Qortin Landfill Rehabilitation in Gozo

Qortin landfill with an area of 4.9 ha was operational from 1968 to 2004 and took 0.6 million tonnes of waste (33% municipal/commercial, 39% C&D and 28% industrial waste). In addition to concerns over potential impacts on human health and the environment through landfill fires, landfill gas production and emissions of leachate, Qortin landfill was not compliant with (nor could be made complaint with) the engineering requirements of Directive 1999/31/EC (the Landfill Directive). A strategy for the closure and rehabilitation of this landfill site formed part of the Solid Waste Management Strategy for the Maltese Islands.

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.