The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has approved the use of a temporary cell at the Smythesdale landfill.

The current cell in use at the landfill (cell E) has reached capacity and delays with the construction of the next cell (cell F) mean it won’t be ready for use until February 2012.

The design of cell F was commissioned in early 2010 and a tender awarded in early 2011. Changes to the independent audit requirements and the EPA’s revised Landfill Best Practice for Environmental Management resulted in the project construction being delayed.

City of Ballarat Councillor Noel Perry said waste stored in the temporary cell would be moved to cell F upon its completion, expected in February.

“Smythesdale landfill is a significant infrastructure resource for the region and Council takes responsibility for meeting the obligations and requirements associated with the operation of a licenced landfill”.

“All arrangements for the temporary storage of this waste will be undertaken and controlled in accordance with Council’s Environmental Management Plan and the requirements of an EPA notice”.

Waste in the temporary storage cell will be covered with soil daily and litter and dust control measures will be in place.

Construction of cell F recommenced in early October and the cell is now being built in two stages, including the construction of a new leachate pond.

It is anticipated that stage one of cell F will be ready for waste storage by early February 2012, with the new leachate pond completed by the end of February 2012 and the remainder of cell F ready for storage by the end of April 2012.