Diagnosis of Environmental Degradation in the Controlled Landfill Area of New Venetia – ES

Objective: One of the main environmental problems of today's society concerns the final disposal of urban solid waste (MSW), and increasing the generation rates of this waste has become a high priority concern for both environmental preservation and human health. Inadequate final disposal leads to serious environmental impacts, including the risks of contamination of soil, subsoil, surface water and groundwater, even after decommissioning of inappropriate sites. The purpose of this research was to assess the level of degradation in the area around the Controlled Landfill of New Venetia. To do so, documentary, oral and bibliographical research was carried out on the area, technical visits, drawing up maps, applying the Quality Index of Waste Landfills (IQR) with adaptations directed to the reality of the landfill and finally, bacteriological analyzes of surface and underground water were carried out in the surroundings of the area. The application of the IQR resulted in a score of 5.15 and the non-existent or deficient aspects that caused this score were: soil waterproofing, plant protection, drainage and treatment of slurry, drainage of rainwater and gases, geotechnical and groundwater monitoring, presence of flies, birds and animals, occurrence of odors and proximity of bodies of water. The results of the bacteriological analyzes indicated a potential for microbiological contamination in the surface water resource downstream of the landfill, which may be linked to extensive livestock rearing, but may also indicate that the slurry contamination plume is influencing the water quality of the analyzed stream. Evaluate the level of degradation in the area around the Controlled New Veneto Landfill. Theoretical benchmark: The inadequate final layout of MSW results in severe environmental impacts, including the risks of contamination of soil, subsoil, surface water and groundwater, even after decommissioning of inappropriate sites. Furthermore, this inadequate destination generates visual pollution, property devaluation in the environs, the presence of precariously organized waste pickers, and promotes the favoring of disease vectors. Method: The methodology encompassed bibliographical review of the area in question, as well as of the concepts associated with the themes necessary for the research; obtaining data and making maps; characterization of the area; determination of the Quality Index of Waste Landfills (IQR) and bacteriological analysis of ground and surface water. Results and conclusion: The application of the IQR, by means of historical and current characterization and evaluation of the controlled landfill of New Venetia, resulted in a score of 5.15 classifying this in inappropriate conditions. The results of the bacteriological analyzes indicated a potential for microbiological contamination in the surface water resource downstream of the landfill, which may be linked to extensive livestock rearing, but may also indicate that the slurry contamination plume is influencing the water quality of the analyzed stream. Research implications: The results of this research should serve as a basis for reflections and analysis on aspects necessary for the correct implementation of final destination systems of MSW, as well as for the deactivation and recovery of them. In addition, it also supports the study of improvements that can be made in the area of the controlled landfill of New Venetia, to adapt and reduce the impacts and environmental risks of the area. Besides collaborating for the education and environmental awareness of the inhabitants of the municipality. Originality/value: To bring reflections from an analysis of multiple factors and consequences arising from the inadequate final destination of the MSW, emphasizing the importance and necessity of the study and characterization of these sites, administrative political actions and awareness of the population.