Landfilling and Environmental problems in Sri Lanka (with reference to Gampaha District)

Abstract

Inevitable consequences of the practice of solid waste disposal in landfills are gas and leachate generation due primarily to microbial decomposition, climatic conditions, refuse characteristics and nature of landfilling operations. The diffusion of gas and leachate away from the landfill boundaries and their release into the surrounding environment present serious environmental concerns at both existing and new facilities. The problem of this study is there any impact of landfilling on environment in Sri Lanka. The objectives of this study are to identify the reasons for environmental problems, identify the environmental problems created due to landfilling and identify the solutions for overcome or mitigating the environmental problems due to landfilling in Sri Lanka. Besides potential health hazards, these concerns include, and are not limited to, fires and explosions, vegetation damage, unpleasant odors, landfill settlement, ground water pollution, air pollution and global warming. Managing waste could be a grave issue for a newly developing country such as Sri Lanka. Lack of a proper waste management system and irregular garbage dumping practices have not only created an unpleasant atmosphere but the sanitary issues that may lead to instances of public unrest and tensed situations. Following the recent experiences of the turmoil caused by civil unrest due to a polluted water problem that claimed lives, the need to establish a suitable waste disposal system is immensely felt. A wide extent of land excavated into a pit which is called a cell, laid with layers of different material to protect the soil from pollution and extract the waste water separately, has a capacity to hold an estimated 20, 000 metric tons of solid waste within a targeted period of 10 to 15 years by the time the landfill is completed. It is expected to be handed over to the public as a recreational ground when the landfill is complete. Located in a remote forest land near the Kirindiwela town, the site will provide a state-of-the-art garbage dumping ground for residual waste collected within the DompePradeshiyaSabha area.The project will come as a solution to the unregulated, open dumping of solid waste by local authorities and will be the first sanitary fill to be used with modern technology to avoid pollution of soil, ground water and waterways in the surrounding area. The project will come as a solution to the unregulated, open dumping of solid waste by local authorities and will be the first sanitary fill to be used with modern technology to avoid pollution of soil, ground water and waterways in the surrounding area. This study has been used both primary and secondary data. Primary data was collected from five hundred samples in Gampaha district by using interview schedule and observation method. Secondary data was collected from secondary various sources. Data was analyzed by using statistical methods like graphs, tables, percentage etc. According to collected data those living near landfill sites it were found that households use well water for drinking and cooking purposes, bathing and washing of clothes and vehicles and for gardening purposes. However, the number of households using well water is significantly lessamount in residences very close to the landfill. The usage of well water increases with the distance to the landfill. It is an indication that although wells are available in households close to landfill areas residents are hesitates to use them. However, since most of the householders use well water in the area can be seen a serious problem of ground water pollution. Other problems were odor, flood in rainy season reducing land value, breeding grounds for mosquitos, worms and various insects, create smoke and poisonous gases giving rise to safety problems, Children affected by various diseases such as skin diseases, and unbalance the biodiversity in the area. The responsibility of government, NGOs and policy making bodies are to take necessary actions to control the problem of land filling on environment by hazards waste in Sri Lanka.