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Vancouver Waste Disposal Facility - Application Licence Amendment
Prepared by Bowman & Associates Pty Ltd Page 111
13.5 APPENDIX E – LANDFILL OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT PLAN
Vancouver Waste Disposal Facility – Operational Management Plan
Bowman & Associates Pty Ltd Page 1
Environmental Engineering Consultants
Waste Management Specialists Tel: 0402 373 582 www.bowmanassociates.com.au PO Box 2059, ROSSMOYNE WA 6148
VANCOUVER WASTE DISPOSAL FACILITY – OPERATIONAL
MANAGEMENT PLAN
This document has been prepared as a training and reference document for use by the management and staff of the Vancouver Waste Disposal Facility. The document requires periodic review and updating to reflect current initiatives and procedures.
Vancouver Waste Disposal Facility – Operational Management Plan
Bowman & Associates Pty Ltd Page 2
Vancouver Waste Disposal Facility – Operational Management Plan
Bowman & Associates Pty Ltd Page 3
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.
DRAFT DOCUMENT
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
Draft 24.04.2018 B Bowman B Bowman
1 07.08.2018 B Bowman B Bowman
DOCUMENT DISTRIBUTION
VERSION TYPE FORMAT ISSUED TO ORGANISATION
Draft electronic pdf Martin
Shuttleworth Vancouver Waste Services Pty Ltd
1 electronic pdf Martin
Shuttleworth Vancouver Waste Services Pty Ltd
FILE NAME
180807 Landfill Operations and Management Plan - Vancouver.docx
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Bowman & Associates Pty Ltd Page 4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 11
1.1 Objectives of the Operational Management Plan ................................................................ 11
1.2 Guidelines and Regulations................................................................................................... 11
1.3 Facility’s DWER Licence ......................................................................................................... 11
1.4 Facility Location .................................................................................................................... 12
1.5 Landfill Users ......................................................................................................................... 12
1.6 Surrounding Land Uses ......................................................................................................... 12
1.7 Operating Hours .................................................................................................................... 12
1.8 Climate and Meteorology ..................................................................................................... 12
1.9 Topography ........................................................................................................................... 13
1.10 Geology and Hydrogeology ................................................................................................... 13
1.11 Groundwater ......................................................................................................................... 13
2 Waste ..................................................................................................................................... 14
2.1 Solid Waste Definitions ......................................................................................................... 14
2.1.1 Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) ...................................................................................... 14
2.1.2 Commercial and Industrial Waste (C&I) ....................................................................... 14
2.1.3 Construction and Demolition Waste (C&D) .................................................................. 14
2.1.4 Greenwaste ................................................................................................................... 14
2.2 Waste Types .......................................................................................................................... 14
3 Facility Infrastructure ............................................................................................................ 15
3.1 Facility Access ....................................................................................................................... 15
3.2 Security Fencing .................................................................................................................... 15
3.3 Signage .................................................................................................................................. 15
3.4 Power Supply ........................................................................................................................ 15
3.5 Fuel Supply ............................................................................................................................ 15
3.6 Water Source ........................................................................................................................ 15
3.7 Weighbridge .......................................................................................................................... 15
3.8 Waste Tipping Cells ............................................................................................................... 15
4 Personnel ............................................................................................................................... 17
4.1 Vancouver’s Organisational Structure .................................................................................. 17
4.1.1 General Manager .......................................................................................................... 17
4.1.2 Site Supervisor .............................................................................................................. 17
4.1.3 Plant Operator/s ........................................................................................................... 18
4.1.4 Weighbridge Attendant ................................................................................................ 18
4.2 Training ................................................................................................................................. 19
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4.3 Position Competency Requirements .................................................................................... 19
4.4 Duty of Care .......................................................................................................................... 19
4.5 Code of Conduct ................................................................................................................... 20
5 Acceptable Waste .................................................................................................................. 21
5.1 Waste Acceptance ................................................................................................................ 21
5.2 Prohibited Wastes ................................................................................................................. 21
5.3 Unacceptable Waste ............................................................................................................. 22
5.4 Solid Waste ........................................................................................................................... 22
5.5 Tyres ...................................................................................................................................... 23
5.6 Asbestos ................................................................................................................................ 23
5.7 Offal and Quarantine Waste ................................................................................................. 24
5.8 Biomedical Waste ................................................................................................................. 24
5.9 Construction and Demolition (C&D) Waste .......................................................................... 24
5.9.1 Asbestos Management ................................................................................................. 25
5.9.2 Asbestos Testing ........................................................................................................... 26
5.10 Greenwaste ........................................................................................................................... 27
6 Landfill Operation .................................................................................................................. 28
6.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 28
6.2 Traffic Control ....................................................................................................................... 28
6.3 Scavenging ............................................................................................................................ 28
6.4 Complaints Register .............................................................................................................. 28
6.5 Data and Records .................................................................................................................. 29
6.6 Facility Communication ........................................................................................................ 29
6.7 Waste Hazards ...................................................................................................................... 29
6.8 Vehicle Plant Damage Reporting Procedures ....................................................................... 29
6.9 Personal Protective Equipment ............................................................................................ 29
6.10 Contractor Induction Checklist ............................................................................................. 29
7 Landfill Liner System .............................................................................................................. 31
8 Waste Placement and Compaction ....................................................................................... 32
8.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 32
8.2 First Lift of Waste in a New Cell ............................................................................................ 32
8.3 Waste Placement .................................................................................................................. 33
8.4 Waste Placement Methods ................................................................................................... 33
8.5 Waste Moisture Content ...................................................................................................... 35
8.6 Waste Compaction ................................................................................................................ 36
9 Landfill Cover ......................................................................................................................... 37
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9.1 Daily Cover ............................................................................................................................ 37
9.2 Intermediate Cover ............................................................................................................... 37
9.3 Cover Material Stockpile ....................................................................................................... 38
9.4 Cover Responsibility .............................................................................................................. 38
10 Water Management .............................................................................................................. 39
10.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 39
10.2 Landfill Leachate ................................................................................................................... 39
10.2.1 Leachate Sump .............................................................................................................. 39
10.2.2 Leachate Monitoring ..................................................................................................... 39
10.2.3 Contingencies for Excessive Leachate Levels ................................................................ 40
10.3 Stormwater ........................................................................................................................... 40
10.3.1 Surface Water Monitoring ............................................................................................ 41
10.4 Groundwater ......................................................................................................................... 41
10.4.1 Groundwater Monitoring .............................................................................................. 41
11 Landfill Emissions .................................................................................................................. 44
11.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 44
11.2 Dust Emissions ...................................................................................................................... 44
11.3 Odour Emissions ................................................................................................................... 44
11.4 Noise Emissions ..................................................................................................................... 45
11.5 Light Emissions ...................................................................................................................... 46
11.6 Discharges to Water .............................................................................................................. 46
11.7 Discharges to Land ................................................................................................................ 46
11.8 Litter ...................................................................................................................................... 46
11.9 Pests, Vermin and Weeds ..................................................................................................... 47
12 Emergency Response ............................................................................................................. 49
12.1 Relevant Legislation .............................................................................................................. 49
12.2 Emergency Management Plan .............................................................................................. 49
12.3 Responsibility, Authority and Accountability ........................................................................ 49
12.4 Fire Fighting Capacity ............................................................................................................ 49
12.5 Fire ........................................................................................................................................ 51
12.5.1 Fire in Landfill ................................................................................................................ 51
12.5.2 Fire in Waste Haulage Vehicle ...................................................................................... 52
12.5.3 Fire in Buildings ............................................................................................................. 52
12.5.4 Fire near Fuel Storage Tanks ......................................................................................... 53
12.5.5 Fire in Plant and Equipment .......................................................................................... 53
12.5.6 Shrub Fires .................................................................................................................... 53
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12.6 Out of Hours Incident............................................................................................................ 54
12.7 Spills (liquid and non-liquid) ................................................................................................. 54
12.8 Landfill Gas ............................................................................................................................ 54
12.9 Geotechnical Instability ........................................................................................................ 55
12.10 Sighting of Asbestos .............................................................................................................. 55
12.11 Medical Emergencies ............................................................................................................ 55
12.12 Emergency Training/Drills ..................................................................................................... 56
12.13 Emergency Contacts ............................................................................................................. 56
13 Reporting ............................................................................................................................... 57
13.1 Annual Audit Compliance Report ......................................................................................... 57
13.2 Annual Environmental Report .............................................................................................. 58
13.3 Annual Review ...................................................................................................................... 58
14 Landfill Closure and Rehabilitation ........................................................................................ 59
14.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 59
14.2 Progressive Rehabilitation .................................................................................................... 59
14.3 Landscaping........................................................................................................................... 59
14.4 Closure Plan .......................................................................................................................... 60
14.5 Landfill Cap ............................................................................................................................ 60
14.6 Landfill Gas Vents .................................................................................................................. 62
14.7 Monitoring of Landfill Gas .................................................................................................... 63
14.8 Contours and Vegetation ...................................................................................................... 63
14.9 Facility Closure and Aftercare ............................................................................................... 64
14.10 Landfill Completion ............................................................................................................... 64
15 References ............................................................................................................................. 65
16 Appendices ............................................................................................................................ 66
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APPENDICES
Appendix A DWER Licence L7344/1998/10 ...................................................................................... 66
Appendix B Daily Diary ..................................................................................................................... 93
Appendix C Complaints Register ...................................................................................................... 95
Appendix D Bushfire Management Plan......................................................................................... 129
TABLES
Table 1 DWER Licence Conditions Summary ..................................................................................... 12
Table 2 Groundwater monitoring bore locations .............................................................................. 13
Table 3 Risk classification matrix........................................................................................................ 25
Table 4 Surface levels of the base of landfill liners ............................................................................ 41
Table 5 Contingencies for deteriorating groundwater quality .......................................................... 42
Table 6 Inspection of fire fighting equipment .................................................................................... 51
Table 7 Emergency Contacts .............................................................................................................. 56
FIGURES
Figure 1 Landfill cell layout .................................................................................................................. 16
Figure 2 Vancouver’s organisation structure ...................................................................................... 17
Figure 3 Landfill liner design ................................................................................................................ 31
Figure 4 Expected daily fill area ........................................................................................................... 33
Figure 5 Shaping the waste lift (push down method) ......................................................................... 34
Figure 6 Add waste to gain maximum compaction (pushing down method) ..................................... 34
Figure 7 Shaping the waste lift (pushing up method) ......................................................................... 34
Figure 8 Maximum compaction (pushing up method) ........................................................................ 34
Figure 9 Waste levels are correct ........................................................................................................ 35
Figure 10 Application of cover............................................................................................................... 35
Figure 11 Maintain correct waste floor level ........................................................................................ 35
Figure 12 Landfill cap performance standards and indicative cap design ............................................ 61
Figure 13 Schematic of a typical passive landfill gas vent ..................................................................... 62
Figure 14 Passive landfill gas vent ......................................................................................................... 63
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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
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 Vancouver Waste Disposal Facility
FA Fibrous asbestos
FCP Filling and Closure Plan
GHG Green House Gas
KPI Key Performance Indicator
Licence Mindijup Rd Tyre Disposal Site operating Licence L7344/1998/10
Licensee Vancouver Waste Services Pty Ltd
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
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Premises Lot 102 on Plan 22860 located off Mindijup Road, Palmdale in the City of Albany
SWL Standing Water Level
WA Western Australia
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1 INTRODUCTION This Operational Management Plan (OMP) identifies the operating and management procedures for the
Vancouver Waste Disposal Facility (Facility) operated by the Vancouver Waste Services Pty Ltd (Vancouver).
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
Vancouver.
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
Vancouver 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
Vancouver Waste Disposal Facility, and compliance with the Licence issued by the DWER. Vancouver Waste
Services Pty Ltd 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 L7344/1998/10 (Appendix A), issued by the DWER; the categories and
maximum throughput of the Licence are summarised as follows:
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Table 1 DWER Licence Conditions Summary
DWER LICENCE CONDITIONS
Name of Licensee Vancouver Waste Services Pty Ltd
Classification of Premises and permitted throughput
Category 63 Class I inert landfill site accepting up to 500 tpa of used tyres
Category 67A Compost manufacturing and soil blending with a licenced capacity of 12,000 tpa
Term of Licence 4 years.
1.4 FACILITY LOCATION
The Vancouver Waste Disposal Facility is located approximately 52 km north east of Albany on Lot 102 on
Plan 22860 located off Mindijup Road, Palmdale in the City of Albany. Lot 102 covers an area totalling 584
hectares (ha) and has facilities for various types of waste disposal. The site is owned by Martin James
Shuttleworth. The site for the landfill is completely cleared of natural vegetation as the site was previously
used as farming land.
1.5 LANDFILL USERS
The Vancouver Waste Disposal Facility accepts waste from City of Albany and commercial waste from
Vancouver’s Waste Transfer Station in Albany. The Facility is closed to both commercial users and the general
public. Waste collected at the Vancouver Waste Services Waste Transfer Station in Albany is delivered to the
Facility.
1.6 SURROUNDING LAND USES
The Facility is surrounded by land consisting of agricultural land, plantation timber, sand extraction and
natural vegetation. The property north of the proposed Facility supports blue gum plantation. The property
to the east is natural bush followed by grazing land. To the south is a sand extraction pit surrounded by
natural vegetation. To the west is Lot 3, owned by Martin Shuttleworth and forms part of the Prescribed
premises.
1.7 OPERATING HOURS
The Facility’s operating hours for waste acceptance are Monday to Saturday 6:00 am to 5:00 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.
1.8 CLIMATE AND METEOROLOGY The Bureau of Meteorology weather station (9500) located in Albany has recorded the following historical
data (1880 – current):
Mean Annual Rainfall: 931.5 mm
Mean Maximum Temperature: 19.5 °C
Mean Minimum Temperature: 11.7 °C.
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1.9 TOPOGRAPHY
Topography throughout the site generally slopes downward in a north westerly direction. Maximum
elevation of the site is approximately 135 m Australian Height Datum (m AHD) which occurs along the
southern boundary. The lowest elevation occurs on the north western corner of Lot 102 and is at a height of
108 m AHD.
1.10 GEOLOGY AND HYDROGEOLOGY
The site is to excavated of fine white silica sand prior to the landfill being constructed. Underlying the sand is
a sandy clay material of low porosity.
1.11 GROUNDWATER
Geotechnical investigation has been carried out on the location of the landfill. Five (5) groundwater
monitoring bores have been developed to determine the depth to groundwater and to confirm direction of
flow. Bores MW12, MW13 and MW16 are located in close proximity to the landfill. These bores have a
minimum depth to groundwater of 21.66 m. The excavation for the landfill is no more than 10 m providing a
minimum 17.5 m thick unsaturated zone beneath the landfill, refer Table 2.
Table 2 Groundwater monitoring bore locations
Bore ID Northing Easting Elevation (m AHD)
Depth to Groundwater
below ground level (m)
MW12 6153162 599418 132.9 31.07
MW13 6153459 599169 122.3 21.66
MW14 6153446 598757 117.35 15.99
MW15 6153053 598735 131.25 Bore dry at time of
sampling
MW16 6153300 598952 123.45 21.81
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2 WASTE
2.1 SOLID WASTE DEFINITIONS
2.1.1 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.
2.1.2 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.
2.1.3 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.
2.1.4 Greenwaste
Waste that originates from trees, plants and shrubs.
2.2 WASTE TYPES
The types of waste accepted at the Facility include:
Animal carcasses;
Offal;
Bricks and concrete;
Asbestos;
Electrical appliances (E-waste);
Household waste; and
Commercial waste.
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3 FACILITY INFRASTRUCTURE
3.1 FACILITY ACCESS
The main access to the site is from Lot 3 Mindijup Road, Palmdale. The Landfill is situated on Lot 102 located
behind Lot 3.
3.2 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.
3.3 SIGNAGE
Signage displaying waste acceptance criteria, cover load requirement, speed limits, prohibited waste, contact
details and operating hours are installed at the entrance.
3.4 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. The weighbridge operates using solar power.
3.5 FUEL SUPPLY
Fuel is stored on Lot 3 in a bunded bulk tank. Refilling of plant and equipment is carried out using a mobile
tanker.
3.6 WATER SOURCE
Water for the Facility is provided from a large dam on the site located on Lot 3 just north of the Tyre Disposal
Facility.
3.7 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.
3.8 WASTE TIPPING CELLS
The locations of the landfill cells are shown in Figure 1. The Landfill is located to the south of the
weighbridge.
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Figure 1 Landfill cell layout
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4 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.
4.1 VANCOUVER’S ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE
Vancouver has the following management structure at the landfill facility.
Figure 2 Vancouver’s organisation structure
4.1.1 General Manager
The General Manager is responsible for ensuring that all work relating to the landfill is carried out in
accordance with the Licence, OMP and Vancouver’s own policies.
4.1.2 Site Supervisor
The Site Supervisor has the overall responsibility for the strategic day to day planning and management of
the Facility. 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 Vancouver’s own policies;
Assisting in preparing reports;
Contributing to any review of the OMP;
Coordinating environmental monitoring programmes undertaken;
Keeping landfill records as required by Vancouver 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 the General Manager;
Coordinating training programmes;
Plant operator
General Manager
Vancouver Waste Services
Weighbridge
Attendant
Site Supervisor
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Assisting with design activity for capping, leachate, stormwater and gas management;
Management of landfill staff;
Coordinating the cleanliness of the Facility;
Providing leadership and direction to landfill staff 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;
Perimeter fence inspections, maintenance and repair;
Maintenance of the Contractor’s vehicles/plant;
Management of unacceptable waste loads;
Managing disposal areas for “special waste types”; and
Managing landfill cover operations.
4.1.3 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;
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;
Dealing with landfill users and directing them to the appropriate areas and/or material stockpiles;
Responding to enquiries;
Knowledge of landfill and safety procedures;
Operation of hand and power tools; and
Performing other duties as required.
4.1.4 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 software;
Dealing with landfill users and directing them to the appropriate areas and/or material stockpiles;
Responding to enquiries; and
Knowledge of landfill and safety procedures.
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4.2 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.
4.3 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 weighbridge software
Class “HR” drivers licence
Weighbridge
Attendant
Literate
Familiar with the operation of computers
Proficient in the operation of weighbridge software
Plant Operators Class “HR” drivers licence
Accreditation as qualified operator of specific plant
All staff employed by Vancouver will undergo a formal induction programme relating to their position and
OHS training approved by Vancouver.
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 are also required to undergo a site specific
induction conducted by the Site Supervisor.
4.4 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.
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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.
4.5 CODE OF CONDUCT
The Vancouver Waste Services Pty Ltd 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 Vancouver or its employees working at the Facility.
All employees and contractors are reminded that the Facility, and everything including materials deposited in
it, is the property of Vancouver. Removal or tampering with Vancouver property will not be tolerated.
All employees and contractors are reminded that the improper use or dissemination of confidential
information about the Facility or other Vancouver operations 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 Vancouver’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.
Vancouver has several Operating Practices and Procedures (OPPs) and includes:
Accident Incident Reporting and Investigation;
First Aid;
Protective Clothing and Equipment;
Management of Contractors; and
Fitness for Work.
Vancouver staff and visiting contractors are to comply with the procedures described in the above policies.
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5 ACCEPTABLE WASTE The site has been licenced as since 1998 as an inert landfill site for the disposal of tyres and composting of
greenwaste. The Facility is licenced in accordance with the Environmental Protection (EP) Act 1986 as a
multiple category premises:
Category 63: Inert landfill Class I accepting up to 500 tpa of used tyres; and
Category 67A: Compost manufacturing and soil blending with a licenced capacity of 12,000 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).
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.
5.1 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.
The waste stream will be visually inspected upon delivery at the disposal area. 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 matter will be referred to the Site Supervisor
for appropriate action.
5.2 PROHIBITED WASTES
Waste types prohibited at the Facility include:
Hazardous Waste 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);
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.
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5.3 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;
Landfill 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 B). Receival of significant amounts of
unacceptable waste at the Facility constitutes an incident and will therefore be reported as specified in
Section 13.
If the annual review process (refer Section 13) 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.
5.4 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
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All other wastes that comply with Class III criteria as outlined in the Landfill Waste Classification and
Waste Definition 1996 (As amended 2009).
5.5 TYRES
Disposal of used tyres to landfill will not occur at the Facility. Tyre disposal is available at the Mindijup Road
Tyre Disposal Site located on Lot 3 adjacent to the entrance to the Facility.
5.6 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 each landfill cell in
successive lifts in the same area of the cell. In this way the overall footprint of asbestos burial in the landfill is
minimised.
Asbestos is a potentially hazardous material. The Vancouver 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 landfill;
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
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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.
Staff at the Facility will be informed prior to asbestos disposal at the Facility. This ensures that the asbestos
will arrive in suitable containment and preparations for burial can take place prior to arrival, hence a quick,
safe disposal.
A register must be kept, by the Site Supervisor, or Weighbridge Attendant, 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.
5.7 OFFAL AND QUARANTINE WASTE
Offal is waste generated by meat and fish processing. 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 the active cell 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 1.0 m of soil
cover.
5.8 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 rarely occurs at the Facility, as
biomedical waste generated in the region is disposed of through appropriately licenced biomedical waste
disposal services. However, being a licensed premise, waste of that nature may arrive occasionally, especially
from neighbouring local government areas. Burial of biomedical waste is treated in the same manner as
quarantine waste.
5.9 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:
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Concrete;
Bricks;
Glass;
Tiles and ceramics;
Soils and stones; and
Other mixed inert wastes as approved by the Licence.
5.9.1 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 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. The Plant
Operator will then contact the Site Supervisor 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 12.
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5.9.2 Asbestos Testing
Vancouver 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 of C&D waste 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.
A sample of at least 10 L will be collected from the area in the stockpile where current work is undertaken. 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 12.
5.9.2.1 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 12.
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.
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5.9.2.2 Sampling Responsibility
The samples will be collected by authorised staff with training in asbestos identification. 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.
5.9.2.3 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:
Contact the Site Supervisor;
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.
5.10 GREENWASTE
Greenwaste is not accepted for disposal at the landfill facility. A greenwaste processing facility is available at
the site on Lot 3 adjacent to the entry road to the landfill.
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6 LANDFILL OPERATION
6.1 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.
6.2 TRAFFIC CONTROL
The objective of traffic management is to ensure that traffic movements associated with the Facility do not
adversely affect the health, welfare and amenity of other site users. In summary the traffic management
requires:
Appropriate signage 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;
Access to the Facility will be through Lot 3 which supports several operational activities involving
truck movements; and
Transport through the site will be managed by the use of UHF radios fitted to both light and heavy
vehicles.
6.3 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 of 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, staff must approach the
person in question and explain that scavenging is inappropriate at the Facility and ask them to cease
scavenging. If scavenging occurs after hours, the police are to be called as the offender is trespassing and is
liable for prosecution.
6.4 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 are recorded and the subsequent
actions taken to minimise or eliminate the concerns will be logged.
Staff are trained in the requirements to notify and record any public complaints. Appendix C 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 13.
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6.5 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 vehicle entering the Facility. Information recorded will include:
Customer;
Vehicle identification;
Driver’s name;
Date and time of arrival;
Origin of materials;
Type of material delivered and the origin of vehicle contents;
Volume/weight of material delivered; and
Date and time of vehicle exiting the facility.
6.6 FACILITY COMMUNICATION
The communication between staff and management at the Facility is through mobile phones and mobile
radio.
6.7 WASTE HAZARDS
Employees, landfill visitors 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.
6.8 VEHICLE PLANT DAMAGE REPORTING PROCEDURES
Vancouver has specific procedures for the reporting of damage to any vehicle or plant item. All damage
should be reported to the Site Supervisor.
6.9 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is supplied by Vancouver and must be used as directed. This equipment
remains the property of Vancouver and must be returned at the end of the employment period. Typical items
of PPE include gloves, high visibility vests and clothing, hats, insect repellent and sunscreen.
6.10 CONTRACTOR INDUCTION CHECKLIST
Vancouver 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 Vancouver proof of adequate insurance cover for:
o Workers Compensation;
o Motor Vehicles and Mobile Equipment;
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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 fire fighting 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 Vancouver Waste Services Pty Ltd management
principles and policies may be required to leave the premises or worksite and may be refused re-entry.
Any contract with Vancouver Waste Services Pty Ltd may become null and void.”
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7 LANDFILL LINER SYSTEM Figure 3 shows the design of the composite liner system at the base of the 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 3 Landfill liner design
The design for the landfill and leachate pond composite liner system from the bottom up is:
Compacted, shaped and rolled subgrade consisting of insitu clay, the insitu clay will form the
secondary layer of the composite liner. The insitu clay will have a hydraulic conductivity of less than 1
× 10-9 m/s and will help in limiting contaminant migration, water seepage and landfill gas migration;
A 2.0 mm thick High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) geomembrane liner will be placed directly above
the insitu clay and will serve as the primary layer to limit contaminant migration and to control
landfill gas migration;
A non-woven geotextile cushion layer will be placed on top of the HDPE liner to serve as a protective
layer, minimising the risk of damage or puncture during installation of the protection layer and
operation of the landfill;
A 300 mm thick drainage layer of single sized crushed aggregate will be placed on top of the cushion
geotextile to serve as a leachate collection layer; and
Over the drainage layer will be a non-woven geotextile which will act as a separation medium
between the drainage aggregate and the waste.
The cross fall grade on the base of the landfill is typically 2% 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 re-use in the
compost facility or evaporation.
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8 WASTE PLACEMENT AND COMPACTION
8.1 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 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 less than 2 m in height.
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.
8.2 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 at least 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.
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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.
8.3 WASTE PLACEMENT
Waste placement in landfills normally utilises either the “push over”, “push up” or the “push down” method.
The push over method is only used for the first lift of waste in a new landfill cell. The push up method
involves tipping loads of waste at the bottom of the landfill face and pushing the waste up and into the
exposed face of waste, this 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, consume 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 involves the waste being tipped at the top of the batter slope and pushing the waste
over and down the batter slope. This method is much easier to achieve the 500 mm deep layer and working
the compaction machine across the batter slope provides good compaction. The push down method suits a
two machine operation where the dozer pushes waste onto the slope and the landfill compactor works back
and forth over the slope to spread and compact the waste.
8.4 WASTE PLACEMENT METHODS
Following are examples of waste placement methods.
Figure 4 Expected daily fill area
Each level of cover or road material that is not removed is ripped before the next bench of waste is
placed to allow the migration of leachate down to the leachate collection system. If this cover is not
ripped then there is potential for the leachate to travel horizontally and cause leachate popouts.
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Figure 5 Shaping the waste lift (push down method)
Continue to add waste to the area in levels of 500 mm to obtain maximum compaction. Use height sticks
to keep the waste surface level.
Figure 6 Add waste to gain maximum compaction (pushing down method)
Figure 7 Shaping the waste lift (pushing up method)
Figure 8 Maximum compaction (pushing up method)
At the end of day make sure waste surface is level, and if not, top up with waste prior to placing daily
cover.
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Figure 9 Waste levels are correct
Figure 10 Application of cover
Figure 11 Maintain correct waste floor level
8.5 WASTE MOISTURE CONTENT 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.
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8.6 WASTE 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.
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. 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.
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9 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 landfill 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 landfill. 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.
9.1 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 may be at least 300 mm.
If odorous loads are received, these are buried amongst existing waste as soon as possible. Where possible,
daily cover material will be removed prior to the commencement of further filling operations in that area.
9.2 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.
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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.
9.3 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.
9.4 COVER RESPONSIBILITY
Daily cover controls windblown litter, vermin and landfill odours.
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.
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10 WATER MANAGEMENT
10.1 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.
10.2 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 pumped to the leachate pond. Leachate may be re-
circulated back on to the landfill, consumed by the compost facility or evaporated from the leachate pond.
The leachate sumps are located in the lowest point of each lined landfill cell.
10.2.1 Leachate Sump
In the lowest position on the floor of each landfill cell 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 HDPE beneath the sump. Two HDPE pipes will run
from the leachate sump up the side wall of each cell 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.
10.2.2 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 sump. Monitoring of the leachate level within the leachate sump 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 sump with the use of a pump inserted down the leachate sump
pipe, 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 leachate pond for use in compost manufacture or evaporated.
The main aim of monitoring landfill leachate within the leachate sump is to:
Determine the leachate levels within the cell, and
To identify the specific chemical characteristics of the leachate that will assist in identifying any
potential leakage of leachate into groundwater.
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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.
10.2.3 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.
10.3 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 Facility
without affecting stormwater quality.
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 fire fighting 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.
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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.
10.3.1 Surface Water Monitoring
There are no surface water bodies within the near vicinity of the Facility. Clean surface waters generated
they are directed to collection drains and dissipated.
10.4 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, refer Section 1.11.
Groundwater flows steadily from the south to the north at a depth of between 101.0 m and 101.5 m AHD.
The surface level of the landfill liner are summarised in Table 4.
Table 4 Surface levels of the base of landfill liners
Cell Top of Landfill Liner
(m AHD)
1 120.0 – 123.0
2 119.0 – 122.0
Standing Water Level 101.0 – 101.5
Standing Water Level Below Landfill 17.5 – 20.5 m
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 119.0 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 17.5 m.
10.4.1 Groundwater Monitoring
Groundwater beneath the landfill site will be monitored on a regular basis in each of the three (3) bores for
each parameter shown below.
Bore Elevation (m AHD)
Depth to SWL (m bToC)
SWL (m AHD)
pH
Electrical Conductivity (µS/cm)
Calcium (mg/L)
Chloride (mg/L)
Nitrogen
Kjeldahl Nitrogen
Nitrate & Nitrite
Ammonia
Sulphate
Aluminium
Arsenic
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Cadmium
Chromium
Copper
Iron (total)
Lead
Manganese
Nickel
Mercury
Selenium
Zinc
Sampling and testing of groundwater is on a six (6) monthly basis. Groundwater samples shall be collected by
an experienced technician and handled and preserved in accordance with AS 5667.1998 – Water Quality
Sampling and analysed at a NATA accredited laboratory.
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.
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 5.
Table 5 Contingencies for deteriorating groundwater quality
Monitoring
Regime Assessment Criteria
Cause of Potential
Impact Contingency Action
Groundwater is
sampled from a
bore every six (6)
months and
testing in
accordance with
this Section.
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.
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
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.
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Monitoring
Regime Assessment Criteria
Cause of Potential
Impact Contingency Action
the landfill structure. 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.
Vancouver 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.
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11 LANDFILL EMISSIONS
11.1 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.
11.2 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 60 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.
11.3 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:
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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 landfill cells;
Effective compaction of the waste also acts to minimise the release of odours from recently tipped
waste;
The leachate 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.
11.4 NOISE EMISSIONS
The following initiatives are undertaken to minimise noise emissions:
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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;
All mobile plant used on-site is regularly maintained, including exhaust mufflers; and
Speed limits are enforced on all site access roads.
11.5 LIGHT EMISSIONS
The Facility is operated during daylight hours; the risk of light emissions is negligible.
11.6 DISCHARGES TO WATER
Stormwater channels are constructed around the Facility to capture uncontaminated stormwater for
dissipation into the surrounding environment.
11.7 DISCHARGES TO LAND
Prevention of groundwater contamination is managed through the use of a composite landfill liner system, a
leachate drainage system and liner drainage grades of 2%. The separation distance from the base of the
landfill composite liner system to groundwater is no less than 17.5 m and complies with Licence conditions.
Groundwater monitoring is undertaken at the Facility every six (6) months.
11.8 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 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;
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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.
11.9 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;
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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;
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.
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12 EMERGENCY RESPONSE
12.1 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.
12.2 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN
Attached as Appendix D is the fire management plan for Lots 3 and 102 Mindijup Road, Palmdale Fire
Management Plan, Bowman & Associates, July 2018. This document describes the levels of risk for various
areas of the site and includes requirements for fire breaks and site emergency access routes.
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 including fires at the landfill. If a hazard scenario is
encountered that is not addressed in this document Vancouver shall investigate the incident and amend the
OMP accordingly.
12.3 RESPONSIBILITY, AUTHORITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
It is the responsibility of Site Supervisor to ensure that the emergency procedures are conveyed and made
available to Facility personnel.
It is the responsibility of Site Supervisor and staff to follow these emergency procedures.
It is the responsibility of those personnel nominated in the Emergency Contacts list, Section 12.13 to perform
their appointed duties.
It is the responsibility of the Site Supervisor to ensure that the relevant authorities, including the General
Manager, are notified of an incident.
The Site Supervisor, in conjunction with the General Manager, has the responsibility to notify surrounding
neighbours in the event of an emergency that could impact them.
12.4 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
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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, Appendix D;
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
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.
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Table 6 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 fire fighting procedures need to be augmented to improve
performance, the procedures should be modified.
12.5 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 fire fighting 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.
12.5.1 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.
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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 fire fighting 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).
12.5.2 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, staff will direct the vehicle away from the active landfill to a predetermined designated area
that is:
At least 50 m from the active landfill cell;
Has no other inflammable material on it for a radius of at least 50 m; and
Positioned on an area of the Facility where other types of waste have not been deposited.
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.
12.5.3 Fire in Buildings
Preventative measures include:
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;
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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.
12.5.4 Fire near Fuel Storage Tanks
Preventative measures include:
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.
12.5.5 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.
12.5.6 Shrub Fires
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.
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12.6 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 staff 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.
12.7 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:
Contact the Site Supervisor;
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.
12.8 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;
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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 sumps, 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, 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.
12.9 GEOTECHNICAL INSTABILITY
If at any time the Site Supervisor assesses that the safety of personnel working could be impacted by
potential or ongoing instability of the landfill, then the Site Supervisor is to remedy the situation and monitor
its implementation. Such measures may include the immediate suspension of work within the affected area
until stabilisation has been performed.
If at any time a staff member or visitor considers that there could be an instability issue, he/she must inform
the Site Supervisor of the situation.
12.10 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:
Contact the Site Supervisor;
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.
12.11 MEDICAL EMERGENCIES
In the event of a medical emergency on-site:
If there is any injury or physical harm to an individual, the Site Supervisor is to be notified
immediately,
The Site Supervisor is to notify emergency services, e.g. Ambulance, if required; and
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All first aid injuries will be recorded in the Accident and Incident Register.
12.12 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.
12.13 EMERGENCY CONTACTS
In case of an incident, immediately inform the relevant persons/organisation in Table 7.
Table 7 Emergency Contacts
CONTACT NUMBER
Police/Fire/Ambulance 000
State Emergency Services 9841 2400
Volunteer Fire Brigade 9842 9817
Police - Albany 9892 9300
Hospital - Albany 9892 2222
Doctor - Albany 9845 9000
DFES 6820 2500
General Manager – Vancouver Waste Disposal Facility
0428 464 212
Site Supervisor Vancouver Waste Disposal Facility
TBA
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13 REPORTING The Licensee of the Facility, Vancouver, 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.
13.1 ANNUAL AUDIT COMPLIANCE REPORT
On or before February 1 each year Vancouver 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 Vancouver 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 Site Supervisor to provide a detailed written report of any incident
and/or accident to Vancouver immediately after the incident/accident has occurred.
Correspondence to Vancouver Waste Services Pty Ltd should be addressed to:
General Manager Vancouver Waste Services Pty Ltd PO Box 508 ALBANY WA 6331 Phone: 0428 464 212
Correspondence to the DWER should be addressed to:
Regional Leader – Industry Regulation, Albany Office Department of Water and Environmental Regulation 120 Albany Highway ALBANY WA 6330 Phone: (08) 6364 7000
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13.2 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT
The Licensee shall by February 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 Vancouver to ensure the EMR is completed and submitted to the Director of
the DWER by February 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.
13.3 ANNUAL REVIEW
On a regular basis, Vancouver 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
Vancouver 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.
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14 LANDFILL CLOSURE AND REHABILITATION
14.1 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.
14.2 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.
14.3 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.
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The landscape works are to be developed in consultation with DWER.
14.4 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.
14.5 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
12.
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Figure 12 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.
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Alternative landfill cap designs from those shown above in Figure 12 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 Vancouver and the DWER. Facility aftercare is essential in order to meet the primary
environmental goals of land management and conservation.
14.6 LANDFILL GAS VENTS
Passive landfill gas vents will most likely be required to be installed in the landfill cap. The proposed
low density polyethylene (LDPE) membrane inhibits the transfer of landfill gas up through the cap
material. Without venting the landfill gas will build up over time and exit the landfill in an
uncontrolled manner which may cause health and fire risks.
Figure 13 shows a typical schematic of a passive landfill gas vent. The slotted portion of the vent
shall penetrate through the clay lay and into the gas collection layer and landfilled waste. The
passive landfill gas vents will be positioned on a grid with spacing of 60 m between each vent.
Figure 13 Schematic of a typical passive landfill gas vent
Figure 14 shows a passive landfill vent on a completed landfill cap. The vent is protected by four
bollards.
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Figure 14 Passive landfill gas vent
14.7 MONITORING OF LANDFILL GAS
Landfill gas composition within and around the landfill footprint will be monitored at the following
locations after landfill closure:
Surface of the landfill;
Culverts around the landfill having the potential for containment of landfill gas (landfill gas
has a higher density than air);
Passive landfill gas vents; and
Joints and valves in leachate and other service pipes.
The objective is to minimise the impact caused by landfill gas on the local air quality across the
different phases of microbiological breakdown processes occurring in the waste mass. This will help
to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from the landfill into the atmosphere. Additionally, it will
help to avoid any landfill gas migration and therefore mitigate the likelihood of potential explosions
that will invariably result in risk to human health, safety, amenity and the environment.
14.8 CONTOURS AND VEGETATION
It is expected that the Facility will be rehabilitated in such a way as to return the Facility to
agricultural use. Vancouver 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.
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14.9 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 Vancouver’s
control when monitoring confirms that the Facility is stable and non-polluting and with written
agreement of the DWER.
14.10 LANDFILL COMPLETION
When sufficient evidence can be provided that the Landfill is stable and non-polluting, Vancouver
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, Vancouver,
can cease the maintenance and monitoring of the Facility, and any financial assurance requirements
will lapse.
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15 REFERENCES Australian Standard AS3745, Emergency Control Organisation and Procedures for Buildings
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)
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
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16 APPENDICES
Appendix A DWER Licence L7344/1998/10
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Appendix B Daily Diary
Date: Day: Completed By: DAILY DIARY
VANCOUVER WASTE SERVICES VANCOUVER 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 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 verbal instruction given to workers
OTHER COMMENTS – If insufficient space, please attach additional information
SITE SUPERVISOR – Responsible person on site to sign GENERAL MANAGER – Sign to acknowledge that Daily Dairy has been reviewed
Signature: Signature:
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Appendix C Complaints Register
Complaints Register
Date
Time
Person
Contact Details
Incident Description
Incident Location
Action Taken Follow-up Action Required
AP
PE
ND
IX C
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Appendix D Bushfire Management Plan
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Vancouver Waste Services Pty Ltd
Environmental Engineering Consultants
Waste Management Specialists Tel: 0402 373 582 www.bowmanassociates.com.au PO Box 2059, ROSSMOYNE WA 6148
LOT 3 AND LOT 102 MINDIJUP ROAD, PALMDALE – FIRE
MANAGEMENT PLAN
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DISCLAIMER
The content contained herewith has been compiled in good faith using normal industry practices
employed by 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.
DRAFT DOCUMENT
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 Prepared
Prepared By Approved By Approved Signature
Draft 25.07.2018 B Bowman B Bowman
DOCUMENT DISTRIBUTION
VERSION TYPE FORMAT ISSUED TO ORGANISATION
Draft electronic pdf Martin
Shuttleworth Vancouver Waste Services
FILE NAME
180724 Vancouver Site Fire Management Plan.docx
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 Landfill Fires ............................................................................................................................. 9
2 Vancouver Waste Services ...................................................................................................... 9
3 Licence L9127/2018/1 ........................................................................................................... 10
4 Site Users ............................................................................................................................... 10
5 Legislation .............................................................................................................................. 10
5.1 Bush Fires Act 1954 ............................................................................................................... 10
5.2 Local Government Act ........................................................................................................... 10
5.3 Environmental Protection (Unauthorised Discharge) Regulations 2004 .............................. 11
5.4 Environmental Protection Regulations 1987 ........................................................................ 11
5.5 Fire Brigades Act 1942 and Fire Brigades Regulations 1943 ................................................. 11
5.6 Construction Standard .......................................................................................................... 11
5.7 Australian Standard AS1851-2005 ........................................................................................ 11
6 Objective ................................................................................................................................ 11
6.1 Fire Management Plan .......................................................................................................... 11
6.2 Document .............................................................................................................................. 11
7 Location ................................................................................................................................. 11
8 Local Environment ................................................................................................................. 12
8.1 Climate .................................................................................................................................. 12
8.2 Topography ........................................................................................................................... 12
8.3 Geology ................................................................................................................................. 13
8.4 Groundwater ......................................................................................................................... 13
8.5 Surface Water ....................................................................................................................... 13
8.6 Surrounding Land Uses ......................................................................................................... 15
8.7 Closest Residence and Buffer Distance ................................................................................. 15
8.8 Flora ...................................................................................................................................... 15
9 Site Risk Assessment .............................................................................................................. 15
9.1 Zone 1.................................................................................................................................... 16
9.2 Zone 2.................................................................................................................................... 16
9.3 Zone Fire Risk Rating ............................................................................................................. 16
10 Fire Management .................................................................................................................. 18
10.1 Fire Management Notice 2017 -2018 ................................................................................... 18
10.1.1 Fire Breaks ..................................................................................................................... 18
11 Fire Management Assets ....................................................................................................... 20
11.1 Access Routes ........................................................................................................................ 20
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11.2 Site Infrastructure ................................................................................................................. 21
11.2.1 Water Truck................................................................................................................... 21
11.2.2 Quick Response Fire Unit .............................................................................................. 21
11.2.3 Fire Extinguishers .......................................................................................................... 21
12 Organisational Structure ....................................................................................................... 21
13 Response to Fire .................................................................................................................... 22
13.1 Internal Incident Command Structure .................................................................................. 22
13.2 Personal Protective Equipment ............................................................................................ 23
13.3 Induction ............................................................................................................................... 23
13.4 Emergency Drill ..................................................................................................................... 23
14 Fire Mitigation Measures ...................................................................................................... 23
14.1 Site Security .......................................................................................................................... 23
14.2 Hazard Management ............................................................................................................ 24
14.3 Bitumen Plant ....................................................................................................................... 25
14.4 Mobile Plant and Equipment ................................................................................................ 25
14.5 Assistance to DFES ................................................................................................................ 26
14.6 Site Compliance..................................................................................................................... 26
15 Fire Extinguishing Methods ................................................................................................... 26
15.1 Zone 1.................................................................................................................................... 26
15.2 Zone 2.................................................................................................................................... 27
16 Monitoring and Prevention of Fires Originating from Landfill .............................................. 27
16.1 Gas Composition Monitoring ................................................................................................ 27
16.2 Weather Monitoring ............................................................................................................. 27
16.3 Performance Indicators ........................................................................................................ 27
16.4 Database Management ......................................................................................................... 27
16.5 Performance Review ............................................................................................................. 28
16.6 Checklists .............................................................................................................................. 28
17 Emergency Contacts .............................................................................................................. 28
17.1 Department Responsible for each Zone ............................................................................... 29
17.2 Location of Fire Units ............................................................................................................ 29
17.3 Site Activity during Fire Ban .................................................................................................. 30
17.4 Total Fire Ban Exemption ...................................................................................................... 30
17.5 Notification ........................................................................................................................... 31
18 Reporting ............................................................................................................................... 31
18.1 Fire Mapping ......................................................................................................................... 31
18.2 Reporting Schedule ............................................................................................................... 31
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19 References ............................................................................................................................. 31
20 Appendices ............................................................................................................................ 32
APPENDICES
Appendix A Fire Management Checklist .......................................................................................... 32
Appendix B Performance Criteria Compliance Checklist ................................................................. 37
TABLES
Table: 1 Fire Risk Ranking for Zones Identified ........................................................................... 16
Table: 2 Inspection of Fire Fighting Equipment .......................................................................... 22
Table: 3 Emergency Contacts...................................................................................................... 29
Table: 4 Zone Responsibility ....................................................................................................... 29
Table: 5 Location of Fire Units .................................................................................................... 30
FIGURES
Figure 1: Fire Triangle .................................................................................................................... 9
Figure 2: Topography of the area ................................................................................................ 13
Figure 3: Site Layout ..................................................................................................................... 14
Figure 4: Locations of nearest residences .................................................................................... 15
Figure 5: Fire Zones ...................................................................................................................... 17
Figure 6: Vancouver’s organisation structure .............................................................................. 21
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ACRONYMS
AHD Australian Height Datum
BAL Bushfire Attack Level
BAL – 12.5 Classification of Bushfire Attack Level to be Low
BAL - 29 Classification of Bushfire Attack Level to be Medium
BAL – 40 Classification of Bushfire Attack Level to be High
CBFCO Chief Bush Fire Control Officer
DWER Department of Water and Environmental Regulation
DFES Department of Fire and Emergency Services
Facility Vancouver Waste Disposal Facility
HAZMAT Hazardous Materials
PPE Personal Protective Equipment
VBFB Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade
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1 LANDFILL FIRES
Fires are a concern for the management of any landfill and have long been associated with open
dumps. Materials that are landfilled are generally a good fuel source for surface and subsurface fires
due to their high calorific values. Combustible materials such as paper, plastics, dry organics and
wood are the main fuels. The presence of oxygen during waste placement or the opportunity for
drawing of oxygen through the surface creates a suitable environment for combustion. The heat
generated during the decomposition of waste serves as the source of ignition and completes the
three elements of the ‘fire triangle’, Figure 1. It is therefore necessary to monitor, control and
prevent the occurrence of suitable conditions for generation of landfill fires. It is also necessary to
document how best to manage and limit the impact of a fire event.
Figure 1: Fire Triangle
Fires in landfills typically result from below standard operational practices, including where waste is
left uncovered at the end of the working day. Daily cover reduces the ingress of air into the waste
and promotes the onset of anaerobic conditions. It also isolates the waste from the surface and
reduces the potential for accidental or deliberate fires being started.
Fires have the potential to damage infrastructure, disrupt operations and cause threat to life and
release harmful substances such as dioxins into the environment. This document describes the fire
management guidelines and best practice management for the Vancouver Waste Disposal Facility.
Fire can also originate from the surrounding areas, particularly during dry and hot weather
conditions either naturally or due to deliberate lighting. This document provides a framework for fire
management and the protection of life and assets at the Vancouver Waste Disposal Facility and its
surrounding environment during an event of fire within or outside the landfill area.
2 VANCOUVER WASTE SERVICES
Vancouver Waste Services Pty Ltd is a private company that provides waste collection services within
the region and disposal of tyres and inert fill. The company also operates a composting facility and is
in the development stage of a waste to energy (WtE) facility to provide electricity to the region from
the combustion of tyres, forestry waste and potentially putrescible waste.
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Contact details for Vancouver are as follows:
Postal Address Office Address
Vancouver Waste Services Pty Ltd 16 Anthony Street PO Box 508 ALBANY, WA 6331 ALBANY, WA 6331
3 LICENCE L9127/2018/1
The Vancouver Waste Disposal Facility operates under Department of Water and Environmental
Regulation (DWER) Licence number L7344/1998/10.
The Licence has the following Categories:
Category 12: Screening of Silica Sand;
Category 37: Char manufacturing premises;
Category 62: Solid waste facility;
Category 63: Class I inert landfill;
Category 64: Putrescible Landfill; and
Category 67A: Compost manufacturing and soil blending.
4 SITE USERS
Users of the Vancouver Waste Disposal Facility landfill, in most part, are company waste transfer
trucks from the Vancouver Waste Transfer Station in Albany. Other heavy trucks use the site for
delivery of greenwaste, removal of compost, char, asphalt and Silica sand.
5 LEGISLATION
The regulations and requirements related to this fire management plan are as follows:
5.1 BUSH FIRES ACT 1954
Regulates restrictions such as prohibited burning times, total fire bans, requirements for plant
equipment to contain fire extinguishers, suitable spark arrester and other restrictions.
5.2 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT
Implementation of terms and conditions in the approved Fire Management Plan by the Local
Government.
Key Contact
Martin Shuttleworth Director Phone: 0428 464 212 Email: [email protected]
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5.3 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (UNAUTHORISED DISCHARGE) REGULATIONS
2004
These regulations make it an offence to discharge certain materials into the environment. The
discharge will be in the form of visible smoke from burning of certain materials.
5.4 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION REGULATIONS 1987
Describes the disposal and storage of tyres, with regulations designed to minimise associated fire
risks.
5.5 FIRE BRIGADES ACT 1942 AND FIRE BRIGADES REGULATIONS 1943
Allows the fire authority to enter into an agreement with an owner or occupier of any premises for
the provision of the receiving, monitoring and testing of equipment.
5.6 CONSTRUCTION STANDARD
Australian Standard AS3959: Construction of buildings in bushfire prone areas, aids in construction of
buildings in bush fire-prone areas.
5.7 AUSTRALIAN STANDARD AS1851-2005 The objective of AS1851: Maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment, is to maximise the
reliability of fire protection systems and equipment such that the systems and equipment meet the
requirements of the relevant design, installation and commissioning standards and are likely to
continue to do so until the next scheduled activity.
6 OBJECTIVE
6.1 FIRE MANAGEMENT PLAN
The primary environmental objective is to ensure that the Vancouver Waste Services has the
capacity to adequately prevent/manage/arrest fires at any part of the site at Lot 3 and Lot 102
Mindijup Road, Palmdale. The capacity would include awareness of remedial action to be
undertaken by staff in the event of a fire. The objective is also to report the event of fire to
Vancouver Waste Services, Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES), and the Department
of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) as soon as a fire is considered that it may get out of
control.
6.2 DOCUMENT
The purpose of this document is to provide the Vancouver Waste Services with the fire management
strategy consistent with the legislation requirements mentioned above.
7 LOCATION
The Facility is located approximately 52 km north east of Albany on part of Lot 3 and part of Lot 102,
Mindijup Road, Palmdale, in the City of Albany. Lot 3 covers a total area of 77 hectares (ha) and Lot
102 covers a total area of 584 ha. This plan relates to the activities on site licenced by the DWER. The
area of the licenced portion of the site is approximately 252 ha. Access to the site is from Lot 3
Mindijup Road, Palmdale. Both Lots have facilities for various activities that include:
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Putrescible landfill;
Inert tyre landfill;
Composting of greenwaste;
Char manufacturing;
Gravel pit;
Silica sand extraction;
Asphalt plant, and
Plantation timber.
Almost 50% of the site is covered with either natural vegetation or tree plantation with the
remainder cleared and grassed. This Fire Management Plan considers the entire operating area of
the site with regard to fire management.
8 LOCAL ENVIRONMENT
8.1 CLIMATE
The Bureau of Meteorology weather station (9500) located in Albany has recorded the following
historical data (1880 – current):
Mean Annual Rainfall: 931.5 mm
Mean Maximum Annual Temperature: 19.5 °C
Mean Minimum Annual Temperature: 11.7 °C:
8.2 TOPOGRAPHY
Topography throughout the site generally slopes downward in a north westerly direction. Maximum
elevation of the site is approximately 132 m Australian Height Datum (m AHD) which occurs along
the southern boundary. The lowest elevation occurs on the north western corner of Lot 102 and is at
a height of 115 m AHD (Figure 1).
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Figure 2: Topography of the area
8.3 GEOLOGY
The geology beneath the site, in majority, is fine Silica sand over clay.
8.4 GROUNDWATER
Groundwater flows steadily from the south to the north at a depth of between 16 and 31 m below
ground level.
8.5 SURFACE WATER
There are three man-made dams and a leachate pond on site. The locations of these dams can be
seen in Figure 2. Two tributaries located on Lot 3 and Lot 102 flow towards the Kalgan River. The
Kalgan River is located 520 m to the west of the Lot 3 boundary and 1.7 km from the landfill area.
135 130
125 120
115
110
Kalgan River
Part Lot 102 Part Lot 3
140
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Figure 3: Site Layout
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8.6 SURROUNDING LAND USES
The Facility is surrounded by land consisting of agricultural land, plantation timber, sand extraction
and natural vegetation. The property north of the site supports blue gum plantation. The property to
the east is natural bush followed by grazing land. To the south is a sand extraction pit surrounded by
natural vegetation. To the west is the Kalgan River, grazing and tree plantations.
8.7 CLOSEST RESIDENCE AND BUFFER DISTANCE
The nearest residence is located approximately 1.6 km south east of the proposed landfill footprint
within the Mindijup Silica Sand Mine premises. Three other residences are located more than 1.7 km
from the landfill footprint.
Figure 4: Locations of nearest residences
8.8 FLORA Flora on the site includes a mix of natural bush, bluegum plantation and grassland. There are areas
of complete stripping; these areas are used for sand extraction.
9 SITE RISK ASSESSMENT
Fire in a landfill has the potential to harm site users, damage supporting infrastructure, disrupt
operations, cause environmental emissions and also damage the landfill lining system, which may
result in discharge of contaminated water into the environment from the base of the landfill. Escape
of fire beyond the landfill footprint has the potential to cause damage to neighbouring land,
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infrastructure and agricultural crops. The result would be loss of property, flora, fauna, air, soil and
water pollution and threat to human life.
The risk assessment carried out has divided the site into two distinct zones for better management
of risk during a fire. Refer Figure 5. The Bush Fire Protection Guidelines – Edition 2, May 2010, State
of Western Australia has been used to determine the hazard ratings of the two zones.
9.1 ZONE 1
Zone 1 includes waste that is covered daily and low woodland to a height of 10 m. As there are no
residential, although there are commercial buildings in Zone 1, and the area is predominantly flat.
Table 1 and Table 2 of the Guideline classifies the Zone 1 areas as Bush Fire Attack Level BAL-12.5.
Zone 1 is shown as ‘red’ on Figure 5. Zone 1 covers two areas of the site and includes bluegum
plantation, natural bush, both the putrescible and inert landfills, composting area, char plant and
asphalt plant. Zone 1 has a combined area of 182 ha. The source of fuel for fire will be:
Deposited putrescible waste materials;
Uncontained landfill gas;
Used vehicle tyres;
Eucalyptus trees and tree plantations;
Plantation waste;
Greenwaste piles;
Composting piles;
Bitumen in tanks; and
Timber at the char plant.
9.2 ZONE 2
Zone 2 is shown as ‘blue’ on Figure 5. Zone 2 covers two areas totalling 70 ha and includes grassland
and sand extraction pits. The fuel source for Zone 2 will be pasture grass. The areas marked as Zone
2 are grassland in nature. Table 1 of the Guideline classifies Zone 2 as Grassland. Grassland is not
included in Table 2 of the Guideline. Zone 2 is classified as BAL-12.5 and will require similar
management as Zone 1.
9.3 ZONE FIRE RISK RATING
The fire management zones have been ranked from 1 to 3 based on the hazard rating determined
above. Rank 1 has low risk of fire and Rank 3 has extreme risk of fire.
Table: 1 Fire Risk Ranking for Zones Identified
ZONE FIRE MANAGEMENT ZONE RANKING
1 Landfill Footprint, bush and facilities 2
2 Grassland and sand extraction 1
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Figure 5: Fire Zones
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10 FIRE MANAGEMENT
There are many different processes and activities on the site from which fire may result:
Fire in the landfill - waste or gas;
Fire in a waste haulage vehicle;
Fire involving site plant and equipment;
Fire in the greenwaste;
Fire in the treed areas; and
Grass/scrub fire inside the site boundary.
Various procedures are in place to prevent fires on site. These procedures are focused on visual
inspection of areas where fires may be a hazard, general housekeeping to minimise the risk of fire,
training of personnel and provision of adequate fire fighting equipment.
The landfill facility will contain hazardous materials (HAZMAT) such as flammable bitumen and
landfill gas containing combustible methane, hence fire in a landfill can be considered to require a
HAZMAT appropriate response.
10.1 FIRE MANAGEMENT NOTICE 2017 -2018
Fire Management Notice 2017 -2018 by the City of Albany requires for properties of more than
4,000 m2 to do the following.
10.1.1 Fire Breaks
Perimeter fire breaks
Perimeter fire breaks are to be located within 20 m of the property boundary and must be 3 m wide
with 4 m vertical clearance. The fire break must be ploughed, cultivated, scarified, chemically
sprayed, slashed or otherwise cleared to a maximum vegetation height of 50 mm.
Any overhanging branches, trees or shrubs must be cleared to a vertical height of 4 m over the
designated fire break.
Fire breaks longer than 400 m should include a fire appliance turning area of at least 10 m diameter
at appropriate locations to allow egress from a property.
Fire breaks must be maintained from November 1 to April 30 inclusive in the North East sector and
December 1 to April 30 in the South West sector (or as otherwise gazetted).
Strategic Fire Breaks
Landowners or occupiers who have a strategic fire break on their property must maintain this fire
break. Strategic fire breaks do not replace the requirement for individual perimeter fire breaks
unless specified in a Bushfire Management Plan.
Plantations
All plantation, regeneration and conservation lots must comply with the conditions detailed in the
DFES Plantation Fire Protection Guidelines unless a variation has been granted by the City of Albany.
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Additional Requirements
Owners of plantation and regeneration Lots must:
Provide a key to access gates to their local Bush Fire Brigade;
Provide a red PVC container at entry points with maps showing water points, tracks and
contact details;
Install perimeter fire breaks 10 m wide 4 m vertical clearance;
Ensure the property is broken into compartments not exceeding 250 ha in area and
separated by internal fire breaks 6 m wide and with a 4 m vertical clearance; and
Install a 15 m mineral earth break under all power lines.
Fuel Loads
Fuel loads refers to the amount of flammable material available for a fire to burn. Fuel loads are to
be maintained at or below 8 tonnes per ha. This is equal to 8 handfuls of flammable material per m2.
Low fuel loads can be achieved by the following:
Slashing grasses to a height not exceeding 50mm; or
Conducting parkland clearing, which is the removal of understorey to a maximum height of
50 mm but leaving trees in place; or
Hazard reduction burning.
Specific Hazards
Fire breaks must be constructed around the following hazards, if they are located on your property:
Green power domes –1 m fire break;
Wood heaps and hay stacks – 3 m fire break;
Fuel storage areas – 3 m fire break;
Garden refuse piles – 3 m fire break; and
Power poles - 1.5 m fire break.
Agricultural Land
The requirements for cropping and agricultural land are:
Cropping paddocks must be broken into compartments not exceeding 250ha in area each
separated by internal fire breaks;
During machinery operations, including harvesting, a fully operational fire fighting unit with
a minimum water capacity of 400 L, fire fighting pump and hose is to be located in the
paddock being harvested; and
During restricted and prohibited burning times, all harvesting machinery must carry a fire
extinguisher.
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Fire Bans
Harvesting & Machinery Operations
During restricted and prohibited burning times, all harvesting machinery must carry a fire
extinguisher.
At all times, a fully operational fire fighting unit is to be located in the paddock being harvested.
Harvest and Vehicle Movement Bans
The City of Albany may impose Harvest and/or Vehicle Movement Bans when adverse fire weather
conditions are experienced.
During harvest bans all harvesting operations must immediately cease. No harvesting is permitted
on Christmas Day.
A vehicle movement ban means no internal combustion powered vehicles are to be driven in
paddocks or bush areas and ‘hot work’ such as welding or grinding is not to be undertaken in the
open air.
All bans are broadcast via ABC local radio at 10:05 am, 11.05 am, 12:35 pm and 2:05 pm.
Total Fire Ban
During a Total Fire Ban, the lighting of any fire in the open air is prohibited. This includes all open
cooking and camping fires and incinerators. It also includes ‘hot work’ such as welding, grinding and
soldering or gas cutting.
Exemptions may be available by contacting DFES at www.dfes.wa.gov.au .
11 FIRE MANAGEMENT ASSETS
11.1 ACCESS ROUTES
One access point with fire access gates and one main entry gate are available for access to the
Facility. The main site access is at Mindijup Road. The nearest major road is Palmdale Road
approximately 6.2 km east of the site entry. The main site entry is on the eastern end of Lot 3. There
is a second entry further to the west along Mindijup Road, Refer Figure 3. Sufficient turn around
areas for large fire fighting plant and equipment will be available within the site.
All gates will be locked at all times when the site is unattended to prevent vandalism and
unauthorised entry. DFES and the VBFB will be issued with a master key to all access gates which is
to be used in the event of an emergency. All fire access gates are a minimum 3.6 m wide and
labelled as “Fire Access Only – No Public Access.” The main gate will be sign posted as “Main Entry”.
The access points and the emergency contact numbers are available within a weatherproof cylinder
attached to a post located outside the main gate.
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11.2 SITE INFRASTRUCTURE
The locations of the fire fighting equipment are available on each item of mobile plant, light vehicles,
office and stationary infrastructure. The weatherproof cylinder at the main gate contains maps of
the site and surrounds and a copy of the site HAZMAT materials register.
11.2.1 Water Truck
A water truck is available for use in fire fighting. The water truck has a capacity of 14,000 L. A 50 mm
diameter heavy duty hose is used for coupling the water truck to the pumps at the dams. The water
truck is fitted with a pump for pressurised release of water for fire fighting.
11.2.2 Quick Response Fire Unit
One quick response fire unit, comprising a minimum of 1,000 L of water, with an operational pump
and 20 m of 19 mm diameter hose (minimum), capable of delivering water through an adjustable
nozzle, is on site during times of high fire risk.
11.2.3 Fire Extinguishers
Portable fire extinguishers are provided at the office, mobile plant and equipment, including
personnel vehicles.
12 ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE
The Vancouver Waste Services undertakes the day to day management and operation of the various
activities at the site. Vancouver Waste Services management structure is shown in Figure 6.
Figure 6: Vancouver’s organisation structure
The General Manager is responsible for ensuring that all work relating to the site activities are
carried out in accordance with the Licence, operational plans and company policies.
The Site Supervisor has the overall responsibility for the strategic day to day planning and
management of site.
Plant Operators duties include operation of heavy equipment.
Plant operators
General Manager
Vancouver Waste Services
Site Supervisor
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13 RESPONSE TO FIRE
Following are the responsibilities and actions required by each staff member in the event of a fire.
The General Manager will ensure that all fire fighting equipment is maintained and
inspected on a regular basis, in accordance with current legislation, regulation and
Australian Standards;
The Site Supervisor will contact the General Manager in the first instance for direction in an
event of fire or other emergency;
The Site Supervisor will assume control of all actions and decisions until the arrival of the
General Manager;
If the General Manager is not immediately contactable and the fire is considered potentially
uncontrollable the Site Supervisor will contact the DFES Communication Centre by
telephoning 000;
In the instance of HAZMAT incident the General Manager or Site Supervisor will liaise with
the City of Albany Chief Bush Fire Control Officer (CBFCO) and/or DFES to arrange for supply
of plant or equipment as required during an event of a HAZMAT fire; and
Should the facility be closed due to the fire, the General Manager, in conjunction with the
CBFCO, DFES and the DWER, will decide when the facility is to be re-opened.
The action items and frequency of inspection is given Table 2 below.
Table: 2 Inspection of Fire Fighting Equipment
ACTION ITEM FREQUENCY
Inspection of fire extinguishers. Biannual or after use
Inspection and maintenance of other fire fighting equipment. Biannual or after use
Renewal of Contract for inspection and testing of fire extinguishers.
At completion of service contract
13.1 INTERNAL INCIDENT COMMAND STRUCTURE
During a fire or any other risk that arises, the General Manager is to be made aware of the nature
and scope of the emergency and shall delegate duties for the effective control and direction of
occupants.
The Site Supervisor shall act in the capacity of General Manager in an emergency during times when
the General Manager is not absent. The key person is fully conversant with the procedures and
executes the emergency response until the return of the General Manager or arrival of any
emergency services.
Any person that discovers a fire must advise the General Manager or Site Supervisor immediately.
No action to tackle the fire must be taken without notifying another person, unless individual safety
is at risk.
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If General Manager is not immediately contactable and the fire is considered potentially
uncontrollable the Site Supervisor shall contact the CBFCO and/or DFES. The General Manager will
provide all assistance to DFES in implementing the response during an event of fire.
13.2 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
The minimum level of personal protective equipment (PPE) required for the site in response to a fire
is steel capped boots and safety vests, gloves, hard hats and respiratory devices will be available at
the site. Dust masks will be available for protection from nuisance dust. Half face air purifying
respirators fitted with Class P2 cartridges in accordance with AS/NZS 1716 – Respiratory protective
devices will be available for protection against mechanical and thermally generated particulates. The
minimum PPE to be worn during an event of fire will be listed and displayed within the office and
lunch room informing the staff about the stored location.
13.3 INDUCTION
All new employees will be trained in the site’s emergency response procedures during the induction
process, including the location of the second emergency gate, contacts list and incident notification
procedures.
13.4 EMERGENCY DRILL
At least annually, an emergency drill will be undertaken at the site 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 General Manager and the assessment of the drill is to be recorded in an
appropriate record system. Site induction will also be offered to Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade (VBFB)
annually.
14 FIRE MITIGATION MEASURES
The DWER and CBFCO will be notified of any uncontrolled event of fire in any of the zones. The
information will contain:
Time of fire;
Location of fire;
Nature of fire;
Any mitigation measures adopted; and
Information about any affected staff or property.
14.1 SITE SECURITY
Site security measures include:
The premises is securely fenced and site access gates closed and locked to deter entry of
unauthorised persons;
A system is in place for checking people in and out, i.e. radio contact with Site supervisor;
When the site is unmanned, the access gates will be locked;
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The active area of the landfill area is fenced with a security fence and fitted with lockable
gates to prevent unauthorised access and to control windblown litter and vermin;
Inspection of fencing is carried out on a monthly basis to identify damage which is to be
rectified at the earliest convenience;
Only authorised site management personnel, DFES and the VBFB will have keys to the site
after operating hours;
Signs are displayed to show hazardous areas and risks of trespassing; and
Emergency access gates are labelled.
14.2 HAZARD MANAGEMENT
Preventative measures include:
Training to be provided to staff to identify risk of fire, operate fire fighting equipment and
select the most appropriate equipment to be utilised to extinguish a particular type of fire;
Plant operators ensure any fire is recognised quickly, allowing prompt action to extinguish it;
Equipment fire suppression systems serviced and inspected regularly and/or as required;
Waste is covered with suitable cover material on a daily basis to ensure that the risk of fire
within the waste mass is minimised;
Flammable goods are not permitted on the site without approval from the DWER and
Vancouver Waste Services;
Storage of flammable goods at the site will require approval from the General Manager and
implementation of appropriate safety procedures;
Smoking is not permitted at the Vancouver Mindijup site; smoking area is outside the main
gate;
Office and lunch room are kept clean and tidy, with waste bins emptied on a regular basis;
All chemicals are clearly labelled and affixed with a placard (where required);
HAZMAT location and manifest details will be kept at site office and the emergency
information cylinder located at the main gate;
Hot work (e.g. oxy-acetylene cutting and welding) will only take place in areas away from
flammable materials and permits must be issued by the General Manager and/or authorised
personnel to conduct this work;
Hot work will only be undertaken by trained and competent personnel;
Hot work will not be undertaken on days of total fire ban;
Fire extinguishers will be serviced and inspected on a six-monthly basis or more frequently if
required;
Any spillage of flammable liquid or material will be cleared up immediately;
Water truck and other equipment for fire fighting are available onsite. Equipment location is
clearly documented and signposted;
With regard to the two landfills, where surface cracking is observed or subterranean
combustion is suspected in the landfill, the area is to be barricaded off to stop entry until the
area has been assessed by the General Manager, and, if necessary, emergency services;
If it is safe to do so, any equipment close to the fire will be moved away, along with any
other flammable materials;
The power supply will be switched off if there is a significant risk of electrical fire. The
General Manager will direct plant operators as to the best approach for individual incidents;
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Items of plant and equipment will be moved to a safe distance away from the affected area;
and
Unauthorised personnel and visitors must not enter the site during a fire event, unless
instructed and accompanied by emergency services or onsite personnel and with the
appropriate PPE.
14.3 BITUMEN PLANT
Preventative measures for the bitumen storage area include:
Areas around the tanks will be kept clean and free of grass;
No other potentially flammable materials or incompatible substances be stored near the
bitumen tanks;
Any spills of bitumen, oil or fuel are cleaned up immediately;
All storage tanks are clearly labelled with the appropriate placards (where required);
HAZMAT list is to be updated regularly representing the type of hydrocarbon liquids and
quantity stored onsite at a given point of time; and
All electricity and fuel lines must have the option to be switched off.
Action to be undertaken in the bitumen storage area during an event of fire:
Any fire in the bitumen storage area is to be communicated immediately to the General
Manager;
All electricity and delivery lines will be switched off/isolated if possible;
All personnel will keep well clear of the area until given the all clear by the General Manager;
Appropriate fire fighting measures will be undertaken in consultation with CBFCO or DFES
during an uncontrolled fire; and
A Record of the details of any such incident shall be maintained in a register describing the
source of the fire, the reason for the fire, the action taken and the mitigation measure
undertaken.
14.4 MOBILE PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Preventative measures for plant and equipment include:
In the event of a fire, plant and equipment will be moved away from the affected area;
All plant is to be cleaned and maintained regularly to avoid the build-up of waste or other
material;
All belly plates and other more inaccessible areas on landfill plant will be checked regularly
and cleaned out at each service or more frequently if required;
Exhaust systems and spark arrestors of the plant and equipment are to be maintained
properly;
Plant and equipment is to be moved away from the fire area and any other potential fire
areas when not in use and outside of facility operating hours; and
Plant Operators are to check equipment and surroundings throughout their shift to ensure
that no fires or hazards are imminent.
Action to be undertaken for a fire in plant and equipment includes:
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The operator is to leave the machine as soon as possible, only staying to shut the equipment
down if safe to do so, where possible turning off the battery isolator switch;
The operator will notify the General Manager on the status of the plant or equipment when
left during an event of fire; and
The plant or equipment will be inspected for any faults that may have occurred during the
fire and operated only after the fault is rectified and deemed safe.
14.5 ASSISTANCE TO DFES
The fire fighting resources at the site will be made available to the CBFCO, DFES and others in
consultation with the General Manager to assist in fighting fires outside the active areas of the site.
Providing manpower for fire fighting will be subject to the staff available onsite and their willingness
to participate in fire fighting activities.
14.6 SITE COMPLIANCE
The Vancouver site will require staff and users to adhere to best measures to prevent fire:
Compliance with the City of Albany Fire Management Notice 2017-2018;
Education of the staff and users of the waste facility in identifying the risk of fire,
encouraging communicating with management for necessary action to reduce the risk;
The facility will be a strictly non-smoking premises;
The plant and machinery used for operation will be parked away from fire risk areas;
Without prior approval from the City of Albany, plant, equipment and machinery will not be
operated within Zone 1 or Zone 2 during “very high” fire danger days, harvest and
movement of vehicles bans and total fire bans as imposed by DFES;
Perimeter firebreaks will be completed by November 1 of every year;
Firebreaks and fire access roads will be maintained for emergency services to gain access to
the property;
Dry debris will be cleared from the firebreak within the perimeter fences in adherence with
the City of Albany Fire Management Notice 2017-2018; and
DFES or the CBFCO will be notified of any hazard spotted outside the site boundary.
15 FIRE EXTINGUISHING METHODS
Several different extinguishing methods can be adopted to extinguish fire. The method to be utilised
will depend on the type of fire, the location of the fire, fire accessibility and the intensity of the fire.
The proposed fire extinguishing methods for the different fire management zones are described
below.
The area downwind of the fire will be evacuated of all persons. The General Manager will be notified
of any fire at the site. The CBFCO, DFES and the VBFB will be notified should a fire at the site become
uncontrollable.
15.1 ZONE 1
With regard to landfill fires and if upon excavation the landfill fire appears to be well established and
emanating from deep within the landfill mass, the landfill vents (smoke plumes) will be covered with
soil to limit oxygen availability to the fire. A water based fire retardant will be added to the water in
the water truck, hot spots excavated and the landfill mass saturated with fire retardant. If the fire is
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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 can potentially become
unsafe. Any initial fire fighting activities undertaken on the landfill area shall be coordinated by the
General Manager or DFES.
Any fire in or around the lined leachate dam will be controlled using the water based fire retardant
described above.
Fire in the treed areas will be extinguished by cutting fire breaks with heavy equipment and water
delivered from water trucks. Embers carried in front of the fire start spot fires. Vancouver staff shall
not move in front of the fire to extinguish spot fires. If the fire is uncontrollable the area in front of
the fire shall be evacuated and no personnel shall enter the area.
15.2 ZONE 2
For grassed areas beating, water and fire breaks will be used to extinguish the fire. If the fire is
within infrastructure, such as buildings and plant, then fire extinguishers shall be used in the first
instance.
16 MONITORING AND PREVENTION OF FIRES ORIGINATING FROM LANDFILL
16.1 GAS COMPOSITION MONITORING
Putrescible waste buried in the landfill produces methane gas during decomposition. Landfill gas
emitted from decomposing waste can pool in areas around the landfill. High risk areas are within the
leachate wells, 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. Monitoring of gas composition can provide useful data for the
management of fire risk within the landfill and the necessary precautions to adopt during an event
of fire.
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.
16.2 WEATHER MONITORING
The weather forecast will be monitored daily and necessary precautions such as more frequent
patrolling of firebreaks, testing of fire equipment readiness and wetting down of the landfill surface
will be adopted when extreme weather conditions have been predicted.
16.3 PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
The frequency in occurrence of fire in the identified fire management zones will be a direct
indication of fire prevention and fire fighting performance. Performance monitoring will allow
assessment of adequacy for existing firebreaks, precautionary measures and the fire fighting
equipment.
16.4 DATABASE MANAGEMENT
All fire events will be recorded and will contain at least the following information:
Time and date of fire;
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Weather conditions prevailing during the event of fire (temperature, wind speed and
direction, rainfall etc.);
Any variations from the documented precautionary measures;
Fire fighting measures and strategy adopted;
Suitability and success of fire fighting measures; and
Time taken to arrest the fire.
The data will form the basis of performance indicators and the reviewing of fire management
procedures for continuous improvement.
16.5 PERFORMANCE REVIEW
The performance indicators will be the focus of the review of the Fire Management Plan after a fire
event. The Fire Management Plan will also be reviewed annually and will be modified to reflect the
current best practice strategy in all the fire management zones identified.
16.6 CHECKLISTS
A checklist has been prepared for monitoring the fire risk at the site, Appendix A. A performance
criteria compliance checklist adapted from the Annual Compliance Checklist for Performance Criteria
and Acceptable Solutions as detailed in Appendix 4 of the Bush Fire Protection Guideline has been
included as Appendix B. The above checklists will be reviewed every six months and before each
summer season to ensure they are representative of current site layout and conditions.
17 EMERGENCY CONTACTS
The emergency contact numbers will be available, along with a fire zone map, from within the
weatherproof emergency information cylinder located at the main gate. Emergency contact
numbers will also be displayed on a sign at both the main gate to the facility and the office. All initial
calls will be made through 000 or State Emergency Services 132 500.
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Table: 3 Emergency Contacts
CONTACT NUMBER 1
Ambulance 000
State Emergency Services - Albany 9841 2400
State Emergency Services – Mt Barker 0439 936 143
Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade – South Coast 0407 944 998
Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade – Kalgan 0419 919 949
Volunteer Fire Control Officer 9956 6600
Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) 000 or 132 500
Fire Weather Hotline 1800 709 355
General Manager – Vancouver Waste Disposal Facility
0428 464 212
Southern Regional Medical Centre 9845 9000
Police 000
Vancouver Waste Services 9845 7688
Chief Bushfire Control Officer – City of Albany 0439217692
City of Albany 6280 3000
Western Power 13 13 51
17.1 DEPARTMENT RESPONSIBLE FOR EACH ZONE
The fire fighting department responsible for the individual zones based on the risk assessment and
capability of fire fighting department is given below in Table 4.
Table: 4 Zone Responsibility
ZONES DEPARTMENT
Zone 1 DFES/VBFB
Zone 2 DFES / VBFB
17.2 LOCATION OF FIRE UNITS
The location of fire units nearest to the site is given below in Table 5. It provides an approximate
time for a fire fighting unit to reach the site during an emergency.
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Table: 5 Location of Fire Units
Fire Units Location Approximate Distance (km)
Approximate time to reach Site (mins)
State Emergency Services - Albany 42 36
Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade – South Coast 48 60
Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade – Mt Barker 50 64
17.3 SITE ACTIVITY DURING FIRE BAN
The operation of the site during days declared as Total Fire Ban under Bush Fires Act 1954 and/or
ban on harvesting and the movement of vehicles in paddocks by DFES will be undertaken with strict
adherence to the following:
Only work which cannot reasonably be postponed to a time with safer weather conditions
will be undertaken;
Weather conditions are to be continually assessed and warnings observed;
All firebreaks are to be maintained in accordance with the Vancouver Waste Services
firebreak order;
One person is to undertake the role of “fire spotter” for the duration of the Total Fire Ban or
ban on harvesting and the movement of vehicles in paddocks period;
One quick response fire unit, comprising a minimum of 1,000 L of water, with an operational
pump and 20 m of 19 mm diameter hose (minimum), capable of delivering water through an
adjustable nozzle, to be located in close proximity to the site of any work;
One water truck of at least 14,000 L fitted with 200 L foam injection systems with remote
control cannon to available at all times at the waste facility;
Access maintained to all dams for fire fighting trucks;
All vehicles and stationary motors are to be inspected prior to leaving any formed road to
ensure that the exhaust systems are in a sound condition;
All vehicles and stationary motors are to be refuelled on clear ground and in an appropriate
method to avoid the release of static electricity;
The entrance road and access to the work areas is to be regularly checked to ensure that no
windblown vegetation can come into contact with exhaust or catalytic converters fitted to
any vehicle;
The vehicles and plant are to be sited/parked in areas free from vegetation and combustible
material; and
At least two personnel are to remain at the work site for at least thirty minutes after the
works have been completed to ensure the site remains safe and the site is to be fully
inspected for any potential fire activity prior to their departure.
17.4 TOTAL FIRE BAN EXEMPTION An application will be made to DFES for exception to the ban on vehicle movement from entering
and leaving the site with regard to landfill activities. The exemption will allow for the movement of
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vehicles into Zone 1 for the placement, compaction and covering of waste and the management of
the active landfill area.
17.5 NOTIFICATION
When site operations are undertaken on days of Total Fire Ban or Harvesting and/or Total Vehicle
Movement Ban the CBFCO from the City of Albany and DFES are to be notified on the day and prior
to the work commencing.
18 REPORTING
18.1 FIRE MAPPING
The extent and location of fires occurring in and around the site and landfill footprint will be mapped
and updated annually. This will provide a valuable reference resource when assessing the fire
management zones and reviewing this Fire Management Plan.
18.2 REPORTING SCHEDULE
Any risk of fire or hazard identified within Zones 1 and 2 will be reported as soon as possible to the
General Manager for appropriate risk mitigation.
If a fire is discovered and determined to be too significant to extinguish using on site resources
alone, the General Manager, or in the General Manager’s absence the Site Supervisor, will telephone
000, DFES and the CBFCO.
Post fire, the Site Supervisor and General Manager will assist with de-briefs to relevant authorities.
Vancouver Waste Services will annually report on all events of fire to the DWER, DFES and other
authorities as described in the site approvals or licencing conditions. The report will contain both fire
mapping and the fire event database described herein.
19 REFERENCES
Fire Management Notice 2017 – 2018. City of Albany
Australian Standard AS/NZS 1716 – Respiratory protective devices
Australian Standard AS1851-2005 – Maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment by
Standards Australia
Australian Standard AS 3959 – Construction of buildings in bushfire prone areas, aids in construction
of buildings in bush fire-prone areas by Standards Australia
Bush Fires Act 1954. State of Western Australia
Environmental Protection (Unauthorised Discharge) Regulations 2004, Western Australia
Environmental Protection Regulations 1987, Western Australia
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Fire Brigades Act 1942, State Government of Western Australia
Fire Brigades Regulations 1943, Western Australia
Local Government Act 1995, Department of Local Government, Government of Western Australia
Planning for Bush Fire Protection Guidelines – Edition 2 May 2010 by WA Planning Commission, FESA
and Department of Planning Western Australia
Guidelines for Planning in Bush Fire Prone Areas, Version 1.3, December 2017. DFES
20 APPENDICES
Appendix A Fire Management Checklist
VANCOUVER WASTE DISPOSAL FACILITY FIRE MANAGEMENT CHECKLIST
1
CARRIED OUT BY DATE
SIGNATURE
Zone 1 – Landfill Footprint Yes No
Stockpile of earth is available close to the tipping face
Heavy equipment are available to move earth
All waste, apart from waste received that day, is adequately covered
Landfill areas that have not yet been capped do not have any waste exposed
Temporary litter screens, litter traps and litter fences are free of litter
Stormwater drains, depressions and culverts are free of litter
Grass around the site is cut or adequately maintained
Emergency access gates to landfill footprint are unobstructed and maintained
All equipment is maintained periodically
Fire extinguishers on mobile plant are certified and within test expiry dates
Automatic fire suppression equipment on mobile plant (where fitted) are in good condition and in test expiry dates
All necessary precautions against occurrences of fire are carried out
Zone 1 – Compost Facility Yes No
Stockpiles of greenwaste and compost are watered down
Plant and machinery used for operation parked at least 20 m from windrows, stockpiles and other high fire risk areas
Access roads in the facility are clear and free of debris
VANCOUVER WASTE DISPOSAL FACILITY FIRE MANAGEMENT CHECKLIST
2
Zone 1 – Office, Char Plant and Asphalt Plant Yes No
Any windblown debris from the landfill is removed from the area
Plant and machinery used for operation will be parked at least 20 m from bush and other high fire risk areas
Fire breaks within the perimeter fences are cleared of any debris
Fire access routes are maintained and free from obstruction
Work place is clean and orderly
Emergency exit signs on buildings properly illuminated
Fire extinguishers are visible and accessible
Fire extinguishers are certified and within test expiry dates
Emergency exits are free of obstruction
The access roads to office/buildings are clear and unobstructed
Adequate supply of water available
Automatic fire suppression equipment on mobile plant (where fitted) are in good condition and in test expiry dates
All flammable materials are stored appropriately
Emergency contact numbers are displayed, and current, at both the main gate to the site and at the landfill entry
Induction training for new employees are carried out
Staff are educated with fire prevention and extinguishment procedures
Emergency evacuation plan is known to all staff
Visitors are informed of evacuation procedures
Necessary PPE is available on site
VANCOUVER WASTE DISPOSAL FACILITY FIRE MANAGEMENT CHECKLIST
3
Zone 1 – Treed Areas Yes No
Any windblown debris from the landfill is removed from the surrounding bush and perimeter fences
Plant and machinery used for operation will be parked at least 20 m from bush and other high fire risk areas
Fire breaks within the perimeter fences are cleared of any debris
Fire access routes are maintained and free from obstruction
Any fire hazard is reported to the office and actioned
VANCOUVER WASTE DISPOSAL FACILITY FIRE MANAGEMENT CHECKLIST
4
Zone 2 – Grassland and sand excavation areas Yes No
Any windblown debris from the landfill is removed from the area, check low lying areas for litter
Plant and machinery used for operation will be parked at least 20 m from bush and other high fire risk areas
Fire breaks within the perimeter fences are cleared of any debris
Fire access routes are maintained and free from obstruction
Clear access available to all dams for fire fighting truck assess
Work place is clean and orderly
Emergency exit signs properly illuminated
Fire alarms and fire extinguishers are visible and accessible
Fire extinguishers are certified and within test expiry dates
Emergency exits are free of obstruction
The access roads to office/buildings are clear and unobstructed
Automatic fire suppression equipment on mobile plant (where fitted) are in good condition and in test expiry dates
All flammable materials are stored appropriately
Grass is cut and area is free of litter
COMMENTS
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Appendix B Performance Criteria Compliance Checklist
Performance Criteria Compliance Checklist – Vancouver Waste Disposal Facility
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Vancouver Waste Services
Annual Compliance Checklist
for
Performance Criteria and Acceptable Solutions
in Accordance with
Appendix 4 of the Bush Fire Protection Guideline
Date: July 25, 2018
Performance Criteria Compliance Checklist – Vancouver Waste Disposal Facility
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Element 1: Location
A1.1: The subdivision/development is located on land that is not subject to either an extreme bush fire hazard land classification or requires construction standards to BAL-40 or BAL-FZ.
Does the proposal comply with the performance criteria by applying acceptable solution A1.1?
Yes No
Element 2: Vehicular Access
A2.1: Two different vehicular access routes, both of which connect to the public road network, are available to all residents/the public at all times. Does the proposal comply with the performance criteria by applying acceptable solution A2.1?
Yes No
A2.2: Public roads meet the following requirements:
minimum trafficable surface: 6 metres horizontal clearance: 6 metres vertical clearance: 4 metres maximum grades: 1 in 8 maximum grade over <50 metres: 1 in 5 maximum average grade: 1 in 7 minimum weight capacity: 15 tonnes maximum crossfall: 1 in 33 curves minimum inner radius: 12 metres
Does the proposal comply with the performance criteria by applying acceptable solution A2.2?
Yes No
A2.3: Where used, however, cul-de-sac standards are to be as follows:
maximum length: 200 metres (if emergency access is provided between cul-de-sac heads maximum length can be increased to 600 metres provided no more than 8 lots are serviced)
minimum trafficable surface: 6 metres horizontal clearance: 6 metres
Performance Criteria Compliance Checklist – Vancouver Waste Disposal Facility
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maximum grades: 1 in 8 maximum grade over <50 metres: 1 in 5 maximum average grade: 1 in 7 minimum weight capacity: 15 tonnes maximum crossfall: 1 in 33 curves minimum inner radius: 12 metres as per turn around area requirements
– including 21 metre diameter head.
Does the proposal comply with the performance criteria by applying acceptable solution A2.3?
Yes No N/A
A2.4 Battle axe access legs meet the following requirements:
maximum length: 600 metres minimum width: 6 metres minimum trafficable surface: 4 metres horizontal clearance: 6 metres vertical clearance: 4 metres maximum grades: 1 in 8 maximum grade over <50 metres: 1 in 5 maximum average grade: 1 in 7 minimum weight capacity: 15 tonnes maximum crossfall: 1 in 33 curves minimum inner radius: 12 metres.
Does the proposal comply with the performance criteria by applying acceptable solution A2.4?
Yes No N/A
A2.5 Constructed private driveways meet the following requirements:
required where house site is more than 50 metres from a public road minimum trafficable surface: 4 metres horizontal clearance: 6 metres vertical clearance: 4 metres maximum grades: 1 in 8 maximum grade over <50 metres: 1 in 5 maximum average grade: 1 in 7 minimum weight capacity: 15 tonnes maximum crossfall: 1 in 33 curves minimum inner radius: 12 metres passing bays: every 200 metres with a minimum length of 20 metres and a
minimum width of 2 metres (i.e. the combined width of the passing bay and constructed private driveway to be minimum 6 metres)
turn around areas designed to accommodate 3.4 fire appliances and to enable them to turn around safely: every 500 metres and within 50 metres of a house.
Performance Criteria Compliance Checklist – Vancouver Waste Disposal Facility
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Does the proposal comply with the performance criteria by applying acceptable solution A2.5?
Yes No
A2.6: Emergency access ways, providing alternative links to public roads during emergencies meet the following requirements:
minimum trafficable surface: 6 metres horizontal clearance: 6 metres vertical clearance: 4 metres maximum grades: 1 in 8 maximum grade over <50 metres: 1 in 5 maximum average grade: 1 in 7 minimum weight capacity: 15 tonnes maximum crossfall: 1 in 33 curves minimum inner radius: 12 metres must be signposted.
Does the proposal comply with the performance criteria by applying acceptable solution A2.6?
Yes No
A2.7: Fire services access routes, providing links between public road networks for fire fighting purposes, meet the following requirements:
surface: all weather dead end: not permitted minimum trafficable surface: 6 metres horizontal clearance: 6 metres vertical clearance: 4 metres maximum grades: 1 in 7 maximum grade over <50 metres: 1 in 4 maximum average grade: 1 in 5 minimum weight capacity: 15 tonnes maximum crossfall: 1 in 33 curves minimum inner radius: 12 metres turn around areas designed to accommodate 3.4 appliances and to enable
them to turn around safely: every 500 metres erosion control measures and long term maintenance arrangements in place access to public road network: every 1000 metres allow for two way traffic.
Does the proposal comply with the performance criteria by applying acceptable solution A2.7?
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Yes No
A2.8 All gates used to restrict traffic on emergency access ways and fire service access routes meet the following requirements:
minimum width 3.6 metres design and construction: to be approved by relevant local government emergency access way gates: must not be locked fire service access route gates: may be locked but only with a common key
that is available to local fire service personnel Signposted.
Does the proposal comply with the performance criteria by applying acceptable solution A2.8?
Yes No
A2.9 Firebreak widths Lots greater than 0.5 hectares must have an internal perimeter firebreak of a minimum 3 metres width. Does the proposal comply with the performance criteria by applying acceptable solution A2.9?
Yes No
A2.10 Signs are erected where emergency access ways and fire services access routes adjoin public roads, and meet the following requirements:
minimum height above ground: 0.9 metres design and construction: to be approved by relevant local government lettering height: 100 millimetres to display the following wording (as appropriate):‘Fire Service Access – No
Public Access’ or ‘Emergency Access Only’. Does the proposal comply with the performance criteria by applying acceptable solution A2.10?
Yes No
Appropriate sign posts will be installed prior to commencement of operation.
Performance Criteria Compliance Checklist – Vancouver Waste Disposal Facility
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Element 3: Water
A3.1: The development is provided with a reticulated water supply, together with fire hydrants, in accordance with the specifications of the relevant water supply authority and FESA. Does the proposal comply with the performance criteria by applying acceptable solution A3.1?
Yes No N/A
A3.2: Water tanks with a hydrant or standpipe are provided and meet the following requirements:
volume: 50,000 litres per tank ratio of tanks to lots: 1 tank per 25 lots (or part thereof) tank location: tanks are located to allow a 2.4 appliance to achieve a 20 minute
turnaround time at legal road speeds from the tanks to the furthest dwelling site within the residential development
tank construction: above ground tanks are constructed of concrete or metal and the stands of raised tanks are constructed using non-combustible materials and heat shielding where appropriate (i.e. heat shielding will be required in the case of metal tank stands)
It is the responsibility of the local government to ensure that these tanks are full of water
pipe construction: galvanised or copper pipe are used above ground, although PVC pipe may be used if buried 300 millimetres below ground
couplings are to be in accordance with the FESA guidelines available at www.fesa.wa.gov.au
procedures are put in place to ensure water tanks are maintained at full capacity at all times
hardstand and turn around area suitable for a 3.4 appliance are provided within 3 metres of each water tank
water tanks and associated facilities are vested in the relevant local government.
Does the proposal comply with the performance criteria by applying acceptable solution A3.2?
Yes No N/A
A3.3: A dam (or dams) with permanent water all year (including during drought years) is provided and meets the following requirements:
volume: 200 cubic metres of water storage at the driest time of the year for every 25 lots (or part thereof)
dam (or dams) is either vested in the relevant local government, or has a caveat placed on it to ensure fire services access.
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Does the proposal comply with the performance criteria by applying acceptable solution A3.3?
Yes No
Element 4: Siting of Development A4.1: Hazard separation – moderate to extreme bush fire hazard level Every building is sited a minimum distance of 100 metres from any vegetation classified under table 1 and figure 1 as forests, woodlands, closed shrub, open shrub, mallee/mulga and rainforest (i.e. in an area with an moderate or extreme bush fire hazard level) or has its construction standard increased to align with the appropriate bush fire attack level for that location. Under AS 3959, the distance between the predominant vegetation and the building can be reduced but, the construction standard must be increased.
Does the proposal comply with the performance criteria by applying acceptable solution A4.1?
Yes No
A4.2: Hazard separation - low bush fire hazard level Every building is sited a minimum distance of 20 metres from any vegetation classified under table 1 and figure 1 of appendix 1 as grassland (ie in an area with a low bush fire hazard level).
Does the proposal comply with the performance criteria by applying acceptable solution A4.2?
Yes No
A4.3: Building protection zone Every building is surrounded by a building protection zone that meets the following requirements:
width: 20 metres measured from any external wall of the building location: within the boundaries of the lot on which the building is situated fuel load: reduced to and maintained at 2 tonnes per hectare trees (crowns) are a minimum of 10 metres apart trees are low pruned at least to a height of 2 metres no tall shrub or tree is located within 2 metres of a building (including
windows)
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there are no tree crowns overhanging the building fences and sheds within the building protection zone are constructed using
non-combustible materials(i.e. colourbond, iron, brick, limestone) shrubs in the building protection zone have no dead material within the plant tall shrubs in the building protection zone are not planted in clumps close to
the building, i.e. within3 metres trees in the building protection zone have no dead material within the plant’s
crown or on the bole.
Does the proposal comply with the performance criteria by applying acceptable solution A4.3?
Yes No
A4.4: Hazard separation zone Every building and its contiguous building protection zone is surrounded by a hazard separation zone that meets the following requirements:
minimum width: 80 metres in the case of vegetation classified under table 1 and figure 1 as forests, woodlands, closed shrub, open shrub, mallee/mulga and rainforest, measured from the outer edge of the building protection zone
location: within the boundaries of the lot on which the building is situated or, where this is not possible or desirable, within the boundaries of the overall residential development in which the building is proposed to be located
fuel load: reduced to and maintained at between 5 and 8 tonnes per hectare for jarrah/marri dominated forest and woodlands, below 12-15t/ha in mallee heath and below 15t/ha in karri forest
trees (crowns) are a minimum of 10 metres apart trees in the hazard separation zone have no dead material within the plant’s
crown or on the bole.
Does the proposal comply with the performance criteria by applying acceptable solution A4.4?
Yes No
A4.5: Reduction in bush fire attack level due to shielding A reduction in the bushfire attack level (BAL) due to shielding from direct flame contact or radiant heat via a stand-alone non-combustible structure shall be considered achieved when the following applies:
A building elevation that is not exposed to the source of bushfire attack can be classified to the next lower bushfire attack level for those elevations.
A reduction in the bushfire attack level (see (a) above) and the according construction standards cannot fall below BAL-12.5.
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An elevation is deemed to be exposed to the source of the bush fire if any of the straight lines between that elevation and source of bush fire attack is not obstructed by another part of the building, for this method, only the side(s) furthest from the vegetation will gain the reduction.
Does the proposal comply with the performance criteria by applying acceptable solution A4.5?
Yes No
Element 5: Design of Development
A5.1: For development that complies with acceptable solutions A4.1, A4.2, A4.3 and A4.4 there are no special design requirements.
Does the proposal comply with the performance criteria by applying acceptable solution A5.1?
Yes No
A5.2: For development that does not comply with acceptable solutions A4.1, A4.2, A4.3 and A4.4 there is no acceptable solution. All such proposals must be assessed under performance criterion P5.
Does the proposal comply with the performance criteria by applying acceptable solution A5.2?
Yes No