The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has determined it is “satisfied” with the Upper Lachlan Shire Council (ULSC) landfill sites following investigations into its management practices.
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According to an EPA spokeswoman, the investigation revealed the ULSC need to improve its management of stormwater, windblown litter and covering of waste across most of its sites.
“Council has taken action to improve management of its landfill sites and the EPA is satisfied with the progress to date. The EPA is continuing to monitor the improvements and ongoing operational practices at the landfills,” the spokeswoman said.
“The EPA has undertaken regular inspections, while working with the council, to improve its landfill management particularly over the last six months.
“The investigation in relation to the Crookwell Sewage Treatment Plant is ongoing, but the EPA is expecting to finalise the outcome of this in the near future.”
A summary on the EPA correspondence by ULSC director of works and operations Mursaleen Shah concluded recommendations put forward by the EPA were already underway.
“In relation to the Crookwell Sewage Treatment Plant, there is a possibility that council could receive a fine, or warning if found to be in breach of its license conditions,” the report read.
“Increased compliance, may trigger raising council’s rates to fund any shortfall.”
Concerns raised by the EPA include:
- The effectiveness of the council’s erosion and sediment control systems in place for the Devil’s Elbow road construction project
- Daily cover operations and its impact on windblown litter at the Crookwell landfill
- Windblown litter, illegal dumping and general amenity issues at the Taralga, Gunning, Collector, Bigga and Tuena sites; and
- Discrepancy in ammonia readings at the Crookwell Sewer Treatment Plant.
Council solutions include additional funds for an external environmental, photographic evidence, and landfill upgrades.
ULSC acting general manager Gary Woodman said the EPA were satisfied with the improvement works during a visit in May.
If there is a fine issued to the ULSC, it will be pulled from the council’s Sewer Fund.
When questioned about the ammonia readings and the effluent produced in the Crookwell Sewerage Treatment Plant last winter, Mr Woodman said the elevated levels were not expected.
“This was the first time this has occurred, despite previous cold conditions,” he said.
“There are various deadlines for various actions. A number of actions by council are also reliant on the EPA, particularly those in relation to design, and council’s consultant.”
There are three full time equivalent staff across the ULSC waste and landfill facilities.
Last year the council pledged $3 million to upgrade the Crookwell Landfill.
