Comparative Evaluation of Unmitigated Options for Solid Waste Transfer Stations in North East of Tehran Using Rapid Impact Assessment Matrix and Iranian Leopold Matrix

The current situation of world’s environmental issues, indicates that not only the man-made environmental damages have not been diminished, but also has given rise to more acute issues such as water and soil pollution, biodiversity loss, ozone depletion, greenhouse phenomena, etc. One of the most prominent effects of urban development on environmental problems caused by solid waste generated in urban areas. Transportation and disposal of wastes are directly connected to public health, and pollution of water, soil and air. Municipal solid waste transfer stations play an important role in waste management systems; however, they have been practically disregarded in most developing countries. Environmental impacts of solid waste transfer station (SWTS) for the relevant options in the north west of Tehran city is the main focus of this study. Environmental impact assessment of these options was performed using two methods: rapid impact assessment matrix (RIAM) and Iranian Leopold matrix (modified Leopold matrix). The rapid impact assessment matrix method provides fast and accurate ways of analysis and reanalysis of specified components. Iranian Leopold matrix chiefly is used for the reorganization of the project impacts in both the building and operation stages. Indoor loading/unloading with establishment of green space around the SWTS was found to be the most pragmatically beneficial option, based on the obtained results from Iranian Leopold and Rapid Impact Assessment Matrices.