مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري - AN ACTUAL EXAMPLE FOR REHABILITATION OF OPEN DUMP AREAS IN TURKEY: REHABILITATION OF MERSIN ÇAVUŞLU OPEN DUMP AREA

Abstract :

Less developed and developing countries generally dispose of solid waste in a haphazard way at open areas which are usually far from residential zones. In Turkey also this method has been used for many years to dispose solid waste. Due to increasing migration from rural to urban areas, the amount of solid waste in the cities has been rising in addition unplanned urbanization caused these open dump areas to remain in the middle of residential zones. Mersin one of Turkey s 10 major cities experienced a rapid population growth in the city center in relation to migration. 25 years ago in about 10 km north of Mersin city center in the Sergeant Village a solid waste landfill was built, but as a result of uncontrolled dumping this site has become an open dump area. In time, Sergeant Village, where the dump area is, has become a district due to the city s expansion. Gas generated from wastes in the dump area and also smoke from the fires in dump area started to affect districts in the city center and has become a permanent part of Mersin s climate. For years, sheep herds and garbage collectors on the dump area, ponds of leachate and fires all caused this open dump area to become city s bleeding wound. Mersin s primary environmental problem, this open dump area, has come to an end with the implementation of Mersin Metropolitan Municipality Solid Waste Landfill project and a rehabilitation project has been started. Rehabilitation project included; slope arrangements, barrier formations, leachate drainage and collection pool, surface water drainage, final cover, gas drainage and disposal systems for the waste mass which covers a total area of 16 ha and has a average depth of 10 m. As a result of these investments a stable structure of the waste mass is attained, with modern technology area has been taken under control. By preventing water infiltration to the waste mass via precipitation, ground water pollution has been minimized and also collection and disposal of greenhouse gases has been achieved. This project, which created an area with sports and recreation facilities on it for public use and eleminated a potential risk factor, stands as an example project in Turkey where hundreds of similar areas still waiting for rehabilitation.