Blakebrook Quarry causing stink as possible site for Lismore landfill

A quarry is among a slew of sites a Northern Rivers council has earmarked as possible future landfill zones but some residents are kicking up a stink about the proposals. Here’s what’s happening.

Asphalt plant equipment at Blakebrook Quarry, near Lismore NSW.

A quarry is among a slew of sites a Northern Rivers council has earmarked as possible future landfill zones but residents have flagged concerns about excess contamination.

It comes after Lismore City Council’s current Wyrallah Rd landfill site has been deemed as having a diminishing shelf-life.

Council’s Chief Operating and Financial Officer – and deputy general manager – Brendan Logan, said council asset teams were working through a comprehensive feasibility analysis for future landfill sites including Blakebrook Quarry as an option.

“When this work is complete, we look forward to informing both councillors and the public on this work,” he said.

Blakebrook Quarry on Nimbin Rd, near Lismore NSW.

With the Blakebrook Quarry being earmarked for a potential dumpsite, it has caused concern for some residents. They say when the site becomes inundated, the quarry must have excess water pumped out due to a low water table underneath it.

“With potential landfill mixed in with reported high levels of lead, iron, oil, and grease, this contaminated water would flow into neighbouring farmland and waterways,” one resident said.

“This will not be good for the environment, especially the waterways and underground water, nor for the neighbours and their livestock who rely on underground water and dams.

Blakebrook Quarry March, 2022 with floodwaters receding. Picture: supplied

“How do they treat all of the water they will need to discharge from the site? Currently they have issues, that is without the addition of toxic water from a waste facility also having to be pumped from the site.”

In 2016, Blakebrook Quarry failed to complete a critical groundwater assessment before extraction work started, despite repeated warnings from authorities dating as far back as 2010. A $15,000 fine was the result.

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) confirmed that in accordance with its compliance policy, there have been several formal enforcement actions and some informal actions taken against the operator of Blakebrook Quarry.

Four compliance breaches dating back to 2016 were not contamination-related breaches, but were related to the operation of the quarry.

A view over Blakebrook Quarry.

On 10 March 2023, NSW Planning issued an official caution to Lismore City Council for failing to comply with the approved blast operating hours at their Blakebrook Quarry.

In response, council have committed to improving procedures and re-educating staff.

“Compliance issues at the quarry have not been experienced for years now,” Mr Logan said.

“Additionally, any future landfill site is highly likely to have to follow the State Significant Development planning pathway, which is incredibly stringent on compliance issues relevant to the waste industry, which our LCC compliance staff are highly skilled in.”

Blakebrook Quarry’s project approval requires mandated independent auditing every three years and is due to submit its next three-year audit later this year.

Lismore council’s assessment of Blakebrook Quarry as a potential landfill site is expected to be presented to councillors within the next two to three months.

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Originally published as Blakebrook Quarry causing stink as possible site for Lismore landfill