1 May 2020

UPDATED: Bushfire waste dump on track, says council

| Sharon Kelley
Start the conversation
Digging equipment dumps bushfire waste into landfill.

Limited bushfire waste is deposited at the Central Waste Facility while Bega Valley Shire Council awaits approval on an emergency landfill cell. Photo: Supplied.

UPDATE: Bega Valley Shire Council today received the go-ahead from the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment for the construction of the new emergency landfill cell at the Central Waste Facility at North Wolumla.

Director of Assets and Operations Anthony McMahon said construction work at the Wanatta Lane, North Wolumla facility was likely to commence on Saturday 2 May; taking about four weeks to complete.

Bega Valley Shire Council says it is a step closer to opening a new emergency landfill cell and resource recovery sorting pad at the Central Waste Facility, at North Wolumla, after the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment asked for further technical details of council’s submission.

“We’re hopeful the department will now move quickly to complete the necessary technical assessment, allowing the [bushfire] clean-up to commence in earnest” said Anthony McMahon, assets and operations director, Bega Valley Shire Council.

The emergency landfill cell and associated resource recovery sorting pad will be able to accept 47,000 cubic metres of asbestos-contaminated material, and 74,000 cubic metres of non-asbestos contaminated material which is expected to come from more than 2000 burnt structures, including homes, sheds and outbuildings.

Council said it is continuing to work with local residents and has reflected its concerns as part of mitigation measures in planning for the facility.

Work already completed on the facility includes the connection of mains water and the excavation of test pits due to existing landfill pits only accepting limited material. Work continues on design for an internal access road, a stormwater catchment and sorting pads.

Council says current licensing and planning approvals are in place to accept asbestos material, and staff have been trained and processes established to continue safely managing asbestos landfilling at this site.

Information about this development application can be found on the Bega Valley Shire Council’s website using the Application Tracker function.

Start the conversation

Daily Digest

Do you like to know what’s happening around your region? Every day the About Regional team packages up our most popular stories and sends them straight to your inbox for free. Sign-up now for trusted local news that will never be behind a paywall.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.