Leachate Treatment Facility Relocation

SUEZ needs to move the LFT to a new location to allow construction of the new cells to continue.

The Hampton Park Resource Recovery Precinct is identified by state government as a hub of state importance. The waste management service it provides is vital to Melbourne, especially residents of the south east. Any disruption to the ability of the precinct to provide services will impact thousands of households and businesses, locally and across Victoria.

Leachate is the liquid that is generated within the landfill. This liquid can come from the waste itself, or through the rainwater that falls on the operational landfill cell.

The leachate is pumped out of the landfill cell and is collected in a pond. The leachate is treated using aerators, which reduces the amount of ammonia and other contaminants.

SUEZ continually tests the leachate until it has been sufficiently treated. A test is then performed by South East Water (SEW). If the tests show that the leachate meets the correct criteria, SEW allows it to be discharged into the sewer. SEW will then treat the leachate further at the eastern treatment plant. Once the leachate is discharged, the pond can be filled again and the process is repeated.

Importantly, well managed leachate ensures efficient landfill gas capture, which in turn reduces the risk of odours from the landfill. If the leachate builds up in the gas capture infrastructure, gas collection efficiency is reduced, meaning less gas is collected less energy is generated and the possibility of gas escaping increases.

SUEZ operates the Hallam Road Landfill in accordance with strict conditions by EPA Victoria through the environmental license, and the City of Casey through a Planning Permit.

The area in which waste activities can occur is defined as the works approval area, SUEZ initially considered location within this area to relocate the LTF. Since the final two landfill cells take up the remainder of the usable Works Approval area, these locations were limited.

Following closure of the landfill, the land will be passed to council, with the expectation that it will form part of a public parkland area. Any location for the LTF will need to consider this end use, since there will be maintenance activities associated with it. It is also desirable to have separation between the public and the LTF.  

Desirable requirements:
• Within Works Approval boundary
• On Planning Permit
• Well screened by trees or hills (reduced visual impact)
• At least 500m from houses (reduced risk of amenity impact)
• Power available for the aerators and pumps
• Large enough for future requirements (15ML)
• Accessible without entering future parkland (current landfill)
• On stable land to prevent subsidence

What to expect during construction:

The Leachate Treatment Facility is away from the boundary and its installation is likely to have minimal community impacts. We will do everything possible to minimise disruption during installation. The only notable disturbance for the installation is expected to be the delivery of materials by  oversize vehicles with a long wheelbase.