FAQs

   

Civil Proceedings

Settlement

On 1 August 2024, the Supreme Court of Victoria declared EPA’s Civil Penalty case settled by consent as between the Environment Protection Authority and SBI Landfill Pty Ltd. Consent Orders made by the Court include the payment by SBI of $200,000 for the carrying out of a project for the RESTORATION or ENHANCEMENT of the environment in a PUBLIC PLACE or for the PUBLIC BENEFIT.  In addition, the proceedings against the Directors of SBI were dismissed. Each party is to bear their own costs.  SBI is to engage a suitably qualified independent professional to establish an education and training program concerning SBI’s responsibilities under the Environment Protection Act.

Public Benefit Project Details

During the EPA online community information session, held on 13 August 2024, the question was asked by a community member if the community will have input in the project selection process.  The Acting Regional Manager, highlighted the benefit of such a process, with more information forthcoming.

Waste & Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) or Transfer Station

The WRRF operates and has operated under the change of legislation, since EPA advised and granted SBI A13b permit for the resource recovery facility that predates the legislation change. The following dates highlight key events in the operation of the resource recovery facility, and demonstrate the administrative maze that SBI have had to navigate since the change of Legislation on 1 July 2021:

19^th June 2015            City of Casey Planning Permit granted with a condition to have                                                                   materials recycling facility on the site as an ancillary component of                                                         the refuse disposal facility

25^th November 2021  Under advice from EPA, SBI submitted and was granted an A13b                                                                     permit for the Waste & Resource Recovery Facility

18^th August 2022         EPA provide SBI with compliance advice to submit an application                                            of an A13a operating licence

14^th September 2022 SBI submit an application and supporting documents for an A13a                                           operating licence

1^st December 2022     EPA withdraw the A13a application, stating the transition period                                               had lapsed

5^th May 2023               EPA issue IMPN-00004602

19^th May 2023              SBI response to EPA seeking an internal review of the notice

22^nd May 2023            SBI apply for an internal review via EPA’s online system

2^nd June 2023             EPA Internal Review decision, notice remains in place

5^th June 2023              EPA issue an amended notice, with date changes

15^th August 2023         SBI respond to R1 of the notice

16^th August 2023         SBI submit application for exemption via EPA portal

6^th February 2024       EPA site inspection with Permissions conducted, RFI to be emailed                                                               to SBI

23^rd February 2024     EPA submit RFI to SBI

20^th July 2024              SBI respond to RFI

1^st August 2024            EPA issue DRAFT Exemption for review by SBI

12^th August 2024         SBI submit updated documents and site plan

13^th August 2024         EPA issue EXEMPTION from a DEVELOPMENT LICENCE

 

LFG Management System

What does the new proposed odour management system comprise of, and how will it stop offsite odour impacts?

The proposed odour management system consists of a hydrogen sulfide bioscrubber inline, prior to treatment via the new fully enclosed flare.  Removal of the hydrogen sulfide gas removes the potential of odour before, during and after flaring.

When will this system commence operation and when will improvements be observed by the community?

23^rd August 2023             SBI submit DEVELOPMENT LICENCE AMENDMENT APPLICATION

22^nd November 2023      Online meeting with EPA Permissions, request for information (RFI) made                                                  by EPA

23^rd December 2023       SBI respond to RFI

6^th February 2024            EPA site inspection with Permissions conducted, 2^nd RFI to be emailed to                                                 SBI

23^rd February 2024          EPA submit 2^nd RFI to SBI

19^th March 2024                SBI respond to the 2^nd RFI

25^th March 2024               EPA acknowledge receipt of SBI’s response

30^th March 2024               During CCC meeting EPA advise application will be issued end May 2024

14^th May 2024                    EPA submit 3^rd RFI

15^th May 2024                    SBI response to 3^rd RFI

28^th May 2024                   During CCC meeting EPA advise of 2 weeks, due to annual leave

31^st May 2024                     SBI inform EPA that ESV sign-off was received and commissioning is due                                                 to commence on 03/06/2024

31^st May 2024                     EPA response to SBI information, stating that commissioning is not                                                             permitted until application granted

5^th June 2024                    EPA Officers attend site

26^th June 2024                  EPA issue DRAFT to SBI for review and comment

10^th July 2024                     SBI reply with comments to DRAFT and submission under DL_R01 of the                                                     DRAFT

17^th July 2024                      EPA Officers attend site, and provide “unofficial” feedback from EPA                                                            Permissions

20^th July 2024                    SBI revise and re-submit document under DL_R01 of the DRAFT

6^th August 2024                 EPA Officers attend site and inform SBI that Permissions will contact SBI                                                   that afternoon

13^th August 2024                EPA hold online info session, Permissions informs community, EPA are still                                                 to respond to SBI submission

14^th August 2024                SBI email EPA seeking clarification on the process still required, as per                                                        the info session the night before – pending response

20^th August 2024               At the CCC, EPA advise that the matter will be given priority and will                                                            come back to the community with a timeline for finalisation of the DL                                                      amendment

What processes are in place whilst the new system is offline?

The existing LFG management protocol remains in place until the new system is online and operating to design specifications.

Are you still monitoring H2S in parts per billion?

Yes, three monitors remain operational at SBI’s perimeter.

Are you still conducting odour surveys in the community?

Yes, SBI continue to conduct offsite odour surveys on a regular basis.

 

Leachate Management System

Is leachate used for dust suppression onsite or offsite?

No.

Why does the leachate tank cause odour?

Leachate containing hydrogen sulfide in its liquid phase, under specific atmospheric conditions, can be released into its gaseous phase.

How is the leachate storage tank odour being managed?

The air in the headspace of the leachate storage tank is actively extracted and drawn through a granulated activated carbon filter, which removes the hydrogen sulfide that may be present in the headspace in its gaseous phase.

 

Noise Management

What is being done about the noise from SBI?

An acoustic assessment was conducted in May 2024, which concluded “on the basis of long-term noise monitoring we have carried out, the Subject Land use is not emitting unreasonable noise to the surrounding community and is compliant with the Regulations at all surrounding residential interfaces that were surveyed.”

 

General Operations

What are your permitted operating hours?

• Monday to Friday: 7:00am to 6:00pm
• Saturdays: 7:00am to 1:00pm
• Sundays: Nil
• Anzac Day, Christmas Day and Good Friday: Nil

What wastes are accepted at the site?

Extract from OL0000220551 SBI Operating Licence:

• Industrial Waste (Construction and Demolition) – Waste from construction, demolition and other sources which is solid inert waste
• Rubble (including foundry sands without hazardous substances)
• Leather and rubber, other than tyres
• Plaster board and cement sheeting
• Non-ferrous metals, other than Aluminium
• Glass
• Plastics, PIC #1 through #7
• Steel
• Concrete
• Bricks
• Cardboard
• Aluminium

What materials are recycled?

SBI divert the following materials from landfill back into the circular economy.

• Metals
• Plasterboard
• Concrete
• Cardboard
• Timber

Who do we report complaints to?

Reports can be made directly to SBI via info@sbigroup.com.au and/or

EPA via https://portal365.epa.vic.gov.au/pollution-report-form/

How are you preventing acts of arson onsite?

Additional measures have been installed and/or modified to prevent and detour trespassing onsite site.

What additional measures will be implemented, so as not to repeat the failings of Cell 1?

The generation of unprecedented concentrations of hydrogen sulfide is 100 % attributable to the addition of firewater into Cell 1 – this once of event conducted under tacit approval from EPA, will NOT be repeated, even in the unlikely event of a future fire.

Is the CCC still open for new member show of interest?

Yes, expressions of interest can be made via info@sbigroup.com.au

Can community members visit the site?

Community members are welcome to contact SBI to arrange a meeting.