Physical inspection of the landfill site was undertaken.
A walk around the landfill area with personnel from the landfill area was done to cover the area. Consultation was undertaken with the site manager to further understand the landfill site, gain knowledge and devise strategies to work for better management of the landfill site. Although gifted with adequate resources to properly manage the landfill site, population and lack of skilled manpower has been a major factor contributing to the improper management.Landfills have the potential to cause a number of issues. Infrastructure disruption, such as damage to access roads by heavy vehicles, may occur. Pollution of local roads and water courses from wheels on vehicles when they leave the landfill can be significant and can be mitigated by wheel washing systems. Pollution of the local environment, such as contamination of groundwater or aquifers or soil contamination may occur, as well.The key findings related to landfill site management within the parameters of ecological, socioeconomic, infrastructure, and policy/management is the following: Leachate and ground water pollutionExtensive efforts are made to capture and treat leachate from landfills before it reaches groundwater aquifers, but engineered liners always have a lifespan, though it may be 100 years or more.
Eventually, every landfill liner will leak, allowing the leachate to contaminate the groundwater. However, Ghazipur landfill site do not have leachate treatment facility causing the byproducts created during decomposition to move into groundwater.Decomposition gasesRotting food and other decaying organic waste has created decomposition gases which include methane and carbon dioxide. Landfill gases has seep out of the landfill and into the surrounding air and soil. Methane is a greenhouse gas, and is flammable and potentially explosive at certain concentrations. Carbon dioxide is also a greenhouse gas produced by decomposing waste. Carbon dioxide traps heat in the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.
In properly managed landfills, gas is collected and flared or recovered for landfill gas utilization.VectorsPoorly run landfills may become nuisances because of vectors such as rats and flies which can spread infectious diseases. The occurrence of such vectors can be mitigated through the use of daily cover.Other potential issues include wildlife disruption, dust, odor, noise pollution, and reduced local property values.An Alarming State With the mounds being filled with all type of waste every day, the landfill is a ticking waste bomb. While you are crossing the landfill, especially during the night, you will see small fires all around.
These are caused due to natural decomposition of the waste causing emission of gases like methane.The landfill has also been a cause of accidents. In September 2016, a part of the landfill fell during rainy season claiming lives of two people. Ghazipur landfill should have been shut 15 years ago.However, if experts are to be believed, Ghazipur was never an apt site for a landfill.
It is not scientifically equipped with no leachate treatment facility causing the byproducts created during decomposition to move into groundwater. Moreover, it is not designed in compliance with the Municipal Solid Waste Rules of 2000, according to which all large dumpsites should have an eco-friendly garbage management facilities.
