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Community invited to provide feedback on the release of recycled water

Baw Baw Shire Council invites feedback on a plan to release treated leachate from the closed Trafalgar Landfill into a creek. Residents can learn more and provide feedback online or at in-person events until August 25, 2024.

By news@gippsland - 29th July 2024 - Back to News

Baw Baw Shire Council is inviting the local community to give their thoughts on a proposal to release treated leachate, also known as recycled water, from the closed Trafalgar Landfill, into the environment through a surface drain. This option has been thoroughly investigated by council and poses no risk to people or harm to the natural environment. This alternative was considered among many others, however, it is the most favourable as it is the most feasible option for council and for the community.

Community members can review 'Option 2' of the proposal for release of recycled water at Trafalgar Landfill and give feedback online or in person from 29 July 29 to 25 August 2024

Finding recycled solutions

Currently, irrigation is the primary way recycled water is managed at the site. However, council is now required to find another solution to manage recycled water when irrigation cannot occur during winter's wetter months. The closed Trafalgar Landfill operated between 1975 and 2011. The landfill is in its post closure phase with on-going landfill gas and recycled water management being council's responsibility.

Leachate from the site is currently collected and pumped to an on-site leachate dam where it is aerated and treated by reverse osmosis. The recycled water is used to irrigate the landfill cap when weather conditions are suitable and there is cap demand. This occurs when the grass cover on the landfill requires watering to keep grass green and helps to reduce erosion.

Send us your feedback

Baw Baw Shire Mayor Cr Annemarie McCabe acknowledged that the option may sound confronting to some residents, however, assured the community that the necessary risk audits and research had been completed, to ensure this is a safe alternative.

"Understandably, some people may feel uneasy about the release of the recycled water into the environment, however, council has taken all the steps to ensure it poses no risks, and weighed it up against the other options, which weren't as viable. We are conducting extensive community engagement on this matter, which will also include some educational pieces for the community, so people can understand the process better and how it will work," she said.

This week, letters will be issued to residents who live nearby the closed landfill, informing them of this proposal as well as the upcoming community engagement opportunities, which will take place in person. You can also provide your thoughts and feedback online, simply visit Baw Baw Connect website and have your say, your way until 25 August 2024. This page will also include more information on the process, as well as the other options that were considered by council.

Pictures from Baw Baw shire Council Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com