Environmental Impact Assessment of Erbil Dumpsite area - West of Erbil City-Iraqi Kurdistan Region.

During the last few years, the concern about the protection of the environment has largely increased due to the contaminants mainly with anthropogenic origin and have affected and continue to threaten human resources especially air quality, surface soil and groundwater. Solid wastes are produced every day in urban societies as a result of human activities and in an attempt to dispose of these materials; man has carelessly polluted the environment. Erbil City has experienced an economic development, intense urbanization and change in consumption patterns that have resulted in an increase of solid waste generation. The study area lies within Erbil plain, about 10 km west of Erbil City, covering about 7km2 and located on a hill conjoined by two drainage valleys. The aim of the study is to provide prediction, detecting possible contamination and highlighting the repercussions of unprotected and uncontrolled waste disposal practices in Erbil dumpsite. The baseline environment has done which describes the existing environmental settings in the study area and is based upon the secondary information collected from the published sources, reconnaissance survey, primary socio-economic survey and environmental monitoring of air, noise, soil, ground water and surface water in the study area. Soil and water samples were collected nearby the Erbil dumpsite to assess the baseline data. The results of water sample analyzed are within the acceptable limits and they are suitable for drinking and irrigation. The results of soil sample analysis show that clays are of loam types with pH of strongly alkaline. The septic tank discharges valley has been contaminating the soil with two zones, the thickness of these zones is about (1.0- 1.5m) and (4m) show the impact of septic tanks to the near subsurface layers by its vicinity to the septic tank discharging valley. On the other hand, no adverse impact on ground water quality is anticipated in the present project. Generally, the Erbil waste dumpsite has negative impact on the geo-environmental parameters, social and cultural views, in addition to the direct impact on the human health and biodiversity. Evidence of lack of adherence to proper landfill structure, operation a management was recorded and recommendations were postulated for rectification. The Environmental Impacts Assessment (EIA) that was undertaking for this project has also postulated mitigate set simple measures. The assessment revealed lack of environmental awareness by public, workers, and personnel, which can be solved through regular environmental training programs.