Dial A Dump Industries’ application to develop a new inert waste landfill in Sydney has been approved by the NSW Department of Planning. The Light Horse Business Centre proposes to construct and operate a materials processing centre and engineered landfill at a former hard rock quarry in Eastern Creek, purchased for $130 million in 2005.

The former Hanson quarry at Archbold Road is considered one of Sydney’s last potential landfill sites, with a capacity of at least 11 million cubic metres, and possibly 15 million cubic metres if the existing quarry access roads are removed during filling.

The Director General’s assessment states the facility would have the capacity to accept up to two million tonnes of waste per annum. Up to 80% of materials would be recoverable or recyclable and would undergo a recovery process. Recovered material would be stored on site until sold. The remaining 20% would be transferred to the adjoining landfill or moved off site.

Landfilling is expected to be carried out for 45-65 years based on the upper (700,000 tpa) and lower limits (400,000 tpa) expected.

“The Department sought independent advice regarding justifiable demand which concluded that there is a justifiable demand for the project.

“The project would add 14 million tonnes (40%) to Sydney’s Class 2 (non putrescible) landfill capacity, and ensure there is a level sufficient to accommodate 20 years of demand at expected future disposal rates.”

“The assessment also concluded that the environmental impacts of the project can be managed through the imposition of strict conditions,” the assessment states.

As reported in the Oct/Nov 2005 issue of Inside Waste magazine, Dial A Dump paid $130 million for the 123-hectare site and plans to recoup some of that money through a major industrial subdivision over some 70 hectares.

The company’s GM, Christopher Biggs, predicated in 2005 that approvals for the waste operations may take up to two years. It has actually taken more than four years, getting the State Government’s tick on November 22, 2009.

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