Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has contracted consultants to undertake additional monitoring of gases beneath the former South Geelong landfill site.
EPA South West Region Manager Eve Graham said the extra monitoring would complement that being undertaken by the City of Greater Geelong.
“The contract will see about 20 gas bores installed mainly in the area bounded by Gravel Pits Road, Hede Street, Wood St and Barwon Terrace,” Ms Graham said.
“When installation is completed the bores will begin to monitor landfill gas concentrations, including methane, carbon dioxide, oxygen and nitrogen. This will allow for more data regarding gas concentrations from waste under the ground to be collected in order to better understand its extent.”
Ms Graham said works to install the new bores would begin on Monday, 19 October.
“These works are likely to occur for no more than two weeks but there could be minor disruptions to local traffic as some drilling of road surfaces is required to install the bores,” Ms Graham said.
“However, the bores will be flush with the ground, so once installed, roads and pathways can be used as normal.”
Ms Graham said businesses in the area should continue with operations as usual unless otherwise instructed by emergency services.
“If any readings of methane of concern are recorded, businesses will be notified immediately,” Ms Graham said.
For further information, you can visit the methane at South Geelong industrial estate page on EPA's website or call 1300 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC).