The MBC Landfill Re-staging Program
The MBC site has been used for open-cut mining of brown coal since 1946, and in 1978 landfilling commenced as an approved method to fill the mine void. The Calleja Group acquired the site in 1990 and expanded the site’s uses to accommodate various other agricultural and recycling-focused activities.
The original landfill cell, ‘Stage 1’, has reached maximum airspace, and the Calleja Group began accepting waste in ‘Stage 2’ of the landfill in 2019, with a future ‘Stage 3’ planned that would connect to the western face of Stage 1. The entire landfill is estimated to reach its final waste elevation and undergo rehabilitation by 2043. See below for a map of the three landfill stages, as well as an overview of the Calleja Group’s holdings in the vicinity.
At the time of this Plan, MBC are accepting waste into ‘Cell 8’, which is the third of five total cells comprising Stage 2 of the landfill. Before beginning construction on ‘Cell 9’, MBC are seeking to revise their works approval from the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to construct and accept waste into Stage 3 of the landfill instead.
The decision to re-sequence the landfill stages is based on both internal and external factors. The site’s uses have expanded in recent years, and the revised order would contribute to safety on site by minimising the volume of trucks and equipment in close proximity.
The revised order would also allow the southern portion of the landfill to be rehabilitated 15 years ahead of schedule, better aligning with MBC’s expedited plan to rehabilitate Star Dam and its interface with Parwan Creek, which are located adjacent to Stage 1 and 3 of the landfill.
If approved, the two remaining cells of Stage 2 would begin accepting waste after Stage 3 has reached maximum airspace and begun rehabilitation.
To gain revised works approval, MBC are preparing to submit a Development Licence Application (DLA) to the EPA, and undertaking planning to implement a program of engagement to ensure that MBC’s stakeholders and community have the opportunity to learn about the proposed works and provide feedback.
Benefits of re-staging
The decision to re-stage the landfill is based on both internal and external factors.
Changes in site operations
The site’s uses have expanded in recent years, for example, we have added a maintenance workshop and composting and soil conditioning operation. Deferring construction of the two remaining cells in Stage 2 will help ease points of congestion where the same internal roads are used for different activities.
Worker safety
Re-staging operations will also contribute to worker safety by minimising the volume of trucks and equipment operating in close proximity on site.
Waterway conservation
Re-staging will allow the southern portion of the landfill to be rehabilitated and capped 15 years ahead of schedule. Capping helps contain odour and loose sediment, which will also assist to minimise the risk of sediment runoff from site entering the adjacent Parwan Creek.
Approval process & timeline
To obtain works approval for the proposed changes, we are preparing to submit a revised Development Licence Application to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), following the timeline below (this is subject to change throughout the approval process). The time from lodgement of the application to operation of the landfill call is expected to take approximately four years.
Ongoing engagement activities with the community and stakeholders will evaluate and respond to feedback, enquiries and any complaints.
This evaluation process will assist to drive continuous improvement in our community and stakeholder engagement and within the project team.
Adding the gravel layer (for leachate collection) over cell liners.
Information
For more information on the Maddingley Brown Coal re-staging program, download the fact sheets below, or contact us at mbcfeedback@callejagroup.com.au or by phone on 03 5367 7277
