An Environmental Impact Framework for the Construction Stage of Municipal Solid Waste Landfill Mining: A Study on Piyungan Landfill in Indonesia

Abstract

At present, the predominant method of urban waste management in Yogyakarta is centered around landfill disposal, resulting in a swift depletion of available capacity, notably at the Piyungan landfill site. Consequently, the exploration of landfill mining, a process that entails the retrieval of fully decomposed waste, is being contemplated as a potential alternative. Nevertheless, the execution of this initiative may give rise to environmental consequences. The objective of this study is to establish a comprehensive framework for assessing the ecological consequences of landfill mining operations in the initial stage of construction. The methodology encompasses a preliminary stage known as scoping, wherein potential impacts are identified and significant hypothetical impacts are assessed. Subsequently, a thorough assessment is conducted to examine the potential significant effects of the hypothetical scenario. This evaluation involves a detailed analysis of the various environmental elements and parameters associated with each activity that may serve as a potential source of impact. The present analysis employs a straightforward matrix and a flow chart. The assessment indicates that the implementation stage of landfill mining has the potential to generate substantial hypothetical effects on multiple facets of the environment, encompassing physical, chemical, biological, socio-economic, and cultural dimensions. The potential impacts encompass various factors such as air pollution, gas explosions, reduced surface air quality, odor problems, and unfavorable public attitudes and perceptions. These impacts collectively contribute to the overall consequences of the situation.