Integration of rapid impact assessment matrix method and sustainability modeling for management of municipal solid waste transfer stations in cold regions

Abstract

Solid waste transfer stations (SWTS) play an essential role in the municipal waste management system as the interface between the collection and waste transportation to the final disposal. SWTS are often not good conditions in residential areas and may have environmental pollution and public complaints from citizens. Environmental impacts assessment (EIA) is a solution to minimize the environmental impact of SWTS and provide a solution to the urban manager and planners. The rapid impact assessment matrix (RIAM) was conducted in this research to evaluate the impacts of the four various options defined for SWTS in Ardabil city. These options include SWTS in enclosed space and with the construction of green space and without it (option 1 and 2), SWTS in open space with the establishment of green space (option 3), and without the establishment of green space (option 4) (the current condition of the SWTS). For a project to be consistent with sustainability principles, should be considered aspects of sustainability such as social, economic, and environmental. This paper applies a mathematical model of sustainability based on the obtained results from the RIAM analysis to determine whether the options are potentially sustainable or unsustainable and calculate the level and nature of sustainability. By results (option 1), the priority for establishing transfer stations, compared to other options, has the highest score (0.068) regarding sustainability and the adverse environmental impacts. However, the current environmental status of Ardabil SWTS (option 4) has the lowest score (−\u20090.215) was found to be the last priority in the establishment of SWTS.