An inquiry as to whether the operational activities at Soshanguve landfill site comply with the standards laid down in the document entitled Minimum requirements for waste disposal by landfill - Department of Water Affairs and Forestry

[摘要] A cross sectional study was conducted at the Soshanguve landfill site north of Pretoriabetween June and December 1999. The site is classified as a General. Medium and Lesssignificant leachate producing disposal site (GMB-). The site is situated in closeproximity to informal settlement area. Such proximity could cause the landfill site topose potential public health threats to the residents in the settlements as they are likely togo and scavenge, or salvage disposed waste materials. In addition, stray animals found inthe area could be in danger if the operations at the landfill site were not to conform to theminimum requirements for waste disposal as laid down by the Department of WaterAffairs and Forestry. The landfill site may not look good to the residents and passers-bydue to litter scattered all over the site and beyond the boundaries.The study was conducted to promote better management of waste through proper disposaland operational activities that meet the standards set in the minimum requirementsdocument, in order to prevent and control negative impact of waste disposal on theenvironment and health of Soshanguve residents.The primary objective of the study was to establish whether the operational activities atthe landfill site were conforming to the minimum requirements for waste disposalprovided for by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry based on its size andclassification.Data were collected using qualitative and quantitative research methods. In-depthinterviews were conducted with the managers responsible for waste management at theNPMSS and workers based at the landfill site. Review of records was done to determinethe type and amount of waste that was disposed of at the site during 1998 and 1999.Review of records showed that waste material disposed of at the Soshanguve landfill sitecomprised of household waste, rubble, building rubble and garden refuse . Householdwaste formed the bulk of waste and its disposal increased significantly from January1998 to November 1999 (t=2 .60, df=21, p<0.02, Cl=401.0 - 879.8). Other wastedisposed of showed a decreasing trend over the two year period.Efficiency of compacting the waste was tested by sampling nearby stream and ponds onsite.Chemical testing of water was done by the CSIR. Operations at the site wereobserved. Infrastructural requirements such as toilet facilities, drinking water andfencing were also observed by the researcher. Observations showed a lack in theserequirements. As a result of poor fencing, there was no controlled access into the site andthe site was accessed by informal salvagers, scavengers, and stray animals. Reports ofthe disposal of hazardous chemical materials on the site were received and useddisposable nappies were observed on-site. Machinery for waste disposal was insufficientand at times, it would breakdown resulting into waste not covered and compacted formore than a week. The situation led to the presence of flies, rodents and emission of foulsmell that could have serious health impact and cause major discomfort in thesurrounding communities.The situation may funher prohibit sustainable land-use, as the area may be damagedbeyond rehabilitation. Ind1rect method of measuring waste observed could kad tooverestimation of the amount of waste disposed of at the landfill site.There was generally poor management of waste at Soshanguve landfill site which couldbe attributed to insufficient machinery. Better efforts in managing the Soshanguvelandfill site are needed as the current operations at the site could have major public healthimplications to the environment and the surrounding communities. Sufficient resourcesshould be provided to ensure sound waste disposal. Waste disposal site managementcommittee should be established and local communities should form part of thecommittee to ensure objective, informed and acceptable decision-making. Interventionsto promote awareness about waste disposal and management, amongst the communitiesneed to be put in place.

[发布机构] University of the Free State