Question

Discuss five major differences in the management and operations at a Dump to those at a Sanitary Landfill.        

Answer 1

Major differences between Sanitary landfill and Open Dumping are as below:-

1. Setup method:- Sanitary landfill are setup by district or area administration with helo of Engineering department. For setting up sanitary landfill proper land surveys are to be done by aithorities. Consultation of various NGOs and public can be taken.

Whereas in open dump process people do dumping outside their home or any other place decided by some people together. No authority is involved in this decision.

2. Soil as major content of sanitary landfill:- In sanitary landfill soil is used for dumping the waste in different layers time to time. This soil is used to avoid odour and pests on land surfaces such that land nearby landfills can be used by other users also.

Whereas in open dumping process only holes are dug for dumping purpose and there is chances of pests and odour in such areas.

3.Monitoring:- Monitoring is very important in sanirary landfills. Engineers are hired to monitor the landfill. Landfills can be source of contamintaion if not properly monitored. For example contaminants fron landfill can enter ground water if the base not properly sealed. Engineers are to check this sealing. Landfills are also source of hazardous gases like methane for conrmtrolling of which proper route system should be provide for routing of the methane gas and same must be monitored properly.

4. Depth and size :- Depth and size of sanitary landfill are much more than that of open dumps. Open dumps are of few feet depth and sanitary landfill are of about 500 ft depth.

5. Usage of sealants:- Sealants are used to avoid contamination of air from toxic gases released from sanitary landfills whereas no sealant is used in open dump case.