Development and operation of landfill facilities in South Australia are activities of environmental significance and must be carried out in accordance with the Environment Protection Act 1993 (EP Act).
The Guidelines for Environmental
management of landfill facilities (municipal solid waste and commercial
and industrial general waste) (1MB PDF),
January 2007 provide guidance to landfill operators, developers, planning authorities and regulatory bodies on the site selection, development, design, construction, operation, closure and post-closure management of municipal solid waste and commercial and industrial (C&I) general waste landfill facilities so that they can comply with the EP Act.
The implementation schedule for this guideline is based on specific life cycle stages, for example:
- closure pre 1 July 2008
- closure between 1 July 2008 and 1 July 2010
- continuing operation past 1 July 2010
- development of new landfill facilities.
Not all aspects of the guidelines will apply to those sites that will close by July 2010 and the standards for closure under these circumstances can be negotiated with the EPA. The closure design needs to align with any proposed later-use for the locality and the closure methodology, landform and materials used need to ensure this later-use will be supported.
The 'Explanatory Note for Landfill Sites closing before July 2010 (121KB PDF)' provides guidance to landfill operators, developers, planning authorities and regulatory bodies when preparing a closure plan for sites closing before 1 July 2010. To assist with drafting a closure plan, a framework has also been included that allows for varying levels of information to be provided to the EPA.
