Logan City Council has developed the state’s first automatic solar powered leachate collection system operating at a former tip which is now a major park. The system has saved money and helped prevent environmental damage.
Logan Waste Services, in partnership with Queensland University of Technology, developed the project, which incorporates environmentally sustainable waste management initiatives. With a population of 170,000 people, it is the third largest Local Government in the State after Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
The new system involves using a solar powered pump to remove leachate water below ground at the former landfill site and directing it into Council’s sewerage system. From there it is taken to the Logan Water Pollution Control Centre for treatment. Leachate is ground water that has passed through landfill waste and has been collected in recovery wells for treatment or removal.
Logan City Enterprises Board Chairperson, Councillor Peter Collins, said the leachate must be removed so it does not run into groundwater.
“This is particularly important at this site, as it is close to Scrubby Creek, a tributary of Logan River,” Councillor Collins said.
He said when considering the leachate issue, Logan Waste Services could either use the traditional electrical grid, or take a more environmentally friendly approach and use solar cells to power the pump.
“The Waller Park site was originally used as a landfill between 1973 and 1982, accepting domestic household, commercial and light industry waste,” Councillor Collins said. “Now, not only has the site been developed into a quality community park, it is continuing to be responsibly managed below ground in a way that is innovative and good for the environment.”
Installed last year, the system already operates at higher than required environmental standards. It has also recouped its capital costs in only six months of operation, saving money that would have been spent on using electricity to run the leachate removal system.
For more information contact Environmental Engineer Patrick O’Flaherty on (07) 3826 5314.
