Assessing the environmental impacts of a landfill site in Kenitra province using GIS-AHP and the Leopold matrix

Abstract

Waste management is a crucial issue for environmental preservation, public health, and sustainable development, especially in rapidly growing regions such as kénitra province, Morocco. This study aims to assess the potential environmental impacts associated with the establishment of a landfill site at one of the locations identified through a multi-criteria analysis (GIS-AHP).To do this, the methodology is based on the Leopold matrix, a recognized tool for environmental impact analysis that helps identify and rank interactions between planned actions and affected environmental elements. The results highlight significant environmental and social risks, including alterations to natural runoff, contamination of surface and groundwater by leachates, soil loss and erosion, as well as air pollution from dust and biogas emissions. Flora and fauna are exposed to noise disturbances, species displacement, and health risks, which are intensified by the wetland proximity. Additional concerns include pressure on infrastructure, landscape degradation, and nuisances linked to traffic and waste management, raising social concerns. Proposal alternative solutions to mitigate environmental impacts and promote sustainable, responsible project management include drainage control systems, impermeable geomembranes, collectors, and biogas capture, and recovery devices. These measures aim to significantly reduce environmental nuisances and enhance social acceptability. This assessment could provide a valuable decision-making tool for local stakeholders, offering a rigorous and systematic analysis of environmental impacts related to landfill site establishment. Moreover, it contributes to improved environmental planning, compliance with existing regulations, and support for sustainable development in a region facing intense demographic and economic pressures.