Qortin Landfill Rehabilitation in Gozo
About this good practice
Rehabilitation and restoration of the Qortin landfill was achieved by the:
- installation of engineered capping to improve control of gas emissions and reduce rainfall infiltration (and thus leachate production);
- control of surface water run-off using a drainage system with attenuation ponds;
- placement of subsoil and topsoil;
-restoration planting;
-ongoing maintenance and irrigation.
Future beneficial use at the Qortin landfill can only be achieved once combustion process (and associated waste settlement) and landfill gas production have reduced to acceptable levels.
The population in the area surrounding Qortin landfill is of over 12,000 and includes a tourism resort and the capital of Gozo. These will benefit from reduced visual disamenity, improved air quality and the future potential to use the site for recreational use.
Expert opinion
From 2030 onward, all materials suitable for recycling will be restricted from ending up in a landfill and thus landfill rehabilitation is a crucial part of the EU’s environmental policy framework, with regulations focused on ensuring that landfills are closed safely and human health and the environment stays protected in the long-term. Landfill sites often pose environmental and health risks, including the contamination of soil, water, and air through leachate (the liquid that drains from a landfill) and methane gas emissions. The goal of landfill rehabilitation is to mitigate these environmental risks, restore the land for safe use, and often convert the site into a beneficial space, such as parks and green areas, as is also shown in this good practice.
Resources needed
Evidence of success
- an improvement in the control of gas emissions;
- a reduction in rainfall infiltration and leachate production;
- control of surface water run-off using a drainage system with attenuation ponds;
- restoration planting using indigenous Maltese species;
- improved visual impact; and
- reduced odour generation.
Potential for learning or transfer
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
WasteServ Malta Ltd.