Considerations in the Methodology for the Technical-Environmental Viability of Sanitary Landfills in Rural Communities. Northern Case of the Province of Santa Elena, Ecuador

Abstract

This research focuses on providing a solution to rural sectors' problems regarding solid waste management and final disposal. It considered the Sanitary Landfill (SL) technical-environmental viability for rural communities in the north of Santa Elena-Ecuador. The objective is to propose a methodology for evaluating a sanitary landfill's technical-environmental viability, considering a Key Factors Matrix (KFM) for the possibility of its application in rural communities. The proposed methodology is based on: i) identification of preliminary and field data for assessment of the sector through the KFM, and ii) determination of the technical-environmental viability of an SL according to the aspects considered. The KFM allowed the Ayangue commune to be chosen for the location of the SL under certain precautions. Given this sector's tourist influence, solid waste accumulates 40 tons per day from the ninth year on. Therefore, it is recommended to bear in mind a possible restructuring of the SL, from a semi-mechanized system to a fully mechanized one.

Georesources as an Alternative for Sustainable Development in COVID-19 Times—A Study Case in Ecuador

“…In response to the problem of the solid waste generation that can affect health and the environment in the sector, two landfill sites were considered in relation to the possibility of their construction, considering the variables of the evaluation through the KFM method [141]. With the construction of a sanitary landfill, solid waste management would be responsible for environmental, economic, and hygienic matters [167,190].…”

“…First, some parameters were considered, such as the watershed's water table, the permeability of the lithological material (according to the interpretation of VESs), and the distance to surface water sources. Subsequently, to evaluate the level of construction difficulty of these sites, the Key Factor Matrix (KFM) method was applied [141]. This method considers emplacement area, socio-economic analysis, volume and area of SL, demographic aspects and landfill infrastructure.…”

“…It is possible to manage georesources sustainably through the analyses destined for this application [134]. The KFM method requires some parameters of the study area: groundwater, wind direction and solar radiation [142], temperature and precipitation [143], population [144][145][146][147], and permeability [148], as shown in [141]. The general equation that governs the Key Factors Matrix method is shown below.…”

“…However, prior to the recommendation of landfill sites, it should be considered how to avoid the agglomeration of homes near these sites, which is the sole responsibility of the political authorities [167]. The KFM method was applied to evaluate possible landfill sites since this tool is based on technical-environmental foundations and considers human health [141]. Finally, the Total Value (TV) is rated according to this range: The parameters evaluated by this matrix are shown in Table 6.…”

“…As a result, it has contributed to constructing a technical-artisanal dyke (tape) to contribute to the water supply [209]. During the COVID-19 pandemic, several activities have been carried out to ensure the application of the circular economy through (i) wastewater treatment projects with green filters [141], (ii) socialization of the problems of the sector through informative brochures, (iii) model 3D of green filters and (iv) educational videos on the problems. Therefore, this article's development represents a contribution to the community.…”