Environmental assessment to support the development of a large residential subdivision on farmland adjacent to a former landfill in regional Victoria.
Our client sought an amendment to the local planning scheme to facilitate the rezoning of a large parcel of agricultural land for future residential development. Due to the site’s proximity to a former municipal landfill, the local planning authority required an environmental audit to be completed in accordance with the Environment Protection Act 2017 (Vic) before the rezoning application could be considered.
Landserv was engaged to undertake a comprehensive landfill gas risk assessment to support the environmental audit process and provide an evidence-based evaluation of potential risks associated with the former landfill. The assessment evaluated whether landfill-generated gases could migrate beyond the landfill boundary and adversely affect the proposed residential development.
The assessment commenced with an extensive desktop and historical review of the former landfill operations and current condition to better understand its potential to generate and release landfill gas.
To support the assessment, Landserv designed and implemented a field investigation program, including installation of a perimeter landfill gas monitoring network around the landfill and proposed development area. Monitoring was undertaken over an extended period and under varying atmospheric and seasonal conditions, measuring methane, carbon dioxide, oxygen, atmospheric pressure and other relevant parameters
The results informed a conceptual site model identifying potential gas sources, migration pathways, exposure mechanisms and receptors. Landserv’s risk assessment provided recommendations on site suitability and potential mitigation measures, supporting the environmental audit process and giving regulators, planners and the client confidence that the land could be safely developed for residential use.
Benefits:
- Facilitated rezoning and development approvals by delivering the technical evidence required to support the environmental audit and planning scheme amendment process.
- Reduced development risk through comprehensive investigation and assessment of potential landfill gas migration impacts on the proposed residential area.
- Provided confidence to regulators and stakeholders by demonstrating a clear understanding of site conditions through detailed monitoring and risk assessment.
- Supported safe and sustainable residential development by identifying potential mitigation measures and confirming the site’s suitability for future residential use.
