EPA Tasmania has given the green light for the final stage of construction of the Copping C cell following a positive peer review from Professor Andy Fourie of the Australian Centre for Geomechanics at The University of Western Australia.
In his report, Professor Fourie said the proposed design for the Copping C cell is “extremely comprehensive”, and provided “multiple levels of back-up to ensure the potential percolation of leachate to the underlying geology is minimised and indeed prevented entirely”.
Professor Fourie’s report reads, “A great deal of attention has been focussed by stakeholders on the geology underlying the site for [the C cell].
“This is an understandable consideration, but such concerns should be tempered by accounting for the extremely comprehensive lining system proposed for [the C cell].
“Although material to be stored in [the C cell] is not highly hazardous waste, the lining system is a more onerous design then most hazardous waste cells.”
Southern Waste Solutions CEO Christine Bell said it was pleasing the Copping C cell received such positive review.
“The measures we are taking to control any potential temporary rise of groundwater were very well received by Professor Fourie and our accurate knowledge of the underlying geology was also commended,” said Ms Bell.
“The choices of specific materials for use in the various liner components were described as ‘entirely appropriate and consistent with current accepted practice’.
Ms Bell said the C cell is progressing according to schedule, with completion of the project scheduled by July.
“We can now get on with the task of providing Tasmania with a much needed facility to safely and responsibly store its legacy hazardous waste,” said Ms Bell.
“If we are to maintain our clean, green image and continue to broadcast to the world how beautiful and pristine Tasmania is, we must be responsible for the waste we produce and the C cell will help us achieve this.”
Initial earthworks are currently underway, and once complete installation of the cell liners will begin.
Southern Waste Solutions CEO Christine Bell
