Life After Landfill – regulatory requirements Kate Hamer and Thomas Gallasch Waste to Resources, Regulation and Compliance EPA 27 th September 2007

2 Welcome Thank you for inviting the EPA to talk at this forum The presentation aims to provide some guidance to Councils regarding waste management during the implementation phase of the Landfill Guidelines, released January 2007

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

4 Future options for landfill operations Close the landfill and implement a transfer station Close the landfill, no after use Close landfill, after use (other than transfer station) Close the landfill and select an alternative site for the operation of a transfer station Continue to operation the landfill in accordance with the Environmental Management of Landfill Facilities (municipal solid waste and commercial and industrial general waste), dated January 2007

5 The Planning Process A sound planning process with milestones and timelines can not be under-estimated when making any decision regarding future waste management strategies. The planning process will have the most influence over the success Should identify limitations –E.g. budgetary –Logistical Have regard to the requirements, in particular the timelines, outlined in the Landfill Guidelines (2007).

6 The Planning Process (continued) Areas for which the EPA has limited regulatory control, but will assist with the planning process include: –Future waste management strategy –Resource recovery and achieving best practice within your community –Expectations of the community –Revision of existing contracts/obligations of existing contracts –Safety –Consideration of costs and other resource implications for closure and/or upgrade of existing facilities –Availability of funding, e.g. for infrastructure

7 Statutory Timelines The planning process should take into consideration statutory timelines associated with any future actions: –Section 46 of the Environment Protection Act, 1993 (the Act) requires proposed variations to licence conditions to be given minimum 14 days comment period –New applications require to be processed within 2 months under S42 of the Act –Will advertising be required? –Is a development application and or amendment required?

8 Transfer Station Design Specifications No one specification suits all applications! Design will depend on: –Waste volumes –Waste types –Waste contracts –Recycling –Method of receival (ie private, public, MSW) –Method of removal (ie wheelie bins, roll on roll off) –Climate –Budget

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

10 Some Basic Design Requirements cont. Design should also address potential environmental impacts: –Visual impact –Noise –Odour –Dust –Vectors –Litter

11 Some Basic Design Requirements cont. Reference documents –VIC & NSW- good guidance but need careful consideration of regulatory background as well as definitions that might not be applicable in SA –SA EPA – Environmental Guidelines for resource Recovery and Waste Transfer Depots

12 Licensing Requirements Closed Landfills (and no further scheduled activity) –Maintain a licence –No fee associated with the licence –Conditions will reflect the outcomes of the closure and post closure management plan Closed Landfill & Transfer Station –Site will have 2 separate licences –Landfill will continue to be licensed after closure –New licence number and conditions for the transfer station (fee applies)

13 Licensing & Other Requirements cont. Afteruse other than transfer station –E.g. council depots Afteruse for recreational purposes –E.g. walking track For all apply: –Consider requirements of closure and post closure conditions of the licence –Consider OHS&W requirements

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20 Conclusion Plan for your outcomes and consult with the EPA early