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EPA approves controversial dumping plan for West Gate Tunnel Project's contaminated soil
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) approves the plans to dump the contaminated soil excavated from the West Gate Tunnel Project sites to mining and landfill site in Bacchus Marsh near Melbourne.
Especially the residents of the west of Melbourne are not happy with this decision. In earlier analysis of the soil excavated, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) had been discovered in the excavated soil. These chemicals are suspected of causing cancer in human beings. Residents and environmental groups are worried that the harmful chemicals in the dumped soil would contaminate the underground water reserves or contaminate the areas around via wind etc.
West Gate contractors had been trying to jump the ship for a while citing the cost of the treating and dumping the contaminated soil. The legal battle between the project owner and the contractors (Chinese and Spanish owned construction companies) is still going on.
Environmental Protection Agency released the following info over the approval:
Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has approved Environment Management Plans (EMP) for Maddingley Brown Coal in Bacchus Marsh and Hi Quality in Bulla as part of their applications to receive tunnel boring machine spoil from the West Gate Tunnel Project.
EPA assessed the plans for potential environmental impacts, such as runoff, odour, and potential land, surface water and ground water risks. The approval of an EMP does not mark the final decision on where the spoil will be sent.
Under Government regulations the owner of a site bidding to receive TBM spoil must develop an EMP and comply with specific conditions including constructing an appropriate containment system and managing spoil appropriately so risks are controlled.
“These EMPs will ensure the health of the local community and the environment is protected,” said EPA Executive Director of Regulatory Standards, Assessments and Permissioning Tim Eaton.
“EPA will closely monitor these sites to make sure that they are complying with their EMP and best practice safety measures to protect the local community and environment."
The EPA will continue to monitor the treatment and containment of this type of spoil to ensure that it meets rigorous public health and environmental standards to keep Victorians safe.
To view the EMPs and associated documents, visit: https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/for-community/current-projects-issues/major-infrastructure-and-development/west-gate-tunnel-project/west-gate-tunnel-project-emps
BACKGROUND
New regulations under section 71 of the Environment Protection Act 1970 allow for the management and disposal of tunnel boring machine (TBM) spoil to protect human health and the environment.
Massive amounts of soil being dug up to build the $6.7 billion West Gate Tunnel will exceed Victoria’s landfill capacity, forcing controversial landfill expansions in Melbourne's north and west.
'The West Gate Tunnel's construction is also contributing to air quality problems, including elevated levels of dust.'
Now a new fight starts for dumping West Gate Tunnel works' contaminated soil.
This time on local level.
Councils step up fight against West Gate Tunnel soil dump
"$3 Billion Blowout" at West Gate Tunnel.
https://www.theepochtimes.com/melbournes-west-gate-tunnel-project-faces-3bn-blowout_3508945.html
Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) also approves the Environment Management Plan (EMP) for Cleanaway’s Ravenhall landfill as part of their application to receive tunnel boring machine spoil from the West Gate Tunnel Project.
EPA Victoria release:
Media statement - West Gate Tunnel Project 12 October 2020
Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has approved an Environment Management Plan (EMP) for Cleanaway’s Ravenhall landfill as part of their application to receive tunnel boring machine spoil from the West Gate Tunnel Project, while also accepting a modification to the plan for Maddingley Brown Coal in Bacchus Marsh.
The amendment to the MBC EMP upgrades the proposed design of the containment facility to match the acceptance criteria consistent with the other approved EMPs. It does not change the nature of the material to be contained but adds additional controls.
EMPs for Maddingley Brown Coal and Hi Quality in Bulla were approved in September as part of their applications to receive tunnel boring machine spoil from the project.
EPA assessed the plans for potential environmental impacts, such as runoff, odour, and potential land, surface water and ground water risks. The approval of an EMP does not mark the final decision on where the spoil will be sent.
Under Government regulations the owner of a site bidding to receive TBM spoil must develop an Environment Management Plan (EMP) and comply with specific conditions including constructing an appropriate containment system and managing spoil appropriately so risks are controlled.
“The health of the local community and the environment is our first priority and these Environment Management Plans will ensure they are protected,” said EPA Executive Director of Regulatory Standards, Assessments and Permissioning Tim Eaton.
“Each of the EMPs has been rigorously reviewed and approved on the basis they meet strict conditions designed to protect human health and the environment. EPA will monitor any selected site closely to ensure it operates in accordance with its EMP.’’
EPA will continue to monitor the treatment and containment of this type of spoil to ensure that it meets rigorous public health and environmental standards to keep Victorians safe.Oops, maybe the Bacchus Marsh dumping plans not so straightforward
'An environmental group is taking the Environment Protection Authority and Maddingley Brown Coal to court over plans to dump contaminated soil from the West Gate Tunnel at a landfill in Bacchus Marsh.'
Designated West Gate Tunnel PFAS soil storage area Bacchus Marsh community is angry
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-11-24/bacchus-marsh-tunnel-soil-outrage/12913942
Victoria's environmental watchdog overturnes all of the approvals it has given to landfills set to accept the West Gate Tunnel's contaminated soil.
cover tunnel photo by: Matt Brown from London, England / CC BY
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https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/about-epa/news-media-and-updates/news-and-updates/west-gate-tunnel-project-media-statement
West Gate Tunnel Project Media Statement
www.epa.vic.gov.au