Environmental impact assessment using rapid impact assessment matrix (RIAM) for Russeifa landfill, Jordan.

An environmental impact assessment (EIA) study for the solid waste landfill was prepared for the Russeifa area, northeast Jordan. As landfill was not subjected to sophisticated EIA, serious environmental problems are still occurring, such as groundwater contamination and air pollution. Three alternatives were proposed to rehabilitate the landfill: upgrading the existing landfill, construction of a biogas plant and its relocation. The EIA for the three options was carried out using the rapid impact assessment matrix (RIAM), it applies a consistent and recordable assessment of the importance of the different components. The scoping components included in the RIAM were: physical/chemical, biological/ecological, social/cultural and economic/operational components. The RIAM analysis showed that the least negative impacts would be to relocate to a better-managed sanitary landfill. The most serious negative impacts were the contamination of groundwater, air pollution and public health. These impacts can be mitigated through a comprehensive environmental management plan for the Russeifa landfill to address the deterioration of environmental components in the vicinity of landfill. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]