Abstract:
A study was undertaken to assess the existing situation of H-12 dumpsite, where solid waste from Islamabad is being dumped since 1988, and propose options for its improvement. The study methodology involved collection of baseline information, topographical survey, analysis of leachate and groundwater samples, characterization of properties of dumped waste and finally on the basis of evaluation of options for rehabilitation and improvement of the site.
The results of the study revealed that solid waste dumped at the H-12 dumpsite, which currently receives about 320 tons of solid waste daily, covers an area
3
of 22.4 hectares. The corresponding volume and weight of the waste were 456,431 m and 116,846 metric tons respectively. Specific weight and moisture content of the previously dumped (old waste) were found to be 22 percent and 320 kg/m3 respectively. Analysis of water samples collected from the proximity of dumpsite exhibited high turbidity and signs of contamination from the leachate. Characterization of the dumped solid waste showed that it contains significant quantities of construction and demolition waste, dirt, grass, leaves and shopping bags thus indicating that material recovery operations would not be economicallyfeasible.
In order to improve and rehabilitate the dumpsite with a view to mitigate its adverse environmental impacts, three options were evaluated. These include (a) improvement and rehabilitation of the site without making provision for further inflow of waste (b) improvement and rehabilitation of the dumpsite with a provision to receive the waste for a period of another 10 years and (c) shifting the dumped waste to the newly proposed Kurri Landfill site. Technical and financial aspects of all the three options are discussed and recommendations for their implementation are presented.
