Spatio temporal environmental impact assessment of municipal waste disposal sites: a GIS-based approach in Reforma, Mexico

Abstract

This paper presents the results of the Environmental Impact Assessment of a municipal solid waste disposal site in Reforma, Chiapas, Mexico. Geographic Information Systems and spatial analysis techniques were used. An index was initially constructed that incorporated the main potential impacts (leachate generation, gaseous emissions, thermal anomalies, and land-use changes) and the most sensitive environmental components (water bodies, vegetation, human receptors, and soil moisture). The analysis compared environmental conditions between two scenarios (baseline 2005 and recent 2024), which allowed for the identification of the intensification of impacts associated with operational deficiencies at the landfill site. The results show that the most significant impacts are concentrated in the area of direct influence, especially at the working face, where the processes of formation of water, gaseous, and thermal pollutants occur. Spatial statistical analysis also confirms the presence of significant environmental impact clusters, revealing non-random patterns related to site operation, such as physiographic factors and proximity to human settlements. Finally, differentiated mitigation measures are proposed based on the severity of the impact, ranging from engineering solutions to ecological restoration and environmental monitoring. It is concluded that environmental assessment supported by technological tools complements traditional methodologies and strengthens decision-making in the environmental management of municipal solid waste.