Swanbank Landfill Waste Disposal Facility
AE Group were engaged by Swanbank Waste Management to remove spontaneous combustion material from an existing dump site after heavy rains had caused a slip onto Swanbank Road. These works were performed pursuant to the Coal Mining Act under the scrutiny of the Department of Mines and Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency. AE were appointed SSE for the project site.
Plant selected to undertake the works consisted of:
- PC650 Komatsu excavator
- D9T CAT dozer
- Scania Watercart (13,000L) with high pressure fire fighting capabilities
As limited data existed on how spontaneous combustion material reacted in its own environment with different elements and exposure ratios, the Department of Mines and Energy subsequently used this work as a test case.
Specialised heat guns and gas monitoring equipment were utilised to measure the temperature and discharge of gases of the material in its natural state and throughout excavation. Material temperatures varied between 50ºC and up to 380ºC.
Risk assessments and JSEA’s were completed and updated daily due to the nature of the material and stringent handling requirements.
Continual monitoring and data collection was compiled throughout the project allowing all stakeholders to make informed decisions regarding the safety of personnel and plant. A safe and effective outcome was achieved.