Monitoring landfill sites : a case study within the jurisdiction of the Southern District Municipality, North West Province

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the current status of the landfill sites within the Southern District Municipality's jurisdiction. This was achieved by conducting a literature review with regard to: a) The relevant legislation in South Africa regarding municipal solid waste disposal by landfill. b) Impacts associated with the general aspects regarding waste disposal by landfill c) Define environmental monitoring and auditing. A monitoring plan and audit checklist was compiled from the literature. The status of the Klerksdorp, Orkney, Stilfontein and Potchefstroom landfill sites was assessed through site visits according to the monitoring plan. Compliance was tested to the audit checklist during the site visits. The trend statuses of the landfill sites were determined with regard to the findings of the different environmental audits within the environmental monitoring plan. Areas of non-compliance to the criteria of the environmental audits were identified within the study area. Lastly, recommendations to prevent further environmental despoliation were made.