching.

Tyres may be stockpiled and managed separately provided the numberdoes not exceed 500 and stored in individual lots of 150 or less. Disposal oftyres is allowed only at landfills that have specific approval from theRegulatory Authority


1.4 ACCEPTANCE OF CONTROLLED WASTES

It is essential that wastes disposed to landfill have acceptable chemicalproperties (e.g. in relation to degradability, toxicity of breakdown products,and potential for bioaccumulation). It is difficult to define what isacceptable for disposal based solely on the waste’s source: not allindustrial wastes are hazardous, nor are all domestic wastes classed asnon-hazardous. Furthermore, the presence of hazardous constituents in awaste stream does not necessarily imply that the waste as a whole ishazardous (e.g. the hazardous components may be chemically bound inan inert matrix).

Information concerning the environmental availability of the hazardouscomponent is needed to allow for this possibility. There are two means ofassessing the hazard associated with a particular waste (or load):

• reference to the Tasmanian waste tracking system when it becomesavailable; or

• testing the total concentration and leachability of contaminants.

1.4.1 Tasmanian waste tracking and classification system

A waste tracking system is being developed for implementation inTasmania to document relevant information regarding waste loads andallow movement of waste to be tracked from generation through todisposal. Landfill operators may be able to use details contained withinthe waste transport certificates provided by the waste generator as thebasis for assessing the suitability of the waste for disposal within a givenfacility in accordance with their operating conditions.

Classification will be according to the physical and chemical nature of thewastes, the industry from which it originates, and hazardous contaminantsof the waste. The National Environment Protection (Movement ofControlled Waste Between States and Territories) Measure will form thebasis for controlled waste characterisation. Responsibility for classification ofwaste material will lie with the waste producer.

1.4.2 Analytical Testing

If there is doubt as to whether material is controlled waste, it must betreated as if it were controlled waste or it must be subjected to analyticaltesting by the owner of the material. This testing must be undertakenbefore waste is removed from a site.

Information on the nature of a waste stream that is believed to bepotentially hazardous may be obtained through analytical procedurescarried out by a National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA)accredited laboratory. The suitability of particular wastes for acceptanceto landfill may subsequently be determined by comparing the results of thetest procedure with acceptance criteria.


A common parameter for tests is the total concentration of contaminants.This is a standard test for contaminated soil and is most appropriate forwastes that may break down rapidly in a landfill and release highconcentrations of contaminants. Conversely, a contaminant may not be'available' due to low solubility or some other chemical or physicalcharacteristic. Consequently, testing should generally also address themobility of organic and inorganic contaminants in such a way as tosimulate leaching that may occur in a landfill environment over a period oftime.

Tests that are appropriate for determining such characteristics include the‘Australian Standard Leaching Procedure’ (AS 4439.3-1997) and the‘Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure’ developed by the UnitedStates Environmental Protection Agency.

In general, the acceptability of tested wastes should be assessed againstcriteria provided in DPIWE Information Bulletin 105, Classification andManagement of Contaminated Soil for Disposal as follows:

• where test results are equivalent to those acceptable for ‘FillMaterial’, wastes may be disposed at any landfill;

• where test results are equivalent to those acceptable for ‘LowLevel Contaminated Soil’, wastes may be disposed at Solid Inertand Putrescible Landfills;

• where test results are equivalent to those acceptable for‘Contaminated Soil’, wastes may only be disposed at Securelandfills; and

• where test results are equivalent to those acceptable for‘Contaminated Soil for Remediation’, wastes may only be disposedat Secure landfills under the following circumstances;

a. the wastes undergo treatment to immobilise the hazardouscomponent (e.g. chemical treatment, fixation, encapsulation ormicro-encapsulation) or to remove the hazardous component(e.g. landfarming) and follow-up testing; or

b. the wastes are stored, subject to regulatory Authority approval,pending the development of suitable facilities for treatment ordisposal of the waste.

Advice must be sought from the Regulatory Authority when uncertaintyexists over whether a waste is controlled waste or over the interpretation oftest results.


Additional Directions

Before controlled waste can be accepted at a landfill:

(i) the permit conditions must explicitly allow the type waste to beaccepted, and;

(ii) if required by the permit conditions, a case specific approvalshould be sought in relation to each consignment of waste, and;

(iii) the approval of the landfill manager must be obtained.

Any waste stream believed to be particularly hazardous by virtue of itsexplosive nature, flammability, reactivity, or corrosivity should not beaccepted at a landfill without pre-treatment to minimise or remove thehazard.

If environmental problems occur as a direct result of landfill operations,then failure to implement controls for the disposal of controlled wastes mayexpose operators to environmental and financial liabilities. Operatorsshould be aware of the industries in the area that are likely to producecontrolled wastes and, if wastes from these industries are disposed at thelandfill, ensure that acceptance and disposal complies with permitconditions.

The capability of a landfill to accept a given type of controlled waste isnot determined solely by its categorisation. It is possible for a well-managed site to be unsuitable for the disposal of some (if not all) controlledwastes due to poor physical site characteristics. Conversely, a site withideal physical characteristics may not be approved for disposal ofparticular wastes due to poor management history.


2. LANDFILL SITING AND PLANNING

The selection of a new landfill site is critical to minimising the impact of a facilityon the environment. Careful selection will minimise the design and operationalcontrols required to ensure environmental protection of the site and surroundingenvironments. By selecting the most suitable site, the impact of the facility onthe environment can be minimised, as can operational and rehabilitation costs.

It is important that any potential landfill sites identified are assessed againststandard criteria. The following section provides criteria and the minimumacceptable standards for any potential new landfill site. Where appropriate theprovisions of this section will also be applied to extensions of existing landfills. Thissection will not be applied retrospectively to existing landfills.

Compliance with the acceptable standards listed below should bedemonstrated in the Development Proposal and Environmental ManagementPlan, in accordance with the Resource Management and Planning System.

2.1 DEMAND

Acceptable Standard

A proposal for a landfill (or an extension to an existing landfill) must considerthe demand for further landfill space.

Recommendations

Proponents should review accurate and recent information regarding thedemand for a new landfill, which may include the following:

• types and quantities of waste generated within the envisaged‘catchment’ for the proposed landfill;

• current disposal pathways for these waste materials;

• projected waste quantities and types requiring disposal at landfill(e.g. accounting for demographic change or establishment of reuseand recycling infrastructure); and

• remaining capacity and forecast closure dates for landfills currentlyused for disposal of waste from the area under consideration.

This information should be used to determine the expected types andvolumes of waste that will require disposal at the proposed landfill (i.e. theexpected demand).

Avoidance and diversion of wastes from landfill is a principal aim of wastemanagement (refer to Section 1.2.1). Any landfill proposals, or proposals forthe extension of existing landfill facilities, should demonstrate how this aimwill be met (e.g. by providing recycling drop-off centres or repair and reusecentres at the landfill).


2.2 COMMUNITY LIAISON

Acceptable Standard

Community liaison should be conducted throughout the life of all landfills,commencing during site selection to ensure local communities are informedand aware of the proposal. Community liaison should be conducted in anopen and timely fashion, and allow local knowledge to be obtained.

Recommendations

The community should be provided with adequate information andopportunity to comment. This may be provided through public meetings,pamphlets, information booths at local events etc. The detail ofinformation provided will vary from proposal to proposal but should alwaysinclude an assessment of the potential impacts of a proposal on the localcommunity (e.g. employment opportunities, altered traffic volumes, noiseand odour).

It is important that the community is able to readily contact an informedrepresentative of the proponent regarding landfill site selection, and that aresponse is provided to any concerns raised in a timely fashion. A record ofcommunity comments regarding potential landfill sites and responsesshould be maintained by the proponent.

2.3 GEOLOGY

Acceptable Standard

Landfills must be located on stable land that is able to support the weightof the landfill over an extended period. Sites must also provide a naturalunsaturated attenuation layer below any liner system to minimisedownward movement of leachate.

In accordance with the above, landfills will not be able to be located in:

• karst formations;

• sandstone terrains;

• slipping substrate;

• dune formations;

• areas of high permeability soils and sub strata (i.e. fractured rock) or

• areas identified as having significant geoconservation potential.

Landfills must not be sited within 1 km of major tertiary (first order) fault linesthat present risk associated with seismic activity (e.g. fault lines displaced inthe Holocene period).

Landfills must not be located in either gullies or deep valleys, unlessdetailed engineering and hydrological design and modelling work hasbeen completed.


Recommendations

A geotechnical assessment of the stability of the site should be conducted.This assessment should be prepared by a suitably qualified professional inaccordance with relevant Australian Standards, and contain (as aminimum):

• a description of the local and regional geology;

• an assessment of the geotechnical stability of the site, including slopestability and seismic considerations;

• mineralogy of the area, including the shrink / swell characteristics ofthe soil and underlying strata;

• permeability of soils and rock strata; and

• susceptibility of the site to seismic activity

This assessment should identify any need for engineered assistance tosupport the landfill. In areas where subsurface mining has beenconducted, it is important to guard against ground collapse. Themineralogy assessment should estimate differential movement of the landfillliner from the ground.

It is preferable to source material for landfill lining, covering and cappingon-site or from the surrounding area. Sites with geologies conducive to thisand that provide a natural attenuation layer (i.e. impermeable clayeysoils) are preferable.

2.4 HYDROGEOLOGY

Acceptable Standard

Landfill sites must be selected to minimise their potential impacts on PEVs ofgroundwater.

Unless specific controls are incorporated into the design and managementof a landfill, landfills must not be located:

• in areas of potable groundwater;

• below the regional water table;

• in groundwater recharge areas; or

• in permanently swampy terrain.

Recommendations

A detailed assessment of groundwater should be completed by a qualifiedand experienced hydrogeologist during the site selection phase (this maybe combined with the geological assessment). This assessment shouldinclude (but not be limited to) groundwater:

• depth;

• gradient and flow direction;

• quality (local and regional);

• interaction with surface water; and

• potential and actual beneficial uses.


The parameters of this assessment may be used to indicate the potentialimpact of a landfill on groundwater.

If an appropriate site is identified that is partially below the regional watertable, the base of the landfill could be raised to be above the water level.This would allow for creation of an ‘attenuation zone’ between the landfilland water table. Design at such sites would need to be of the highestpossible engineering standard consistent with the landfill category.

Table 2.1 Landfill Categories

2.5 BUFFER DISTANCES

Landfills have the potential to impact on a number of sensitive land uses.Buffer distances between a landfill and sensitive land uses should besufficient to:

− prevent surface water from carrying sediment or contaminants off thelandfill site;

− ensure that air traffic is not exposed to potential hazards from birds;and

− ensure that local amenity is not detrimentally affected by unpleasantodours, litter, noise, vermin or dust.

Acceptable Standard

Landfills must be located with sufficient distance between the boundary ofthe landfill site and adjacent, sensitive land uses.

Recommendations

The use of sufficient distance between the landfill and sensitive receptors(e.g. residential zones) will minimise the requirement for other stringentcontrols. Suggested minimum distances are shown in Table 2.2.

Landfill Category

A (Solid Inert) B (Putrescible) C (Secure)

Depth between wasteand water table at

seasonal peak2 metres 5 metres 5 metres


Table 2.2 Distance between Landfills and Sensitive Receptors

Landfill Category


Permanentwatercourses(excluding farm dams)

50 m 100 m 100 m

Landing grounds andairfields

10,000 m 10,000 m 10,000 m

Residences 300 m 500 m 500 m

Where the separation distances shown in Table 2.2 cannot be maintained,the Regulatory Authority and the Planning Authority should ensure that thelandfill, the sensitive receptor or both, are constructed and managed usingappropriate impact attenuation technologies.

A reduced buffer distance for airports may be acceptable if proponentscan demonstrate to the Federal Airport Commission or the Civil AviationSafety Authority that a site bird management program will adequatelyreduce the risk of aviation accidents.

The buffer distance to residences for landfills can be reduced where adetailed assessment, including noise, particulate (dust) and odourmodelling, indicates that the amenity of the residences will not bereduced.

It is important to ensure that landfill buffer distances can be maintained forthe life of the landfill.

In setting buffer distances consideration must be given to sensitive landuses other than those listed in Table 2.2 (e.g. agricultural areas that areprone to disease transmission, and food processing facilities).


2.6 SURFACE WATERS

Acceptable Standard

Potential impacts upon surface waters must be considered in the siting oflandfills. The ongoing potential impacts of landfills must be minimised so asnot to significantly impact upon the environment (e.g. surface water runoffand occasional occurrences including floods).

In light of the above, landfills are unlikely to be acceptable in:

• sensitive water supply catchments;

• 1-in-100-year floodplains; or

• wetlands.

Recommendations

An assessment of a region’s climatology, including rainfall and evaporationrates, should be conducted to ensure effects of rainfall or surface watercan be appropriately managed. The assessment should consideruncertainties and the potential for future variations in rainfall and moisturebalance resulting from climate change

2.7 INFRASTRUCTURE

Acceptable Standard

The distance for transport of materials (e.g. incoming waste and outgoingrecyclables) must be taken into account in the location of a landfill.Transportation must occur safely with minimum disruption to thecommunity. Adequate transportation infrastructure for a landfill must bedetermined prior to submission of the DP&EMP (or EMP).

Recommendations

A transportation study of potential landfill sites should be conducted. Thisshould identify potential waste transportation modes, for example road,rail, etc. The capacity of the existing network to cope with predicted trafficflows should be assessed and additional infrastructure required as a resultof the landfill identified. Transportation of waste through residential andother sensitive land uses should be minimised, for example by placing thelandfill entrance away from such areas.

The availability of services (including reticulated water, power andsewerage) should be identified. Where reticulated water is not available,sufficient area for water storage for fire-fighting purposes must be providedon the site. Where there is no sewage infrastructure, consideration needs tobe given to alternative methods of leachate management such asleachate dams.


2.8 FLORA AND FAUNA

Acceptable Standard

The development and operation of landfills must minimise the impact uponthreatened flora and fauna and threatened forest and non-forestvegetation communities, particularly where the landfill occupies land thathas previously been subject to minimal disturbance. The operation oflandfills must also avoid the introduction and spread of pest plants andanimals and diseases.

Recommendations

Any existing data on flora and fauna present on the site and surroundingland should be reviewed, in order to determine the abundance,distribution and conservation priority of species and communities present orpotentially present. Suitably qualified professionals should conduct asurvey of the flora and fauna habitat of potential landfill sites and theirsurrounds. Proponents may apply to limit the extent of these surveys if itcan be demonstrated that extensive information is already available forthe site. Further information on surveys may be obtained from the ResourceManagement and Conservation Division of DPIWE.

Land clearing must be minimised to reduce the destruction of habitat forthreatened flora and fauna species and communities and to minimise soilexposure and erosion. Landfill and infrastructure siting must be designed tominimise the risk of introduction and spread of Phytophthora cinnamomi insusceptible vegetation. Landfills must be operated in a manner thatminimises their attractiveness to wildlife as an area to feed in and toprevent the spread of weeds.

Species identified in flora and fauna surveys that are listed underTasmania’s Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 may not bedamaged or destroyed without an appropriate permit being issued fromthe relevant section of government.

Landfills must not be located in areas where they have the potential tosignificantly impact upon threatened species and ecological communitiesidentified in the Commonwealth Environment Protection and BiodiversityConservation Act 1999 without written approval of the CommonwealthEnvironment Minister.

Threatened forest and non-forest vegetation communities should not beadversely impacted by landfills.

Where landfill proposals involve the clearing of forest vegetation, a ForestPractices Plan may be required in accordance with the Forest PracticesCode. Threatened forest communities are protected through the code.There is also a moratorium on the clearing of threatened non-forestcommunities in areas covered by new Forest Practices Plans.


The Tasmanian Government has announced that it will protectthreatened non-forest vegetation communities. Clearance and conversionto other uses of these communities on proposed landfill sites should beavoided. Further advice on threatened non-forest vegetationcommunities may be obtained from the RMC Division of DPIWE.

The Regional Forest Agreement was signed by the State andCommonwealth Governments in November 1997 and seeks to achieve abalance between resource use and conservation of Tasmania’sbiodiversity through the establishment of a series of reserves that arecomprehensive, adequate and representative.

One of the guiding principles of the RFA was that “wherever possible”protection of these forest communities would be by reservation on publicland.

Landfills must not be located on public land in areas where they have thepotential to significantly impact on species or communities identified asrequiring further protection under the Regional Forest Agreement 1997.

Landfills should not be located on private land in areas where they havethe potential to significantly impact on species or communities identified asrequiring further protection under the Regional Forest Agreement 1997without having given due consideration to their protection under theNature Conservation Act 2002.

2.9 GEOCONSERVATION AND GEO-HERITAGE

Acceptable Standard

The development and operation of landfills must not impact upon areasthat have been identified as significant in relation to their geologic,geomorphic or pedologic values.

Recommendations

A search of the Tasmanian Geoconservation Database maintained byDPIWE will identify any areas currently listed. Such areas are not suitable fordevelopment or use as a landfill. World Heritage Areas and State Reservesare also unsuitable.

Additionally, a geoconservation and geoheritage survey of proposedlandfill sites should be conducted. The survey should identify any areas ofgeological, geomorphic or pedologic significance. A brief for this type ofsurvey can be obtained from the Nature Conservation Branch, DPIWE.


2.10 HISTORIC AND CULTURAL HERITAGE

Acceptable Standard

Historic and cultural heritage must be identified, and if requiredappropriate approvals must be obtained prior to disturbance.

Recommendations

A search of the Tasmanian Heritage Register, maintained by the TasmanianHeritage Council under the Historic Cultural Heritage Act 1995, will identifyany areas currently listed. Such areas are not suitable for development oruse as a landfill. World Heritage Areas are also unsuitable.

If the proposed landfill is located on land scheduled in the TasmanianAboriginal Lands Act 1995, then endorsement by the Tasmanian AboriginalLand Council will be required.

Historic cultural heritage areas should be identified. The survey shouldidentify any items or areas of historic cultural heritage. The TasmanianHeritage Council and Tasmanian Aboriginal Land Council should benotified of any such items or areas identified and guidance sought.

2.11 LAND OWNERSHIP AND USE

Acceptable Standard

Ownership of land to be used for a landfill must be defined andappropriate permission obtained prior to submission of the DP&EMP. Thefuture use of the land upon completion of filling and rehabilitation must alsobe considered.

Recommendations

Written consent from land owners should be obtained prior to submission ofthe development application and accompanying DP&EMP to thePlanning Authority. If a landfill is to be developed on Crown land, writtenconsent is required from the Minister responsible for the relevant Act underwhich the land is managed.

The planning requirements for each site should also be considered (e.g.whether the current zoning of a site is appropriate for use as a landfill).

Landfills can cause major problems during and after their rehabilitation ifthey are not properly planned and filled. Potential end uses of the areashould be considered when a landfill is planned, or when extensions toexisting sites are being considered.

The selection of the end-use of the site should be compatible with theexpected settlement of the landfill surface; otherwise continuedmaintenance to monitor grades and levels may be required.


2.12 SITE SELECTION

Acceptable Standard

Landfills must be located in accordance with the land zoning under thelocal planning scheme. Furthermore, site selection should includepreliminary assessment of other sites to determine appropriateness for use asa landfill disposal area.

Recommendations

To select a landfill site, it is important that all areas addressed above areconsidered. Prior to site selection, proponents should identify severalpotential sites and conduct a preliminary assessment of each to determinetheir appropriateness for use as a landfill. It is important that all sitesidentified have the capacity to accept the projected waste quantitiesand types.

By addressing the above criteria in a comprehensive and consistentmanner, the most appropriate landfill site should recommend itself forselection. In some cases, sites may not meet the acceptable standardsand should therefore be excluded. Where several sites are suitable, furtherassessment of economic, environmental and social factors regarding eachsite may be required to determine the most appropriate site. An effectivemeans of identifying the most suitable site is to compare and rank sitesaccording to a matrix (as shown by the example in Table 2.3).

Table 2.3 Example of a Site Selection Matrix

Site Selection Criteria1

Demand Community Geology Hydro-geology (etc)Site

X

Y

Z

1. Criteria shown in Table 2.3 are by no means exhaustive

Some criteria will have greater influence over site suitability than others. Itmay be appropriate to ‘weight’ each criterion according to the expectedcosts and resources required to comply with the acceptable standardsdetailed in this section. Community consultation is essential during the initialsite selection process to identify relevant local and significant issues.


Proponents should document all information obtained throughout the siteselection phase to clearly demonstrate that the selected site meetsacceptable standards.

It is important to establish background data on soil, water and air qualityto identify benchmarks with which to compare future sample results.

It should be recognised that this list is not comprehensive and furtherinformation should be sought at local Government level before decisionmaking is undertaken using the site selection matrix


3. DESIGN

Careful design of a landfill prior to construction will minimise environmentalproblems during its operating life and will reduce the need for expensiveretrofitting of Best Practice Environmental Management technologies later. Fromthe date of this Guide the provisions of this Section will be applied to extensionsof existing landfills, which will be dealt with as a separate entity from the existinglandfill. From June 2009 all operators of landfills will be expected to comply withthis Section.

Acceptable Standard

DP&EMPs for level 2 landfills and supporting information in relation to landfillextensions or new cells must be prepared according to site-specific ‘Guidelinesfor the preparation of a DP&EMP’. These Guidelines are typically issued onbehalf of the Regulatory Authority. As a minimum, new landfills and/or cells mustbe designed with regard for the following:

- containment and collection of leachate;

- management of surface water;

- landfill gas management; and

- future rehabilitation.

Recommendations

Figure 3.1 illustrates the typical design elements to be used for Category B and Clandfills. Category A landfills do not need to implement the same designelements as Category B and C landfills (e.g. engineered liners and internal cellwalls) as solid inert wastes present a reduced environmental risk.

Figure 3.1 Elements of Landfill Design for Category B and C Landfills

Other issues to be addressed during landfill design include:

• assurances regarding the quality of construction;

• site security (e.g. fencing);

• signage; and

• traffic management.


3.1 LEACHATE CONTAINMENT AND COLLECTION

Acceptable Standard

Landfills must be designed so that pollution of water by leachate isprevented.

Recommendations

A typical system will comprise:

• a barrier between waste and the underlying groundwater, soil andsubstrata;

• a collection system to minimise the quantity of leachateaccumulating at the base of the landfill; and

• procedures and infrastructure for appropriate management of theleachate generated.

• Diversion of uncontaminated surface water away from the landfill

3.1.1 Leachate Barrier

Acceptable Standard

Landfills must be designed to contain leachate over the time that thewaste poses a risk to protected environmental values for groundwater. Anengineered clay l iner is the minimum control required for Putresciblelandfills. Secure landfills require a geo-synthetic composite liner withgeomembrane (e.g. HDPE) as a minimum (refer to Table 3.1).

In relation to pre-existing landfills that do not comply with the designspecifications outlined in Table 3.1, the operator must be able to justify tothe Regulatory Authority that environmental harm is not occurring.


Table 3.1 Landfill Category and Parameter Matrix

Landfill CategoryParameter


Type of leachate barrier

Natural geology ifsuitable.Engineered clayliner may berequired in somecircumstances

Engineered clayliner if geologysuitable and < 10year landfill life.If not, geo-syntheticcomposite linerrequired and /orgeomembrane

Suitablegeology andengineeredclay liner, geo-syntheticcomposite linerandgeomembrane

Default thickness of clayliner (minimum)

NA 1 m > 1 m

Required in-situpermeability coefficientof clay liner

< 1 x 10-8 m/s 1 < 1 x 10-9 m/s

Distance betweenwatertable (at seasonalpeak) and waste

> 2 m > 5 m

Minimum floor gradienttowards drainage lines

3%

Maximum side gradient 33%

1. Higher permeability may be acceptable provided that management procedures are in place thatguarantee that only inert materials can enter the site.

Recommendations

An adequate hydrogeological investigation should be conducted by acompetent hydrogeologist to prove the substrate’s effectiveness as abarrier. This assessment should include (as a minimum):

• the lateral extent, thickness and homogeneity of the material;

• the permeability of the material to leachate and gas;

• the integrity of the material, and the presence of any imperfectionsthat may compromise its effectiveness (e.g. root holes, cracks orgravel layers); and

• any possible reactions between the material and the leachate.

Use of the natural geology does not preclude engineering to provide auniform, graded floor to allow for leachate collection. Where the integrity ofthe natural material is compromised due to imperfections (root holes,cracks, gravel layers or other heterogenous material), an engineeredcompacted clay liner, geomembrane or Geo-synthetic composite clay lineris to be used.


An engineered compacted clay liner if used should exhibit the followingcharacteristics:

• preliminary construction to prepare a stable sub-base, utilisingeither natural geology or suitably impervious material. The materialshould provide a firm platform for compaction of the clay liner (ifused);

• clay with the following properties;

no rock or soil clumps greater than 50 mm in any dimension;

> 70 per cent passing through a 19 mm sieve;

> 30 per cent passing through a 7.5 mm sieve;

> 15 per cent passing through a 2 mm sieve;

soil plasticity index > 10;

cation exchange capacity > 10 mEq/100g;

be homogeneous in clay content (i.e. no sandy lenses,pebbles or cobbles);

low potential for desiccation and cracking; and

minimal long-term degradation with exposure to leachate;

• construction and compaction in successive layers of suitablethickness (e.g. 150 mm) that allow penetration of the topmost layerby compaction equipment to knead the underlying layer forbonding; and

• the surface of each layer should be scoured to prevent excessivepermeability due to laminations.

If the clay liner is constructed well in advance of filling, it may needtemporary protection against cracking and desiccation. A temporarycovering of 300 mm compacted and wetted sand or soil may be placed,and then removed before placement of the drainage layer (see Section3.1.2).

Density, hydraulic conductivity and moisture content need to becontrolled by regular testing by a NATA accredited laboratory usingrecognised Australian Standards during installation of the liner, in additionto quality assurance checks on a regular basis.

A geo-synthetic composite liner, geomembrane or a combination of both isrecommended for sites where:

• local geological or hydrogeological conditions are particularlysensitive (e.g. perched watertable or permeable substrata);

• the landfill is expected to have a long operating period (i.e. longerthan 10 years); or

• insufficient clay is available.


Data on the physical characteristics of available geomembranesshould be obtained from manufacturers to allow comparison andselection of the most appropriate product. These data should include:

• resistance to chemical attack;

• ability to withstand weathering (e.g. UV exposure and wetting);

• strength to withstand tensile force;

• flexibility to accommodate elongation;

• resistance to punctures and other damage;

• joining method; and

• ease of repair.

An installed geomembrane should be protected by either an overlay of soilwith low abrasive properties or by a synthetic geotextile to protect againstpuncturing and load-induced damage.

Installation of a leachate detection layer beneath the liner of a CategoryC cell is strongly recommended.

Tools

Assessment and design of the leachate barrier will require a water balancecalculation and a soil cover model. Use of modelling software isrecommended (e.g. the Hydrological Evaluation of Landfill Performancemodel or ‘HELP’ – available on-line at http://www.wes.army.mil/). Trainedand experienced hydrogeologists should undertake modelling.Calculations should model two or more consecutive years with high inflowof water (i.e. 90% wet year) to provide sufficient capacity for leachategeneration across the operational life of the landfill.

Other programs such as Pollute and V-Leach can assist in modelling thecapacity of specific barrier systems to control and manage diffusive flows.


3.1.2 Leachate Collection System for Category B and C Landfills

Acceptable Standard

Category B and C landfills must be equipped with a leachate collectionsystem. Leachate accumulating on the liner must not exceed a hydraulichead of 0.3 metres above the lowest point of the liner. Excess leachatemust be collected in a leachate collection system and prevented fromescaping from the landfill into groundwater or surface waters.

Separate collection systems must be installed for leachate generated incells that receive controlled or other hazardous wastes.

Recommendations

The leachate collection system should generally contain as a minimum,perforated leachate collection pipes and a sump for leachate extraction.A drainage layer and leachate collection dam may also be required.

A drainage layer should be placed immediately above the leachatebarrier, and should exhibit the following characteristics:

• extend over the entire base of the landfill;

• minimum thickness to be at least two times the largest particle inthe aggregate and ensure adequate drainage from highest pointsof the landfill base;

• hydraulic conductivity not less than 1 x 10-3 m/s; and

• constructed from aggregate with the following properties;

85% of material greater than or equal to 40 mm in anydimension;

95% of material greater than or equal to 20 mm in anydimension;

uniformity coefficient less than 2;

fines content less than 1 per cent;

contains no material that would be susceptible to chemicalattack (e.g. limestone); and

category C landfills should have two drainage systems installed.

Perforated pipes should be installed at regular intervals (e.g. 25 m) on thebase of the landfill to direct leachate to the leachate dam. These pipesshould exhibit the following characteristics:

• a minimum diameter of 150 – 200 mm;

• be flexible;

• sufficient strength to bear the weight of waste;

• a minimum longitudinal gradient of one percent, and

• be capable of being cleaned and inspected using remoteequipment.


Pipes should be placed on evenly prepared bedding material withintrenches, and movement of heavy vehicles should be controlled to avoidpipes being crushed.

A leachate sump should be placed at the end of the downstreamgradient of the collection pipe system. Pipes should be ‘drowned’ in thissump to prevent clogging with silt. The sump should be recessed below theliner to ensure that the pumping equipment remains operational.

A leachate collection dam and associated drains may be constructed aspart of the management process, and should have the followingproperties:

• a geomembrane liner leachate barrier;

• lysimiters installed beneath the liner to determine any flowcharacteristic;

• sufficient volume to accommodate leachate generated in thelandfill during two consecutive years of high inflow of water, plusfreeboard of at least 1.0 m; and

• sufficient volume to accommodate a 1 in 20 years 24 hour stormevent.

Tools

Assessment of the capacity required for the leachate dam will require awater balance calculation (see Section 3.1.1).

The spacing for collection pipes may be derived from Giroud’s equation orsimilar. Giroud’s equation is as follows:

Tmax (2 cos ß)L = √(tan2ß + 4q/k) - tanß

Where:L = spacing between drainage pipes (m)Tmax = maximum leachate head over liner (m)k = permeability of drainage layer (m/s)ß = slope of the linerq = leachate seepage rate into drainage layer (m/s).

The pipe spacing may need to be less than that calculated to account forclogging of the drainage layer. Calculations could be made on a worst-case basis to accommodate for clogging (e.g. use an assumedpermeability of the drainage layer that is two orders of magnitude worsethan the designed permeability).


3.1.3 Leachate Management for Category B and C Landfills

Acceptable Standard

Leachate must be managed to prevent contamination of surface orground waters, prevent offensive odours and minimise human contactwith the leachate.

Recommendations

Leachate may be managed through one or a number of the followingoptions:

• evaporation;

• discharge to sewer (either with or without treatment);

• on-site treatment;

• on-site re-use; and

• recirculation on to waste to enhance degradation.

In areas where evaporation exceeds rainfall, e.g. eastern Tasmania,evaporation should occur within a closed system that prevents release intosurface or ground waters. Typically, evaporation occurs in a dam that hasbeen designed with sufficient surface area to prevent the accumulation ofa ‘backlog’ of unevaporated leachate.

Discharge to sewer will require a sewerage connection and agreementwith the responsible authority regarding the volume and quality ofleachate to be discharged. Some treatment may be required, particularlyto control the salinity and ammonia content, before discharge to sewer ispermitted. Refer to Guidelines for Acceptance of Liquid Waste to Sewer1994, DPIWE

On-site treatment generally involves the use of two additional dams, onefor treatment of leachate with aerobic bacteria, and one to store treatedleachate prior to further management. Design and management of sucha system should ensure that there is sufficient oxygen for bacteria, that thebacterial floc is kept in suspension, and that large fluctuations in leachatequality and volume are avoided. Alternative treatment methods (e.g.chemical or thermal treatment) may be considered if other managementoptions are impractical, or if high levels of treatment are required to ensureenvironmental protection.

On-site re-use may include use as a dust suppressant or retention as firefighting water. Leachate may also be used for irrigation, subject toapproval from the Regulatory Authority. This procedure must be strictlycontrolled, subject to detailed chemical analysis and expert determinationof application rates.

http://www.dpiwe.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/Attachments/CDAT-5CA4LA?open


Tools

If evaporation is to be used as the primary means of disposing of leachate,then the dam needs to be designed with sufficient surface area to ensurethat the system can accommodate the volume of leachate generatedover a year. This may be calculated by using the following formula:

1,000VA =

0.8E - R

Where:A = dam surface area (m2)V = annual volume of leachate (kL)E = median annual evaporation (mm class A pan)R = median annual rainfall (mm).


3.2 SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT

Acceptable Standard

Uncontaminated surface water must be prevented from mixing with wasteand/or carrying sediment or contaminants off the landfill site. This willminimise the generation of leachate, and avoid erosion of cover materialor waste from the landfill.

Recommendations

Landfills should be designed with bunding and drains to intercept anddivert surface water run-off from entering areas that have been filled orare actively being filled.

The design of these drains should provide sufficient capacity to captureand divert storm water as described in Table 3.2:

Table 3.2 Landfill Surface Water Requirements

Landfill Category


All runoff from a 24hour 1- in - 10 year

storm event

All runoff from a 24hour 1 - in - 20 year

storm event

All runoff from a 24hour 1 - in - 50 year

storm event

Design of control measures should also consider the likelihood of flooding orfailure of dams that may result from more severe storm events (e.g. 1–in–100year). Impact of potential climate change should be considered.

Further surface water management measures may be needed, particularlywith relation to erosion control, depending on:

• the topography of the site (and subsequent velocity of run-off);

• the nature (and quality) of the water environment where run-offwill be discharged;

• the typical intensity of storm events; and

• the extent of vegetation cover in the catchment area.

Potential controls include:

• directing water flow over flat slopes (or spread across the slope);

• shallow, heavily-vegetated surface water dams and swales;and

• channelling run-off to water supply dams (e.g. for fire fighting ordust suppression) where available.


3.3 GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT FOR CATEROGY B AND C LANDFILLS

Acceptable Standard

Landfill design must include provision for groundwater monitoring bores.

Recommendations

A network of groundwater monitoring bores should be installed under thedirection of a suitably qualified hydrogeologist. This network should meetthe following requirements:

Number of bores

• at least one bore located higher up the hydraulic gradient thanthe landfill site to provide background groundwater quality data;

• at least two monitoring bores in close proximity to the landfill, withmore required at:

larger sites;

sites that will have long operating lives (e.g. >10 years);and

sites where high risks of contamination may arise due towastes deposited or hydro-geological conditions;

• at least one bore lower down the hydraulic gradient than thelandfill; and

• bore locations and depths should encompass all aquifers thatmay be affected by the landfill.

• bore installation should take into account potential for crosscontamination of multiple aquifer systems.

Monitoring bore design

For a simple aquifer, single, fully slotted bores are sufficiently reliable.

For multiple aquifers, a nest of monitoring bores slotted over differentintervals, multi-port bores or a combination of both is considered suitable.

The selected monitoring bore design should include, as a minimum:

• suitable strength pipe;

• gravel-packed slotted sections;

• adequate cement / bentonite seals between slotted sections;and

• a standpipe with adequate cement-based grout seals nearground level and a secure and lockable cover.

Additionally, measures should be taken to prevent surface water andextraneous material such as insects from getting into the bore.


Bores should be highly visible and their locations properly documented toensure that they are not inadvertently covered or otherwise damagedduring operations. Locations of each bore should be recorded in AustralianMap Grid coordinates using a digital global positioning system or otherrecognised survey equipment. The coordinates for each bore should besupplied to the Regulatory Authority and to Mineral Resources Tasmania.The location of each bore should also be documented on the filling plan(see Section 4.9.2).

Geological strata encountered during bore installation should be carefullylogged and recorded.


3.4 LANDFILL GAS MANAGEMENT

Acceptable Standard

Landfill gas must not present a source of odour or an explosion or toxicityhazard. The contribution to greenhouse gas emissions should be minimised.

Recommendations

New Putrescible and Secure landfills (and extensions to existing Putrescibleand Secure landfills) should be designed to assist in capture and oxidationof methane. Measures that will achieve this include:

• designing deep cells (e.g. more than 10 m) with high ratios ofvolume to surface area;

• ensuring that the filling plan minimises the period that each cell isopen;

• scheduling installation of gas control measures to occur before thepeak flow of gas (e.g. within 2 years of the start of filling);

• use of composts and mulches to oxidise emissions through thelandfill cap; and

• design of a landfill gas collection system, comprising some of all ofthe following elements:

vertical and / or horizontal gas bores;

stacks for venting or flaring (venting without flaring is to bephased out at major landfills by December 2004); and

capture and combustion for heat or electricity production.

Furthermore, the design of infrastructure for landfill gas management shouldincorporate the use of lightning conductors to minimise the risk of explosionand fire resulting from electrical storms.

Tools

Formulae for calculating methane generation rates may be obtained fromthe National Greenhouse Gas Inventory Workbook for Waste (AustralianGreenhouse Office 1998) and Methane Capture and Use: WasteManagement Workbook (Environment Australia 1997). Modelling softwaremay be used for these calculations, such as the Landfill Area-BasedEmissions Spreadsheet (available on-line at http://www.npi.gov.au/) orLandGEM (available on-line at http://www.epa.gov/). Note thatequations are vulnerable to uncertainty due to underlying assumptionsand poor data, and may either underestimate or overestimate methanefluxes.


3.5 CONSTRUCTION QUALITY ASSURANCE FOR ENGINEERED LINERS

Acceptable Standard

A Construction Quality Assurance (CQA) plan must be developed andimplemented to ensure that the landfill construction meets designrequirements. The CQA plan must be able to verify that the materials usedcomply with specifications, and that the method of construction /installation is appropriate to meet design requirements.

Recommendations

The CQA plan should contain the following information:

• material and construction specifications;

• testing methods and frequency;

• corrective action; and

• provision for appropriate documentation.

All earthworks should be tested and inspected by an independentgeotechnical engineer. A report by a NATA accredited testing body of alltesting, and an assessment of compliance with the specification anddrawings should be prepared by the proponent. This document should bereviewed by the Regulatory Authority before the liner construction isaccepted.

Parameters to be addressed for the compacted clay liner should at leastinclude the following:

• physical testing of permeability of the compacted clay liner(including dependent factors e.g. clay composition, moisturecontent, compaction, permeability, field placement techniquesand liner thickness);

• inspections to check for oversized clods of clay, poorly compactedor dry areas, and the homogeneity of the clay;

• the ability of the natural geology and/or sub-base to support thelandfill without affecting the integrity of the liner system as a result ofdifferential settlement;

• measures to protect the clay liner from desiccation and erosion; and

• a survey at the completion of construction to confirm that thecorrect grades have been attained.

Parameters to be addressed for geomembranes should at least include thefollowing:

• Suitable conditions for the reception and storage of rolls prior toplacement;

• an inspection of the liner surface to remove objects that maydamage or puncture the liner, or rough areas that may preventdirect contact between the liner and the geotextile or layermaterial;

• an inspection of the geomembrane to check for defects;


• minimisation of tensile stress (e.g. from thermal expansion /contraction);

• Testing of seams to ensure proper joins; and

• an inspection of anchoring points on surfaces with gradients > 10% iscompleted.

Factors to be addressed for the drainage layer should at least include thefollowing:

• aggregate is washed prior to placement to remove fines;

• appropriate particle size to provide the designed hydraulicconductivity;

• placement of aggregate avoids damage to the landfill liner;

• all surfaces are at correct grades;

• correct thickness of material;

• pipes are placed on even bedding material;

• pipes are properly joined; and

• if a sealant is used to join the pipes, this sealant must be resistant toany corrosive effects of leachate.

Tools

Procedures for geotechnical testing are set out in AS 3798-1996 Guidelineson earthworks for commercial and residential developments. Suitablelaboratory permeability testing procedures are described in AS1289.6.7.1–1999 Soil strength and consolidation tests – Determination ofpermeability of a soil– Constant head method for a remouldedspecimen. Other standards within AS 1289 Methods of Testing Soils forEngineering Purposes should also be reviewed.

3.6 WASTE MINIMISATION

Acceptable Standard

Landfills must be designed to allow for recovery and diversion of selectedwaste materials, in accordance with the waste management hierarchydescribed in Section 1.2.1.

Recommendations

Design the site to accommodate operations to recover and divert suitablewastes delivered to the landfill. Adequately sized hardstand areas will berequired for stockpiles of recovered material and allow space for futuredevelopment. Recycling contractors should be able to access these areaswith their machinery and, if appropriate, on-site machinery should beinstalled for reprocessing (e.g. concrete crusher).

Prior to the public accessing the tipping face, areas of acceptance shouldbe designated. Such areas should be specifically designed to provideopportunity for separation of wastes into reusable, recyclable and residualstreams.


Where appropriate, site designs should incorporate ‘tip shops’ for the saleof recovered and reprocessing materials. These shops should be placed sothat they are easily accessible to the public (e.g. in close proximity to thegatehouse).

3.7 SITE SECURITY

Acceptable Standard

Access to the site must be controlled to minimise risks to safety of livestockand public, as well as controlling unauthorised entry and waste dumping.Public access to active tipping areas must be kept to a minimum.

Recommendations

The default parameters listed in Table 3.3 should be applied:

Table 3.3 Landfill Site Security Requirements



Site perimeter fencing Stock – proof (e.g. post and wire)

Tipping area fencing NA Wire mesh > 2 m high

Public access toactive tipping areas

Restrictedpublic access

No publicaccess

More stringent requirements may be required at sites where there issignificant risk of unauthorised entry.

Lockable security gates should be installed and maintained at all landfills.

Where practical, landfills should be designed so that waste brought on siteby the public (e.g. small vehicles and trailers) is placed in transfer bays orsimilar intermediate points for management by site staff. Scavengingshould be actively discouraged at all landfills.

Access to high-risk areas within Secure landfills (e.g. cells receivingcontrolled wastes, leachate dams) should be limited to authorised personsonly.


3.8 SIGNAGE

Acceptable Standard

Signs must be erected and maintained in reasonable condition to clearlyconvey important operational and safety information.

Recommendations

Signage may encompass the following:

• direction and distance to the site (to be installed at majorintersections and other appropriate locations en route to the site);

• hours of operation and tipping fees (to be installed at the gate orgatehouse);

• wastes that are not accepted at the landfill, and the nearestlocation for disposal;

• hazards and dangerous areas on the site (e.g. leachate dams);

• items that can be recycled and the locations within the site whererecyclable items should be deposited for collection / processing;

• responsibilities (e.g. vehicle operators must ensure that the remnantsof their load or material stuck to the underside of the vehicle or thewheels does not litter public roads);

• prohibited activities (e.g. litter on approach roads, burning waste orunauthorised disposal of waste) and the penalties for offences; and

• contact staff / organisations and relevant telephone numbers toreport any fire or other emergency at the site.

3.9 TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

Acceptable Standard

Movement of vehicles to and from the landfills must not present safetyconcerns or pose a nuisance with regard to noise and road grime.

Recommendations

Design of the site should place trafficked areas (e.g. entrance gate andinternal access roads) away from sensitive uses such as adjacent dwellings.

Internal access roads should be sealed where dirt is likely to accumulate onboth the road surface and vehicle tyres, particularly where this dirt is likelyto be transported off-site.

Operators of landfills should consider the stability of the ground on whichlarge commercial vehicles empty their loads.


Manual or mechanical washing areas should be provided to wash vehiclewheels and undercarriage where needed, in order to preventtransportation of dirt on to external access roads. The site operator isresponsible for deciding which cleaning method is appropriate to suit thenature of site traffic. Hand-held pressure washing hoses, drive-throughimmersion bunds and rumble grids are options that may suit differentoperations. Waste water from vehicle washing must be collected andmanaged as leachate (see Sections 3.1.2 and 4.3.1).

Liaison may be required with relevant authorities and waste transporters tolimit access routes and, if necessary, permitted vehicle speeds.

Install traffic control devices (e.g. traffic islands, merging lanes and sliproads) at the entrance of the landfill. Recessed entrances to the landfillmay reduce the formation of queues adjacent to the site.

3.10 PLANNING TO MINIMISE OFF-SITE IMPACTS

Acceptable Standard

Landfills must be designed to ensure that operations minimise off-siteimpacts resulting from dust, litter and noise so that environmental nuisanceis not caused.

Recommendations

Design of the site should incorporate natural and / or constructed sitefeatures that reduce off-site impacts resulting from dust, litter and noise.Dust and litter may be minimised by windbreaks (e.g. existing vegetationand natural depressions). Noise emissions can be moderated by earthenbunds and depressions, and sensitive design of traffic managementfeatures (e.g. road locations, design of rumble grids and speed humps).Appropriate buffer distances between the landfill and sensitive use areasshould be maintained (see Section 2.5).

3.11 PLANNING FOR REHABILITATION

Acceptable Standard

Landfills must be designed with regard for the rehabilitation and after-careof the site.

Recommendations

The initial design of the landfill should provide for final rehabilitation of thesite, and should include a conceptual plan of the post-closure land use.Chapter 5 of this Sustainability Guide describes in detail the preparationand implementation of a Rehabilitation and After-Care Plan later in the lifeof the landfill.

The Rehabilitation and After-care Plan should determine final site contours.These should be designed to aid drainage by directing surface waterrunoff away from the area being rehabilitated. The final landform shouldbe sympathetic to the local landscape (i.e. designed to blend in).Estimation of the total expected volume of waste to be deposited in thelandfill should form part of the final site contour design.


It is important to remember that leachate will continue to be generatedafter the closure of a landfill, and allowance needs to be made for this inthe planning of rehabilitation works and on-going monitoring. Landfill gaswill also continue to be generated after the closure of the landfill.

Topsoil removed during landfill construction should be conserved andstockpiled for use as part of final capping and contouring. In order topreserve indigenous plant seeds for revegetation, topsoil stockpiles shouldnot exceed 1 metre in height.

The Rehabilitation and After-care Plan must be submitted to theRegulatory Authority for approval when developed. The plan must beupdated at least every 5 years or 6 months prior to closure of any stage ofthe landfill, whichever is sooner.


4. OPERATION

4.1 WASTE MINIMISATION

Acceptable Standard

Landfill operators must provide for recovery and diversion of wastematerials, in accordance with the waste management hierarchydescribed in Section 1.2.1.

Recommendations

It is preferable for recoverable materials to be diverted prior toacceptance at the landfill, rather than through salvaging at the tippingface. Site staff or a licensed salvager may recover materials from thetipping face only if the landfill operator can demonstrate that safety issuesare fully addressed.

Typically, a waste minimisation system will be in place to provideopportunities for recovery of resources prior to the waste being received atthe landfill (for example kerbside recycling). Screening at the landfill gate isalso strongly recommended.

Landfill operators should examine their pricing policies and educationprograms to encourage waste minimisation.

Landfill operators should develop procedures for diversion and recovery ofselected waste materials that are suitable for:

• reuse;

• reprocessing; or

• recycling.

Reuse will be most appropriate for materials that can still be used in theircurrent form and are practical to recover (e.g. received at the site insufficient volume or in relatively homogeneous streams). Selected solid inertwastes (e.g. bricks, steel and timber) and household goods may beappropriate for reuse. Appropriate procedures for selection and interimstorage of diverted materials will be essential for quality control (e.g.covered storage areas and basic safety testing for electrical goods).

Reprocessing will be most appropriate for materials that cannot be reusedin their current form. This may include car bodies, electrical goods, andconcrete, and it may also be appropriate to stockpile green waste forshredding.

Recycling facilities should be provided at the site for the storage ofrecyclable materials. Storage facilities should cater for commonly recycleditems (e.g. glass, bottles, aluminium cans, paper and cardboard but mayalso extend to more specialised materials (e.g. batteries, motor oil)).

Operators should develop a plan for processing and marketing recyclablematerials, and for disposal of contaminants. This plan should bedeveloped in consultation with the Regulatory Authority and recyclingindustries.


Further information may be obtained from the Guidelines for theEstablishment & Management of Waste Transfer Stations (DPIWE 1996c).

4.2 WASTE HANDLING

4.2.1 Waste acceptance and screening

Acceptable Standard

Landfills must accept only those wastes that are consistent with theappropriate category of the landfill under the Landfill Classification Systemand as stipulated in the permit conditions (see Section 1.3.1 and 1.3.2).

Recommendations

A viewing platform should be constructed at the gatehouse to screenincoming loads. Additional screening equipment may include closed-circuit television cameras or mirrors.

Staff at the gatehouse should be able to communicate with staff at thetipping area, particularly where incoming loads are deemed to requirefollow-up screening (e.g. covered loads from non-regular customers).Handheld VHF radios or similar portable devices are ideal.

Sites should be staffed at all times that they are open and receivingwastes. Where a site is not staffed, the permit holder/operator mustdemonstrate that procedures are in place to control what is deposited inthe landfill.

Particular criteria for refusal to accept as solid inert material are as follows:

• materials that are likely to create cavities or voids;

• soluble materials that may lead to the emission of a pollutant incontravention with the EMPCA or the State Policy on WaterQuality Management 1997;

• material that may present a hazard or risk to humans or theenvironment during handling or over the term of disposal; and

• engine oils or greases.

Operating procedures should be developed to ensure that loads posing aparticular risk (e.g. dusty material) are suitably managed to preventenvironmental problems. Final screening should be undertaken at thetipping area to identify and respond to high-risk loads (e.g. dust, litter, fireignition sources).

Where appropriate, operators must ensure that the hazard associated witha particular waste (or load) has been assessed prior to transport of wasteto the landfill. Responsibility lies with the generator and transporter of thewaste to contact the operator of the landfill to gain prior approval beforedisposal.

Sealed drums and other containers should not be accepted unless theircontents are clearly identified and are suitable for deposition at the landfill


Related controls are suggested as part of acceptance criteria forcontrolled and other controlled waste (see Section 1.4), signage (seeSection 3.8) and training (see Section 4.7.1).

4.2.2 Waste placement and compaction

Acceptable Standard

Waste must be placed in a manner that minimises litter and pest animalproblems, and optimises use of landfill space.

Waste must be placed in a manner which will maximise its stability, reducelong term risks arising from degradation/settling and optimise the operationof the landfill.

Recommendations

Default parameters for placement and compaction are shown in Table 4.1:

Table 4.1 Landfill Placement and Compaction Requirements



Plant equipment Bulldozer

Multi-purposelandfillvehicle orcompactor

Compactor

Minimum compacteddensity

NA >650 kg/m3 >850 kg/m3

Maximum height ofwaste ‘lift’

2 m

Size of active tippingarea

Not more than 50 m by 30 m

Width of activetipping face

4 – 5 m per truck

Slope of tipping face < 50%

Waste should be placed at the base of the tipping face and pushedupwards to form a layer of waste or ‘lift’. Waste should be subject to 3 – 5passes with plant equipment to maximise compaction (and thereforeminimise settlement over time).

The tipping face should be sloped to allow safe movement by plantequipment, and should not be greater than that shown in Table 4.1 unlessit can be demonstrated that both the waste and cover material arestable. Active tipping areas should be kept as small as practicable.

Wastes should be mixed whenever possible to minimise voids withindeposited waste.


Clean fill materials are to be evenly spread across the face to minimisebulking and to ensure as uniform and homogeneous a mixture as possible.

Some controlled wastes (e.g. quarantine and medical wastes) may requireimmediate burial. A trench should be excavated immediately beforearrival of the waste at the landfill. The controlled waste must be coveredwith other material immediately after deposition. Appropriate guidelinesprepared by relevant authorities (e.g. Australian Quarantine andInspection Service) should be consulted to ensure correct management ofcontrolled wastes.

Volume reduction may involve one or a number of the following stages:

• mechanical separation of accepted wastes into differentcategories (e.g. putrescible, solid inert);

• biological treatment of putrescible waste to increase density andreduce the potential for generation of leachate and landfill gas;

• shredding to render a more homogeneous waste stream; and

• compaction and binding of waste into solid bales to increasedensity and reduce both litter and demand for cover material.

Related controls are suggested as part of waste minimisation (see Section4.1).

4.2.3 Waste covering

The coverage of waste is intended to:

• control the penetration of rainwater;

• control and minimise the risk of fire;

• minimise landfill gas emissions and suppress site odour;

• reduce fly propagation and pest animal issues;

• decrease litter generation; and

• ensure that the landfill surface is suitable for traffic movements.

Acceptable Standard

Putrescible and controlled wastes must be completely covered by asuitable material at the completion of daily landfill operation or morefrequently as required.


Recommendations

Default minimum parameters for cover are shown in Table 4.2:

Table 4.2 Landfill Minimum Cover Requirements



Daily cover NA 30 cm 30 cm

Weekly cover 30 cm soil NA NA

Intermediate cover 30 cm

Final cover Refer to Section 5.3.3

Stockpile of covermaterial

Sufficient for two weeks of operation

NB: Individual landfills may have separate faces for each different category of waste.

Intermediate cover is used to close a cell that will not receive additionallifts of refuse and will be exposed for more than 90 days before final cover isapplied.

Final cover or ‘capping’ forms a low permeability barrier to limit wateringress into the waste, control gas emissions and promote revegetation.Capping should be an ongoing part of operation, and is addressed furtherin Section 5.

Landfill operators may apply to the Regulatory Authority for use of anycover material (e.g. foams, mulch, gravel, plastic film or matting) as analternative to soil, or an alternative thickness of soil, provided they candemonstrate compliance with acceptable standards. Wet and readilydegradable materials should not be used as cover unless measures aretaken to address landfill gas generation.

Existing cover should be punctured or removed before further filling occursso that perched water tables will not form. Conversely, cover in areaswhere further filling is unlikely for the short term should be maintained tominimise cracking (e.g. through moisture control or by using a roller).


4.3 WATER MANAGEMENT

4.3.1 Leachate collection and management

Acceptable Standard

The leachate management system must be maintained to preventinfiltration to ground water and release to surface water, prevent offensiveodours and minimise human contact with the leachate.

Recommendations

Design of leachate management systems is discussed in Section 3.1.3.Ongoing management will be tailored to suit the option(s) selected for aparticular site.

There should be periodic removal of sediment from the collection dam,with sediment being deposited in the landfill. Salt and other residualmaterials need to be cleared from evaporation dams when the dams areremoved from use. Furthermore, leachate discharges to sewer should betested in accordance with Trade Waste Agreements.

Excluding discharges direct to sewer, leachate must not be released fromthe landfill unless appropriate analytical testing has confirmed, to thesatisfaction of the Regulatory Authority, that it is suitable for release. Testsshould be tailored to suit the risk of contamination and the sensitivity of thereceiving environment. Further information is contained in Section 4.8.3.

4.3.2 Surface water management

Acceptable Standard

Surface water must be prevented as far as practicable from mixing withwaste (thereby generating leachate) and from transporting sediment,waste material or contaminants off the landfill site.

Discharges to surface waters must meet the turbidity limits shown in Table4.3; or must not exceed turbidity of the receiving waters:

Table 4.3 Landfill Surface Water and Turbidity Limits



Dry weather discharge

Maximum NTU 50 50 50

Median NTU <25 <25 <25

Wet weather discharge

Maximum NTU 100 100 100

Median NTU <50 <50 <50


Recommendations

Areas that will be exposed for 30 days or more should be stabilised toprevent soil erosion.

Areas where no further filling will occur should be progressively capped andre-vegetated (see Section 5.3.3).

Offsite discharge of surface water that may have been in contact withdisturbed areas should only occur from controlled points (e.g. dams). Visualinspections and / or chemical testing should be undertaken to ensure thatsediment or other contaminants do not exceed acceptable standards.The level of testing required should be determined by the risk ofcontamination and the requirements of the State Policy on Water QualityManagement 1997 and/or PEVs for the receiving water.

All water that has entered waste filled areas and water that has beencontaminated by leachate should be handled and treated as leachate(refer to Sections 3.1.3 and 4.3.1).

4.4 NUISANCE MANAGEMENT

4.4.1 Dust

Acceptable Standard

Landfill operators must minimise the generation of dust at the landfill site.Where generation of dust does occur, the dust must be controlled to ensurethat environmental nuisance does not occur beyond the landfillboundary.

Recommendations

Unsealed road surfaces and material stockpiles should be regularly sprayedwith water, especially in areas with clay soils and during dry, windyconditions.

The trafficable area of the landfill should be kept as small as possible.

Completed landfill sections should be rehabilitated as soon as possible.

Procedures should be developed for managing the acceptance andplacement of dusty wastes to minimise transportation off-site.

Related controls are suggested as part of traffic management (see Section3.9) and procedures for waste handling (see Section 4.2).


4.4.2 Litter

Acceptable Standard

Landfill operators must take all reasonable steps to prevent littergeneration, to minimise litter leaving the site and must regularly clean uplitter adjacent to the landfill.

Recommendations

Landfill operators should develop procedures for managing theacceptance and placement of lightweight, loose wastes to minimisetransportation off-site (e.g. deposition of high-risk loads in sheltered areas ofthe landfill site or directly upwind of litter fences, and more frequentcovering of waste).

Transportable litter fences should be installed around the active tippingarea at landfills with strong prevailing wind conditions or which have beenknown to generate litter nuisance. Such fences should be at least 4 m high,be portable (i.e. able to be re-sited when the tipping area is relocated)and able to withstand strong winds whilst loaded with litter.

All site fences and gates should be cleared of litter on a weekly basis. Morefrequent attention is likely to be required during windy periods.

Operators should incorporate regular (e.g. weekly, or in conditions of highwinds daily) retrieval of all litter transported offsite into their maintenancework program.

Operators should develop risk management procedures to minimise thenumber of vehicles transporting uncovered loads of waste to the landfill(e.g. communication with drivers and company managers, keepingrecords of offending vehicles).

Related controls are suggested as part of signage (see Section 3.8) andprocedures for waste handling (see Section 4.2).

4.4.3 Nuisance fauna and weed species

Acceptable Standard

Landfill operators must actively discourage the presence of nuisanceanimals and weed species to avoid public health impacts andenvironmental degradation.

Recommendations

Water storage areas on site should be limited to those required for water forfire fighting purposes, leachate containment and storm water control.

Professional pest control providers should be engaged to eliminate pestanimal infestations. Any proposed baiting programs should be developedin consultation with DPIWE.


Landfills that have large populations of birds present may (providingapproval has been given by the Regulatory Authority) use deterrents inconjunction with normal operating procedures, including the following:

• nets over glide-paths and water storages;

• anti-perch strips on structures; and

• active measures (e.g. gas guns, mimicked distress calls or predatordecoys).

Sites should be regularly inspected to check for the presence of weedspecies.

Materials used for site revegetation (e.g. seeds and mulch) should be ofhigh quality and free of weeds.

Weed species should be controlled using appropriate techniques.

Related controls for weed species are suggested as part of procedures forwaste handling (see Section 4.2).

4.4.4 Odour

Acceptable Standard

Landfill operators must minimise the generation of unpleasant odours at alltimes. If odours are apparent, the odours must not be detectable outsidethe boundary of the landfill site.

Recommendations

Application of controls suggested as part of procedures for waste handling(see Section 4.2) should minimise the transmission of odours off-site.

4.4.5 Noise

Acceptable Standard

Activities on the site must be managed so as not to cause environmentalnuisance.

As a general guide the equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressurelevel (Leq) of the sound emitted from the site should not exceed 50 dB(A),when measured within twenty-five metres of a noise sensitive building. Thesound level is to be measured and adjusted for tonal and impulsecomponents in accordance with AS1055. The Leq is to be measured overa period of between 10 and 15 minutes.

If the landfill site is to operate outside the hours of 0700 to 1800, this levelshould be reduced to 45 dB(A) between the hours of 1800 to 2200, andfurther reduced to 40 dB(A) between the hours of 2200 and 0700 (0900 onSundays) the following morning. Higher sound pressure levels may beacceptable in areas with significant ambient noise from other sources.


Recommendations

The Acceptable Standard will normally be achieved by restrictingoperations to the hours of 0700 to 1800 Monday to Saturday and 0900 to1800 on Sunday. Waste may be accepted outside of normal operatinghours where a one-off prior arrangement has been agreed with a wastegenerator/transporter that has a valid need for such.

Operators should ensure that all site machinery is configured to minimisenoise disturbance (e.g. mufflers and exhaust silencers, noise sensitivereversing beepers), is regularly maintained, and is operated in accordancewith relevant noise standards.

Related controls are suggested as part of siting (see Section 2.5) andplanning to minimise off-site impacts (see Section 3.10).

4.5 FIRES

4.5.1 Fire prevention

Acceptable Standard

Landfill operators must not allow fires to be lit on any part of the landfill orwithin the landfill boundary, and must extinguish any fires that do occur asquickly as possible.

Recommendations

Combustible wastes should be covered with inert materials afterplacement at the tipping area or stockpiles of combustible materials (e.g.tyres, timber, dry green waste) should be divided into small piles orwindrows (i.e. so that any burning material can be kept away from orreadily separated from additional fuel).

All fuels or flammable solvents used for on-site operations should be stored inaccordance with AS 1940 - 1993 Storage and Handling of Flammable andCombustible Liquids. Storage areas should be located on unfilled landand adequately bunded so that any release of raw or burning liquid willnot cause a fire in the filled waste or impact on surface water.

If the site is a designated tyre storage site then the stockpile should bemanaged in accordance with the performance standards specified bythe Regulatory Authority.

Related controls are suggested as part of signage (see Section 3.8) andprocedures for waste handling (see Section 4.2).


4.5.2 Fire control

Acceptable Standard

Landfill operators must demonstrate sufficient capacity to extinguish anyfires that occur on site.

Powered pumps and high-capacity hoses must be installed.

Fire fighting water must be available at all times. Sites lacking a reticulatedwater supply suitable for fire fighting must store water on site, with asufficient volume to control fires.

Recommendations

Post-fire surveys using thermal imaging equipment are likely to be requiredto identify remaining hot spots, following suppression of visible evidence offire.

Firebreaks should be constructed and maintained around the perimeter ofthe landfill and, where appropriate, between filled areas, stockpiles ofcombustibles and site buildings. Any firebreaks must be constructed to thesatisfaction of the relevant fire authority.

Suitable additional fire fighting equipment should be installed adjacent toflammable liquid storage areas and site buildings.

All fire fighting facilities should be visually checked for damage on a weeklybasis and test operated every three months.

All fire fighting equipment should be clearly signposted. Vehicular accessshould be maintained at all times.

A site-specific fire management plan should be developed by the landfilloperator to minimise the incidence and impact of fire.

4.6 TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

Acceptable Standard

Landfill operators must provide safe and convenient access for vehiclesdelivering waste to the landfill.

Recommendations

Road surfaces in all areas of the site that are open to the public (e.g.recycling area and residual disposal area) should be regularly maintained.

Where small vehicles (e.g. cars) are permitted to directly access the tippingarea, they should be directed to a position in the tipping area that isseparate from that used by larger vehicles that are emptied mechanically.

Due to their relative instability on soft ground, tri-axle tipping trailers shouldnot be permitted to tip at the tip face except at isolated locations orwhere they are isolated from other traffic during their tipping activity.


4.7 STAFFING

4.7.1 Training requirements

Acceptable Standard

Staff must be adequately trained to ensure that operations areenvironmentally responsible and the workplace is safe. Staff must befamiliar with the environmental permit conditions that may be relevant totheir work to the extent necessary to ensure compliance.

Recommendations

Training requirements will vary according to landfill size, types of wasteaccepted, and diversity and complexity of site operations. The durationand complexity of training should be determined by the role of particularstaff and the competencies required to fulfil these roles. At a minimum, stafftraining is to ensure that:

• all operators of compaction or earthworks equipment are skilled atundertaking all tasks required of them;

• all staff or consultants, who operate water sampling or watertesting apparatus are familiar with required testing and samplingprotocols and methodologies;

• all staff are familiar with emergency procedures (e.g. fire fighting)and the EMP;

• staff who inspect or direct the placement of incoming wastes arecapable of accurate data recording, and are skilled at identifyingwastes that are unacceptable; and

• staff are familiar with this Sustainability Guide.

Where practical, training should be supplied through formal programs (e.g.short courses) provided by accredited training institutions.

Awareness programs or other means to develop a commitment toenvironmentally responsible management and work practices shouldaccompany formal training programs.


4.7.2 Occupational Health and Safety

Acceptable Standard

Operators must be aware of and comply with current legislation relating tooccupational health and safety.

Recommendations

Landfill operators must address OH&S issues including (but not limited to):

• plant and equipment operation;

• handling practices, including storage and handling of potentiallyhazardous wastes;

• protective clothing;

• equipment safety and maintenance;

• occupational noise;

• traffic management; and

• public safety.

• operator health issues (e.g. medical vaccinations)

4.8 MONITORING PROGRAMS

4.8.1 Groundwater

Acceptable Standard

Regular, representative sampling of groundwater must be conducted toensure early detection of any contamination by leachate and todemonstrate compliance with any statutory requirements.

In accordance with the State Policy on Water Quality Management1997, relevant water quality standards (trigger values ) from the latestrevision to the Australian Water Quality Guidelines (ANZECC andARMCANZ 2000) will be used to set the water quality objective unlessotherwise specified by the Environmental Management and PollutionControl Board.

Recommendations

A network of groundwater monitoring bores should be installed. Thenumber and design of bores is discussed in Section 3.3.

Samples should be taken by a suitably qualified person, in accordancewith AS 5667.1:1998 Water Quality – Sampling – Guidance on the designof sampling programs, sampling techniques and the preservation andhandling of samples and AS 5667.11:1998 Water Quality – Sampling –Guidance on sampling of groundwaters.

Samples should be analysed by a NATA accredited laboratory or alaboratory otherwise approved by the Regulatory Authority.

Typical parameters are detailed in Table 4.4. Operators may wish to putforward a case justifying a reduced list of monitoring parameters.


The frequency of sampling indicated in this table is to be followed for threeyears unless otherwise approved by the Regulatory Authority. The landfilloperator may apply to exclude parameters and / or vary the frequency ofsampling after this time if it can be consistently demonstrated that theparameters measured do not pose an environmental risk.


Table 4.4 Groundwater Monitoring Parameters

Monitoring Frequency by Landfill Category

GroupMonitoring Parameters

1 (Solid Inert) 2 (Putrescible) 3 (Secure)

bore depth 6 monthly

Ground water depth 6 monthly

static hydraulic head 6 monthly

Group 1 PH 6 monthly Quarterly Quarterly

Conductivity 6 monthly Quarterly Quarterly

TDS 6 monthly Quarterly Quarterly

Total Nitrogen 6 monthly Quarterly Quarterly

Ammonia 6 monthly Quarterly Quarterly

Nitrate 6 monthly Quarterly Quarterly

Nitrite 6 monthly Quarterly Quarterly

Orthophosphate 6 monthly Quarterly Quarterly

Total phosphorus NA Quarterly Quarterly

Redox potential (Eh) NA Quarterly Quarterly

DOC NA Quarterly Quarterly

COD NA Quarterly Quarterly

Total CN (as CN) NA Quarterly Quarterly

Group 2 Total Iron (Fe) NA Quarterly Quarterly

Copper (Cu) NA Quarterly Quarterly

Zinc (Zn) NA Quarterly Quarterly

Chromium (Cr) NA Quarterly Quarterly

Manganese (Mn) NA Quarterly Quarterly

Nickel (Ni) NA Quarterly Quarterly

Lead (Pb) NA Quarterly Quarterly

Cadmium (Cd) NA Quarterly Quarterly

Group 3 Chloride NA Quarterly Quarterly

Calcium NA Quarterly Quarterly

Sulphate NA Quarterly Quarterly

Sodium (Na) NA Quarterly Quarterly

Potassium (K) NA Quarterly Quarterly

Magnesium (Mg) NA Quarterly Quarterly

Group 4 Arsenic (As) NA Initially then 12 monthly 6 monthly

Mercury (Hg) NA Initially then 12 monthly 6 monthly

Selenium (Se) NA Initially then 12 monthly 6 monthly

Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) and Benzene, NA Initially then 12 monthly 6 monthly

Toluene, Ethyl-Benzene, and Xylene (BTEX) NA Initially then 12 monthly 6 monthly

Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons NA Initially then 12 monthly Yearly

Organophosphate pesticides NA Initially then 12 monthly Yearly

Organochlorine pesticides NA Initially then 12 monthly Yearly

Polychlorinated biphenyls NA Initially then 12 monthly Yearly


Further assessment should be undertaken and the need for remediationinvestigated whenever the concentration in a discharge is likely to cause asignificant change above background concentration (i.e. determined fromupstream ground or surface waters) for one or more of the parametersoutlined in Table 4.5 on consecutive sampling runs. The RegulatoryAuthority should be notified of these differences in accordance withSection 5.4.4.

4.8.2 Surface water

Acceptable Standard

Surface water must be monitored on a regular basis to detect and respondto any pollution from the landfill and to demonstrate compliance with anystatutory requirements.

Recommendations

Monitoring points should be established at the point(s) of discharge fromthe landfill.

Samples should be taken by a suitably qualified person, in accordancewith AS 5667.1:1998 Water Quality – Sampling – Guidance on the designof sampling programs, sampling techniques and the preservation andhandling of samples and AS 5667.6:1998 Water Quality – Sampling –Guidance on sampling of rivers and streams.


Parameters to be sampled and analysed should be selected from Table4.5. Operators may wish to put forward a case justifying a reduced list ofmonitoring parameters.

The frequency of sampling indicated in this table is to be followed for threeyears unless otherwise approved by the Regulatory Authority. The landfilloperator may apply to exclude parameters and / or vary the frequency ofsampling after this time if it can be consistently demonstrated that theparameters measured do not pose an environmental risk.

Further assessment should be undertaken and the need for remediationinvestigated whenever the concentration in a discharge is likely to cause asignificant change above background concentration or water qualityobjectives if established (i.e. determined from upstream ground or surfacewaters) for one or more of the parameters outlined in Table 4.5 onconsecutive sampling runs.


Table 4.5 Surface Water and Leachate Dam Monitoring Parameters

Monitoring Frequency by Landfill Category

GroupMonitoring Parameters

1 (Solid Inert) 2 (Putrescible) 3 (Secure)

Group 1 PH 6 monthly Quarterly Quarterly

Conductivity 6 monthly Quarterly Quarterly

TDS 6 monthly Quarterly Quarterly

Redox potential (Eh) NA Quarterly Quarterly

Turbidity 6 monthly Quarterly Quarterly

Total Suspended Solids 6 monthly Quarterly Quarterly

Alkalinity (as CaCO3) 6 monthly Quarterly Quarterly

Total Nitrogen 6 monthly Quarterly Quarterly

Ammonia 6 monthly Quarterly Quarterly

Nitrate 6 monthly Quarterly Quarterly

Nitrite NA Quarterly Quarterly

Total phosphorus 6 monthly Quarterly Quarterly

Orthophosphate NA Quarterly Quarterly

DOC NA Quarterly Quarterly

COD NA Quarterly Quarterly

E. coli NA Quarterly Quarterly

Total CN (as CN) NA Quarterly Quarterly

Group 2 Total Iron & dissolved Iron (Fe) NA Quarterly Quarterly

Aluminium (Al) NA Quarterly Quarterly

Copper (Cu) NA Quarterly Quarterly

Zinc (Zn) NA Quarterly Quarterly

Chromium (Cr) NA Quarterly Quarterly

Manganese (Mn) NA Quarterly Quarterly

Nickel (Ni) NA Quarterly Quarterly

Lead (Pb) NA Quarterly Quarterly

Cadmium (Cd) NA Quarterly Quarterly

Group 3 Chloride NA Quarterly Quarterly

Calcium NA Quarterly Quarterly

Sulphate NA Quarterly Quarterly

Sodium (Na) NA Quarterly Quarterly

Potassium (K) NA Quarterly Quarterly

Magnesium (Mg) NA Quarterly Quarterly

Group 4 Arsenic (As) NA Initially then 12monthly

6 Monthly

Mercury (Hg) NA Initially then 12monthly

6 Monthly

Selenium (Se) NA Initially then 12monthly

6 Monthly

Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) NA Initially then 12monthly

6 Monthly

Benzene, Toluene, Ethyl-Benzene, and Xylene(BTEX)

NA Initially then 12monthly

6 Monthly

Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons NA Initially then 12monthly

Yearly

Organophosphate pesticides NA Initially then 12monthly

Yearly

Organochlorine pesticides NA Initially then 12monthly

Yearly

Polychlorinated biphenyls NA Initially then 12monthly

Yearly


4.8.3 Leachate

Acceptable Standard

Leachate must be regularly monitored to establish its quality and assesssuitable management options.

Recommendations

Samples should be taken by a suitably qualified person, in accordancewith AS 5667.1:1998 Water Quality – Sampling – Guidance on the designof sampling programs, sampling techniques and the preservation andhandling of samples and AS 5667.10:1998 Water Quality – Sampling –Guidance on sampling of waste waters.


Monitoring parameters and triggers for further assessment and remediationare the same as those specified for surface waters (see Section 4.8.2). Lesserrequirements will be applied where all leachate discharge is directed tosewer.

Monitoring locations should be established in the leachate collection sumpat the base of the landfill liner and, if required, at points upstream anddownstream of the landfill in any receiving waters.

Related controls are suggested as part of leachate management (seeSection 4.3.1).

4.8.4 Landfill gas

Acceptable Standard

Major landfill sites must have landfill gas management infrastructureoperating by 31 December 2004 (see National Greenhouse StrategyImplementation Plan (State Co-ordinated measures – Tasmania).

Recommendations

Where landfill gas collection systems have been installed, regularmonitoring of gas composition, combustion efficiency and flow rate shouldbe undertaken to enable annual reporting of emissions from the system.Alternatively, stack emissions can be measured directly following flaring.

Where landfill gas is not collected, regular monitoring should be undertakento detect whether landfill gas presents a source of odour or an explosion ortoxicity hazard, and to estimate greenhouse gas emissions.

Landfill gas monitoring should include both surface and subsurfaceprograms.


Subsurface monitoring devices should be installed in areas of the site wherewaste has been placed and either intermediate or final cover has beenapplied. Installation may either form part of a gas collection network orcomprise a nest of monitoring bores positioned around the perimeter of thesite. The depth of the monitoring network should be equal to the greatestdepth of waste. Devices should be capable of detecting sufficiently lowconcentrations of landfill gas to identify off-site migration.

Surface monitoring should demonstrate that the cover and (wherepresent) gas collection system is effectively controlling landfill gas emissions.Areas of the site where waste has been placed and either intermediate orfinal cover has been applied should be traversed in a systematic patternwith a handheld detection device. Readings should be taken on calmdays (i.e. winds below 10 kph) at a height of 5 cm above the ground, aswell as in depressions or surface cracks.

Monitoring should be undertaken by a suitably qualified person inaccordance with relevant Australian Standards, including AS 3580.11.1-1993: Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air - Determinationof volatile organic compounds - Methane and non-methane volatileorganic compounds - Direct-reading instrumental method.

Monitoring should be conducted on a quarterly frequency (unlessotherwise approved by the Regulatory Authority) and should measuremethane concentrations as a minimum. Where odours are of particularconcern, surface monitoring should also measure hydrogen sulphide.

The landfill operator may apply to vary the frequency of sampling fiveyears after closure of the tipping area if it can be demonstrated that therehave been no emissions.

Further assessment and remediation should be undertaken if subsurfaceconcentrations exceed 1.25% (v/v) or if surface concentrations exceed 500ppm (v/v).


4.9 DOCUMENTATION FOR REPORTING AND REVIEW

All landfills must demonstrate compliance with the specific permitconditions placed on each facility, and provide data to enablemonitoring of performance against State-wide strategic policy, throughpreparation and maintenance of the following documentation:

• waste acceptance records;• filling plans;• monitoring analysis (interpretation of results including charting)• contingency and cost planning;• incident reporting;• annual reports; and• five-yearly reviews (EMP).

Preparation of this documentation for reporting and review does notpreclude development of other documents (i.e. operations manual,environmental management systems, etc).

4.9.1 Waste acceptance records

Acceptable Standard

Landfill operators must maintain accurate records of the amount, type,source (where known) and management of wastes received at the landfill.

Recommendations

Waste data should be collected against categories that reflect the DraftNational Solid Waste Classification System (CRCWMPC 1993) and arecompatible with the Australian Waste Database or approved modifiedversions.

The Premier’s Local Government Council has endorsed a move towardmandatory waste data collection and reporting by landfill operators, to beimplemented via permit conditions.

Specific inventory records will need to be maintained in relation to certaincategories of controlled waste, where specified by the RegulatoryAuthority.

Staffed sites should incorporate data collection into acceptanceprocedures so that information is recorded for every movement of waste inand out of the site. This should include data from the weighbridge if one isinstalled on-site, or a volumetric estimate if no weighbridge is installed.

Appropriately trained people should survey un-staffed sites for at least atwo-week period each year.

Mass loss through on-site composting or other processes may need to beidentified to allow a mass balance calculation of wastes received anddisposed.

Waste acceptance data should be compared against results of annualsurvey of the site on an annual basis to check the accuracy of data.


4.9.2 Filling Plan

Acceptable Standard

The landfill must be managed in a systematic manner. A filling plan mustbe prepared by the permit holder and operator.

Recommendations

The filling plan should at the minimum encompass the following information:

• documentation of the filling process;

• demonstration that site operations are under control;

• an estimate of the volume of waste landfilled;

• an estimate of the level of compaction; and

• a calculation of the remaining site capacity.

This plan should be updated through regular geometric surveys.

The filling plan section of site drawings should be updated when each cellis started or completed.

The site should be surveyed annually by an independent registeredsurveyor. Surveys will use the same grid and standard height datum forsuccessive filling plan contour recordings.

The filling plan for Putrescible and Secure landfills should identify the type ofwaste in each cell and the locations used for deposition of controlledwastes.

4.9.3 Contingency and cost planning

Acceptable Standard

Landfill owners must demonstrate that appropriate procedures are inplace, and that sufficient funds are available to cover expenditurerequirements for environmental management during landfill operation,rehabilitation and after-care.

Recommendations

Landfill owners and operators should identify and analyse the resourcesrequired to conduct operations, including rehabilitation, as well as torespond to incidents including, but not limited to:

• excessive leachate seepage through liner;

• failure of leachate or gas collection systems;

• escape of leachate from leachate dam;

• contamination of groundwater or surface water, either within oroutside the site;

• illegal dumping of inappropriate waste;


• landfill gas (e.g. underground off-site migration, significant andongoing odour problems);

• fires;

• erosion or subsidence of the landfill cap; and

• failure to establish or maintain vegetation on the landfill cap.

Owners and operators should utilise this analysis to evaluate all of the costsof landfilling and establish mechanisms to cover these costs. Mechanismsthat may be adopted include:

• financial planning strategies;

• effective structures for landfill fees;

• establishment of an accumulating fund; and

• insurance policies (including discounted group schemes).

• Operators should document their analysis and contingencyplanning process to the satisfaction of the Regulatory Authority,and undertake a review of it every five years or in conjunction withroutine EMP reviews. This document should include, as a minimum:

• a description of the response procedures for each contingency;

• the estimated costs of landfill operation, rehabilitation, after-careand contingency response;

• descriptions of how these costs estimates were derived orpreferably independent verification of the costings; and

• demonstration of capacity to cover costs.

A copy of this document should be forwarded to the Regulatory Authority.

4.9.4 Incident Management

Acceptable Standard

Landfill owners must document the occurrence of, and response to, anycomplaints and incidents that may cause environmental harm.

All reasonable and practicable action must be taken to minimise theadverse environmental effects resulting from an incident.

The responsible person must notify the Director, as soon as reasonablypracticable but not later than 24 hours after becoming aware of therelease of a pollutant occurring as a result of any incident in relation to thatactivity, if this release causes or may cause serious or materialenvironmental harm. Notification must include details of the incident, itsnature, the circumstances in which it occurred and any action that hasbeen taken to deal with it.


Recommendations

Operators should immediately inform the Regulatory Authority by telephoneor facsimile if an incident occurs. Examples of incidents that might need tobe reported immediately include:

• placement of inappropriate waste (e.g. controlled waste at SolidInert and Putrescible landfills);

• fire at the landfill;

• accidental release of leachate into surface water or any othersurface water courses;

• identification of significant difference(s) in monitoring indicatorparameters;

• failure of an environment protection system (e.g. landfill liner); and

• any other incident that could potentially pose an environmentalhazard.

A written report of the measures taken in response, including preventativeactions, should be provided to the Regulatory Authority within 2 weeksfollowing the incident, unless otherwise directed by the Regulatory Authority

4.9.5 Annual report

Acceptable Standard

Landfill owners must prepare a report on activities at the landfill withineach year, including all matters of environmental significance, and makethis document available to the Regulatory Authority and to the generalpublic.

Recommendations

The contents of the annual report should include (but not necessarily belimited to) the following items:

• results and analysis of data (including charting over time) todetermine trends from monitoring programs for groundwater,leachate, surface water and landfill gas;

• summaries of waste acceptance records;

• results of site inspections;

• summary of complaints / incidents and responses; and

• review of compliance with permit conditions;

4.9.6 Five-yearly review

Acceptable Standard

Permit conditions will normally require landfill owners to fully review theirEnvironmental Management Plan every five years.


Recommendations

The review process should be supported by a systematic review of annualreports, contingency and cost plans, filling plan and incident reports.

Results of the review, including revisions to the EMP, need to be submittedto the Regulatory Authority for approval. Major works or changes to landfilloperation outside the 5 yearly cycle will still require appropriate approvalfrom the Regulatory Authority prior to commencement.


5. REHABILITATION AND AFTER-CARE

5.1 INTRODUCTION

Landfills can impact upon the environment many years after thecompletion of filling activities. It is important that all landfills arerehabilitated and that an after-care management program isimplemented upon completion of filling activities. This will help mitigatepotential environmental impacts, and allow the land to be reused.

Where new landfills, or extensions to existing landfills, are proposed, landfillrehabilitation must be considered in the landfill / extension proposal. Oncea landfill is rehabilitated, it is important that monitoring of the site continuesand that rehabilitation measures, for example leachate extraction andcollection systems, are maintained for an appropriate period of time. This iscommonly referred to as landfill ‘after-care’.

Rehabilitation consists of both ongoing and f inal phases. Ongoingrehabilitation of a landfill should occur throughout the life of the landfill asvarious landfill cells / areas are completed. Final rehabilitation works shouldcommence within 90 days of permanent cessation of disposal operations ineach stage of the site (e.g. each 0.5 ha), unless otherwise agreed with theRegulatory Authority.

5.2 POTENTIAL POST-CLOSURE USES

It is essential to investigate potential end uses of the area when a landfill isplanned, or when extensions to existing sites are being considered.

Closed landfills generally cannot be used for sensitive uses, such asresidential allotments because they may be subject to subsidence andthey are likely to be classified as contaminated sites, meaning that adetailed risk assessment will normally be required prior to changing to amore sensitive land use.

Where landfills are capped, activities carried out on the surface of oldlandfills should be restricted to ensure protection of public health and theenvironment.

Acceptable Standard

Potential uses of closed landfills must be determined as early as possible inthe landfill life (i.e. during the planning stage), so that the landfill is designedand operated in view of its proposed end use.


Recommendations

The proposed end use should maximise the amenity of the land consistentwith protection of public health and the environment.

Rehabilitated landfill sites should not be considered for the following uses:

• houses or other buildings;

• sealed roads (unless appropriate geotechnical assessments havebeen conducted);

• intensive and fast moving sports unless specialist advice has beenreceived; and

• placement of services (unless they are compatible with the enduse of the site).

Landfill/landfill extension design should consider future land uses of the siteand incorporate any needs of such uses into the design and operation ofthe landfill. Future land use plans for a site should be flexible enough toensure that any changes in community, planning or environmental needscan be accommodated. Periodic reassessment of future land uses shouldbe made throughout the life of the landfill.

It is important to consult relevant stakeholders when determining potentialand actual end uses for closed landfill sites. These include the localcommunity, planning authorities, the Regulatory Authority etc.Consultation with stakeholders during the planning phase should ensureoverall strategic plans for an area and community needs are considered.

Possible end uses for completed landfill sites include:

• forest, woodland or arboretum;

• dog exercise zone;

• picnic areas;

• trails for cycling, horse-riding, jogging and walking;

• golf practice range;

• outdoor concert venue;

• wildlife corridor;

• grazing; and

• industrial buffer zone.

These end uses may not be appropriate for all landfill sites. Uses should beassessed on an individual site basis.

The selection of the end-use of the site should be compatible with theexpected settlement of the landfill surface, otherwise continuedmaintenance to monitor grades and levels may be required.


Due to risks associated with landfill gas emissions, contamination of landand water, and subsidence, houses or other buildings should not be builton closed landfills. Even if piling to a solid foundation is undertaken,problems may still occur due to ground settlement around the building.

Differential settlement can make it extremely difficult to construct roadsover completed landfill sites. Only unsealed roads should be considered,unless a thorough engineering or geotechnical evaluation of the sitedemonstrates that sealed roads are appropriate.

Services (e.g. water, drainage and sewage) may be installed ifcompatible with the end use of the site. The placement and constructionof such services in the landfill site needs to consider risks of failure andresultant environmental impacts (e.g. water from a burst service pipe canaccelerate landfill settlement in the vicinity of the fractured pipe andincrease the generation of landfill gas).

5.3 FINAL REHABILITATION

Once adequate planning has been undertaken and the landfillrehabilitation and after-care plan approved by the Regulatory Authority,rehabilitation works should be undertaken as follows:

• removal of site structures;

• additional compaction;

• completion of capping;

• completing of vegetation establishment;

• leachate management;

• landfill gas management; and

• surface water controls.

5.3.1 Removal of site structures

Acceptable Standard

All structures that are not compatible with the intended final use of the sitemust be removed from landfill sites.

Recommendations

The site should be cleared of structures that may impede the rehabilitationprocess or are incompatible with the intended final use of the site. Fencesmay be retained during rehabilitation, as they are useful for site securityand may keep out browsing animals.


5.3.2 Additional compaction

Acceptable Standard

Before final capping and rehabilitation, landfills must be allowed to settlefor at least 2 years after cessation of landfilling to minimise instability due tothe presence of voids.

Recommendations

Waste should be compacted as much as possible. Bulky waste that wasimproperly buried or protrudes from the edges of filled areas may need tobe removed and disposed of correctly.

Related controls are suggested as part of waste handling (see Section 4.2).

5.3.3 Completion of capping

Acceptable Standard

Site capping and re-vegetation must ensure that the final surface providesa barrier to the migration of water into the waste (providing the design is acontainment system), controls emissions to water and atmosphere,promotes sound land management and conservation, prevents hazardsand protects amenity.

Site caps must ensure that water infiltration through the cap is no morethan 75% of the anticipated seepage rate through the landfill liner.

Moisture within the cap must remain sufficiently stable to prevent crackingor other deformation.

The capping layer must be shaped to allow lateral drainage. Steep slopesmust be battered with the overall gradient being a maximum of 1 verticalto 3 horizontal.

Recommendations

Final capping and revegetation should be applied only after depositedrefuse has settled and the area has become stable. After landfilling hasbeen completed for a cell, waste material should be covered until suchtime that final capping can be applied. A report indicating time lines forfinal capping should be submitted to the Regulatory Authority within 60days after final placement of waste in that area, however approval maybe sought from the Regulatory Authority to extend this period to 180 daysdue to exceptional circumstances.

A range of landfill cap designs should be considered to determine theconfiguration that is most suitable to the site. In general, designs mayinclude clay capping and/or use a composite of clay and ageomembrane, however innovative approaches (e.g. capillary barrierand monolith soil layers) may also be considered.


Clay and composite landfill caps consist of one or a number of layers.Table 5.1 shows the indicative requirements for landfill caps, and suggestedlayer thicknesses for each category of landfill. Figure 5.1 provides agraphical representation of the various components required and theirrelated thicknesses.

Table 5.1 Indicative Landfill Cap Requirements (Clay / CompositeCap)

Landfill CategoryLayer

A (Solid Inert)2 B (Putrescible) C (Secure)

Clean Fill Material 0.3 m 0.3 m 0.3 m

Gas Drainage - 0.3 m 0.3 m

Clay Capping(permeability of lessthan 1 x 10-9 m/s)

If required 0.6 m > 0.6 m

Geomembrane or geo-synthetic composite liner(includes geotextilelayer(s))3

- If required Yes

Drainage Layer If required 0.3 m 0.3 m

Geotextile (if required) - Yes Yes

Final Layer (includestopsoil)1

0.5 m 0.5 to 1 m > 1 m

Minimum Total IndicativeCap Depth

0.8 m 2.0 m 2.5 m

1. The proportions of clean fill and topsoil in the final layer may vary provided that a minimum of250 mm of topsoil is provided.

2. Minimum requirement may not be necessary for Category A landfills.3. If the landfill liner is of a high standard and meets best practice environmental management

and no groundwater or surface water contamination has been demonstrated, then theRegulatory Authority will give consideration to using alternative capping material (e.g. claywith a permeability greater than 1 x 10-9 m/s).

Additional material may be required in some instances. A preferred landfillcap design should be provided to the Regulatory Authority as part of thelandfill rehabilitation and after-care plan (see Section 3.11).

Fill material should be deposited in a 300 - 500 mm layer above the finallayer of compacted waste and shaped to the intended final contour. It isimportant that material utilised for this purpose meet the requirementsidentified in Section 1.3.2.

A gas drainage layer should have a minimum thickness of 300 mm. Toprevent encrustation, the calcium carbonate content of the layer shouldnot exceed 10% by weight.

Clay should match the properties for that utilised for liner construction (seeSection 3.1.1). Where suitable clay is not available, other impermeablematerial (e.g. bentonite) may be used as a substitute.


A clay cap should not be left exposed for prolonged periods of time, as thiswill probably lead to cracking, which will increase infiltration rates. Clay willneed to be replaced if cracking or desiccation occurs

Geomembranes or geo-synthetic composite liners should be considered asan additional moisture barrier for Putrescible landfills, if clay material isunavailable or not suitable. Secure landfills require a geomembrane or ageo-synthetic composite liner.

A drainage layer comprised of coarse sand, pebbles or gravel directlyabove the clay layer will allow more rapid shedding of water and willreduce percolation through the cap. The drainage layer should bedesigned so that sufficient moisture remains in the final layer to supportvegetation and prevent the cap from drying out and cracking. Waterbalance calculations incorporating local rainfall data should be used toconfirm that these parameters will be met.

The final layer of the landfill cap should consist of clean fill (see Table 5.1)and topsoil. Ideally, topsoil from local sources should be used. As newareas of the landfill are developed, topsoils should be stripped andstockpiled separately to be used as the final layer. The depth of soil to beprovided depends on the vegetation intended for the site (e.g. deep-rooted vegetation planted in shallow soil layers may penetrate the landfillcap and provide a pathway for water to infiltrate the landfill).Recommended soil depths for the growth of the following types of plantsare provided in Table 5.2.

Table 5.2 Recommended Application of Topsoil for Plant Categories

Type of Plant Depth of Soil

Grasses and sedges 100 mm

Shrubs 250 mm

In general, a soil layer more than one metre thick will be less likely toexperience seasonal moisture fluctuations (e.g. waterlogging in winter ordesiccation in summer).

Good quality topsoil should be used for the upper soil layer. However it ispossible to use clean fill material for the remainder of the final layer. Amixture of bio-solids and shredded or composted green waste may also beused as a soil substitute in the lower horizon of the final layer, inaccordance with the Tasmanian Bio-solid Reuse Guidelines (DPIWE 1999).Advice from the Regulatory Authority is recommended.

Advice on the choice of plants and subsequent soil requirements should besought from a suitably qualified horticulturist.

Compaction of the topsoil should be avoided as this will restrict vegetationgrowth by reducing water penetration and root growth. Loose tipped soilswill encourage deeper roots, providing wind stability, water and nutrientavailability, and most importantly shoot growth.


Figure 5.1: Representation of the Various Component Layers Requiredand their Related Thicknesses for Landfill Cap (refer to Table5.1 for further details).


5.3.4 Vegetation

Acceptable Standard

Vegetation must be selected with regard to the particular area andappropriate native species utilised.

Vegetation must be selected after consideration of the following;

• local climate (e.g. rainfall, wind) and soil conditions;

• long-term viability;

• ongoing maintenance requirements;

• design of landfill cap;

• capacity to prevent erosion of the landfill cap; and

• final site use.

Recommendations

A list of species potentially suitable for planting at rehabilitated landfill sitesin Tasmania is provided in Appendix B.

Marsh and sedge species should be selected for low lying, drainage linesand leachate basin areas.

Selection for other parts of the site should be made in accordance with thecriteria shown for the acceptable standard.

Plants may be established through direct seeding or, if either rapid growth isrequired or browsing is a problem, through planting seedlings.

Direct seeding

Seeding may involve one or a number of methods, including:

• native seed regeneration,

• hydro mulching and

• pre-feed seeding.

Native seed regeneration can utilise seeds held in topsoil sourced from thesite or spreading of seed bearing native brush to assist in preventing erosionand retaining soil moisture. This ensures that indigenous plants areregenerated. Additional requirements for soil stockpiles are discussed inSection 3.11.

Hydro-mulching involves high pressure spraying of a wet mixture of seedand mulching material such as paper or wood fibre in a fluid over the landsurface. Hydro-mulching is generally used for rehabilitating large areas.


Pre-feed seeding uses dry powder coatings to assist with germination andprotect against insect and fungal attack.

A combination of the above methods may provide the best results (e.g.pre-feed seeding combined with hydro-mulching allows for quickgermination and suppression of weeds while seeded species germinate).

Seeds may be purchased from commercial suppliers or collected by abotanist, horticulturalist or a trained community group (e.g. Landcare orGreening Australia).

Planting seedlings

Seedlings may be planted using mound planting methods

Mound planting involves preparation of topsoil mounds 3 – 4 m wide and 1m high, with sloping sides that blend into the landscape. Maintenance ofsufficient moisture for vegetation growth in the mound can become anissue (particularly during the early establishment phase). This technique canpermit the planting of vegetation that may be sensitive to landfill gas.

Growth rates are generally faster from tube stock than plants from largercontainers due to shock and adaptability to soils. However, it is importantthat tube stock is planted into wet soil when planting and moisture levelsmaintained.

Small mesh guards or grow bags should be used to prevent grazing andfrost damage.

Management

Plantings should be properly managed to ensure that they receivesufficient moisture and nutrients, and to prevent damage.

Early applications of fertiliser will be beneficial to growth, especially wherefinal cover is low in available nitrogen and phosphorus. Applications ofNPK fertiliser at a rate of up to 250 kg per hectare will generally supportgrowth by native species without 'burning' them. However, this should beconfirmed with the supplier of the plant species. Follow-up applicationsmay be required in future years. Consideration should be given to thepotential impact of fertilisers on weed growth.

Irrigation can play a major part in the success or failure of plant species,although native plants will usually only require a small amount of wateringin the drier months. Surface water can be collected and used for irrigationpurposes, and a range of distribution options should be consideredincluding drip feed systems, full pressure sprays, and agricultural andtravelling sprinkler systems.

The use of mulch has a major bearing on growth success, soil moisturecontent, surface erosion, soil composition, weed suppression and the levelof maintenance required in rehabilitation of landfills. Generally, mulchesinhibit weed growth by blocking light, and are best spread aroundestablished plants. All mulch should be pasteurised to ensure that weedseeds, plant pathogens and pests are removed.


Grazing or browsing animals (e.g. wallabies, rabbits and sheep) may inhibitgrowth of vegetation. Site fencing installed during landfill should bemaintained to prevent grazing or browsing. Fence maintenance may alsodeter vandals and arsonists.

Potential uprooting by the wind should be addressed and considerationgiven to local wind regimes, local climate, elevation, topographicalexposure and the rooting conditions and requirements of favoured species.

Staged Approach

It is recommended that a staged approach be used for speciesrevegetation. Initially leachate tolerant grasses and shrubs should beplanted, however, as leachate generation decreases over time moredeeply rooted plant species such as small trees can be planted.

5.3.5 Emissions management

Acceptable Standard

Landfill rehabilitation must ensure that leachate, landfill gas and surfacewater emissions do not cause environmental harm.

Recommendations

Controls established during the design phase (see Sections 3.1, 3.2 and 3.4)and operational phase (see Sections 4.3 and 4.8) should be maintainedafter closure until the Regulatory Authority is satisfied that the risk ofsignificant environmental harm has diminished sufficiently.

5.4 AFTER-CARE

Landfill after-care typically lasts up to 25 to 30 years after a landfill ceases toaccept wastes. After-care must continue until the Regulatory Authorityapproves cessation of such activity. The requirements of after-care vary,generally reducing over time. Landfill after-care consists of two mainactivities – monitoring and maintenance of a closed landfill.

5.4.1 Maintenance

Acceptable Standard

A post-closure maintenance program must be established to ensure thatthe landfill does not cause environmental harm after site closure. Theprogram should focus on preventing emissions to water, emissions to theatmosphere, and protection of land use and local amenity. Maintenancemust continue until the Regulatory Authority approves cessation.


Recommendations

Maintenance of the landfill cap may include:

• maintaining design contours (i.e. adding fill material / topsoil indepressions);

• sealing any cracks to prevent water infiltration; and

• restoration of vegetation to prevent erosion.

Regular maintenance of the leachate collection and treatment systems,landfill gas extraction system and surface water sediment controls willminimise the risk of failure of these systems / controls. A maintenanceschedule should be developed that defines what maintenance will beconducted and the frequency of such maintenance (e.g. servicingpumps).

Additional maintenance may be required if the monitoring regime identifiesany failures.

5.4.2 Monitoring

Acceptable Standard

Ongoing monitoring of closed landfills must ensure that the potentialimpacts of a landfill are scrutinised to the same degree of certainty asduring the life of the landfill. Monitoring must identify failure of anyenvironmental protection measures in a timely fashion, and must continueuntil no longer required by the Regulatory Authority.

Recommendations

Monitoring should address the following issues:

• groundwater;

• surface water;

• leachate;

• landfill gas;

• surface settlement; and

• vegetation.

Requirements for leachate, groundwater, surface water and gasmonitoring in Section 4.8. should be reviewed in consultation with theRegulatory Authority for the after-care period.

Land settlement should be monitored on a regular basis.

Vegetation should be inspected quarterly during the first two yearsfollowing closure to identify areas of stunted growth or dieback, successfulspecies, soil condition, soil moisture levels, and other parameters asrequired.


5.4.3 Site closure

Acceptable Standard

The landfill operator / owner must ensure that waste materials are notreceived for disposal by the facility after landfill operations cease. Anywaste materials that are accepted for use in the rehabilitation must bestrictly documented and reported in the same fashion as for an operatingsite.

Recommendations

The landfill operator should provide adequate public notification,including signage and media notices, of the closure of the landfill. The siteshould be secured to prevent unauthorised dumping.

The landfill operator / owner should advise neighbouring residents of acontact person to discuss any issues. A record of complaints (e.g. odour)must be maintained in the same manner as during operation.

5.4.4 Reporting

Acceptable Standard

The following reporting requirements apply to all closed landfills.

• demonstration that the landfill has been rehabilitated inaccordance with the requirements of the landfill rehabilitation andafter-care plan;

• regular monitoring information on rehabilitated landfill sites; and

• timely notification of any unusual monitoring results or maintenancerequired.

Recommendations

A rehabilitation completion report should be submitted to the RegulatoryAuthority once rehabilitation works are complete. This report must containsufficient information to demonstrate that rehabilitation has beencompleted (e.g. ‘as-constructed’ drawings and relevant quality assurancedocuments).

Owners of a rehabilitated landfill should provide an after-care report toand at a frequency specified by the Regulatory Authority, typically onceevery 2 years in the initial stages of rehabilitation. The report should includeas a minimum:

• results of site monitoring;• maintenance records;• a record of complaints; and• an explanation of incidents or other unusual events (e.g.

additional maintenance).

Where the Regulatory Authority has agreed to reduce the frequency ofmonitoring, the period between reporting may be extended appropriately.

If necessary, the owner must prepare an incident report (see Section 4.9.4).


5.4.5 Site sign-off

Acceptable Standard

The landfill owner must clearly demonstrate that the landfill does not posea threat to the environment before applying to the Regulatory Authority tocease after-care activities.

Recommendations

Generally, landfills should be monitored up to 30 years after their closure,however this timeframe may be decreased if the landfill is designed,operated and rehabilitated to a high standard. It is imperative thatsufficient information from an extended period of time is provided beforeapplying to the Regulatory Authority to cease after-care activities. TheRegulatory Authority will base any determination that the landfill is stableand non-polluting on the results of the monitoring program over a numberof years.

Approval for the cessation of after-care activities will only be consideredwhere:

• gas concentration levels fall to less than 1.5 % carbon dioxide atsurface level for a period of 12 months;

• waste is stabilised and there has been no settlement of the wastein the previous two years. This could be determined by thecomposition of leachate changing to a low level of contaminationposing no environmental hazard;

• groundwater monitoring indicates no contamination ofgroundwater;

• surface assessments demonstrate stable and effective surfacewater drainage; and

• documentation that the approved rehabilitation and after-careplans have been fully implemented.

Once cessation of after-care has been approved, the landfill rehabilitationand after-care plan will be considered fully implemented and noadditional monitoring or maintenance of the site will be required as a resultof its use as a landfill. The site will be placed on the contaminated sitesregister managed by the Regulatory Authority to ensure that futurepurchasers of the site are aware of its history.


6. REFERENCES

6.1 LEGISLATION

State

Aboriginal Relics Act, 1975

Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Act 1995

Dangerous Goods Act 1998

Environmental Management and Pollution Control (WasteManagement) Regulations 2000

Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994

Historic Cultural Heritage Act 1995

Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993

National Parks and Wildlife Act 1970

Poisons Act 1971

State Policies and Projects Act 1993

State Policy on Water Quality Management 1997

Tasmanian Aboriginal Lands Act 1995

Threatened Species Protection Act, 1995

Commonwealth

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

Quarantine Regulations 2000


6.2 GUIDELINES

ANZECC (1993) National Strategy for the Management of ScheduledWaste, Australian and New Zealand Environment and ConservationCouncil, Canberra.

ANZECC (1994) National Hazardous Waste Classification System,Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council,Canberra.

ANZECC (1999) Polychlorinated Biphenyls Management Plan, Australianand New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council, Canberra.

ANZECC and ARMCANZ (2000) Australian Guidelines for Water QualityMonitoring and Reporting, Paper No. 7, Australian and New ZealandEnvironment and Conservation Council and Agriculture and ResourceManagement Council of Australia and New Zealand, Canberra.

CRCWMPC (1993) Draft National Solid Waste Classification System,Version 6, September 1993, developed by the CRC for WasteManagement & Pollution Control Ltd for Environment Australia, Universityof New South Wales, Sydney.Available WWW: http://www.civeng.unsw.edu.au/

DELM (1996a) Guidelines for Recycling of Organic Wastes in TasmaniaDepartment of Primary Industries, Water and Environment, Hobart.

DELM (1996b) Environmental Assessment Manual Department of PrimaryIndustries, Water and Environment, Hobart.

DELM (1996c) Guidelines for the Establishment & Management of WasteTransfer Stations Department of Primary Industries, Water andEnvironment, Hobart.

DELM (1998) Draft Guidelines for the Disposal of Medical WasteDepartment of Primary Industries, Water and Environment, Hobart.

DPIWE (1999) Tasmanian Biosolids Reuse Guidelines, Department ofPrimary Industries, Water and Environment, Hobart.

DPIWE (2000) Towards a Waste Management Policy: Discussion Paperfor Comment Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment,Hobart.

DPIWE (2004) Classification and Management of Contaminated Soil forDisposal Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment,Hobart.

Environment Australia (1997) Methane Capture and Use: WasteManagement Workbook, prepared by Aquatech for EnvironmentAustralia, Canberra.

NGGIC (1998) Workbook for Waste, Workbook 8.1, Reprinted Version 1with Supplements, National Greenhouse Gas Inventory Committee(Australian Greenhouse Office), Canberra.

USEPA (1992). Test Methods for Evaluating Sol id Waste,Physical/Chemical Methods (Third Edition and Updates I & II), SW-846,Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response, United StatesEnvironmental Protection Agency, Washington DC.


6.3 STANDARDS

AS 1289 Methods of Testing Soils for Engineering Purposes

AS 1289.6.7.1–1999 Soil strength and consolidation tests – Determinationof permeability of a soil– Constant head method for a remouldedspecimen

AS 1940-1993 Storage and Handling of Flammable and CombustibleLiquids

AS 3580.11.1-1993: Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air -Determination of volatile organic compounds - Methane and non-methane volatile organic compounds - Direct-reading instrumentalmethod.

AS 3798-1996 Guidelines on earthworks for commercial and residentialdevelopments

AS 3831:1998 Waste management – Glossary of terms

AS 4439.3-1997 Wastes, sediments and contaminated soils - Preparationof leachates - Bottle leaching procedures

AS 5667.1:1998 Water Quality – Sampling – Guidance on the design ofsampling programs, sampling techniques and the preservation andhandling of samples

AS 5667.6:1998 Water Quality – Sampling – Guidance on sampling ofrivers and streams

AS 5667.10:1998 Water Quality – Sampling – Guidance on sampling ofwaste waters.

AS 5667.11:1998 Water Quality – Sampling – Guidance on sampling ofgroundwaters

6.4 SOFTWARE

Hydrological Evaluation of Landfill Performance model – available on-line at http://www.wes.army.mil/

LandGEM - available on-line at http://www.epa.gov/

Landfi l l Area-Based Emissions Spreadsheet - available on-line athttp://www.npi.gov.au/

Note: Landfill operators should use more recent versions of all documents listed inSection 6, where available.

APPENDIX A - Suggested Plant Species

1. INTRODUCTION

All species listed in Appendix 1 have been divided into categories based on abroad geographical requirement. Further divisions have been made, based onclimatic conditions, altitudes and nutrient levels and where one condition isconstant the lists are based on the other criteria.

This breakdown should aid in the selection of species suitable for particular locationsaround the sites.

Each individual species has been given a rating based on a system of crosses. Thissystem is not only a measure of the suitability of a particular species for colonisationbut also a measure of the practicability of species application ie seed application,cost and extraction difficulty.

The rating system is:

xxxx Excellent coloniser, economical species to apply.

x x x Good coloniser, relatively economical species to apply.

x x Moderate coloniser or seed difficult to obtain economically.

x A coloniser but not altogether suited to disturbed sites, or seed very difficult toobtain economically.

Banksia Marginata is a good example of a species that grows well under themajority of State conditions, but unfortunately the seed is difficult to extract in largequantities, therefore it only receives a moderate rating, xx.

WEST COAST AND SOUTH-WEST

HIGH RAINFALL

SKELETAL SOILS

Accacia mucronata x x x xBanksia marginata x xCasuarina monolifera xEucalyptus nitida x x xLeptospermum glaucescens x xLeptospermum nitidum x x x xLeptospermum scoparium x x xMelaleuca squamea x x

PEATS

Acacia melanoxylon xAcacia mucronata x x x xAcacia verticilata x x x xBanksia marginata x xCassinia aculeata x xCasuarina monolifera x x xEucalyptus nitida x x x xEucalyptus ovata xHakea lissosperma x xLeptospermum glaucescens x x xLeptospermum lanigerum x x xLeptospermum nitidum x x xLeptospermum scoparium x x x xMelaleuca squamea x x xMelaleuca squarrosa x xOxylobium ellipticum x x

MINERAL SOILS (eg derived from volcanics)

Acacia dealbata x x xAcacia melanoxylon x xAcacia mucronata x x x xAcacia verticillata x x x xBanksia marginata x xCassinia aculeata x x xEucalyptus delegatensis x xEucalyptus nitida x xEucalyptus obliqua x x xEucalyptus ovata xGaultheria hospida x xHakea lissoperma x xHelichrysum dendroidium xLeptospermum glaucescens x x xLeptospermum lanigerum x x xLeptospermum nitidum x xLeptospermum scoparium x x x xMelaleuca squamea x xMelaleuca squarrosa x x xOxylobium ellipticum x x

HIGH ALTITUDE PEATS

Acacia mucronata x xBanksia marginata x xCasuarina monolifera x xEucalyptus nitida x xGaultheria hispida xHakeal lissosperma xLeptospermum glaucescens x x xLeptospermum nitidum x x x xLeptospermum rupestre x xLeptospermum scoparium x xMelaleuca squamea x x x x

CENTRAL PLATEAU

GREATER THAN 1000M

Banksia marginata xEucalyptus coccifera x x xEucalyptus gunnii x xEucalyptus subcrenulata xHakea lissosperma x xLeptospermum nitidum x xLeptospermum rupestre x x x

700 – 1000M

Acacia dealbata x x xAcacia mucronata xAcacia verniciflua x xAcacia verticillata x xBanksia marginata x xCallistemon pallidus x xCassinia aculeata x x xEucalyptus amygdalina x x xEucalyptus coccifera x xEucalyptus dalrympleana x xEucalyptus delegatensis x x xEucalyptus gunnii xEucalyptus pauciflora x xEucalyptus rodwayii xGaultheria hispida xHakea lissos[perma x xHelichrysum lanigerum x x x xOxylobium ellipticum x x

MINERAL SOILS (EG DERIVED FROM VOLCANICS)

Acacia dealbata x x xAcacia melanoxylon x x xAcacia mucronata x x x xAcacia verticillata x x x xBanksia marginata x xCassinia aculeata x x xEucalyptus delegatensis x xEucalyptus nitida x xEucalyptus obliqua x x xEucalyptus ovata xGaultheria hispida x xHakea lissosperma x xHelichrysum dendroidium xLeptospermum glaucescens x x xLeptospermum lanigerum x x xLeptospermum nitidum x xLeptospermum scoparium x x x xMelaleuca squamea x xMelaleuca squarrosa x x xOxylobium ellipticum x x

HIGH ALTITUDE PEATS

Acacia mucronata x xBanksia marginata x xCasuarina monolifera x xEucalyptus nitida x xGaultheria hispida xHakea lissosperma xLeptospermum glaucescens x x xLeptospermum nitidum x x x xLeptospermum rupestre x xLeptospermum scoparium x xMelaleuca squamea x x x x

MIDLANDS

Acacia dealbata x x xAcacia mearnsii x x xAllocasuarina verticillata x xBanksia marginata x xBanksia spinosa x x xEucalyptus amygdalina x x xEucalyptus ovata x x xEucalyptus pauciflora x xEucalyptus rodwayii x x x xEucalyptus viminalis x x xLeptospermum lanigerum x x x

Melaleuca ericifolia, Melaleuca gibbosa, Callistemon pallidus and Dodoneaviscosa may also be suitable for planting in the Midlands.

SOUTH-EASTLOW ALTITUDE, LOW RAINFALL

POOR SOILS (ie. Derived from mudstones or granites)

Acacia genistifolia x xAcacia mearnsii x xAcacia myrtifolia xAcacia retinoides xAcacia stricta x xAllocasuarina littoralis x x x xAllocasuarina verticillata x x x xBanksia marginata x xBursaria spinosa x x xCallitris rhomboidea x xDodonea viscosa x xEucalyptus amygdalina x xEucalyptus globulus xEucalyptus risdonii xEucalyptus rubida xEucalyptus tenuiramis x x x xLeptospermum grandiflorum x x x xKunzea ambigua x

FERTILE (ie. Derived from dolerites)

Acacia dealbata x xAcacia longifolia x xAcacia mearnsii x x xAcacia melanoxylon x xAcacia myrtifolia xAcacia retinoides x xAcacia riceana xAcacia stricta xAcacia verniciflua xBanksia marginata x xBursaria spinosa x x xCallistemon pallidus xCasuarina littoralis x x x xCasuarina stricta x x x xDodonea viscosa x xEucalyptus amygdalina x x xEucalyptus globulus x x x xEucaylptus ovata x xEucalyptus pulchella x xEucalyptus regnans xEucalyptus rubida xEucalyptus tenuiramis x x x xEucalyptus viminalis x x xLeptospermum glaucescens xLeptospermum grandiflorum x x xLeptospermum lanigerum x xLeptospermum scoparium x xMelaleuca squarrosa xMelaleuca squamea x x

NORTH-EAST

HIGH RAINFALL, LOW ALTITUDE

Refer back to West Coast mineral soils.

LOW RAINFALL, LOW ALTITUDE (including Flinders Island)

Acacia botrycephela x xAcacia dealbata x x xAcacia mearnsii x xAcacia melanoxylon x xAcacia mucronata x x x xAcacia retinoides x xAcacia verticillata x x xBanksia marginata x xBursaria spinosa x xCassinia aculcata x xCasuarina littoralis x xCasuarina stricta x xEucalyptus amydgalina x x xEucalyptus delegatensis xEucalyptus globulus x x xEucalyptus obliqua xEucalyptus ovata x xEucalyptus pauciflora xEucalyptus sieberi xEucalyptus viminalis x x x xKunzea ambigua x xLeptospermum granidlorum x xLeptospermum lanigerum x x xLeptospermum scoparium x x xMelaleuca ericifolia xMelaleuca squarrosa x x xOxylobium ellipticum x x x

HIGH ALTITUDE, GREATER THAN 800M

Banksia marginata x xEucalyptus amygdalina xEucalyptus cocifera x xEucalyptus dairympleana x xEucalyptus delegatensis x x xEucalyptus gunnii x xEucalyptus pauciflora x x xEucalyptus rodwayii x x xHakea lissosperma x xLeptospermum lanigerum x x xMelaleuca squamea x x

NORTH AND NORTH-WEST

HIGH RAINFALL AREAS

Refer to West – South-West mineral soils.

LOW ALTITUDES (including King Island)

Acacia dealbata x x xAcacia longifolia xAcacia melanoxylon x x xAcacia mucronata x x x xAcacia retinoides x xAcacia verticillata x x xBanksia marginata x xBursaria spinosa x xCassina aculeata x x xCasuarina littoralis x xCasuarina monolifera xDodonea viscosa xEucalyptus amygdalina x x xEucalyptus nitida x xEucalyptus obliqua x xEucalyptus ovata x x xEucalyptus viminalis x x x xHelichrysum dendroidium x xLeptospermum glaucescens xLeptospermum scoparium x x xLeptospermum lanigerum x xMelaleuca ericifolia xMelaleuca squamea x xMelaleuca squarrosa x x xOxylobium ellipticum x

COASTAL

DUNES

Acacia sophorea x x xAmmophia arenaria x x x xBanksia marginata x xCarpodrotus rossii x x xCasuarina littoralis x xCasuarina stricta xLeptospermum laevigatum x xMyoporium insulare x x x

NORTH-WEST – WEST

Acacia longifolia xAcacia retinoides xAcacia sophorea x x xBanksia marginata x xBursaria spinosa xCasuarina monolifera xEucalyptus nitida x xEucalyptus ovata x xEucalyptus tenuiramis xEucalyptus viminalis x x xLeptospermum glaucescens x x xLeptospermum laevigatum x xLeptospermum lanigerum x x xLeptospermum scoparium x x xMelaleuca ericifolia xMelaleuca squamea x x xMelaleuca squarrosa x x x

EAST TO NORTH-EAST (including Flinders Island)

Acacia botrycephela x xAcacia genistifolia xAcacia retinoides x xAcacia sophorea x xBanksia marginata x xBursaria spinosa x xCallitris rhombidea x xCasuarina littoralis x x x xCasuarina stricta x x x xCasuarina stricta x xEucalyptus amygdalina xEucalyptus globulus x x xEucalyptus tenuiramis x x xEucalyptus viminalis x xKunzea ambigua x x xLeptospermum grandiflorum x xLeptospermum lanigerum xLeptospermum scoparium xMelaleuca squarrosa x x

Documents

Landfill Sustainability Guide 2004 - epa.tas.gov.au€¦ · Landfill Sustainability Guide 2004 DEPARTMENTof PRIMARYINDUSTRIES, WATER andENVIRONMENT Environment Division GPO Box 44