FAQs

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?

As at Monday, 24th June 2024, SBI are waiting on approval from EPA for the administrative inclusion of the upgraded LFG management system required to achieve licence compliance, into the current Development Licence.

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.

Has EPA endorsed this new system?

EPA do not endorse measures intended for licence compliance by the Licence Holder.

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, as at Monday, 24th June 2024, receipt of reports from the community via EPA have not resumed – however, SBI continue to conduct offsite odour surveys on a daily basis.

Leachate Management System

Is leachate used for dust suppression onsite or offsite?

No.

How is leachate managed so as not to run out of storage capacity onsite?

Leachate is managed under SBI’s LEACHATE MANAGEMENT PLAN, reviewed by EPA-appointed Auditors during annual operational audits, and submitted to EPA.

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.

Dust Management

What are your main dust generating activities?

• Transfer Station.
• Concrete Crushing.
• Onsite Traffic.

How often do you test the dust for respirable silica?

There is no requirement in the EPA-auditor verified Risk Management and Monitoring Program for the sampling and analysis of dust.  SBI have opted to conduct two monitoring events in line with the General Environmental Duty, with a third round conducted in April 2024 under EPA compliance advice.

Have you ever exceeded any health criteria for respirable silicia

No.

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. There may be some residual risk of transient noise impact to the community, however we consider the risk of harm from this to be low.”

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 security measures have been installed and modified to prevent and detour trespassing onsite site, which in turn has quelled the arson attacks.

When will Cell 2 come online?

As at Monday, 24th June 2024, the construction will be complete within approximately 4 weeks, which will then require the EPA-appointed Auditor to complete the construction audit report, which in turn is submitted to EPA for approval.

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