Porepunkah Transfer Station is back open and operating at full capacity after completion of a significant landfill capping project.
Back in December of 2022, Alpine Shire Council began works to ensure it met its obligations under the Environmental Protection Act's (EPA) Best Practice Environmental Management guidelines.
Alpine Shire Mayor, Cr John Forsyth, said the capping project was necessary to manage waste from the old landfill that was once located at the current Transfer Station.
"This was done by placing a protective barrier on the old landfill to stop rain getting in and producing leachate, which is contaminated liquid," he said.
"These works also ensure the protection and future integrity of our natural environment, and also help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the residual organic waste that was buried when the site was still a landfill."
In addition to the capping works, Council has upgraded its waste drop walls to now include concrete pads for convenience during disposal, and provide space for the Transfer Station to now accept food organics and weed material.
The upgrade of the drop wall was largely funded through a grant from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action as part of the Transfer Station upgrade fund.
The final handrails will be installed by the end of June to complete this project.
Cr Forsyth thanked the community for their patience while Council worked towards having the facility back open and running at full capacity.
"We know this project took longer than expected, and would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding whilst these works have been carried out," he said.
"The great news is that residents and visitors can now access the Transfer Station during the standard operating hours on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10am until 2pm."
The reopening of the Transfer Station also means the Porepunkah Pit is no longer in operation.