Veolia – Leongatha landfill
Frequently Asked Questions
Approvals and site selection
Where will the landfill be situated?
Veolia has identified a potential site for putrescible waste landfill at the worked out quarry on
Whitelaws Track in Leongatha South.
What would happen to the quarry if it wasn’t used for landfill?
If the quarry isn’t used for the proposed landfill site, it will be rehabilitated to create a lake as
provided in the quarry licence.
Why is the landfill site needed?
The proposed landfill will address the immediate and critical waste management needs identified by
the Victorian Government in both the Statewide Waste and Resource Recovery Infrastructure Plan
2015-2044 (SWRRIP) and the 2013 Consultation Draft Metropolitan Waste and Resource Recovery
Strategic Plan (draft MWRRSP).
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The SWRRIP has identified that there is an immediate capacity issue that needs to be
addressed, with only eight years of landfill airspace available in the South East region of
Melbourne.
The draft MWRRSP further identifies the option of new regional landfills to service the South
East Melbourne, either within the metropolitan Melbourne area or a neighbouring regional
area such as Gippsland.
Why does the landfill need to be built in Leongatha?
There are strict guidelines that influence where a landfill can be established. Following an extensive
search that considered each of these guidelines, Veolia has identified the worked out quarry in
Leongatha South as the best possible site for the development of a new putrescible waste landfill
facility.
What is the approval process?
Following preliminary studies in 2015, Veolia plans to seek planning and works approvals for the
proposed facility in 2016 and will engage closely and openly with the local community during this
process.
What are the timelines for the project?
In contrast to much service infrastructure, this is a short-term project that will, subject to planning
and works approvals, begin operating in 2018 and continue for a period of around 15 years at which
time Veolia will rehabilitate the site to create a long-standing asset for the Leongatha and wider
Gippsland community.
Veolia – Leongatha landfill
Frequently Asked Questions
Construction
What are the expected traffic movements during the construction phase?
There will be limited traffic movements during the construction of the landfill as most material will
be sourced onsite or from the adjacent quarry.
How long will construction take?
It is anticipated that construction will begin in 2017 and run for around 12 months.
Operation
What are expected truck movements during the operation phase?
It is expected 20 trucks will deliver waste to the landfill facility each day.
Trucks transporting waste from Metropolitan Melbourne and Mornington Peninsula will follow the
South Gippsland Highway through Leongatha, via the proposed new truck bypass, towards
Koonwarra then access Koonwarra-Inverloch Road and Whitelaws Track.
What are the expected hours of operation?
7.00 am – 7.00 pm, Monday to Saturday.
Will it be best practice?
Yes, Veolia will implement best practice and innovative waste management techniques, including
landfill design and operation that minimises the negative impacts traditionally associated with waste
facilities.
At a similar site in Tarago NSW, Veolia already operates a best-practice landfill site in a rural
environment.
Will I be able to see the landfill from the road / from my property?
No, the landfill activity will be contained within the quarry void and won’t be visible from
neighbouring houses or roads.
The closest occupied residence is more than 600 metres from the proposed site.
How many tonnes of waste will the landfill take?
It is planned the facility will take around 200,000 tonnes of landfill waste per year. This equates to
800 tonnes per day.
What type of waste will the landfill take?
The proposed landfill will manage general domestic and commercial industrial waste (including
general and organic wastes). It will not accept hazardous wastes.
Veolia – Leongatha landfill
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will the waste come from?
The proposed waste management site is intended to service South East Melbourne and the
Mornington Peninsula. It may also provide services to Gippsland towns.
Will I be able to drop my waste at the proposed landfill?
No, all waste will be delivered to site via transfer stations and there will be no public access for
waste disposal at the site.
Environmental and community impacts
What benefits will there be for the Gippsland / Leongatha community?
It is anticipated that the construction and operation of the landfill site in Leongatha will benefit the
Gippsland community via:
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Local employment – Veolia is a significant employer in Gippsland and this project will create
further temporary and permanent employment opportunities in the region. Veolia will
prioritise local businesses and contractors during the construction of the landfill and give
community preference to the 20 staff who will be employed to operate the facility.
Community support – Veolia will be an active and positive part of the Leongatha community
and will engage with community members around the best ways it can support and
contribute to the social, economic and environmental growth and prosperity of the region
throughout both the construction and operation of the facility.
Site rehabilitation – When the waste management facility closes, Veolia plans to fully
rehabilitate the land to create a long-term asset for Leongatha by working closely with the
community and Council to develop a significant public space that will benefit the region well
beyond the life of the project.
What are the environmental impacts?
Veolia is motivated to protect the environment during the construction and operation of its projects.
The proposed landfill facility at Leongatha is no exception and will comply with strict Victorian
Government regulations including Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements.
Veolia will implement best practice and innovative waste management techniques, including a
landfill design and operation that minimises the negative impacts generally associated with waste
facilities.
Veolia – Leongatha landfill
Frequently Asked Questions
Will it impact groundwater?
No, the landfill will be constructed with a comprehensive lining system to prevent leakage to
groundwater.
Will it impact drinking water?
No, the landfill will be designed to eliminate untreated stormwater and leachate (contaminated
water) runoff.
Veolia will seek specific EPA approval to establish the landfill within the Tarwin River Catchment. At
a minimum, this would include implementing the same stringent environmental protection
measures as the as the nearby Koonwarra Landfill which also operates within the same water
catchment.
What will happen to the gas generated by the landfill?
Veolia will convert gas generated by the landfill into energy for power generation or leachate
treatment.
Will it impact my livestock?
No, the landfill will be operated to avoid groundwater and stormwater contamination, offsite litter
release and other potential impacts to livestock at nearby farms.
Will vermin be a problem?
No, regular, daily covering of waste will prevent infestations of vermin.
Will noxious weeds be a problem?
The source of waste will limit the possible impact of weed seeds onsite and on site practices will
ensure weeds will be controlled.
Will dust be a problem?
No, the facility will have a screening bund that will provide protection from operations around the
soil stockpiles.
Will noise be a problem?
No, noise is not likely to be a problem as the operation will mainly be contained within the quarry
void.
Will the proposed landfill at Leongatha smell?
No, a landfill gas collection system will be installed as soon as gas volumes allow.
How can I have my say?
Veolia will be holding community forums throughout the approvals period for the project. If you’re
interested in attending, or would like more detail about the project, call the community information
line on 0428 928 561.