Experimental Study of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Landfills and Nonauthorized Waste Damps Impact on the Environment

Abstract

A purpose was an analysis of waste disposal sites existing in the Leningrad region and a choice of facilities potentially suitable for the removal and utilization of greenhouse- and other gases. In order to achieve the purpose in view, data were collected on the arrangement of non-authorized landfills and waste dumps within the Leningrad region. The preliminary visual evaluation and instrumental monitoring were carried out for 10 facilities. The evaluation of greenhouse- and other gas emissions into the atmosphere as well as of ground water pollution near places of waste disposal was performed. A databank was created for waste disposal sites where it could be possible to organize the work on removing and utilizing of greenhouse gas.

The conducted examination stated that landfills exert negative influence on the environment in the form of emissions into the atmosphere and impurities penetrating underground and surface water. A volume of greenhouse gas emissions calculated in units of СО₂ – equivalent from different projects fluctuates from 63.8 to 8091.4 t in units of СО₂ – equivalent. Maximum summarized emissions of greenhouse gases in units of СО₂ – equivalent were stated for MSW landfills of the towns of Kirishi, Novaya Ladoga and Slantsy, as well as for MSW landfills near Lepsari residential settlement and the town of Vyborg.