Initial Environmental Examination: A Feasibility Study and Appropriate Pattern for Solid Waste Operation and Management Project, Salokbat Subdistrict Municipality

Abstract

Since 1997, Salokbat Subdistrict Municipality has managed waste disposal by dumping and burying waste at the municipal landfill in an unsanitary manner. Currently, waste has accumulated to the point where there is no remaining space for further dumping. To address this issue effectively and align with the Ministry of Interior's guidelines for centralized waste disposal, the municipality has initiated a study to evaluate a waste management model that minimizes environmental and public health impacts. The purpose of this research is to conduct an Initial Environmental Examination (IEE): a feasibility study and development of an appropriate model for the operation and management of a solid waste disposal center for Salokbat Subdistrict Municipality. The research methods include the following steps: 1) analyzing preliminary information on resources and current environmental conditions, 2) identifying and selecting alternative environmental models, 3) conducting an initial environmental examination, 4) assessing the initial environmental examination, and 5) proposing measures to prevent, mitigate, and monitor environmental impacts.

The results indicate that Salokbat Municipality can utilize findings from the IEE, which encompass four main factors: 1) physical environmental resources, including terrain, geological conditions, landforms, water sources, air quality, dust, noise, and odor; 2) biological environmental resources, such as aquatic and terrestrial ecology; 3) human use values, including water use, transportation, land use, and community solid waste management; and 4) quality of life values, including social and economic conditions, public and occupational health, and education. The study also outlines measures for impact prevention, correction, and environmental monitoring during the project’s construction and operation across eight environmental factors. The research provides recommendations for mitigating potential issues, such as traffic impacts from construction, land use changes, odors from solid waste, and effects on the livelihoods of local people. These measures aim to support state agencies’ efforts to address these challenges when the project is implemented in the future.