Independent annual environmental audit of the Shoal Bay Waste Management Facility to verify license compliance and strengthen monitoring and risk management.
Northern Territory EPA, Darwin Council
Darwin, Northern Territory
CDM Smith undertook an independent audit of the Shoal Bay Waste Management Facility to assess compliance with its NT EPA Environment Protection License. Our approach included reviewing landfill operations, risk assessments and environmental monitoring programs, and preparing Terms of Reference in consultation with the City of Darwin and regulators. The audit framework ensures transparent reporting and continuous improvement.
We delivered an objective, third-party assessment of the facility’s compliance with the Environment Protection License and relevant legislation, providing clear guidance on operational performance, environmental risks and areas requiring corrective action.
Our review evaluated whether the existing groundwater, surface water, and leachate monitoring programs generate adequate data for compliance verification. Recommendations were developed to strengthen data quality, coverage, and reporting clarity.
Northern Territory EPA, Darwin Council
Darwin, Northern Territory
The audit assessed landfill cell operations and progressive rehabilitation activities, ensuring that practices align with regulatory expectations and long-term environmental objectives. Insights support improved operational efficiency and environmental protection.
We prepared detailed Terms of Reference outlining audit scope, objectives and deliverables, developed in collaboration with the City of Darwin and the NT EPA. This ensured a shared understanding of expectations and a consistent, transparent audit process.
The Shoal Bay Waste Management Facility services the greater Darwin region and operates under strict environmental licence conditions set by the NT EPA. Under EPL188-04, an annual independent environmental audit is required to verify operational compliance, assess monitoring programs and evaluate environmental risk. CDM Smith is delivering the 2024 audit, building on work completed for previous audits in 2020, 2021 and 2022. Our audit examines groundwater, surface water and leachate monitoring programs, landfill cell operations and progressive rehabilitation, and overall system effectiveness. We also prepared Terms of Reference that establish the structure, objectives and regulatory alignment of the audit, developed collaboratively with the City of Darwin and the NT EPA. The ongoing audit series supports continuous improvement, enhanced environmental performance and a long-term, productive relationship with the City of Darwin.
Connect with an expert to find out how we delivered this project.
Deputy Director | Market Sector Lead - Resources
Paul Davey is Deputy Director and Resources Market Sector Lead, bringing more than 20 years of experience delivering sustainable water, groundwater, and environmental solutions for government and resource sector clients across Australia.
Selected projects illustrating our technical and delivery experience.
