Vidler Road Putrescibles Landfill Site

DWER has recently completed an assessment of groundwater monitoring data provided by the City of Busselton for four monitoring events (May 2022, October 2022, May 2023 and October 2023). DWER’s assessment of the monitoring data determined that:

• Monitoring bores down gradient of the landfill indicate low-level groundwater contamination.
• A leachate plume is likely to be present beneath the landfill extending in a south-westerly direction away from the landfill, in the direction of groundwater flow.
• The leachate plume present beneath the premises is also likely to be impacting groundwater at and beyond the western boundary of the premises.

Water from the Mt Duckworth Community Bore appears to be unsuitable for potable uses.

The Mount Duckworth Community Bore is located 25 metres from the southwestern corner of the landfill boundary. DWER understands that this bore is utilised by some residents of the Mount Duckworth community for both potable and non-potable purposes; however, there is currently no water licence issued by DWER to authorise the taking of water from this bore. DWER has written to the Mount Duckworth community on several occasions since 2018 indicating that it requires a licence for the use of this bore.  Furthermore, Department of Health guidelines advise that bore groundwater should not be consumed or used unless it has been tested by an accredited laboratory, and treated (where necessary) depending on the intended use.

The landfill is classified under the Contaminated Sites Act 2003 (CS Act) as possibly contaminated – investigation required. This classification places a requirement for the responsible party (or parties) to carry out investigations to determine whether substances at the site pose a risk to human health, the environment or any environmental value.

Under the site’s CS Act classification, further groundwater investigations are required to delineate the extent of groundwater contamination at the landfill and off-site to the west.

In light of the technical complexity of investigations and limited available locations for additional off-site bores, DWER has advised the City of Busselton that any future reports or information submitted to the department must be accompanied by a mandatory auditor's report prepared by an accredited contaminated sites auditor.

DWER is committed to reviewing submissions of groundwater monitoring data from annual reports and further monitoring investigations, which will address data gaps surrounding the adequacy of the current groundwater bore network. Reviews of additional data will also increase DWER’s understanding of the nature of groundwater contamination beneath the landfill and the potential risks to ecological receptors and off-site groundwater users.

Part of DWER’s role is to monitor compliance using tools such as inspections, reviews, audits, community reports and complaints, and to review information provided or collected from other regulatory authorities. If offences under the EP Act are committed, DWER will take appropriate action in accordance with its Compliance and Enforcement Policy.

The Vidler Road landfill was most recently inspected on 5 March 2025 with preliminary findings indicating a non-compliance with one of the licence conditions. The department will work with the City of Busselton to ensure this matter is rectified.

The department will update this page as new information comes to hand.

If you have any questions related to the Vidler Road Putrescibles Landfill Site, please email info@dwer.wa.gov.au and quote L9167/2018/1.

Complaints can be made to DWER’s 24-hour Pollution Watch Hotline on 1300 784 782 or you can submit a report online.