Site Selection Criteria for Hazardous Waste Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facility

The Government of India has promulgated the Hazardous Waste (Management & Handling) Rules (HW (M&H)) in 1989 through the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MOEF) under the aegis of Environment (Protection) Act [E(P) Act], 1986. Also in order to encourage the effective implementation of these rules, the MOEF has further brought out the Guidelines for HW (M & H) in 1991. However, case studies reveal that, the options available for hazardous waste management (HWM) are not being efficiently utilized by the waste generators resulting in severe pollution of land, surface and ground water. Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facility (TSDF) is a highly useful option for waste generators who could not bear the high costs involved in the infrastructural and land facilities required for the effective management of their hazardous waste(s). It is a unique concept, where the wastes are collected from the waste generators, treated as per their characteristics and finally disposed off. However, the selection of a suitable site for an effective functioning of TSDF is the key factor involved in the HWM. The site should be selected based upon several factors such as waste characteristics, site characteristics, public acceptance and prevailing laws & regulations. The various operations effecting the site selection are discussed. Emphasis is given to evaluation of impacts of TSDF on the local environment under EIA study. In view of the wide range of infrastructural and other associated requirements needed for site selection, construction and operation of TSDF, the impacts generated by it on the local environment become complex in nature. The various aspects likely to be effected during Construction, Operational and Final phases of the TSDF are identified. A 20 x 17 matrix is prepared to assess the impacts on these aspects. This matrix can be modified as per the local needs of the project.