Questions and Answers

Q1: What is Veolia Environmental Services (Veolia) proposing in its current Development Application for its Woodlawn and related sites?

Veolia is primarily seeking approval from the NSW Government to increase the maximum assessed input rate of the Woodlawn Bioreactor from 500,000 tonnes of waste per year to 1.13 million tonnes of waste per year. The site is approximately 40 kilometres southwest of Goulburn NSW, near the town of Tarago NSW.

To service the increased amounts at the Bioreactor, Veolia is also seeking approval to increase the amounts that can pass through the Crisps Creek Intermodal Facility (IMF).

Additionally, Veolia is seeking approval for the installation of additional lighting at the Bioreactor site, an increase in the Bioreactor and IMF hours of operation, and an increase in the number of truck movements to transport waste from the IMF and regional centres, and a consolidated project approval.

Q2: What are the Woodlawn Bioreactor, the Crisps Creek IMF and the Woodlawn Eco-Precinct?

The Woodlawn Bioreactor is a major putrescible waste management facility that currently services the Sydney region and is located within the void of the former copper, lead and zinc open cut Woodlawn Mine, which is being rehabilitated by Veolia as a part of this project. The Bioreactor was specifically designed and is operated to convert waste materials into renewable energy. This is done by enhancing the production and capture of landfill gas to generate electricity.

The Crisps Creek IMF services the Bioreactor by transferring containers from rail to road and is located 8km from the Bioreactor.

Both facilities were approved by the Minister of Planning on 30 November 2000 and commenced operations in September 2004.

Veolia owns and operates the Woodlawn Bioreactor and Crisps Creek IMF as part of the larger Woodlawn Eco-Precinct. The Woodlawn Eco-Precinct consists of two properties, ‘Woodlawn’ and ‘Pylara’ and covers an area of approximately 6,000 hectares. The first stage of the Eco-Precinct developed by Veolia was the Woodlawn Bioreactor. The other currently approved uses within the Woodlawn Eco-Precinct include an Alternative Waste Technology (AWT) facility – known as WASP - and a wind farm.

Q3: Where will the 1.13 million tonnes of waste to the Woodlawn Eco-Precinct come from?

Despite Government policy measures such as an increased landfill levy, waste generation by the NSW community has grown rather than diminished since 2004. The original consent conditions for Woodlawn issued in November 2004 anticipated an overall drop in waste generation by the NSW community – which has not eventuated.

The additional material to potentially be received at Woodlawn will come from:

a) Sydney by rail to the Crisps Creek IMF and then for 8kms by truck to the Bioreactor (80% of material);

b) regional local Councils to the Bioreactor by truck (12% of material), and;

c) internal transfers of residual material from the planned Woodlawn Alternative Waste Treatment plant – WASP - at Woodlawn (8% of material).

It should be noted that the generation of waste is ultimately about the community’s attitudes, behaviours and choices, as is the willingness to pay for improved resource recovery.

It should also be noted that any additional waste would only be received at Woodlawn if Councils and other potential customers choose to direct their waste to the facility.

Q4: What will be different at the Woodlawn and related sites if the DA is approved?

There will be additional lighting at the Bioreactor site, an increase in the Bioreactor and IMF hours of operation to 10pm, an increase in the number of truck movements to transport waste from the IMF and regional areas, and (at maximum capacity) an additional daily train arrival at the IMF.

The additional truck movements will be mostly on the 8km stretch of road between the IMF and the Bio-reactor, with no additional trucks expected to come through Tarago as a result of this proposal.

As the facility will be receiving and processing more waste, it will be possible to accelerate the rehabilitation of the former Woodlawn mine.

While independent consultants who prepared the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the change of operations identified no additional adverse impacts, Veolia will use the opportunity to enhance its current environmental management approach for the Eco-Precinct.

Q5: What is rationale for the proposed change of operations?

Since starting operations in 2004, the Woodlawn Bioreactor has received approximately 400,000 tonnes of putrescible waste from the Sydney region by rail each year, as capped by the original conditions of development consent. The original conditions anticipated an overall drop in waste generation by the NSW community – which has not eventuated.

The Bioreactor has considerable capacity to receive additional putrescible waste generated from both Sydney and surrounding areas of regional NSW.

The justification for the proposed changes draws on the Public Review of Landfill Capacity and Demand conducted for the NSW Government by Wright Corporate Strategy in 2009. This Review independently assessed landfill demand and capacity within the Sydney region, as well as the estimated take up of Alternative Waste Technology (AWT). Analysis of regional disposal capacity and demand has also been undertaken. The rationale for the proposed changes is therefore as follows:

• There is a chronic shortfall in available putrescible waste landfill capacity for the Sydney region.
• There is an urgent need to reform arbitrary landfill caps and expand waste input rates to address the chronic shortfall.
• The proposal would address approximately 40% of the long-term annual shortfall forecast in the Wright Review 2009.
• There is regional demand for reliable, flexible and cost-effective waste management solutions that enable Councils to focus on further resource recovery initiatives and rehabilitation of existing landfills.
• The proposal is consistent with the strategic direction for waste management in NSW and is an important transition to the further introduction of AWT, increased resource recovery and diversion of valuable materials from landfill.
• The Woodlawn Bioreactor provides an environmentally responsible and sustainable solution that is consistent with existing greenhouse gas abatement strategies. This includes the transport of waste-by-rail from Sydney and the specific design and operation of the facility to capture gas and convert waste materials into renewable energy.
• The Woodlawn Bioreactor and Eco-Precinct are rehabilitating the former Woodlawn mine site.

Q6: What is a bioreactor?

Bioreactors are world’s best practice for putrescible waste management. They are specifically designed and operated to rapidly degrade and stabilise waste, produce bio-gas, and generate renewable energy.

Bioreactor technology works by breaking down waste via the application of moisture, bacteria and nutrients, and creating optimal conditions for micro-organisms to decompose waste.

Moisture is controlled by re-circulating nutrient rich leachate and injecting additional water whilst the PH and temperature levels are continually monitored.

A series of enclosed cells enable effective liquid recirculation and the capture of bio-gas.

Q7: How is the proposal consistent with waste management and resource recovery policy in NSW?

Veolia’s proposal is consistent with NSW Government policy including its emphasis on resource recovery in several ways:

• Veolia’s proposal conforms to the NSW Government’s new State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) for landfill development. The SEPP requires any new or existing landfill seeking extension to feature resource recovery efforts. The Woodlawn Eco-Precinct features resource recovery through the capture of gas to convert waste into renewable energy.
• Veolia has previously received planning consent to build an Alternative Waste Treatment (AWT) plant at the Eco-Precinct, known as WASP. Approval of its current proposal further enables the company to pursue its plans.
• Certainty about waste disposal capacity – including the conditions for Woodlawn and other facilities – gives all waste and recycling stakeholders a better capacity to plan their resource recovery efforts.
• Best practice putrescibles waste management facilities – such as bio-reactors – are an important part of the transition to more AWT and resource recovery. They will be necessary in future to receive any residuals from AWT.

It should be noted that the generation of waste is ultimately about the community’s attitudes, behaviours and choices, as is the willingness to pay for improved resource recovery.

It should also be noted that any additional waste would only be received at Woodlawn if Councils and other potential customers choose to direct their waste to the facility.

Q8: What is the history of the Woodlawn Eco-Precinct and how does the proposed change of operations fit in?

The Woodlawn Eco-precinct consists of two properties, Woodlawn and Pylara. The first stage of the Eco-precinct developed by Veolia was the Woodlawn Bioreactor, which is located within the void of the former Woodlawn Mine and commenced operations in September 2004. The Eco-precinct is being developed by Veolia as an integrated site that aims to deliver environmental and social benefits in several areas including:

• Best practice management of putrescible wastes
• Recycling of organic material into renewable energy
• Use of waste heat from electrical generating infrastructure for fish farming (aquaculture)
• Mechanical and Biological Treatment (MBT) of certain wastes for production of compost and further power , ie. the previously approved Woodlawn ‘WASP’ and;
• Reclamation and restoration of the former mine site using these compost materials.

Q9: How is the Woodlawn Eco-Precinct currently environmentally managed?

The Woodlawn Eco-Precinct is operated strictly in accordance with existing approvals issued by the Department of Planning, as well as Environment Protection Licences (EPLs) issued by Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW).

The Woodlawn Bioreactor operations aim for best practice environmental performance. This objective has been largely met through a number of environmental management practices including:

• continuous leachate and gas recirculation and monitoring to optimise biological degradation rates and maximise methane production;
• up to 92% methane capture rates from open waste with horizontal gas collection systems to maximise landfill gas collection, and minimise fugitive emissions. In addition to the renewable energy benefit, capture and utilisation of this gas prevents harmful greenhouse gases from being released into the atmosphere;
• renewable energy production under the Green Power scheme, with renewable energy credits generated for all power;
• hydrogen sulphide control using in-situ addition of metal oxide (haematite and magnetite) to the waste as placed; and
• leachate management by recirculation through the waste to enhance gas production.

The Woodlawn Environmental Management Plan (EMP) provides an environmental management tool for the operation of the site and a means of identifying and concentrating on the key environmental, operational and rehabilitation issues for the facility. The suite of management and operational plans will remain in place, as well as additional continuous improvement aspects that Veolia will introduce under the new operation. These are outlined in the EA.

Q10: In general, what are the anticipated impacts of a revised operating situation?

As part of the Development Application process, an Environmental Assessment (EA) was conducted to examine and document the potential environmental impacts - both positive and negative - and to recommend measures to protect the environment where required beyond the existing environmental management on site. The EA was coordinated by the independent consultancy, URS.

Investigations were undertaken to assess the potential environmental impacts of the proposed changes. This included specialist assessment of issues relating to air quality and odour management, traffic and transport impacts, noise, greenhouse gas emissions, surface water management, hazards, and socio economic impacts.

The findings of these specialist investigations indicate that there are no significant adverse environmental impacts associated with the proposed changes if appropriate environmental management measures are taken.

Veolia believes that the expansion of operations is a good opportunity to further improve its environmental management of the site and is making a range of commitments in that regard.

Q11: What are the likely air quality and odour impacts?

As part of the EA, a comprehensive air quality and odour impact assessment for the proposed changes was carried out by independent consultants Heggies Pty Ltd in accordance with DECCW guidelines. The assessment provides details of existing levels of dust, suspended particulate matter and odour, and determines the assessment criteria, and predicts potential future impacts.

It was concluded that there will be no adverse impacts in terms of odour or particulate matter at any of the modelled receptor locations. It is considered that the proposed changes will not have a detrimental impact upon surrounding residents in terms of odour and air quality.

In keeping with continuous improvement, and to address the local community’s expectations, Veolia will continue its commitment to odour management on site and address any issues if they arise in an open and effective manner.

Q12: What is the likely greenhouse gas impact?

A greenhouse gas assessment has been carried out by independent consultants Heggies Pty Ltd. The assessment was designed to estimate the greenhouse gas emissions caused by the proposed changes, as well as other indirect greenhouse gas impacts such as fuel for trucks, electricity used etc.

The total greenhouse gas emissions is estimated to be 244ktCO2-e which is predominantly methane from landfill gas. It is important to realise however that the Woodlawn Bioreactor is designed for optimum gas capture, and the facility is class leading in its performance. This ensures that the emissions are kept to an absolute minimum.

The total greenhouse gas impacts are to a large extent offset by the electricity generated on site at the Woodlawn Bioreactor. This renewable electricity represents a GHG offset of approximately 166,347tCO2-e by replacing electricity generated from fossil fuels.

From July 2009 to June 2010, the site generated 14,331 MWh of renewable energy, which is enough electricity to power approximately 1,800 homes for a year. At full capacity the Woodlawn Eco-Precinct, including the Bioreactor and the wind farm, is expected to generate almost 300,000 MWh per year, and provide power for the equivalent of approximately 37,500 homes a year.

Q13: What is the likely noise impact?

As part of the EA, a comprehensive noise impact assessment was undertaken by independent consultants Heggies Pty Ltd. The assessment provides details of existing noise levels within the area and surrounds, determines noise impact criteria based on existing noise levels and the relevant DECCW guidelines, and predicts noise levels that are expected.

The assessment identifies that operational noise levels generated at both the Bioreactor and the Crisps Creek IMF are predicted to meet relevant noise criteria at the nearest receivers.

As part of the EA, an investigation was conducted by the rail operator into the capacity of the existing rail facility to manage the proposed increase in tonnage. The investigation concluded that 1.18 million tonnes per year would be achievable, but that the hours of operation at the Crisps Creek IMF would need to be extended from 7pm and 6pm at the Bioreactor and IMF respectively to 10pm at both facilities – so that two trains could arrive each day.

Q14: What are the likely traffic impacts?

As part of the EA, a transport impact assessment was undertaken.

Based on existing annual average daily traffic volumes and estimates for existing local traffic volumes, the additional traffic volumes resulting from the proposal are likely to be around 49 one-way vehicle movements, including 34 on the 8km stretch from the Crisps Creek IMF to Woodlawn and 15 on local roads.

According to the assessment, this change is not expected to alter the existing acceptable level of service along the transportation route between the Crisps Creek IMF and the Bioreactor, and along local roads that will be used to transport regional waste.

The use of long-haul rail transport as an alternative to road freight offers a significantly more fuel-efficient alternative contributing a major greenhouse benefit, as rail transport would result in three times less emissions than road transport. Avoiding long-haul road freight has generated amenity benefits for the local community reducing traffic, noise and air quality impacts.

All transport of waste from the local region will be subject to a transport code of conduct to be prepared by Veolia in consultation with the RTA, Goulburn Mulwaree Council, Palerang Council and school bus operators. It will be submitted to the Director General of the Department of Planning for approval prior to the receipt of regional waste at Woodlawn. (It should be noted that this waste would only be received at Woodlawn if local Councils choose to direct their waste to the facility.)

Q15: How does Veolia intended to address anticipated impacts of a revised operating situation at the Woodlawn Eco-Precinct?

Veolia believes that the expansion of operations is a good opportunity to further improve its environmental management of the Woodlawn Eco-Precinct and is making a range of commitments in that regard. These commitments are identified in the Draft Statement of Commitments in the publicly exhibited EA. Key commitments include:

Community Engagement:

• Continue to hold regular meetings with the Community Liaison Committee, so as to provide ongoing information to stakeholders and to resolve any operational issues that may arise from time to time; and,
• Continue to operate a 24 hour contact hotline for the duration of operations for both the Bioreactor and the Crisps Creek IMF.

Traffic and Transport:

• Update existing Traffic Management Plan to include the increased hours of operation and increased haulage activities; and’
• Assess pavement condition and provide financial contributions to Council for repair of haulage routes.

Air Quality and Odour:

• Carry out odour control and air quality management in accordance with the existing Ambient Air Quality Management Plan (AAQMP); and,
• Maintain the established odour incident management system where odour complaints are received, recorded with the details of the location, time, odour character and duration, and details of subsequent corrective actions are documented.

It should be noted that the generation of waste is ultimately about the community’s attitudes, behaviours and choices, as is the willingness to pay for improved resource recovery.

It should also be noted that any additional waste would only be received at Woodlawn if Councils and other potential customers choose to direct their waste to the facility.

Q16: What are the anticipated benefits of a new operating situation at the Woodlawn Eco-Precinct?

There are environmental, social and economic benefits from the on-going operations and expansion of the Woodlawn Bio-reactor.

In environmental terms, the Bioreactor has proven benefits on par with AWT facilities. The facility was specifically designed and is operated to capture gas and convert waste into renewable energy. There are currently three on-site generators with plans for up to 24. The proposed changes enable the production of more renewable energy.

Also, an accelerated timetable for landfilling further supports the rehabilitation of the former Woodlawn mine site, including its degraded land and continuous management of former tailings dams.

In social terms, Veolia will remain committed to the local community, including through the Veolia Mulwaree Trust which has distributed more than $3.2 million to community groups since its establishment in 2005. More information about the grants made by the Trust can be made by going to http://www.mulwareetrust.org.au/.

In economic terms, the expansion of the current operations will continue and increase employment opportunities for local residents in the region, including 11 additional jobs. The expansion will also mean a continued commitment and injection of funds into the local economy including supply of products and services form local businesses.

Q17: Were alternatives considered?

Yes. These included new landfills in the Sydney region, and the expansion of AWT.

At this time, there are no viable new landfill sites for putrescible waste within the Sydney region. Accordingly, given the proven capacity at Woodlawn and the difficulty of establishing new landfill sites, other locations were not considered a realistic alternative to the proposal.

While AWTs play an important role in the sustainable management of the waste stream in NSW, their performance in diverting waste from landfills has been below industry expectations. Given the substantial lead times related to developing AWT facilities, it is not viable to depend on accelerated AWT take up to deal with increasing putrescible waste streams.

Analysis shows that despite AWT introduction, the amount of putrescible waste continues to increase. Even with successful implementation of AWT, there would still remain a significant component of residual waste to be managed via disposal at putrescible landfills. Consequently, the need for putrescible landfill capacity remains. Increasing annual input rate at Woodlawn would enable the uptake of AWT facilities to continue at a suitable rate, consistent with their role in a long-term waste and resource recovery strategy.

It should be noted that the generation of waste is ultimately about the community’s attitudes, behaviours and choices, as is the willingness to pay for improved resource recovery.

It should also be noted that any additional waste would only be received at Woodlawn if Councils and other potential customers choose to direct their waste to the facility.

Q18: What is the process for determining the DA?

Veolia’s proposal to increase the annual input rates at the Woodlawn Bioreactor and the Crisps Creek IMF is subject to the processes and requirements of Part 3A of the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act).

Veolia’s Project Application was accepted by the Department of Planning in January 2010, including a supporting Preliminary Environmental Assessment. The Director-General of the Department of Planning declared the project to be a Major Project under Part 3A of the EP&A Act and issued Director-General’s Requirements on 1 March 2010.

The NSW Minister for Planning is the consent authority for the proposal.

The Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposal has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of Part 3A of the EP&A Act to provide the Minister for Planning with the required information to determine the environmental impacts and benefits of the proposed changes.

The current stage of the process is for the EA must to go on public exhibition and give all stakeholders an opportunity to comment on the proposal. The matters raised in any submission regarding the proposal will then be considered by the Department of Planning’s Director General as part of the assessment process. The Director General will then provide a recommendation to the Minister for Planning prior to determination.

If the proposal is approved by the Minister, it is anticipated that the existing Environment Protection Licences for the Woodlawn Bioreactor and the Crisps Creek IMF would be varied by the DECCW to reflect any approved changes to the operations.

Q19: Has Veolia consulted the community and stakeholders to this point?

Yes.

Throughout the development of the Woodlawn Eco Precinct, Veolia has been committed to meaningful community and stakeholder engagement. Veolia has worked in collaboration with relevant government agencies, and the local Tarago community, since the commencement of the Bioreactor to identify and address any issues that may impact on local amenity.

Veolia formed a Community Liaison Committee (CLC) in accordance with its original consent conditions. Operating since 2004, the CLC acts as an interface between the residents of Tarago and Veolia. In collaboration with local stakeholders, the CLC has recently been reconfigured to play a more vital role, including meeting more regularly.

In preparing its proposal to upgrade operations at Woodlawn, Veolia has undertaken consultation with a number of government agencies and stakeholders including:

• Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water;
• Goulburn Mulwaree Council;
• Palerang Council; and
• Local community representatives through the Community Liaison Committee.

Veolia is committed to maintaining regular contact with the regulatory authorities, neighbouring land owners, the Tarago and Bungendore communities, and other interested parties during the assessment of the proposed expansion of the Woodlawn Bioreactor. Issues that have been raised by stakeholders have been taken into account in the preparation of the Environmental Assessment.

It should be noted that the generation of waste is ultimately about the community’s attitudes, behaviours and choices, as is the willingness to pay for improved resource recovery.

It should also be noted that any additional waste would only be received at Woodlawn if Councils and other potential customers choose to direct their waste to the facility.

Q20: What opportunities does the community and stakeholders have to contribute to the DA process?

In addition to its on-going community consultation efforts, such as through the Community Liaison Committee, Veolia has developed a strategic community consultation plan which will include various opportunities for local residents and key stakeholders to provide feedback on the proposal.

These include holding and promoting a Woodlawn Eco-Precinct Open Day, which will give people a first hand experience of the Bioreactor, education centre, and latest developments including our trial aquaculture project.

Veolia will also place information in all local media outlets to inform residents within the local community how they can view the proposal’s EA and comment on the proposal.

In addition, Veolia will produce local newsletters to keep all stakeholders abreast of the application process and how they can get involved.