Landfill management works to begin

TRENCHING and draining construction works will begin at the former Black Hill Landfill site in January after the City of Ballarat awarded the contract to Goldsmith Civil and Environmental.

The business is an experienced landfill contractor, and works will comply with the Environment Protection Act 2017.

The project’s budget is $1.76 million and will help effectively manage stormwater runoff and gas mitigation risks.

The site was operational from the mid-1960s to 1982 and is now known as Chisolm Street Reserve, and is used for recreation.

Monitoring occurs biannually, with results sent to an independent EPA-appointed auditor to review.

At the last audit it was discovered that rectification works are required.

“These works are necessary to comply with Environment Protection Authority guidelines while ensuring that the community and our environment is protected,” City of Ballarat director of infrastructure and environment Bridget Wetherall said.

“The end result will be an environmentally friendly solution that blends almost seamlessly with the natural environment of the reserve.”

A landfill gas trench will be installed south of Leerama Court to naturally prevent and passively treat any landfill gas, and stormwater engineering controls will also be improved.

Residents in the area have been informed and the site will be fenced off from January 2025 to early 2026 to allow for works and vegetation establishment.

Works will take place on weekdays between 7am to 6pm and, if needed, on Saturdays between 9am to 5pm.