Our Projects
A selection of case studies demonstrating how we’ve helped Victorian businesses solve complex environmental challenges.
Our work spans hazardous waste management, compliance programs, incident response and resource recovery across Victoria’s most demanding industries. The following case studies illustrate the breadth of our capability and the outcomes we deliver for clients.
Water & Utilities
Water Authority Prescribed Waste Program
Challenge
A regional water authority was managing treatment plant chemicals and sludges through multiple uncoordinated contractors, resulting in inconsistent documentation, compliance gaps and difficulty preparing annual EPA waste reports.
Solution
Merton Environmental became their single-point environmental contact — conducting a complete waste audit, establishing a centralised prescribed waste management program and providing ongoing accredited consignment services for all prescribed waste streams.
Result
Full EPA compliance, reduced administrative burden, 30% reduction in total waste management costs through consolidated contractor arrangements. Annual EPA waste reports now prepared by Merton Environmental.
Manufacturing
Solvent Recovery Program — Automotive Manufacturer
Challenge
A Victorian automotive component manufacturer was disposing of 40,000 litres per year of spent cleaning solvents as prescribed industrial waste at significant cost, with no recovery program in place.
Solution
Merton conducted a waste stream characterisation, identified suitable solvent recovery facilities, managed the EPA permit variations required and established a segregation and collection program that directed recoverable solvents to licensed recovery.
Result
65% of solvent waste diverted to recovery, annual disposal cost reduced by $45,000, improved sustainability reporting metrics and positive EPA audit outcome the following year.
Incident Response
Chemical Spill Response — Industrial Facility
Challenge
A catastrophic failure of a bulk chemical storage tank released 8,000 litres of industrial cleaner across a concrete bunded area and into an adjacent stormwater drain at a Ballarat industrial facility.
Solution
Merton Environmental mobilised within 2 hours. We deployed containment booms, arranged vacuum tanker collection, managed EPA notification, conducted soil sampling to assess any ground penetration and coordinated the entire clean-up operation over 3 days.
Result
Full EPA compliance maintained. No regulatory enforcement action taken. Site returned to full operation within 5 days. Client received clean audit outcome at the next EPA compliance audit.
Compliance Auditing
EPA Licence Compliance Program — Food Processor
Challenge
A large regional food processor received an EPA compliance notice following a routine inspection that identified failures in waste management documentation, trade waste pre-treatment maintenance and stormwater management.
Solution
Merton conducted a full environmental compliance audit, prepared a detailed corrective action plan, managed correspondence with the EPA and implemented a systematic compliance program addressing all identified deficiencies.
Result
Compliance notice withdrawn within 6 weeks. Full EPA audit passed at the 12-month review with no further actions. Client now engaged Merton Environmental on an ongoing retainer basis.
Metals & Recycling
Heavy Metal Sludge Management — Electroplating Facility
Challenge
An electroplating business was accumulating chrome, nickel and zinc hydroxide sludges on site due to a lack of viable disposal options and confusion about the regulatory classification of their waste streams.
Solution
Merton classified each sludge stream, identified compliant disposal pathways for each category, managed all prescribed waste consignment documentation and cleared the accumulated backlog over a 3-month program while establishing a quarterly collection schedule for ongoing management.
Result
Site cleared of accumulated sludges, ongoing management program established, EPA compliance restored and client able to focus on production rather than waste management administration.
Transport & Logistics
Fuel Contamination Remediation — Transport Depot
Challenge
During property maintenance works at a transport depot, fuel-contaminated soil was discovered around a decommissioned underground diesel tank. The extent of contamination was unknown and the depot was planning to sell the property.
Solution
Merton conducted an environmental site investigation, delineated the contamination plume, developed a remediation action plan, managed the excavation and disposal of contaminated soil and completed validation sampling to confirm clean-up to appropriate criteria.
Result
Site validated as clean within 6 weeks of engagement. Property sale proceeded without contamination disclosure issues. Client received EPA closure letter confirming satisfactory remediation.
Ready to Start Your Project?
Contact us to discuss your environmental challenge. We’ll provide practical advice and a clear path to resolution.