ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AT SOLID WASTE SW LANDFILLS

1
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AT SOLID WASTE (SW)
LANDFILLS
WB Safeguards Workshop Chisinau, Moldova October
28-31, 2008

• QUIZ

Ruxandra Floroiu, Environmental Engineer, ECSSD
2
Case Study Story

• Environmental monitoring is required to evaluate
  the performance of a SW Landfill in Moldova
  financed by the Bank and to monitor potential
  environmental impacts and public health and
  safety risks from any contaminant release during
  the landfill operation stage
• In accordance with the solid waste and overall
  environmental national standards and
  international regulations, the Landfill Operator
  is obliged to hire a certified environmental
  consulting firm to prepare and perform a
  long-term monitoring plan for the landfill. Such
  monitoring plan should be developed in agreement
  with the EMP prepared for this landfill
• YOU are strongly recommended in the local
  environmental field as having special experience
  with the design and implementation of groundwater
  and landfill (methane) gas monitoring plans
  affiliated with solid waste landfill operation
  still, you need to convince the Operator that you
  have the basic knowledge required to develop a
  proper environmental monitoring plan for landfill
  operations management. You need to pass the
  following quiz!

3
Which of the following is NOT a good reason to
develop an environmental monitoring plan for a
solid waste landfill?

• Public health and worker safety
• Respect the national environmental law and World
  Bank standards
• Avoid paying penalties and fees
• Employment opportunities
• Purchase of Carbon credits
• Used routinely for making decisions regarding
  landfill system maintenance and corrective
  actions

4

Which of the following is NOT a parameter for
landfill operation monitoring?

• An updated landfill site map
• An Environmental Monitoring system design
  (including wells) for water quality (groundwater,
  surface water, leachate) and air quality
  (landfill methane gas)
• Water temperature, alkalinity, heavy metals
  concentrations,
• Description of sample collection methodology,
  frequency, and estimated costs for monitored
  parameters
• Regulatory information including specific
  methane/water/soil pollutant concentration limits
• History of landfill operation and maintenance

5
What are some features for good criteria to
select adequate landfill monitoring indicators?

• That can correctly measure the proposed
  mitigation impacts affiliated with the landfill
  operation
• Listed and agreed in the Landfill Permit for
  Operation
• That do not exceed the Maximum Admissible
  Concentrations for air and water quality in
  Moldova
• That cost less and are easy to be collected
  (sampled)
• That correspond to the Government national
  environmental strategy related to climate change
  mitigation and adaptation
• That comply with World Bank requirements for
  sustainable environment

6
What will be the way to monitor landfill methane
gas emissions concentrations?

• Using portable gas detection instruments
  (methane meters) to measure methane
  concentrations in selected sampling points
• Collecting measurements of Volatile Organic
  Compounds (VOCs) and heavy metals concentrations
  in landfill
• Assessing impact from landfill odors
• Analyzing noise charts and traffic disturbances
  surrounding the landfill
• Evaluating birds and insects life
• Observing wind blown materials around the
  landfill area

7
How would you identify a good indicator for
groundwater pollution from the landfill?

• Increased levels of cancer in population
  surrounding the landfill
• Increased temperature in the center of the
  landfill
• High alkalinity levels in surface waters
• Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) concentrations quarterly
  measured in a town located 5 km away from the
  landfill
• Invasion of mosquitoes in the landfill area
• Growing vegetation on top of the landfill

8
What are some things that will indicate improper
operation of landfill?

• Daily groups of waste pickers
• Spontaneous flames and explosions
• Frequent visits by dogs, cats and rats
• Development of birds nests
• Dwellings on the grounds
• Shopping center construction 50 m away from the
  landfill
• Environmental inspections by local authorities

9
What could be some institutions responsible for
the proper monitoring of the landfill?

• Local and/or Regional Departments of
  Environmental Protection in charge with Air and
  water quality
• High school and College Students
• Doctors and health specialists
• Project Management Unit
• Contractors and Supervisor Engineers
• Operators
• Accredited Environmental Laboratory

10
Some aspects of the environmental monitoring
reports

• How frequently should you suggest to prepare the
  monitoring reports (i) only when accidents
  happen (ii) quarterly (iii) anytime when
  requested?
• Who are the parties interested in these reports
  (i) Operator (ii) Contractor (iii) Public (iv)
  Department of Health (v) Government of Moldova
  (vi) Environmental Auditor?
• Should the monitoring report be shared on a
  timely basis with (i) other local governmental
  institutions (ii) international research
  centers (iii) NGOs?
• In what language should these reports be
  prepared (i) English language only (ii) local
  language (iii) any language?
• Are these reports always sent to World Bank (i)
  Yes (ii) No?
• Who bears the cost of doing the monitoring (i)
  Operator (ii) Government of Moldova (iii) the
  World Bank (iv) local community?