Landfill Environmental Monitoring
Reducing risk and uncertainty across landfill sites
Landfills require ongoing environmental monitoring and management to ensure potential impacts to air, soil and groundwater are effectively controlled. These sites present complex environmental challenges that must be carefully managed to protect surrounding environments and human health.
Atma brings decades of experience in environmental testing, modelling and regulatory compliance to landfill and waste management. We support clients across the full lifecycle – from developing management plans and landfill gas assessments, through to responding to EPA requirements during operation and post-closure, as well as soil (disposal) classification and practical, project-focused advice.
What we do
We provide a complete approach to landfill monitoring and waste management. With over 30 years of experience, we provide the most cost effective solutions to ensure compliance and minimise environmental liability.
Soil Disposal Categorisation
Soil disposal categorisations are required when excavated material require removal from site as part of construction or land development. The waste soil must be assessed for contaminants such as heavy metals, PFAS, hydrocarbons and asbestos, then classified in accordance with EPA requirements to determine the appropriate handling and disposal pathways.
Incorrect classification can lead to unnecessary costs and delays, particularly on larger projects. Atma brings three decades of experience to soil disposal hazard categorisation, using statistically based sampling plans and practical insights to ensure material is classified accurately, so your trucks don’t get turned around.
Landfill Gas Risk Assessment
Atma supports landfill operators with comprehensive risk assessment and ongoing monitoring programs. Our work ensures sites remain compliant, environmental risks are effectively managed, and regulatory obligations are met throughout the lifecycle of a landfill.
We use a range of sampling and testing methods to assess and monitor soil, water and gas conditions in and around landfill sites.
A landfill risk assessment identifies and evaluates potential methane gas risks. A two-tiered approach us adopted to screen out low-risk sites. For medium and high-risk sites, best-practice methodologies are employed to determine risk and minimise safe separation distances.
Landfill Monitoring & Aftercare Program
Atma delivers ongoing monitoring and reporting programs to track environmental conditions at landfills and ensure compliance over time.
This includes:
Landfill Gas Monitoring
Subsurface and surface monitoring of methane and carbon dioxide
Leachate Monitoring
Sampling and analysis to assess chemical composition and potential impacts
Water Monitoring
Testing of surface water and groundwater to detect contamination.
EPA Notices
EPA Notices are issued where environmental risks are identified or site management is not meeting regulatory requirements. These notices require timely action to address risks and achieve compliance.
Atma supports landfill operators in responding to EPA notices by interpreting regulatory requirements, providing technical advice, undertaking site investigations, and managing remediation to achieve compliance.
Our Process
We take a structured, practical approach to environmental landfill monitoring – helping you understand risks, meet regulatory obligations, and implement clear, effective solutions.
Review
We review long term site data, operational history and regulatory context to understand current conditions, risks and obligations.
Assessment
We undertake objective driven investigations and monitoring to assess environmental conditions, to meet compliance obligations.
Advice
We provide clear, practical advice on risk management, compliance requirements and the most effective path forward.
Remediation
Where required, we develop and implement remediation or management strategies to address identified risks and achieve compliance.
Regulatory Engagement
We liaise with EPA to explain the site data and support our client’s business through deployment of in-field data collection, automated reports, and customisable workflow solutions.
Advocacy
We act on your behalf to ensure your site is represented clearly and professionally, helping to achieve practical, compliant outcomes.
Over 30 years delivering expertise, risk management and monitoring for Victorian landfills.
Case Study
Former Landfill Investigation & Ground Gas Risk Assessment, Heatherton, VIC
The Challenge
A former municipal landfill required assessment of landfill gas, leachate and potential off-site migration risks, with nearby residential and commercial properties located close to the landfill boundary.
Our Approach
Atma reviewed historical landfill records, consolidated previous investigations, developed a Conceptual Site Model and completed staged ground gas monitoring and methane surveys across the site and surrounding infrastructure.
Delivery
Works included installation of additional soil gas bores, repeated landfill gas monitoring, assessment of methane and carbon dioxide concentrations, utility pit surveys and recommendations for further risk management.
Outcome
The investigations confirmed that the former landfill remained a source of landfill gas, with elevated methane and carbon dioxide detected across the site and evidence indicating potential off-site migration. Atma identified key data gaps, assessed potential risks to surrounding receptors and provided proactive management recommendations, including further monitoring, infrastructure surveys and potential EPA audit pathways. The project demonstrates Atma’s capability in closed landfill assessment, landfill gas monitoring, methane migration assessment, Conceptual Site Model development and environmental risk management for landfill and waste management sites.
Latest Projects
Trusted on complex environmental management and compliance projects across all government, education, infrastructure, commercial and industrial sectors.
FAQs
When is a landfill gas assessment required for a development site?
A landfill gas assessment may be required where a proposed development is located on, adjacent to, or within the area of influence of a current or former landfill. Many Victorian councils now require a Tier 1 landfill gas risk assessment as part of the planning permit process for sites located within 500 metres of a former landfill.
Where a higher risk of methane migration or landfill gas impacts is identified, a more detailed Tier 2 landfill gas assessment may be required. These investigations typically involve landfill gas monitoring, field assessments and risk evaluations to determine whether landfill gases could affect future buildings, occupants or site use.
Atma provides Tier 1 and Tier 2 landfill gas assessments for residential, commercial and industrial developments, including sites that may require an environmental audit. Our team undertakes assessment scoping, field investigations, gas monitoring and risk assessment, while also providing practical advice on any additional contamination issues that may affect planning approvals or development outcomes.
With extensive experience assessing sites near both active and former landfills, we help clients understand risks early, satisfy regulatory requirements and minimise delays to planning and development projects.
What should I do if I receive an EPA notice about a landfill?
If your landfill receives an EPA notice, it is important to understand the requirements, timeframes and technical obligations as early as possible. EPA notices can be issued for a range of reasons, including landfill gas management, leachate impacts, groundwater contamination, environmental monitoring requirements or broader compliance concerns.
Responding effectively typically requires a clear understanding of the site’s environmental conditions, the issues identified by the regulator and the investigations or corrective actions required to achieve compliance. Delays, incomplete responses or poorly scoped investigations can increase costs and prolong regulatory oversight.
Atma assists landfill operators by reviewing EPA notice requirements, undertaking the necessary environmental investigations, preparing technical reports and developing practical response strategies. Our team regularly provides landfill gas assessments, groundwater monitoring, leachate investigations, risk assessments and remediation advice to support compliance outcomes.
With extensive experience working on Victorian landfills and waste facilities, we help clients navigate regulatory requirements, manage environmental risks and achieve cost-effective compliance with EPA obligations.
