Design Challenge of Converting Thirupperumthurai Dumpsite Quarry to a Landfill Bioreactor

Abstract

The poor disposal practices of the Batticaloa Municipal Council (BMC) at the Thirupperumthuai abandoned gravel quarry are causing environmental problems. North East Coastal Community Development Project (NECCDEP) with collaboration of Provincial Council and BMC accepted to rehabilitate the dumpsite quarry and establish proper solid waste management system in Thirupperumthurai as a sustainable solution. The Solid Waste Management Research Unit (SWMRU) of the University of Peradeniya has developed technologies that can be adapted to dryer climatic conditions.The intention of the project was to construct an above ground landfill bioreactor on a firm ground above the flood level on the quarry with old waste fill considering 30% settlement. The area of the quarry is 11715 m2. Average depth is 5 m. Soil permeability near to housing is 50 x10-5 m/s and 1x10-8 m/s for other areas of clayey soils.The width of the landfill is 55 m and total extent is 11,115 m2. The design capacity of the landfill is 38,300 tonnes for three years. The expected quality of leachate emissions from old wastes is initially around 3500 mg/l BOD and would reduce to 1000 mg/l BOD after 100 days. Two biofilm composite liners will prevent leachate contamination from old and new wastes. The leachate treatment requirement is 28m3 day for four months in a constructed wetland of 56m2 with an effective depth of 0.5 m to bring the BOD to less than 400 mg/l within a day. Irrigation requirement of the landfill bioreactor is 220 m3/day and envisaged to store a larger portion in the old waste fill and pond waters.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/tar.v21i4.3313TAR 2010; 21(3): 368-377

Keywords

• converting
• thirupperumthurai dumpsite quarry
• landfill bioreactor