Contamination assessment, Homebush Bay / Newington, Sydney, NSW
This major investigation of the Sydney Olympic site was commissioned by the Department of Defence and NSW Property Services Group. It required us to assess the progress of stabilisation in a number of former landfills, and to finalise the risk assessment and remediation strategy. CMJA provided specialist hydrogeological input and project management services as a member of a multi-disciplinary consortium including CH2M HILL ICF/Axis, GHD and Douglas Partners.

We also modelled the inflow to a leachate collection drain, which was to be constructed as part of remediation work on the former landfills at Homebush Bay. This work was completed for Thiess Environmental Services.

Groundwater contamination risk assessment, Yarrowlumla Landfill, southern NSW
This preliminary investigation was restricted to a desktop assessment, involving hydrogeological assessment, identification of groundwater users, identification of potential off-site movement of contaminants, and preparation of a program for follow-up investigations. We assessed the fate of contaminants from the landfill leachate, estimated the potential risk to surrounding groundwater users, and examined the compliance of on-site operations with the management guidelines applicable to landfills.

Hydrogeological investigation, Ophir Road Landfill, Orange, central west NSW
The objectives of this investigation, commissioned by Terra Sciences, were to compile a detailed characterisation of site hydrogeology and to identify any off-site movement of leachate-affected groundwater. Mapping of localised hydrogeological features was complemented by the drilling and construction of five monitoring bores. We could then define the profile of the water table within fractured basement rocks, and estimate permeability. Groundwater sampling and analysis demonstrated that down-gradient groundwater on the landfill margins had elevated concentrations of nutrients and hydrocarbon contaminants, and high salinity. It was assessed that groundwater beneath the landfill ultimately discharged to the nearby creek. These hydrogeological findings were used in the development of engineering design recommendations for the existing and proposed landfill extension areas.

Hydrogeological investigation for proposed landfill extension, Narrandera, NSW
The investigation, commissioned by Terra Sciences, involved the drilling and completion of three monitoring bores across the proposed landfill extension area. In addition, hydraulic conductivity was measured using slug-test methods, and groundwater sampling and analysis were undertaken. We could then define of the geological profile, depth to groundwater, hydraulic gradient, hydraulic conductivity of aquifer materials and groundwater chemistry and quality. CMJA concluded that the risk of contamination of usable groundwater arising from construction of the proposed landfill would be very low. These findings were used to support an Environmental Impact Statement, which accompanied a development application for the proposed landfill extension.

Hydrogeological investigation for proposed new landfill, Coonamble, NSW
This investigation, commissioned by the Coonamble Shire Council, involved the review of existing regional geological and hydrogeological data, in addition to site-specific information gathered during the drilling and completion of three monitoring wells, testing of soil engineering characteristics, assessment of aquifer hydraulic conductivity and gradient, and groundwater sampling and analysis. The assessment concluded that the risk of contamination of usable groundwater arising from construction of the proposed landfill would be very low. These findings were used to support an Environmental Impact Statement to accompany a development application for the proposed new landfill.

Landfill Gas Investigation, Dubbo, NSW
To address Dubbo City Council's concerns regarding the potential risk of off-site migration of landfill gas into adjacent lands, CMJA installed a soil gas collection system at six locations. After a stabilisation period, soil gas was extracted from each of the system's monitoring points and passed through a landfill gas analyser to record concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane and oxygen. The study concluded that the toxicity hazard and potential for explosion due to the low methane concentrations detected would be very low.

Unanderra Landfill, south coast, NSW
CMJA has also provided expert opinion (as a court-appointed expert) for Supreme Court proceedings relating to the Unanderra Landfill. This involved an assessment of geological and hydrogeological conditions across the site, based on information collected by other consulting firms, including borehole and well completion logs, geophysical data, groundwater analysis results and other relevant hydrogeological data.