TITLE:
An Integrated Method for the Selection of Optimum Locations for Landfilling Utilizing GIS: A Case Study of the State of Kuwait
AUTHORS:
Meshal Mohammad Abdullah, Sabah Al-Jenaid, Waleed Khalil Zubari, Jasem Al-Ali
KEYWORDS:
Municipal Solid Waste, ModelBuilder, Gape Analysis, Spatial Analysis, Waste Management
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Environmental Protection,
Vol.10 No.2,
February
15,
2019
ABSTRACT: With
the rise of urbanization, change in lifestyles, and food habits, the amount of
Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) has been rapidly increasing with the composition
constantly changing. Landfilling is the common approach for waste management in
Kuwait, and around 90% of municipal wastes are disposed in landfill sites.
Therefore, this study focused on the integration of different methods for the
process of allocating optimum sites for MSW landfills, in four main stages. The first stage focused on utilizing
the gap analysis method for the identification of effective criteria for
landfill site selection, by comparing the criteria in Kuwait with the World
Bank guidelines, US EPA, and Australia EPA, to suggest the best criteria for
landfill site selection. These criteria were applied in the second and third
stages to determine suitable locations for landfill sites using the
Geographical Information System (GIS). In the last stage, the suitable areas
were evaluated by studying the socioeconomic aspects such as distance to waste
generation center, the proximity of existing roads, and lifespan to select
optimum locations for landfilling. The results indicated that only one site
with a total area of 12 km2 was considered optimum for MSW landfill
sites in Kuwait. Therefore, moderate suitability areas were indicated to
support and provide decision makers with more options. The moderately suitable
sites are also suitable for landfilling, but they need to be designed carefully
in order to avoid negative impacts on the environment and human health.
Therefore, we conclude that
there is an urgent need to apply the integrated waste management system in
Kuwait, as well as to develop
a long-term strategic plan.