meru waste disposal facility operational …

Meru Waste Disposal Facility – Operational Management Plan

Prepared by Bowman & Associates Pty Ltd

Environmental Engineering Consultants

Waste Management Specialists Tel: 0402 373 582 www.bowmanassociates.com.au PO Box 2059, ROSSMOYNE WA 6148

MERU WASTE DISPOSAL FACILITY – OPERATIONAL

MANAGEMENT PLAN This document has been prepared as a training and reference document for use by the management, staff and contractors of the Meru Waste Disposal Facility. The document requires periodic review and updating to reflect current initiatives and procedures.



DISCLAIMER

The content contained herewith has been compiled in good faith using normal industry practices

employed by Civil and Environmental Engineers and Environmental Scientists. Bowman & Associates

Pty Ltd accepts no liability for loss or damages incurred by any individual or organisation due to

reliance on the included content.

This document and its contents cannot be used for any other purpose or reasons other than those

agreed between the Client and Bowman & Associates Pty Ltd without first obtaining written consent

from Bowman & Associates Pty Ltd.

DOCUMENT CONTROL

This document is currently in draft form and subject to change. Bowman & Associates Pty Ltd

reserves the right to amend this document at any time and without notice while in draft form and

accepts no liability for the accuracy of the content of this document or opinions, recommendations

or conclusions included within this document.

DOCUMENT CONTROL

VERSION DATE RELEASED PREPARED BY APPROVED BY AUTHORISED SIGNATURE

1 23.9.11 B Bowman B Bowman




Draft 21.02.18 B Bowman B Bowman


DOCUMENT DISTRIBUTION

VERSION TYPE FORMAT ISSUED TO ORGANISATION

Draft electronic pdf Hayley

Williamson City of Greater Geraldton

5 electronic pdf Hayley

Williamson City of Greater Geraldton

FILE NAME

180627 CoGG Landfill Operations and Management Plan - Meru Landfill.docx



TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 14

1.1 Objectives of the Operational Management Plan ................................................................ 14

1.2 Guidelines and Regulations ................................................................................................... 14

1.3 Facility’s DWER Licence ......................................................................................................... 14

1.4 Contractor ............................................................................................................................. 15

1.5 Contractor’s Documents ....................................................................................................... 15

1.6 Facility Location .................................................................................................................... 15

1.7 Landfill Users ......................................................................................................................... 16

1.8 Surrounding Land Uses ......................................................................................................... 16

1.9 Operating Hours .................................................................................................................... 16

2 Climate and Meteorology ...................................................................................................... 17

2.1 Temperature ......................................................................................................................... 17

2.2 Rainfall .................................................................................................................................. 17

2.3 Evaporation ........................................................................................................................... 17

2.4 Wind ...................................................................................................................................... 17

2.5 Topography ........................................................................................................................... 17

2.6 Geology and Hydrogeology ................................................................................................... 17

2.7 Groundwater ......................................................................................................................... 18

3 Waste ..................................................................................................................................... 19

3.1 Solid Waste Definitions ......................................................................................................... 19

3.1.1 Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) ...................................................................................... 19

3.1.2 Commercial and Industrial Waste (C&I)........................................................................ 19

3.1.3 Construction and Demolition Waste (C&D) .................................................................. 19

3.1.4 Greenwaste ................................................................................................................... 19

3.2 Waste Types .......................................................................................................................... 19

4 Facility Infrastructure ............................................................................................................ 20

4.1 Facility Access ....................................................................................................................... 20

4.2 Security Fencing .................................................................................................................... 20

4.3 Signage .................................................................................................................................. 20

4.4 Power Supply ........................................................................................................................ 21

4.5 Fuel Supply ............................................................................................................................ 21

4.6 Water Source ........................................................................................................................ 22

4.7 Weighbridge .......................................................................................................................... 22

4.8 Household Hazardous Waste ................................................................................................ 22



4.9 Drop Off Area ........................................................................................................................ 23

4.9.1 Tyres .............................................................................................................................. 24

4.9.2 Greenwaste Stockpile Area ........................................................................................... 24

4.9.3 C&D Waste Stockpile .................................................................................................... 25

4.9.4 Metal Stockpile ............................................................................................................. 25

4.9.5 Gas Bottles .................................................................................................................... 26

4.9.6 Mattresses..................................................................................................................... 26

4.9.7 Paint .............................................................................................................................. 27

4.9.8 E-Waste ......................................................................................................................... 27

4.10 Light Vehicle Waste Transfer Station .................................................................................... 28

4.11 Waste Tipping Cells ............................................................................................................... 30

4.12 Stock Truck Wash Bay ........................................................................................................... 30

4.13 Waste Water Treatment Plant .............................................................................................. 31

5 Personnel ............................................................................................................................... 32

5.1 Contractor’s Organisational Structure .................................................................................. 32

5.1.1 Business Unit Manager ................................................................................................. 32

5.1.2 Site Supervisor .............................................................................................................. 33

5.1.3 Plant Operator/s ........................................................................................................... 33

5.1.4 Weighbridge Attendant ................................................................................................ 34

5.2 City’s Organisational Structure ............................................................................................. 35

5.2.1 Superintendent ............................................................................................................. 35

5.2.2 Superintendent Representative 1 ................................................................................. 35

5.2.3 Superintendent Representative 2 ................................................................................. 36

5.3 Training ................................................................................................................................. 36

5.4 Position Competency Requirements .................................................................................... 36

5.5 Duty of Care .......................................................................................................................... 37

5.6 Code of Conduct.................................................................................................................... 37

6 Acceptable Waste .................................................................................................................. 39

6.1 Waste Acceptance ................................................................................................................ 39

6.2 Prohibited Wastes ................................................................................................................. 39

6.3 Unacceptable Waste ............................................................................................................. 40

6.4 Solid Waste ........................................................................................................................... 40

6.5 Tyres ...................................................................................................................................... 41

6.6 Asbestos ................................................................................................................................ 42

6.7 Offal and Quarantine Waste ................................................................................................. 43



6.8 Biomedical Waste ................................................................................................................. 43

6.9 Household Hazardous Waste ................................................................................................ 43

6.10 Construction and Demolition (C&D) Waste .......................................................................... 44

6.10.1 Asbestos Management ................................................................................................. 44

6.10.2 Asbestos Testing ........................................................................................................... 45

6.11 Greenwaste ........................................................................................................................... 47

6.12 Liquid Waste ......................................................................................................................... 48

6.12.1 Biological Treatment Process ........................................................................................ 48

7 Landfill Operation .................................................................................................................. 50

7.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 50

7.2 Traffic Control ....................................................................................................................... 50

7.3 Scavenging ............................................................................................................................ 50

7.4 Complaints Register .............................................................................................................. 50

7.5 Disposal Fees ......................................................................................................................... 51

7.6 Data and Records .................................................................................................................. 51

7.7 Facility Communication......................................................................................................... 52

7.8 Waste Hazards ...................................................................................................................... 52

7.9 Vehicle Plant Damage Reporting Procedures ....................................................................... 52

7.10 Personal Protective Equipment ............................................................................................ 52

7.11 Contractor Induction Checklist ............................................................................................. 52

8 Landfill Liner System .............................................................................................................. 54

9 Waste Placement and Compaction ....................................................................................... 55

9.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 55

9.2 First Lift of Waste in a New Cell ............................................................................................ 56

9.3 Waste Placement .................................................................................................................. 56

9.4 Waste Compaction ................................................................................................................ 57

10 Landfill Cover ......................................................................................................................... 59

10.1 Daily Cover ............................................................................................................................ 59

10.2 Intermediate Cover ............................................................................................................... 59

10.3 Cover Material Stockpile ....................................................................................................... 60

10.4 Cover Responsibility .............................................................................................................. 60

11 Water Management .............................................................................................................. 61

11.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 61

11.2 Landfill Leachate ................................................................................................................... 61

11.2.1 Cell 1, Cell 2 and Cell 3 .................................................................................................. 61

11.2.2 Cell 5 .............................................................................................................................. 61



11.2.3 Leachate Monitoring ..................................................................................................... 61

11.2.4 Contingencies for Excessive Leachate Levels ................................................................ 62

11.3 Stormwater ........................................................................................................................... 62

11.3.1 Surface Water Monitoring ............................................................................................ 63

11.4 Groundwater ......................................................................................................................... 63

11.4.1 Groundwater Monitoring .............................................................................................. 65

12 Landfill Emissions................................................................................................................... 68

12.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 68

12.2 Dust Emissions ...................................................................................................................... 68

12.3 Odour Emissions ................................................................................................................... 68

12.4 Noise Emissions ..................................................................................................................... 69

12.5 Light Emissions ...................................................................................................................... 70

12.6 Discharges to Water .............................................................................................................. 70

12.7 Discharges to Land ................................................................................................................ 70

12.8 Litter ...................................................................................................................................... 70

12.9 Pests, Vermin and Weeds ..................................................................................................... 71

13 Emergency Response ............................................................................................................. 73

13.1 Relevant Legislation .............................................................................................................. 73

13.2 Emergency Management Plan Geraldton 2016 .................................................................... 73

13.3 Responsibility, Authority and Accountability ........................................................................ 73

13.4 Fire Fighting Capacity ............................................................................................................ 74

13.5 Fire ........................................................................................................................................ 75

13.5.1 Fire in Landfill ................................................................................................................ 75

13.5.2 Fire in Waste Haulage Vehicle ...................................................................................... 76

13.5.3 Fire in Buildings ............................................................................................................. 76

13.5.4 Fire near Fuel Storage Tanks ......................................................................................... 77

13.5.5 Fire in Plant and Equipment .......................................................................................... 77

13.5.6 Shrub Fires .................................................................................................................... 77

13.6 Out of Hours Incident ............................................................................................................ 78

13.7 Explosions ............................................................................................................................. 78

13.8 Spills (liquid and non-liquid) ................................................................................................. 78

13.9 Landfill Gas ............................................................................................................................ 78

13.10 Geotechnical Instability ........................................................................................................ 79

13.11 Sighting of Asbestos .............................................................................................................. 79

13.12 Medical Emergencies ............................................................................................................ 79



13.13 Emergency Training/Drills ..................................................................................................... 80

13.14 Emergency Contacts ............................................................................................................. 80

14 Reporting ............................................................................................................................... 81

14.1 Annual Audit Compliance Report.......................................................................................... 81

14.2 Annual Environmental Report .............................................................................................. 82

14.3 Annual Review ...................................................................................................................... 82

15 Landfill Closure and Rehabilitation ........................................................................................ 83

15.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 83

15.2 Landscaping ........................................................................................................................... 83

15.3 Closure Plan .......................................................................................................................... 83

15.3.1 Pre-Planning .................................................................................................................. 84

15.3.2 Six Months before Closure ............................................................................................ 84

15.3.3 At Closure ...................................................................................................................... 84

15.3.4 Within Six Months of Closure ....................................................................................... 84

15.4 Progressive Rehabilitation .................................................................................................... 84

16 Landfill Cap ............................................................................................................................ 86

16.1 Contours and Vegetation ...................................................................................................... 87

16.2 Facility Closure and Aftercare ............................................................................................... 88

16.3 Landfill Completion ............................................................................................................... 88

17 References ............................................................................................................................. 89

18 Appendices ............................................................................................................................ 90



APPENDICES

Appendix A DWER Licence L9127/2018/1 ........................................................................................ 90

Appendix B Workplace Inspection Checklist Template .................................................................. 133

Appendix C Emergency Management Plan Geraldton Landfill 2016 ............................................. 137

Appendix D Geraldton Landfill Traffic Management Plan .............................................................. 171

Appendix E Complaints Register .................................................................................................... 177

Appendix F Daily Diary ................................................................................................................... 179

TABLES

Table 1 DWER Licence Conditions Summary ..................................................................................... 15

Table 2 Groundwater monitoring bore locations .............................................................................. 18

Table 3 Risk classification matrix ........................................................................................................ 45

Table 4 Groundwater monitoring bore locations .............................................................................. 64

Table 5 Surface levels of the base of existing landfill liners ............................................................... 64

Table 6 Groundwater monitoring locations ....................................................................................... 65

Table 7 Groundwater assessment criteria ......................................................................................... 65

Table 8 Contingencies for deteriorating groundwater quality .......................................................... 66

Table 9 Inspection of fire fighting equipment .................................................................................... 75



FIGURES

Figure 1 Entry sign ............................................................................................................................... 20

Figure 2 Signs on approach to weighbridge ........................................................................................ 21

Figure 3 Internal signage ..................................................................................................................... 21

Figure 4 Weighbridge approach .......................................................................................................... 22

Figure 5 Hazardous waste shed ........................................................................................................... 23

Figure 6 Used tyre storage .................................................................................................................. 24

Figure 7 Shredded greenwaste ............................................................................................................ 24

Figure 8 C&D waste stockpile .............................................................................................................. 25

Figure 9 Light metal stockpile .............................................................................................................. 26

Figure 10 Gas bottle storage ................................................................................................................. 26

Figure 11 Mattress collection ................................................................................................................ 27

Figure 12 Used paint .............................................................................................................................. 27

Figure 13 E-waste collection .................................................................................................................. 28

Figure 14 Light vehicle waste transfer station ...................................................................................... 28

Figure 15 Light vehicle waste transfer station tipping floor.................................................................. 29

Figure 16 Waste oil and wet cell batteries ............................................................................................ 29

Figure 17 Landfill cell layout .................................................................................................................. 30

Figure 18 Liquid waste treatment pond layout ..................................................................................... 31

Figure 19 Contractor’s organisation structure ...................................................................................... 32

Figure 20 Organisation Structure .......................................................................................................... 35

Figure 21 Tyres stacked in laced arrangement ...................................................................................... 41

Figure 22 Landfill liner design ................................................................................................................ 54

Figure 23 Landfill cap performance standards and indicative cap design ............................................ 86



ACRONYMS

AACR Annual Audit Compliance Report

ACM Asbestos-containing material

AF Asbestos fines

AHD Australian Height Datum

AQIS Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service

DIRECTOR Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation

Contract Written agreement between the City of Greater Geraldton and the Contractor for the provision of services at the Meru Waste Disposal Facility

Contractor Toxfree Solutions Ltd being the Contractor appointed by the City of Greater Geraldton to carry out the Contract

City City of Greater Geraldton

C&D Construction and Demolition

DFES Department of Fire and Emergency Services of Western Australia

DWER Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (formerly Department of Environment and Conservation, DEC, and Department of Environment, DoE)

EMR Environmental Monitoring Report

EP Environmental Protection

EPA Environmental Protection Authority

Facility Meru Waste Disposal Facility

FA Fibrous asbestos

FCP Filling and Closure Plan

GHG Green House Gas

HHW Household Hazardous Waste

KPI Key Performance Indicator

Licence Meru Waste Management Facility Licence No. L9127/2018/1

Licensee City of Greater Geraldton

MGB Mobile Garbage Bin



MSW Municipal Solid Waste

NATA National Association of Testing Authorities

OHS Occupational Health and Safety

OMP Operational Management Plan (this document)

OPP Operating Practices and Procedure

ERP Emergency Response Plan

PPE Personal Protective Equipment

Premises Lot 2268 on Plan 250829, Volume 1863, Folio 480 and Lot 2227 on Plan 254811, Volume 1880, Folio 301, Landfill Lane, Narngulu, WA 6532

SWL Standing Water Level

WA Western Australia

WARR Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery



1 INTRODUCTION This Operational Management Plan (OMP) identifies the operating and management procedures for

the Meru Waste Disposal Facility (Facility) operated by the City of Greater Geraldton (City). The OMP

provides information concerning the Facility to ensure efficient Facility operation and to control

environmental impacts. The OMP is a working document that shall be revised and updated as

necessary by the City.

1.1 OBJECTIVES OF THE OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

The objective of the OMP is to provide a tool for Facility management by documenting procedures

that will ensure efficient Facility operation, and will control environmental impacts.

1.2 GUIDELINES AND REGULATIONS

The City must endeavour to comply with Guidelines and Regulations issued by the relevant

authorities, including the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) in relation to

the operation of the Meru Waste Disposal Facility, and compliance with the Licence issued by the

DWER. The City of Greater Geraldton must advise the Director of the DWER where compliance is not

possible. The relevant Guidelines and Regulations include:

EPA (1986) Environmental Protection Act;

Department of Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare (1996) Occupational Safety and

Health Regulations;

West Australian Government (1979) Litter Act 1979;

The Bush Fires Act 1954;

West Australian Government (2008) Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery (WARR)

Regulations;

DEC Landfill Waste Classification and Waste Definitions 1996 (As Amended);

EPA (1997) Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997 (As Amended);

EPA (2002a) Interim Guidance Statement for the Assessment of Odour Impacts (No.47),

and

EPA Victoria Best Practice Environmental Management, Siting, design, operation and

rehabilitation of landfills (August 2015).

1.3 FACILITY’S DWER LICENCE

The current Licence, number L9127/2018/1 (Appendix A), issued by the DWER is current for

the period June 1, 2018 to May 31, 2038; the categories and maximum throughput of the Licence

are summarised as follows:



Table 1 DWER Licence Conditions Summary

DWER LICENCE CONDITIONS

Name of Occupier City of Greater Geraldton.

Classification of Premises and permitted throughput

Category 13 Crushing of building material (20,000 tpa)

Category 57 Used tyre storage (general) (1,000 tyres)

Category 61 Liquid waste facility (4,000 tpa).

Category 61A Solid waste facility (100,000 tpa)

Category 64 Class III putrescible landfill site (100,000 tpa)

Category 67A Compost manufacturing and soil blending (20,000 tpa).

Term of Licence 20 years.

1.4 CONTRACTOR

The City engages a Contractor to undertake the day to day operation at the Facility. A Formal

Instrument of Agreement was signed on September 25, 2013 for the provision of services at the

Meru Waste Disposal Facility. The landfill contractor is currently Toxfree Solutions Ltd (Contractor)

and this version of the OMP is written to accommodate the staffing and duties of the Contractor.

1.5 CONTRACTOR’S DOCUMENTS

The OMP has been prepared with consideration of the Contractor’s internal policies and procedures.

The documents of the Contractor that relate to the operation of the Facility include:

Landfill – Inspection Checklist (Appendix B);

Emergency Management Plan Geraldton 2016 (Appendix C);

Weighbridge Operator Procedures; and

Toxfree Geraldton Meru Landfill Traffic Management Plan (Appendix D).

1.6 FACILITY LOCATION

The Facility is located approximately 6 km south east of Geraldton on Lot 2268 on Plan 250829,

Volume 1863, Folio 480 and Lot 2227 on Plan 254811, Volume 1880, Folio 301, Landfill Lane, off

Goulds Road, Narngulu, WA 6532. The site totals 179 ha and has waste disposal activities that are

undertaken throughout the site. The Premises is owned by the City of Greater Geraldton and

operated by the Contractor.

The Premises is almost completely cleared of natural vegetation as the site was previously used as

farming land.



1.7 LANDFILL USERS

The Facility accepts waste from City of Greater Geraldton and other surrounding Shires including the

Shires of Yalgoo, Chapman Valley, Northampton and Irwin. The Facility is open to both commercial

users and the general public.

1.8 SURROUNDING LAND USES

The Premises is surrounded by land largely cleared of vegetation with the area to the west zoned as

Rural. To the north is a railway line and the Geraldton – Mount Magnet Road; further to the north at

a distance of 150 m is the Narngulu Industrial Estate Buffer Precinct D. To the east is the Narngulu

Industrial Area, which is zoned as General Industry and immediately to the south is the Narngulu

Waste Water Treatment Plant.

The closest residence is situated 700 m from the northern boundary of the site within the Narngulu

Industrial Estate. The nearest area zoned Residential is located approximately 1.1 km west of the

north-west corner of the Premises.

1.9 OPERATING HOURS

The Facility’s operating hours for waste acceptance are Monday to Sunday: 7.30 am to 4.30 pm

(excluding New Year’s Day, Good Friday and Christmas Day).

Outside these hours the facility is closed for waste acceptance, however following closure for waste

acceptance the Facility may have ongoing operations for the application of cover material. This may

continue for up to 90 minutes after the above closure times.



2 CLIMATE AND METEOROLOGY Geraldton has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. It experiences

seasonal extremes in weather, from hot summer days with north easterly winds, to cold, wet, windy

winter days as cold fronts roll in from the south west. Easterly winds prevail for most of the year

with south westerly sea breezes common in the spring. Most of the region’s rain falls during the

winter months as cold fronts pass over from the south west. Sometimes fronts are associated with

cloud bands from the north-west.

2.1 TEMPERATURE

Seasonal temperature variations range from mean daily maximum and minimum temperatures of

32°C and 19°C respectively in summer (February) with maximum temperatures in the low 40’s on

around nine occasions per summer period, to a mean daily maximum and minimum temperature of

20°C and 10°C respectively in winter (July/August).

2.2 RAINFALL Long term climatic data was obtained from the Geraldton Airport, approximately 3.5 km west of the

Facility. Records dating from 1941 indicate that the long term average annual rainfall is 460 mm,

which falls usually over 80 days annually. The wettest month is June with a long term average rainfall

of 100 mm. Approximately 75% of the annual rainfall falls between the months of May to October.

In contrast, the mean summer rainfall is just 5 mm per month where it rains on about four occasions

over 3 months.

2.3 EVAPORATION

Mean annual evaporation is approximately 2,460 mm, exceeding annual rainfall by more than 2,000

mm.

2.4 WIND Winds are largely easterly in direction overnight and in the mornings and move to south westerly sea

breezes in the afternoon, particularly in the warmer months. At times these sea breezes reach 46

km/hr. Winds during winter are the most variable but are generally lighter except for strong winds

and gales accompanying cold fronts.

2.5 TOPOGRAPHY The area is relatively flat with a slight fall across the site from the eastern boundary to the western

boundary. Elevation ranges from approximately 22 m above the Australian Height Datum (AHD) in

the western portion of the site to approximately 26 m AHD along the eastern boundary. The

surrounding area is farm land.

2.6 GEOLOGY AND HYDROGEOLOGY

There are no surface water bodies present on the Premises; the nearest water body is the Indian

Ocean located 3.5 km to the west and the Chapman River 3.8 km to the north.

The geology beneath the landfill site is classified as red shallow sand with limestone outcrops to a

depth of 23 m overlaying Tamala Limestone at an approximate 0 m AHD.



2.7 GROUNDWATER

Ten groundwater monitoring bores remain functional on the Premises. The bores indicate that

groundwater flows steadily from the east to the west at a depth of between 3 m and 6 m AHD.

Typical standing water levels (SWL) observed during groundwater monitoring are summarised in

Table 2.

Table 2 Groundwater monitoring bore locations

Bore ID Northing Easting

MW1 6811491 272544

MW2 6811431 271985

MW4 6811407 271779

MW6 6811821 272175

MW7 6811694 271719

MW8 6811818 271722

New Bores for Cell 5

MW-1 6811143 271759

MW-2 6811817 271261

MW-3 6811447 271253

MW-4 6811015 271293



3 WASTE

3.1 SOLID WASTE DEFINITIONS

3.1.1 Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)

Municipal solid waste includes waste collected by Councils or their agents from household kerbside

waste services, waste delivered to disposal sites by resident’s vehicles, waste from Council activities

such as bulk kerbside collections, street litter collections, waste from parks and waste from

sweeping machines.

3.1.2 Commercial and Industrial Waste (C&I)

The primary source of commercial and industrial wastes are commercial establishments and non-

biodegradable wastes from industrial, manufacturing processes and horticultural waste, particularly

packaging processes and the food and hospitality industry.

3.1.3 Construction and Demolition Waste (C&D)

Waste from building demolition, road construction and civil works and consists of concrete, sand,

gravel, soil, timber, steel, plastic and paper.

3.1.4 Greenwaste

Waste that originates from trees, plants and shrubs. At the Meru Waste Disposal Facility greenwaste

items such as weeds, roses, and bougainvillea are classified as MSW.

3.2 WASTE TYPES

The types of waste accepted at the Facility as separated materials include:

Bricks and concrete;

Metals;

Car bodies;

Asbestos;

Electronic waste (E-waste);

Household waste;

Greenwaste;

Tyres;

White goods;

Batteries;

Paint;

Gas bottles;

Used agricultural chemical plastic drums;

Used engine oil; and

Used engine oil containers.



4 FACILITY INFRASTRUCTURE

4.1 FACILITY ACCESS

The main access to the Facility is from Goulds Road, Narngulu and turning right into Landfill Lane.

The Landfill is situated at the end of Landfill Lane.

4.2 SECURITY FENCING

The Facility is enclosed in a 2.0 m high security fence to prevent unauthorised entry to the Facility.

Gates at the entry to the Facility are closed and locked during out of hours. The security fence is:

Inspected on a daily basis to ensure integrity of the fence;

Repairs to any damage found to the security fence, security gates and litter fences is carried

out within one working day of discovery of the damage;

Litter fences are erected to ensure that windblown waste is contained within the boundaries

of the active landfill area; and

On a weekly basis, or as required, windblown litter is removed from the Facility’s fences and

roads along with windblown litter emanating from the Facility.

4.3 SIGNAGE

Signage displaying waste acceptance criteria, cover load requirement, speed limits, prohibited

waste, contact details and operating hours are installed at the entrance.

Figure 1 Entry sign



Figure 2 Signs on approach to weighbridge

Figure 3 Internal signage

4.4 POWER SUPPLY

All mobile plant items required for Facility operation use diesel fuel, or other hydrocarbon fuel, and

as such there will be no requirement for power around the Facility.

4.5 FUEL SUPPLY

Fuel is transported to site each day. Refilling of plant and equipment is carried out using a mobile

tanker.



4.6 WATER SOURCE

Water for the Facility is provided by two bores. One bore is within the infrastructure area adjacent to

the light vehicle waste transfer station. A second bore is located to the west of the site immediately

south of the C&D stockpile area. The bore water is used for firefighting and at the stock truck wash

bay.

4.7 WEIGHBRIDGE

A manned weighbridge and a site office are located along the entrance road of the Facility. As

vehicles approach the weighbridge there is signage to the left that indicates to the driver to move on

to the weighbridge one at a time. Light vehicles use the same entrance and approach the

weighbridge and office to receive instructions on where to dispose of their waste. A site map is also

displayed just past the weighbridge to inform the users of the route to the drop off areas, such as,

mattresses, metals and greenwaste.

Figure 4 Weighbridge approach

4.8 HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE Hazardous wastes from households are stored within specially designed Liquid Storage Cabinets,

which are housed in a secure shed (Figure 5) and taken offsite for final disposal.



Figure 5 Hazardous waste shed

4.9 DROP OFF AREA

The drop off area located just past the weighbridge ensures that every light vehicle that enters the

Facility to dispose of waste passes through the drop off area. By providing the option to dispose

particular materials in appropriate locations, better source segregation can be achieved. Each

location will have a generic sign indicating the type of waste to be deposited, or segregated within a

defined location.

The drop off area enables all recoverable items to be recycled and includes ferrous metals..

The current recoverable areas will be categorised as:

Used Oil Facility – A used oil facility is provided at the light vehicle waste transfer station for

the disposal of used engine oil;

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) – Storage cabinets housed in a secure storage shed are

provided for the containment of HHW;

Light Metals – a separate stockpile area is provided for metals;

White Goods – are de-gassed, separated and crushed for recycling, these are collected with

the light metals for recycling;

E-waste;

Greenwaste;

C&D waste;

Gas Bottles – are received empty of contents and stored in cages for recycling;

Batteries – wet cell batteries will be stacked on wooden pallets at the light vehicle waste

transfer station for collection; and

Tyres – are stored in the used tyre storage area in lots of no more than 1,000 tyres and

collection for recycling or appropriate offsite disposal.



4.9.1 Tyres

Used tyres are stockpiled and removed by a contractor in lots of 1,000 for appropriate disposal.

Figure 6 Used tyre storage

4.9.2 Greenwaste Stockpile Area

Greenwaste is stockpiled to the south of the Facility behind the liquid waste treatment ponds.

Greenwaste is mulched on site (Figure 7).

Figure 7 Shredded greenwaste



4.9.3 C&D Waste Stockpile

An area has been designated behind the light vehicle waste transfer station towards the west, to

stockpile construction and demolition (C&D) waste (Figure 8). The different types of construction

materials such as bricks, rubble etc are stockpiled into separate piles. The City engages contractors

to crush and screen the materials when sufficient volume becomes available. The resultant recycled

C&D materials are used by the City onsite to stabilise access ways or transported offsite to be reused

as road making materials.

Figure 8 C&D waste stockpile

4.9.4 Metal Stockpile

Scrap metals and white goods are disposed at the metal recycling area (Figure 9). The residential

vehicles and trucks unload the scrap metals at the edge of the stockpile, which are later pushed into

the stockpile using the front end loader. Salvage contractors visit the site from time to time to

salvage and remove scrap metal.



Figure 9 Light metal stockpile

4.9.5 Gas Bottles

Gas bottles are collected and placed in mesh cages for transport and disposal.

Figure 10 Gas bottle storage

4.9.6 Mattresses

Mattresses are separated from the waste stream and stockpiled for disposal to landfill.



Figure 11 Mattress collection

4.9.7 Paint

Within the drop off area is a location to deposit cans of used house paint. The lids are later removed

from the cans and the paint allowed to dry. The dry cans of paint are then taken to the active landfill

area for disposal. Figure 12.

Figure 12 Used paint

4.9.8 E-Waste

Used electrical appliances such computers and associated paraphernalia and televisions are placed

in skips for appropriate disposal.



Figure 13 E-waste collection

4.10 LIGHT VEHICLE WASTE TRANSFER STATION

Screening procedures implemented at the Facility will be to remove the non-biodegradable fraction

of the waste stream that has the potential to be recycled. This includes concrete, steel and other

metals, timber, bricks, roof tiles, white goods, batteries, gas bottles, paints and oils. This strategy is

to be implemented prior to any vehicle being granted access to the landfill tipping face or in the case

of light vehicles, the waste transfer station. All other waste types that are not referred to above are

delivered to the light vehicle waste transfer station.

Figure 14 Light vehicle waste transfer station



A small bund and safety chain are installed at the light vehicle waste transfer station drop off area to

prevent falling from heights. The waste is deposited from the edge of the raised drop off platform

onto the floor of the transfer station. There is a bin lifter available for residents to safely empty

mobile garbage bins. Waste is loaded from the floor into bulk waste skips and delivered to the

landfill (Figure 15).

Figure 15 Light vehicle waste transfer station tipping floor

The light vehicle waste transfer station also provides for the collection of:

Used engine oil; and

Car batteries.

Figure 16 Waste oil and wet cell batteries



4.11 WASTE TIPPING CELLS

The locations of the landfill cells are shown in Figure 17. The Landfill is located to the north of the

weighbridge. More detail is available of Appendix E.

Figure 17 Landfill cell layout

Builders Rubble cell accepts waste considered to be benign. These areas are known as the builder’s

ramp and accept contaminated C&D waste, benign industrial waste and non-recyclable wooden

pallets and alike.

Cell 1 is filled and Cell 2, in most part, has been filled to capacity and are ready for capping and

closure.

Cell 3 accepts putrescible waste from waste compactor trucks, sludges, and greenwaste containing

introduced plants and weeds. Cell 3 is lined with high density polyethylene (HDPE) and has a

leachate sump located within for the removal of leachate. Leachate is pumped into the waste water

treatment facility for disposal.

Secure Burial area is located within Cell 3 for the disposal of asbestos, dead animals and

contaminated product within landfill classification guideline

The existing landfill footprint is approaching capacity and a new landfill area is being constructed to

the west of the Facility. Cell 5, within the new landfill, is currently being permitted by a Licence

Amendment to the Licence (L6462/1992/12) issued by the DWER.

4.12 STOCK TRUCK WASH BAY

To the left of the entrance road is a wash bay to wash manure from stock trucks. The liquid waste is

evaporated within the ponds at the waste water treatment plant and the resultant biosolids are

landfilled in the putrescible cell or mixed with shredded greenwaste for composting.

WEIGHBRIDGE



4.13 WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANT

There are five liquid waste treatment ponds. They consist of two anaerobic each connected to a

sheltered disposal point, truck wash pond, facultative pond and evaporation pond.

Both anaerobic ponds overflows into a larger facultative pond which in turn overflows into an

evaporation pond. There is a third large pond for the retention of waste water from the stock truck

wash bay; this pond overflows into one of the anaerobic ponds. The eastern anaerobic pond is lined

with HDPE and there is a pending application with the DWER to amend the Licence allowing the City

to line the western anaerobic pond with HDPE. The remaining ponds are lined with clay. Figure 18

shows the layout of the ponds and the flow path of the liquid waste within the ponds.

Figure 18 Liquid waste treatment pond layout



5 PERSONNEL

Waste management facilities require adequate staffing levels to ensure that during operating hours

all continuous tasks are completed in compliance with the OMP and the Licence. Clear definition of

staff function, roles and responsibilities is necessary to ensure this.

5.1 CONTRACTOR’S ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE

The City has appointed a Contractor to undertake the day to day management and operation of the

Facility. The Contractor reports to the City through the Manager of Land & Regulatory Services.

Figure 19 Contractor’s organisation structure

5.1.1 Business Unit Manager

The Business Unit Manager is responsible for ensuring that all work relating to the Contract is carried

out in accordance with the Licence, OMP and the Contractor’s own policies.

This includes:

Being in attendance at the Facility for a minimum of one hour at the start and at the end of

each working day;

Ensuring that landfill operations are carried out in accordance with the OMP;

Ensuring that activities are in accordance with the Licence;

Ensuring that activities are in accordance with the Contractor’s own policies;

Assisting in preparing annual reports;

Contributing to any review of the OMP;

Coordinating environmental monitoring programmes through the City;

Keeping landfill records as required by the City and/or the Licence;

Acting on complaints and keeping a complaints register;

Acting immediately on any Occupational, Health and Safety (OHS) issues as they arise,

keeping a risk management register of any incidents and/or accidents, and informing

appropriate staff at the City;

Manager of Land & Regulatory Services

City of Greater Geraldton

Site Supervisor

Business Unit Manager



Preparing reports, budgets and monitoring income generation;

Coordinating training programmes;

Assisting with design activity for capping, leachate, stormwater and gas management;

Management of the Contractor’s staff;

Coordinating the cleanliness of the Facility;

Providing leadership and direction to the Contractor’s staff and contractors on site;

Organising traffic movements and safety issues within the Facility;

Supervising the maintenance of road, fence, sedimentation and erosion traps, signs and

general infrastructure within the Facility;

Rostering of staff at the Facility including the weighbridge;

Induction of new employees and site visitors;

Assessment of competency levels of the Contractor’s Plant Operators;

Maintenance of the Contractor’s vehicles/plant;

Management of unacceptable waste loads;

Managing disposal areas for “special waste types”; and

Managing landfill cover operations.

5.1.2 Site Supervisor

The Site Supervisor is at the facility for the entire day and carries out the following duties:

Efficient operation of landfill heavy equipment of which Plant Operators have verified

competency and authorisation to operate;

Processing waste in accordance with the OMP and Licence conditions including identifying

unacceptable materials at the tip face;

Supervision of the light vehicle waste transfer station;

Maintaining a safe tipping area;

Covering the waste at the end of the day;

Maintaining the Contractor’s plant in good working condition;

Ensuring the Facility is kept clean and workable;

Perimeter fence inspections, maintenance and repair;

Litter clean up;

Traffic control;

Leachate management;

Dealing with landfill users and directing them to the appropriate areas and/or material

stockpiles;

Responding to enquiries; and

Filling out the Daily Diaries.

5.1.3 Plant Operator/s

Plant Operators duties include:

Efficient operation of landfill heavy equipment of which they have verified competency and

authorisation to operate;

Processing waste in accordance with the OMP and Licence conditions including identifying

unacceptable materials at the tip face;

Supervision of the light vehicle waste transfer station;



Maintaining a safe tipping area;

Covering the waste at the end of the day;

Maintaining the plant in good working condition;

Ensuring site is kept clean and workable;

Perimeter fence inspections, maintenance and repair;

Litter clean up;

Traffic control;

Leachate management;


stockpiles;

Responding to enquiries;

Knowledge of landfill and safety procedures;

Operation of hand and power tools; and

Performing other duties as required.

5.1.4 Weighbridge Attendant

The Weighbridge Attendant has the following skills and responsibilities:

Operation of the office and weighbridge;

Proficient in the operation of computers and Microsoft software;

Proficient in the use of the weighbridge Mandalay software;

Collecting tipping fees (where applicable);


stockpiles;

Responding to enquiries; and

Knowledge of landfill and safety procedures.



5.2 CITY’S ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE

The City has the following organisational structure to oversee the compliant operation of the Facility.

Figure 20 Organisation Structure

5.2.1 Superintendent

The Superintendent is required to discharge the functions of the Superintendent as defined in AS

4000-1997 General Conditions of Contract’s HB 140-2000 Administration Manual. These duties

include, but not limited to:

Defect Management; and

Dispute Management.

5.2.2 Superintendent Representative 1

The Superintendent Representative 1 is responsible for the monitoring and compliance auditing to

ensure Contractor’s compliance with the conditions of the Contract, OMP, Licence and the

Contractor’s policies. More specifically the Superintendent Representative 1 duties are:

To ensure that the services are being delivered in accordance with the conditions of the

Contract, OMP, Landfill Licence and the Contractor’s policies;

Undertake any necessary remedial action to remedy any deviations from the above

documents and communicate any requirements to the Contractor to address the remedial

actions;

Participate in weekly, monthly and other periodic scheduled Contract meetings;

Continue to drive continuous improvement and adherence to the City’s KPI's, always with

safety in mind; and

Issue written Contract notifications including Contract variations but excluding defect

notifications.

Superintendent Representative 2

(Waste Operations Supervisor)

Superintendent

(Manager of Land & Regulatory Services)

Contract for the Provision of Services at the Meru Waste Disposal Facility

Superintendent Representative 1

(Coordinator Environmental Health & Waste)



5.2.3 Superintendent Representative 2

The Superintendent Representative 2, in conjunction with the Contractor’s Operations Manager and

the Contractor’s Site Supervisor, is responsible for overseeing the provision, continuity and quality of

services provided under the Contract. These include:

Ensuring that the services are being delivered in accordance with the Contract, OMP, Licence

and the Contractor’s policies;

Any deviations from the above are reported to the Superintendent Representative 1 for

consideration and written communication with the Contractor;

Participate in weekly, monthly and quarterly scheduled contract meetings;

Continue to drive continuous improvement and adherence to the City’s KPI's, always with

safety in mind; and

Receive and assess claims for payment and process in accordance with the City’s goods

receipting and payment process.

5.3 TRAINING

Staff training should be adequate for environmentally responsible and safe management of the

Facility, and to meet the conditions relating to staff competency outlined above. At a minimum staff

training should ensure that:

All operators of compaction or earthworks equipment are skilled at undertaking all tasks

required of them; and

All those who are to inspect or direct the placement of incoming waste are capable of

accurate data recording, and skilled at identifying wastes that are unacceptable.

The management of training at the Facility incorporates three elements:

Position competency requirements;

General induction training; and

Site specific induction training.

5.4 POSITION COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS

The following qualifications/competencies are prerequisites for performing each of the landfill roles.

Site Supervisor Qualifications and/or equivalent experience in managing solid waste

landfills

Proficient in the operation of Mandalay weighbridge software

Class “C” drivers licence

Weighbridge

Attendant

Literate

Familiar with the operation of computers

Proficient in the operation of Mandalay weighbridge software

Plant Operators Class “HR” drivers licence



Accreditation as qualified operator of specific plant

All staff employed by the Contractor will undergo a formal induction programme relating to their

position and OHS training approved by the City.

Site induction and training of landfill staff is undertaken by the Site Supervisor. Training involves the

detailed review and acceptance of documented procedures relevant to each staff member.

Other contractors engaged at the facility from time to time, either by the Contractor or the City are

also required to undergo a site specific induction conducted by the Site Supervisor.

5.5 DUTY OF CARE

Employers so far as practicable must ensure the safety and health of their employees and others at

the workplace. This duty applies to all people in the workplace such as visitors, contractors and

others. Persons in control of a workplace so far, as is practicable, must ensure the safety and health

of people who are at the workplace, including those who are not the organisation’s employees.

Employees must take reasonable care to ensure their own safety and health and the safety and

health of others at the workplace. Employees must at all times co-operate with the employer on

matters of safety and health.

5.6 CODE OF CONDUCT

The City of Greater Geraldton Code of Conduct provides staff and contractors with consistent

guidelines for an acceptable standard of professional conduct. This applies to all staff and

contractors on-site, regardless of their purpose and whether or not they are direct employees. All

employees and contractors are reminded of their obligation to carry out their work in a professional

manner so as not to affect the operational activities of the City of Greater Geraldton, its employees

or the general public visiting this Facility.

All employees and contractors are reminded that the Facility, and everything including materials

deposited in it, is the property of the City. Removal or tampering with City property will not be

tolerated.

All employees, Contractor’s staff and contractors are reminded that the improper use or

dissemination of confidential information about the Facility or other City depots or sites is

prohibited.

All employees and contractors whilst operating at this Facility shall obey any lawful order given by

any person having authority to make or give such an order.

Drug and alcohol use is strictly prohibited. No employee is permitted to be on site with drugs and/or

alcohol in their system.

Any breach of the City’s Code of Conduct will be investigated and may result in the employee(s)

facing disciplinary action or possible dismissal. In the case of contract employees, any contract

obligation may be terminated.

The City and the Contractor has several Operational Practices and Procedures which include:



Accident Incident Reporting and Investigation;

First Aid;

Protective Clothing and Equipment;

Management of Contractors; and

Fitness for Work.

The City’s staff, the Contractor’s staff and visiting contractors are to comply with the procedures

described in the above policies.



6 ACCEPTABLE WASTE The Facility has been licenced as a landfill since 1997, with waste being placed and buried within the

prescribed area of the Facility. The Facility is licenced in accordance with the Environmental

Protection (EP) Act 1986 as a multiple category premises:

Category 13 Crushing of building material (20,000 tpa);

Category 57 Used tyre storage (general) (1,000 tyres);

Category 61 Liquid waste facility (4,000 tpa);

Category 61A Solid waste facility (100,000 tpa);

Category 64 Class III putrescible landfill site (100,000 tpa); and

Category 67A Compost manufacturing and soil blending (20,000 tpa).

The Facility operations must comply with the EP Act 1986, its Regulations and relevant

environmental protection policies. For the purpose of operating within the Licence, the waste

acceptance criteria has been developed in accordance with the Category 64 Class III putrescible

landfill site, detailed in Landfill Waste Classifications and Waste Definitions 1996 (As Amended 2009;

DoE 2009) and Category 61 Liquid waste facility.

The primary objective of the waste acceptance procedures at the Facility is to ensure that only those

wastes that the Facility is licenced to receive are accepted at the Facility pending transfer to final

disposal or reuse.

6.1 WASTE ACCEPTANCE

All vehicles entering the site to deposit waste will be required to stop at the weighbridge. Entry to

the operational area of the landfill will only be gained following approval from the staff at the

weighbridge.

As a vehicle enters the weighbridge the waste stream will be visually inspected prior to delivery at

the disposal area. CCTV cameras are also fitted to the weighbridge further assisting the review of

incoming waste materials. The wastes will only be assessed by members of staff who are familiar

with the description for each waste type and/or load they are inspecting and are familiar with the

wastes permitted for disposal at the Facility.

Where the visual inspection of the waste identifies that the waste is not consistent with the

description provided, or is otherwise not permitted at the landfill, then the waste will be referred to

the Site Supervisor for appropriate action.

6.2 PROHIBITED WASTES

Waste types prohibited at the Facility include:

Dangerous goods under the Australian Code of Practice for the Transport of Dangerous

Goods by Road and Rail, and categorised as explosives, gases (compressed, liquefied or

dissolved under pressure), flammable liquids, substances liable to spontaneous combustion

(excluding organic waste, and all physical forms of carbon such as activated carbon and

graphite); substances which on contact with water emit flammable gases; oxidising agents

and organic peroxides; toxic substances; corrosive substances;



Intractable Waste, which is waste that is a management problem by virtue of its toxicity or

chemical or physical characteristics that make it difficult to dispose of or treat safely and is

not suitable for disposal in a Class I, II, III or IV landfill. Provided there is no practical

alternative destruction or treatment technology, these are disposed of in Class V facilities;

Radioactive wastes (disposal must be approved by the Radiological Council of Western

Australia); and

Significantly contaminated soils, industrial sludges and certain types of spent catalyst

wastes. The facility does accept low level contaminated soils.

6.3 UNACCEPTABLE WASTE

The following measures are in place at the Facility to prevent the disposal of unacceptable waste:

The landfill is staffed at all times it is open for waste to be received;

The Facility is fenced to prevent unauthorised entry and access gates are provided at the

Facility entrance, which are secured with suitable locks outside of operating hours;

Signs are in place indicating the types of waste accepted and those excluded;

Contractor’s staff are trained to recognise non-conforming wastes;

Development and implementation procedures are available for how to deal with the

handling of non-conforming wastes;

All records are kept for the life of the Facility; and

Vehicles carrying waste that does not comply with the Licence will not be accepted.

The Site Supervisor is responsible for the management of any unapproved or unacceptable wastes

identified at the Facility and for overseeing appropriate actions and assuring compliant waste

management practices.

If a load is rejected due to unacceptable waste, this shall be recorded by the Site Supervisor. Records

of odorous loads shall also be made in the Daily Diary (Appendix F). Receival of significant amounts

of unacceptable waste at the Facility constitutes an incident and will therefore be reported as

specified in Section 14.

Exclusion of repeat offenders is the primary corrective action to prevent continuance of

unacceptable loads arriving at the Facility. The City is able to prohibit entry to any person or

company that does not follow the directions contained on the signs that identify acceptable and

non-acceptable waste materials.

If the annual review process (refer Section 14) identifies that the waste acceptance procedures need

to be augmented to improve performance, the programme shall be modified. This modification will

be based on the types of unacceptable materials received, and will likely include:

Greater training of staff;

Increased stringency in the screening procedure; and

Increased effort made to educate the waste generators and haulers.

6.4 SOLID WASTE

Solid waste that can be accepted for disposal at the Facility consists of:



Clean Fill being material that will have no harmful effects on the environment and which

consists of rocks or soil arising from the excavation of undisturbed material;

Type 1 Inert Waste being non-hazardous, non-biodegradable (half-life greater than two

years) wastes containing contaminant concentrations less than Class I landfill acceptance

criteria but excluding paper and cardboard (paper and cardboard are biodegradable

materials and are therefore considered as putrescible waste), and materials that require

treatment to render them inert (e.g. peat, acid sulphate soils);

Type 2 Inert Waste (with specific licence conditions) being waste consisting of stable non-

biodegradable organic materials such as tyres and plastics, which require special

management to reduce the potential for fires;

Type 1 Special Waste being waste which includes asbestos and asbestos cement products;

Type 2 Special Waste being biomedical waste which is accepted for supervised burial;

Putrescible Waste being waste that is likely to become putrid - including wastes that contain

organic materials such as food wastes or wastes of animal or vegetable origin, which readily

bio-degrade within the environment of a landfill; and

All other wastes that comply with Class III criteria as outlined in the Landfill Waste

Classification and Waste Definition 1996 (As amended 2009).

6.5 TYRES

Disposal of used tyres to landfill will not occur at the Facility. The Weighbridge Attendant will direct

single and bulk deliveries of used tyres to the tyre storage area. No more than 1,000 tyres can be

stored at the Facility at any one time. Tyres are to be stored in windrows with at least 3.0 m

separating each windrow. Each tyre windrow is to be no more than 3.0 m high and no more than 4.0

m wide. It is preferred that tyres are stacked in laced arrangement, refer Figure 21. This prevents

ignited tyres from rolling away from a burning pile of tyres and igniting other piles of tyres.

Figure 21 Tyres stacked in laced arrangement

Continual monitoring of the tyre stockpiles is undertaken by the Site Supervisor to ensure that no

more than 1,000 tyres are stored at the Facility. Tyres are only to be removed from the Facility by

appropriately licensed contractors.



6.6 ASBESTOS

Disposal of asbestos will occur in a defined area in the active landfill cell. The Weighbridge Attendant

will inspect deliveries of asbestos for compliance with the Health (Asbestos) Regulations 1992

developed by the Department of Health and direct the vehicle to the area for asbestos disposal.

The Disposal of Material Containing Asbestos Guideline (DWER) requires asbestos to be accepted in

a manner so that asbestos fibres are contained in a wrapped/covered shield and labelled as

“CAUTION ASBESTOS”. As soon as practicable the asbestos must be buried within the landfill site.

Asbestos must be:

Transported in a covered, leak proof or lined vehicle;

Separate from other materials when delivered;

Double wrapped in heavy duty polyethylene (0.2 mm thick), or otherwise contained to

prevent airborne fibres;

Labelled appropriately “CAUTION ASBESTOS” in letters not less than 50 mm in height;

Once placed in the Landfill covered with soil with a depth of 300 mm;

Not landfill within 2.0 m of the final landfill height; and

Not disturbed once landfilled.

A site map must also be kept with the current position of any asbestos related material at the

Facility. In order to keep the disposal of asbestos in the one location, asbestos will be landfilled in

successive lifts in the same area of the landfill, currently Cell 3. In this way the overall footprint of

asbestos burial in the landfill is minimised.

Asbestos is a potentially hazardous material. The Meru Waste Disposal Facility only accepts asbestos

that has been securely wrapped in plastic. It is a hazard if the wrapping ruptures while depositing the

asbestos or if waste is disposed of at the site which contains exposed asbestos. These events require

immediate action and therefore are treated as an emergency.

In the event of open air exposure of asbestos, personnel are advised to:

Contact the Site Supervisor;

Evacuate the area of persons not associated with the City, Contractor or authorised

personnel;

Issue emergency response personnel involved in treating the hazard with appropriate masks

and protective disposable clothing;

Manoeuvre vehicles and staff treating the hazard to be positioned upwind of the specific

location;

Contain the exposed asbestos by digging a hole and burying it or covering it with soil,

according to the above-mentioned procedures; and

Prevent entry to the area until further assistance arrives and site evaluation and clearance is

complete.

The Site Supervisor and/or the Plant Operator shall ensure that all material containing asbestos is

covered as soon as practically possible after its disposal with at least 300 mm of cover material and

that the disposal itself is supervised by either the Site Supervisor or the Plant Operator.



A register must be kept, by the Site Supervisor, of any asbestos material disposed of at the Facility,

including date arrived, person who disposed of the asbestos and that the material has been covered

properly. This register must be filled out no later than two hours after the arrival of the asbestos on

site. An accurate, to scale site map must also be kept with the current position of any asbestos

related material on the premises.

6.7 OFFAL AND QUARANTINE WASTE

Offal is waste generated by crayfish processing, chicken farms and abattoirs in the region.

Quarantine waste is goods of quarantine concern as determined by the Australian Quarantine and

Inspection Service (AQIS) and includes:

Material used to pack and stabilise imported goods;

Galley food and other waste from overseas vessels;

Human, animal or plant waste brought to Australia;

Waste of sweepings from the hold of an overseas vessel, any other waste or other material,

which comes in contact with quarantine waste; and

Articles seized by AQIS.

Offal, animal carcasses and quarantine waste require disposal in a deep pit dug in Cell 3 and that has

been lined with builders lime. The pit shall be excavated prior to the arrival of the waste delivery and

lined with lime immediately prior to waste placement. Waste is to be covered on placement with 2.0

m of soil cover.

6.8 BIOMEDICAL WASTE Biomedical waste is waste generated by medical, nursing, dental, veterinary, pharmaceutical or

other related activity which is: potentially poisonous or infectious; likely to cause injury to public

health; or contains human tissue or body parts.

Although licenced for the disposal of biomedical waste, this waste stream no longer occurs at the

Facility, as biomedical waste generated in the municipality is disposed of through appropriately

licenced biomedical waste disposal services. However, being a licensed premise, burial of biomedical

waste is treated in the same manner as quarantine waste.

6.9 HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) which by its characteristics poses a threat or risk to public

health, safety or the environment (includes substances which are toxic, infectious, mutagenic,

carcinogenic, teratogenic, explosive, flammable, corrosive, oxidising and/or radioactive). This waste

is accepted at the Facility under the Household Hazardous Waste program.

The HHW Program provides funding for the recycling/disposal of the HHW collected at local

government facilities, which provide locations for householders to drop off their hazardous waste.

The HHW Program covers a limited number of products:

Acids;

Aerosols;

Alkalis;

Batteries (lead acid and dry cell);



Compact fluorescent lamps and fluorescent tubes;

Cyanides;

Engine coolants and glycols;

Fire extinguishers (non-halon only);

Flammable liquids (e.g. hydrocarbons and fuels);

Flammable solids;

Flares;

Gas cylinders;

General household chemicals (e.g. cleaning products);

Heavy metal compounds;

Inorganic oxidising agents (e.g. pool chlorine);

Low level radioactive substances (e.g. smoke detectors);

Mercury (e.g. thermometers);

Organic peroxides;

Paint;

PCB materials;

Pesticides (including Schedule X pesticides); and

Solvents.

6.10 CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION (C&D) WASTE

C&D waste is categorised as either a Type I or Type II inert waste. Both these types of inert wastes

are accepted at the Facility.

The inert wastes allowed for disposal at the Facility include:

Concrete;

Bricks;

Glass;

Tiles and ceramics;

Soils and stones; and

Other mixed inert wastes as approved by the Licence.

Inert waste material, except mixed inert waste, is taken and stockpiled in the C&D waste stockpile

area located to the west of the Facility. These stockpiles, which may include glass, are then screened

and crushed to produce quality recycled construction materials such as fill sand, recycled concrete

road base and drainage aggregate. This strategy to separate inert material from the waste going to

landfill is a method of best practice.

6.10.1 Asbestos Management

To minimise the risk of undeclared asbestos or other contaminated building materials being

delivered to the Facility, the following inspection procedures will be utilised:

Drivers of all vehicles carrying C&D waste are asked by the Weighbridge Attendant whether

they are carrying potentially asbestos-contaminated materials and have their consignment

dockets viewed;

Loads are tipped at the designated unloading area under scrutiny of trained contractor’s

staff; and



Loads are spread on unloading area and inspected for hazardous materials prior to allowing

the truck to leave the Facility.

If any loads are found to contain asbestos, the offending load will be immediately wetted-down and

put back on the truck that it entered the Facility in. The driver will then be advised to contact the

weighbridge for further advice on disposal at the landfill will be provided.

Loads from buildings or structures constructed after 1990 can be considered to have a low risk of

asbestos contamination. The following risk matrix adopted from Guidelines for Managing Asbestos

at Construction and Demolition Waste Recycling Facilities 2012, Department of Environment and

Conservation has been used to classify the incoming load.

Table 3 Risk classification matrix

Material Type Contamination Risk

Clean Concrete (without formwork)

Low

Clean Brick Low

Clean Bitumen/Asphalt Low

Mixed Construction Material Medium

Mixed Demolition Material High

Loads classified as high risk will not be accepted for processing and will be directed to the landfill

area via the weighbridge.

The staff involved in processing of the C&D waste will be asked to be vigilant at all times to inspect

for asbestos during the whole process. This includes inspection during loading of stockpiles into the

screening plant or crusher and during handling of finished products. Any stockpiles suspected of

containing asbestos will be isolated and managed as per Section 13.

6.10.2 Asbestos Testing

The City has adopted a testing regime to ensure that the users coming into contact with the

recycled C&D products are protected from asbestos (in any form) and any exposure is limited to less

than 0.001% asbestos by weight (w/w) in accordance with the Department of Health’s Guidelines for

the Assessment, Remediation and Management of Asbestos-Contaminated Sites in Western

Australia.

The testing will be undertaken in accordance with the Guidelines for the Assessment, Remediation

and Management of Asbestos-Contaminated Sites in Western Australia to determine the presence of

asbestos-containing material (ACM), fibrous asbestos (FA) and asbestos fines (AF). Assessment for

ACM and FA will be undertaken by both visual inspection and laboratory testing. Laboratory analysis

will be undertaken for AF as they are less than 7 mm in size. No laboratory sampling is proposed for

recycled drainage rock unless a fragment is suspected to contain asbestos.



6.10.2.1 C&D Waste Stockpile

A large stockpile of C&D waste has accumulated over time without the supervision of deliveries or any waste acceptance protocol to mitigate the likehood of ACM being within the deliveries. As such, the entire stockpile is treated as potentially contaminated with asbestos materials and therefore be subject to a rigorous testing regime.

For the stockpiled C&D waste only, on a daily basis during the screening and crushing campaign a sample of at least 10 L will be collected from the area in the stockpile where current work is undertaken. The portion of the stockpile to be sampled will be wet down before and after being spread evenly over the ground. Sampling will be undertaken in a systematic grid manner to obtain a uniform coverage of the sampling area. Appropriately trained staff at the Facility will immediately separate the sample into two fractions using a 7 mm screen. It is important to note that the samples will be moistened to prevent the generation of airborne particulate matter during their collection and handling. The greater than 7 mm fraction will be spread over a contrasting coloured fabric and visually screened for asbestos material.

If asbestos is detected during the visual inspection that area of the stockpile will be deemed as

potentially contaminated. The potentially contaminated stockpile area will be quarantined using

hazard tape and appropriately trained staff will dispose of that portion of stockpile at the landfill.

The handling of potentially contaminated stockpile will be as per the management procedures

stated in Section 13.

6.10.2.2 Verification of Processed Materials

The recycled material produced by the screening and crushing process will be stockpiled in 1,000 m3

batches. A minimum of 14 samples will be collected from each 1,000 m3 stockpile and sent to a

National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accredited laboratory for testing.

The stockpiles will be wet down before and after being spread evenly and sampling will be

undertaken in a systematic grid manner to obtain a uniform coverage of the entire stockpile.

Samples will be collected from different depths across the grid and special focus will be given to

suspect areas of the grid.

Each sample collected will be at least 10 L in volume and will be delivered to a NATA accredited

laboratory for testing. The laboratory will separate each sample into two fractions using a 7 mm

screen. The samples will be moistened to prevent the generation of airborne particulate matter

during their collection and handling. The greater than 7 mm fraction will be spread over a

contrasting coloured fabric and visually screened for asbestos material. The less than 7 mm fraction

will be sieved to obtain a minimum sample volume of 500 mL before being submitted for laboratory

analysis.

If asbestos is detected during visual inspection or the laboratory test results identify asbestos to be

possibly above 0.001% w/w, then the stockpile will be deemed as potentially contaminated. The

potentially contaminated stockpile will be quarantined using hazard tape and appropriately trained

staff will dispose of the stockpile at the landfill. The handling of potentially contaminated stockpile

will be as per the management procedures stated in Section 13.

With regards to the portion of the samples less than 7 mm in size, no averaging across the samples

will be permitted. For a single exceedance at a level less than 0.001% w/w for a stockpile of 1,000

m3, the stockpile may be deemed uncontaminated if repeat samples of the immediately adjacent

areas are below the specified exceedance limit of 0.001% w/w.



6.10.2.3 Sampling Responsibility

The samples will be collected by authorised staff with training in asbestos identification. The

authorised staff will in most cases be the crushing and screening contractor’s staff engaged by the

City to process the C&D waste. Each sample will be labelled appropriately (nature of stockpile, batch

number and date) and taken to the weighbridge office. Accompanied by Chain of Custody

documentation, the samples will be transported from the Facility to a NATA accredited laboratory

for testing.

6.10.2.4 Sighting of Asbestos at C&D Recycling Area

In the event of open air exposure to asbestos or contaminated C&D material sighted in the C&D

stockpile area, the Plant Operator or inspection staff shall be advised to:


Evacuate the area of unauthorised staff members and other users;

Plant Operator to quarantine the area around the identified asbestos at least 1.0 m outside

the exposed area;

Staff handing the waste to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as

respirator;

Wet down the exposed area;

Position the manoeuvre vehicles or staff treating the hazard upwind of the specific site;

Carefully load the asbestos contaminated material on to a truck for disposal at an

appropriate location on the landfill;

Contain the exposed asbestos by covering the load; and

Record the incident in the Facility record system at the weighbridge.

6.11 GREENWASTE

The separation of greenwaste from the wastes being delivered to the Facility is done after passing

through the weighbridge. The load of greenwaste is checked by the Weighbridge Attendant and

directed to the area for greenwaste disposal. Greenwaste is shredded for composting.

It is inappropriate to landfill greenwaste as the decomposition of greenwaste in the absence of

oxygen, as is the case within a landfill, produces Methane (CH4) gas, a harmful greenhouse gas that is

21 times more destructive to the environment than Carbon Dioxide (CO2). The objective of the

Facility is to prevent as much greenwaste from being landfilled as possible.

The Plant Operators are responsible for inspecting waste at the tipping face and recording any

reported observations. The Plant Operator will record any observations in the Daily Diary (Appendix

F) with regards to greenwaste at the tipping face.

In the event that a waste collection vehicle arrives at the weighbridge containing both rubbish and

greenwaste, the driver will be asked to deliver the greenwaste to the greenwaste storage area prior

to proceeding to the tipping face for the disposal of the waste. This would only apply, if during the

inspection of the vehicles at the weighbridge, greenwaste, other than introduced plants or weeds, is

observed.



6.12 LIQUID WASTE

There exists at the Facility a series of ponds designed to treat and evaporate biological liquid wastes.

Refer Figure 18 for the layout of the liquid treatment ponds. The facility is permitted to accept

Controlled Waste Guidelines Category K waste being putrescible and organic wastes. These wastes

include by Waste Code:

K100 Animal effluent and residues;

K110 Grease interceptor waste from grease traps;

K130 Sewage waste from reticulated sewerage systems (Water Corporation);

K140 Tannery waste not containing chromium;

K190 Wool Scouring wastes;

K200 Food and beverage processing wastes; and

K210 Septage wastes.

6.12.1 Biological Treatment Process

The treatment process at the liquid waste facility is typical of many Council septage ponds. The

treatment process is based upon anaerobic degradation of the organic component of the liquid

waste followed by aerobic degradation and evaporation of the residual liquid.

The anaerobic ponds are the primary locations for the breakdown of organic material, which is

performed by microbes that live in the oxygen starved environment; anaerobic means ‘without air’.

Anaerobic ponds require a crust to form to create the anaerobic environment and insulate the

effluent from the cold.

When organic matter is decomposed in an anaerobic environment the bacteria that are present

produce a mixture of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) gases. Anaerobic digestion processes

waste by converting putrid organic materials to CO2 and CH4 gas. The retention time in the anaerobic

ponds is important to allow the anaerobic digestion to take place. Retention time should be between

30 and 70 days.

The partially treated effluent exits the anaerobic ponds and enters the facultative pond where both

anaerobic and aerobic bacteria exist.

Aerobic digestion is the process of oxidising and decomposing the organic part of the sludge by

micro-organisms in the presence of oxygen. Micro-organisms feed on organic materials to stabilise

the organic materials, reduce biological demand for oxygen and reduce the amount of suspended

solids in the effluent. With adequate retention time aerobic digestion produces a remediated

effluent, reduces mass and volume, and reduces pathogenic organisms.

The remediated effluent then flows from the facultative pond to the aerobic pond where the

effluent continues to be stabilised by aerobic bacteria. Evaporation helps reduce the volume of

effluent in both the facultative and aerobic pond.

There are a wide variety of physical, chemical, and biological reactions that take place. The bacteria

present catalyse these reactions. Consequently, the most important factor in digesting waste is the

bacterial groups. The bacterial groups are essentially the "bio-enzymes" that accomplish the desired

treatment. A poorly developed or stressed bacterial group will not provide the desired digestion

process for the treatment of waste.



The operating procedures for a waste water treatment system shall occur in the following manner:

The surface of the anaerobic ponds should remain encrusted to facilitate the anaerobic

process required to breakdown the effluent;

Discharge effluent to the anaerobic ponds in a manner that does not disrupt the anaerobic

crust;

Effluent with a pH above 6.5 should be balanced with Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) or Lime;

Maintain trapped overflows between the treatment ponds so that overflow does not occur

as a result of either wave action alone or inflowing stormwater;

Dispose of sludge removed from the waste water treatment ponds in a manner approved by

the Director of the DWER; and

Waste, other than septage or an approved liquid waste, biological or otherwise, shall not be

disposed of in the waste water treatment ponds.

The Site Supervisor and/or the Plant Operator shall ensure that all liquid waste haulage contractors

are aware of the disposal procedures at the Facility and that the disposal itself is supervised where

possible by either the Site Supervisor or the Plant Operator.

The Plant Operator will inform the Site Supervisor so that the Site Supervisor may record any

observations or incidents in the Daily Diary (Appendix F).



7 LANDFILL OPERATION

7.1 INTRODUCTION

The adoption of sound landfill operation and management procedures ensures that the Facility will

operate efficiently and in an environmentally sustainable manner. The primary goals of the OMP are

to guide the operators of the landfill through the everyday procedures which help maintain and

protect the integrity of the Facility. The OMP outlines the key operational procedures for the Facility,

which are discussed in the following sections.

7.2 TRAFFIC CONTROL The Contractor’s Traffic Management Plan is attached as Appendix D. The objective of the Traffic

Management Plan is to ensure that traffic movements associated with the Facility do not adversely

affect the health, welfare and amenity of nearby residents and sensitive areas. In summary the

Traffic Management Plan states:

Appropriate signage is used that is visible and appropriately maintained;

Speed limit restrictions to reduce the generation of dust;

Clear visibility at intersections within the Facility;

Road safety awareness included in site inductions;

All waste transport vehicles are to be fully enclosed; and

Access to the Facility will be through the weighbridge to control traffic movements within

the Facility.

For further details on traffic movement around the Facility refer to Appendix D.

7.3 SCAVENGING

Scavenging is prohibited at the Facility as it is a major health and safety risk. The possibility of an

unauthorised person causing themselves an injury is intermediate, though the seriousness of an

injury can be more extreme. Signs that state that “Scavenging is Prohibited” are displayed at the

front gate and around the Facility. It is the responsibility of the Site Supervisor to maintain the

signage and monitor theft and possible scavenging activities at the Facility. If scavenging is occurring

during working hours, Contractor’s staff must approach the person in question and explain that

scavenging is inappropriate at the Facility and ask them to leave the Facility. If scavenging occurs

after hours, the police are to be called as the offender is trespassing and is liable for prosecution.

The operator of the City’s recycling shop, located on Landfill Lane, has scavenging rights on the

landfill tipping face.

7.4 COMPLAINTS REGISTER

A Complaints Register is maintained to log public complaints regarding odours, pests, vermin, litter,

dust and noise received at the Facility. The date, time and nature of any complaint is recorded and

the subsequent actions taken to minimise or eliminate the concerns will be logged.

Contractor’s staff are trained in the requirements to notify and record any public complaints.

Appendix E contains the Complaints Register Form that is to be used by staff for recording

complaints.



Complaints and details of corrective actions taken are reported to the Director of the DWER in the

Annual Audit Compliance Report (AACR). Detailed requirements for annual reporting are provided in

Section 14.

7.5 DISPOSAL FEES

The landfill operates with the collection of disposal fees. The Weighbridge Attendant greets landfill

users as they stop on the weighbridge, assesses their billing status and the types of waste proposed

for disposal. The proposed waste is matched to the Facility’s fees and charges schedule and the

Facility user billed accordingly.

For the purposes of waste tonnage assessment, trailer waste is recorded as 0.5 tonnes per vehicle.

Landfill activities are carried out in multiple areas to separate light vehicles from heavy vehicles.

Surveillance cameras are installed for monitoring the gate activity throughout the day. Surveillance

data is kept for thirty (30) days.

Householders using the Facility are exempted from paying tip fees subject to certain conditions. On

entering the landfill, and with instruction from the Weighbridge Attendant, the delivery vehicles

move to the appropriate locations to unload waste and recyclables.

7.6 DATA AND RECORDS

The objective is to assess waste received and landfilled and to monitor the consumption of air space

during landfill operations. This data is necessary for the following reasons:

To assist in the preparation of accurate reports necessary for completing requirements as

required under the Western Australian Government (2008) Waste Avoidance and Resource

Recovery (WARR) Regulations 2008;

To comply with the reporting requirements as outlined in the Licence;

To assess compaction levels achieved; and

To estimate the projected landfill life expectancy.

A record will be kept for each commercial vehicle entering the Facility. Information recorded in the

case of commercial vehicles will include:

Customer;

Vehicle identification;

Driver’s name;

Date and time of arrival;

Type of material delivered and the origin of vehicle contents;

Volume/weight of material delivered; and

Date and time of vehicle exiting the facility.

In the case of residential vehicles:

Date of arrival;

Type of material delivered; and

Estimate of tonnage delivered.



7.7 FACILITY COMMUNICATION

The communication between staff and management at the Facility is through mobile phones and mobile

radio on Channel 16.

7.8 WASTE HAZARDS

Employees, the visiting public and contractors are advised that all waste is regarded as hazardous and has the

potential to harm or injure persons not properly trained to handle it, or persons unaware of the potential

hazards.

7.9 VEHICLE PLANT DAMAGE REPORTING PROCEDURES

The City has specific procedures for the reporting of damage to any vehicle or plant item. All damage should

be reported to the Site Supervisor. For vehicles that are not operational, or are offsite at the time of damage,

the incident shall be reported in the monthly inspection report.

7.10 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is supplied by the Contractor and must be used as directed. This

equipment remains the property of the Contractor and must be returned at the end of the employment

period. Typical items of PPE include:

Safety glasses;

Gloves with a cut and puncture rating of 3 or higher;

Long sleeve shirt;

Long pants; and

Steel or composite capped safety boots.

7.11 CONTRACTOR INDUCTION CHECKLIST

The City requires contractors to comply with this contractor checklist. Before contractors commence any

work, they should fully understand and comply with the following:

Contractors have provided to the City proof of adequate insurance cover for:

o Workers Compensation;

o Motor Vehicles and Mobile Equipment;

o Public Liability; and

o Personal Accident (Self Employed Contractors only);

Contractors have ensured that any task requiring a qualification or license is allocated to the person

or persons who can clearly identify themselves as having such qualification or license as required to

complete the task;

All of your workers have undergone a Facility induction;

All of your workers are provided with PPE;

First aid kits are provided in each of your work vehicles;

All of your workers are instructed in the use of items found in the first aid kits;

All of your workers are instructed in the use of available firefighting equipment such as fire

extinguishers, hoses and blankets;

All of your workers are aware of correct road signage procedures and adequate signage is available

for the work;



All work places are kept in a clean and tidy condition;

All of your workers are aware that they must report any accident, near miss or hazardous situations;

All work sites, during and after, must be left in a clean/tidy and safe condition;

All of your own equipment to be used in the performance of the contract is in a safe working order;

and

All of your workers are aware of the following statement:

“Any contractor or their employee, contradicting the City of Greater Geraldton management principles

and policies may be required to leave the premises or worksite and may be refused re-entry. Any

contract with the City of Greater Geraldton may become null and void.”



8 LANDFILL LINER SYSTEM Figure 22 shows the design of the composite liner system at the base of the new landfill cells. The composite

liner system is designed for a Class III putrescible landfill site and is in accordance with the Victorian EPA Best

Practice Environmental Management, siting, design, operation and rehabilitation of landfills (August 2015).

Figure 22 Landfill liner design

The existing putrescible landfill cells, Cell 1 and 2 have been constructed with an environmental barrier

consisting of 600 mm of compacted clay material. Cell 4, being the inert landfill cell, has no liner. Cell 3

onwards have or will be constructed to the design shown in Figure 22.

The geosynthetic clay liner (GCL) is placed as the first layer of the composite liner system on a prepared

subgrade and on the side slopes of the cell excavation. The GCL is designed to have a hydraulic conductivity

of less than 1 × 10-9 m/s.

A second environmental barrier is placed over the GCL; the double liner system satisfies Class III liner

requirements. High density polyethylene (HDPE) film of minimum 2.0 mm thickness is placed directly over

the GCL and seam welded to provide an impermeable layer. The HDPE is covered with a protective cushion

layer consisting of a non-woven geofabric; the cushion layer prevents damage to the underlying HDPE liner.

A 300 mm drainage layer is to be placed over the geofabric cushion layer. The drainage layer consists of

single sized 50 mm crushed hard rock aggregate.

A light weigh non-woven geofabric is placed over the drainage layer to prevent decomposing waste from

entering and blocking the drainage layer.

The cross fall grade on the base of the landfill is typically 3% to provide good drainage of leachate to the

leachate sump. Each landfill cell has a leachate sump positioned at the lowest point of the cell floor.

Accumulated leachate is pumped to the leachate pond or liquid waste treatment ponds for evaporation.



9 WASTE PLACEMENT AND COMPACTION

9.1 INTRODUCTION

Operations at the tip face are important for the effective environmental management of the Landfill for the

following reasons:

Land management and airspace conservation is affected through tipping supervision, waste

compaction and the plan adopted for filling and final contouring of the landfill; and

Water pollution, air pollution and hazards, and loss of amenity are affected through covering of

wastes.

This section relates to the placement of putrescible wastes within the Landfill at the Facility. Tip face

operations, including the relevant Licence conditions regarding waste placement are discussed in the

following sections.

The Landfill is managed in the following manner:

No waste is placed closer than 35 m to the boundary of the premises;

Waste is placed in a defined trench or within an area enclosed by earthen bunds;

The tipping area is restricted to a maximum linear length of 30 m and waste in the tipping area is

covered at least daily;

Waste is covered daily with at least 230 mm of soil or where continuous cover methods are used

provide a cover of the waste of at least 100 mm every day;

There is enough cover material to cover waste in accordance with the previous point; best practice is

“at least twice”;

Waste is placed in layers not more than 500 mm in thickness and compacted with at least five passes

of a waste compaction machine weighing 24 tonnes or greater; and

The tipping area is no greater than 2 m in height.

The Site Supervisor has responsibility for filling the landfill in accordance with the Filling and Closure Plan

(FCP) included as Appendix G.

The Site Supervisor is responsible for carrying out monthly visual inspections of all haul roads/ramps adjacent

to slopes to check for signs of tension cracks that may be evidence of slope instability. The Plant Operators

are responsible for performing filling activities as specified in this OMP and as directed by the Site Supervisor.

Whenever required, tipping supervision at the landfill will be conducted by the Plant Operator.

Relevant functions of supervision include:

Noting/screening of waste types being disposed of at the tip face;

Identification of tipping areas for wastes requiring deep burial;

Removal of unacceptable waste;

Response procedures for unauthorised waste if identified in mixed loads; and

Notifying the Site Supervisor of any unacceptable loads.

The Site Supervisor is responsible for management of any unacceptable wastes discovered on the premises

and for identifying tipping areas for deep burial.



9.2 FIRST LIFT OF WASTE IN A NEW CELL

Care must be taken in the placement of the first lift of waste to ensure that the emplaced waste does not

inadvertently damage the underlying landfill liner. Soft types of waste that do not contain large long lengths

of steel, piping and timber or bulky items such as drums that will undergo crushing during compaction should

be used. The preferred type of waste to be placed in the first lift in a new landfill cell is municipal solid waste

(MSW) collected from household 240 L mobile garbage bins (MGB).

The placement of the initial lift of waste in a new cell should be placed in one complete lift of 2 m in depth by

tipping the incoming waste at the top of the emplaced waste and the Plant Operator pushing the waste over

the 2 m deep lift. Compaction of the emplaced waste should be done across the entire 2 m lift using up to

five passes of the compaction machine. To avoid potential damage to the underlying landfill liner the

compaction machine should not attempt to compact the face of the emplaced waste as the traction of the

compaction machine from working on the sloping face will move waste, causing slippage and subsequent

possible liner damage.

The placement and compaction of the first lift of waste in a new cell should be continually supervised by the

Site Supervisor to ensure that waste placement does not damage the underlying landfill liner. The Plant

Operator is responsible for ensuring that every effort is made to eliminate large rigid items from within the

waste placed in the first lift of a new cell, not operate the compaction machine on the sloping surface of the

emplaced waste and that waste is deposited on the exposed liner in a vertical manner.

9.3 WASTE PLACEMENT Waste placement in landfills normally utilises either the “push up” method or the “push down method”. The

push down method is normally used for the first lift of waste in a new landfill cell. Tipping loads of waste at

the bottom of the landfill face and pushing the waste up and into the exposed face of waste is the most

effective method for achieving good compaction. The requirement for additional traction when pushing

waste up the slope rather than pushing waste down the slope exerts greater downward pressure on the

waste, aiding compaction. When pushing waste upwards the compaction machine is required to work

harder, consumes more fuel and undergoes increased wear and tear resulting in higher cost for plant

operation. For this reason pushing up is often avoided. The push down method can also contribute to poorer

landfill compaction.

The depth of each compacted layer of waste is the single most important controllable factor influencing

density. To obtain maximum density, waste should be spread and compacted in layers not exceeding a depth

of 500 mm, excluding the initial lift. Thicker layers will reduce the density of waste that the compaction

machine can obtain in a given number of passes.

Number of passes made over the refuse also affects density. Regardless of the type of machine used, the unit

should make at least five passes to achieve optimum density. More than five passes tends to result in little

additional compactive effort.

Maximum compactive effort by a track-type unit is achieved by working the waste on a maximum slope of

5:1. Track-type machines achieve higher densities by grinding and shredding the refuse into smaller pieces as

they climb a slope. The opposite is true for landfill compactors; the flatter the slope the better. This is

because the weight of the landfill compactor is more efficiently utilised and concentrated when working on a

flat surface. Landfill compactors that are used on slight slopes (maximum 8:1) achieve a higher compaction

density due to shearing stress that aids shredding and better blending of material.



Moisture content has been shown to have a significant effect on compacted density. It is believed that water

tends to weaken the bridging characteristics of refuse, particularly paper and large pieces of cardboard,

thereby allowing tighter consolidation. The water may also act as a lubricant as it does for soils. A minimum

amount of moisture can increase refuse compaction density with the optimum moisture content for

maximum compaction of household refuse around 50% by weight. Although higher moisture content

provides higher in-place densities, more leachate is produced.

Refer to Meru Waste Disposal Facility Filling and Closure Plan (Appendix G) for more detail regarding the

placement of waste in the landfill.

9.4 WASTE COMPACTION

The objective of waste compaction is to maximise the utilisation of landfill space and land used to dispose of

waste. Compaction also improves the stability of landfills, and minimises voids that would encourage vermin,

fires or excess generation of leachate. A well compacted landfill will also suffer fewer settlement problems.

Waste should be placed in a manner that is mechanically stable, controls litter and vermin, and maximises

the degree of compaction.

Compaction of waste will be undertaken to ensure that the existing landfill space is optimised. The degree of

compaction of the deposited material will play an important role in conserving air space, generating

increased revenues and minimising subsequent settlement. The landfill operation will aim for a determined

compaction level through the use of appropriate equipment and good operating practices. Equipment to be

used can include a compactor, dozer and excavator. Other ancillary equipment can include a grader, water

cart and tip truck.

Other measures for best practice waste placement and compaction will include:

Keep covering waste to maintain the active tipping area at less than 30 m in width;

Place wastes at the base of each lift and compact wastes in layers of approximately 500 mm;

The waste deposited at the tipping face will be compacted in 500 mm layers using a minimum of five

passes by the compactor; and

Ensuring that bulky items are independently crushed prior to landfilling and covered with other

waste. It may be necessary to excavate a trench in the landfill to bury large bulky items.

Selection of the compactor machine is dependent on:

Amount and type of waste to be handled on a daily basis;

Amount and type of soil cover to be handled;

Distance cover material to be transported;

Weather conditions;

Compaction requirements;

Landfill method utilised;

Supplemental tasks;

Budget; and

Growth.

The Plant Operator is responsible for ensuring that every effort is made to achieve good compaction by

continually pushing waste onto the compacting area. The Plant Operator is also responsible for continually

spreading and compacting waste pushed onto the compacting area.



The Site Supervisor will ensure adequate stockpiles of cover are maintained. The achieved compaction rate

(excluding cover material) is included in the AACR. Detailed requirements for annual reporting are provided

in Section 14.

If the required compaction rate is not achieved, the method for compaction will be reviewed in context with

the types of waste being received. If low density waste is being received and the target rate cannot be

achieved, then no further action may be necessary. If action is necessary, this may include increasing the

number of passes over the waste or upgrading of equipment used at the Landfill.



10 LANDFILL COVER An essential part of landfilling operations is the placement of cover over wastes. The purpose of cover is to

mitigate against any environmental or health impacts including:

Minimising landfill odours;

Controlling litter;

Preventing the spread of fire;

Controlling disease vectors such as birds, flies, mosquitoes and rodents;

Ensuring that the landfill is trafficable;

Limiting infiltration of water; and

Minimising emission of landfill gas.

The waste landfilled in the putrescible cell should be covered at the end of each day, however if significant

volumes of waste are received, waste should be covered as soon as practicable to maintain the length of the

active tipping area at less than 30 m.

Daily cover should be applied to a minimum cover thickness of 230 mm. Materials other than soil must not

be used without approval from the Director of the DWER.

At least two weeks cover material must be available at the Facility under all weather conditions. This material

can either be obtained on-site, or alternatively delivered to the Facility. A cover material stockpile to last at

least two days must be maintained adjacent to the tip face at all times.

Daily cover will be used at the end of each working day to cover the deposited waste in the putrescible cell.

The cover material will typically be sand or soil. The choice of material used as daily cover will be an

important management consideration at the landfill as it could potentially limit gas and leachate movement,

thereby stratifying the waste. The daily cover may be scraped and removed temporarily before additional

waste is placed on top. If this occurs, the daily cover will then be stored for re-use.

An intermediate cap (thickened daily cover material) will be placed over waste that will be left for extended

periods of time, e.g. in excess of 90 days. Prior to placement of wastes over these areas the intermediate cap

will be removed and the surface ripped to prevent stratification within the waste body.

10.1 DAILY COVER

A minimum 230 mm of daily cover will be applied over the waste in the putrescible cell prior to ceasing

operation at the end of each day. If sand is used, the cover will be at least 300 mm.

If odorous loads are received, these are buried amongst existing waste as soon as possible. Crayfish offal and

animal carcasses are landfilled in a designated location in Cell 3. Where possible daily cover material will be

removed prior to the commencement of further filling operations in that area.

10.2 INTERMEDIATE COVER

Intermediate cover material, and clayey in nature, is applied to a depth of 300 mm over surfaces that will be

exposed for more than 90 days.

To promote water runoff while the intermediate cover is exposed (and also when buried) the cover will be

graded at a minimum slope of 2% away from the active landfill area. This will also limit the potential for

build-up of leachate within the active landfill area.



When active landfilling is to recommence over an area that has been previously capped with intermediate

cover, the intermediate cover will be stripped off to the degree practicable or ripped in order to minimise the

potential for perched leachate to subsequently develop within the landfill. Where intermediate cover is not

fully stripped back, the intermediate cover is to be ripped to allow the free draining of leachate down

through the landfill.

Wherever cover has been shifted due to strong winds or erosion from stormwater, a re-application of cover

is required in order to maintain appropriate waste coverage.

10.3 COVER MATERIAL STOCKPILE Material excavated from the Facility will be stockpiled in close proximity to the landfill area for use as daily

and intermediate cover material. In addition, a minimum two weeks supply of a heavier clay based cover

material will be maintained on site for the purposes of:

Reserve stockpile of cover material;

Heavier cover material for use in areas susceptible to high winds; and

For use in the event of a landfill fire.

10.4 COVER RESPONSIBILITY

Daily cover controls windblown litter, vermin and landfill odours. For this reason, client, visitor or resident

identification of windblown litter, vermin and landfill odours in the Complaints Register (Appendix E) forms

the performance indicators for adequacy of cover material.

The Plant Operator is responsible for ensuring that the tip face is clean and all waste is compacted and

covered appropriately at the completion of each day.

The Site Supervisor is responsible for:

Assessing which materials are to be used as cover material;

Ensuring that there is sufficient cover material available;

Ensuring that the daily covering of waste is conducted in an effective manner; and

Assessing the requirement for intermediate cover and ensuring that it is placed appropriately.

If there is evidence of litter or odour nuisance due to insufficient cover being placed on the daily working

face, a thicker daily cover should be utilised. If the material being used as cover is assessed to be

inappropriate for use as cover material, an alternative material will be located and used.



11 WATER MANAGEMENT

11.1 INTRODUCTION

Preventing pollution of water (groundwater and surface water) by leachate is one of the primary

environmental goals of the OMP. Of primary concern for water pollution is the potential impacts from

landfill leachate.

11.2 LANDFILL LEACHATE

Landfill leachate is the liquid that percolates through landfills, thereby coming into direct and prolonged

contact with waste materials. Leachate is delivered from either water that has entered waste filled areas and

has been potentially contaminated by waste materials, or liquid that has been released from the waste mass

by the degradation of organic waste and compressed out of the waste mass.

The objective of leachate management is to prevent any contamination of ground or surface waters by

leachate. The measure taken to ensure leachate does not contaminate the groundwater is the construction

of a composite liner beneath the landfill. This prevents the leachate from penetrating further below the liner

to the level of the groundwater table. At the Facility, any leachate collected on the composite liner flows to a

sump where the leachate depth is monitored and/or pumped to the liquid treatment ponds. Leachate may

be re-circulated back on to the landfill. The leachate sumps are located in the lowest point of each lined

landfill cell.

11.2.1 Cell 1, Cell 2 and Cell 3

For Cell 1, Cell 2 and Cell 3 leachate wells are constructed from reinforced concrete pipes stacked end to end

and extend from the base of the landfill to the finished surface of the landfill. As the level of waste increases

around the well, another section of pipe is added on top of the well, so that access is continually maintained.

Additional sections of the well are added using a crane or forklift. A concrete slab is constructed at the base

of the well to stop the well pushing into and damaging the landfill liner due to the weight of the multiple

concrete sections. The surface of the well is fitted with a secured lid to provide protection for staff and

landfill users and to stop waste and litter from entering and clogging the well. It is the responsibility of the

Site Supervisor to ensure that safe access to the well is maintained.

11.2.2 Cell 5

In the lowest position on the floor of Cell 5 a leachate sump will be constructed. The leachate sump shall

consist of a depression in the base of the landfill and lined with the same composite liner system as rest of

the landfill base but with an additional layer of GCL beneath the sump. Two HDPE pipes will run from the

leachate sump up the side wall of Cell 5 for leachate extraction. The HDPE pipes will have holes drilled in

them to allow the free flow of leachate from the leachate sump into the pipes.

11.2.3 Leachate Monitoring

The level of leachate head kept on the composite liner must be maintained to be no more than 300 mm over

a composite liner in the vicinity of the well. Monitoring of the leachate level within the leachate well must be

carried out monthly, or more regularly if required, and particularly after large storm events. Results of the

monitoring shall be recorded at the weighbridge.

In the event that the leachate head is greater than 300 mm over the liner, the Site Supervisor must organise

the removal of leachate from the leachate well with the use of a pump supplied by the City, in order to

achieve the maximum height of 300 mm of leachate over the liner. The removed leachate can be either

placed back on the tipping face, or in a trench dug into the emplaced waste in the landfill to be absorbed into



the landfill or trickled over areas of daily cover for evaporation; in both cases the leachate either dissipates

back into the landfill or evaporates to the atmosphere.

Excess leachate can be pumped to the waste water treatment ponds and evaporated if required. Due to low

rainfall and high evaporation rates leachate at the Facility is easily managed.

The main aim of monitoring landfill leachate within the leachate well is to:

Determine the leachate levels within the well, and

To identify the specific chemical characteristics of the leachate that will assist in identifying any

potential leakage of leachate into groundwater.

The production of leachate is highly variable and is dependent on a wide range of site specific parameters

and conditions. The monitoring regime adopted at the Facility will aim to identify and enable adjustments to

be made as a result of site specific changes that may occur in leachate levels and composition.

11.2.4 Contingencies for Excessive Leachate Levels

In the event that the average of the recorded leachate levels within sump, or well, exceeds 300 mm in more

than 50% of the measurements in a three month period the following action is to be taken:

Increase leachate pumping rates from the base of the landfill;

Check the efficiency of the leachate removal system;

Report in the AACR to the Director of the DWER on what has occurred, that has been addressed and

the results of the subsequent monitoring undertaken; and

If the leachate generation cannot be addressed discuss the risks with the DWER and discuss

corrective measures that can be implemented.

11.3 STORMWATER

Stormwater on a landfill site is water which falls on undisturbed areas of the Facility, and water which falls

outside waste filled areas but over disturbed areas (i.e. cleared or construction, intermediate cover and final

landfill cap) and is potentially contaminated with sediments.

Maintaining a free draining surface for the Facility is one of the primary environmental goals of the OMP.

Stormwater within the Facility will be allowed to discharge directly into the stormwater diversion drains

around the Facility with no treatment and/or containment required. These drains control and manage

surface water flow through the Facility before joining existing natural drainage lines around the Premises

without affecting stormwater quality.

Stormwater at the Facility is experienced infrequently as rainfall is low but the Facility is designed such that

surface water is directed around and away from the active portion of the landfill.

Stormwater management at the Facility includes:

Directing uncontaminated stormwater away from the tipping area;

Ensuring that all drains on the premises are kept clear and allow for drainage;

Ensuring that water that comes in contact with landfill waste is diverted into a sump on the Facility or

otherwise retained on the Facility; and

Ensuring that water and other liquid waste that may result from firefighting on the premises is

diverted into a sump on the Facility or otherwise retained on the Facility.

To action the stormwater management the control design features of the facility include:



Rainwater coming into contact with the waste and/or leachate will be managed as leachate. The

stormwater management system will be separate to the leachate management system for the

Facility;

Bunds and stormwater drains will be established to redirect surface water outside of the footprint

and away from the landfill;

Surface water generated on-site from hardstands, stockpiles, landfill cap and other areas outside of

the landfill footprint will be directed to the collection drains for dissipation and evaporation; and

Landfill capping will be undertaken as soon as possible following landfill cell completion to reduce

stormwater infiltration.

The Site Supervisor is responsible for conducting inspections and organising the maintenance activities

detailed below and for ensuring that an appropriately qualified individual is selected to undertake the

nominated maintenance activities.

11.3.1 Surface Water Monitoring

There are no surface water bodies within the near vicinity of the Facility. Surface waters generated at the

Facility are typically of low volume. However where clean surface waters are generated they are directed to

collection drains and dissipated.

11.4 GROUNDWATER

The design of the landfill cells considers the following:

An undisturbed separation distance, of at least 2.0 m, between the waste and the highest level of

groundwater; and

A minimum distance of 100 m maintained between the landfilled areas and the nearest surface

water body.

The objective of monitoring groundwater is to ascertain and protect the current groundwater flow and

quality at the Facility. Several groundwater monitoring bores exist on the Facility and are located in strategic

locations around the landfill and wastewater treatment areas, refer Table 4.



Table 4 Groundwater monitoring bore locations

Bore ID Northing Easting SWL (m AHD)

MW1 6811491 272544 5.46

MW2 6811431 271985 4.21

MW4 6811407 271779 3.94

MW6 6811821 272175 4.64

MW7 6811694 271719 3.72

MW8 6811818 271722 3.65

New Bores Installed for Cell 5

MW-1 6811143 271759

MW-2 6811817 271261 2.95

MW-3 6811447 271253 3.02

MW-4 6811015 271293

Groundwater flows steadily from the east to the west at a depth of between 3.0 m and 6.0 m AHD. The

surface level of the current landfill liner under the previously landfilled waste are summarised in Table 5.

Table 5 Surface levels of the base of existing landfill liners

Cell Top of Landfill Liner

(m AHD)

1 8.7 – 9.5

2 8.4 – 10.0

3 8.0 – 12.0

4 9.5 – 11.5

5 9.5 – 10.0

Surrounding Ground Level 22.0 – 26.0

Standing Water Level Below Landfill 3.0 – 6.0

The Licence states that landfilling operations are to be kept 2.0 m above the highest water level. With the

existing top of the landfill liner measured at a minimum of 8.4 m AHD at its lowest point, the unsaturated

zone that exists between the highest standing water table and the landfilled waste is at a minimum 2.4 m.



11.4.1 Groundwater Monitoring

Scheduled groundwater monitoring provides ongoing baseline data and detects potential variations in

quality. Groundwater monitoring points are shown in Table 6.

Table 6 Groundwater monitoring locations

Monitoring Locations Type of Monitoring

Point

Purpose

MW1, MW2, MW4, MW6,

MW7, MW8

MW-1. MW-2, MW-3 , MW-4

Groundwater bore Annual groundwater monitoring, assessing

groundwater levels and quality for

comparison with assessment criteria.

The chemical parameters that are analysed in the groundwater during the monitoring regimes will reflect:

Composition of the waste that will be managed in accordance with the OMP;

Site infrastructure that could potentially contribute to deterioration of groundwater quality; and

Groundwater quality as established during the initial groundwater monitoring undertaken.

The aim of assessment criteria is to focus the monitoring data collected, whereby adverse trends in

monitoring data can easily be identified. It provides an early warning system to enable appropriate

investigation and/or corrective measures to be implemented.

The assessment criteria aim to identify adverse trends in groundwater which are indicative of leachate

impacts or other site infrastructure (fuel storage etc.) impacts.

Table 7 Groundwater assessment criteria

Chemical Parameter Chemical Parameter Chemical Parameter

Arsenic Mercury Molybdenum

Electrical Conductivity Copper pH

Ammoniacal Nitrogen Lead Standing Water Level (m AHD)

Cadmium Manganese Total Nitrogen

Chloride Nickel Total Potassium

Chromium Nitrate – Nitrogen Total Soluble Solids

Zinc Selenium Total Phosphorus

The management strategy for groundwater protection and monitoring will conform to the conditions of the

Licence. Where groundwater monitoring indicates elevated chemical parameters in the results in comparison

to previous monitoring, a contingency plan will be implemented based on the criteria set out in Table 8.



Table 8 Contingencies for deteriorating groundwater quality

Monitoring

Regime Assessment Criteria

Cause of Potential

Impact Contingency Action

Groundwater is

sampled from a

bore detailed in

Table 6 on an

annual basis and

tested in

accordance with

Table 7.

The chemical

analysis

concentrations

exceed previous

assessment criterion

from routine

monitoring sampling

events.

Spillage from the liquid

pond unloading area.

Leakage from punctures

in the liners of the

liquid ponds.

Overflow from the

liquid ponds.

Spillage of fuels/liquid

wastes/leachate.

Leaking infrastructure

i.e. leaking leachate

extraction pipes.

Leaking landfill liner

system for the landfill.

Inappropriate leachate

re-circulation.

Landfill fire, damage to

the landfill structure.

Check for any obvious leaking

pipes (e.g. leachate pipes) or

infrastructure at the site,

addressing and documenting

any failures immediately.

Initiate repeat sampling and

analysis.

Increase the monitoring regime

to three monthly for an

extended range of parameters

in consultation with the DER.

Assess any management

practices at the site (e.g.

method statements) which may

be contributing to variation.

Document and address any

failures immediately.

Cease re-circulating leachate at

the site until the variation has

been addressed.

Report in the AACR to the

Director of the DWER how the

variation has been addressed

and the results of the

subsequent monitoring

undertaken.

Implement the corrective

measures as agreed with the

DWER and amend the

management plans accordingly.

The general approach to this contingency plan will be as follows:

Identification of the type of contamination;

Assessment of the potential environmental impact;

Isolation of the source of the contamination;

Assessment and implementation of appropriate treatment for the contamination;

Further monitoring to pin point the contamination source; and

Undertake measures to rectify the source of contamination.



It is difficult to be precise about the remedial action until the type, severity and source of the contamination

has been identified. However, having an OMP with a number of options will ensure that any issues are dealt

with quickly and efficiently, in accordance with regulatory agencies.

All monitoring results will be recorded and reported to the Director of the DWER annually. Wherever an

abnormal result is identified, the sample will be immediately directed for analysis in a NATA accredited

testing laboratory and investigations implemented to identify potential causes for the abnormality.

The City is responsible for ensuring that an appropriately qualified professional is selected to undertake and

report on the monitoring requirements and in collaboration with Consultants, is responsible for reviewing

the monitoring results.

Reporting on the groundwater monitoring programme to the Director of the DWER is required on an annual

basis as part of the AACR.



12 LANDFILL EMISSIONS

12.1 INTRODUCTION

The management of potential emissions and landfill amenity is one of the primary goals of the OMP. To

protect the amenity of the Facility, certain objectives need to be met in order to sustain an environmentally

sound and safe Facility.

12.2 DUST EMISSIONS

The following management and mitigation measures are proposed to manage emissions during the operation

of the Facility:

Materials excavated as part of the earthworks activities are stockpiled within specific locations

identified as causing minimum dust emission at the site boundary;

The surface of the landfill will be sealed with a landfill capping system. This will minimise potential

dust emissions from the surface of the landfill. The landfill cap will be vegetated to provide erosion

control;

Unsealed roads, exposed areas and earthworks are watered down regularly, or as required, to

minimise windblown dust migration;

All site traffic will, unless authorised, adhere to the site speed limit of 10 km/hr to minimise dust

generated by vehicle movements,

Dust emissions are monitored on a regular basis through visual inspections of disturbed and open

areas in accordance with the existing Licence conditions;

If visual dust inspections and complaints both indicate that dust is being generated from the site, and

is crossing the site boundary, then additional dust management techniques are to be adopted such

as mulching, hydro seeding, chemical crusting agents or additional use of water trucks or sprays;

Good housekeeping practices are adopted on-site to minimise dust generation;

All solid waste materials delivered to the facility are contained in a covered vehicle, which is only

unloaded within the active cell and in the vicinity of the tipping face;

Existing vegetated areas which are not required during the construction and operation of the Facility

are maintained;

Disturbed areas not required during the operation of the Facility, are progressively stabilised with

native, or other vegetation approved by the DWER, once operational use is complete;

Emplaced wastes are regularly compacted; and

Following completion of waste placement, the surface will be capped and re-vegetated as soon as

possible to minimise potential dust emissions.

12.3 ODOUR EMISSIONS

Landfills pose an air quality risk through landfill gas (comprised of Methane and odorous compounds) and

odours emanating from odorous waste and/or through the normal decomposition process. The objectives for

odour management at the landfill are:

No safety or environmental impact due to subsurface migration of landfill gas;



The minimisation of greenhouse gas emissions; and

The prevention of offsite nuisance odours.

Odour control is required to ensure that air quality objectives are met and that there is no loss of amenity

from odour through the prevention of any offensive odours beyond the boundary of the premises. Best

practice landfill management requires that all reasonable and practical measures to prevent or minimise the

discharge of waste odours should be undertaken.

The following management and mitigation measures have been adopted for the Facility and will be

maintained to minimise odour emissions during the operation of the Facility:

Any activities conducted on-site will not degrade the integrity of the installed lining and capping

system. This is achieved through the adherence to operational management processes on-site;

All wastes delivered to the Facility are contained in a covered vehicle to minimise potential odour

emissions;

The waste types accepted at the Facility are controlled in accordance with the Licence;

No prohibited waste is accepted at the Facility;

Odorous waste is covered immediately upon delivery;

Only one tipping face for putrescible waste is active at any time, where the surface area of the active

tipping face is kept as small as possible;

Daily inspections of the tipping face are undertaken;

Operational procedures adopted at the tipping face are aimed to prevent surface ponding of water

which can potentially emit odours;

Incoming putrescible waste material at the facility is covered as soon as practicable following

placement within the putrescible cells;

Effective compaction of the waste also acts to minimise the release of odours from recently tipped

waste;

The leachate wells and sumps will be routinely checked for odour emissions;

Weather conditions are monitored on-site; and

Cover materials placed for adverse weather conditions are able to reasonably withstand the

anticipated conditions without significant damage and exposure of the underlying waste material.

In the event of excessive odour emanating from the active landfill area remedial actions which could be

undertaken include:

Increasing the thickness of the cover or using other more cohesive materials;

Application of an odour suppressant;

Provision of improved drainage to minimise the occurrence of standing water; and

Spreading of hydrated lime over newly filled or saturated waste.

12.4 NOISE EMISSIONS

The following initiatives are undertaken to minimise noise emissions:



Personnel have access at all times to operational manuals for equipment being utilised and must be

familiar with the procedures detailed in the operations manual;

All workers must wear appropriate hearing protection if in close proximity to machinery for extended

periods;

A Complaints Register is maintained at the Facility to record any complaints received; this register

includes the date, nature and resolution action of any complaints received;

Following complaints, the source of any excessive noise is identified and work practices modified or

re-scheduled to reduce or eliminate the risk of future events;

Where possible, significant road traffic movements will be scheduled to avoid noise sensitive periods;

All mobile plant used on-site is regularly maintained, including exhaust mufflers; and

Speed limits are enforced on all site access roads.

12.5 LIGHT EMISSIONS

The Facility is operated during daylight hours being 7.30 am to 4.30 pm, the risk of light emissions is

negligible.

12.6 DISCHARGES TO WATER

Stormwater channels are constructed around the Facility to capture uncontaminated stormwater for

dissipation into the surrounding environment.

12.7 DISCHARGES TO LAND

Prevention of groundwater contamination is managed through the use of a composite GCL and HDPE liner

system, a leachate drainage system and liner drainage grades of 3%. The separation distance from the base

of the landfill composite liner system to groundwater is no less than 2.4 m and complies with Licence

conditions. Groundwater monitoring is undertaken at the Facility on an annual basis.

12.8 LITTER

Management practices which are adopted on-site to minimise the potential impact of litter include:

A policy of good housekeeping at the Facility throughout construction and operation phases;

The Facility is maintained in a secure manner using fences and gates so that only authorised

vehicles and persons can enter the site;

Any damage to fences or litter screens is repaired within two working days of discovering the

damage;

Ensuring that any waste that has been washed away by stormwater or blown away from the

tipping area is collected and returned to the tipping area on a monthly basis, or more frequently

if required;

Site Supervisor and other Contractor’s staff are trained in, and familiar with, the guidelines issued

by the DWER on waste acceptance and the requirements of the Licence;

A speed limit is enforced at the site, to limit the potential for materials loss (litter) from vehicles;

Only one tipping face is active at any one time; the surface areas of the active tipping face will be

kept as small as possible;

Daily inspections of the tipping face is undertaken by the Site Supervisor;



All deliveries are vetted to verify their origin and nature before the load is allowed to be

deposited at the tipping face;

Delivered waste is deposited promptly upon receipt;

Adequate mobile plant equipment is available on-site for the placement, compaction and

covering of waste;

An adequate supply of daily cover materials is also readily available on-site;

The waste is compacted as soon as practicable, following placement, to reduce the potential for

windblown litter;

Daily meteorological monitoring is undertaken, as part of the daily operations to assist with the

planning and management of litter;

During dry and windy conditions the active tipping area is kept damp by watering;

Daily cover (soil) is deposited over the putrescible waste at the end of every working day;

No putrescible waste surfaces are left uncovered for extended periods of time (e.g. in excess of

12 hours);

Litter fences are installed around the active landfill cells;

Dedicated staff are employed to collect windblown litter from litter fences and from around the

Facility;

Facility boundary fences are used to control any litter which migrates outside the active landfill

area;

Regular inspections are performed of the Facility boundary fences, with collection of litter

around the Facility boundary and beyond, specifically targeting ditches and access/haul roads;

Completed cells are capped promptly once design height has been reached; and

Waste vehicle delivery drivers are requested to inspect their vehicles prior to leaving the site to

ensure all doors are securely closed and no waste debris is left on the vehicle.

12.9 PESTS, VERMIN AND WEEDS

The objective is to minimise disease vectors emanating from the landfill by denying pests and vermin food

and shelter and to manage the Facility in a manner that it does not become a habitat for noxious weeds.

Management practices adopted to minimise potential impacts on amenity include:

Wastes delivered to the Facility will be contained in a covered vehicle to minimise potential odours,

which may in turn attract pests, vermin and birds, as well as prevent the potential escape of

environmental weeds;

A policy of good housekeeping will be endorsed at the Facility throughout construction and operation

phases;

Only have one tipping face for solid waste on each active cell open at any one time, where the

surface area of the active tipping faces will be kept as small as possible;

Daily inspections of the tipping face will be undertaken by the Site Supervisor;

No prohibited waste will be accepted at the Facility; the waste acceptance procedure of the Facility

will be adhered to at all times;

Highly odorous waste will be covered immediately upon receipt;



Waste which has been awaiting collection for some time is prone to fly infestations; when accepting

this waste it is promptly buried;

Daily cover is placed over the putrescible waste at the end of every working day;

Effective compaction of the waste acts to minimise the release of odours from recently tipped waste

and reduce the potential for vermin and bird ingress;

Bird scaring techniques will be employed on-site if deemed necessary. Where undertaken a log of

techniques employed will be maintained on-site to assess the effectiveness of the methods

employed;

Cat trapping to control the number of feral cats on the Facility;

Adequate mobile plant equipment will be available on-site for the placement, compaction and

covering of waste;

An adequate supply of daily cover materials will be available at the Facility;

Completed cells will be capped immediately after they reach the projected design profile;

Wastes generated on-site is stored in bins with lids to prevent vermin and bird ingress;

Facility bins are emptied on a regular basis; and

Nearby land users will be advised of appropriate contacts that will record and subsequently address

any valid pest, vermin or bird complaints.

The Site Supervisor will contact any complainants that have concerns related to vermin and determine the

nature of the nuisance. If the nuisance is of an ongoing nature as deemed from the receipt of repeated valid

complaints, the Site Supervisor will take steps to ensure that any identified impacts are addressed.

The Site Supervisor is responsible for ensuring that observations regarding the number of pests, vermin and

weeds observed are recorded and for taking corrective action in the event of pest, vermin and weed

population increases.

If pest or vermin problems are identified at the Facility, a local extermination firm will be contracted to

control pest populations or at least conduct a count for later reference and comparison. If weed problems

are identified at the Facility a spraying programme will be undertaken to eradicate the problem.



13 EMERGENCY RESPONSE

13.1 RELEVANT LEGISLATION

Legislation pertinent to an emergency plan for a waste disposal facility includes:

Australian Standard AS3745 “Emergency Control Organisation and Procedures for Buildings”;

Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 (As Amended);

The Bush Fires Act 1954; and

Environmental Protection Act, 1986.

13.2 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN GERALDTON 2016

The Contractor has available an emergency response plan for the Facility, Emergency Management Plan

Geraldton 2016, Toxfree Solutions Ltd, Appendix C. The Emergency Management Plan Geraldton 2016 is to

be referred to as the guidance document in the event of an emergency at the Facility. The Emergency

Management Plan Geraldton 2016 lists the responsible persons and actions to be taken in the event of an

emergency.

The Emergency Management Plan Geraldton 2016 provides an overview of the procedures for emergency

situations at the Facility and is to be used in conjunction with other City emergency plans and the OMP.

The purpose of the Emergency Management Plan Geraldton 2016 is to provide a structured and coordinated

strategy to Facility personnel in the event of an emergency situation at the Facility. The strategy that is

outlined considers both OHS and environmental management requirements. The Emergency Management

Plan Geraldton 2016 has been developed by identifying key potential hazard scenarios that could be

encountered at the landfill through risk management programs. The following section of the OMP provides

more detail regarding preventative measures and actions to be taken in the event of a waste facility specific

emergency. If a hazard scenario is encountered that is not addressed in this document the City must be

informed and the OMP and the Emergency Management Plan Geraldton 2016 are to be reviewed by the City

and the Contractor and amended accordingly.

13.3 RESPONSIBILITY, AUTHORITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY It is the responsibility of Site Supervisor to ensure that the emergency procedures outlined in the Emergency

Management Plan Geraldton 2016 are conveyed and made available to Facility personnel.

It is the responsibility of Site Supervisor and the Contractor’s staff to follow the procedures stated in the

Emergency Management Plan Geraldton 2016.

It is the responsibility of those personnel nominated in the Emergency Contacts list, Section 2.0 of the

Emergency Management Plan Geraldton 2016, to perform their appointed duties.

It is the responsibility of the Site Supervisor to ensure that the relevant authorities, including the City, are

notified of an incident.

The Site Supervisor, in conjunction with the City, has the responsibility to notify surrounding neighbours in

the event of an emergency that could impact them.



13.4 FIRE FIGHTING CAPACITY

The Bush Fires Act 1954 and the Licence provide guidance that aims to prevent bush/grass and landfill fires

and efficiently extinguish any that should occur through the maintenance of a water supply capable of being

delivered to any point on the Facility, and steps for fire prevention.

The objective is that the general amenity of the area adjacent to the Facility should not be unduly affected by

the operation of the Facility. Therefore the primary environmental objective is to ensure that Facility

personnel have the ability to adequately manage the fighting of fires at any part of the Facility.

The Facility is designed to meet the requirements of the Licence and incorporates the following features

which will minimise the potential for landfill fires:

Facility security will prevent unauthorised access and the potential for vandalism; and

Landfill liner system and landfill cap are engineered to limit the ingress of air into the emplaced

waste.

Management practices which are adopted on-site to minimise the potential impact on amenity include:

Facility security be maintained to prevent unauthorised access during and outside operational hours;

Contractor’s staff be trained in and familiar with the guidelines issued by the DWER on waste

acceptance criteria and the requirements of the Licence;

Prohibited wastes which have the capacity to potentially initiate a fire (e.g. reactive and hot waste)

be refused at the Facility entrance;

Waste which shows evidence of burning due to discharge of heat or smoke (eg. smouldering MSW)

be directed to an authorised disposal location at the Facility for pre-treatment prior to landfilling;

Waste be promptly deposited, compacted and covered to prevent the ingress of air;

Daily cover be placed over the waste at the end of every working day to limit air ingress;

Adequate mobile plant equipment be available on-site for the placement, compaction and covering

of waste;

An adequate supply of daily cover materials be available on-site;

Completed cells be promptly capped to prevent the ingress of air and allow the active control of

landfill gas;

Fires must be extinguished as soon as possible and reported to the Director of the DWER;

A fire management plan be developed for the Facility in conjunction with DFES;

A water truck and back up storage water tank to the satisfaction of DFES be maintained at the

Facility;

In the event of a deep seated fire within the landfill, the use of water be minimised and alternative

methods undertaken to eliminate the ingress of oxygen into the waste body (e.g. capping off the

area); these may include chemical retardants and dedicated landfill fire suppression treatments;

Smoking will only be allowed in certain areas of the Facility that are considered to be of low fire risk;

Areas where smoking will not be allowed include the active cell and in the vicinity of the leachate

wells and sumps;

All fuel or flammable solvents kept in an appropriately ventilated secure store;

Landfill compactors and other machinery at the Facility be fitted with an appropriate fire suppression

system or extinguisher for equipment fires;

Vegetation around the boundary not be allowed to overgrow;

Fire breaks be maintained around the inside of the perimeter security fence; and



In the event of a serious fire, the local fire authority and Volunteer Bushfire Brigade be contacted for

assistance.

The frequency and timing of inspection, monitoring and maintenance activities related to fire prevention are

summarised below.

Table 9 Inspection of fire fighting equipment

Action Item Frequency

Inspection of currency of fire extinguishers. Six monthly

Renewal of Contract for inspection and testing of fire extinguishers.

At completion of service contract

The occurrence of fires constitutes an incident and reporting is undertaken in accordance with the Licence.

If the annual review process identifies that the firefighting procedures need to be augmented to improve

performance, the procedures should be modified.

13.5 FIRE

There are many different situations at the Facility where fire may result. Some of these are:

Fire in landfill - waste or gas;

Fire in waste haulage vehicle;

Fire in offices/workshop;

Fire around fuel storage tanks;

Fire involving Facility plant and equipment;

Shrub fire on Facility boundary; and

Grass/shrub fire inside the Facility boundary.

Various procedures are in place to prevent fires on-site. These are mainly focused on visual inspection of

areas where fires may be a hazard, general housekeeping to minimise the risk of fire, training of personnel

and the provision of adequate firefighting equipment, and monitoring of landfill gasses.

Any person that discovers a fire must advise the Site Supervisor or Plant Operator immediately. No action to

tackle the fire must be taken without notifying another person, unless individual safety is at risk.

13.5.1 Fire in Landfill

Preventative measures include:

Operators ensure any potential fire situation is recognised quickly, allowing prompt action to

extinguish it;

Equipment fire suppression systems serviced and inspected regularly and/or as required;

Waste is covered by suitable cover material to ensure that the risk of fire within the waste mass is

minimised;

Flammable goods are not permitted in the landfill without special notifications and/or procedures in

place;

Smoking is only permitted in certain authorised parts of the landfill areas; and



Water truck is available on-site in the event that a fire does occur at the Facility.

For small fires in the landfill excavate any waste on fire and smother the fire with soil. A water truck should

also be used to douse the affected landfill area.

If upon excavation the landfill fire appears to be well established and emanating from deep within the landfill

mass, cover the landfill vents (smoke plumes) with soil to limit oxygen availability to the fire. Using a water

based fire retardant added to the water in the water truck, excavate hot spots and saturate the landfill mass

with fire retardant. If the fire is well established it may be necessary to drill bore holes into the landfill to

allow the fire retardant to be injected into the landfill mass.

Landfills burning below the surface create large voids within the landfill rendering the surface of the landfill

susceptible to subsidence and potentially unsafe. Any firefighting activities undertaken on the landfill area

should be co-ordinated by the Site Supervisor. Where surface cracking is observed or subterranean

combustion is suspected the area is to be barricaded off to stop entry until the area has been assessed by the

Site Supervisor and emergency services.

Power supply should be switched off if there is subsequent risk.

The Site Supervisor will direct plant operators as to the best approach for individual incidents.

Items of plant and equipment should be moved to a safe distance away from the affected area.

Unauthorised personnel and visitors must not enter the landfill area during a fire event unless instructed and

accompanied by emergency services or on-site personnel and with the appropriate Personal Protection

Equipment (PPE).

13.5.2 Fire in Waste Haulage Vehicle

It is difficult for Facility personnel to take preventative steps against this fire risk, however, to minimise the

risk of damage, Contractor’s staff will direct the vehicle away from the active landfill to a predetermined

designated area that is:

At least 50 m from the Facility boundary;

Has no other inflammable material on it for a radius of at least 50 m;

Positioned on an area of the Facility where other types of waste have not been deposited; and

Positioned at least 500 m from any person’s residence or place of employment.

If the fire is within the waste mass, the driver, if deemed safe to do so, should unload the waste from the

vehicle onto the ground and move the truck away for further inspection. The waste will then be thoroughly

wetted down using the water truck.

If the fire is within the truck cab and chassis the driver should apply park brakes, turn off the engine, alight

from the vehicle and if safe to do so, turn off the isolator switch. The fire should be extinguished using an

appropriate portable fire extinguisher.

13.5.3 Fire in Buildings


Offices will be kept clean and tidy, and waste bins emptied on a regular basis;

All chemicals will be clearly labelled and affixed with a placard (where required);

Smoking will not be permitted, except in dedicated areas with no fire risk;



Hot work (e.g. oxy-acetylene cutting and welding) will only take place in areas away from potentially

flammable materials and permits must be given to conduct this work by the Site Supervisor and/or

authorised personnel;

Fire extinguishers will be serviced and inspected on a six-monthly basis or more frequently if

required;

Hot work will only be undertaken by trained and competent personnel; and

Any spillage of flammable liquid or material will be cleared up immediately.

If possible, power supply to the affected area should be switched off, along with any fuel or gas supplies if

necessary.

If it is safe to do so, any equipment close to the fire should be moved away, along with any other potentially

flammable materials.

13.5.4 Fire near Fuel Storage Tanks


Areas around tanks be kept clean and any waste build up, etc. be removed on a frequent basis;

No other potentially flammable materials or incompatible substances be stored near the tanks;

Any spills of fuel be cleaned up immediately;

All tanks be clearly labelled and stored with the appropriate placards (where required);

Any electricity and fuel lines should be switched off if possible; and

All personnel should keep well clear of the area due to the risk of explosion or other incident, e.g.

release of harmful gasses.

13.5.5 Fire in Plant and Equipment

The operator is to leave the machine as soon as possible, only staying to shut the equipment down if safe to

do so, and where possible turn off the main power isolator switch and activate the fire suppression system (if

any).

Move other plant and equipment away from the fire area if possible.

However, the prevention of a fire is always the most appropriate scenario. Fire preventative measures

include:

All plant be cleaned and maintained regularly to avoid the build-up of waste or other material;

All belly plates and other more inaccessible areas be checked regularly and cleaned out at each

service or more frequently if required;

Plant and equipment be moved away from the active landfill area and any other potential fire areas

when not in use and out of hours; and

Operators to check equipment throughout their shift to ensure that no fires or hazards are imminent.

13.5.6 Shrub Fires

The Contractor’s staff are to fully co-operate with emergency service members in the event of a bush, shrub

or grass fire.

The Site Supervisor will assess the situation in conjunction with emergency services and the Volunteer

Bushfire Brigade to provide instruction to Facility personnel as to the best approach to fight the fire.

However, preventative measures are taken to prevent localised build-up of fuel. These include:



Clean up litter around the Facility to limit fuel for a scrub fire;

Check the Facility boundary regularly for other fire hazards and daily during times of high fire danger;

and

The Site Supervisor is to inspect and maintain a fire break inside the full extent of the Facility

perimeter fence.

13.6 OUT OF HOURS INCIDENT

Any incident occurring out of hours should be reported to the Site Supervisor immediately.

If necessary the Site Supervisor will arrange for the Contractor’s personnel to attend the Facility to assist in

the handling of the incident.

If the assistance of the emergency services is required, then the Site Supervisor will coordinate with the

appropriate services and organise any assistance necessary.

The City’s Superintendent’s Representative shall be informed of the Incident immediately.

13.7 EXPLOSIONS

Refer to the Emergency Management Plan Geraldton 2016, Appendix D.

13.8 SPILLS (LIQUID AND NON-LIQUID)

Fuel and chemicals such as motor oil or other polluting chemicals are hazardous to human health and any

spills have the potential to pollute the soil and groundwater. Thus, all spills are to be cleaned up immediately.

A very large spill or a spill of a dangerous chemical will constitute an emergency. In the event of a hazardous

fuel or chemical spill personnel are to:


The Site Supervisor will ensure that all containment and treatment is conducted;

The Plant Operator will assume control of all actions and decisions until the arrival of the Site

Supervisor;

Evacuate the area of non-personnel;

Contain the spill with soil or absorption materials;

Prevent entry to the area until further assistance arrives;

The Site Supervisor will liaise with the emergency services if required;

The Site Supervisor will decide when the affected area of the Facility is to be re-opened’ and

Contaminated soil is to be disposed of in accordance with the DWER Landfill Waste Classification and

Waste Definitions 1996 at an appropriately licensed premises.

13.9 LANDFILL GAS

The objective is to minimise the impact caused by landfill gas on the air quality at different phases of

microbiological breakdown processes of waste. This will help in reducing the Greenhouse Gas (GHG)

emissions from landfill into the atmosphere. Additionally, it will help to avoid any landfill gas migration and

explosion that may result in risk to human health, safety, amenity and risk to the environment.

Landfill gas consists of Carbon Dioxide and Methane. The different pathways through which the landfill gases

are emitted into the atmosphere are:

Through the surface of the uncapped or faulty landfill cap on the landfill footprint;



Subsurface geology;

Uncontrolled leachate migration; and

Faulty landfill gas management system.

The nature of impact will depend on the conditions prevailing in the landfill site and waste composition.

Landfill gas may:

Be odorous and corrosive;

If not controlled, contribute to global GHG;

Be toxic to humans, flora and fauna;

Deplete the native vegetation and impair the rehabilitation plan; and

Be flammable and explosive.

Landfill gas emitted from decomposing waste can pool in areas around the landfill. High risk areas are within

the leachate wells, Facility depressions, table drains, culverts and valleys in the topography. Landfill gas in

high quantities is extremely explosive due to the high Methane concentration. This poses a serious health risk

in the form of asphyxiation.

In the case of a suspected gas emergency during normal operations on the landfill, any personnel on-site that

experiences nausea or dizziness should contact the Site Supervisor immediately.

In the event landfill gas is suspected to be present in mass, Contractor’s staff are to immediately evacuate

the area.

Personnel are not to re-enter the area until the Site Supervisor is satisfied that the emergency situation has

ceased.

13.10 GEOTECHNICAL INSTABILITY


13.11 SIGHTING OF ASBESTOS

In the event of open air exposure of asbestos or contaminated C&D material sighted at the Facility, the

person observing the incident shall:


The Site Supervisor will evacuate the area by unauthorised staff members or other users;

Plant Operator to quarantine the area around the identified asbestos at least 1.0 m outside the exposed

area,

Staff handing the waste to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as respirator;

Wet down the exposed area;

Position the manoeuvre vehicles or staff treating the hazard upwind of the specific location;

Carefully load the asbestos contaminated material on to a truck for disposal at an appropriate location

on the landfill;

Contain the exposed asbestos by covering the load; and

Record the incident in the Facility’s record system.

13.12 MEDICAL EMERGENCIES




13.13 EMERGENCY TRAINING/DRILLS

All new employees, during the induction process, must be trained in the Facility’s emergency response

procedures including the location of the emergency Muster Point, contacts list and incident notification.

At least annually, an emergency drill needs to be undertaken at the facility to test and evaluate compliance

against the emergency procedures and identify areas where further training is required and/or changes to

the emergency procedures is required. The implementation of the drill is the responsibility of the Site

Supervisor and the assessment of the drill is to be recorded in the Facility’s record system.

13.14 EMERGENCY CONTACTS




14 REPORTING The Licensee of the Facility, the City, is responsible for maintaining records of Facility operations in

order to demonstrate environmental compliance for the Facility.

In addition, the Licensee must also issue a number of reports to the DWER. The purpose of these

reports is to keep the DWER informed about on-site conditions relating to consumption of air space,

waste disposal tonnages, environmental performance and unusual incidents.

14.1 ANNUAL AUDIT COMPLIANCE REPORT On or before March 1, each year the City must forward to the DWER an Annual Audit Compliance

Report (AACR) in the form as attached to the rear of the Licence (Appendix A) for activities at the

Facility for the preceding twelve month period. The report will include assessment against

requirements of the Licence and the previous year’s environmental monitoring.

Within the AACR the City is to report:

Measures taken to control pests and vermin;

Number and severity of any fires occurring at the Facility;

Measures taken to suppress dust;

Measures taken to control windblown waste;

Average compaction rates;

Records detailing the number of tyres collected, stored, on-sold and disposed at the Facility;

and

The number and types of complaints received including the nature of complaint, and where

appropriate, cross referenced with prevailing wind directions and actions taken.

It is the responsibility of the Business Unit Manager to provide a detailed written report of any

incident and/or accident to the City immediately after the incident/accident has occurred.

Correspondence to the City of Greater Geraldton should be addressed to:

Manager of Land & Regulatory Services City of Greater Geraldton PO Box 101 GERALDTON WA 6531 Phone: (08) 9964 6996 Fax: (08) 9956 6674

Correspondence to the DWER should be addressed to:

Regional Leader – Industry Regulation, Midwest Regional office Department of Water and Environmental Regulation PO Box 72 GERALDTON WA 6531 Phone: (08) 9921 5955 Fax: (08) 9921 5713



14.2 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT

The Licensee shall by March 1, in each year provide to the DWER an Environmental Monitoring

Report (EMR) that details the monitoring undertaken for the previous period, from 1 January to 31

December.

It is the responsibility of the City to ensure the EMR is completed and submitted to the Director of

the DWER by March 1, each year. The written report will include the assessment of data against any

limits set as conditions in the Licence. The report shall discuss any parameters that exceed the

threshold and the control measures adopted to return to compliance. The report will relate directly

to the Licence conditions and include items such as:

Any changes to Facility boundaries;

Internal buffer zones;

Asbestos and biomedical disposal areas;

Location of groundwater monitoring bores;

Surface water drainage channels;

Any issues raised by the DWER through DWER Facility inspections;

How any issues raised have been addressed; and

Any rectification that is still to be completed.

14.3 ANNUAL REVIEW

On a three (3) yearly basis, the City will conduct, or arrange for a suitably qualified person, to

conduct a review of the Facility operations to assess compliance and the performance requirements

specified in the OMP and the Licence.

This will include reviewing the overall effectiveness of procedures implemented at the Facility by the

Contractor and suggestion of improvements to procedures or any other aspect. All records including

the Daily Diaries, Monthly Checklists, Complaints Register and Annual Reports will be reviewed at

this time.



15 LANDFILL CLOSURE AND REHABILITATION

15.1 INTRODUCTION

Landfill closure occurs when no more waste is to be accepted at the Landfill on the Facility; it does

not refer to the continual completion and capping of cells throughout the life of the Landfill. Landfill

closure is essentially the final activity in meeting the primary environmental goal of land

management and conservation. Proper landfill closure should result in efficient remediation,

enabling land to be used for other purposes following closure.

Many of the chronic impacts of landfilling occur long after the landfill has closed, and while these

can be mitigated against by good design and operation of the landfill, best practice rehabilitation

and long-term aftercare of the Facility will further minimise the potential of any detrimental impacts

from the Landfill. Best practice for rehabilitation and aftercare should be considered very early in the

design and operation phase of the Landfill.

There are two main aspects to Landfill closure:

Landfill capping and revegetation; and

Post-closure monitoring and maintenance.

The final step for a landfill operator is to obtain a certificate of completion from the DWER which

states that further environmental management of the premises is not required.

15.2 LANDSCAPING

Landscaping and Facility improvement will be carried out on a continual basis throughout the Landfill

operation. The landscape works are undertaken to achieve the following objectives:

To provide surface stability to areas disturbed by construction of perimeter earth mounding;

To provide additional screening of landfill operations and associated infrastructure from

potential view situations; and

To enhance vegetation diversity and wildlife habitat associated with the Facility.

The landscape works are to be developed in consultation with DWER, the Contractor, the City’s Parks

and Gardens crew and/or an authorised Contractor.

15.3 CLOSURE PLAN

A Closure Plan should:

Specify the steps taken or to be taken in closing, capping, stabilising and rehabilitating the

premises concerned and the time frame for doing so;

Ensure that all leachate collection and stormwater controls, monitoring and reporting

practices, are maintained at a standard equivalent to that employed during the operational

life of the landfill;

Ensure that neighbouring residents are advised of contact persons to discuss any problems

(e.g. odour emissions). Records of these complaints should be kept in the same manner as

approved during operation; and



Ensure that waste materials are not received for disposal by the facility after landfill

operations cease. Waste materials that are intended for use in the remediation should be

documented and reported in the same way as for an operating facility.

15.3.1 Pre-Planning

Identify the type of final capping (e.g. Phytocap, traditional cap, etc.) to be used on-site;

Review the final Facility topographic plan;

Prepare Facility drainage plan;

Specify source of cover material;

Prepare vegetative cover and landscaping plan;

Identify closing sequence for phased operations of on-site structures; and

Specify engineering procedures for the development of on-site structures.

15.3.2 Six Months before Closure

A least six month before final closure of the landfill facility the following should be undertaken:

Review closure plan for completeness;

Schedule closing date;

Prepare final time-table for closure procedures; and

Notify Facility users in writing for waste generators or contract haulers, and through the

usual media for non-commercial and residential users.

15.3.3 At Closure

Erect fences or appropriate structures to limit access;

Post signs indicating Facility closure and alternative disposal Facilities;

Collect any litter or debris and place in final cell for covering; and

Place cover over any exposed waste.

15.3.4 Within Six Months of Closure

Complete any required drainage control features or structures;

Complete any appropriate leachate containment facilities and groundwater monitoring

devices;

Install settlement plates (if required) or other devices for detecting subsidence;

Place required thickness of earth cover over landfill; and

Establish vegetative cover.

15.4 PROGRESSIVE REHABILITATION

Due to the nature of the landfill design and construction operating on a cellular basis, progressive

rehabilitation is able to occur. While waste placement and compaction occurs in a new cell, the old

cell can be rehabilitated.

The rehabilitation plan includes:

Operational requirements, to ensure that the highest after-use value can be achieved;

Identify the potential after-uses for the Facility, taking into consideration trends in the

surrounding area;

Measure surface contours before and after settlement;



Specifications and materials to be used in the final cap; and

Preservation/installation of environmental performance control or monitoring features.



16 LANDFILL CAP The design objectives for the final landfill surface or capping are:

Minimising infiltration of water into the waste, ensuring that the infiltration rate does not

exceed the seepage rate through base of the landfill;

Providing a long-term, stable barrier between waste and the environment in order to

protect human health and the environment;

Preventing the uncontrolled escape of landfill gas; and

Providing land suitable for its intended after use.

The landfill cap provides long-term protection of the groundwater environment. The cap must be

designed such that the infiltration through the cap does not exceed the calculated seepage rate

through the landfill liner. This avoids the so-called ‘bathtub’ effect, in which leachate levels within

the landfill build up.

Rehabilitation plans are based on clear objectives and targets which can be effectively monitored

and audited to conform to objectives as outlined in the EPA (2006) Guidance for the Assessment of

Environmental Factors (No. 6). The objective of the landfill cap and rehabilitation plan is to ensure

that landfills are rehabilitated to minimise the seepage of water into the landfill.

The primary objective for rehabilitation is to minimise environmental impacts resulting from

permanent change to ecosystems. This requires the return of rehabilitated areas to self-sustaining

and functional ecosystems comprised of local provenance species.

The required performance standards of Class III cap, and cap design, which is based on preventing

infiltration by providing a very low permeable layer (clay or composite barrier), are shown in Figure

23.

Figure 23 Landfill cap performance standards and indicative cap design



Where the proposed after use of a landfill is to require revegetation of the Facility, the top-most

layer must be able to support vegetation and be of sufficient depth to ensure that roots do not

penetrate the cap, providing a conduit for water into the landfill and water out of the landfill.

The surface layer should reflect the type and depth of topsoils normally found in the local area.

Where it is not possible to duplicate the local topsoil conditions or the natural soil is too thin to

support adequate vegetation for erosion control, then an appropriate mix of soils 200 to 300 mm

thick should be used provided it is capable of sustaining vegetation. Any mulch used in the cap

should be pasteurised to remove weed seeds, plant pathogens and pests.

Introduced plantings on the landfill should not include any noxious weed variety for that area, nor

should the landfill provide a haven for weeds migrating from the surrounding area. Advice should be

sought on species selected for planting to prevent them from becoming local weeds. It is advised

that planting be restricted to species indigenous to the area and of local provenance in order to:

Avoid inappropriate planting;

Ensure the species are adapted to the local climate; and

Enhance the local habitat.

A drainage layer is sometimes placed between the soil layer and the geomembrane layer and is

generally only used in high rainfall areas or where the cap has a very shallow gradient. If a drainage

layer is incorporated into the landfill cap then it must be designed in a manner such that it does not

dry out the surface layer thereby killing vegetation, and does not prevent the continued hydration of

the low permeability barrier layer causing it to dry and crack. The drainage layer may be a sandy soil

or even gravel, which conveys water to a drainage system at the toe of the landfill cap. Care must be

taken to ensure that the drainage layer is able to drain water from the landfill as an accumulation of

water at the toe of the cap may cause instability in the cap.

Alternative landfill cap designs from those shown above in Figure 23 will need to demonstrate they

meet the required performance objectives.

A Facility rehabilitation and aftercare management plan will be developed to meet the requirements

of the City and the DWER. Facility aftercare is essential in order to meet the primary environmental

goals of land management and conservation.

16.1 CONTOURS AND VEGETATION

It is expected that the Facility will be rehabilitated in such a way as to return the Facility to

agricultural use. The City prefers that the Facility is rehabilitated and returned to either pasture land

or public open space following Facility closure. This will be achieved by:

The topography of the landfill cap blending into the surrounding landscape, with a gradient

of no steeper than 1:5; and

The surface of the cap vegetated with either local pasture grasses, selected local native

species based on the data obtained from baseline vegetation surveys or a mix of the two as

soon as possible following the placement of topsoil to provide erosion control.



16.2 FACILITY CLOSURE AND AFTERCARE

The rehabilitation and aftercare management plan shall include the following:

Prevention and control of erosion;

Filling in areas of subsidence;

Repairing of cracks in the surface of the cap to minimise the entry of water;

Management of vegetation;

Maintenance and operation of leachate collection system; and

Environmental monitoring of groundwater, surface water, leachate, and settlement.

The environmental responsibility of the Facility will only be considered for transfer from the City’s

control when monitoring confirms that the Facility is stable and non-polluting and with written

agreement of the DWER.

16.3 LANDFILL COMPLETION When sufficient evidence can be provided that the Landfill is stable and non-polluting, the City may

seek to complete all obligations by submitting to the DWER a certified statement of completion to

the effect that Facility remediation work has been completed and further environmental

management of the premises is not required.

Generally, this statement will be expected to show that:

Waste stabilisation has been completed. This would be documented by the composition of

the leachate changing to a low level of contamination, and posing no hazard to the

environment;

Groundwater monitoring has indicated no failure of the landfill liner that would pose a

threat to groundwater quality;

The landfill capping has been fully vegetated and does not experience erosion from wind

and stormwater; and

Documentation to demonstrate that all functions in the closure planning segment of the

OMP and the written confirmation of procedures have been completed.

Once the DWER has approved the certified statement of completion, the last licensee, being the

City, can cease the maintenance and monitoring of the Facility, and any financial assurance

requirements will lapse.



17 REFERENCES Australian Standard AS3745, Emergency Control Organisation and Procedures for Buildings

Cardno (October 2008), BROC Strategic Waste Management Plan

Health (1992), Health (Asbestos) Regulations 1992

DEC Disposal of Material Containing Asbestos Guideline 2007

DEC (2002), Rural Landfill Environmental Protection Regulations 2002

DEC (2004), Environmental Protection (Controlled Waste) Regulations

DoE (2006), Siting, Design, Operation and Rehabilitation of Landfills

DEC (1996), Landfill Waste Classification and Waste Definitions 1996 (As Amended)

DEC, Code of Practice Rural Landfill Management

Department of Occupational Health Safety and Welfare (1996), Occupational Safety and Health

Regulation

Department of EPA (1986), Environmental Protection Act

EPA (2002a), Interim Guidance Statement for the Assessment of Odour Impacts (No.47)

EPA (1997), Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997 (As Amended)

EPA (2005), Separation distances between industrial and sensitive land uses (No. 3)

EPA (2006), Guidance for the Assessment of Environmental Factors (No. 6)

GHD (February 2011), Annual Monitoring Report 2010

Halpern Glick Maunsell (November 1996), Meru Waste Disposal Facility Management Plan for

Establishment and Operation

Victorian EPA Best Practice Environmental Management, siting, design, operation and rehabilitation

of landfills (August 2015)

West Australian Government (2008), Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery (WARR) Regulations

2008

West Australian Government (1979), Litter Act 1979

West Australian Government, The Bush Fires Act 1954



18 APPENDICES

Appendix A DWER Licence L9127/2018/1



Appendix B Workplace Inspection Checklist Template

Site location:

Inspected by:

Item No N/A CommentsWeighbridge Area Yes

1 Fire- Extinguishers are in place- Are clearly marked- Have been serviced in the past 6 months as per register- Area around extinguisher is clear for a 1 meter radius- Fire exit signs are in working order- Exit doors are not blocked- Exit doors can easily be opened- Fire alarm is in working order- Emergency plan is displayed- Emergency drill carried out within the last 6 months

2 Electrical- No broken plugs, sockets or switches- No frayed or damaged leads- Portable power tools in good condition- No temporary leads on the floor- Testing and tagging of electrical items has been attended within the last 12 months

3 General Lighting- There is adequate illumination in working areas- There is good natural lighting- There is no direct or reflected glare- Light fittings are in good working condition and are clean- Emergency lighting is operational

4 Weighbridge- No oil or grease- Walkways are clearly marked- Walkways are clear of obstructions- There is unobstructed vision at intersections- Signage in good condition

5 Chemicals - HHW- MSDS for all chemicals- MSDS Register is available and up to date- Containers are clearly and accurately labelled- Floor area clear of obstructions- All chemicals are stored in accordance with the SDS

6 First Aid- First aid kits and contents clean and orderly- First aid kit is adequately stocked (as per the Schedule in the kit)- Easy access to first aid kits- All employees are aware of location of first aid kits- At least one worker on site with current Senior First Aid cert

7 Property Damage- Damage to Contractor vehicles and property (attach Incident Report)- Damage to City vehicles and property (attach Incident Report)

8 Office- contractor sign in book up to date- No exposed leads- Air conditioning working adequately- Filing cabinets are stable and in good repair- Workers' chairs at correct height (knees at right angles, feet flat)- Workers' monitors correct distance (arms length away when seated)- Workers' monitors correct height (eyes in line with top of screen)- Workers' mouse located beside keyboard (allows relaxed arms and wrists)- Contractors Induction video and equipment available and in good condition- Workers' keyboard located near edge of desk (allows relaxed arms)

9 Machines- Power equipment maintenance carried out- Power equipment clean

10 Haul Roads- Free of pot holes, wash outs, mud and debris- Signage clean and in appropriate position

10 Display Material- WHS policy statement signed by Managing Director and displayed on notice boards- Return to work program signed by Managing Director and displayed on notice boards- "No smoking" signs are displayed- "Staff only" or "Restricted area" signs are displayed in relevant areas- "Report that Hazard" poster displayed- "Manual Handling" poster is displayed in warehouse area- Safety noticeboard is available and up to date

11 WHS Information- WHS Manual available to workers- Incident report form available- Hazard report forms available- Emergency evacuation plan displayed- Training records up to date

Landfill - Inspection ChecklistDate:

Contact Number:

12 Waste Transfer Station Yes No N/A CommentsPerimeter provides adequate on-site fire control measures?- Extinguishers are in place- Are clearly marked- Have been serviced in the past 6 months as per register- Area around extinguisher is clear for a 1 meter radius- Walkways are clear of obstructions- There is unobstructed vision at intersectionsGas, Paint and Oil drop off locations kept tidy and clear of obstructionsWTS bins empty, clean and placed correctly?Safety barrier in place and adequyit?Ramp kept clean and free of oil, dirt, sand and rubbleSignage in good conditionWind blown litter under control

13 Builders Ramp - Cell 1 or 4 Yes No N/A CommentsPerimeter provides adequate on-site fire control measures?Signs?Fences in place to catch Wind Blown litterBarriers and Bunts clearly define unloading areas?Sufficient cover materialVector control - Minimal birds, insects and rodents?Dust , Odours and noise controlled?Entry roads are safe, provide all weather access and are well maintained?Landfill screened from public view?Entrance signs indicate facility name, emergency phone #, schedule, acceptable and prohibited wastes, and restrict site access?Adequate security, prevents unauthorized entry and dumping?Records: Amount of fill used

14 Cell 3 - Putrescible Yes No N/A CommentsPerimeter provides adequate on-site fire control measures?Signs?Fences in place to catch Wind Blown litterBarriers and Bunts clearly define unloading areas?Sufficient cover materialVector control - Minimal birds, insects and rodents?Dust , Odours and noise controlled?Entry roads are safe, provide all weather access and are well maintained?Landfill screened from public view?Entrance signs indicate facility name, emergency phone #, schedule, acceptable and prohibited wastes, and restrict site access?Adequate security, prevents unauthorized entry and dumping?Records: Amount of fill used

15 Cell 2 Yes No N/A CommentsPerimeter provides adequate on-site fire control measures?Signs?Fences in place to catch Wind Blown litterBarriers and Bunts clearly define unloading areas?Sufficient cover materialVector control - Minimal birds, insects and rodents?Dust , Odours and noise controlled?Entry roads are safe, provide all weather access and are well maintained?Landfill screened from public view?Entrance signs indicate facility name, emergency phone #, schedule, acceptable and prohibited wastes, and restrict site access?Adequate security, prevents unauthorized entry and dumping?Records: Amount of fill used

16 Cell 5 Yes No N/A CommentsPerimeter provides adequate on-site fire control measures?Road Traffic Signs in place?Fences in place to catch Wind Blown litter?Barriers and Bunts in place to avoid drop offs?Traffic control in place?Vector control - Minimal birds, insects and rodents?Dust , Odours and noise controlled?Entry roads are safe, provide all weather access and are well maintained?Site Development -Landfill development meets DER-approved site development plan?All landfill facility construction conforms to DER-approved plans and specifications?Adequate security, prevents unauthorized entry and dumping?Records: Amount of fill used

17 Green Waste Area Yes No N/A CommentsPerimeter provides adequate on-site fire control measures?Area kept tidyFences in place to catch Wind Blown litterBarriers and Bunts clearly define unloading areas?Sufficient cover materialVector control - Minimal birds, insects and rodents?Dust , Odours and noise controlled?Entry roads are safe, provide all weather access and are well maintained?Skip bins provided for Green waste contamination products deposalEntrance signs indicate facility name, emergency phone #, schedule, acceptable and prohibited wastes, and restrict site access?Adequate security, prevents unauthorized entry and dumping?Records: Amount of fill used

18 Used Tyre Stockpile Yes No N/A CommentsArea kept tidyTyres stacked in orderly fashion as described in the OMP.No more than 1,000 tyres stored at facility3.0 m between each row of tyresTyres stacked no more than 3.0 m high and 4.0 m wideArea clean of litter, weeds and log grass

19 Leachate Management Yes No N/A CommentsLeachate Prevention. Permittee effectively minimizes leachate generation in active and inactive cells through systematic use of daily cover, intermediate (plastic) cover and phased final closure (close-as-you-go) strategies?Leachate Seeps. No leachate seeps present beyond lined cell footprints?Leachate collection system (LCS). Permittee maintains 1-foot or less hydraulic head in primary leachate collection system and continuously removes leachate from collection systems?All LCS systems and equipment in good condition and well maintained?WM keep records of Leechate Levels Liquid Waste Pond - drop off area kept clean and tidy, clear of debris, grass cut?Leachate Storage/Treatment Ponds. Permittee maintains at least 3-feet of pond-dike freeboard above liquid surface? Access restricted by fencing and locked gates? Signs posted indicating pond contents and “no trespassing”? Ponds well maintained,

structurally stable, no significant soil erosion, slope failures leaks or seeps? Odor control measures effective?Leachate Treatment/Disposal. Leachate treatment methods comply with DER-approved leachate management plan? Existing facilities adequate or plans in development to address long-term leachate treatment and disposal? Treatment systems well maintained and functional?

20 Storm Water Management Yes No N/A CommentsStormwater Pollution Control Plan (SPCP). Up-to-date SPCP maintained in the Operating Record. Plan reflects site-specific conditions at the landfill?Stormwater Drainage Structures. Pipes, culverts, ditches, swales, berms, dikes, straw bales, erosion control matting, riprap, and other structures are well maintained, constructed per DER-approved design plans and specifications?

21 Landfill Gas Management Yes No N/A Comments

22 Storm Water Management Yes No N/A CommentsStormwater Pollution Control Plan (SPCP). Up-to-date SPCP maintained in the Operating Record. Plan reflects site-specific conditions at the landfill?Stormwater Drainage Structures. Pipes, culverts, ditches, swales, berms, dikes, straw bales, erosion control matting, riprap, and other structures are well maintained, constructed per DER-approved design plans and specifications?

23 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING Yes No N/A CommentsGroundwater Monitoring Program. Permittee conducts groundwater monitoring program in accordance with DERGroundwater Sampling Program. Sampling techniques comply with DERGroundwater Monitoring Well Network. All DEQ-approved detection and compliance wells are properly constructed, functional, and well maintained?a) Well casings vertical, in good condition and stable?b) Concrete pads in good condition, sealed to casings, and stable?c) Well caps on and locked?d) Wells properly identified and labelled?e) Any evidence of surface water ponding or erosion around well locations?f) Any damage to wells? Was it reported appropriately to DEQ within 14 days?g) Any unused wells are properly decommissioned?

Inspected by:

Forwarded to :

Signature:



Appendix C Emergency Management Plan Geraldton Landfill 2016

Toxfree Solutions Ltd EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN

GERALDTON 2016

Emergency Management Plan Tox Free Solutions Limited | Commercial in Confidence Page 2 of 33

Table of Contents

1.1 Site Address ........................................................................................................................................... 4

1.2 Emergency Manifest ............................................................................................................................. 4

1.3 Emergency Evacuation Plan .................................................................................................................. 4

2.0 EMERGENCY CONTACT LIST ............................................................................................... 4

2.1 Internal Contact List .............................................................................................................................. 4

2.2 Emergency Services ............................................................................................................................... 5

2.3 Neighbouring Facilities .......................................................................................................................... 5

2.4 Toxfree Emergency Notification ........................................................................................................... 5

3.0 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................ 6

3.1 Emergency Management Plan .............................................................................................................. 6

3.2 Hazardous Waste Facilities ................................................................................................................... 6

3.3 Authority ............................................................................................................................................... 6

3.4 Aim ........................................................................................................................................................ 6

3.5 Objectives .............................................................................................................................................. 7

3.6 HAZARDS (Emergency Types) ................................................................................................................ 7

3.7 Description of the Site- ......................................................................................................................... 8

4.0 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS .................................................................. 9

4.1 Emergency Control Organisation .......................................................................................................... 9

4.2 Non-Emergency Roles of the Emergency Control Organisation ......................................................... 10

4.3 Emergency Equipment ........................................................................................................................ 11

4.4 Emergency Control Centre .................................................................................................................. 11

4.5 Debriefing Arrangements .................................................................................................................... 12

4.6 Maintenance of the Plan ..................................................................................................................... 12

4.7 Testing the Plan ................................................................................................................................... 12

5.0 PREVENTION ARRANGEMENTS ........................................................................................ 12

5.1 The Role of the Company .................................................................................................................... 12

5.2 Preparedness ...................................................................................................................................... 12

5.3 Hazard Review ..................................................................................................................................... 12

5.4 Education and Awareness ................................................................................................................... 13

6.0 RESPONSE ARRANGEMENTS ............................................................................................ 13

6.1 Evacuation ........................................................................................................................................... 13


6.2 Personnel and Visitors with a Disability .............................................................................................. 13

6.3 Responsibilities of Wardens and Receptionist .................................................................................... 14

7.0 EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDES ...................................................................................... 16

7.1 Armed or Dangerous Intruder Response Guide .................................................................................. 16

7.2 Bomb Threat Response Guide ............................................................................................................. 17

7.3 Building Collapse Response Procedures.............................................................................................. 18

7.4 Earthquake Response Guide ............................................................................................................... 19

7.5 Electrical Failure Response Guide ....................................................................................................... 19

7.6 Explosion Response Guide .................................................................................................................. 20

7.7 External Emergency Response Guide .................................................................................................. 21

7.8 Fire Response Guide ............................................................................................................................ 21

7.9 Hazardous Materials Incident Response Guide .................................................................................. 22

7.10 Medical Emergency Response Guide .............................................................................................. 23

7.11 Person Entrapment Response Guide .............................................................................................. 24

7.12 Windstorm Response Guide ........................................................................................................... 25

7.13 Asbestos Exposure .......................................................................................................................... 26

7.14 Geotechnical Instability .................................................................................................................. 27

7.15 Information Log .............................................................................................................................. 30

7.16 Assembly Areas ............................................................................................................................... 30

8.0 RECOVERY ARRANGEMENTS ........................................................................................... 31

8.1 Post Trauma Recovery ........................................................................................................................ 31

8.2 Client Services ..................................................................................................................................... 31

9.0 Hazardous Waste Sites .................................................................................................... 32

9.1 Legal and Licence Requirements ......................................................................................................... 32

9.2 Manifest Quantities ............................................................................................................................ 32

9.3 Emergency Response Team ................................................................................................................ 32

9.4 Emergency Guidance Material ............................................................................................................ 33

9.5 Notification to Government Bodies .................................................................................................... 33


SITE EMERGENCY DETAILS

1.1 Site Address

ADDRESS DETAILS

Street Number

Street Name Landfill Lane

Suburb Narngulu

Post Code 6532

Nearest Cross Street Goulds Rd

Map Reference

1.2 Emergency Manifest

N/A

1.3 Emergency Evacuation Plan

A copy of the site Emergency Evacuation Plan is available in the main reception office and staff

kitchen noticeboard.

2.0 EMERGENCY CONTACT LIST

A copy of the Emergency contacts is available on the site notice boards.

2.1 Internal Contact List

POSITION NAME PHONE AFTER HOURS

Chief Warden Robert Baldwin 0400 485 529 0400 485 529

Deputy Chief Warden Kalta Adeley 08 9923 3188

Floor Wardens Nicole O’Donnell 08 9923 3188

Wardens Made Parawita 08 9923 3188

Site Manager Kevin Green 0400 165 561 0400 165 561


POSITION NAME PHONE AFTER HOURS

Reception Nicole O’Donnell 08 9923 3188

First Aid Lyel Brown

Nicole O’Donnell

0488 555 048 08 9923 3188

0488 555 048

2.2 Emergency Services

SERVICE PHONE NUMBER

Police 08 9923 4555 / Emergency 000

Fire Brigade 000

Ambulance 000

State Emergency Service

Poisons Information Centre 13 11 26

Power Company

Water Authority

Gas

2.3 Neighbouring Facilities

COMPANY CONTACT NAME PHONE AFTER HOURS

Cogman Recycling 9923 3344

2.4 Toxfree Emergency Notification

Refer to the Issue Resolution Incident Response and Investigation procedure for details of Toxfree’s

internal reporting requirements.


3.0 INTRODUCTION

3.1 Emergency Management Plan

The purpose of the Plan is to provide a structured and coordinated strategy to site personnel in the

event of an emergency at the Meru Waste Disposal Facility. The strategy that is outlined

considers both OHS and Environmental Management requirements. The Plan has been developed

by identifying key potential hazard scenarios that could be encountered at the landfill through risk

management programs. If a hazard scenario is encountered that is not addressed in this document

the City of Greater Geraldton must be informed and the document will be reviewed and amended.

This plan has been produced by Toxfree Solutions in anticipation of an unplanned event that may

have negative consequences for people and property. The plan also recognises the key phases of

emergency management activities; Prevention, Response and Recovery.

The fundamental elements of this plan are:

• Prevention measures.

• Provision of assistance and information to the emergency services, employees, and investigators.

• Safety of the facility.

• Management of emergencies including incident reporting.

• Support to persons injured on the facility.

• Support and counselling to all staff if required.

• Facility recovery. This Emergency Management Plan has been developed in accordance with AS: 3745 Planning for Emergencies in Facilities.

3.2 Hazardous Waste Facilities

Hazardous Waste Facilities shall refer to Appendix A for guidance on Emergency Management

requirements unique to these sites.

3.3 Authority

This plan has been produced with the authority of the Site Manager, in accordance with State OHS

legislation, and AS 3745

_____________________________________

Site Manager Date

3.4 Aim

The aim of this plan is to detail the agreed arrangements for:

• the prevention of,


• the response to, and

• the recovery from,

Emergencies that could occur at the Geraldton Landfill Facility,

3.5 Objectives

The broad objectives of this Plan are to: -

• Implement measures to prevent or reduce the causes or effects of emergencies.

• Manage arrangements for the response to emergencies when they occur.

• Assist employees and the company to recover following an emergency.

3.6 HAZARDS (Emergency Types)

A hazard analysis of perceived threats to the facility has been undertaken by the site QUEST Team. This

process is not intended to exclude any form of emergency and, to this end, this document has adopted

a flexible "all hazards approach".

A summary of the identified hazards and assessment of the risk each represents to the site are:

HAZARD LIKLIHOOD CONSEQUENCE RISK

Armed or Dangerous Intruder

Possible Moderate Medium

Bomb Threat Rare High Low

Building Collapse Rare Moderate Low

Earthquake Rare High Medium

Explosion Possible Moderate Medium

Electrical Failure Rare Moderate Medium

External Emergency Rare Moderate Medium

Fire Possible Moderate Medium

Hazardous Materials Incident

Possible Moderate Medium

Medical Emergency Possible Moderate Medium

Person Entrapment Rare Moderate Low

Windstorm Possible Moderate Medium

Asbestos Exposure Possible Moderate Medium


HAZARD LIKLIHOOD CONSEQUENCE RISK

GEOTECHNICAL INSTABILITY

Possible Moderate Low

3.7 Description of the Site-

Toxfree Australia PTY LTD has been contracted to manage on behalf of the CGG the Meru Waste Disposal Facility, Landfill Road NARNGULU WA 6532, being Lot 204 on Plan 403161 and Lot 2268 on Plan 250829. Toxfree has been contracted to run the facility on behalf of the City of Greater Geraldton under the DER License L6462/1992/12 and its amendments. Public as well as Waste Contractors use this facility to dispose of waste. Toxfree also look after deep burials and all chemical materials on this site.

• Toxfree Geraldton has 6 employees and receives approximately 200 (public and company vehicles and trucks) entering the site daily to dispose of waste.

• Muster Point is located at the front gate.

• There is a chemical shed containing hazardous materials and dangerous goods,

located next to the maintenance warehouse, this shed remain locked always and only trained Toxfree employees are to access this area, the manifest is located at the front reception.

• Emergency services meeting point is located at the front entrance gate, unless instructed otherwise due to risks in that area.


4.0 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS

4.1 Emergency Control Organisation

Kevin Green - Site Manager

Kevin Green - Site Manager

Rob Baldwin - 0400 485 529

Chief Warden

Kalta Adeley - 0477 385 849

Deputy Chief Warden

Nicole O Donnell

Floor Warden

Made Parawita

Floor Wardens

Rob Baldwin - 0400 485 529

1st Aider

Lyel Brown

1st AiderNicole O Donnell

1st Aider

Toxfree Meru Landfill Site Emergency Response Team

Site UHF Channel -16 In case of an Emergency, dial 000

These persons will form the Emergency Control Organisation (ECO) for the site.

The ECO will convene at least four times a year to discuss and minute matters arising from

the following:

• Evacuation exercise requirements

• Implementation of suggestions and ideas from other staff

• Any modifications to Buildings or Plant necessitating changes to the Plan

• Review the written Plans

• Staff training needs


NOTE: IN THE CASE OF A FIRE THE FOLLOWING MUST BE CONTACTED

• City of Greater Geraldton 08 9956 6600

• Department of Environmental Regulation 08 6467 5000

4.2 Non-Emergency Roles of the Emergency Control Organisation

Chief Warden.

The responsibilities of the Chief Warden are to:

• Administer the Warden System and chair the ECO meetings for the site.

• Regularly review and update, in conjunction with Wardens, the Emergency Management Plan.

• Arrange exercises and specific hands-on training for staff as appropriate.

• Ensure that the location of all visitors and contractors is indicated in a visitor book

• Ensure that a debriefing is conducted after all exercises & emergencies.

Deputy Chief Warden

The role of the Deputy Chief Warden is to assist the Chief Warden in the general administration of

the ECO.

Wardens

Wardens will ensure that they are:

• Familiar with the layout of the facility and the location of personnel including contractors within their designated areas of responsibility.

• Familiar with any emergency shut-down or reactive requirements.

• Familiar with the location and use of all first aid facilities and other emergency equipment in their area of responsibility.

• Ensure new employees within their area of responsibility are thoroughly briefed on emergency procedures as part of their induction process.

• Oversee the contractors within their area of responsibility.

Wardens will take appropriate action to ensure:

• Good housekeeping so that litter does not accumulate to increase the danger of fire.

• Hazardous materials are not stored or used incorrectly notwithstanding the nature of work.

• Furniture and/or equipment does not impede egress.

• Fire or Smoke doors are not wedged or fixed open.

• Passageways are free of obstruction.

• Fire extinguishers are not discharged accidentally or inappropriately and are regularly maintained.

• Hydrants and hose reels are not impeded.

• Access to and egress from emergency equipment is not obstructed.

• Unauthorised persons are challenged.

• Maintenance of safety signs and equipment.


4.3 Emergency Equipment

4.3.1 Using Fire Containment Equipment

There are three general types of fire containment equipment provided throughout the building.

1. Fire Extinguisher

2. Fire Hydrants

4.3.2 Fire Fighting Media

FIRE FIGHTING MEDIA TYPE

TYPE LOCATION NUMBER RESPONSIBLE

Fire Extinguisher Dry Powder Reception Office 1 x foam

1x powder CGG

Fire Extinguisher Blue Foam/ Dry Powder

Lunch Room 1 x foam

1x powder CGG

Fire Extinguisher Dry Powder Chemical Shed 1 x foam

1x powder CGG

Fire Extinguisher Dry Powder Maintenance Warehouse

3x powder CGG

Fire Extinguisher Dry Powder Vehicle Transfer Station

2 x powder

1x foam CGG

Fire Extinguisher Dry Powder Mobile Equipment Dump truck – x 2

962K – x 2

962G – x 2

826G – x 2

D6 – x 2

H/lift – x 2

Toxfree

4.4 Emergency Control Centre

The preferred location for the Emergency Control Centre (ECC) is the Weighbridge office on site.

Should this location be unusable due to the emergency, the alternate is the emergency muster

point.

During emergencies, there is a likelihood that the media will want to obtain an interview or

statement from Toxfree personnel.

On no account is any comment to be made to the media by any Toxfree personnel.

All approaches by the media must be directed to the City of Greater Geraldton.


4.5 Debriefing Arrangements

A debrief will take place as soon as practicable after an emergency, and all practice drills.

The Chief Warden will convene the meeting with a view to assessing the adequacy of the plan and to

recommend any changes. Such meetings shall be chaired by the Chief Warden.

It may also be appropriate to conduct a separate recovery debrief to address recovery issues.

4.6 Maintenance of the Plan

This plan will be reviewed every twelve months, and immediately following an incident, to ensure

that the information it contains is accurate and current.

4.7 Testing the Plan

Upon completion of this plan, and thereafter on a bi-annual basis, arrangements pertaining to this plan

should be tested.

This will be conducted in a form determined by the ECO in conjunction with management.

Any procedural anomalies or short falls encountered during these exercises, or ensuing operations,

must be addressed and rectified at the earliest opportunity.

5.0 PREVENTION ARRANGEMENTS

5.1 The Role of the Company

Management and employees recognise that they have a joint key role in prevention and mitigation

activities to reduce the risk, or minimise the effects, of emergencies that may occur. Review of existing

policies, acting in accordance with Codes of Practice, Regulations and industry standards, combine to

ensure that all measures possible are addressed to reduce the likelihood of an emergency.

5.2 Preparedness

Sites shall ensure an ECO has been identified and trained. Assembly areas have been determined for

use during emergencies. Regular emergency exercises help prepare the site to deal with emergency

situations and identify improvement opportunities in this plan.

5.3 Hazard Review

During the preparation of this plan, a hazard analysis (Refer Section 3.5) was carried out to identify

potential natural and man-made hazards that may impact on the facility. The ECO is tasked with the

annual re-assessment of threats to the facility.


5.4 Education and Awareness

The ability of employees to respond to, and in turn recover from the effect of an emergency, will

depend on the level of training and awareness of the people affected. Obtaining the preferred response

from employees during emergencies will require education and awareness programs to be

implemented for this purpose.

The ECO in conjunction with the QUEST Advisor shall:

• Ensure new personnel receive induction training on the Emergency Response Plan,

• Evacuation drills are conducted every 6 months,

6.0 RESPONSE ARRANGEMENTS

6.1 Evacuation

The total evacuation of the premises will in most instances be initiated by the Chief Warden or delegate

via the site emergency communication system to Area Wardens. However, it should be noted that in

some circumstances it may be appropriate for Floor Wardens or employees to partially evacuate an

area, and that some types of emergency may not require evacuation.

6.2 Personnel and Visitors with a Disability

When developing this plan, consideration shall be given to personnel and visitors who for one reason or another may need assistance or are unlikely to be able to act optimally in an emergency. This would include but not be limited to personnel and visitors who—

(a) are accompanied by an assistant;

(b) have a guide or companion animal;

(c) use alternative forms of information and communication;

(d) have an ambulatory disability;

(e) use a wheeled mobility appliance, including wheelchair or scooter;

(f) are easily fatigued;

(g) easily experience acute anxiety in an emergency; or

(h) easily experience extreme confusion in an emergency.

A current list of the names, workplaces and other necessary information about p e r s o n n e l with a disability should be kept at the locations where the chief warden exercises control.

Suitable strategies in an emergency or evacuation should be discussed with those personnel who have a disability and a personal emergency evacuation plan (PEEP) developed for each of those persons.


Information on the PEEP shall be disseminated to all people responsible for its implementation.

NOTE: An example of a PEEP is given in Appendix B.

6.3 Responsibilities of Wardens and Receptionist

Chief Warden. • At the outbreak of any emergency the Chief Warden will take control of the situation from the

Emergency Control Centre and ensure all personnel, employees and visitors are assembled and accounted for.

• On the arrival of the Emergency Services the Chief Warden will hand over control to the senior officer of the attending Emergency Service and offer whatever assistance is required. He/she will provide evidence that all personnel including visitors and contractors are accounted for.

• Ensure management is notified.

• Maintain a log of the incident.

Deputy Chief Warden

If the Chief Warden is not at the facility, the Deputy Chief Warden will assume all responsibilities,

duties and control. If the Chief and Deputy Chief Warden are not available, the next ranking Officer

on duty will assume control as Chief Warden.

• During an emergency, the Deputy Chief Warden will be delegated tasks by the Chief Warden.

• The Deputy Chief Warden, or nominated Floor Warden, will provide confirmation of personnel

marshalling and safety, or otherwise, to the Chief Warden by runner or other appropriate

communication means.

Wardens.

The primary responsibility of the Wardens is to ensure as far as practicable the safety of personnel

and, when necessary, to arrange their orderly evacuation from danger. IT IS NOT THE

RESPONSIBILITY OF A WARDEN TO ACTIVELY COMBAT EMERGENCIES.

When required, Wardens will ensure that their areas of responsibility have been totally evacuated.

Receptionist

The Receptionist will act as directed by the Chief Warden.

Duties will include:

• Attending to emergency calls.

• Notifying the appropriate emergency service by securing an outside telephone line and dialing 000.

• Notifying the Chief Warden.

• Activating the Evacuation Process.

• Completing Bomb Threat Check List if appropriate.


• Providing details of visitors to the Chief Warden for marshalling.

• Maintain communications between Wardens.

• Transmit and record instructions and information.

• Record process of evacuation.

All other personnel

All other personnel will act as directed by a Warden. Specific personnel may be allocated site

emergency shutdown tasks. These will always be subject to specific written Standard Operating

Procedures and will only be carried out if safe to do so.


7.0 EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDES

7.1 Armed or Dangerous Intruder Response Guide

ANY PERSON DIRECTLY INVOLVED

• Be deliberate in your actions.

• Be reasonably slow (consider your safety) in handing over keys, money or information.

• If possible, move the situation from other staff.

• Observe the offender (height, weight, age, clothing, speech disabilities, accent etc.).

FIRST PERSON ABLE TO DO SO

• Immediately notify a Warden

• Warn others unobtrusively

• Restrict access to staff and visitors

• Do not approach intruder

• Evacuate quietly

WARDEN

• Assist first “person able”, if possible and safe to do so.

• Ensure Chief Warden has been notified

CHIEF WARDEN

• Seek information on whereabouts and details of intruder

• Contact Police

• POLICE 000

• Determine safest evacuation route

• Marshall personnel as best as possible

• Provide details to Police on arrival

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

DO NOT PROVOKE OR CONFRONT THE INTRUDER


7.2 Bomb Threat Response Guide

PERSON RECEIVING CALL

• Attract someone’s attention and obtain assistance

• Immediately notify Warden

• Do not notify any others of the threat

• Try to keep caller talking

• Fill out Bomb Threat Check List

• Remain at telephone until relieved

• Do not hang up the telephone

WARDEN

• Immediately notify POLICE 000

• Notify Chief Warden

• Put on helmet

• Ensure no radio transmitters are used

• Never ignore threat

• If possible, relieve person receiving call to allow completion of Bomb Threat Check List.

• Assess need to evacuate immediately

CHIEF WARDEN

• Ensure Police have been notified

• Put on Helmet

• Determine need to evacuate

ALL OTHER PERSONNEL

• Evacuate when instructed

• Take bags and personal items

• Report any suspicious items to a Warden.

WARNING

IF SUSPICIOUS ARTICLE DISCOVERED

DO NOT TOUCH


7.3 Building Collapse Response Procedures

A situation where normal action, emergency controls and evacuation orders may no longer be

sufficient.

WARDEN

• Notify the appropriate Emergency Service

• Put on helmet

• Proceed to evacuate immediately

• Note degree and nature of damage

• Assist and guide personnel encountered

• Direct all personnel to nearest assembly area

• Take care not to move people from safety to danger!

• Proceed to assembly area and collect names of persons present

• Administer first aid as able

• Await instructions

• If assembly area under threat evacuate all persons to next nearest assembly area

• Assist Emergency Services

CHIEF WARDEN

• Confirm Emergency Services notified

• Put on helmet

• Establish Emergency Control Centre, if safe to do so

• If not safe to stay, proceed to evacuate immediately


• Establish that all persons on site have been accounted for and inform Emergency Services on arrival.

• Identify missing or injured persons.

• Assist Emergency Services on arrival.


7.4 Earthquake Response Guide

A situation where normal action, emergency controls and evacuation orders may no longer be

sufficient.

WARDEN

• Notify the appropriate Emergency Service

• Put on helmet

• Proceed to evacuate immediately


• Assist and guide personnel encountered

• Direct all personnel to nearest assembly area

• Take care not to move people from safety to danger!

• Proceed to assembly area and collect names of persons present

• Administer first aid as able

• Await instructions

• If assembly area under threat evacuate all persons to next nearest assembly area


CHIEF WARDEN

• Confirm Emergency Services notified

• Put on helmet

• Establish Emergency Control Centre, if safe to do so

• If not safe to stay, proceed to evacuate immediately





7.5 Electrical Failure Response Guide

CHIEF WARDEN

• Determine situation

• Contact Power company, confirm outage and indicate priority

• Arrange alternative power

• Marshall personnel to assembly area, if appropriate.


7.6 Explosion Response Guide


• Turn off gas and electricity, if practicable, and remove any person in danger, if safe to do so.

• Quickly assess and notify a Warden.

• Vacate the area immediately.

• Keep personnel away.

WARDEN

• Quickly assess the situation and ensure the alarm has been raised.

• Put on helmet

• Remove any persons in danger if safe to do so.

• Consider evacuation.

CHIEF WARDEN

• Determine situation.

• Put on helmet

• Confirm fire authority contact.

• FIRE AUTHORITY 000.

• Establish Emergency Control Centre.

• Determine appropriate assembly area/s. (note wind direction)





Do not attempt to remove debris from electrical equipment.

If irritating or noxious vapours are present, withdraw immediately and stop

all personnel from entering the area.


7.7 External Emergency Response Guide

CHIEF WARDEN


• Contact Emergency Services, if necessary

• Advise ECO and staff of actions required.

• Marshall personnel to assembly area, if appropriate.


Take care not to move people from Safety to Danger

7.8 Fire Response Guide


• Quickly assess and raise the alarm by immediately notifying the switchboard.

• Attack seat of fire (Note*) with available firefighting equipment if safe to do so.

• Withdraw when instructed.

WARDEN


• Put on helmet



• Ensure Chief Warden notified.

CHIEF WARDEN


• Put on helmet.

• Confirm Fire Authority contact.




• Establish that all persons have been accounted for and inform Emergency Services on arrival.




Note* Only persons trained in use of extinguishers and firefighting

techniques


7.9 Hazardous Materials Incident Response Guide



• Do not attempt to rescue without appropriate protection. (see special considerations)

• Contain the spill, if safe to do so.

• Withdraw to safe position.

• Advise a Warden.

WARDEN


• Put on helmet



CHIEF WARDEN


• Put on helmet.

• Confirm Fire Authority contact.



• Determine appropriate Assembly Area/s. (note wind direction)

• Establish that all persons have been accounted for and inform Emergency Services on arrival.


• Assist Emergency Services.


In some instances, rescue personnel must wear self-contained breathing

apparatus and other personal protection – If trained to do so.

Any rescue may have to be performed by Emergency Services.


7.10 Medical Emergency Response Guide


• Administer first aid as appropriate, if safe to do so.

• Notify first aid post and a Warden

WARDEN


• Contact Ambulance

• AMBULANCE 000

• Keep uninvolved personnel away.

• Notify Chief Warden.

CHIEF WARDEN


• Put on helmet.

• Confirm Ambulance contact.


FIRST AID OFFICER


• Respond to location of incident

• Attend to injured, if safe to do so.


Personnel involved in treating injured should ensure they make use of

personal protective equipment such as rubber gloves, face masks etc.


7.11 Person Entrapment Response Guide

FIRST PERSON ABLE

• Turn off machine if practicable and remove any persons from danger, if safe to do so.


• Render first aid if safe to do so.

WARDEN


• Put on helmet

• Remove any persons in danger, if safe to do so.

• Render first aid, if safe to do so.

• Keep other personnel away.

CHIEF WARDEN

• Confirm appropriate Emergency Services have been notified

• Put on helmet

• Determine the situation


FIRST AID OFFICER


• Respond to location of incident

• Attend to injured, if safe to do so.

WARNING

DO NOT ENTER A CONFINED SPACE WITHOUT THE APPROPRIATE PERSONAL

PROTECTION AND ONLY THEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CURRENT

CONFINED SPACE REGULATIONS AND IF PROPERLY TRAINED IN SUCH

PROCEDURES.


7.12 Windstorm Response Guide


• Turn off gas and electricity, if practicable, and remove any person in danger, if safe to do so.


• Vacate the area immediately.


WARDEN


• Put on helmet



CHIEF WARDEN


• Put on helmet

• Confirm State Emergency Service contact.

• STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE 000.







Do not attempt to remove debris from electrical equipment.

If irritating or noxious vapours are present, withdraw immediately and stop

all personnel from entering the area.


7.13 Asbestos Exposure


Contact the Site Supervisor,

Evacuate the area of non-Meru Waste Disposal Facility staff members or authorised personnel,

WARDEN

Quickly assess the situation and ensure the alarm has been raised.

Remove any persons in danger if safe to do so.

Consider further evacuation depending on the prevailing wind to the incident location.

Consider using the water truck to wet the area down if dust is blowing around.

CHIEF WARDEN

Determine situation.


complete.

Issue emergency response personnel involved in treating the hazard with appropriate masks and

protective disposable clothing.

Manoeuvre vehicles and staff treating the hazard to be positioned upwind of the specific site,

Contain the exposed asbestos and place into lined bins or place plastic to be wrapped and disposed

of by normal process at the Landfill Facility.


7.14 Geotechnical Instability


Contact the Site Supervisor,

Evacuate the area of non-Meru Waste Disposal Facility staff members or authorised personnel,

WARDEN

Quickly assess the situation and ensure the alarm has been raised. Call 000 and request assistance of

the Fire Brigade.

Remove any persons in danger if safe to do so.

Consider further evacuation depending on location of other personnel in areas above and or below

the unstable site.

Consider stop all machinery and vehicles that may cause vibration or add to the instability of the

ground. Use road blocks to stop or redirect traffic as required.

CHIEF WARDEN

Determine situation.


complete.


Evacuation Procedure

7.14.1 INITIAL

Upon the sounding of the fire alarm or receiving verbal warning of a situation affecting the safety of the people in the building:

• Keep calm!!

• Return to where you are expected to be, if safe to do so. If not safe, stay within the area you are in and advise your situation to the Area Emergency Warden in the area.

• Assist in keeping staff and visitors calm.

• Prepare for possible evacuation from the building through the closest available exit.

• Plan for shortest/safest route to the nearest Evacuation Assembly Point.

• The site’s Emergency Evacuation Plan is displayed in the building showing exits and assembly points

7.14.2 EVACUATION DECISION

Upon the evacuation order from a Chief Emergency Warden or believing it appropriate to evacuate:

• Move self and assist to move staff and visitors away from the incident towards the closest exit.

• Assist to check all rooms, particularly toilets and showers, as people move away from the threat zone.

• Once people have left the building, no one is to re-enter until the Police or Fire Brigade declares the building safe and Chief Emergency Warden gives the ‘All Clear’.

• Move to the designated Evacuation Assembly Point and report to the Area Emergency Warden. Ensure your name is recorded on the roll call list.

• Immediately report to the Area Emergency Warden any casualties, persons known or thought to be missing

• Assist and reassure people at the Evacuation Assembly Point.

• An Area Emergency Warden is required to be at the Assembly Point until the ‘All Clear’ is given.

The Chief Emergency Warden will continually monitor the situation and advise the Area Emergency Wardens on any change regarding the emergency incident and time frames expected. Area Emergency Wardens will keep all appropriate people at their Evacuation Assembly Point informed.

7.14.3 STAGES OF EVACUATION

Generally, it is accepted that the evacuation process for a single level building involves three stages, with people being progressively moved clear of danger.


The three stages of evacuation are:

Stage 1: IMMEDIATE

The evacuation of staff and visitors in immediate danger to a nearby safer place. i.e. move from office to passage and close office door to provide temporary barrier between threat and person at risk.

Stage 2: HORIZONTAL

The movement of all those involved in Stage 1, plus any additional people who could be in danger, to a further safe place on the same level. i.e. to a point behind smoke or fire doors (where applicable).

Stage 3: TOTAL

Involves the total evacuation of the building to the designated Evacuation Assembly Point located external to all buildings.

The Evacuation Assembly Point is shown on the Emergency Evacuation Plan.

7.14.4 SEQUENCE OF MOVING PEOPLE

• Ensure the most efficient movement of people, particularly along passageways and through exit doors, using a prioritized approach.

• Move persons clear of threat area, ensuring that exits and exit routes are kept clear. Reinforce the fact that they must not re-enter area.

• Ensure no re-entry.


7.15 Information Log

It is vitally important that accurate details of actions taken and decisions made in times of

emergency are kept. Detailed below is an example layout of an operational log sheet which should

be completed during such events. Copies of this log sheet are held by the Chief Warden, Deputy

Chief Warden and the Receptionist.

DATE TIME TO/FROM ACTION COMMENTS

7.16 Assembly Areas

When advised by the Chief Warden all persons on site are to make their way in an orderly fashion to

the nominated assembly areas. Wardens will assist in this function and once located at the

assembly area account for all personnel. The selection of the appropriate assembly areas will be

made by the Chief Warden who will consider the following:

• Location of the Emergency

• Type of Emergency

• Wind direction


8.0 RECOVERY ARRANGEMENTS

8.1 Post Trauma Recovery

Being involved in emergencies, particularly those resulting in the death or serious injury of a work

colleague may have both short and long term impact for employees.

Post incident debriefing and presence of a provider of the Employee Assistance program should be

considered to assist with the management of such an event.

8.2 Client Services

In the event of a major emergency, it may take some time before the desired level of operation and

customer service activity can return to an acceptable level.

Consideration should be given to the need to communicate with clients in relation to service levels

and temporary alternative arrangements to ensure continuity of service delivery.

This will need to be discussed with and approved by the Executive Management team prior to

implementation.


9.0 Hazardous Waste Sites

9.1 Legal and Licence Requirements

State and Territory legal requirements for Emergency Planning differ. Sites which store Hazardous

Waste of a dangerous goods nature should consult their local legal requirements.

The Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act and WHS Regulations specify that an emergency plan must

be prepared and provided to the emergency services organisation if the quantity of Schedule 11

hazardous chemicals used, handled or stored at a workplace exceeds the manifest quantity for that

Hazardous Chemical.

In Western Australia refer to the Dangerous Goods (Storage and Handling of non-explosives)

Regulations 2007 Regulation 75 Emergency Planning.

Certain sites may also have a site licence issued under the State or Territory Environmental

Protection Agency for the handling of Prescribed Industrial Waste. Sites must check that all licence

requirements for emergency planning and notification are known and adhered to. Refer to 11.5

Notification to Government Bodies.

9.2 Manifest Quantities

Certain threshold quantities of dangerous goods become manifest quantities. This requires sites to

have a site Manifest detailing the quantities of dangerous goods held on site. A manifest is an

important document for the Emergency Services so that they can determine the level of response

required in an emergency.

A site manifest must be kept up to date and in a prominent location on the premises.

Sites that require a manifest must include details of its location in the emergency plan.

9.3 Emergency Response Team

A site may have an emergency response team that form part of the Emergency Control Committee.

The role of the emergency response team is to respond directly to emergency situations, utilising

the site emergency equipment etc. while waiting for the Emergency Services to enter the site.

The emergency response team must be trained on first response firefighting or equivalent, must be

familiar with the location and use of site emergency equipment.

The emergency response team must have appropriate Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment

available in the event of an emergency.

The emergency response team are to be co-ordinated by and communicate with the site Chief

Warden.


9.4 Emergency Guidance Material

The following information may be useful for site Emergency Team and Response Teams when

dealing with potential emergency situations:

• Material Safety Data Sheets – hard copy or via Chemwatch

• Local batch Processing Sheets generated during the handling of waste

• Australian Standards HB76: Initial Emergency Response Guide

• Local Emergency Procedures

9.5 Notification to Government Bodies

State and Territory legal requirements for notification of an incident vary. Determining the legal

requirements for the incident notification must be determined and procedures in place for early

notification.

Notification may be required for both Safety Regulators and Environmental Regulators in your State

or Territory.



Appendix D Geraldton Landfill Traffic Management Plan

1 UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED. CONTROLLED COPY TOXFREE INTRANET http://intranet

TOXFREE GERALDTON MERU LANDFILL FACILITY, TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PLAN

INTRODUCTION

1. Purpose

The purpose of this procedure is to describe the systems to be followed to ensure pedestrian and vehicle traffic movements are controlled in a safe and effective manner at the Toxfree Managed Meru Landfill Facility.

Site Address: Landfill Lane, Off Goulds Rd Narngulu WA 6532

Meru Landfill Facility

Workplace Manager

OHS Advisor

Kevin Green

Wayne Bajars

QUEST Representative: Rob Baldwin

2. Scope

This procedure is to be followed by all Toxfree employees, contractors or visitors to Meru Landfill Site.

3. Objective

The objective is to ensure that traffic movements associated with the Landfill do not

adversely affect the health, welfare and amenity of nearby residents and sensitive areas.

This will be achieved by:

• Appropriate signage, which will be visible and appropriately maintained,

• Site speed restrictions will be imposed to reduce dust generation and the likelihood of

traffic incidents. Appropriate signposting of slow speed limits will be used at the site,

• Good visibility will be maintained at all times on intersection and/or entry points to the

facility,

• Road awareness will be a component of inductions and briefings,

• Only fully enclosed or covered vehicles will be used to transport waste to minimise the

possibility of spillage which may create traffic hazards, and

• Access to the site will be strictly controlled for safety and operational control reasons.

4. Responsibilities

The Site Manager, Port Hedland is responsible for the development of and compliance with this procedure.


5. Training

Employees, visitors, temporary workers and contractors shall be inducted in the requirements of this procedure before commencing any work on site. The Site induction shall be recorded and filed on site

6. Exclusions Zones

Works being conducted on the site by contractors will be done using agreed exclusion zones demarcated by barricading, tape, cones, temporary fencing or similar.

Customers using the facility will be given clear instructions by the Weighbridge staff if they need to move with in the vicinity of an exclusion zone.

7. Radio

UHF Channel 16 is the designated channel on site.

8. Risk Management Controls (RMC)

The requirements and execution of this Traffic Management Plan will be done in accordance with the Toxfree Traffic manage RMC (QUEST 659-8), and the Driving Safely RMC (659-9) as a minimum.

Pick up and drop off points for staff and visitors:

The following safety features are in place to ensure that the picking up or dropping of staff, visitors are conducted in a safe manner: ▪ Entry and exit signage to the workplace is located at:

- Entry – Landfill Lane; and - Exit – Landfill Lane.

▪ Designated parking areas are located at: - Behind the front of office.

▪ Designated pedestrian walkways are: - In main office area.

▪ Personal protective equipment whilst operating in yard (PPE): - Long pants; - Long sleeve Hi-Vis shirt (or long sleeve shirt with Hi-Vis vest); - Safety Boots - Gloves - Safety glasses - Hearing Protection (to be carried at all times).

▪ Pedestrian walkways are physically protected from designated vehicle passageway by: - Garden area

▪ Pedestrian walkways are clearly marked/indicated by: - Pathways and signage

▪ Speed restriction signage is clearly displayed in the workplace at the following locations: - Entry on Landfill Lane - 10 km/hr

▪ Speed controlling devices are in place to restrict vehicle speed on site: - Signage

Courier and/or delivery drop off points


The following safety features are in place to ensure that deliveries of various items to the workplace is undertaken in a safe manner: ▪ Designated courier and/or delivery drop off points are located at:

- Office ▪ Courier and/or delivery drop off points are clearly marked by:

- Report to Office signs ▪ Other considerations that may need to be documented?

- Vehicles are prevented from accessing the following areas:

Safe passage of vehicles - large vehicles, buses, 4WD, forklifts, mobile plant etc.

The following safety arrangements and features are in place when large vehicles or mobile plant such as trucks, forklifts or ride on mowers are required to move around the worksite: ▪ Vehicles are not allowed to move around the grounds during the following time periods of

peak pedestrian traffic: - 8am – 4pm.

▪ Prior to entering Tox Free Geraldton site, drivers of any other vehicles that are not Tox Free, must report to reception to arrange for a member of staff to direct them to the area they are to dispose their waste.

▪ Any other visitors on site MUST report to reception to register on site and go through the Toxfree induction process, they then must be accompanied by a representative at all times.

▪ Worksite speed limits are set at (10 km/hr) with clearly displayed signage located at: - Landfill Lane entrance and throughout the site

▪ Other considerations or risk controls that may need to be documented? - Non-sealed yard. Dust in dry environmental conditions and grounds may be uneven

and slippery during wet season.

Parking arrangements

The following safety arrangements and features are in place to minimise the risks associated with vehicle parking: ▪ There are 10 car parks available for employees, 3 car parks available for visitors and 1 available

for people with disabilities. ▪ Car parking areas are available, reverse parking and signage displayed in the following areas:

- Disabled parking sign in car park ▪ Signage identifying the whereabouts of the Office/Reception is clearly visible from the car park

and is located at: - Entrance and Landfill Lane.

▪ Other considerations or risk controls that may need to be documented? - Pedestrian only pathways

Extraordinary Events (e.g.: large building works, emergencies)

The following broad safety arrangements and features are in place to minimise the risks associated with extraordinary events in conjunction with previously documented control measures: ▪ Additional car parking areas are clearly designated with marked parking bays and signage

displayed in the following areas: - Emergency vehicles – in visitors car park

▪ Other considerations or risk controls that need to be documented: - Pedestrian only pathways. - On site chemical storage in work shed -


Document Title: ToxFree Geraldton Meru Landfill Facility, traffic management plan


Document Number: QUEST-563-31

Date: June 2017



Appendix E Complaints Register

Com

plai

nts

Reg

iste

r

Dat

e T

ime

Per

son

C

on

tact

Det

ails

In

cid

ent

Des

crip

tio

n

Inci

den

t L

oca

tio

n

Act

ion

Tak

en

Fo

llow

-up

Act

ion

R

equ

ired

APPENDIX E



Appendix F Daily Diary

Date: Day: Completed By: DAILY DIARY

CITY OF GREATER GERALDTON MERU WASTE DISPOSAL FACILITY

Weather Conditions: Rain: mm

Average Temperature: OC Wind: KPH Direction:

DAILY SUMMARY – Summary of main activities and issues

MEETINGS COMMENTS

Introduction/Training/Meetings Safety Other ____________ ___________________________________

___________________________________

VERBAL INSTRUCTIONS – List any instructions received from Contractor, Council Officers, Authorities and the names of the persons issuing instructions

VISITORS – List any visitors

NAME/COMPANY REASON

MATERIAL – Summary of plant or materials delivered to site

INDUSTRIAL, SAFETY & ENVIRONMENTAL – List any industrial concerns, accidents, odorous loads, breaches, improvement notices issued on safety or environmental issues. List issues addressed at the tool box meetings or specific verbalinstruction given to workers

OTHER COMMENTS – If insufficient space, please attach additional information

SITE SUPERVISOR – Responsible person on site to sign WASTE SERVICES MANAGER – Sign to acknowledge that Daily Dairy has been reviewed

Signature: Signature:

APPENDIX D