Multi-million dollar environmental upgrade for Kimbriki
Issued 17 June 2019
A new $3.5million Leachate Treatment Plant was launched on Friday 14 June by Kimbriki Resource Recovery Centre providing improved environmental outcomes for the site.
The fully automated Plant treats waste-water generated from landfilling activities (known as leachate) using a combination of biological and chemical processes to render the leachate safe for disposal to the sewer. It upgrades the existing leachate management system on site which previously relied on traditional site-based solutions including onsite reticulation and reinjection into the waste.
Kimbriki’s General Manager – Asset Management, Mr Mark Winser said the launch of the Plant was a key milestone in Kimbriki’s ongoing environmental protection program, ensuring the facility is able to exceed all regulatory standards while meeting the recycling and waste disposal needs of future generations.
“This plant is an investment in our local environment. It represents a massive step in ensuring the environmental footprint of Kimbriki remains as small as possible both now and into the future.
“It can treat and discharge up to 500,000 litres per day providing ample capacity during peak rainfall periods.
“It will be in use through the life of the landfill and beyond to ensure the site remains secure from the risk of discharging waste water off site.”
The Plant utilises two stainless steel “reactor” tanks of approximately 450,000 litres capacity each equipped with aeration systems, chemical dosing and various sensors and controls.
The project also included the installation of a 600 metre underground pipeline from Kimbriki to Terrey Hills to make the connection to the sewer. This pipeline was installed without breaking the surface using a technique called horizontal directional drilling to minimise any disturbance to the surrounding bushland and Mona Vale Road.
The Leachate Treatment Plant was officially opened by the Mayors of Kimbriki’s two shareholder councils, Northern Beaches Council and Mosman Municipal Council.
Northern Beaches Council Mayor Michael Regan said the project was supported by Northern Beaches Council who provided guidance throughout the planning stage and key approvals to allow access to surrounding land to facilitate the installation of the pipeline.
“The waste water generated on landfill sites is always a challenge for waste facility operators to contain and manage,” Mayor Regan said.
“This crucial piece of infrastructure will make sure this waste water is collected, comprehensively treated and safely discharged off-site giving greater protection to our waterways and surrounding bushland. It’s fantastic to now have such technology in place at Kimbriki.”
Mosman Municipal Council’s Mayor Carolyn Corrigan also welcomed the completion of the project.
“With the commissioning of this Plant, Kimbriki continues to be at the forefront of environmentally responsible waste management,” Mayor Corrigan said.