Veolia Woodlawn Bioreactor

Project Details

The Woodlawn Bioreactor, part of the broader Woodlawn Eco Precinct, is a major waste management facility in NSW. This project involved a modification to the existing development consent to construct and operate a reverse osmosis plant (ROP) adjacent to the existing leachate treatment plant (LTP). The ROP will treat leachate from the landfill to a standard suitable for irrigation and transfer the treated water to adjacent grazing lands. The initiative forms part of a broader leachate management strategy to reduce long-term storage volumes and minimise environmental risk from dam overflows.

Element Engagement

Element was engaged to prepare a comprehensive modification report under Section 4.55(2) of the EP&A Act. Element’s scope included:

• Environmental impact assessments covering noise, traffic, air quality, biodiversity, heritage, and water quality.
• Preparation of supporting documentation including the Biodiversity Development Assessment Report (BDAR) and Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment Report (ACHAR).
• Coordination with government agencies and stakeholders.
• Updating development consent conditions and compliance with planning legislation and strategic frameworks.
• Preparing a submissions report following exhibition of the application.

Project Achievements

Element successfully delivered a robust planning and environmental assessment that demonstrated the project’s environmental compatibility and compliance with legislative requirements. Through Element’s thorough understanding of planning pathways and environmental regulation:

• The proposed ROP was shown to significantly improve Veolia’s leachate management system.
• Element provided clear justification that the modification is substantially the same as the original development, facilitating approval under Section 4.55(2).
• Key environmental impacts were effectively managed, with biodiversity and Aboriginal heritage impacts minimised through avoidance and mitigation.
• The project enables Veolia to comply with EPA directives and long-term sustainability goals for the site.