Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has approved an Environment Management Plan (EMP) for the Maddingley Brown Coal (MBC) site in Bacchus Marsh.
The EMP was submitted by Western Soil Treatment (WST) as part of its application to receive tunnel boring machine spoil from the West Gate Tunnel Project.
EPA assessed the plan for potential environmental impacts, such as runoff, odour, and potential land, surface water and groundwater risks and has determined that there are appropriate measures detailed in the plan to keep the environment and community safe.
The approval of an EMP does not mark the final decision on where the spoil will be sent. The project is responsible for that decision.
Under Government regulations, the owner of a site bidding to receive the spoil must develop an EMP and comply with specific conditions including constructing an appropriate containment system and managing spoil appropriately, so risks are controlled.
The health of the local community and environment is EPA's highest priority. EPA will ensure a rigorous approach to compliance and all safety measures are followed.
EPA will continue to monitor the treatment and containment of this type of spoil to ensure that it meets critical public health and environmental standards to keep Victorians safe.
Regulations under section 71 of the Environment Protection Act 1970 allow for the management and disposal of tunnel boring machine spoil to protect human health and the environment.
