Abstract

GIS application in locating suitable sites for solid waste landfills
Track: Environmental Management
Authors: Nadee Jayawickrama, Primali Weerasinghe

In Sri Lanka solid wastes are haphazardly dumped in unsuitable locations frequently. This research identifies the optimal sites for landfills in Matara and Weligama divisional secretary divisions according to existing Sri Lankan regulations by using GIS techniques. The capability of GIS to manage large amounts of spatial data makes it an indispensable tool for site selection processes. Criterion and factor maps regarding landfill siting were prepared on ArcGIS 9.2 platform with the aid of proximity analysis. Finally, weighted overlay analysis was applied to constructed maps to arrive at optimal sites for landfills. Research findings indicate that 2.10 km2 and 3.82 km2 area of Matara and Weligama DSDs respectively were highly suitable for landfill siting, according to the chosen criteria. Since solid waste dumping is a global environmental concern, municipal authorities all over the world could use a similar approach to dispose solid wastes an in environmental sustainable manner.