Quality index in the environmental management system in urban solid waste landfills - IQS

Abstract

The article consists of the application of a new rating methodology for final disposal of urban solid waste (USW) by evaluating the conformity of geotechnical and environmental aspects during the implementation and operating processes. The IQS was proposed when introducing the concepts of Environmental Management, in accordance with ISO 14001, to the Landfill Quality Index (IQA) (Faria, 2002), developed from the Waste Quality Index (IQA) proposed by CETESB (2005). The study focused on the implementing and operating processes, as well as on the control of impacts on the environment and on pollution prevention. Fifteen sites were assessed to confirm the hypothesis. They were rated as inadequate, controlled, adequate and environmental conditions, in accordance with indices obtained with intervals between zero and ten points. It could, therefore, be concluded that in an inventory of rating USW disposal landfills, the use of ISO 14000 as an analytical tool may be extremely helpful to enhance assessment methods. Moreover, environmental management concepts contribute to reducing environmental pollution and, consequently, the associated environmental impacts.