Environmental geology appraisal using GIS for sanitary landfill site selection in Changwat Chachoenghsao

Abstract

Solid waste is a problem in most of the cities in the world. All human activities discharge wastes daily into environment, solid waste quantity will increase gradually due to population and economic growth. Increased solid waste generation could cause much damage to the environment such as air pollution, water pollution that can effect the health of human beings. The sanitary landfill is a safety operation for solid waste disposal. In the present study, physical environmental geology parameters which include slope, surface water, groundwater, geology, geomorphology, possibility flood-prone area, soil characteristics, forest, land use, intensive area/urban, heritage, and land requirement were considered for site selection. GIS is the major tool for database creation and analysis. As a result, 17 suitable areas for sanitary landfill were selected. Consequently, 17 suitable areas were calculated by socio-economic parameters for potential area priority using Weight-Rating System. The weight factors were assigned and directly expressed their relative important factors, as well as the higher number to other more important factors. For the present study, the weight of 0.4, 0.4, 0.15, and 0.05 were given to distance from suitable areas to waste origin of Muang Chachoengsao (DSWMC), distance from suitable areas to waste origins of municipal/sanitary of Changwat Chachoengsao (DSWCC), land price, and area for an extension, respectively. The distance from suitable areas to waste origins of municipal/sanitary of Changwat Chachoengsao were subdivided into two sub-parameters, namely, average of DSWCC, and standard deviation of DSWCC of which their weight were 0.35, and 0.05, respectively. The rating scale includes values in an arbitrary range of 1 to 5. A value of 5 expresses the best capability, while the first priority suitable area is the highest score. Result from this step, Ladkrathing2 and Kuyaimeel reveal the same highest score that was 4.35 points. After the completion of analysis, some potential areas were selected for site observation. As a result, Tha Takiabl 1 Tha Takiab2, Lad Krathingl, and Lad Krathing2 have a potential for preliminary sanitary landfill. From this study, GIS database, suitable areas map, and potential areas priority map were created. Besides, GIS database will be utilized to apply for other project in the future.