The new landfill site at Cessnock Waste Management Centre has received its first load after recent approval from the NSW Environment Protection Authority - a significant milestone in the Cessnock Waste Management Centre Landfill Extension Project.
The first and largest of four planned stages of the project at the Waste Management Centre, construction of Stage 1 was delivered ahead of schedule and under budget. It represents a significant step in establishing the waste infrastructure needed to service the Cessnock local government area in the long term.
An engineered landfill cell, leachate and sediment ponds, a secure compound area, and an access road have been constructed by contractor Daracon in accordance with NSW EPA guidelines and best practices as part of Stage 1. A 36 hectare biodiversity offset area has been established at the site, and about one quarter of the existing landfill area has been capped during the works.
The new area is located about 400 metres north-east of the existing landfill site, which has served the community since the 1970s.
Cessnock City Mayor Dan Watton said the works had turned a disused mine and quarry site into a productive community resource.
"When the four-stage development is complete, this essential community infrastructure will provide about 20 years of landfill capacity and allow Council to continue to provide reliable local waste disposal services for our growing LGA," said Mayor Watton.
"The completion of Stage 1 marks an important milestone, and I thank Council staff and Daracon for their dedication to this essential work."
Acting Director Works and Infrastructure Cam Martin said 400,000 cubic metres of cut was removed from the former mine and relocated onsite to make way for Stage 1.
"An area equivalent to about 12 soccer fields has been lined so far during this project, and 30,000 square metres of pre-existing landfill has been capped," said Mr Martin.
"Stage 1 included construction of important infrastructure, such as the access road, which are required for the next three stages of the project."
Click here to learn more about Council's waste services and management.
