Stevensons Road Landfill (closed), Cranbourne
November 2009 update: Victorian Ombudsman Report into gas leak at Brookland Greens Estate
Message from Terry A’Hearn
Migrating gas from the Stevensons Road former landfill has been one of the most serious and complex issues the Environment Protection Authority has dealt with in its 40 year history.
Throughout this period, EPA has heard the frustration of residents and recognises the importance of closing this difficult chapter to be able to move forward.
The Ombudsman’s Report Brookland Greens Estate – Investigation into Methane Gas is an important report for EPA, and one that we take extremely seriously, for the fact it has provided us with independent review and an opportunity to improve the way we operate.
As a result of the Report, EPA has accepted all of the recommendations relevant to EPA, and is already in the process of implementing two-thirds with the remainder to be implemented by June 2010.
EPA is very conscious of the community’s desire to move on and is working to ensure the works at the landfill are completed by the City of Casey as quickly as possible and that the risk continues to be reduced for the residents of Brookland Greens Estate.
Terry A’Hearn
Acting Chief Executive Officer
Stevensons Road landfill (closed) – EPA’s Continued Role
As the owner of the former landfill, the City of Casey is responsible for the ongoing management of the site.
Council has completed the construction of the deep trench wall and the new gas and leachate extraction system.
As the Victorian Government’s independent environmental regulator EPA will continue to monitor the Council’s performance in managing their environmental obligations under the Environment Protection Act 1970.
This includes:
- regularly meeting with City of Casey to understand latest information about gas mitigation works;
- assessing results of reports developed by consultants on the levels of gas inside and outside the landfill;
- monitoring City of Casey’s progress of activities committed to under their Landfill Management Plan;
- checking reports submitted by City of Casey about the performance of the gas extraction system;
- directing City of Casey to take action if the gas mitigation measures are not effective; and
- ensuring that City of Casey undertake activities agreed to legal Notices issued for the site.
What is next for the landfill?
The waste in landfills can take more than half a century to breakdown, continuing to produce gases and liquids as the waste slowly decays. If gas and liquid extraction systems are effectively constructed and maintained, landfills can be safely managed over this time.
It is anticipated that the recent works to the site made by the City of Casey, including the installation of the deep wall around the Stevensons Road landfill and improved extraction system will greatly reduce gas migrating into neighbouring areas.
The monitoring of gas inside and outside the landfill will determine the degree to which these measures are working. It may take some time before conclusive results are known, but EPA is regularly reviewing the data provided by the City of Casey.
Gas monitors have been retained in a number of houses across the estate to also provide data on the presence of methane gas in homes.
EPA and the City of Casey continue to work closely on this project and both agencies will keep local residents informed of progress.
Contacts
For an update on landfill works and residential support:
City of Casey
Customer Service Centre
Ph: 9705 5200
www.casey.vic.gov.au 
To report pollution from the landfill:
EPA Victoria
Pollution Watch Line
Ph: 9695 2777
Further Information
- Stevensons Road Landfill (closed), Cranbourne - Gas Migration Questions and Answers
(PDF 143KB) - Diagrams explaining the landfill gas migration problem (PDF 101KB)
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