A program of methane level monitoring will continue at the site of the former South Geelong landfill after elevated methane levels were recently recorded in businesses located at the site.
The methane levels recorded do not pose an immediate risk to either the public or businesses in the area.
Last week Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) issued a Pollution Abatement Notice to the City of Greater Geelong (CoGG) after elevated levels of methane were recorded in seven buildings around the light industrial estate.
EPA Executive Director Regional Services Damian Wells said the monitoring program would be undertaken by contractors on behalf of the CoGG.
“The monitoring will enable government agencies to continue to assess any potential ongoing risk and alert businesses in the area of any action that may be required,” Mr Wells said.
“Although elevated levels of methane had been recorded at the light industrial estate, businesses can continue to operate as usual while the frequency of monitoring is increased.
“It is important to note that the elevated levels have been recorded at ground height directly above cracks and joins of the foundations in buildings or within confined areas. Elevated levels have not been recorded in open plan areas where people are working.
“If any elevated methane levels above pre-determined triggers are detected through the monitoring program, EPA and Country Fire Authority (CFA) will directly engage with the relevant business owners and operators.
“Businesses are advised as a precautionary measure to maximise ventilation within confined areas of buildings and structures and to minimise any hot works,” he said.
Mr Wells said the monitoring could see the frequent presence of the CFA at the site. Officers from both EPA and CoGG recently visited businesses in the area to explain the issue and to provide information.
EPA is working with CFA, CoGG, Department of Health and Human Services, Victoria Police and WorkSafe to better understand the issue.
Landfills will produce landfill gas for many decades, which can migrate through the sub-surface and may accumulate in confined spaces within buildings and structures.
EPA will keep residents up to date as further information comes to hand. Residents who have any concerns or who would like more information are encouraged to call EPA on 1300 372 842.
Former South Geelong Landfill Q&As
What has recent testing found?
Recent monitoring commissioned by the City of Greater Geelong in the industrial estate in South Geelong has identified elevated landfill gas readings in light industrial buildings situated on the former South Geelong landfill.
Is the area safe to work in?
There is no immediate risk to businesses and their staff, however monitoring will continue over the next few months to assess any potential ongoing risks.
I run a business in the area that uses open flames – should I stop work?
Businesses in the area should continue with business as usual. Business owners can be safe in the knowledge that they can continue operating their businesses as usual. If any readings of methane of concern are recorded, they will be notified immediately.
Businesses are advised as a precautionary measure to maximise ventilation within confined areas of buildings and structures and to minimise any hot works.
How did the methane get there?
Areas of South Geelong were reclaimed by landfilling between the 1950’s and 1980’s. Parts of this area have subsequently been developed for industrial purposes.
Landfilling will produce landfill gas for many decades, which can migrate through the sub-surface and may accumulate in confined spaces within buildings and structures. Methane is the major component of gas generated by decomposing organic wastes in landfills. Methane is also the principal component of our natural gas reticulated to our homes for heating and cooking.
Regular testing of methane levels within and surrounding properties in the vicinity of Birkett Place, South Geelong, has been undertaken since early 2014.
Why is this happening now if the landfill closed almost 30 years ago?
The landfill was closed in 1989. Following its closure the site was capped and rehabilitated. Part of the requirement of a landfill closure is to ensure ongoing monitoring for legacy gases that may rise from the old landfill.
Is anything else being monitored?
Methane is the main gas that is being tested for at the landfill. However, oxygen and carbon dioxide levels are also monitored. Elevated levels of carbon dioxide, mixed with reduced levels of oxygen are a good indicator of methane presence.
EPA is also working with CFA, City of Greater Geelong CoGG, Department of Health and Human Services DHHS, Victoria Police and Work Safe are working together to understand the issue.
What is being done to fix the issue?
Ongoing monitoring of methane at the closed South Geelong landfill will continue for the next few months to assess any potential ongoing risk and inform steps to mitigate the issue.
Why is the Country Fire Authority (CFA) constantly on site?
The monitoring could see the frequent presence of the Country Fire Authority at the site if trigger levels requiring their attendance have been recorded. The elevated levels recorded to date have occurred in very small, confined spaces, not in open plan areas where people work.
A system of methane trigger levels for CFA attendance is in place, which could be recorded in areas that often have very little ventilation. If these triggers are reached, CFA will attend the site/area to carry out subsequent testing.
What regulatory actions has EPA taken?
EPA has issued a Pollution Abatement Notice to the City of Greater Geelong requiring it to conduct further and more frequent monitoring of methane within the buildings and surrounding area.
How will I know what is going on?
EPA will keep residents up to date as further information comes to hand. Residents who have any concerns or who would like more information are encouraged to call EPA on 1300 372 842.
How can I find out more information?
Residents wanting more information are invited to call EPA on 1300 372 842.