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Also in Environmental Issues: Environmental Accreditations Environmental Impacts - Landfill Environmental Impacts - Refuse Collection| Environmental Impacts - Resource Recovery Facility| Environmental Impacts - Office| Annual Report and Environmental Statement| 
There are several aspects of landfill operations that may have a significant impact upon the environment. These are water pollution, air pollution, dust, litter, noise, mud and pests.
Water As rain falls on the landfill site it comes into contact with the waste and is contaminated. This contaminated water is called leachate. The leachate from the site is contained and pumped through a series of pipes for treatment within the site's Leachate Treatment Plant. The treated water is then discharged into the foul sewer. Island Waste Services monitor the quality of the water on the site by analysis at a UKAS accredited laboratory and the results are sent monthly to the Environment Agency. Air Decomposing waste produces landfill gas (methane). Methane is an environmentally damaging greenhouse gas and must therefore be prevented from escaping into the atmosphere. The methane produced on the site is piped to a plant in which it is burned. Island Waste Services monitor gas levels at specific points around the site and these results are sent monthly to the Environment Agency. Litter, dust, mud and noise On windy days there is the potential for waste on the site to be blown away. Litter control fences are in place around the tipping area to minimise this problem. The company employ litter pickers to deal with any waste that does escape. In very dry weather the site can become dusty, a water bowser is deployed to dampen all dusty areas as and when necessary. Equally in very wet weather there is the danger that mud from the site could be carried out on to the road. The site contains a wheel wash. All vehicles are required to use this before leaving the site. A mechanical brush is used as and when necessary to sweep all site roads. Noise from the landfill site can be an issue for nearby residents. Whereas most large vehicles are fitted with audible reversing signals the vehicles on the landfill are fitted with radar so the audible signal is only emitted when an object is very close. Pests Vermin and flies are dealt with through a contract with a local pest control company. The site is visited regularly to ensure that systems in place remain effective. Appuldurcombe Falconry are now working on the site with several specially bred birds of prey and these are proving to be very effective in keeping the gulls and crows from scavenging on the site. ^ Back to top |
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