Environmental officers take regulation to the regions: inspecting remote landfills and sewage facilities in East Arnhem
Environment officers assess compliance at remote East Arnhem landfills and sewage facilities.
In early November, three officers from the Environmental Regulation Division embarked on an inspection blitz across targeted remote communities in East Arnhem Land. The team visited Milingimbi, Gapuwiyak, and Galiwinku to carry out inspections of local landfill and sewage treatment facilities, ensuring these operations meet the required standards to protect human health and the environment.
The blitz involved the inspection of three sewage treatment facilities managed by Power and Water Corporation. These facilities are crucial for the safe management of wastewater in Milingimbi, Gapuwiyak, and Galiwinku communities. The officers inspected each facility to ensure they are operating in accordance with their Water Discharge Licences.
The team also visited local landfills operated by the East Arnhem Regional Council. Waste management in remote areas poses unique challenges, and inspections provide an opportunity to offer support and advice to operators to improve environmental practices and provide recognition for the hard work being done.
The Milingimbi landfill is the latest remote landfill to be licensed under the Waste Management and Pollution Control Act. This inspection marked the first compliance review since the licence was granted in late 2023, providing an important opportunity to ensure the facility’s operations meet required environmental standards.
In Gapuwiyak and Galiwinku, the landfills are currently unlicensed, and the officers' role was not only to assess current practices but also to offer guidance on how the facilities can work towards future licensing and improved environmental outcomes.
The Environmental Regulation team are committed to being a PACTT (proportionate, accountable, consistent, targeted and transparent) regulator. Continued presence in remote regions of the Northern Territory remains a priority with further inspections planned into 2025, in accordance with the Division's 2024-2025 Compliance Plan.
