Landfill gas leak danger

GAS emanating from an old Cranbourne tip has been found to pose a health risk to local residents and workers.
Potentially deadly gas was found to be leaking into the Brooklands Greens residential estate by an independent environmental auditor enlisted to report on the dangers at the Stevensons Road Landfill site.
The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) continues to be concerned with the levels of landfill gas emanating from the site and has asked Casey Council to take immediate steps to reduce the hazard.
EPA officials said the presence of landfill gas, including methane, could be highly explosive if found in confined spaces, such as in a meter box or stormwater pit, and at high concentrations.
EPA executive director regional services Bruce Dawson said some gas had been detected as having migrated off the site through the soil into the residential estate.
“Council has undertaken ongoing actions to control and contain these gases.
“However, based on the levels of gas observed, further action must be taken immediately,” Mr Dawson said.
The Cranbourne Landfill operated between June 1996 and June 2005 as a municipal tip for the Casey and Frankston Councils under an EPA licence.
Mr Dawson said it is common for landfill sites, which include putrescible waste such as household or garden green waste, to produce landfill gas.
Methane and carbon dioxide is produced when waste decomposes and can be generated during the operation of the landfill or after the landfill has closed, he said.
Casey manager of engineering and environmental services David Richardson said: “In February, council developed a landfill gas management plan to contain the gas over the longer term, including the installation of a gas extraction system.
“We are now also implementing a number of additional actions, including sealing off electrical conduits, as agreed to by the independent auditor to address the EPA’s request.
“Council has been communicating regularly with residents and builders and has held two community briefings and sends updates as required to keep them informed of progress on the site,” he said. Residents wanting more information can contact the City of Casey on 9705 5200.