Landfill Sustain Guide

DEPARTMENT of
PRIMARY INDUSTRIES,
WATER and ENVIRONMENT
Landfill
Sustainability
Guide
2004
Environment Division
GPO Box 44 Hobart, Tasmania, 7001
Disclaimer
This document has been produced and published by the Tasmanian
Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment (DPIWE). This
document is not a substitute for independent legal or professional advice.
Although every care has been taken in the production of the work, neither
the Crown in the right of the State of Tasmania nor any servant or agent of
the Crown accepts responsibility for any loss or damage suffered at any time
by any person as a result of any error or inaccuracy in the publication,
whether or not the error or inaccuracy has resulted from negligence or any
other cause.
The information contained within this document is designed to give guidance

to the landfills, within Tasmania, and is necessarily general. Specialist advice
may be required for specific sites or issues.
Acknowledgements
• Victorian Environment Protection Agency (EPA)

• Meinhardt Consultants
For further information please visit www.dpiwe.tas.gov.au/landfills or

email EnvironmentEnquiries@dpiwe.tas.gov.au
© Crown in Right of the State of Tasmania

This work is copyright. Apart from any use permitted under the Commonwealth
Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced without written permission from the
Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment, GPO Box 44, Hobart
Tasmania, 7001.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. BACKGROUND.....................................................................................................1
1.1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................... 1
1.1.1 What is the purpose of the Sustainability Guide?................................................................................................1
1.1.2 Who should read the Sustainability Guide? ..........................................................................................................2
1.1.3 What activities does the Sustainability Guide address?.....................................................................................2
1.1.4 What does the Sustainability Guide contain?......................................................................................................2
1.1.5 How do I use the Sustainability Guide? ..................................................................................................................2
1.1.6 Implementation Timeframe ......................................................................................................................................3
1.2 PRINCIPLES AND ISSUES ......................................................................................... 4
1.2.1 Principles .........................................................................................................................................................................4
1.2.2 Environmental issues ....................................................................................................................................................4
1.2.3 Statutory framework.....................................................................................................................................................5
1.3 CLASSIFICATION OF LANDFILLS............................................................................... 7
1.3.1 Landfill Classification System....................................................................................................................................7
1.3.2 Waste types ....................................................................................................................................................................8
1.3.3 Specific Disposal Requirements for Certain Waste Types ................................................................................11
1.4 ACCEPTANCE OF CONTROLLED WASTES ................................................................ 13
1.4.1 Tasmanian waste tracking and classification system.......................................................................................13
1.4.2 Analytical Testing........................................................................................................................................................13
2. LANDFILL SITING AND PLANNING........................................................................16

2.1 DEMAND ............................................................................................................. 16
2.2 COMMUNITY LIAISON .......................................................................................... 17
2.3 GEOLOGY........................................................................................................... 17
2.4 HYDROGEOLOGY................................................................................................. 18
2.5 BUFFER DISTANCES ............................................................................................... 19
2.6 SURFACE WATERS................................................................................................. 21
2.7 INFRASTRUCTURE.................................................................................................. 21
2.8 FLORA AND FAUNA.............................................................................................. 22
2.9 GEOCONSERVATION AND GEO-HERITAGE............................................................ 23
2.10 HISTORIC AND CULTURAL HERITAGE ...................................................................... 24
2.11 LAND OWNERSHIP AND USE.................................................................................. 24
2.12 SITE SELECTION ................................................................................................... 25
3. DESIGN ..............................................................................................................27
3.1 LEACHATE CONTAINMENT AND COLLECTION ........................................................ 28
3.1.1 Leachate Barrier ..........................................................................................................................................................28
3.1.2 Leachate Collection System for Category B and C Landfills.........................................................................32
3.1.3 Leachate Management for Category B and C Landfills .................................................................................34
3.2 SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT .......................................................................... 36
3.3 GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT FOR CATEROGY B AND C LANDFILLS...................... 37
3.4 LANDFILL GAS MANAGEMENT .............................................................................. 39
3.5 CONSTRUCTION QUALITY ASSURANCE FOR ENGINEERED LINERS ............................. 40
3.6 WASTE MINIMISATION ......................................................................................... 41
3.7 SITE SECURITY ...................................................................................................... 42
3.8 SIGNAGE............................................................................................................ 43
3.9 TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT........................................................................................ 43
3.10 PLANNING TO MINIMISE OFF-SITE IMPACTS........................................................... 44
3.11 PLANNING FOR REHABILITATION........................................................................... 44
4. OPERATION........................................................................................................46
4.1 WASTE MINIMISATION ......................................................................................... 46
4.2 WASTE HANDLING ............................................................................................... 47
4.2.1 Waste acceptance and screening ........................................................................................................................47
4.2.2 Waste placement and compaction .....................................................................................................................48
4.2.3 Waste covering............................................................................................................................................................49
4.3 WATER MANAGEMENT ......................................................................................... 51
4.3.1 Leachate collection and management..............................................................................................................51
4.3.2 Surface water management..................................................................................................................................51
4.4 NUISANCE MANAGEMENT ................................................................................... 52
4.4.1 Dust.................................................................................................................................................................................52
4.4.2 Litter................................................................................................................................................................................53
4.4.3 Nuisance fauna and weed species .......................................................................................................................53
4.4.4 Odour .............................................................................................................................................................................54
4.4.5 Noise...............................................................................................................................................................................54
4.5 FIRES................................................................................................................... 55
4.5.1 Fire prevention .............................................................................................................................................................55
4.5.2 Fire control ....................................................................................................................................................................56
4.6 TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT........................................................................................ 56
4.7 STAFFING ............................................................................................................ 57
4.7.1 Training requirements.................................................................................................................................................57
4.7.2 Occupational Health and Safety ...........................................................................................................................58
4.8 MONITORING PROGRAMS.................................................................................... 58
4.8.1 Groundwater................................................................................................................................................................58
4.8.2 Surface water...............................................................................................................................................................61
4.8.3 Leachate.......................................................................................................................................................................63
4.8.4 Landfill gas....................................................................................................................................................................63
4.9 DOCUMENTATION FOR REPORTING AND REVIEW.................................................... 65
4.9.1 Waste acceptance records......................................................................................................................................65
4.9.2 Filling Plan.....................................................................................................................................................................66
4.9.3 Contingency and cost planning ............................................................................................................................66
4.9.4 Incident Management..............................................................................................................................................67
4.9.5 Annual report ...............................................................................................................................................................68
4.9.6 Five-yearly review........................................................................................................................................................68
5. REHABILITATION AND AFTER-CARE .....................................................................70

5.1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................... 70
5.2 POTENTIAL POST-CLOSURE USES ........................................................................... 70
5.3 FINAL REHABILITATION ......................................................................................... 72
5.3.1 Removal of site structures.........................................................................................................................................72
5.3.2 Additional compaction ............................................................................................................................................73
5.3.3 Completion of capping............................................................................................................................................73
5.3.5 Emissions management............................................................................................................................................79
5.4 AFTER-CARE ........................................................................................................ 79
5.4.1 Maintenance ...............................................................................................................................................................79
5.4.2 Monitoring.....................................................................................................................................................................80
5.4.3 Site closure....................................................................................................................................................................81
5.4.4 Reporting.......................................................................................................................................................................81
5.4.5 Site sign-off...................................................................................................................................................................82
6. REFERENCES.......................................................................................................83
6.1 LEGISLATION....................................................................................................... 83
6.2 GUIDELINES......................................................................................................... 84
6.3 STANDARDS......................................................................................................... 85
6.4 SOFTWARE........................................................................................................... 85
LIST OF APPENDICES
APPENDIX A Suggested plant species............................................................... 85
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1.1 Landfill Classification System ........................................................... 7
Table 2.1 Landfill Categories ....................................................................... 19
Table 2.2 Distance between Landfills and Sensitive Receptors ...................... 20
Table 2.3 Example of a Site Selection Matrix ................................................ 25
Table 3.1 Landfill Category and Parameter Matrix ........................................ 29
Table 3.2 Landfill Surface Water Requirements ............................................. 36
Table 3.3 Landfill Site Security Requirements ................................................. 42
Table 4.1 Landfill Placement and Compaction Requirements.......................... 48
Table 4.2 Landfill Minimum Cover Requirements ............................................ 50
Table 4.3 Landfill Surface Water and Turbidity Limits....................................... 51
Table 4.4 Groundwater Monitoring Parameters............................................ 60
Table 4.5 Surface Water and Leachate Dam Monitoring Parameters .............. 62
Table 5.1 Indicative Landfill Cap Requirements (Clay / Composite Cap)......... 74
Table 5.2 Recommended Application of Topsoil for Plant Categories .............. 75
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 3.1 Elements of Landfill Design for Category B and C Landfills................. 27
Figure 5.1 Representation of the Various Component Layers. ......................... 76
GLOSSARY / ACRONYMS
After-care The period of time, usually up to 25 - 50 years after a
landfill ceases to accept waste stream. After-care
consists of monitoring and maintenance of the
closed landfill.
Amenity The current existence of healthy, pleasant and
agreeable (community) surroundings.
ANZECC Australian and New Zealand Environment and
Conservation Council (now superseded by EPHC).
Aquifer A saturated permeable geologic unit that can
transmit significant quantities of water under
ordinary hydraulic gradients.
ARMCANZ Agriculture and Resource Management Council of
Australia and New Zealand
AS Australian Standards
ASLP Australian Standard Leaching Procedure.
Beneficial use The environmentally benign and useful application
or use of a resource that is of public benefit,
including welfare, safety, health or aesthetic
enjoyment.
Best Practice As defined in Section 4 of the EMPCA, 1994
Environmental
Management (BPEM)
Bioremediation The remediation or decontamination of any
contaminated matter by the use of processes
involving biological organisms.
Board Means the Board of Environmental Management
and Pollution Control established under section 12 of
the Environmental Management and Pollution
Control Act 1994
Buffer distance The distance between the tipping area of a landfill
site and a segment of the environment to be
protected.
Category A Landfill Landfills able to accept solid inert material and fill
material. Also referred to as Solid Inert Landfills.
Category B Landfill Landfills able to accept the same wastes as Solid
Inert Landfills as well as low level contaminated soil
and putrescible waste. Also referred to as
Putrescible Landfills.
Category C Landfill Landfills able to accept the same wastes as
Putrescible Landfills as well as contaminated soil,
controlled waste, other hazardous waste and
special waste. Also referred to as Secure Landfills.
Capping The placement of one or more layers to form either a
temporary or permanent covering above the
waste.
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Cation Exchange When applied to clay, means the ability to
Capacity exchange naturally occurring cations with cations
from leachate in contact with the clay. This
exchange can over time alter clay permeability.
Cell A section of a landfill.
Clay Fine-grained sedimentary rock of low permeability
that is capable of being shaped when moist.
Clean fill Soil, rock, concrete, asphalt or similar non-putrescible
material that is not contaminated by other waste;
and does not contain contaminated levels
exceeding limits for fill material set by the Director in
Bulletin 105, Classification and Management of
Contaminated Soil for Disposal.
Closure Cessation of all waste placement activities either
with a cell or the entire landfill.
Composting The process of the aerobic conversion of organic
materials by micro-organisms into soil conditioners,
compost or humus. It is a process that must be
carried out under controlled conditions yielding
cured products.
Controlled waste Wastes currently defined in Section 3 of the
Environmental Management and Pollution Control
Act 1994 (EMPCA) and the Environmental
Management and Pollution Control (Waste
Management) Regulations 2000.
Cover material Material approved by the Regulatory Authority for
use to cover waste deposited within a landfill.
Decomposition The physical, chemical and biological break down
of waste materials by micro-organisms.
Director Director of Environmental Management as defined
in the EMPCA
DP&EMP Development Proposal and Environmental
Management Plan
DPIWE Department of Primary Industries, Water and
Environment
EMP Environmental Management Plan - a detailed plan
for the development, operation, rehabilitation and
after-care of a landfill (generally replaces the
DP&EMP after initial establishment of the landfill is
completed).
EMPCA Environmental Management and Pollution Control
Act 1994.
Engineered Clay Liner A liner that is constructed by mechanical
transformation of locally available materials.
EPHC Environment Protection and Heritage Council.
EIN Environmental Infringement Notice
DPIWE Landfill Sustainability Guide – Tasmania Sept 2004 ii

EPN Environment Protection Notice
Fill material Material consisting of clay, soil and crushed rock that
is not contaminated or mixed with any other
material.
Fines (a) Very small particles, particularly. those smaller
than the average in a mixture of particles of various
sizes, or the fine-grained sediment that settles slowly
to the bottom of a body of water.
(b) An engineering term for the clay- and silt-sized soil
particles with diameters less than 0.074 mm.
Geo-synthetic A liner that includes a layer of imported low
Composite Liner (GCL) permeability material (eg bentonite clay) protected
by two or more geotextile layers
Geomembrane A synthetic impervious material such as HDPE in
conjunction with a geo-synthetic composite liner.
Geotextile A synthetic boundary layer that is used to protect an
area above or below the geotextile.
Greenhouse gases Gases, such as methane and carbon dioxide, which
contribute to the greenhouse effect, which in
turn is thought to cause global warming.
Gully A channel or small valley cut by concentrated run-
off but through which water commonly flows only
during and immediately after heavy rains or during
the melting of snow.
Groundwater Water saturating the voids in the soil and rock; water
in the zone of saturation in the Earth’s crust.
HDPE High Density Polyethylene (see geomembrane).
Hydraulic gradient A change in the hydraulic head along a fluid flow
path that determines the direction of groundwater
movement.
Hydraulic conductivity This is the speed that water (including leachate) will
flow within the substrata. Commonly referred to as
the K-Value.
Hydrogeology The study of subsurface water with the emphasis on
direction of flow, interconnections and interactions
with the surrounding strata.
Inert waste Wastes that do not undergo environmentally
significant physical, chemical or biological
transformations and have no potentially hazardous
content once landfilled. Substantial quantities of
inert waste may be derived from building and
demolition works, including bricks, concrete, glass,
plastics, metal, and timber. Inert waste must not be
contaminated or mixed with any other material.
Landfill gas Gaseous emissions from the decomposition of waste.
Also called ‘biogas’.
DPIWE Landfill Sustainability Guide – Tasmania Sept 2004 iii

Landfill liner A landfill liner used to separate the waste material
from the natural substrate. A landfill liner may be
either constructed from natural in situ material (e.g.
clay) or from artificial material (e.g. geomembranes
or GCL),
Landfill site A waste facility used for the purposes of disposing of
waste to land.
Leachate Liquid that is either released by or has percolated
through waste and contains dissolved or suspended
forms of gases, other liquids and solids.
Leachate Dam As used in this document means an engineered dam
using a HDPE geomembrane as a landfill liner that
contains leachate or contaminated water.
Level 1 Activity As defined in Section 3 of EMPCA
Liner A barrier between the waste deposited in a landfill
and the underlying substrata c.f. engineered liner.
Liquid waste Any waste product that is in liquid form. The
difference between a solid and liquid waste is
defined as to whether the waste product is
spadeable (able to be lifted and moved in heaps
with a spade).
Lithology A term applied to the study of sediments, referring to
their general characteristics. Lithology generally
relates to descriptions based upon hand specimens
and outcrops rather than microscopic or chemical
features
LUPAA Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993
Methane (CH4) An explosive, odourless and colourless gas produced
in a landfill by organic waste undergoing anaerobic
decomposition.
Monitoring Bore A bore that is installed into a previously drilled hole.
Various sections of the installed bore may be slotted
to allow movement of groundwater through the
bore.
Mulching The size-reduction of organic materials using one or
more of the following processes: cutting, milling,
shredding, grinding and other means. The mulch is
then usually pasteurised.
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Municipal waste Wastes arising from the three waste sub-streams:
(a) Kerbside domestic waste - household solid and
inert waste placed out for kerbside collection
(b) Other domestic waste - residential solid and inert
wastes.
(c) Other Council waste - Council generated solid
and inert waste arising form street sweepings,
litter bins, parks and garden clean ups and tree
lopping.
NATA National Association of Testing Authorities.
NEPM National Environment Protection Measure
NTU Nephelometric Turbidity Unit
OH & S Occupational Health and Safety
Operator A person who has the management or control of the
landfill (other than as an employee).
Organic waste One or more of the following types of waste: garden,
untreated wood fibrous, vegetables, fruits, cereals,
bio-solids, manures, fatty foods, meat, fish and fatty
sludges.
PCB Polychlorinated biphenyls.
Permeability Saturated hydraulic conductivity (K-Value).
Permit A permit granted under the Land Use Planning and
Approvals Act 1993
PEVs Protected Environmental Value(s)
Planning Authority Means a Local Council
Putrescible Defined in Section 1.3.2.
Regulatory Authority The authority responsible for the environmental

regulation of particular activities, normally as follows:
(a) Level 1 activities and planning matters: Local
Council.
(b) Level 2 activities: Director of Environmental
Management.
( c ) Proposed level 2 activities: The Board of
Environmental Management and Pollution
Control.
Rehabilitation The overall process of landfill closure, capping,
revegetation, monitoring and after-care.
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Remediation Work for the rehabilitation and monitoring of premises
the subject of a permit and that is required by the
conditions of a permit to be carried out:
( a )While the premises are being used for the
purpose to which the permit relates,
( b )After the premises cease being used for the
purpose to which the permit relates, or
(c)Both.
RMPS Resource Management and Planning System
Run-off The portion of precipitation that drains from an area
as surface flow.
Seismic activity Vibrations within the earth or along its surface
caused by movements or fracturing within the
lithosphere
Sludge Semi-liquid waste produced as a by-product of an
industrial process.
Soil Plasticity Index The difference between the liquid limit and the
plastic limit is the range of water content over which
the soil is plastic.
Sustainable Managing resources in a way and at a rate, that
Development enables people and communities to provide for their
social, economic and ecological needs without
compromising the ability of future generations to do
the same.
TCLP Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure.
Uniformity Coefficient Measure of uniformity in the grading of a material. A
numerical expression of the variety in particle sizes in
mixed natural soils, defined as the ratio of the sieve
size through which 60% (by weight) of the material
passes to the sieve size that allows 10% of the
material to pass. It is unity for a material whose
particles are all of the same size, and it increases
with variety in size (as high as 30 for heterogeneous
sand).
Valley A linear, low-lying tract of land bordered on both
sides by higher land and frequently traversed by a
stream or river. All valleys have been cut by running
water over time.
DPIWE Landfill Sustainability Guide – Tasmania Sept 2004 vi

1. BACKGROUND
1.1 INTRODUCTION
The Landfill Sustainability Guide for siting, design, operation & after-care
of landfills (the ‘Sustainability Guide’) supersedes the draft Tasmanian
Landfill Code of Practice released in November 1996. The draft Code of
Practice has often been referred to in assessment processes and in permit
conditions. The new Sustainability Guide also supersedes two other related
draft documents, the Guidelines for the Rehabilitation of Refuse Disposal
Sites and Guidelines for the Establishment and Management of Landfill
Sites for Construction, Demolition and Solid Inert Wastes, released in May
1996.
The concepts and principles in the draft documents represented best

practice environmental management at the time of development but are
now dated. Since that time, understanding of best practice for landfill
design, operation, management and groundwater protection has
advanced significantly. This is reflected in the adoption of increasingly
stringent standards for landfilling in other Australian states and
internationally.
1.1.1 What is the purpose of the Sustainability Guide?
The aim of the Sustainability Guide is to provide a consistent and effective

framework for minimising environmental impacts arising from the siting,
design, operation and rehabilitation of landfills in Tasmania.
The objectives of the Sustainability Guide are to:

• help developers establish and manage landfilling activities in
compliance with environmental legislation and policies;
• promote consistency in the regulation of landfills in Tasmania;
• clearly identify the issues that need to be managed and options for
their management;
• inform industry and the community of acceptable standards for
landfills; and
• encourage high level landfilling standards based on the most effective,
affordable and innovative mix of mechanisms available.
The Sustainability Guide is designed to help landfill operators achieve good

environmental performance.
While the Sustainability Guide itself is not a legally enforceable document,

permit conditions (which are legally enforceable) are likely to be derived
from the acceptable standards and recommendations described within
the Sustainability Guide.
The standards described in this Sustainability Guide should also be taken

into consideration when preparing Development Proposal and
Environmental Management Plans (for proposed new sites) and when
reviewing Environmental Management Plans (for existing sites).
DPIWE Landfill Sustainability Guide – Tasmania Sept 2004 1

1.1.2 Who should read the Sustainability Guide?
The Sustainability Guide provides information relevant to regulators,

consultants, operators and proponents of landfills. All personnel included in
planning, owning or operating a landfill need to be familiar with this
Sustainability Guide. The Sustainability Guide also provides the broader
community with an understanding of the standards expected of
Tasmanian landfills.
1.1.3 What activities does the Sustainability Guide address?
The Sustainability Guide is designed to apply to all landfills that are

assessed by the Board of Environment Management and Pollution Control
(i.e. landfills that are Level 2 activities). However, the principles should be
applied to all landfills.
1.1.4 What does the Sustainability Guide contain?
The following chapters present environmental issues that should be

addressed at particular stages of a landfill’s ‘life’. The Sustainability Guide
presents ‘acceptable standards’ and ‘recommendations’ for each of the
environmental aspects associated with these standards.
Acceptable standards provide the minimum requirements for

performance-based environmental management and regulation of
landfills, and the recommendations provide guidance on possible means
of achieving these standards. The acceptable standards may be
prescriptive on certain key issues.
The Sustainability Guide is structured so that users can focus their attention
on issues relevant to their site (i.e. selecting a site, designing a new site or an
extension to an existing site, operating or rehabilitating a site).
Although this guideline parallels best practice environmental management

at the time of writing, best practice is likely to evolve over time. Therefore,
the document will be updated periodically. Any major updates will be
undertaken in consultation with proponents and landfill operators.
1.1.5 How do I use the Sustainability Guide?
Regulators should utilise the acceptable standards as a basis for drafting

and reviewing landfill permit conditions, unless there is no environmental
justification for doing so at a particular site. Landfill operators must comply
with all permit conditions and should also review the range of
recommendations in the Sustainability Guide and select those most
appropriate for the particular site.
Proponents seeking to deviate from the acceptable standard

requirements of the Sustainability Guide will be required to develop the
case to justify such deviation on environmental grounds to the satisfaction
of the Regulatory Authority. Innovation in achieving best practice
environmental management is encouraged provided it has a sound basis
in science.

The Sustainability Guide is not intended to encompass all aspects of
environmental protection relevant to landfilling activities. References are
provided to other policies and guidelines where appropriate. Users are
encouraged to undertake further reading to ensure that they are fully
aware of requirements and approaches to minimising environmental risk
and financial liability.
Proponents and operators are encouraged to continually improve

performance through innovation and uptake of appropriate,
internationally recognised practices to achieve better environmental
outcomes.
Since this Sustainability Guide may not be applicable to every situation,

users should seek further information or advice from the relevant Regulatory
Authority when planning to adopt practices discussed in the Sustainability
Guide.
1.1.6 Implementation Timeframe
The Regulatory Authority will progressively implement this Sustainability

Guide over time as site permit conditions are written or reviewed, subject
to normal consultative processes and appeal provisions.
Section 2 of this Sustainability Guide ‘Landfill Siting and Planning’ will

generally not be applied to existing landfills; all other Sections of the
Sustainability Guide will be progressively applied to all landfills. Section 3
‘Design’ will be applied to new cells at existing landfills, and extensions of
landfills from the date of this Guide.
Operators of existing landfills will be expected to comply, as a minimum,

with all acceptable standards in sections 3, 4 and 5 by no later than June
2009, unless the operator can demonstrate comparable reductions in
environmental risk by other solutions, subject to approval by the Regulatory
Authority.

1.2 PRINCIPLES AND ISSUES
1.2.1 Principles
Waste management performs a critical role in public health and safety

and amenity. Effective waste management also provides an opportunity
to conserve resources through effective avoidance and diversion of
waste. This is effectively expressed through a hierarchy of waste
management options, which are listed below in order of preference:
a) avoidance
b) reuse
c) recycling
d) energy recovery
e) disposal
This hierarchy recognises that waste is best reduced or avoided at the

point of production or generation, and that there is a need for strategies for
re-using and recycling those wastes that are generated. Inevitably, some
residual wastes will need to be disposed of to landfill, but this should only
occur when options further up the hierarchy are not practicable. Disposal
of controlled and non-degradable wastes might also include
‘containment’ as they will remain in situ for some time. Controlled wastes
may also be subjected to treatment in order to render them safe for reuse
or containment.
The EMPCA requires that landfill disposal of residual waste does not cause
significant environmental harm. To achieve this, existing and potential
landfill operators need to be aware of the risks landfilling poses to the
quality of air, water, land and community amenity. Operators need to
manage these risks effectively and operate in accordance with
sustainable development principles.
1.2.2 Environmental issues
The environmental issues of primary concern to the community and the

Regulatory Authority in relation to landfilling operations are as follows:
Water Quality
Surface waters and groundwater can be polluted by leachate from landfill
sites (leachate is the liquid released by, or water that has percolated
through, waste). Leachate may cause serious water pollution if it is not
properly managed. Surface water run-off from land surrounding a landfill
disposal area can cause unacceptable sediment loads in receiving
waters, while surface water infiltration of wastes can lead to excessive
generation of leachate.

Air Quality
Landfill gas contains methane, carbon dioxide and a variety of potentially
corrosive, toxic or odorous components. Emissions of methane and carbon
dioxide contribute significantly to the ‘greenhouse effect’. Uncontrolled
migration of landfill gas to the root zone of plants may lead to vegetation
dieback. Methane can also present an explosion risk and if not used, a
wasted energy / fuel source. Significant uncontrolled landfill gas emissions
are not a satisfactory landfill practice.
Land Management
All land is valuable, and the impact of its use as landfill needs to be
sustainable. Proper care of a landfill as a valuable asset should result in
effective remediation to a landform that blends with its surroundings and
can be used for other purposes following closure.
Resource Conservation
Resource conservation goals include diverting waste materials that can be
re-used or recycled from landfills to minimise the loss of capacity, and
managing the site to ensure that potentially reusable materials are not
received and properly documenting the nature of wastes received.
Health Impacts
The very nature of a landfill disposal site means that disease vectors and
pathogens will be present. Ongoing implementation of programs to
minimise the presence and transfer of pathogens must be undertaken.
Other Impacts
Other potential impacts from landfills include fire, dust, noise, odour, pest
plant and animals, and litter. These may occur on or in the neighbourhood
of the landfill site.
Water and air pollution remain important issues after the landfill is closed.
Good engineering design and operational practices will greatly reduce the
risk of problems during rehabilitation and after-care (e.g. leachate
collection, capping and landfill gas control).
1.2.3 Statutory framework
The Sustainability Guide has been developed to further the objectives of

Tasmania’s RMPS, which encourages sustainable development of
Tasmania’s resources. The RMPS includes legislation and supporting policy
relevant to solid waste management, including:
• Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993 (LUPAA);
• Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994 (EMPCA);
• Environmental Management and Pollution Control (Waste
Management) Regulations 2000;
• State Policy on Water Quality Management 1997; and
• Classification and Management of Contaminated Soil for Disposal
(Bulletin 105)

Landfills that receive 100 tonnes or more of solid waste per annum are
determined to be a “level 2 activity” under Schedule 2 of the EMPCA.
Consequently, regulatory approval is required from the Board for the design
and operation of these landfills.
According to the RMPS framework, applications to develop and operate a

landfill are made to the relevant Planning Authority. The Planning Authority
assesses the planning aspects of the proposal and refers the permit
application to the Board of Environmental Management and Pollution
Control (the Board) if it is a Level 2 activity. The Board conducts an
environmental impact assessment in accordance with the EMPCA and will
advise the Planning Authority of the environmental conditions that must be
attached to the permit, if the application is not refused. The Board and
the Planning Authority decide on the proposal after a public comment
period and an integrated environmental and planning assessment has
taken place. The decision is subject to appeal by the applicant or the
public representors.
To gain approval, proponents must demonstrate that the acceptable

standards outlined in the following chapters will be achieved. Proponents
may select the best mix of controls for site development and management
to achieve the required outcome and document these in the
Development Proposal and Environmental Management Plan (DP&EMP).
In general, a DP&EMP will consider the impact of the development and
demonstrate the means to mitigate these impacts, and will address issues
including (but not limited to) those described within this Sustainability
Guide. Proponents can obtain further guidance on the information that is
required from the Regulatory Authority and the Planning Authority.
In the operational phase, the activity will be subject to a permit with

specified conditions designed to give effect to this Sustainability Guide.
Enforcement action can be taken where permit conditions or EMPCA are

breached.
An existing permit may be modified through an environment protection

notice if changes in the permit are required. When the magnitude or
nature of the proposed change is environmentally significant or the
development is a significant intensification of use, a new development
application is likely to be required.
If the nature or quantity of wastes entering a landfill changes, the

Regulatory Authority must be informed.

1.3 CLASSIFICATION OF LANDFILLS
1.3.1 Landfill Classification System
Three categories of landfill are established:

Category A: Solid Inert Landfill
Category B: Putrescible Landfill
Category C: Secure Landfill
Table 1.1 describes the types of wastes that may be accepted at each
category of landfill for disposal. Some acceptable standards and
recommendations vary according to these categories.
Table 1.1 Landfill Classification System
Landfill Category
Waste type A B C
(Solid Inert) (Putrescible) (Secure)
Solid inert material

  
(includes clean fill)
Potentially contaminated
material 1
Fill material   
Low level
 ? 
contaminated soil
Contaminated soil   
Contaminated soil for
  
remediation
Putrescible waste   
Controlled waste  ? 
Key:  permitted
 not permitted
? may be accepted, subject to approval by the Regulatory Authority for the type of
waste. Analytical testing may be required.
1. The basis for classification of potentially contaminated material is defined in DPIWE

Information Bulletin 105, Classification and Management of Contaminated Soil for
Disposal.

1.3.2 Waste types
Descriptions of each waste type shown in Table 1.1 are provided below.
Note that some substances such as cytotoxic waste may not be suitable
for disposal at any landfills (see Section 1.3.3). Certain wastes may require
treatment prior to disposal.
Solid inert material may be defined as waste which will not degrade in the
short term, and which has a negligible risk to the environment (see also the
definition of solid inert waste). Examples of solid inert material may include:
• inert building and demolition waste (see exclusions below);

• clean fill;
• wood;
• bricks;
• inert synthetic materials
• concrete;
• rocks; and
• fencing material.
Solid inert materials as defined above do NOT include:

• asbestos sheet and asbestos fibre;
• contaminated soil;
• treated timber;
• tyres;
• putrescible waste;
• green waste;
• recyclable metal items
• all other waste from domestic, government, commercial and
industrial sources not specifically listed above.
Re-use and recycling options should be closely examined for solid inert
wastes.
Potentially contaminated materials are materials that may contain metals,

organic substances or other wastes that will have a harmful effect on the
environment if disposed of in an inappropriate manner. DPIWE Information
Bulletin 105, Classification and Management of Contaminated Soil for
Disposal, establishes four distinct levels of ‘soil’ as follows:
1. Fill material;
2. Low Level Contaminated Soil;
3. Contaminated Soil; and
4. Contaminated Soil for Remediation.

Soils may require testing by appropriately qualified and accredited
personnel to determine the appropriate means of disposal. Note that
Contaminated Soil for Remediation is generally not considered acceptable
for disposal without prior treatment to reduce the concentration of
contaminants or leachability of contaminants. Contaminated Soil may
only be accepted at Secure Landfills, whereas Low Level Contaminated
Soil may be accepted at nominated Putrescible Landfills for use as
intermediate cover. Further information is provided in DPIWE Information
Bulletin 105, Classification and Management of Contaminated Soil for
Disposal.
Putrescible waste may be defined as waste containing major components

able to be decomposed by bacterial action, often resulting in offensive
odours. This includes:
• household domestic garbage, either set aside for kerb-side collection
or delivered by the householder directly to the landfill;
• local Council generated waste (e.g. waste from street-sweeping,
litter bins and parks);
• food waste from industrial or commercial sources such as restaurants,
food markets, supermarkets etc.;
• paper and cardboard, and
• green waste.
Some putrescible wastes that decompose readily are ideal for composting
operations - see Guidelines for Recycling of Organic Wastes in Tasmania
(DPIWE 1996a) for further details.
Controlled Waste is defined in EMPCA as follows:
(a) a substance that is controlled waste within the meaning of –
(i) the National Environment Protection Measure entitled the

Movement of Controlled Waste Between States and
Territories made by the National Environment Protection
Council on 26 June 1998, as amended from time to time;
or
(ii) any National Environment Protection Measure substituted

for the Measure referred to above, as amended from
time to time; and
(b) a substance that is prescribed by the regulations to be

controlled waste.

The Environmental Management and Pollution Control (Waste
Management) Regulations 2 0 0 0 further prescribe waste to be
controlled waste if it exhibits an environmentally significant
characteristic (as listed in the above National Environmental Protection
Measure) and is one of the following:
(a) derived or arising from agricultural produce or veterinary chemical

products within the meaning of the Agricultural and Veterinary
Chemicals (Control of Use) Act 1995;
(b) a dangerous good within the meaning of the Dangerous Goods

Act 1998;
(c) derived or arising from poisons within the meaning of the Poisons
Act 1971;
(d) a waste within the meaning of the Quarantine Regulations 2000 of

the Commonwealth, as amended;
(e) a scheduled waste within the meaning of a National Management

Plan; or
(f) any other waste declared by the Director, by notice published in

the Gazette, to be waste consisting of, or containing a quantity of,
a pollutant that when placed in, or discharged into, the
environment may:
(i) directly or indirectly cause environmental harm; or
(ii) give rise to the abnormal concentration of any substance in

any plant, animal or organism above natural
concentrations; or
(iii) adversely affect the use or value of the receiving waters for
recreational, commercial, domestic, agricultural or industrial
purposes; or
(iv) contain sufficient heat, or be likely to generate sufficient heat

by itself or in combination with other matter, to ignite or
cause fire; or
(v) give rise to undesirable, abnormal or harmful growth of a

plant, animal, virus or organism.
Because of the hazardous nature of controlled wastes, strong emphasis

should be placed on reducing the amount of waste at the source.
Recycling and treatment options should also be explored prior to disposal
(e.g. certain organic solvents and waste oils may be recycled or reclaimed,
and some may be suitable for biological treatment).

Inevitably some controlled waste is included in the municipal waste (e.g.
domestic paint stripper, batteries, pesticides, solvents or smoke detectors
that contain radioactive material). Where practical, controlled wastes in
the domestic waste stream should be identified and strategies developed
for removal and separate treatment and disposal. With all forms of waste
treatment however, there are usually residues that require landfill disposal.
Such residues may need to be immobilised by chemical fixation or
encapsulation to prevent the leaching of contaminants into surface or
ground waters.
The chemical constituents of most controlled wastes require analysis before

disposal to landfill to ensure compliance with levels specified by the
Regulatory Authority (See Section 1.4).
In general, controlled wastes can be accepted for disposal only at Secure

Landfills, however disposal of some controlled wastes (e.g. tyres, asbestos
and sharps that have been appropriately packaged) may be allowed in
Putrescible Landfills at the discretion of the Director of Environmental
Management.
1.3.3 Specific Disposal Requirements for Certain Waste Types
Asbestos must be transported and disposed under strictly controlled

conditions. Sites used for the disposal of asbestos waste need to have
permits for this purpose. Removal, transport and disposal of asbestos waste
must be in accordance with relevant environmental and occupational
health guidelines.
Liquid waste: Receipt of liquid wastes at landfills is generally not considered

best practice environmental management. Liquid w a s t e , including
domestic grease trap wastes and septic tank pump-outs, should be
managed according to one of the following options.
1. Liquid wastes that exhibit high biochemical oxygen demand may not
be suitable for some sewer and wastewater treatment systems. Such
wastes may be able to be tankered directly to an anaerobic digester
or similar wastewater treatment plant.
2. Wastes may be dewatered by press, evaporation, centrifuge, etc.
Liquids may then be reused or directed to sewer as appropriate.
3. Solids may be recovered for disposal at a Category C landfill and
liquids directed to sewer via an appropriate pre-treatment facility.
4. Wastes may be applied to land – subject to detailed assessment and
in most cases requiring winter storage.
5. Wastes may be diverted to an approved composting facility (may
require winter storage).
Application of these options is subject to the availability of facilities,

authority approval and permit conditions.
Clinical and related wastes should be managed in accordance with

a method approved by the Director of Environmental Management.

Material containing Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) should only be dealt
with in accordance with the National Strategy for the Management of
Scheduled Waste (ANZECC 1993) and the Polychlorinated Biphenyls
Management Plan (ANZECC 1999). Disposal of non-scheduled solid PCB
waste to landfill must be approved by the Regulatory Authority and must
conform to the requirements for discharge to air, water, and land that
apply to the treatment and disposal of scheduled PCB waste.
Any waste believed to be radioactive (excluding domestic smoke

detectors) should not be accepted at a landfill without approval from the
Department of Health and Human Services and the Director.
Sludges destined for disposal at an approved landfill must be of a

spadeable consistency unless the landfill is approved by the Regulatory
Authority to receive liquid sludge. The water content of the waste sludge
should be reduced by on-site treatment (e.g. belt press, centrifugation,
drying beds) at the plant of origin to ensure easier waste handling and to
reduce the volume of leachate generated by landfill disposal. Sludges
should generally be tested for contaminants prior to acceptance at a
landfill (see Section 1.4.2).
Industrial sludges may contain significant amounts of potentially hazardous

materials, including heavy metals that typically exhibit increased solubility
under acidic conditions commonly found in landfills. In particular, pH levels
in the early stages of burial (when the pH is generally around 5.0 - 6.5 for the
first two years increasing to pH 6.5 - 7.5 after ten years) pose a significant risk
of increased contaminant solubility. Where sludge is found to be acidic or
slightly alkaline, it should be treated with lime prior to disposal to increase
pH and to minimise the potential for leaching.
Tyres may be stockpiled and managed separately provided the number

does not exceed 500 and stored in individual lots of 150 or less. Disposal of
tyres is allowed only at landfills that have specific approval from the
Regulatory Authority

1.4 ACCEPTANCE OF CONTROLLED WASTES
It is essential that wastes disposed to landfill have acceptable chemical

properties (e.g. in relation to degradability, toxicity of breakdown products,
and potential for bioaccumulation). It is difficult to define what is
acceptable for disposal based solely on the waste’s source: not all
industrial wastes are hazardous, nor are all domestic wastes classed as
non-hazardous. Furthermore, the presence of hazardous constituents in a
waste stream does not necessarily imply that the waste as a whole is
hazardous (e.g. the hazardous components may be chemically bound in
an inert matrix).
Information concerning the environmental availability of the hazardous

component is needed to allow for this possibility. There are two means of
assessing the hazard associated with a particular waste (or load):
• reference to the Tasmanian waste tracking system when it becomes
available; or
• testing the total concentration and leachability of contaminants.
1.4.1 Tasmanian waste tracking and classification system
A waste tracking system is being developed for implementation in

Tasmania to document relevant information regarding waste loads and
allow movement of waste to be tracked from generation through to
disposal. Landfill operators may be able to use details contained within
the waste transport certificates provided by the waste generator as the
basis for assessing the suitability of the waste for disposal within a given
facility in accordance with their operating conditions.
Classification will be according to the physical and chemical nature of the

wastes, the industry from which it originates, and hazardous contaminants
of the waste. The National Environment Protection (Movement of
Controlled Waste Between States and Territories) Measure will form the
basis for controlled waste characterisation. Responsibility for classification of
waste material will lie with the waste producer.
1.4.2 Analytical Testing
If there is doubt as to whether material is controlled waste, it must be

treated as if it were controlled waste or it must be subjected to analytical
testing by the owner of the material. This testing must be undertaken
before waste is removed from a site.
Information on the nature of a waste stream that is believed to be

potentially hazardous may be obtained through analytical procedures
carried out by a National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA)
accredited laboratory. The suitability of particular wastes for acceptance
to landfill may subsequently be determined by comparing the results of the
test procedure with acceptance criteria.

A common parameter for tests is the total concentration of contaminants.
This is a standard test for contaminated soil and is most appropriate for
wastes that may break down rapidly in a landfill and release high
concentrations of contaminants. Conversely, a contaminant may not be
'available' due to low solubility or some other chemical or physical
characteristic. Consequently, testing should generally also address the
mobility of organic and inorganic contaminants in such a way as to
simulate leaching that may occur in a landfill environment over a period of
time.
Tests that are appropriate for determining such characteristics include the
‘Australian Standard Leaching Procedure’ (AS 4439.3-1997) and the
‘Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure’ developed by the United
States Environmental Protection Agency.
In general, the acceptability of tested wastes should be assessed against

criteria provided in DPIWE Information Bulletin 105, Classification and
Management of Contaminated Soil for Disposal as follows:
• where test results are equivalent to those acceptable for ‘Fill

Material’, wastes may be disposed at any landfill;
• where test results are equivalent to those acceptable for ‘Low
Level Contaminated Soil’, wastes may be disposed at Solid Inert
and Putrescible Landfills;
• where test results are equivalent to those acceptable for
‘Contaminated Soil’, wastes may only be disposed at Secure
landfills; and
• where test results are equivalent to those acceptable for
‘Contaminated Soil for Remediation’, wastes may only be disposed
at Secure landfills under the following circumstances;
a. the wastes undergo treatment to immobilise the hazardous
component (e.g. chemical treatment, fixation, encapsulation or
micro-encapsulation) or to remove the hazardous component
(e.g. landfarming) and follow-up testing; or
b. the wastes are stored, subject to regulatory Authority approval,
pending the development of suitable facilities for treatment or
disposal of the waste.
Advice must be sought from the Regulatory Authority when uncertainty

exists over whether a waste is controlled waste or over the interpretation of
test results.

Additional Directions
Before controlled waste can be accepted at a landfill:

(i) the permit conditions must explicitly allow the type waste to be
accepted, and;
(ii) if required by the permit conditions, a case specific approval
should be sought in relation to each consignment of waste, and;
(iii) the approval of the landfill manager must be obtained.
Any waste stream believed to be particularly hazardous by virtue of its

explosive nature, flammability, reactivity, or corrosivity should not be
accepted at a landfill without pre-treatment to minimise or remove the
hazard.
If environmental problems occur as a direct result of landfill operations,

then failure to implement controls for the disposal of controlled wastes may
expose operators to environmental and financial liabilities. Operators
should be aware of the industries in the area that are likely to produce
controlled wastes and, if wastes from these industries are disposed at the
landfill, ensure that acceptance and disposal complies with permit
conditions.
The capability of a landfill to accept a given type of controlled waste is

not determined solely by its categorisation. It is possible for a well-
managed site to be unsuitable for the disposal of some (if not all) controlled
wastes due to poor physical site characteristics. Conversely, a site with
ideal physical characteristics may not be approved for disposal of
particular wastes due to poor management history.

2. LANDFILL SITING AND PLANNING
The selection of a new landfill site is critical to minimising the impact of a facility
on the environment. Careful selection will minimise the design and operational
controls required to ensure environmental protection of the site and surrounding
environments. By selecting the most suitable site, the impact of the facility on
the environment can be minimised, as can operational and rehabilitation costs.
It is important that any potential landfill sites identified are assessed against
standard criteria. The following section provides criteria and the minimum
acceptable standards for any potential new landfill site. Where appropriate the
provisions of this section will also be applied to extensions of existing landfills. This
section will not be applied retrospectively to existing landfills.
Compliance with the acceptable standards listed below should be

demonstrated in the Development Proposal and Environmental Management
Plan, in accordance with the Resource Management and Planning System.
2.1 DEMAND
Acceptable Standard
A proposal for a landfill (or an extension to an existing landfill) must consider
the demand for further landfill space.
Recommendations
Proponents should review accurate and recent information regarding the
demand for a new landfill, which may include the following:
• types and quantities of waste generated within the envisaged
‘catchment’ for the proposed landfill;
• current disposal pathways for these waste materials;
• projected waste quantities and types requiring disposal at landfill
(e.g. accounting for demographic change or establishment of reuse
and recycling infrastructure); and
• remaining capacity and forecast closure dates for landfills currently
used for disposal of waste from the area under consideration.
This information should be used to determine the expected types and

volumes of waste that will require disposal at the proposed landfill (i.e. the
expected demand).
Avoidance and diversion of wastes from landfill is a principal aim of waste

management (refer to Section 1.2.1). Any landfill proposals, or proposals for
the extension of existing landfill facilities, should demonstrate how this aim
will be met (e.g. by providing recycling drop-off centres or repair and reuse
centres at the landfill).

2.2 COMMUNITY LIAISON
Acceptable Standard
Community liaison should be conducted throughout the life of all landfills,
commencing during site selection to ensure local communities are informed
and aware of the proposal. Community liaison should be conducted in an
open and timely fashion, and allow local knowledge to be obtained.
Recommendations
The community should be provided with adequate information and
opportunity to comment. This may be provided through public meetings,
pamphlets, information booths at local events etc. The detail of
information provided will vary from proposal to proposal but should always
include an assessment of the potential impacts of a proposal on the local
community (e.g. employment opportunities, altered traffic volumes, noise
and odour).
It is important that the community is able to readily contact an informed

representative of the proponent regarding landfill site selection, and that a
response is provided to any concerns raised in a timely fashion. A record of
community comments regarding potential landfill sites and responses
should be maintained by the proponent.
2.3 GEOLOGY
Acceptable Standard
Landfills must be located on stable land that is able to support the weight
of the landfill over an extended period. Sites must also provide a natural
unsaturated attenuation layer below any liner system to minimise
downward movement of leachate.
In accordance with the above, landfills will not be able to be located in:
• karst formations;
• sandstone terrains;
• slipping substrate;
• dune formations;
• areas of high permeability soils and sub strata (i.e. fractured rock) or
• areas identified as having significant geoconservation potential.
Landfills must not be sited within 1 km of major tertiary (first order) fault lines
that present risk associated with seismic activity (e.g. fault lines displaced in
the Holocene period).
Landfills must not be located in either gullies or deep valleys, unless

detailed engineering and hydrological design and modelling work has
been completed.

Recommendations
A geotechnical assessment of the stability of the site should be conducted.
This assessment should be prepared by a suitably qualified professional in
accordance with relevant Australian Standards, and contain (as a
minimum):
• a description of the local and regional geology;
• an assessment of the geotechnical stability of the site, including slope
stability and seismic considerations;
• mineralogy of the area, including the shrink / swell characteristics of
the soil and underlying strata;
• permeability of soils and rock strata; and
• susceptibility of the site to seismic activity
This assessment should identify any need for engineered assistance to

support the landfill. In areas where subsurface mining has been
conducted, it is important to guard against ground collapse. The
mineralogy assessment should estimate differential movement of the landfill
liner from the ground.
It is preferable to source material for landfill lining, covering and capping

on-site or from the surrounding area. Sites with geologies conducive to this
and that provide a natural attenuation layer (i.e. impermeable clayey
soils) are preferable.
2.4 HYDROGEOLOGY
Acceptable Standard
Landfill sites must be selected to minimise their potential impacts on PEVs of
groundwater.
Unless specific controls are incorporated into the design and management
of a landfill, landfills must not be located:
• in areas of potable groundwater;
• below the regional water table;
• in groundwater recharge areas; or
• in permanently swampy terrain.
Recommendations
A detailed assessment of groundwater should be completed by a qualified
and experienced hydrogeologist during the site selection phase (this may
be combined with the geological assessment). This assessment should
include (but not be limited to) groundwater:
• depth;
• gradient and flow direction;
• quality (local and regional);
• interaction with surface water; and
• potential and actual beneficial uses.

The parameters of this assessment may be used to indicate the potential
impact of a landfill on groundwater.
If an appropriate site is identified that is partially below the regional water

table, the base of the landfill could be raised to be above the water level.
This would allow for creation of an ‘attenuation zone’ between the landfill
and water table. Design at such sites would need to be of the highest
possible engineering standard consistent with the landfill category.
Table 2.1 Landfill Categories
Landfill Category
A (Solid Inert) B (Putrescible) C (Secure)
Depth between waste
and water table at 2 metres 5 metres 5 metres
seasonal peak
2.5 BUFFER DISTANCES
Landfills have the potential to impact on a number of sensitive land uses.

Buffer distances between a landfill and sensitive land uses should be
sufficient to:
− prevent surface water from carrying sediment or contaminants off the
landfill site;
− ensure that air traffic is not exposed to potential hazards from birds;
and
− ensure that local amenity is not detrimentally affected by unpleasant
odours, litter, noise, vermin or dust.
Acceptable Standard
Landfills must be located with sufficient distance between the boundary of
the landfill site and adjacent, sensitive land uses.
Recommendations
The use of sufficient distance between the landfill and sensitive receptors
(e.g. residential zones) will minimise the requirement for other stringent
controls. Suggested minimum distances are shown in Table 2.2.

Table 2.2 Distance between Landfills and Sensitive Receptors
Landfill Category
Permanent
watercourses 50 m 100 m 100 m
(excluding farm dams)
Landing grounds and
10,000 m 10,000 m 10,000 m
airfields
Residences 300 m 500 m 500 m
Where the separation distances shown in Table 2.2 cannot be maintained,

the Regulatory Authority and the Planning Authority should ensure that the
landfill, the sensitive receptor or both, are constructed and managed using
appropriate impact attenuation technologies.
A reduced buffer distance for airports may be acceptable if proponents

can demonstrate to the Federal Airport Commission or the Civil Aviation
Safety Authority that a site bird management program will adequately
reduce the risk of aviation accidents.
The buffer distance to residences for landfills can be reduced where a

detailed assessment, including noise, particulate (dust) and odour
modelling, indicates that the amenity of the residences will not be
reduced.
It is important to ensure that landfill buffer distances can be maintained for

the life of the landfill.
In setting buffer distances consideration must be given to sensitive land

uses other than those listed in Table 2.2 (e.g. agricultural areas that are
prone to disease transmission, and food processing facilities).

2.6 SURFACE WATERS
Acceptable Standard
Potential impacts upon surface waters must be considered in the siting of
landfills. The ongoing potential impacts of landfills must be minimised so as
not to significantly impact upon the environment (e.g. surface water runoff
and occasional occurrences including floods).
In light of the above, landfills are unlikely to be acceptable in:

• sensitive water supply catchments;
• 1-in-100-year floodplains; or
• wetlands.
Recommendations
An assessment of a region’s climatology, including rainfall and evaporation

rates, should be conducted to ensure effects of rainfall or surface water
can be appropriately managed. The assessment should consider
uncertainties and the potential for future variations in rainfall and moisture
balance resulting from climate change
2.7 INFRASTRUCTURE
Acceptable Standard
The distance for transport of materials (e.g. incoming waste and outgoing
recyclables) must be taken into account in the location of a landfill.
Transportation must occur safely with minimum disruption to the
community. Adequate transportation infrastructure for a landfill must be
determined prior to submission of the DP&EMP (or EMP).
Recommendations
A transportation study of potential landfill sites should be conducted. This
should identify potential waste transportation modes, for example road,
rail, etc. The capacity of the existing network to cope with predicted traffic
flows should be assessed and additional infrastructure required as a result
of the landfill identified. Transportation of waste through residential and
other sensitive land uses should be minimised, for example by placing the
landfill entrance away from such areas.
The availability of services (including reticulated water, power and

sewerage) should be identified. Where reticulated water is not available,
sufficient area for water storage for fire-fighting purposes must be provided
on the site. Where there is no sewage infrastructure, consideration needs to
be given to alternative methods of leachate management such as
leachate dams.

2.8 FLORA AND FAUNA
Acceptable Standard
The development and operation of landfills must minimise the impact upon
threatened flora and fauna and threatened forest and non-forest
vegetation communities, particularly where the landfill occupies land that
has previously been subject to minimal disturbance. The operation of
landfills must also avoid the introduction and spread of pest plants and
animals and diseases.
Recommendations
Any existing data on flora and fauna present on the site and surrounding
land should be reviewed, in order to determine the abundance,
distribution and conservation priority of species and communities present or
potentially present. Suitably qualified professionals should conduct a
survey of the flora and fauna habitat of potential landfill sites and their
surrounds. Proponents may apply to limit the extent of these surveys if it
can be demonstrated that extensive information is already available for
the site. Further information on surveys may be obtained from the Resource
Management and Conservation Division of DPIWE.
Land clearing must be minimised to reduce the destruction of habitat for

threatened flora and fauna species and communities and to minimise soil
exposure and erosion. Landfill and infrastructure siting must be designed to
minimise the risk of introduction and spread of Phytophthora cinnamomi in
susceptible vegetation. Landfills must be operated in a manner that
minimises their attractiveness to wildlife as an area to feed in and to
prevent the spread of weeds.
Species identified in flora and fauna surveys that are listed under
Tasmania’s Threatened Species Protection Act 1 9 9 5 may not be
damaged or destroyed without an appropriate permit being issued from
the relevant section of government.
Landfills must not be located in areas where they have the potential to
significantly impact upon threatened species and ecological communities
identified in the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999 without written approval of the Commonwealth
Environment Minister.
Threatened forest and non-forest vegetation communities should not be

adversely impacted by landfills.
Where landfill proposals involve the clearing of forest vegetation, a Forest

Practices Plan may be required in accordance with the Forest Practices
Code. Threatened forest communities are protected through the code.
There is also a moratorium on the clearing of threatened non-forest
communities in areas covered by new Forest Practices Plans.

The Tasmanian Government has announced that it will protect
threatened non-forest vegetation communities. Clearance and conversion
to other uses of these communities on proposed landfill sites should be
avoided. Further advice on threatened non-forest vegetation
communities may be obtained from the RMC Division of DPIWE.
The Regional Forest Agreement was signed by the State and

Commonwealth Governments in November 1997 and seeks to achieve a
balance between resource use and conservation of Tasmania’s
biodiversity through the establishment of a series of reserves that are
comprehensive, adequate and representative.
One of the guiding principles of the RFA was that “wherever possible”
protection of these forest communities would be by reservation on public
land.
Landfills must not be located on public land in areas where they have the
potential to significantly impact on species or communities identified as
requiring further protection under the Regional Forest Agreement 1997.
Landfills should not be located on private land in areas where they have
the potential to significantly impact on species or communities identified as
requiring further protection under the Regional Forest Agreement 1997
without having given due consideration to their protection under the
Nature Conservation Act 2002.
2.9 GEOCONSERVATION AND GEO-HERITAGE
Acceptable Standard
The development and operation of landfills must not impact upon areas
that have been identified as significant in relation to their geologic,
geomorphic or pedologic values.
Recommendations
A search of the Tasmanian Geoconservation Database maintained by
DPIWE will identify any areas currently listed. Such areas are not suitable for
development or use as a landfill. World Heritage Areas and State Reserves
are also unsuitable.
Additionally, a geoconservation and geoheritage survey of proposed

landfill sites should be conducted. The survey should identify any areas of
geological, geomorphic or pedologic significance. A brief for this type of
survey can be obtained from the Nature Conservation Branch, DPIWE.

2.10 HISTORIC AND CULTURAL HERITAGE
Acceptable Standard
Historic and cultural heritage must be identified, and if required
appropriate approvals must be obtained prior to disturbance.
Recommendations
A search of the Tasmanian Heritage Register, maintained by the Tasmanian
Heritage Council under the Historic Cultural Heritage Act 1995, will identify
any areas currently listed. Such areas are not suitable for development or
use as a landfill. World Heritage Areas are also unsuitable.
If the proposed landfill is located on land scheduled in the Tasmanian

Aboriginal Lands Act 1995, then endorsement by the Tasmanian Aboriginal
Land Council will be required.
Historic cultural heritage areas should be identified. The survey should

identify any items or areas of historic cultural heritage. The Tasmanian
Heritage Council and Tasmanian Aboriginal Land Council should be
notified of any such items or areas identified and guidance sought.
2.11 LAND OWNERSHIP AND USE
Acceptable Standard
Ownership of land to be used for a landfill must be defined and
appropriate permission obtained prior to submission of the DP&EMP. The
future use of the land upon completion of filling and rehabilitation must also
be considered.
Recommendations
Written consent from land owners should be obtained prior to submission of
the development application and accompanying DP&EMP to the
Planning Authority. If a landfill is to be developed on Crown land, written
consent is required from the Minister responsible for the relevant Act under
which the land is managed.
The planning requirements for each site should also be considered (e.g.
whether the current zoning of a site is appropriate for use as a landfill).
Landfills can cause major problems during and after their rehabilitation if
they are not properly planned and filled. Potential end uses of the area
should be considered when a landfill is planned, or when extensions to
existing sites are being considered.
The selection of the end-use of the site should be compatible with the
expected settlement of the landfill surface; otherwise continued
maintenance to monitor grades and levels may be required.

2.12 SITE SELECTION
Acceptable Standard
Landfills must be located in accordance with the land zoning under the
local planning scheme. Furthermore, site selection should include
preliminary assessment of other sites to determine appropriateness for use as
a landfill disposal area.
Recommendations
To select a landfill site, it is important that all areas addressed above are
considered. Prior to site selection, proponents should identify several
potential sites and conduct a preliminary assessment of each to determine
their appropriateness for use as a landfill. It is important that all sites
identified have the capacity to accept the projected waste quantities
and types.
By addressing the above criteria in a comprehensive and consistent

manner, the most appropriate landfill site should recommend itself for
selection. In some cases, sites may not meet the acceptable standards
and should therefore be excluded. Where several sites are suitable, further
assessment of economic, environmental and social factors regarding each
site may be required to determine the most appropriate site. An effective
means of identifying the most suitable site is to compare and rank sites
according to a matrix (as shown by the example in Table 2.3).
Table 2.3 Example of a Site Selection Matrix
Site Selection Criteria1
Hydro-
Site Demand Community Geology (etc)
geology
         
1. Criteria shown in Table 2.3 are by no means exhaustive
Some criteria will have greater influence over site suitability than others. It
may be appropriate to ‘weight’ each criterion according to the expected
costs and resources required to comply with the acceptable standards
detailed in this section. Community consultation is essential during the initial
site selection process to identify relevant local and significant issues.

Proponents should document all information obtained throughout the site
selection phase to clearly demonstrate that the selected site meets
acceptable standards.
It is important to establish background data on soil, water and air quality

to identify benchmarks with which to compare future sample results.
It should be recognised that this list is not comprehensive and further

information should be sought at local Government level before decision
making is undertaken using the site selection matrix

3. DESIGN
Careful design of a landfill prior to construction will minimise environmental
problems during its operating life and will reduce the need for expensive
retrofitting of Best Practice Environmental Management technologies later. From
the date of this Guide the provisions of this Section will be applied to extensions
of existing landfills, which will be dealt with as a separate entity from the existing
landfill. From June 2009 all operators of landfills will be expected to comply with
this Section.
Acceptable Standard
DP&EMPs for level 2 landfills and supporting information in relation to landfill
extensions or new cells must be prepared according to site-specific ‘Guidelines
for the preparation of a DP&EMP’. These Guidelines are typically issued on
behalf of the Regulatory Authority. As a minimum, new landfills and/or cells must
be designed with regard for the following:
- containment and collection of leachate;
- management of surface water;
- landfill gas management; and
- future rehabilitation.
Recommendations
Figure 3.1 illustrates the typical design elements to be used for Category B and C
landfills. Category A landfills do not need to implement the same design
elements as Category B and C landfills (e.g. engineered liners and internal cell
walls) as solid inert wastes present a reduced environmental risk.
Figure 3.1 Elements of Landfill Design for Category B and C Landfills
Other issues to be addressed during landfill design include:

• assurances regarding the quality of construction;
• site security (e.g. fencing);
• signage; and
• traffic management.
3.1 LEACHATE CONTAINMENT AND COLLECTION
Acceptable Standard
Landfills must be designed so that pollution of water by leachate is
prevented.
Recommendations
A typical system will comprise:
• a barrier between waste and the underlying groundwater, soil and
substrata;
• a collection system to minimise the quantity of leachate
accumulating at the base of the landfill; and
• procedures and infrastructure for appropriate management of the
leachate generated.
• Diversion of uncontaminated surface water away from the landfill
3.1.1 Leachate Barrier
Acceptable Standard
Landfills must be designed to contain leachate over the time that the
waste poses a risk to protected environmental values for groundwater. An
engineered clay liner is the minimum control required for Putrescible
landfills. Secure landfills require a geo-synthetic composite liner with
geomembrane (e.g. HDPE) as a minimum (refer to Table 3.1).
In relation to pre-existing landfills that do not comply with the design

specifications outlined in Table 3.1, the operator must be able to justify to
the Regulatory Authority that environmental harm is not occurring.

Table 3.1 Landfill Category and Parameter Matrix
Landfill Category
Parameter
Natural geology if Engineered clay Suitable
suitable. liner if geology geology and
Engineered clay suitable and < 10 engineered
liner may be year landfill life. clay liner, geo-
Type of leachate barrier required in some If not, geo- synthetic
circumstances synthetic composite liner
composite liner and
required and /or geomembrane
geomembrane
Default thickness of clay
NA 1m >1m
liner (minimum)
Required in-situ
permeability coefficient < 1 x 10-8 m/s 1 < 1 x 10-9 m/s
of clay liner
Distance between
watertable (at seasonal >2m >5m
peak) and waste
Minimum floor gradient
3%
towards drainage lines
Maximum side gradient 33%
1. Higher permeability may be acceptable provided that management procedures are in place that
guarantee that only inert materials can enter the site.
Recommendations
An adequate hydrogeological investigation should be conducted by a
competent hydrogeologist to prove the substrate’s effectiveness as a
barrier. This assessment should include (as a minimum):
• the lateral extent, thickness and homogeneity of the material;
• the permeability of the material to leachate and gas;
• the integrity of the material, and the presence of any imperfections
that may compromise its effectiveness (e.g. root holes, cracks or
gravel layers); and
• any possible reactions between the material and the leachate.
Use of the natural geology does not preclude engineering to provide a

uniform, graded floor to allow for leachate collection. Where the integrity of
the natural material is compromised due to imperfections (root holes,
cracks, gravel layers or other heterogenous material), an engineered
compacted clay liner, geomembrane or Geo-synthetic composite clay liner
is to be used.

An engineered compacted clay liner if used should exhibit the following
characteristics:
• preliminary construction to prepare a stable sub-base, utilising
either natural geology or suitably impervious material. The material
should provide a firm platform for compaction of the clay liner (if
used);
• clay with the following properties;
 no rock or soil clumps greater than 50 mm in any dimension;
 > 70 per cent passing through a 19 mm sieve;
 > 30 per cent passing through a 7.5 mm sieve;
 > 15 per cent passing through a 2 mm sieve;
 soil plasticity index > 10;
 cation exchange capacity > 10 mEq/100g;
 be homogeneous in clay content (i.e. no sandy lenses,
pebbles or cobbles);
 low potential for desiccation and cracking; and
 minimal long-term degradation with exposure to leachate;
• construction and compaction in successive layers of suitable
thickness (e.g. 150 mm) that allow penetration of the topmost layer
by compaction equipment to knead the underlying layer for
bonding; and
• the surface of each layer should be scoured to prevent excessive
permeability due to laminations.
If the clay liner is constructed well in advance of filling, it may need

temporary protection against cracking and desiccation. A temporary
covering of 300 mm compacted and wetted sand or soil may be placed,
and then removed before placement of the drainage layer (see Section
3.1.2).
Density, hydraulic conductivity and moisture content need to be

controlled by regular testing by a NATA accredited laboratory using
recognised Australian Standards during installation of the liner, in addition
to quality assurance checks on a regular basis.
A geo-synthetic composite liner, geomembrane or a combination of both is

recommended for sites where:
• local geological or hydrogeological conditions are particularly
sensitive (e.g. perched watertable or permeable substrata);
• the landfill is expected to have a long operating period (i.e. longer
than 10 years); or
• insufficient clay is available.

Data on the physical characteristics of available geomembranes
should be obtained from manufacturers to allow comparison and
selection of the most appropriate product. These data should include:
• resistance to chemical attack;
• ability to withstand weathering (e.g. UV exposure and wetting);
• strength to withstand tensile force;
• flexibility to accommodate elongation;
• resistance to punctures and other damage;
• joining method; and
• ease of repair.
An installed geomembrane should be protected by either an overlay of soil

with low abrasive properties or by a synthetic geotextile to protect against
puncturing and load-induced damage.
Installation of a leachate detection layer beneath the liner of a Category

C cell is strongly recommended.
Tools
Assessment and design of the leachate barrier will require a water balance
calculation and a soil cover model. Use of modelling software is
recommended (e.g. the Hydrological Evaluation of Landfill Performance
model or ‘HELP’ – available on-line at http://www.wes.army.mil/). Trained
and experienced hydrogeologists should undertake modelling.
Calculations should model two or more consecutive years with high inflow
of water (i.e. 90% wet year) to provide sufficient capacity for leachate
generation across the operational life of the landfill.
Other programs such as Pollute and V-Leach can assist in modelling the
capacity of specific barrier systems to control and manage diffusive flows.

3.1.2 Leachate Collection System for Category B and C Landfills
Acceptable Standard
Category B and C landfills must be equipped with a leachate collection
system. Leachate accumulating on the liner must not exceed a hydraulic
head of 0.3 metres above the lowest point of the liner. Excess leachate
must be collected in a leachate collection system and prevented from
escaping from the landfill into groundwater or surface waters.
Separate collection systems must be installed for leachate generated in

cells that receive controlled or other hazardous wastes.
Recommendations
The leachate collection system should generally contain as a minimum,
perforated leachate collection pipes and a sump for leachate extraction.
A drainage layer and leachate collection dam may also be required.
A drainage layer should be placed immediately above the leachate

barrier, and should exhibit the following characteristics:
• extend over the entire base of the landfill;
• minimum thickness to be at least two times the largest particle in
the aggregate and ensure adequate drainage from highest points
of the landfill base;
• hydraulic conductivity not less than 1 x 10-3 m/s; and
• constructed from aggregate with the following properties;
 85% of material greater than or equal to 40 mm in any
dimension;
 95% of material greater than or equal to 20 mm in any
dimension;
 uniformity coefficient less than 2;
 fines content less than 1 per cent;
 contains no material that would be susceptible to chemical
attack (e.g. limestone); and
 category C landfills should have two drainage systems installed.
Perforated pipes should be installed at regular intervals (e.g. 25 m) on the

base of the landfill to direct leachate to the leachate dam. These pipes
should exhibit the following characteristics:
• a minimum diameter of 150 – 200 mm;
• be flexible;
• sufficient strength to bear the weight of waste;
• a minimum longitudinal gradient of one percent, and
• be capable of being cleaned and inspected using remote
equipment.

Pipes should be placed on evenly prepared bedding material within
trenches, and movement of heavy vehicles should be controlled to avoid
pipes being crushed.
A leachate sump should be placed at the end of the downstream

gradient of the collection pipe system. Pipes should be ‘drowned’ in this
sump to prevent clogging with silt. The sump should be recessed below the
liner to ensure that the pumping equipment remains operational.
A leachate collection dam and associated drains may be constructed as

part of the management process, and should have the following
properties:
• a geomembrane liner leachate barrier;
• lysimiters installed beneath the liner to determine any flow
characteristic;
• sufficient volume to accommodate leachate generated in the
landfill during two consecutive years of high inflow of water, plus
freeboard of at least 1.0 m; and
• sufficient volume to accommodate a 1 in 20 years 24 hour storm
event.
Tools
Assessment of the capacity required for the leachate dam will require a
water balance calculation (see Section 3.1.1).
The spacing for collection pipes may be derived from Giroud’s equation or
similar. Giroud’s equation is as follows:
Tmax (2 cos ß)
L=
√ (tan 2 ß + 4q/k) - tanß
Where:
L = spacing between drainage pipes (m)
Tmax = maximum leachate head over liner (m)
k = permeability of drainage layer (m/s)
ß = slope of the liner
q = leachate seepage rate into drainage layer (m/s).
The pipe spacing may need to be less than that calculated to account for
clogging of the drainage layer. Calculations could be made on a worst-
case basis to accommodate for clogging (e.g. use an assumed
permeability of the drainage layer that is two orders of magnitude worse
than the designed permeability).

3.1.3 Leachate Management for Category B and C Landfills
Acceptable Standard
Leachate must be managed to prevent contamination of surface or
ground waters, prevent offensive odours and minimise human contact
with the leachate.
Recommendations
Leachate may be managed through one or a number of the following
options:
• evaporation;
• discharge to sewer (either with or without treatment);
• on-site treatment;
• on-site re-use; and
• recirculation on to waste to enhance degradation.
In areas where evaporation exceeds rainfall, e.g. eastern Tasmania,

evaporation should occur within a closed system that prevents release into
surface or ground waters. Typically, evaporation occurs in a dam that has
been designed with sufficient surface area to prevent the accumulation of
a ‘backlog’ of unevaporated leachate.
Discharge to sewer will require a sewerage connection and agreement

with the responsible authority regarding the volume and quality of
leachate to be discharged. Some treatment may be required, particularly
to control the salinity and ammonia content, before discharge to sewer is
permitted. Refer to Guidelines for Acceptance of Liquid Waste to Sewer
1994, DPIWE
On-site treatment generally involves the use of two additional dams, one
for treatment of leachate with aerobic bacteria, and one to store treated
leachate prior to further management. Design and management of such
a system should ensure that there is sufficient oxygen for bacteria, that the
bacterial floc is kept in suspension, and that large fluctuations in leachate
quality and volume are avoided. Alternative treatment methods (e.g.
chemical or thermal treatment) may be considered if other management
options are impractical, or if high levels of treatment are required to ensure
environmental protection.
On-site re-use may include use as a dust suppressant or retention as fire

fighting water. Leachate may also be used for irrigation, subject to
approval from the Regulatory Authority. This procedure must be strictly
controlled, subject to detailed chemical analysis and expert determination
of application rates.

Tools
If evaporation is to be used as the primary means of disposing of leachate,
then the dam needs to be designed with sufficient surface area to ensure
that the system can accommodate the volume of leachate generated
over a year. This may be calculated by using the following formula:
1,000V
A=
0.8E - R
Where:
A = dam surface area (m2)
V = annual volume of leachate (kL)
E = median annual evaporation (mm class A pan)
R = median annual rainfall (mm).

3.2 SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT
Acceptable Standard
Uncontaminated surface water must be prevented from mixing with waste
and/or carrying sediment or contaminants off the landfill site. This will
minimise the generation of leachate, and avoid erosion of cover material
or waste from the landfill.
Recommendations
Landfills should be designed with bunding and drains to intercept and
divert surface water run-off from entering areas that have been filled or
are actively being filled.
The design of these drains should provide sufficient capacity to capture

and divert storm water as described in Table 3.2:
Table 3.2 Landfill Surface Water Requirements
Landfill Category

All runoff from a 24 All runoff from a 24 All runoff from a 24
hour 1- in - 10 year hour 1 - in - 20 year hour 1 - in - 50 year
storm event storm event storm event
Design of control measures should also consider the likelihood of flooding or

failure of dams that may result from more severe storm events (e.g. 1–in–100
year). Impact of potential climate change should be considered.
Further surface water management measures may be needed, particularly

with relation to erosion control, depending on:
• the topography of the site (and subsequent velocity of run-off);
• the nature (and quality) of the water environment where run-off
will be discharged;
• the typical intensity of storm events; and
• the extent of vegetation cover in the catchment area.
Potential controls include:

• directing water flow over flat slopes (or spread across the slope);
• shallow, heavily-vegetated surface water dams and swales;
and
• channelling run-off to water supply dams (e.g. for fire fighting or
dust suppression) where available.

3.3 GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT FOR CATEROGY B AND C LANDFILLS
Acceptable Standard
Landfill design must include provision for groundwater monitoring bores.
Recommendations
A network of groundwater monitoring bores should be installed under the
direction of a suitably qualified hydrogeologist. This network should meet
the following requirements:
Number of bores
• at least one bore located higher up the hydraulic gradient than

the landfill site to provide background groundwater quality data;
• at least two monitoring bores in close proximity to the landfill, with
more required at:
 larger sites;
 sites that will have long operating lives (e.g. >10 years);
and
 sites where high risks of contamination may arise due to
wastes deposited or hydro-geological conditions;
• at least one bore lower down the hydraulic gradient than the
landfill; and
• bore locations and depths should encompass all aquifers that
may be affected by the landfill.
• bore installation should take into account potential for cross
contamination of multiple aquifer systems.
Monitoring bore design

For a simple aquifer, single, fully slotted bores are sufficiently reliable.
For multiple aquifers, a nest of monitoring bores slotted over different

intervals, multi-port bores or a combination of both is considered suitable.
The selected monitoring bore design should include, as a minimum:

• suitable strength pipe;
• gravel-packed slotted sections;
• adequate cement / bentonite seals between slotted sections;
and
• a standpipe with adequate cement-based grout seals near
ground level and a secure and lockable cover.
Additionally, measures should be taken to prevent surface water and

extraneous material such as insects from getting into the bore.

Bores should be highly visible and their locations properly documented to
ensure that they are not inadvertently covered or otherwise damaged
during operations. Locations of each bore should be recorded in Australian
Map Grid coordinates using a digital global positioning system or other
recognised survey equipment. The coordinates for each bore should be
supplied to the Regulatory Authority and to Mineral Resources Tasmania.
The location of each bore should also be documented on the filling plan
(see Section 4.9.2).
Geological strata encountered during bore installation should be carefully

logged and recorded.

3.4 LANDFILL GAS MANAGEMENT
Acceptable Standard
Landfill gas must not present a source of odour or an explosion or toxicity
hazard. The contribution to greenhouse gas emissions should be minimised.
Recommendations
New Putrescible and Secure landfills (and extensions to existing Putrescible
and Secure landfills) should be designed to assist in capture and oxidation
of methane. Measures that will achieve this include:
• designing deep cells (e.g. more than 10 m) with high ratios of
volume to surface area;
• ensuring that the filling plan minimises the period that each cell is
open;
• scheduling installation of gas control measures to occur before the
peak flow of gas (e.g. within 2 years of the start of filling);
• use of composts and mulches to oxidise emissions through the
landfill cap; and
• design of a landfill gas collection system, comprising some of all of
the following elements:
 vertical and / or horizontal gas bores;
 stacks for venting or flaring (venting without flaring is to be
phased out at major landfills by December 2004); and
 capture and combustion for heat or electricity production.
Furthermore, the design of infrastructure for landfill gas management should

incorporate the use of lightning conductors to minimise the risk of explosion
and fire resulting from electrical storms.
Tools
Formulae for calculating methane generation rates may be obtained from
the National Greenhouse Gas Inventory Workbook for Waste (Australian
Greenhouse Office 1998) and Methane Capture and U s e : Waste
Management Workbook (Environment Australia 1997). Modelling software
may be used for these calculations, such as the Landfill Area-Based
Emissions Spreadsheet (available on-line at http://www.npi.gov.au/) or
LandGEM (available on-line at http://www.epa.gov/). Note that
equations are vulnerable to uncertainty due to underlying assumptions
and poor data, and may either underestimate or overestimate methane
fluxes.

3.5 CONSTRUCTION QUALITY ASSURANCE FOR ENGINEERED LINERS
Acceptable Standard
A Construction Quality Assurance (CQA) plan must be developed and
implemented to ensure that the landfill construction meets design
requirements. The CQA plan must be able to verify that the materials used
comply with specifications, and that the method of construction /
installation is appropriate to meet design requirements.
Recommendations
The CQA plan should contain the following information:
• material and construction specifications;
• testing methods and frequency;
• corrective action; and
• provision for appropriate documentation.
All earthworks should be tested and inspected by an independent

geotechnical engineer. A report by a NATA accredited testing body of all
testing, and an assessment of compliance with the specification and
drawings should be prepared by the proponent. This document should be
reviewed by the Regulatory Authority before the liner construction is
accepted.
Parameters to be addressed for the compacted clay liner should at least

include the following:
• physical testing of permeability of the compacted clay liner
(including dependent factors e.g. clay composition, moisture
content, compaction, permeability, field placement techniques
and liner thickness);
• inspections to check for oversized clods of clay, poorly compacted
or dry areas, and the homogeneity of the clay;
• the ability of the natural geology and/or sub-base to support the
landfill without affecting the integrity of the liner system as a result of
differential settlement;
• measures to protect the clay liner from desiccation and erosion; and
• a survey at the completion of construction to confirm that the
correct grades have been attained.
Parameters to be addressed for geomembranes should at least include the

following:
• Suitable conditions for the reception and storage of rolls prior to
placement;
• an inspection of the liner surface to remove objects that may
damage or puncture the liner, or rough areas that may prevent
direct contact between the liner and the geotextile or layer
material;
• an inspection of the geomembrane to check for defects;

• minimisation of tensile stress (e.g. from thermal expansion /
contraction);
• Testing of seams to ensure proper joins; and
• an inspection of anchoring points on surfaces with gradients > 10% is
completed.
Factors to be addressed for the drainage layer should at least include the
following:
• aggregate is washed prior to placement to remove fines;
• appropriate particle size to provide the designed hydraulic
conductivity;
• placement of aggregate avoids damage to the landfill liner;
• all surfaces are at correct grades;
• correct thickness of material;
• pipes are placed on even bedding material;
• pipes are properly joined; and
• if a sealant is used to join the pipes, this sealant must be resistant to
any corrosive effects of leachate.
Tools
Procedures for geotechnical testing are set out in AS 3798-1996 Guidelines
on earthworks for commercial and residential developments. Suitable
laboratory permeability testing procedures are described in AS
1289.6.7.1–1999 Soil strength and consolidation tests – Determination of
permeability of a soil– Constant head method for a remoulded
specimen. Other standards within AS 1289 Methods of Testing Soils for
Engineering Purposes should also be reviewed.
3.6 WASTE MINIMISATION
Acceptable Standard
Landfills must be designed to allow for recovery and diversion of selected
waste materials, in accordance with the waste management hierarchy
described in Section 1.2.1.
Recommendations
Design the site to accommodate operations to recover and divert suitable
wastes delivered to the landfill. Adequately sized hardstand areas will be
required for stockpiles of recovered material and allow space for future
development. Recycling contractors should be able to access these areas
with their machinery and, if appropriate, on-site machinery should be
installed for reprocessing (e.g. concrete crusher).
Prior to the public accessing the tipping face, areas of acceptance should
be designated. Such areas should be specifically designed to provide
opportunity for separation of wastes into reusable, recyclable and residual
streams.

Where appropriate, site designs should incorporate ‘tip shops’ for the sale
of recovered and reprocessing materials. These shops should be placed so
that they are easily accessible to the public (e.g. in close proximity to the
gatehouse).
3.7 SITE SECURITY
Acceptable Standard
Access to the site must be controlled to minimise risks to safety of livestock
and public, as well as controlling unauthorised entry and waste dumping.
Public access to active tipping areas must be kept to a minimum.
Recommendations
The default parameters listed in Table 3.3 should be applied:
Table 3.3 Landfill Site Security Requirements
Landfill Category
Parameter
Site perimeter fencing Stock – proof (e.g. post and wire)

Tipping area fencing NA Wire mesh > 2 m high
Public access to Restricted No public

active tipping areas public access access
More stringent requirements may be required at sites where there is

significant risk of unauthorised entry.
Lockable security gates should be installed and maintained at all landfills.
Where practical, landfills should be designed so that waste brought on site

by the public (e.g. small vehicles and trailers) is placed in transfer bays or
similar intermediate points for management by site staff. Scavenging
should be actively discouraged at all landfills.
Access to high-risk areas within Secure landfills (e.g. cells receiving

controlled wastes, leachate dams) should be limited to authorised persons
only.

3.8 SIGNAGE
Acceptable Standard
Signs must be erected and maintained in reasonable condition to clearly
convey important operational and safety information.
Recommendations
Signage may encompass the following:

• direction and distance to the site (to be installed at major
intersections and other appropriate locations en route to the site);
• hours of operation and tipping fees (to be installed at the gate or
gatehouse);
• wastes that are not accepted at the landfill, and the nearest
location for disposal;
• hazards and dangerous areas on the site (e.g. leachate dams);
• items that can be recycled and the locations within the site where
recyclable items should be deposited for collection / processing;
• responsibilities (e.g. vehicle operators must ensure that the remnants
of their load or material stuck to the underside of the vehicle or the
wheels does not litter public roads);
• prohibited activities (e.g. litter on approach roads, burning waste or
unauthorised disposal of waste) and the penalties for offences; and
• contact staff / organisations and relevant telephone numbers to
report any fire or other emergency at the site.
3.9 TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
Acceptable Standard
Movement of vehicles to and from the landfills must not present safety
concerns or pose a nuisance with regard to noise and road grime.
Recommendations
Design of the site should place trafficked areas (e.g. entrance gate and
internal access roads) away from sensitive uses such as adjacent dwellings.
Internal access roads should be sealed where dirt is likely to accumulate on

both the road surface and vehicle tyres, particularly where this dirt is likely
to be transported off-site.
Operators of landfills should consider the stability of the ground on which

large commercial vehicles empty their loads.

Manual or mechanical washing areas should be provided to wash vehicle
wheels and undercarriage where needed, in order to prevent
transportation of dirt on to external access roads. The site operator is
responsible for deciding which cleaning method is appropriate to suit the
nature of site traffic. Hand-held pressure washing hoses, drive-through
immersion bunds and rumble grids are options that may suit different
operations. Waste water from vehicle washing must be collected and
managed as leachate (see Sections 3.1.2 and 4.3.1).
Liaison may be required with relevant authorities and waste transporters to

limit access routes and, if necessary, permitted vehicle speeds.
Install traffic control devices (e.g. traffic islands, merging lanes and slip
roads) at the entrance of the landfill. Recessed entrances to the landfill
may reduce the formation of queues adjacent to the site.
3.10 PLANNING TO MINIMISE OFF-SITE IMPACTS
Acceptable Standard
Landfills must be designed to ensure that operations minimise off-site
impacts resulting from dust, litter and noise so that environmental nuisance
is not caused.
Recommendations
Design of the site should incorporate natural and / or constructed site
features that reduce off-site impacts resulting from dust, litter and noise.
Dust and litter may be minimised by windbreaks (e.g. existing vegetation
and natural depressions). Noise emissions can be moderated by earthen
bunds and depressions, and sensitive design of traffic management
features (e.g. road locations, design of rumble grids and speed humps).
Appropriate buffer distances between the landfill and sensitive use areas
should be maintained (see Section 2.5).
3.11 PLANNING FOR REHABILITATION
Acceptable Standard
Landfills must be designed with regard for the rehabilitation and after-care
of the site.
Recommendations
The initial design of the landfill should provide for final rehabilitation of the
site, and should include a conceptual plan of the post-closure land use.
Chapter 5 of this Sustainability Guide describes in detail the preparation
and implementation of a Rehabilitation and After-Care Plan later in the life
of the landfill.
The Rehabilitation and After-care Plan should determine final site contours.
These should be designed to aid drainage by directing surface water
runoff away from the area being rehabilitated. The final landform should
be sympathetic to the local landscape (i.e. designed to blend in).
Estimation of the total expected volume of waste to be deposited in the
landfill should form part of the final site contour design.

It is important to remember that leachate will continue to be generated
after the closure of a landfill, and allowance needs to be made for this in
the planning of rehabilitation works and on-going monitoring. Landfill gas
will also continue to be generated after the closure of the landfill.
Topsoil removed during landfill construction should be conserved and

stockpiled for use as part of final capping and contouring. In order to
preserve indigenous plant seeds for revegetation, topsoil stockpiles should
not exceed 1 metre in height.
The Rehabilitation and After-care Plan must be submitted to the

Regulatory Authority for approval when developed. The plan must be
updated at least every 5 years or 6 months prior to closure of any stage of
the landfill, whichever is sooner.

4. OPERATION
4.1 WASTE MINIMISATION
Acceptable Standard
Landfill operators must provide for recovery and diversion of waste
materials, in accordance with the waste management hierarchy
described in Section 1.2.1.
Recommendations
It is preferable for recoverable materials to be diverted prior to
acceptance at the landfill, rather than through salvaging at the tipping
face. Site staff or a licensed salvager may recover materials from the
tipping face only if the landfill operator can demonstrate that safety issues
are fully addressed.
Typically, a waste minimisation system will be in place to provide

opportunities for recovery of resources prior to the waste being received at
the landfill (for example kerbside recycling). Screening at the landfill gate is
also strongly recommended.
Landfill operators should examine their pricing policies and education

programs to encourage waste minimisation.
Landfill operators should develop procedures for diversion and recovery of

selected waste materials that are suitable for:
• reuse;
• reprocessing; or
• recycling.
Reuse will be most appropriate for materials that can still be used in their
current form and are practical to recover (e.g. received at the site in
sufficient volume or in relatively homogeneous streams). Selected solid inert
wastes (e.g. bricks, steel and timber) and household goods may be
appropriate for reuse. Appropriate procedures for selection and interim
storage of diverted materials will be essential for quality control (e.g.
covered storage areas and basic safety testing for electrical goods).
Reprocessing will be most appropriate for materials that cannot be reused

in their current form. This may include car bodies, electrical goods, and
concrete, and it may also be appropriate to stockpile green waste for
shredding.
Recycling facilities should be provided at the site for the storage of

recyclable materials. Storage facilities should cater for commonly recycled
items (e.g. glass, bottles, aluminium cans, paper and cardboard but may
also extend to more specialised materials (e.g. batteries, motor oil)).
Operators should develop a plan for processing and marketing recyclable

materials, and for disposal of contaminants. This plan should be
developed in consultation with the Regulatory Authority and recycling
industries.

Further information may be obtained from the Guidelines for the
Establishment & Management of Waste Transfer Stations (DPIWE 1996c).
4.2 WASTE HANDLING
4.2.1 Waste acceptance and screening
Acceptable Standard
Landfills must accept only those wastes that are consistent with the
appropriate category of the landfill under the Landfill Classification System
and as stipulated in the permit conditions (see Section 1.3.1 and 1.3.2).
Recommendations
A viewing platform should be constructed at the gatehouse to screen
incoming loads. Additional screening equipment may include closed-
circuit television cameras or mirrors.
Staff at the gatehouse should be able to communicate with staff at the

tipping area, particularly where incoming loads are deemed to require
follow-up screening (e.g. covered loads from non-regular customers).
Handheld VHF radios or similar portable devices are ideal.
Sites should be staffed at all times that they are open and receiving
wastes. Where a site is not staffed, the permit holder/operator must
demonstrate that procedures are in place to control what is deposited in
the landfill.
Particular criteria for refusal to accept as solid inert material are as follows:
• materials that are likely to create cavities or voids;
• soluble materials that may lead to the emission of a pollutant in
contravention with the EMPCA or the State Policy on Water
Quality Management 1997;
• material that may present a hazard or risk to humans or the
environment during handling or over the term of disposal; and
• engine oils or greases.
Operating procedures should be developed to ensure that loads posing a

particular risk (e.g. dusty material) are suitably managed to prevent
environmental problems. Final screening should be undertaken at the
tipping area to identify and respond to high-risk loads (e.g. dust, litter, fire
ignition sources).
Where appropriate, operators must ensure that the hazard associated with
a particular waste (or load) has been assessed prior to transport of waste
to the landfill. Responsibility lies with the generator and transporter of the
waste to contact the operator of the landfill to gain prior approval before
disposal.
Sealed drums and other containers should not be accepted unless their
contents are clearly identified and are suitable for deposition at the landfill

Related controls are suggested as part of acceptance criteria for
controlled and other controlled waste (see Section 1.4), signage (see
Section 3.8) and training (see Section 4.7.1).
4.2.2 Waste placement and compaction
Acceptable Standard
Waste must be placed in a manner that minimises litter and pest animal
problems, and optimises use of landfill space.
Waste must be placed in a manner which will maximise its stability, reduce
long term risks arising from degradation/settling and optimise the operation
of the landfill.
Recommendations
Default parameters for placement and compaction are shown in Table 4.1:
Table 4.1 Landfill Placement and Compaction Requirements
Landfill Category
Parameter
Multi-purpose
landfill
Plant equipment Bulldozer Compactor
vehicle or
compactor
Minimum compacted
NA >650 kg/m3 >850 kg/m3
density
Maximum height of
2m
waste ‘lift’
Size of active tipping
Not more than 50 m by 30 m
area
Width of active
4 – 5 m per truck
tipping face
Slope of tipping face < 50%
Waste should be placed at the base of the tipping face and pushed
upwards to form a layer of waste or ‘lift’. Waste should be subject to 3 – 5
passes with plant equipment to maximise compaction (and therefore
minimise settlement over time).
The tipping face should be sloped to allow safe movement by plant

equipment, and should not be greater than that shown in Table 4.1 unless
it can be demonstrated that both the waste and cover material are
stable. Active tipping areas should be kept as small as practicable.
Wastes should be mixed whenever possible to minimise voids within

deposited waste.

Clean fill materials are to be evenly spread across the face to minimise
bulking and to ensure as uniform and homogeneous a mixture as possible.
Some controlled wastes (e.g. quarantine and medical wastes) may require
immediate burial. A trench should be excavated immediately before
arrival of the waste at the landfill. The controlled waste must be covered
with other material immediately after deposition. Appropriate guidelines
prepared by relevant authorities (e.g. Australian Quarantine and
Inspection Service) should be consulted to ensure correct management of
controlled wastes.
Volume reduction may involve one or a number of the following stages:

• mechanical separation of accepted wastes into different
categories (e.g. putrescible, solid inert);
• biological treatment of putrescible waste to increase density and
reduce the potential for generation of leachate and landfill gas;
• shredding to render a more homogeneous waste stream; and
• compaction and binding of waste into solid bales to increase
density and reduce both litter and demand for cover material.
Related controls are suggested as part of waste minimisation (see Section

4.1).
4.2.3 Waste covering
The coverage of waste is intended to:

• control the penetration of rainwater;
• control and minimise the risk of fire;
• minimise landfill gas emissions and suppress site odour;
• reduce fly propagation and pest animal issues;
• decrease litter generation; and
• ensure that the landfill surface is suitable for traffic movements.
Acceptable Standard
Putrescible and controlled wastes must be completely covered by a
suitable material at the completion of daily landfill operation or more
frequently as required.

Recommendations
Default minimum parameters for cover are shown in Table 4.2:
Table 4.2 Landfill Minimum Cover Requirements
Landfill Category
Parameter
Daily cover NA 30 cm 30 cm
Weekly cover 30 cm soil NA NA
Intermediate cover 30 cm
Final cover Refer to Section 5.3.3
Stockpile of cover
Sufficient for two weeks of operation
material
NB: Individual landfills may have separate faces for each different category of waste.
Intermediate cover is used to close a cell that will not receive additional
lifts of refuse and will be exposed for more than 90 days before final cover is
applied.
Final cover or ‘capping’ forms a low permeability barrier to limit water

ingress into the waste, control gas emissions and promote revegetation.
Capping should be an ongoing part of operation, and is addressed further
in Section 5.
Landfill operators may apply to the Regulatory Authority for use of any
cover material (e.g. foams, mulch, gravel, plastic film or matting) as an
alternative to soil, or an alternative thickness of soil, provided they can
demonstrate compliance with acceptable standards. Wet and readily
degradable materials should not be used as cover unless measures are
taken to address landfill gas generation.
Existing cover should be punctured or removed before further filling occurs

so that perched water tables will not form. Conversely, cover in areas
where further filling is unlikely for the short term should be maintained to
minimise cracking (e.g. through moisture control or by using a roller).

4.3 WATER MANAGEMENT
4.3.1 Leachate collection and management
Acceptable Standard
The leachate management system must be maintained to prevent
infiltration to ground water and release to surface water, prevent offensive
odours and minimise human contact with the leachate.
Recommendations
Design of leachate management systems is discussed in Section 3.1.3.
Ongoing management will be tailored to suit the option(s) selected for a
particular site.
There should be periodic removal of sediment from the collection dam,

with sediment being deposited in the landfill. Salt and other residual
materials need to be cleared from evaporation dams when the dams are
removed from use. Furthermore, leachate discharges to sewer should be
tested in accordance with Trade Waste Agreements.
Excluding discharges direct to sewer, leachate must not be released from

the landfill unless appropriate analytical testing has confirmed, to the
satisfaction of the Regulatory Authority, that it is suitable for release. Tests
should be tailored to suit the risk of contamination and the sensitivity of the
receiving environment. Further information is contained in Section 4.8.3.
4.3.2 Surface water management
Acceptable Standard
Surface water must be prevented as far as practicable from mixing with
waste (thereby generating leachate) and from transporting sediment,
waste material or contaminants off the landfill site.
Discharges to surface waters must meet the turbidity limits shown in Table
4.3; or must not exceed turbidity of the receiving waters:
Table 4.3 Landfill Surface Water and Turbidity Limits
Landfill Category
Parameter
Dry weather discharge
Maximum NTU 50 50 50
Median NTU <25 <25 <25
Wet weather discharge
Maximum NTU 100 100 100

Median NTU <50 <50 <50

Recommendations
Areas that will be exposed for 30 days or more should be stabilised to
prevent soil erosion.
Areas where no further filling will occur should be progressively capped and
re-vegetated (see Section 5.3.3).
Offsite discharge of surface water that may have been in contact with
disturbed areas should only occur from controlled points (e.g. dams). Visual
inspections and / or chemical testing should be undertaken to ensure that
sediment or other contaminants do not exceed acceptable standards.
The level of testing required should be determined by the risk of
contamination and the requirements of the State Policy on Water Quality
Management 1997 and/or PEVs for the receiving water.
All water that has entered waste filled areas and water that has been
contaminated by leachate should be handled and treated as leachate
(refer to Sections 3.1.3 and 4.3.1).
4.4 NUISANCE MANAGEMENT
4.4.1 Dust
Acceptable Standard
Landfill operators must minimise the generation of dust at the landfill site.
Where generation of dust does occur, the dust must be controlled to ensure
that environmental nuisance does not occur beyond the landfill
boundary.
Recommendations
Unsealed road surfaces and material stockpiles should be regularly sprayed
with water, especially in areas with clay soils and during dry, windy
conditions.
The trafficable area of the landfill should be kept as small as possible.
Completed landfill sections should be rehabilitated as soon as possible.
Procedures should be developed for managing the acceptance and

placement of dusty wastes to minimise transportation off-site.
Related controls are suggested as part of traffic management (see Section

3.9) and procedures for waste handling (see Section 4.2).

4.4.2 Litter
Acceptable Standard
Landfill operators must take all reasonable steps to prevent litter
generation, to minimise litter leaving the site and must regularly clean up
litter adjacent to the landfill.
Recommendations
Landfill operators should develop procedures for managing the
acceptance and placement of lightweight, loose wastes to minimise
transportation off-site (e.g. deposition of high-risk loads in sheltered areas of
the landfill site or directly upwind of litter fences, and more frequent
covering of waste).
Transportable litter fences should be installed around the active tipping

area at landfills with strong prevailing wind conditions or which have been
known to generate litter nuisance. Such fences should be at least 4 m high,
be portable (i.e. able to be re-sited when the tipping area is relocated)
and able to withstand strong winds whilst loaded with litter.
All site fences and gates should be cleared of litter on a weekly basis. More
frequent attention is likely to be required during windy periods.
Operators should incorporate regular (e.g. weekly, or in conditions of high

winds daily) retrieval of all litter transported offsite into their maintenance
work program.
Operators should develop risk management procedures to minimise the

number of vehicles transporting uncovered loads of waste to the landfill
(e.g. communication with drivers and company managers, keeping
records of offending vehicles).
Related controls are suggested as part of signage (see Section 3.8) and
procedures for waste handling (see Section 4.2).
4.4.3 Nuisance fauna and weed species
Acceptable Standard
Landfill operators must actively discourage the presence of nuisance
animals and weed species to avoid public health impacts and
environmental degradation.
Recommendations
Water storage areas on site should be limited to those required for water for
fire fighting purposes, leachate containment and storm water control.
Professional pest control providers should be engaged to eliminate pest

animal infestations. Any proposed baiting programs should be developed
in consultation with DPIWE.

Landfills that have large populations of birds present may (providing
approval has been given by the Regulatory Authority) use deterrents in
conjunction with normal operating procedures, including the following:
• nets over glide-paths and water storages;
• anti-perch strips on structures; and
• active measures (e.g. gas guns, mimicked distress calls or predator
decoys).
Sites should be regularly inspected to check for the presence of weed

species.
Materials used for site revegetation (e.g. seeds and mulch) should be of
high quality and free of weeds.
Weed species should be controlled using appropriate techniques.
Related controls for weed species are suggested as part of procedures for
waste handling (see Section 4.2).
4.4.4 Odour
Acceptable Standard
Landfill operators must minimise the generation of unpleasant odours at all
times. If odours are apparent, the odours must not be detectable outside
the boundary of the landfill site.
Recommendations
Application of controls suggested as part of procedures for waste handling
(see Section 4.2) should minimise the transmission of odours off-site.
4.4.5 Noise
Acceptable Standard
Activities on the site must be managed so as not to cause environmental
nuisance.
As a general guide the equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure

level (Leq) of the sound emitted from the site should not exceed 50 dB(A),
when measured within twenty-five metres of a noise sensitive building. The
sound level is to be measured and adjusted for tonal and impulse
components in accordance with AS1055. The Leq is to be measured over
a period of between 10 and 15 minutes.
If the landfill site is to operate outside the hours of 0700 to 1800, this level
should be reduced to 45 dB(A) between the hours of 1800 to 2200, and
further reduced to 40 dB(A) between the hours of 2200 and 0700 (0900 on
Sundays) the following morning. Higher sound pressure levels may be
acceptable in areas with significant ambient noise from other sources.

Recommendations
The Acceptable Standard will normally be achieved by restricting
operations to the hours of 0700 to 1800 Monday to Saturday and 0900 to
1800 on Sunday. Waste may be accepted outside of normal operating
hours where a one-off prior arrangement has been agreed with a waste
generator/transporter that has a valid need for such.
Operators should ensure that all site machinery is configured to minimise

noise disturbance (e.g. mufflers and exhaust silencers, noise sensitive
reversing beepers), is regularly maintained, and is operated in accordance
with relevant noise standards.
Related controls are suggested as part of siting (see Section 2.5) and
planning to minimise off-site impacts (see Section 3.10).
4.5 FIRES
4.5.1 Fire prevention
Acceptable Standard
Landfill operators must not allow fires to be lit on any part of the landfill or
within the landfill boundary, and must extinguish any fires that do occur as
quickly as possible.
Recommendations
Combustible wastes should be covered with inert materials after
placement at the tipping area or stockpiles of combustible materials (e.g.
tyres, timber, dry green waste) should be divided into small piles or
windrows (i.e. so that any burning material can be kept away from or
readily separated from additional fuel).
All fuels or flammable solvents used for on-site operations should be stored in
accordance with AS 1940 - 1993 Storage and Handling of Flammable and
Combustible Liquids. Storage areas should be located on unfilled land
and adequately bunded so that any release of raw or burning liquid will
not cause a fire in the filled waste or impact on surface water.
If the site is a designated tyre storage site then the stockpile should be
managed in accordance with the performance standards specified by
the Regulatory Authority.
Related controls are suggested as part of signage (see Section 3.8) and
procedures for waste handling (see Section 4.2).

4.5.2 Fire control
Acceptable Standard
Landfill operators must demonstrate sufficient capacity to extinguish any
fires that occur on site.
Powered pumps and high-capacity hoses must be installed.
Fire fighting water must be available at all times. Sites lacking a reticulated
water supply suitable for fire fighting must store water on site, with a
sufficient volume to control fires.
Recommendations
Post-fire surveys using thermal imaging equipment are likely to be required
to identify remaining hot spots, following suppression of visible evidence of
fire.
Firebreaks should be constructed and maintained around the perimeter of

the landfill and, where appropriate, between filled areas, stockpiles of
combustibles and site buildings. Any firebreaks must be constructed to the
satisfaction of the relevant fire authority.
Suitable additional fire fighting equipment should be installed adjacent to

flammable liquid storage areas and site buildings.
All fire fighting facilities should be visually checked for damage on a weekly
basis and test operated every three months.
All fire fighting equipment should be clearly signposted. Vehicular access

should be maintained at all times.
A site-specific fire management plan should be developed by the landfill

operator to minimise the incidence and impact of fire.
4.6 TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
Acceptable Standard
Landfill operators must provide safe and convenient access for vehicles
delivering waste to the landfill.
Recommendations
Road surfaces in all areas of the site that are open to the public (e.g.
recycling area and residual disposal area) should be regularly maintained.
Where small vehicles (e.g. cars) are permitted to directly access the tipping
area, they should be directed to a position in the tipping area that is
separate from that used by larger vehicles that are emptied mechanically.
Due to their relative instability on soft ground, tri-axle tipping trailers should
not be permitted to tip at the tip face except at isolated locations or
where they are isolated from other traffic during their tipping activity.

4.7 STAFFING
4.7.1 Training requirements
Acceptable Standard
Staff must be adequately trained to ensure that operations are
environmentally responsible and the workplace is safe. Staff must be
familiar with the environmental permit conditions that may be relevant to
their work to the extent necessary to ensure compliance.
Recommendations
Training requirements will vary according to landfill size, types of waste
accepted, and diversity and complexity of site operations. The duration
and complexity of training should be determined by the role of particular
staff and the competencies required to fulfil these roles. At a minimum, staff
training is to ensure that:
• all operators of compaction or earthworks equipment are skilled at
undertaking all tasks required of them;
• all staff or consultants, who operate water sampling or water
testing apparatus are familiar with required testing and sampling
protocols and methodologies;
• all staff are familiar with emergency procedures (e.g. fire fighting)
and the EMP;
• staff who inspect or direct the placement of incoming wastes are
capable of accurate data recording, and are skilled at identifying
wastes that are unacceptable; and
• staff are familiar with this Sustainability Guide.
Where practical, training should be supplied through formal programs (e.g.

short courses) provided by accredited training institutions.
Awareness programs or other means to develop a commitment to

environmentally responsible management and work practices should
accompany formal training programs.

4.7.2 Occupational Health and Safety
Acceptable Standard
Operators must be aware of and comply with current legislation relating to
occupational health and safety.
Recommendations
Landfill operators must address OH&S issues including (but not limited to):
• plant and equipment operation;
• handling practices, including storage and handling of potentially
hazardous wastes;
• protective clothing;
• equipment safety and maintenance;
• occupational noise;
• traffic management; and
• public safety.
• operator health issues (e.g. medical vaccinations)
4.8 MONITORING PROGRAMS
4.8.1 Groundwater
Acceptable Standard
Regular, representative sampling of groundwater must be conducted to
ensure early detection of any contamination by leachate and to
demonstrate compliance with any statutory requirements.
In accordance with the State Policy on Water Quality Management

1997, relevant water quality standards (trigger values ) from the latest
revision to the Australian Water Quality Guidelines (ANZECC and
ARMCANZ 2000) will be used to set the water quality objective unless
otherwise specified by the Environmental Management and Pollution
Control Board.
Recommendations
A network of groundwater monitoring bores should be installed. The
number and design of bores is discussed in Section 3.3.
Samples should be taken by a suitably qualified person, in accordance

with AS 5667.1:1998 Water Quality – Sampling – Guidance on the design
of sampling programs, sampling techniques and the preservation and
handling of samples and AS 5667.11:1998 Water Quality – Sampling –
Guidance on sampling of groundwaters.
Samples should be analysed by a NATA accredited laboratory or a

laboratory otherwise approved by the Regulatory Authority.
Typical parameters are detailed in Table 4.4. Operators may wish to put
forward a case justifying a reduced list of monitoring parameters.
The frequency of sampling indicated in this table is to be followed for three
years unless otherwise approved by the Regulatory Authority. The landfill
operator may apply to exclude parameters and / or vary the frequency of
sampling after this time if it can be consistently demonstrated that the
parameters measured do not pose an environmental risk.

Table 4.4 Groundwater Monitoring Parameters
Monitoring Frequency by Landfill Category

Monitoring Parameters
Group 1 (Solid Inert) 2 (Putrescible) 3 (Secure)
bore depth 6 monthly
Ground water depth 6 monthly
static hydraulic head 6 monthly
Group 1 PH 6 monthly Quarterly Quarterly
Conductivity 6 monthly Quarterly Quarterly
TDS 6 monthly Quarterly Quarterly
Total Nitrogen 6 monthly Quarterly Quarterly
Ammonia 6 monthly Quarterly Quarterly
Nitrate 6 monthly Quarterly Quarterly
Nitrite 6 monthly Quarterly Quarterly
Orthophosphate 6 monthly Quarterly Quarterly
Total phosphorus NA Quarterly Quarterly
Redox potential (Eh) NA Quarterly Quarterly
DOC NA Quarterly Quarterly
COD NA Quarterly Quarterly
Total CN (as CN) NA Quarterly Quarterly
Group 2 Total Iron (Fe) NA Quarterly Quarterly
Copper (Cu) NA Quarterly Quarterly
Zinc (Zn) NA Quarterly Quarterly
Chromium (Cr) NA Quarterly Quarterly
Manganese (Mn) NA Quarterly Quarterly
Nickel (Ni) NA Quarterly Quarterly
Lead (Pb) NA Quarterly Quarterly
Cadmium (Cd) NA Quarterly Quarterly
Group 3 Chloride NA Quarterly Quarterly
Calcium NA Quarterly Quarterly
Sulphate NA Quarterly Quarterly
Sodium (Na) NA Quarterly Quarterly
Potassium (K) NA Quarterly Quarterly
Magnesium (Mg) NA Quarterly Quarterly
Group 4 Arsenic (As) NA Initially then 12 monthly 6 monthly
Mercury (Hg) NA Initially then 12 monthly 6 monthly
Selenium (Se) NA Initially then 12 monthly 6 monthly
Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) and Benzene, NA Initially then 12 monthly 6 monthly
Toluene, Ethyl-Benzene, and Xylene (BTEX) NA Initially then 12 monthly 6 monthly
Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons NA Initially then 12 monthly Yearly
Organophosphate pesticides NA Initially then 12 monthly Yearly
Organochlorine pesticides NA Initially then 12 monthly Yearly
Polychlorinated biphenyls NA Initially then 12 monthly Yearly

Further assessment should be undertaken and the need for remediation
investigated whenever the concentration in a discharge is likely to cause a
significant change above background concentration (i.e. determined from
upstream ground or surface waters) for one or more of the parameters
outlined in Table 4.5 on consecutive sampling runs. The Regulatory
Authority should be notified of these differences in accordance with
Section 5.4.4.
4.8.2 Surface water
Acceptable Standard
Surface water must be monitored on a regular basis to detect and respond
to any pollution from the landfill and to demonstrate compliance with any
statutory requirements.
Recommendations
Monitoring points should be established at the point(s) of discharge from
the landfill.

Guidance on sampling of rivers and streams.

Parameters to be sampled and analysed should be selected from Table

4.5. Operators may wish to put forward a case justifying a reduced list of
monitoring parameters.
The frequency of sampling indicated in this table is to be followed for three

years unless otherwise approved by the Regulatory Authority. The landfill
operator may apply to exclude parameters and / or vary the frequency of
sampling after this time if it can be consistently demonstrated that the
parameters measured do not pose an environmental risk.
Further assessment should be undertaken and the need for remediation

investigated whenever the concentration in a discharge is likely to cause a
significant change above background concentration or water quality
objectives if established (i.e. determined from upstream ground or surface
waters) for one or more of the parameters outlined in Table 4.5 on
consecutive sampling runs.

Table 4.5 Surface Water and Leachate Dam Monitoring Parameters
Monitoring Frequency by Landfill Category

Monitoring Parameters
Group 1 (Solid Inert) 2 (Putrescible) 3 (Secure)
Group 1 PH 6 monthly Quarterly Quarterly
Conductivity 6 monthly Quarterly Quarterly
TDS 6 monthly Quarterly Quarterly
Redox potential (Eh) NA Quarterly Quarterly
Turbidity 6 monthly Quarterly Quarterly
Total Suspended Solids 6 monthly Quarterly Quarterly
Alkalinity (as CaCO3) 6 monthly Quarterly Quarterly
Total Nitrogen 6 monthly Quarterly Quarterly
Ammonia 6 monthly Quarterly Quarterly
Nitrate 6 monthly Quarterly Quarterly
Nitrite NA Quarterly Quarterly
Total phosphorus 6 monthly Quarterly Quarterly
Orthophosphate NA Quarterly Quarterly
DOC NA Quarterly Quarterly
COD NA Quarterly Quarterly
E. coli NA Quarterly Quarterly
Total CN (as CN) NA Quarterly Quarterly
Group 2 Total Iron & dissolved Iron (Fe) NA Quarterly Quarterly
Aluminium (Al) NA Quarterly Quarterly
Copper (Cu) NA Quarterly Quarterly
Zinc (Zn) NA Quarterly Quarterly
Chromium (Cr) NA Quarterly Quarterly
Manganese (Mn) NA Quarterly Quarterly
Nickel (Ni) NA Quarterly Quarterly
Lead (Pb) NA Quarterly Quarterly
Cadmium (Cd) NA Quarterly Quarterly
Group 3 Chloride NA Quarterly Quarterly
Calcium NA Quarterly Quarterly
Sulphate NA Quarterly Quarterly
Sodium (Na) NA Quarterly Quarterly
Potassium (K) NA Quarterly Quarterly
Magnesium (Mg) NA Quarterly Quarterly
Group 4 Arsenic (As) NA Initially then 12 6 Monthly

monthly
Mercury (Hg) NA Initially then 12 6 Monthly
monthly
Selenium (Se) NA Initially then 12 6 Monthly
monthly
Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) NA Initially then 12 6 Monthly
monthly
Benzene, Toluene, Ethyl-Benzene, and Xylene NA Initially then 12 6 Monthly
(BTEX) monthly
Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons NA Initially then 12 Yearly
monthly
Organophosphate pesticides NA Initially then 12 Yearly
monthly
Organochlorine pesticides NA Initially then 12 Yearly
monthly
Polychlorinated biphenyls NA Initially then 12 Yearly
monthly
4.8.3 Leachate
Acceptable Standard
Leachate must be regularly monitored to establish its quality and assess
suitable management options.
Recommendations
Guidance on sampling of waste waters.

Monitoring parameters and triggers for further assessment and remediation

are the same as those specified for surface waters (see Section 4.8.2). Lesser
requirements will be applied where all leachate discharge is directed to
sewer.
Monitoring locations should be established in the leachate collection sump

at the base of the landfill liner and, if required, at points upstream and
downstream of the landfill in any receiving waters.
Related controls are suggested as part of leachate management (see

Section 4.3.1).
4.8.4 Landfill gas
Acceptable Standard
Major landfill sites must have landfill gas management infrastructure
operating by 31 December 2004 (see National Greenhouse Strategy
Implementation Plan (State Co-ordinated measures – Tasmania).
Recommendations
Where landfill gas collection systems have been installed, regular
monitoring of gas composition, combustion efficiency and flow rate should
be undertaken to enable annual reporting of emissions from the system.
Alternatively, stack emissions can be measured directly following flaring.
Where landfill gas is not collected, regular monitoring should be undertaken

to detect whether landfill gas presents a source of odour or an explosion or
toxicity hazard, and to estimate greenhouse gas emissions.
Landfill gas monitoring should include both surface and subsurface

programs.

Subsurface monitoring devices should be installed in areas of the site where
waste has been placed and either intermediate or final cover has been
applied. Installation may either form part of a gas collection network or
comprise a nest of monitoring bores positioned around the perimeter of the
site. The depth of the monitoring network should be equal to the greatest
depth of waste. Devices should be capable of detecting sufficiently low
concentrations of landfill gas to identify off-site migration.
Surface monitoring should demonstrate that the cover and (where

present) gas collection system is effectively controlling landfill gas emissions.
Areas of the site where waste has been placed and either intermediate or
final cover has been applied should be traversed in a systematic pattern
with a handheld detection device. Readings should be taken on calm
days (i.e. winds below 10 kph) at a height of 5 cm above the ground, as
well as in depressions or surface cracks.
Monitoring should be undertaken by a suitably qualified person in

accordance with relevant Australian Standards, including AS 3580.11.1-
1993: Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air - Determination
of volatile organic compounds - Methane and non-methane volatile
organic compounds - Direct-reading instrumental method.
Monitoring should be conducted on a quarterly frequency (unless

otherwise approved by the Regulatory Authority) and should measure
methane concentrations as a minimum. Where odours are of particular
concern, surface monitoring should also measure hydrogen sulphide.
The landfill operator may apply to vary the frequency of sampling five
years after closure of the tipping area if it can be demonstrated that there
have been no emissions.
Further assessment and remediation should be undertaken if subsurface

concentrations exceed 1.25% (v/v) or if surface concentrations exceed 500
ppm (v/v).

4.9 DOCUMENTATION FOR REPORTING AND REVIEW
All landfills must demonstrate compliance with the specific permit

conditions placed on each facility, and provide data to enable
monitoring of performance against State-wide strategic policy, through
preparation and maintenance of the following documentation:
• waste acceptance records;
• filling plans;
• monitoring analysis (interpretation of results including charting)
• contingency and cost planning;
• incident reporting;
• annual reports; and
• five-yearly reviews (EMP).
Preparation of this documentation for reporting and review does not

preclude development of other documents (i.e. operations manual,
environmental management systems, etc).
4.9.1 Waste acceptance records
Acceptable Standard
Landfill operators must maintain accurate records of the amount, type,
source (where known) and management of wastes received at the landfill.
Recommendations
Waste data should be collected against categories that reflect the Draft
National Solid Waste Classification System (CRCWMPC 1993) and are
compatible with the Australian Waste Database or approved modified
versions.
The Premier’s Local Government Council has endorsed a move toward

mandatory waste data collection and reporting by landfill operators, to be
implemented via permit conditions.
Specific inventory records will need to be maintained in relation to certain

categories of controlled waste, where specified by the Regulatory
Authority.
Staffed sites should incorporate data collection into acceptance

procedures so that information is recorded for every movement of waste in
and out of the site. This should include data from the weighbridge if one is
installed on-site, or a volumetric estimate if no weighbridge is installed.
Appropriately trained people should survey un-staffed sites for at least a

two-week period each year.
Mass loss through on-site composting or other processes may need to be

identified to allow a mass balance calculation of wastes received and
disposed.
Waste acceptance data should be compared against results of annual

survey of the site on an annual basis to check the accuracy of data.

4.9.2 Filling Plan
Acceptable Standard
The landfill must be managed in a systematic manner. A filling plan must
be prepared by the permit holder and operator.
Recommendations
The filling plan should at the minimum encompass the following information:
• documentation of the filling process;
• demonstration that site operations are under control;
• an estimate of the volume of waste landfilled;
• an estimate of the level of compaction; and
• a calculation of the remaining site capacity.
This plan should be updated through regular geometric surveys.
The filling plan section of site drawings should be updated when each cell
is started or completed.
The site should be surveyed annually by an independent registered

surveyor. Surveys will use the same grid and standard height datum for
successive filling plan contour recordings.
The filling plan for Putrescible and Secure landfills should identify the type of
waste in each cell and the locations used for deposition of controlled
wastes.
4.9.3 Contingency and cost planning
Acceptable Standard
Landfill owners must demonstrate that appropriate procedures are in
place, and that sufficient funds are available to cover expenditure
requirements for environmental management during landfill operation,
rehabilitation and after-care.
Recommendations
Landfill owners and operators should identify and analyse the resources
required to conduct operations, including rehabilitation, as well as to
respond to incidents including, but not limited to:
• excessive leachate seepage through liner;
• failure of leachate or gas collection systems;
• escape of leachate from leachate dam;
• contamination of groundwater or surface water, either within or
outside the site;
• illegal dumping of inappropriate waste;

• landfill gas (e.g. underground off-site migration, significant and
ongoing odour problems);
• fires;
• erosion or subsidence of the landfill cap; and
• failure to establish or maintain vegetation on the landfill cap.
Owners and operators should utilise this analysis to evaluate all of the costs
of landfilling and establish mechanisms to cover these costs. Mechanisms
that may be adopted include:
• financial planning strategies;
• effective structures for landfill fees;
• establishment of an accumulating fund; and
• insurance policies (including discounted group schemes).
• Operators should document their analysis and contingency
planning process to the satisfaction of the Regulatory Authority,
and undertake a review of it every five years or in conjunction with
routine EMP reviews. This document should include, as a minimum:
• a description of the response procedures for each contingency;
• the estimated costs of landfill operation, rehabilitation, after-care
and contingency response;
• descriptions of how these costs estimates were derived or
preferably independent verification of the costings; and
• demonstration of capacity to cover costs.
A copy of this document should be forwarded to the Regulatory Authority.
4.9.4 Incident Management
Acceptable Standard
Landfill owners must document the occurrence of, and response to, any
complaints and incidents that may cause environmental harm.
All reasonable and practicable action must be taken to minimise the

adverse environmental effects resulting from an incident.
The responsible person must notify the Director, as soon as reasonably

practicable but not later than 24 hours after becoming aware of the
release of a pollutant occurring as a result of any incident in relation to that
activity, if this release causes or may cause serious or material
environmental harm. Notification must include details of the incident, its
nature, the circumstances in which it occurred and any action that has
been taken to deal with it.

Recommendations
Operators should immediately inform the Regulatory Authority by telephone
or facsimile if an incident occurs. Examples of incidents that might need to
be reported immediately include:
• placement of inappropriate waste (e.g. controlled waste at Solid
Inert and Putrescible landfills);
• fire at the landfill;
• accidental release of leachate into surface water or any other
surface water courses;
• identification of significant difference(s) in monitoring indicator
parameters;
• failure of an environment protection system (e.g. landfill liner); and
• any other incident that could potentially pose an environmental
hazard.
A written report of the measures taken in response, including preventative

actions, should be provided to the Regulatory Authority within 2 weeks
following the incident, unless otherwise directed by the Regulatory Authority
4.9.5 Annual report
Acceptable Standard
Landfill owners must prepare a report on activities at the landfill within
each year, including all matters of environmental significance, and make
this document available to the Regulatory Authority and to the general
public.
Recommendations
The contents of the annual report should include (but not necessarily be
limited to) the following items:
• results and analysis of data (including charting over time) to
determine trends from monitoring programs for groundwater,
leachate, surface water and landfill gas;
• summaries of waste acceptance records;
• results of site inspections;
• summary of complaints / incidents and responses; and
• review of compliance with permit conditions;
4.9.6 Five-yearly review
Acceptable Standard
Permit conditions will normally require landfill owners to fully review their
Environmental Management Plan every five years.

Recommendations
The review process should be supported by a systematic review of annual
reports, contingency and cost plans, filling plan and incident reports.
Results of the review, including revisions to the EMP, need to be submitted

to the Regulatory Authority for approval. Major works or changes to landfill
operation outside the 5 yearly cycle will still require appropriate approval
from the Regulatory Authority prior to commencement.

5. REHABILITATION AND AFTER-CARE
5.1 INTRODUCTION
Landfills can impact upon the environment many years after the
completion of filling activities. It is important that all landfills are
rehabilitated and that an after-care management program is
implemented upon completion of filling activities. This will help mitigate
potential environmental impacts, and allow the land to be reused.
Where new landfills, or extensions to existing landfills, are proposed, landfill

rehabilitation must be considered in the landfill / extension proposal. Once
a landfill is rehabilitated, it is important that monitoring of the site continues
and that rehabilitation measures, for example leachate extraction and
collection systems, are maintained for an appropriate period of time. This is
commonly referred to as landfill ‘after-care’.
Rehabilitation consists of both ongoing and final phases. Ongoing

rehabilitation of a landfill should occur throughout the life of the landfill as
various landfill cells / areas are completed. Final rehabilitation works should
commence within 90 days of permanent cessation of disposal operations in
each stage of the site (e.g. each 0.5 ha), unless otherwise agreed with the
Regulatory Authority.
5.2 POTENTIAL POST-CLOSURE USES
It is essential to investigate potential end uses of the area when a landfill is

planned, or when extensions to existing sites are being considered.
Closed landfills generally cannot be used for sensitive uses, such as

residential allotments because they may be subject to subsidence and
they are likely to be classified as contaminated sites, meaning that a
detailed risk assessment will normally be required prior to changing to a
more sensitive land use.
Where landfills are capped, activities carried out on the surface of old
landfills should be restricted to ensure protection of public health and the
environment.
Acceptable Standard
Potential uses of closed landfills must be determined as early as possible in
the landfill life (i.e. during the planning stage), so that the landfill is designed
and operated in view of its proposed end use.

Recommendations
The proposed end use should maximise the amenity of the land consistent
with protection of public health and the environment.
Rehabilitated landfill sites should not be considered for the following uses:
• houses or other buildings;
• sealed roads (unless appropriate geotechnical assessments have
been conducted);
• intensive and fast moving sports unless specialist advice has been
received; and
• placement of services (unless they are compatible with the end
use of the site).
Landfill/landfill extension design should consider future land uses of the site
and incorporate any needs of such uses into the design and operation of
the landfill. Future land use plans for a site should be flexible enough to
ensure that any changes in community, planning or environmental needs
can be accommodated. Periodic reassessment of future land uses should
be made throughout the life of the landfill.
It is important to consult relevant stakeholders when determining potential

and actual end uses for closed landfill sites. These include the local
community, planning authorities, the Regulatory Authority etc.
Consultation with stakeholders during the planning phase should ensure
overall strategic plans for an area and community needs are considered.
Possible end uses for completed landfill sites include:

• forest, woodland or arboretum;
• dog exercise zone;
• picnic areas;
• trails for cycling, horse-riding, jogging and walking;
• golf practice range;
• outdoor concert venue;
• wildlife corridor;
• grazing; and
• industrial buffer zone.
These end uses may not be appropriate for all landfill sites. Uses should be
assessed on an individual site basis.
The selection of the end-use of the site should be compatible with the
expected settlement of the landfill surface, otherwise continued
maintenance to monitor grades and levels may be required.

Due to risks associated with landfill gas emissions, contamination of land
and water, and subsidence, houses or other buildings should not be built
on closed landfills. Even if piling to a solid foundation is undertaken,
problems may still occur due to ground settlement around the building.
Differential settlement can make it extremely difficult to construct roads

over completed landfill sites. Only unsealed roads should be considered,
unless a thorough engineering or geotechnical evaluation of the site
demonstrates that sealed roads are appropriate.
Services (e.g. water, drainage and sewage) may be installed if

compatible with the end use of the site. The placement and construction
of such services in the landfill site needs to consider risks of failure and
resultant environmental impacts (e.g. water from a burst service pipe can
accelerate landfill settlement in the vicinity of the fractured pipe and
increase the generation of landfill gas).
5.3 FINAL REHABILITATION
Once adequate planning has been undertaken and the landfill

rehabilitation and after-care plan approved by the Regulatory Authority,
rehabilitation works should be undertaken as follows:
• removal of site structures;
• additional compaction;
• completion of capping;
• completing of vegetation establishment;
• leachate management;
• landfill gas management; and
• surface water controls.
5.3.1 Removal of site structures
Acceptable Standard
All structures that are not compatible with the intended final use of the site
must be removed from landfill sites.
Recommendations
The site should be cleared of structures that may impede the rehabilitation
process or are incompatible with the intended final use of the site. Fences
may be retained during rehabilitation, as they are useful for site security
and may keep out browsing animals.

5.3.2 Additional compaction
Acceptable Standard
Before final capping and rehabilitation, landfills must be allowed to settle
for at least 2 years after cessation of landfilling to minimise instability due to
the presence of voids.
Recommendations
Waste should be compacted as much as possible. Bulky waste that was
improperly buried or protrudes from the edges of filled areas may need to
be removed and disposed of correctly.
Related controls are suggested as part of waste handling (see Section 4.2).
5.3.3 Completion of capping
Acceptable Standard
Site capping and re-vegetation must ensure that the final surface provides
a barrier to the migration of water into the waste (providing the design is a
containment system), controls emissions to water and atmosphere,
promotes sound land management and conservation, prevents hazards
and protects amenity.
Site caps must ensure that water infiltration through the cap is no more
than 75% of the anticipated seepage rate through the landfill liner.
Moisture within the cap must remain sufficiently stable to prevent cracking
or other deformation.
The capping layer must be shaped to allow lateral drainage. Steep slopes
must be battered with the overall gradient being a maximum of 1 vertical
to 3 horizontal.
Recommendations
Final capping and revegetation should be applied only after deposited
refuse has settled and the area has become stable. After landfilling has
been completed for a cell, waste material should be covered until such
time that final capping can be applied. A report indicating time lines for
final capping should be submitted to the Regulatory Authority within 60
days after final placement of waste in that area, however approval may
be sought from the Regulatory Authority to extend this period to 180 days
due to exceptional circumstances.
A range of landfill cap designs should be considered to determine the

configuration that is most suitable to the site. In general, designs may
include clay capping and/or use a composite of clay and a
geomembrane, however innovative approaches (e.g. capillary barrier
and monolith soil layers) may also be considered.

Clay and composite landfill caps consist of one or a number of layers.
Table 5.1 shows the indicative requirements for landfill caps, and suggested
layer thicknesses for each category of landfill. Figure 5.1 provides a
graphical representation of the various components required and their
related thicknesses.
Table 5.1 Indicative Landfill Cap Requirements (Clay / Composite

Cap)
Landfill Category
Layer
A (Solid Inert)2 B (Putrescible) C (Secure)
Clean Fill Material 0.3 m 0.3 m 0.3 m

Gas Drainage - 0.3 m 0.3 m
Clay Capping If required 0.6 m > 0.6 m
(permeability of less
than 1 x 10-9 m/s)
Geomembrane or geo- - If required Yes
synthetic composite liner
(includes geotextile
layer(s))3
Drainage Layer If required 0.3 m 0.3 m
Geotextile (if required) - Yes Yes
Final Layer (includes 0.5 m 0.5 to 1 m >1m
topsoil)1
Minimum Total Indicative 0.8 m 2.0 m 2.5 m
Cap Depth
1. The proportions of clean fill and topsoil in the final layer may vary provided that a minimum of
250 mm of topsoil is provided.
2. Minimum requirement may not be necessary for Category A landfills.
3. If the landfill liner is of a high standard and meets best practice environmental management
and no groundwater or surface water contamination has been demonstrated, then the
Regulatory Authority will give consideration to using alternative capping material (e.g. clay
with a permeability greater than 1 x 10-9 m/s).
Additional material may be required in some instances. A preferred landfill

cap design should be provided to the Regulatory Authority as part of the
landfill rehabilitation and after-care plan (see Section 3.11).
Fill material should be deposited in a 300 - 500 mm layer above the final
layer of compacted waste and shaped to the intended final contour. It is
important that material utilised for this purpose meet the requirements
identified in Section 1.3.2.
A gas drainage layer should have a minimum thickness of 300 mm. To

prevent encrustation, the calcium carbonate content of the layer should
not exceed 10% by weight.
Clay should match the properties for that utilised for liner construction (see
Section 3.1.1). Where suitable clay is not available, other impermeable
material (e.g. bentonite) may be used as a substitute.
A clay cap should not be left exposed for prolonged periods of time, as this
will probably lead to cracking, which will increase infiltration rates. Clay will
need to be replaced if cracking or desiccation occurs
Geomembranes or geo-synthetic composite liners should be considered as

an additional moisture barrier for Putrescible landfills, if clay material is
unavailable or not suitable. Secure landfills require a geomembrane or a
geo-synthetic composite liner.
A drainage layer comprised of coarse sand, pebbles or gravel directly

above the clay layer will allow more rapid shedding of water and will
reduce percolation through the cap. The drainage layer should be
designed so that sufficient moisture remains in the final layer to support
vegetation and prevent the cap from drying out and cracking. Water
balance calculations incorporating local rainfall data should be used to
confirm that these parameters will be met.
The final layer of the landfill cap should consist of clean fill (see Table 5.1)
and topsoil. Ideally, topsoil from local sources should be used. As new
areas of the landfill are developed, topsoils should be stripped and
stockpiled separately to be used as the final layer. The depth of soil to be
provided depends on the vegetation intended for the site (e.g. deep-
rooted vegetation planted in shallow soil layers may penetrate the landfill
cap and provide a pathway for water to infiltrate the landfill).
Recommended soil depths for the growth of the following types of plants
are provided in Table 5.2.
Table 5.2 Recommended Application of Topsoil for Plant Categories
Type of Plant Depth of Soil

Grasses and sedges 100 mm
Shrubs 250 mm
In general, a soil layer more than one metre thick will be less likely to
experience seasonal moisture fluctuations (e.g. waterlogging in winter or
desiccation in summer).
Good quality topsoil should be used for the upper soil layer. However it is
possible to use clean fill material for the remainder of the final layer. A
mixture of bio-solids and shredded or composted green waste may also be
used as a soil substitute in the lower horizon of the final layer, in
accordance with the Tasmanian Bio-solid Reuse Guidelines (DPIWE 1999).
Advice from the Regulatory Authority is recommended.
Advice on the choice of plants and subsequent soil requirements should be

sought from a suitably qualified horticulturist.
Compaction of the topsoil should be avoided as this will restrict vegetation

growth by reducing water penetration and root growth. Loose tipped soils
will encourage deeper roots, providing wind stability, water and nutrient
availability, and most importantly shoot growth.

Figure 5.1: Representation of the Various Component Layers Required
and their Related Thicknesses for Landfill Cap (refer to Table
5.1 for further details).

5.3.4 Vegetation
Acceptable Standard
Vegetation must be selected with regard to the particular area and
appropriate native species utilised.
Vegetation must be selected after consideration of the following;

• local climate (e.g. rainfall, wind) and soil conditions;
• long-term viability;
• ongoing maintenance requirements;
• design of landfill cap;
• capacity to prevent erosion of the landfill cap; and
• final site use.
Recommendations
A list of species potentially suitable for planting at rehabilitated landfill sites
in Tasmania is provided in Appendix B.
Marsh and sedge species should be selected for low lying, drainage lines
and leachate basin areas.
Selection for other parts of the site should be made in accordance with the
criteria shown for the acceptable standard.
Plants may be established through direct seeding or, if either rapid growth is
required or browsing is a problem, through planting seedlings.
Direct seeding
Seeding may involve one or a number of methods, including:
• native seed regeneration,
• hydro mulching and
• pre-feed seeding.
Native seed regeneration can utilise seeds held in topsoil sourced from the
site or spreading of seed bearing native brush to assist in preventing erosion
and retaining soil moisture. This ensures that indigenous plants are
regenerated. Additional requirements for soil stockpiles are discussed in
Section 3.11.
Hydro-mulching involves high pressure spraying of a wet mixture of seed

and mulching material such as paper or wood fibre in a fluid over the land
surface. Hydro-mulching is generally used for rehabilitating large areas.

Pre-feed seeding uses dry powder coatings to assist with germination and
protect against insect and fungal attack.
A combination of the above methods may provide the best results (e.g.
pre-feed seeding combined with hydro-mulching allows for quick
germination and suppression of weeds while seeded species germinate).
Seeds may be purchased from commercial suppliers or collected by a

botanist, horticulturalist or a trained community group (e.g. Landcare or
Greening Australia).
Planting seedlings
Seedlings may be planted using mound planting methods
Mound planting involves preparation of topsoil mounds 3 – 4 m wide and 1

m high, with sloping sides that blend into the landscape. Maintenance of
sufficient moisture for vegetation growth in the mound can become an
issue (particularly during the early establishment phase). This technique can
permit the planting of vegetation that may be sensitive to landfill gas.
Growth rates are generally faster from tube stock than plants from larger
containers due to shock and adaptability to soils. However, it is important
that tube stock is planted into wet soil when planting and moisture levels
maintained.
Small mesh guards or grow bags should be used to prevent grazing and
frost damage.
Management
Plantings should be properly managed to ensure that they receive
sufficient moisture and nutrients, and to prevent damage.
Early applications of fertiliser will be beneficial to growth, especially where

final cover is low in available nitrogen and phosphorus. Applications of
NPK fertiliser at a rate of up to 250 kg per hectare will generally support
growth by native species without 'burning' them. However, this should be
confirmed with the supplier of the plant species. Follow-up applications
may be required in future years. Consideration should be given to the
potential impact of fertilisers on weed growth.
Irrigation can play a major part in the success or failure of plant species,
although native plants will usually only require a small amount of watering
in the drier months. Surface water can be collected and used for irrigation
purposes, and a range of distribution options should be considered
including drip feed systems, full pressure sprays, and agricultural and
travelling sprinkler systems.
The use of mulch has a major bearing on growth success, soil moisture
content, surface erosion, soil composition, weed suppression and the level
of maintenance required in rehabilitation of landfills. Generally, mulches
inhibit weed growth by blocking light, and are best spread around
established plants. All mulch should be pasteurised to ensure that weed
seeds, plant pathogens and pests are removed.

Grazing or browsing animals (e.g. wallabies, rabbits and sheep) may inhibit
growth of vegetation. Site fencing installed during landfill should be
maintained to prevent grazing or browsing. Fence maintenance may also
deter vandals and arsonists.
Potential uprooting by the wind should be addressed and consideration

given to local wind regimes, local climate, elevation, topographical
exposure and the rooting conditions and requirements of favoured species.
Staged Approach
It is recommended that a staged approach be used for species

revegetation. Initially leachate tolerant grasses and shrubs should be
planted, however, as leachate generation decreases over time more
deeply rooted plant species such as small trees can be planted.
5.3.5 Emissions management
Acceptable Standard
Landfill rehabilitation must ensure that leachate, landfill gas and surface
water emissions do not cause environmental harm.
Recommendations
Controls established during the design phase (see Sections 3.1, 3.2 and 3.4)
and operational phase (see Sections 4.3 and 4.8) should be maintained
after closure until the Regulatory Authority is satisfied that the risk of
significant environmental harm has diminished sufficiently.
5.4 AFTER-CARE
Landfill after-care typically lasts up to 25 to 30 years after a landfill ceases to

accept wastes. After-care must continue until the Regulatory Authority
approves cessation of such activity. The requirements of after-care vary,
generally reducing over time. Landfill after-care consists of two main
activities – monitoring and maintenance of a closed landfill.
5.4.1 Maintenance
Acceptable Standard
A post-closure maintenance program must be established to ensure that
the landfill does not cause environmental harm after site closure. The
program should focus on preventing emissions to water, emissions to the
atmosphere, and protection of land use and local amenity. Maintenance
must continue until the Regulatory Authority approves cessation.

Recommendations
Maintenance of the landfill cap may include:
• maintaining design contours (i.e. adding fill material / topsoil in
depressions);
• sealing any cracks to prevent water infiltration; and
• restoration of vegetation to prevent erosion.
Regular maintenance of the leachate collection and treatment systems,

landfill gas extraction system and surface water sediment controls will
minimise the risk of failure of these systems / controls. A maintenance
schedule should be developed that defines what maintenance will be
conducted and the frequency of such maintenance (e.g. servicing
pumps).
Additional maintenance may be required if the monitoring regime identifies

any failures.
5.4.2 Monitoring
Acceptable Standard
Ongoing monitoring of closed landfills must ensure that the potential
impacts of a landfill are scrutinised to the same degree of certainty as
during the life of the landfill. Monitoring must identify failure of any
environmental protection measures in a timely fashion, and must continue
until no longer required by the Regulatory Authority.
Recommendations
Monitoring should address the following issues:
• groundwater;
• surface water;
• leachate;
• landfill gas;
• surface settlement; and
• vegetation.
Requirements for leachate, groundwater, surface water and gas

monitoring in Section 4.8. should be reviewed in consultation with the
Regulatory Authority for the after-care period.
Land settlement should be monitored on a regular basis.
Vegetation should be inspected quarterly during the first two years

following closure to identify areas of stunted growth or dieback, successful
species, soil condition, soil moisture levels, and other parameters as
required.

5.4.3 Site closure
Acceptable Standard
The landfill operator / owner must ensure that waste materials are not
received for disposal by the facility after landfill operations cease. Any
waste materials that are accepted for use in the rehabilitation must be
strictly documented and reported in the same fashion as for an operating
site.
Recommendations
The landfill operator should provide adequate public notification,
including signage and media notices, of the closure of the landfill. The site
should be secured to prevent unauthorised dumping.
The landfill operator / owner should advise neighbouring residents of a

contact person to discuss any issues. A record of complaints (e.g. odour)
must be maintained in the same manner as during operation.
5.4.4 Reporting
Acceptable Standard
The following reporting requirements apply to all closed landfills.
• demonstration that the landfill has been rehabilitated in
accordance with the requirements of the landfill rehabilitation and
after-care plan;
• regular monitoring information on rehabilitated landfill sites; and
• timely notification of any unusual monitoring results or maintenance
required.
Recommendations
A rehabilitation completion report should be submitted to the Regulatory
Authority once rehabilitation works are complete. This report must contain
sufficient information to demonstrate that rehabilitation has been
completed (e.g. ‘as-constructed’ drawings and relevant quality assurance
documents).
Owners of a rehabilitated landfill should provide an after-care report to

and at a frequency specified by the Regulatory Authority, typically once
every 2 years in the initial stages of rehabilitation. The report should include
as a minimum:
• results of site monitoring;

• maintenance records;
• a record of complaints; and
• an explanation of incidents or other unusual events (e.g.
additional maintenance).
Where the Regulatory Authority has agreed to reduce the frequency of

monitoring, the period between reporting may be extended appropriately.
If necessary, the owner must prepare an incident report (see Section 4.9.4).

5.4.5 Site sign-off
Acceptable Standard
The landfill owner must clearly demonstrate that the landfill does not pose
a threat to the environment before applying to the Regulatory Authority to
cease after-care activities.
Recommendations
Generally, landfills should be monitored up to 30 years after their closure,
however this timeframe may be decreased if the landfill is designed,
operated and rehabilitated to a high standard. It is imperative that
sufficient information from an extended period of time is provided before
applying to the Regulatory Authority to cease after-care activities. The
Regulatory Authority will base any determination that the landfill is stable
and non-polluting on the results of the monitoring program over a number
of years.
Approval for the cessation of after-care activities will only be considered

where:
• gas concentration levels fall to less than 1.5 % carbon dioxide at
surface level for a period of 12 months;
• waste is stabilised and there has been no settlement of the waste
in the previous two years. This could be determined by the
composition of leachate changing to a low level of contamination
posing no environmental hazard;
• groundwater monitoring indicates no contamination of
groundwater;
• surface assessments demonstrate stable and effective surface
water drainage; and
• documentation that the approved rehabilitation and after-care
plans have been fully implemented.
Once cessation of after-care has been approved, the landfill rehabilitation

and after-care plan will be considered fully implemented and no
additional monitoring or maintenance of the site will be required as a result
of its use as a landfill. The site will be placed on the contaminated sites
register managed by the Regulatory Authority to ensure that future
purchasers of the site are aware of its history.

6. REFERENCES
6.1 LEGISLATION
State
Aboriginal Relics Act, 1975

Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Act 1995
Dangerous Goods Act 1998
Environmental Management and Pollution Control (Waste
Management) Regulations 2000
Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994
Historic Cultural Heritage Act 1995
Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993
National Parks and Wildlife Act 1970
Poisons Act 1971
State Policies and Projects Act 1993
State Policy on Water Quality Management 1997
Tasmanian Aboriginal Lands Act 1995
Threatened Species Protection Act, 1995
Commonwealth
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
Quarantine Regulations 2000

6.2 GUIDELINES
ANZECC (1993) National Strategy for the Management of Scheduled
Waste, Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation
Council, Canberra.
ANZECC (1994) National Hazardous Waste Classification System,
Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council,
Canberra.
ANZECC (1999) Polychlorinated Biphenyls Management Plan, Australian
and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council, Canberra.
ANZECC and ARMCANZ (2000) Australian Guidelines for Water Quality
Monitoring and Reporting, Paper No. 7, Australian and New Zealand
Environment and Conservation Council and Agriculture and Resource
Management Council of Australia and New Zealand, Canberra.
CRCWMPC (1993) Draft National Solid Waste Classification System,
Version 6, September 1993, developed by the CRC for Waste
Management & Pollution Control Ltd for Environment Australia, University
of New South Wales, Sydney.
Available WWW: http://www.civeng.unsw.edu.au/
DELM (1996a) Guidelines for Recycling of Organic Wastes in Tasmania
Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment, Hobart.
DELM (1996b) Environmental Assessment Manual Department of Primary
Industries, Water and Environment, Hobart.
DELM (1996c) Guidelines for the Establishment & Management of Waste
Transfer Stations Department of Primary Industries, Water and
Environment, Hobart.
DELM (1998) Draft Guidelines for the Disposal of Medical Waste
Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment, Hobart.
DPIWE (1999) Tasmanian Biosolids Reuse Guidelines, Department of
Primary Industries, Water and Environment, Hobart.
DPIWE (2000) Towards a Waste Management Policy: Discussion Paper
for Comment Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment,
Hobart.
DPIWE (2004) Classification and Management of Contaminated Soil for
Disposal Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment,
Hobart.
Environment Australia (1997) Methane Capture and Use: Waste
Management Workbook, prepared by Aquatech for Environment
Australia, Canberra.
NGGIC (1998) Workbook for Waste, Workbook 8.1, Reprinted Version 1
with Supplements, National Greenhouse Gas Inventory Committee
(Australian Greenhouse Office), Canberra.
USEPA (1992). Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste,
Physical/Chemical Methods (Third Edition and Updates I & II), SW-846,
Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response, United States
Environmental Protection Agency, Washington DC.

6.3 STANDARDS
AS 1289 Methods of Testing Soils for Engineering Purposes
AS 1289.6.7.1–1999 Soil strength and consolidation tests – Determination
of permeability of a soil– Constant head method for a remoulded
specimen
AS 1940-1993 Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible
Liquids
AS 3580.11.1-1993: Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air -
Determination of volatile organic compounds - Methane and non-
methane volatile organic compounds - Direct-reading instrumental
method.
AS 3798-1996 Guidelines on earthworks for commercial and residential
developments
AS 3831:1998 Waste management – Glossary of terms
AS 4439.3-1997 Wastes, sediments and contaminated soils - Preparation
of leachates - Bottle leaching procedures
AS 5667.1:1998 Water Quality – Sampling – Guidance on the design of
sampling programs, sampling techniques and the preservation and
handling of samples
AS 5667.6:1998 Water Quality – Sampling – Guidance on sampling of
rivers and streams
waste waters.
groundwaters
6.4 SOFTWARE
Hydrological Evaluation of Landfill Performance model – available on-
line at http://www.wes.army.mil/
LandGEM - available on-line at http://www.epa.gov/
Landfill Area-Based Emissions Spreadsheet - available on-line at
http://www.npi.gov.au/
Note: Landfill operators should use more recent versions of all documents listed in
Section 6, where available.

APPENDIX A - Suggested Plant Species
1. INTRODUCTION
All species listed in Appendix 1 have been divided into categories based on a
broad geographical requirement. Further divisions have been made, based on
climatic conditions, altitudes and nutrient levels and where one condition is
constant the lists are based on the other criteria.
This breakdown should aid in the selection of species suitable for particular locations
around the sites.
Each individual species has been given a rating based on a system of crosses. This
system is not only a measure of the suitability of a particular species for colonisation
but also a measure of the practicability of species application ie seed application,
cost and extraction difficulty.
The rating system is:
xxxx Excellent coloniser, economical species to apply.
xxx Good coloniser, relatively economical species to apply.
xx Moderate coloniser or seed difficult to obtain economically.
x A coloniser but not altogether suited to disturbed sites, or seed very difficult to
obtain economically.
Banksia Marginata is a good example of a species that grows well under the
majority of State conditions, but unfortunately the seed is difficult to extract in large
quantities, therefore it only receives a moderate rating, xx.
WEST COAST AND SOUTH-WEST
HIGH RAINFALL
SKELETAL SOILS
Accacia mucronata xxxx

Banksia marginata xx
Casuarina monolifera x
Eucalyptus nitida xxx
Leptospermum glaucescens xx
Leptospermum nitidum xxxx
Leptospermum scoparium xxx
Melaleuca squamea xx
PEATS
Acacia melanoxylon x
Acacia mucronata xxxx
Acacia verticilata xxxx
Cassinia aculeata xx
Casuarina monolifera xxx
Eucalyptus nitida xxxx
Eucalyptus ovata x
Hakea lissosperma xx
Leptospermum glaucescens xxx
Leptospermum lanigerum xxx
Leptospermum nitidum xxx
Leptospermum scoparium xxxx
Melaleuca squamea xxx
Melaleuca squarrosa xx
Oxylobium ellipticum xx
MINERAL SOILS (eg derived from volcanics)
Acacia dealbata xxx

Acacia melanoxylon xx
Acacia verticillata xxxx
Cassinia aculeata xxx
Eucalyptus delegatensis xx
Eucalyptus nitida xx
Eucalyptus obliqua xxx
Eucalyptus ovata x
Gaultheria hospida xx
Hakea lissoperma xx
Helichrysum dendroidium x
Leptospermum nitidum xx
Melaleuca squarrosa xxx
HIGH ALTITUDE PEATS
Acacia mucronata xx
Casuarina monolifera xx
Gaultheria hispida x
Hakeal lissosperma x
Leptospermum rupestre xx
Leptospermum scoparium xx
Melaleuca squamea xxxx
CENTRAL PLATEAU
GREATER THAN 1000M
Banksia marginata x
Eucalyptus coccifera xxx
Eucalyptus gunnii xx
Eucalyptus subcrenulata x
Leptospermum rupestre xxx
700 – 1000M
Acacia dealbata xxx

Acacia mucronata x
Acacia verniciflua xx
Acacia verticillata xx
Callistemon pallidus xx
Eucalyptus amygdalina xxx
Eucalyptus coccifera xx
Eucalyptus dalrympleana xx
Eucalyptus delegatensis xxx
Eucalyptus gunnii x
Eucalyptus pauciflora xx
Eucalyptus rodwayii x
Hakea lissos[perma xx
Helichrysum lanigerum xxxx
MINERAL SOILS (EG DERIVED FROM VOLCANICS)
Acacia dealbata xxx

Acacia melanoxylon xxx
Acacia verticillata xxxx
Eucalyptus delegatensis xx
Eucalyptus obliqua xxx
Eucalyptus ovata x
Gaultheria hispida xx
Helichrysum dendroidium x
HIGH ALTITUDE PEATS
Acacia mucronata xx
Casuarina monolifera xx
Hakea lissosperma x
Leptospermum rupestre xx
Melaleuca squamea xxxx
MIDLANDS
Acacia dealbata xxx

Acacia mearnsii xxx
Allocasuarina verticillata xx
Banksia spinosa xxx
Eucalyptus ovata xxx
Eucalyptus pauciflora xx
Eucalyptus rodwayii xxxx
Eucalyptus viminalis xxx
Melaleuca ericifolia, Melaleuca gibbosa, Callistemon pallidus and Dodonea

viscosa may also be suitable for planting in the Midlands.
SOUTH-EAST
LOW ALTITUDE, LOW RAINFALL
POOR SOILS (ie. Derived from mudstones or granites)
Acacia genistifolia xx
Acacia mearnsii xx
Acacia myrtifolia x
Acacia retinoides x
Acacia stricta xx
Allocasuarina littoralis xxxx
Allocasuarina verticillata xxxx
Bursaria spinosa xxx
Callitris rhomboidea xx
Dodonea viscosa xx
Eucalyptus amygdalina xx
Eucalyptus globulus x
Eucalyptus risdonii x
Eucalyptus rubida x
Eucalyptus tenuiramis xxxx
Leptospermum grandiflorum xxxx
Kunzea ambigua x
FERTILE (ie. Derived from dolerites)
Acacia dealbata xx
Acacia longifolia xx
Acacia mearnsii xxx
Acacia myrtifolia x
Acacia retinoides xx
Acacia riceana x
Acacia stricta x
Acacia verniciflua x
Bursaria spinosa xxx
Callistemon pallidus x
Casuarina littoralis xxxx
Casuarina stricta xxxx
Dodonea viscosa xx
Eucalyptus globulus xxxx
Eucaylptus ovata xx
Eucalyptus pulchella xx
Eucalyptus regnans x
Eucalyptus rubida x
Eucalyptus tenuiramis xxxx
Leptospermum glaucescens x
Leptospermum grandiflorum xxx
Leptospermum lanigerum xx
Melaleuca squarrosa x
NORTH-EAST
HIGH RAINFALL, LOW ALTITUDE
Refer back to West Coast mineral soils.
LOW RAINFALL, LOW ALTITUDE (including Flinders Island)
Acacia botrycephela xx
Acacia dealbata xxx
Acacia mearnsii xx
Acacia verticillata xxx
Bursaria spinosa xx
Cassinia aculcata xx
Casuarina littoralis xx
Casuarina stricta xx
Eucalyptus amydgalina xxx
Eucalyptus delegatensis x
Eucalyptus globulus xxx
Eucalyptus obliqua x
Eucalyptus ovata xx
Eucalyptus pauciflora x
Eucalyptus sieberi x
Eucalyptus viminalis xxxx
Kunzea ambigua xx
Leptospermum granidlorum xx
Melaleuca ericifolia x
Oxylobium ellipticum xxx
HIGH ALTITUDE, GREATER THAN 800M
Eucalyptus amygdalina x
Eucalyptus cocifera xx
Eucalyptus dairympleana xx
Eucalyptus delegatensis xxx
Eucalyptus gunnii xx
Eucalyptus pauciflora xxx
Eucalyptus rodwayii xxx
NORTH AND NORTH-WEST
HIGH RAINFALL AREAS
Refer to West – South-West mineral soils.
LOW ALTITUDES (including King Island)
Acacia dealbata xxx

Acacia longifolia x
Acacia melanoxylon xxx
Acacia verticillata xxx
Bursaria spinosa xx
Cassina aculeata xxx
Dodonea viscosa x
Eucalyptus obliqua xx
Eucalyptus ovata xxx
Eucalyptus viminalis xxxx
Helichrysum dendroidium xx
Leptospermum glaucescens x
Leptospermum lanigerum xx
Oxylobium ellipticum x
COASTAL
DUNES
Acacia sophorea xxx

Ammophia arenaria xxxx
Carpodrotus rossii xxx
Casuarina stricta x
Leptospermum laevigatum xx
Myoporium insulare xxx
NORTH-WEST – WEST
Acacia longifolia x
Acacia retinoides x
Acacia sophorea xxx
Bursaria spinosa x
Eucalyptus ovata xx
Eucalyptus tenuiramis x
Leptospermum laevigatum xx
Melaleuca squamea xxx
EAST TO NORTH-EAST (including Flinders Island)
Acacia botrycephela xx
Acacia genistifolia x
Acacia sophorea xx
Bursaria spinosa xx
Callitris rhombidea xx
Casuarina littoralis xxxx
Casuarina stricta xxxx
Casuarina stricta xx
Eucalyptus amygdalina x
Eucalyptus globulus xxx
Eucalyptus tenuiramis xxx
Eucalyptus viminalis xx
Kunzea ambigua xxx
Leptospermum grandiflorum xx
Leptospermum lanigerum x
Leptospermum scoparium x
Melaleuca squarrosa xx

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DEPARTMENT of

The information contained within this document is designed to give guidance

• Victorian Environment Protection Agency (EPA)

For further information please visit www.dpiwe.tas.gov.au/landfills or

© Crown in Right of the State of Tasmania

2. LANDFILL SITING AND PLANNING........................................................................16

5. REHABILITATION AND AFTER-CARE .....................................................................70

DPIWE Landfill Sustainability Guide – Tasmania Sept 2004 i

DPIWE Landfill Sustainability Guide – Tasmania Sept 2004 ii

DPIWE Landfill Sustainability Guide – Tasmania Sept 2004 iii

DPIWE Landfill Sustainability Guide – Tasmania Sept 2004 iv

Planning Authority Means a Local Council

Putrescible Defined in Section 1.3.2.

Regulatory Authority The authority responsible for the environmental

DPIWE Landfill Sustainability Guide – Tasmania Sept 2004 v

DPIWE Landfill Sustainability Guide – Tasmania Sept 2004 vi

The concepts and principles in the draft documents represented best

1.1.1 What is the purpose of the Sustainability Guide?

The aim of the Sustainability Guide is to provide a consistent and effective

The objectives of the Sustainability Guide are to:

The Sustainability Guide is designed to help landfill operators achieve good

While the Sustainability Guide itself is not a legally enforceable document,

The standards described in this Sustainability Guide should also be taken

DPIWE Landfill Sustainability Guide – Tasmania Sept 2004 1

The Sustainability Guide provides information relevant to regulators,

1.1.3 What activities does the Sustainability Guide address?

The Sustainability Guide is designed to apply to all landfills that are

1.1.4 What does the Sustainability Guide contain?

The following chapters present environmental issues that should be

Acceptable standards provide the minimum requirements for

Although this guideline parallels best practice environmental management

1.1.5 How do I use the Sustainability Guide?

Regulators should utilise the acceptable standards as a basis for drafting

Proponents seeking to deviate from the acceptable standard

DPIWE Landfill Sustainability Guide – Tasmania Sept 2004 2

Proponents and operators are encouraged to continually improve

Since this Sustainability Guide may not be applicable to every situation,

1.1.6 Implementation Timeframe

The Regulatory Authority will progressively implement this Sustainability

Section 2 of this Sustainability Guide ‘Landfill Siting and Planning’ will

Operators of existing landfills will be expected to comply, as a minimum,

DPIWE Landfill Sustainability Guide – Tasmania Sept 2004 3

Waste management performs a critical role in public health and safety

This hierarchy recognises that waste is best reduced or avoided at the

1.2.2 Environmental issues

The environmental issues of primary concern to the community and the

DPIWE Landfill Sustainability Guide – Tasmania Sept 2004 4

1.2.3 Statutory framework

The Sustainability Guide has been developed to further the objectives of

DPIWE Landfill Sustainability Guide – Tasmania Sept 2004 5

According to the RMPS framework, applications to develop and operate a

To gain approval, proponents must demonstrate that the acceptable

In the operational phase, the activity will be subject to a permit with

Enforcement action can be taken where permit conditions or EMPCA are

An existing permit may be modified through an environment protection

If the nature or quantity of wastes entering a landfill changes, the

DPIWE Landfill Sustainability Guide – Tasmania Sept 2004 6

1.3.1 Landfill Classification System

Three categories of landfill are established:

Table 1.1 Landfill Classification System

Solid inert material

1. The basis for classification of potentially contaminated material is defined in DPIWE

DPIWE Landfill Sustainability Guide – Tasmania Sept 2004 7