Environment
Waste
Ash disposed onsite, which is the largest of AGL waste streams, decreased 16% in FY23. There was a 31% decrease at Liddell Power Station, and 36% decrease at AGL Loy Yang.
Ash recycled offsite increased 15%, with a 22% increase at Bayswater Power Station and 77% decrease at Liddell Power Station. Onsite recycling of ash occurred for the first time at Bayswater Power Station this year.
Hazardous waste disposed increased 108% compared to FY22, mainly driven by an increase in hazardous waste disposal at Silver Springs Gas Project and AGL Torrens. Silver Springs Gasfield had an increase in production fluid, mainly due to the field work program. AGL Torrens had a new waste stream arising from the commissioning of Barker Inlet Power Station: coolant water, which was disposed of offsite at a licenced waste facility.
Hazardous waste recycled increased 15% compared to FY22. Many facilities reported a decrease in hazardous waste recycling, however, the increase was mostly driven by Liddell Power Station, due to the cleanout and demolition.
Non-hazardous waste recycled increased 51% compared to FY22, mainly due to the increase in non-hazardous waste recycled at Camden Gas Project. Camden Gas Project recycles flare pond water and produced water.
Notes
For the purposes of this data set, AGL Torrens comprises the Torrens Island Power Station and the Barker Inlet Power Station.
AGL is focused on minimising waste generation and managing waste in accordance with the waste management hierarchy of ‘avoidance, resource recovery, disposal’. AGL’s Waste Standard and Waste Standard Methodology applies to AGL controlled sites where waste is generated, and covers all waste management activities including waste segregation, storage, transportation, reuse, recycling, treatment or disposal carried out by AGL employees and contractors. The Waste Standard has 16 minimum controls to ensure that: potential risks from waste management activities (e.g., waste transportation, treatment, and disposal) to the environment and human health are minimised to as low as reasonably practicable; generation of waste is managed and minimised as far as practicable and in accordance with the waste management hierarchy, relevant legislation, and approvals; and regulatory license conditions and other compliance obligations with respect to the management of waste are met. The Waste Standard Methodology provides guidance on how to achieve the Waste Standard minimum controls.
Unless otherwise indicated, waste categorised as 'disposed' and 'recycled' refer to waste taken offsite for these purposes.
AGL Loy Yang manages the disposal of its own fly ash (non-hazardous waste) as well as the fly ash produced by the neighbouring Loy Yang B Power Station. Figures reported above include two-thirds of the amount of fly ash disposed by AGL Loy Yang, which is the best estimate of the proportion of fly ash originating from AGL’s power generation activities at AGL Loy Yang.
FY23 ash waste disposal data for AGL Loy Yang is based on estimates only. Final ash waste disposal data will be available later in 2023.