Landfill”)...For this proposed Project, a level 4 sanitary landfill (in accordance with “The Technical Guideline for Sanitary Landfill, Design and Operation, August 2006 by the

Executive Summary

DEIA for Proposed Sanitary Landfill at Pagoh, Mukim Jorak, Muar, Johor ES-1

Jabatan Pengurusan Sisa Pepejal Negara

Kementerian Perumahan dan Kerajaan Tempatan

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The Project Proponent for this development is Kementerian Perumahan dan Kerajaan

Tempatan (KPKT), through the Jabatan Pengurusan Sisa Pepejal Negara (JPSPN). The

proposed project involves the construction of a Sanitary Landfill at Pagoh, Mukim Jorak,

Daerah Muar, Johor Darul Ta‟zim (hereinafter referred to as the “Project” or “Sanitary

Landfill”). The proposed landfill will be incorporated with material recovery facilty (MRF)

and is designed with a capacity of 400 tonnes per day of solid waste to serve the District of

Muar.

The proposed Project will be developed in two phases namely Phase 1 and 2. This

Detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (DEIA) report assesses the environmental

impacts from the whole Project area covering both phases. In order to address the urgent need

of new landfill site for District of Muar, the Project Proponent, JPSPN plans to start

construction with Phase 1 first. Hence, JPSPN has appointed design consultant, Engineering

and Environmental Consultants Sdn Bhd (EEC) to provide detail design for Phase 1.

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) through the Bureau of Innovation and

Consultancy has been appointed by JPSPN to undertake the DEIA study with respect to the

proposed development of Sanitary Landfill.

2.0 TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR)

The TOR for this DEIA study was presented to Department of Environment (DOE)

Putrajaya on 4th

May 2010 and approved on 29th

June 2010.

3.0 LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS

The construction of Sanitary Landfill is a Prescribed Activity under Item 18 (b) (iv) of

the Environmental Quality (Prescribed Activities) (Environmental Impact Assessment)

Order, 1987 made under Section 34 A of the Environmental Quality Act.

18. WASTE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL

(b) Municipal Solid Waste -

(iv) Construction of municipal solid waste landfill facility

Hence, a DEIA study is required to be conducted for this Project and the report to be

submitted and approved by the Director General before any development can take place

[Section 34A, Environmental Quality Act (Act 127), 1974].

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4.0 STATEMENT OF NEEDS

Currently Bukit Bakri landfill is serving the District of Muar but the landfill has

exceeded its full capacity. In addition, some parts of Batu Pahat also send their wastes to

Bukit Bakri landfill.

Bukit Bakri is an unsanitary landfill and open dumping has caused environmental

problems such as unpleasant view, bad odour, leachate contamination of the receiving

streams and groundwater, proliferation of flies and other pests that may lead to public health

issues, increase in the number of scavenging birds and fire hazards due to improper

management of methane gas. Recently, these environmental problems have led to complaints

from nearby residents.

The proposed Sanitary Landfill at Pagoh, Mukim Jorak, Muar is critically needed for

the following reasons:-

i. To cater the increasing volume of wastes from Muar District due to rapid

growth in population and waste generation;

ii. The existing Bukit Bakri landfill site has exceeded its full capacity and is due

to close on July 2011;

iii. To recover material from waste which is in line with Malaysia‟s recycling

target of 20% by 2020;

iv. In line with the national commitment to protect the environment, safeguard

public health and provide high quality of life to the local population;

v. To ensure that wastes are appropriately disposed without compromise to the

environment and health;

vi. To reduce or even eliminate problems normally encountered in unsanitary

landfill or dumpsites;

vii. To fulfill future and long term planning needs for solid wastes disposal; and

viii. To counter the rising cost of environmental remediation

5.0 PROJECT OPTIONS

5.1 Project Options

The available project options can be classified as follows:-

a) Option 1: The proposed project (i.e. sanitary landfill)

In Rancangan Tempatan Daerah Muar (2002-2015), a sanitary landfill has been

planned due to the closure of the existing Bukit Bakri landfill.

b) Option 2: Other waste management options such as incineration, composting

and recycling

Executive Summary




Currently, the incineration method is not considered as the preferred option of waste

disposal solution based on budgetary, time constraint, capital cost and labour cost.

Composting does not completely solve waste disposal issue because not all types of waste

can undergo this treatment. It requires effective segregation of the organic fraction from

waste. In addition, the market for compost products is not very encouraging in Malaysia due

to the issues mentioned above. Similar with composting, recycling and reuse are not

applicable to all types of waste. Their function is more to reduce the volume of wastes that

goes to disposal site. It should be noted that recycling is a part of the proposed Project

(Option 1). It is expected about 10% of waste that will be dumped at the proposed Project can

be recycled.

Nevertheless, it should be noted that these waste management options of incinerator,

composting and recycling are treatment method that still require landfill for final disposal of

residual waste. Integrated waste management facility that includes waste treatment facilities

and final disposal facility at landfill should be the preferred option when time and budget

permit. Construction of this proposed landfill does not prohibit the addition of other treatment

facility later.

c) Option 3: No project option

Under the „No Project‟ or „do nothing‟ option, the sanitary landfill will not be

constructed and there will be no place to dispose the increasing waste volume. Based on the

current situation of the existing landfill which has exceeded its full capacity, the extended

lifespan will cause adverse impacts to the environment.

Of the three options discussed above, Option 1 is considered as the most suitable

Project option.

5.2 Process Options

5.2.1 Categories of landfill site

Landfill sites are categorized according to the levels such as follows:-

a) Level 0: Open dumping

b) Level 1: Controlled tipping

c) Level 2: Sanitary landfill with a bund and daily cover

d) Level 3: Sanitary landfill with leachate recirculation

e) Level 4: Sanitary landfill with leachate treatment

For this proposed Project, a level 4 sanitary landfill (in accordance with “The

Technical Guideline for Sanitary Landfill, Design and Operation, August 2006 by the

Department of Local Government, Ministry of Housing and Local Government) is required to

be provided.

Executive Summary




5.2.2 Categories of landfill structure

Landfill sites are also categorised according to their structure such as follows:-

a) Anaerobic landfill

b) Anaerobic sanitary landfill

c) Improved anaerobic sanitary landfill

d) Semi-aerobic landfill

e) Aerobic landfill

For this proposed Project, semi-aerobic landfill structure is chosen to be implemented.

This is one of the methods considered most suitable for landfills in Malaysia as proposed in

“The Technical Guideline for Sanitary Landfill, Design and Operation, August 2006 by the

Department of Local Government, Ministry of Housing and Local Government”. Besides,

there is advantage where the generated leachate has lower organic content because air

ingression in the dump waste allows faster decomposition process. In addition, waste

stabilisation can be achieved faster.

5.2.3 Types of Cell Construction

There are three common methods of cell construction which are valley method, cell

method and open dumping method. For this proposed Project, cell method is chosen to be

implemented by considering its environmental benefits. In cell method, each cell is an

independent filling area, hence each cell acts as a fire breaker. Cell method also prevents the

solid wastes from being scattered, emission of bad odours and harmful vectors from breeding.

5.3 Site Evaluation

The proposed Project at Lot 354, Pagoh, Mukim Jorak, Daerah Muar, Johor has been

proposed by Muar Municipal Council since 2002 and gazetted in the Rancangan Tempatan

Daerah (RTD) Muar 2002-2015. The evaluation of the site according to the site criteria is

presented in Table ES-1.

Table ES-1: Site Evaluation for the Proposed Sanitary Landfill

Site Criteria Justification

Haul Distance - The proposed sanitary landfill is located within the

District of Muar.

Location Restriction - It is recommended by Majlis Perbandaran Muar, hence

there is no restriction from local authority.

- No land acquisition. Hence, socio-economic problem

due to relocation can be avoided.

Available Land Use - The identified land area on Lot 354 is about 60.298

hectares.

- The developed landfill facility within this land area is

capable to cater 400 tonnes per day of solid wastes for

more than 8 years.

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Site Criteria Justification

Site Access - It is accessible via one of the main interchanges on the

North-South Expressway (Exit 238) and two other main

roads, i.e. Jalan Muar-Labis (J32) and Jalan Pagoh-Parit

Sulong (J23).

Location Environmental

Conditions

- The area is already been disturbed and no significant

loss in term of commercial opportunity and natural

resources such as timber or forest value.

- Sufficient distance from water intake point and there is

no aesthetic or historical places identified.

- Buffer zone is sufficient, where the nearest residential

area Kg. Tanah Merah is located about 2.2 km from the

proposed site.

- Ex-iron ore mining area, no deforest activity required.

- Gradient less than 15°, hence slope hazard is not

anticipated.

6.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS

6.1 Project Location

The proposed Project is to be located on Lot 354, an area of 60.298 hectares, in

Mukim Jorak, Muar, Johor. The site is located approximately 12 km from the town of Pagoh

and 39 km from the town of Muar. It is accessible via one of the main interchanges on the

North-South Expressway (Exit 238), the major expressway on the west coast of Peninsular

Malaysia. It can also be accessed from two main roads, i.e. Jalan Muar-Labis (J32) and Jalan

Pagoh-Parit Sulong (J23).

The site is an ex-iron mining area where there are various sizes and depth of remnant

ponds over the scarred land typical of ex-mining areas. Except for Pagoh and Parit Sulong

which are the two main small towns, the surrounding area is basically an agriculture area,

where oil palm is the main agricultural product. The area is also famous for its poultry

(chickens and ducks) farms, vegetables farms, domestication of other livestocks, buffalo

grazing fields and other related agricultural activities.

6.2 Conceptual Design

6.2.1 General Concept

A Level 4 Sanitary Landfill with a capacity of 400 tonnes per day of solid wastes (in

accordance with “The Technical Guideline for Sanitary Landfill, Design and Operation -

August 2006 by the Department of Local Government, Ministry of Housing and Local

Government” is required to be provided. Such a landfill will have the following:-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pagoh_Interchange

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North-South_Expressway,_Malaysia

http://ms.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalan_Muar-Labis

http://ms.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jalan_Pagoh-Parit_Sulong&action=edit&redlink=1


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pagoh_Interchange

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North-South_Expressway,_Malaysia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peninsular_Malaysia



http://ms.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalan_Muar-Labis




Executive Summary




a) All-weather access road

b) Temporary sedimentation ponds

c) Containment bunds

d) Surface and perimeter drainage system

e) Composite bottom liner system

f) Leachate collection, recirculation and treatment system

g) Gas collection venting and flaring/ utilisation system

h) Daily and final cover system

i) Ground water monitoring facilities

j) Site staff office amenities

k) Litter control facilities

l) Provision of buffer zone

Other facilities to be provided include:-

a) Material sorting and recovery facility

b) Weighbridge and bridge-house

c) Wheel wash troughs

d) Fencing, gates and guard-house

e) Parking area for landfill equipment

f) Utility and services

The landfill shall also be designed to be semi-aerobic. This is one of the methods

considered most suitable for landfills in Malaysia as proposed in the above guideline.

6.2.2 Cell Development

The cell shall be developed in two phases. Phase 1 consists of two cells with operating

period of 5 years. Cell no.1 will be located at the south east of the site while the south west of

the site which is hilly area will be excavated and developed as Cell no.2. Hence, the low area

will not be disturbed. The reasons of having this cell arrangement are as follows:-

a) To retain the pond area to minimise disturbances to the drainage system

b) The pond is used as stormwater retention pond which can mitigate the flooding

problem. The pond is also used as holding pond for the treated leachate prior to

discharge into the river system. This system allows further reduction of pollutant

concentration discharged into the environment by dilution effect with the water

retained in the pond.

c) The pond also allows discharge of treated leachate to be regulated especially

during low flow period which normally has higher impact from leachate

discharged. It is expected that there will be a minimum discharge into river system

during low flow (dry season). During dry season, most of the leachate can be

recirculated into the landfill and only excess treated leachate could be stored

inside the retention pond. Water from the pond will be released during the raining

period together with the collected stormwater that results in low impact of

Executive Summary




pollutant to the receiving river due to the dilution effect of stormwater and high

flow of the river.

Phase 2 with Cell no.3 will have operating period of 3 and half years.

6.3 Construction phase: Landfill Development

6.3.1 Construction Activities

During site preparation, the activities anticipated are site clearing, cut and fill works,

excavation, cell preparation, construction of access road to the proposed site and approach

road, construction of earth drain, berms and bunds along the perimeter of the facility and

perimeter fencing.

6.3.2 Access Road and Internal Service Road

The access road to the proposed Sanitary Landfill is about 1.025 km long. Initially the

access road will traverse Lots 4081, 4083 and 5482 (i.e. the existing access road). However,

re-alignment is carried out to avoid socio-economic problem (i.e. land acquisition) where the

access road will only traverse Lot 5482 and small part of Lot 4081. The service road extends

about 750 m into the proposed Sanitary Landfill facility.

6.3.3 Leachate Management System

Leachate management system for the proposed Project includes surface water

management, landfill liner and leachate collection system, leachate recirculation and leachate

treatment.

Surface water management

All the surface runoff shall be collected by the building drains and the proposed storm

water retention pond, which finally will be discharged into Sg. Pagoh.

Landfill liner and leachate collection system

It is recommended to use Geosynthetic Clay Liners (GCL) as landfill base to prevent

the escape of contaminants from landfilled waste into underlying soils. High-Density Poly

Ethylene (HDPE) will be used as liners material which is acknowledged as being one of the

most appropriate products for lining bottoms and slopes in landfills. According to US EPA 40

CFR Part 258 Subpart D, HDPE thickness should be at least 1.5 mm.

The drainage layer will be 500 mm thick (The Technical Guideline for Sanitary

Landfill, Design and Operation, August 2006) and will be made of rounded gravel of 20 mm

single size. Gravel will be spread carefully so as not to damage the liner.

The leachate collected from landfill will be drained by gravity to an Inlet Pump

Station. The inlet pump station will be equipped with a coarse mechanical screen with a 25

mm gap. The pumps will deliver the leachate to a Balancing Tank with capacity of 7 days.

Executive Summary




Leachate recirculation

Some of the leachate collected in the Balancing Tank will be recirculated to landfill.

The benefits of leachate recirculation are reduction of organic content in leachate and

increase in recovery of landfill gas and waste stabilization rate. In addition, recirculation

reduces the pH of leachate and also reduces release of heavy metals.

Leachate treatment

Leachate in Balancing Tank will be channeled to leachate treatment plant. One

potential treatment system is sequencing batch reactor (SBR) followed by activated carbon.

Subsequently, the effluent is channeled to retention pond before discharge into wetland which

further flows to Sg. Pagoh.

It has been identified that wetland plants like Typha angustifolia, Scirpus juncoides

and Eleocharis dulcis, among many others, are good water purifier. For instance, Bukit Tagar

Sanitary Landfill purposely constructs wetland (i.e. reed bed) as final polishing step in its

leachate treatment system. Records of existing flora show that Eleocharis dulcis grows at the

wetland of the Project site.

6.3.4 Landfill Gas Management

Gas venting facility will be constructed at the same time as the landfilling works

progress. Gas vent will be constructed after giving due consideration to the gas flow. In most

cases, gas migrates along the slopes around the landfill site or along landfill layers. Thus, the

gas venting pipe positioned along the landfill slopes would be able to collect the generated

gases effectively. The gas will be flared once the gas generated is of sufficient amount.

6.3.5 Material Recovery Facility

The Material Recovery Facility (MRF) to be provided at the proposed Project will be

a covered facility consisting of two parts. One will be used for receiving the already sorted

waste (from collection crews) and storing in appropriate bins before being hauled for sale/

disposal and another will have a simple conveyor for sorting of co-mingled wastes obtained

from recycling bins and targeted dump trucks such as from paper or plastic industries. The

recovered materials will be sent for further processing at other recycling facilities.

6.3.6 Site Amenities

Site amenities at the proposed Sanitary Landfill will include administration building,

truck weighing scale system and truck washing facility.

6.4 Operation phase: Landfill Operation

6.4.1 Waste transportation route

Collected waste will be transported to the proposed Sanitary Landfill site using

federal road. Two options of waste transportation route to the site are as follows:-

Executive Summary




Option 1

Muar – Jalan Pagoh-Muar (J32) – Intersection Muar/Paya Redan – Jalan Pagoh-Parit

Sulong (J23) – proposed Sanitary Landfill site

Option 2

Muar – Jalan Bakri (J24) – Jalan Parit Sulong-Muar (J24) – Intersection Kangkar

Senanggar/Batu Pahat – Jalan Pagoh (J23) – proposed Sanitary Landfill site

6.4.2 Waste acceptance criteria

The proposed Sanitary Landfill is only allowed to receive controlled solid waste as

defined in Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007 (Act 672) Part I:

PRELIMINARY (Interpretation).

6.4.3 Landfilling activities

Landfilling process includes activities such as delivery of waste into the landfill site,

record of waste quantity, inspection of incoming waste, spreading and compaction and

applying daily cover and final cover soil. The cover soil will be taken from on-site. It has

been identified that the available cover soil at Project site is sufficient for Phase 1 and 2.

6.5 Landfill Closure

The components of landfill closure are as follows:-

a) Final cover and landscape design

b) Surface water and drainage control sysytem

c) Control of landfill gas

d) Control and treatment of leachate

e) Control of land subsidence

f) Environmental monitoring system

6.6 Post Closure Management

The Project Proponent will be responsible for post closure management of the

proposed Sanitary Landfill. Post closure management involves routine inspection,

infrastructure maintainence and post closure land use plan. At the proposed Sanitary Landfill,

turning the area into a green area or park is considered the best option. Some restoration

works will be done as the operation progresses and will be completed when the site closes.

The vegetation grown is normally grass but trees can also be grown. However, the selection

of the trees will have to be done carefully so as not to perforate the watertight coverings.

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7.0 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT

7.1 Physical Environment

7.1.1 Topography

Generally, most of the Project area is low-lying with ground elevation below 20 m.

The only exceptions are to the eastern and northeastern regions which rise to more than 100

m above mean sea level. Most of the lowlands are connected to swampy and water-logged

areas, especially to the west, north-west and south-west. The main drainage of the area is Sg.

Pagoh, which flows northwesterly into Sg. Muar.

The Project site is situated in the undulating areas with an average ground level of

+9.7 reference level (RL). The highest level is at the north of the site, 35.838 m RL and the

lowest level is at the bottom of the existing pond with -26.116 m RL. Most of the site is

situated on the old iron ore mine. There are seven existing ex-mining ponds within the

boundary of the site where the levels at the bottom varies from -26.116 m RL to 14.107 m

RL.

7.1.2 Geology and Geotechnical

Nine boreholes were performed by Kumpulan Ikram Sdn Bhd at the Project site in

order to examine the up-to-down profile of soil and bedrock properties.

7.1.2.1 Geological Condition of the proposed Sanitary Landfill site

Based on observation at the site, the bedrock has undergone severe weathering

process and become completely weathered leaving a very thick sedimentary residual soil

which varies from silty clay to silty sand.

The bedrock of the site consists of sedimentary rocks. It mainly consists of shale with

beds of sandstone and siltstone. The shale is light to reddish brown in color, very stiff, and

medium to fine grained.

7.1.2.2 Soil Characteristics

Based on the boreholes carried out at the proposed Sanitary Landfill site, the

subsurface soil stratification can be subdivided into four layers as follows:-

i) The top layer: Soft Sandy CLAY/SILT with thickness of 3 m

ii) Second layer: Firm to Stiff Sandy SILT with thickness of 6.0 m

iii) Third layer: Very Stiff to Hard Sandy SILT with thickness of 13.5 m

iv) Fourth layer: Hard SILT with thickness of 27.0 m

The sub-soil was found to have hydraulic conductivity greater than 10-7

cm/s. Hence, a

liner should be used to prevent infiltration of leachate into the ground.

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7.1.3 Hydrogeology

7.1.3.1 Groundwater flow and usage

Groundwater flow in the vicinity of the development is generally westerly or

southwest towards the sea. No groundwater extraction bores are located within the site.

7.1.3.2 Groundwater Quality

Groundwater sampling was carried out at five groundwater sampling stations. The

results of analysis are compared with Malaysia National Guidelines for Raw Drinking Water

Quality. All the tested parameters are below benchmark values except for selenium, iron and

manganese.

7.1.4 Surface Water Hydrology

The Project site lies within Sg. Pagoh catchment area which is part of Muar River

Basin. Sg. Pagoh catchment has an area of about 17 km2 and has numerous tributaries before

flowing toward Sg. Muar. Sg Pagoh meanders and flows for about 16 km before reaching Sg.

Muar. The major land use within Sg. Pagoh catchment include traditional villages, fields,

bushes and shrubs, oil palm rubber plantations and ex-mining ponds.

A large portion of the Muar River Basin is located within the rural areas dominated

by natural forests, fields, and swamps. Meanwhile, the largely populated area made up towns

and cities such as Muar, Segamat, Labis, Gemas, and Kuala Pilah. There were many forest

areas that had been cleared for agriculture since the 1970‟s due to the FELDA and KEJORA

development program, especially at the upstream area of Sg. Muar such as Sg. Palong and

Juasseh catchment area. The changing of land use from forest to agriculture and development

areas causes an increase of peak flow and volume in surface runoff water.

Muar River Basin receives an annual rainfall average of approximately 1900 mm.

The lowest value of average annual rainfall is recorded at Kuala Pilah (1600 mm), while the

largest is at around Labis (2500 mm). There are three stream flow gauging stations within

Muar River Basin located at Buluh Kasap, Jln Gemas, and Sg. Segamat. The annual average

flow rate observed at the gauging station in Buloh Kasap is approximately 47 m3/s.

7.1.5 River Water

7.1.5.1 River System

The main river, a tributary of Sg. Muar, that drains the proposed Project site is Sg.

Pagoh, which begins from the Ma‟Okil Range about 4 km from the Pagoh Rest Area of the

North-South Highway. The stream that directly drains the Project site is Sg. Air Hitam.

Sg. Muar is an important water resource for both the states of Johor and Melaka.

There are three water intakes upstream of the confluence of Sg. Pagoh and Sg. Muar. Two of

it is water intake for local usage operated by Syarikat Air Johor at Gersik and Panchor 4.

Another one is water intake at Hujung Tambak, where raw water is pumped to Melaka as the

state is water resource-poor. Although the location of the water intake is upstream of the

Executive Summary




confluence of Sg. Pagoh with Sg. Muar, tidal influence would push water from Sg. Pagoh

upstream. In addition, there are two water intakes downstream the confluence which are

Panchor 1 and Panchor 2.

7.1.5.2 River Water Quality

The water samplings were carried out at six sampling locations. The analysis results

indicate the river water is relatively clean except for the total suspended solids (TSS) in the

lower portions of Sg. Pagoh and in Sg. Muar itself. This is probably due to the agricultural

and other land clearing activities within the watershed.

7.1.6 Ambient Air Quality

Sampling was conducted at three locations such as follows:

a) Within Project site

b) Kg Tanah Merah (2.2 km from Project site)

c) Kg Muda Jaya (3.7 km from Project site)

The monitored air pollutants were total suspended particulate (TSP), particulate

matters less than 10 μm (PM10), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), sulphur

dioxide (SO2), hydrogen sulphide (H2S), total volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and

nitrogen dioxide (NO2). The analysis results show that all pollutants are well below the

stipulated limits.

7.1.7 Noise and Vibration Level

Noise and vibration measurements were carried out at locations similar to air

sampling. With the existence of Pagoh-Parit Sulong road in Kg. Tanah Merah, the PLUS

expressway nearby Kg. Muda Jaya, and with medium housing density at both villages, it can

be concluded that the baseline noise level during day-time (DT) and night-time (NT) at all

measured locations are within the DOE‟s limit of Maximum Permissible Allowable Sound

Level. The limits are 55 dBA for DT and 45 dBA for NT with permissible ±3 dBA (Annex

A: Schedule 1 and Schedule 3 in The Planning Guidelines for Environmental Noise Limits

and Control of DOE).

As for vibration, it has been found that the levels were quite low ranging from 0.14

mm/s to 1.12 mm/s peak velocity. These results are well below the limit specified in the DOE

guidelines, which is 3.0 mm/s peak.

7.2 Biological Environment

7.2.1 Terrestrial Flora and Fauna

The Project site is an already disturbed land and could be divided into two broad

categories of habitat-types such as follows:-

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a) Wetland type comprising ex-mining ponds and small lakes with typical marginal of

mainly Eleocharis dulcis.

b) Fringe-vegetation of Nepenthes-Gleichaena-Ploarium –Scleria association and the

spragse and varied scattered colonization by a mish-mash of common shrubberies and

roadside weeds with a few medium-sized trees of Alstonia and Vitex pinnata present.

The site is hemmed in by oil palm smallholdings of various ages and sizes on the

north, east and west fringes. Interspersed are small plots of orchards, mainly planted with

durians, some jambu air, bananas, lime, papaya, duku langsat and small or single stands of

other fruit species like nangka and cempedak. On the south and northern flanks are the Air

Hitam Forest Reserve, with signs that part of it having been already logged with little of the

natural forest standing while at the northern flank, clearing of the swamp forest was noted to

be in progress during the site visits.

From the site, 51 species from 34 families of plants were recorded. None of these are

listed under any category of being under threat or endangered of facing extinction. There

were also 13 species from 10 families of birds recorded. The total number of bird species is

rather low and could be attributed to an unattractive habitat. In addition, three larger

mammals were recorded. Tapirs and Eurasian pig were recorded based on tracks while

squirrels were found to be common.

7.2.2 Stream Ecology

A total of 5 sampling stations were established covering the ex-mining ponds at the

Project site and also at streams located within 5 km of the site. The dominant fish family in

the study area is the family Cyprinidae. Fish population was higher at the tributary of Sg

Pagoh located nearly 5 km away from the Project site. The other river systems near the site

are poor in terms of fish population and diversity.

Despite being a significant waterbody area, the ex-mining ponds at the Project site

have poor fish population. Water quality, disturbed land use conditions and human activities

may be the main factors affecting fish population and species diversity in the river systems of

the study area

7.3 Socio-Economic and Human Environment

7.3.1 Socio-economic

The Project site is located within Mukim Jorak/Pagoh which is one of 18 suburbs in

Muar District. The size of the whole area of Mukim Jorak is estimated around 24,576 hectare.

Total population of Mukim Jorak/Pagoh is 17,548 peoples. Majority is Malay (49.4%),

followed by Chinese (35.8%), Indian (12.5%), and others (2.3%).

In general finding indicates that large area of reserved land, plantation land, farms and

some mixed development falls within 5 km of the proposed Sanitary Landfill site.

Traditional villages within 5 km of the Project site are Kg. Tanah Merah, Kg. Lubuk Bakul,

Kg. Muda Jaya, Kg. Tambak Dapor and Kg. Sri Makmor. Meanwhile, the traditional villages

Executive Summary




that are located about 6-8 km away from the Project site are Kg. Panjang Sari and Kg. Sari

Baru. The housing development is basically in Pagoh which is the nearest town from Project

site. There are five housing estates, which are Taman Dato Abd Rahman Mahmod, Taman Sri

Takdir, Taman Pagoh Jaya, Taman Sri Pagoh and Taman Pagoh Indah.

Based on survey, about 24.6% of the respondents are aware of the proposed Project,

while 76.6% respondents are not aware of the Project. In term of the perception on the impact

from the proposed Project, about 50% respondent perceived that the landfill would have no

effect on them, 35.5% agreed that the existence of the landfill would have some negative

impacts upon them, especially their health while 14.5% was not sure of its impact.

At present, the respondents are facing problem with abundant of houseflies, rats and

mosquitoes. It is initially guessed that the houseflies‟ problem is due to the existence of

several poultry farms in Pagoh. However, further investigation shows that it is actually due to

the usage of manure as fertilizer in agriculture activities.

There are a few proposed developments in the vicinity of the Project site. First is the

Kg. Tambak Dapor which will be developed as an agro tourism centre, in order to support a

proposed homestay project in Batu 28, Lengan, Muar. An allocation of RM 2 million has

been allocated for electricity and water supply in that area. Another area is Kg. Paya Kopi

which is located about 3 km from the Project site. It is now basically a grazing field which

will be developed into kampung tersusun where each participant in the project will be given 1

acre of land. About 600 participants are likely to join the project. It should be noted that the

development is not for residential, but for agricultural lot.

7.3.2 Existing Traffic Pattern

The Project site is located approximately 12 km from Pagoh and 39 km from Muar.

Access to the site is via Jalan Pagoh–Parit Sulong (J23) which is accessible from North–

South Highway (Exit 238) and from Jalan Muar–Labis (J32).

The traffic study involves one major road section (Jalan Pagoh–Parit Sulong, J23) and

two (2) intersections that are most likely to be affected, in terms of performance, by the

proposed Sanitary Landfill. The studied intersections are Muar/Paya Redan/J23 (J1) and

Kangkar Senanggar/Batu Pahat/J23 (J2).

In general, the hourly traffic along the major road section is reasonably low and the

variation of traffic flow does not indicate distinct peak hour periods. The average peak–hour

traffic compositions for the roadway indicates that vehicles categorised as light vehicles (i.e.

cars, light vans/utilities) are the major type of vehicles in the traffic stream.

The characteristics of traffic flow at each of the studied intersections are similar to

that of the roadway traffic. The flow at J1 is relatively higher than that of J2 since J1 is

located nearer to Pagoh town. Similar to roadway traffic characteristics, light vehicles

majored the traffic stream.

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Road capacity analysis indicates that the average operating level of service (LOS) for

the major road section is D, which indicates an acceptable performance. For intersections, the

analysis indicates that during morning and evening peak–periods, the stop–signed

intersection J1 is at present operating at poor LOS F. This poor LOS is influenced by the long

delay experienced by drivers on the minor approach. On the other hand, the stop–signed

intersection J2 is at present operating at a good LOS A.

In addition, the average travel time of the dump truck from collection point in Muar to

the proposed Sanitary Landfill site was also determined. The journey from Muar via Pagoh

(J1) takes about 1 hour and from Muar via Bakri and Kangkar Senanggar (J2) is about 1 hour

15 minutes.

7.3.3 Public Health

The health survey is the house to house survey conducted among populations in the

five villages residing within 5 km of the proposed site. An Orang Asli village (a Jakun‟s

tribe), Kg. Tambak Dapor was included in the survey as a special group of concerned.

The community concerns regarding the proposed Project were indicated by their

concerns on the pollution that they perceived the proposed landfill development might pose

such as water contamination, air pollution, foul odour and insects and rodents infestations

from the Project site. In term of the vectors population that may give rise to their health

problems, they anticipated that the mosquitoes and houseflies are their main issues. Due to

these concerns, a total of 75% of the respondents do not agree with the proposed Project.

7.3.3.1 Vector disease

It is found that the study area has risks to Japanese Encephalitis (JE) since the vectors

to the disease are found in almost all villages. They will get benefit from the proposed landfill

as it will serve as the habitat for Culex larvae especially for Cx. Gelidus and Cx.

tritaeniorhynchus, since they breed in highly organic water, a side product from leachate. It

will proliferate the Culex spp. population mentioned above.

Three locations were selected in order to determine the flies‟ density in the

surrounding area; 1) proposed Project site itself (0 km radius – center point), 2) Kg. Tanah

Merah (2 km radius from the center point) and 3) Kg. Sri Makmor (which is approximately 5

km radius from the center point). It is suggested from the study that the sampling area was

highly abundant with flies, perhaps due to the active agricultural activities taking place.

7.3.3.2 Zoonotic disease

A total of 49 small mammals‟ traps were set at the three sites to detect the presence of

small mammals which indicated 10.2% of success rate. A total of five rodents were trapped;

3 were Rattus tiomanicus, 1 Mus musculus and 1 Rattus exulans. The method employed was

non-invasive as the rodents were released back to the wild after identification. A 10.2%

success rate could be considered for moderately present in term of small mammals abundance

in the area.

Executive Summary




8.0 POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT, RECOMMENDED

MITIGATING MEASURES AND RESIDUAL IMPACTS

This section presents the potential impacts and the corresponding mitigating measures

on the various physical, biological and social components of the environment. The potential

impacts and the corresponding mitigating measures for Project activities during pre-

construction, construction, operational and closure phase are summarized in Table ES-3.


8.1.1 Geology and Geotechnical

8.1.1.1 Potential Impacts

The proposed Project might cause soil erosion during construction and operation

stage. The Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) was used to estimate soil losses from

rainfall and runoff. The average soil erosion loss at the Project site for different scenarios is

as follows:

a) Before construction (i.e. existing condition) = 36.70 tonnes/ha/year

b) During construction (i.e. worst-case scenario) = 183.51 tonnes/ha/year

In addition, the proposed Project may also cause landslide occurrence. Slope

instability usually occurs during heavy rainfall because water acts as destabilizing agent. The

potential for slope failure at the site is considered low as the site is considered relatively flat.

Therefore it can be concluded that the natural terrain and slope conditions at the proposed site

is not a geohazard area. However, landfill activities such as tipping of waste, compaction of

waste and application of daily cover can cause slope failure.

8.1.1.2 Proposed Mitigating Measures

In order to minimize the impacts of soil erosion and sedimentation from the proposed

Project, Erosion and Sediment Control Procedure (ESCP) will be implemented. In addition,

the following mitigating measures are proposed:-

a) Regulating the phases of construction

b) Reduction of working area

c) Maintenance of buffer strip

d) Covering bare slopes

e) Compaction of earthfill

f) Control of earthworks

To preserve the stability of the landfill slopes, fill slope of 1:3 (i.e. vertical to

horizontal) is used for solid waste to ensure slope stability and to prevent slope failure of the

filled mass of solid waste. In addition, slope stability factor should be at least 1.5. Suitable

surface drainage systems shall be installed, such as berms and drains, on the slopes to ensure

Executive Summary




there is proper drainage for surface run-off within the landfill. Regular inspection of slope

conditions should be carried out especially after heavy rainfall to detect any sign of newly

developed source of instability (e.g. tension cracks, toe undermining, gully erosions, etc.).

8.1.2 Groundwater Quality


Cell preparation involving excavation work will cause some contaminated

groundwater. The excavation work with average of approximately 5 m deep will invariably

puncture through the unconfined layer of the groundwater table. Hence, there is a need to

drain and contain the surface and groundwater that is pumped out to a retention pond prior to

lining of cells. This will ensure settlement of the sediments and reduce pollution in the river

system.

Since the proposed Project will be developed as an engineered sanitary landfill

equipped with liner, leachate collection and treatment facilities, the possibility of

groundwater contamination by leachate is generally absent. Groundwater contamination can

only occur if the liners are punctured. If this occurs, there will be repercussions on

groundwater quality.

Groundwater modeling shows that the groundwater flow direction is generally to

westerly or southwest towards the sea. In addition, modeling simulation results show that the

movement of contaminants in unconfined and semi-confined aquifer is slow due to very low

soil permeability. Hence, the potential impact to groundwater quality due to the operation of

the proposed Sanitary Landfill is very low.


The water resource affected by the soil and earthwork operations can be overcome

through the use of drains, silt ponds and vegetation cover. Erosion and subsequent siltation

should be confined within the site thus impact on water quality is expected to be minor. In

addition, site stormwater should be treated according to Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

(MPCA) requirements before release and infiltrated water would be stripped of any

remaining sediment by passage through the soil.

Groundwater contamination by leachate can be mitigated by adequately designed and

professionally installed liner system. Incorporation of double protection liners in the design

of the proposed Sanitary Landfill will prevent leachate from entering the soil and

groundwater beneath the landfill. The base lining is geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) with

High-Density Poly Ethylene (HDPE) on top of it. In addition, periodic monitoring of the

groundwater quality from the established groundwater wells outside the Project site can

detect any infiltration from the landfill site. Currently, there is no groundwater utilisation in

the vicinity of Project site.

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8.1.3 Ambient Air Quality and Odour


The proposed Project might cause generation of air pollutants such as follows:-

a) Generation of odour from the solids wastes (and its leachate) being transported by

compactor trucks to the landfill including the potential leakages / spillages of

leachate on the roads from the compactor trucks;

b) Generation of odour from the leachate treatment plant; and

c) Generation of landfill gases from the decomposition of organic wastes within the

landfill (i.e. CO2 (aerobic) and methane (anaerobic)) and trace landfill gas such as

hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and ammonia (NH3).

Based on the estimated CO2 and CH4 generation rates using waste data of the existing

Bukit Bakri landfill, the total estimated 100-year global warming potential (GWP) is 477,192

metric tonnes per year of CO2 equivalent.

To determine the dispersion of odour from the proposed Sanitary Landfill during its

operational phase, an odour sampling exercise was conducted at the existing Bukit Bakri

Landfill. It was found that within the premises of the landfill, odour level as indicated by the

concentration of H2S had exceeded the odour threshold of 24-hour exposure by WHO.

However, at approximately 400 m downwind of the landfill the odour level had reduced to

the level within the lower limit of minimum human detectable level. Further downwind i.e.

approximately 940 m the odour level had reduced to undetected level.

Measurements were also conducted for NH3 at similar locations. The measurement

results showed that NH3 levels were very low and below the detection limit ( 0.02 mg/m3) of

air sampled at all four locations. Based on this finding, the propagation of NH3 levels to the

surrounding environment are not expected to be an issue for the proposed Sanitary Landfill.

It is important to note here that the H2S levels measured as indicator in this sampling

exercise represents the worst case scenario in relation to the operation of the proposed

Sanitary Landfill. The proposed landfill, with daily soil cover and proper leachate collection

and treatment system, will never give rise to the odour levels as measured in this sampling

exercise at Bakri Landfill. The proposed Sanitary Landfill adopted the concept of „control at

source‟ whereby the odour levels will be suppressed to the minimum level possible via daily

soil cover to prevent the odour from propagating to the surroundings.


The following measures are recommended to be carried out to prevent the air quality

and odour impact from the operation of the proposed Sanitary Landfill:-

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Design Stage

a) The landfill is designed as a semi-aerobic landfill. Semi-aerobic landfill results in less

methane gas generation (in the region of 50% reduction) compared to anaerobic

landfill. Methane has higher global warming potential (25 times higher) than carbon

dioxide.

b) The reduction in methane generation give rise to drastic reductions in the number of

fire and explosion accidents due to methane gas generated from landfill sites.

Operational Stage

a) Providing monitoring stations for parameters of hydrogen sulphide at areas whereby

potential exposure might occur, such as at nearest residential area (Kg. Tanah Merah

located 2.2 km southeast of the landfill site).

b) Develop a reponse plan based on measured hydrogen sulphide concentrations.

c) Ensuring proper application of daily cover, operation of garbage trucks, landfill gas

collection and venting and also leachate treatment plant.

8.1.4 Noise and Vibration

The noise impacts are only significant to the workers at the Project site. The highest

predicted noise level is 109 dBA during construction and 114 dBA during operational phase

(i.e. from bulldozer, excavator, grader and truck haulage). Hence, workers should be provided

with hearing protection. In addition, heavy machineries and equipment should be lubed and

maintained regularly.

Operation of equipment for earth moving, material handling and site impacting will

produce ground borne vibration. Scheduling operation of these units should be carried out so

that they will not be operating at the same time.

There is no significant noise impact to the nearest residential areas as they are located

at distance where the noise levels are below permissible limits. As for vibration, there is also

no significant impact being identified.

8.2 Hydrology

8.2.1 Surface Water Hydrology

8.2.1.1 Potential impacts

Two potential impacts from the proposed Project are as follows:-

a) Effluent loading during low flow

b) Flooding issue

Result of low flow study shows that the amount of effluent from the proposed

Sanitary Landfill that could be absorbed is small as the minimum flow during critical period

is very low.

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Based on hydrological modeling, it is found that post-development peak flow at the

outlet is higher than pre-development. This will likely cause flooding at downstream of the

proposed Sanitary Landfill site.

8.2.1.2 Proposed Mitigating measures

Impact during low flow is mitigated by the retention pond at the proposed Sanitary

Landfill (i.e. the existing ex-mining pond). It allows further reduction of pollutant

concentration by dilution effect with the water retained in the pond. In addition, discharge of

effluent can be regulated.

It is found from hydrological modeling study that the retention pond is capable to

cater for the post-development storm flow within the Project site. The retention pond can

regulate the post-development storm flow to less than the pre-development level as required

in the Urban Storm Water Management (MASMA). The percentage of peak flow reduction is

76 %. It is indeed a beneficial impact as it will improve flood scenario at the Project area.

8.2.2 River Water Quality

The results of the water quality modeling (QUAL2E) for the treated leachate indicate

minimum impact even during the low-flow period. On the other hand, the impact of the

organic pollution by the untreated leachate as indicated by BOD, COD, ammoniacal nitrogen

as well as dissolved oxygen (DO) are relatively high in Sg. Pagoh but the dilution factor of

Sg. Muar even at a low-flow period negates the impact in Sg Muar.

The possible heavy metals pollution from the leachate (treated or untreated) are also

low in concentrations and also negated by the dilution factor Sg. Muar even during the low

flow period.

Therefore, the water intakes downstream the confluence of Sg. Pagoh and Sg. Muar

such as Panchor 1 and Panchor 2 (about 1 km away) and upstream such as Panchor 4 (about 1

km away), Hujung Tambak (water intake for Melaka about 3 km away) and Gersik water

intake (about 3 km away) would not be compromised.

8.2.3 Leachate


During operational phase, it is estimated that a maximum of 700 m3/day leachate will

be generated. The potential impacts of leachate generation during landfill operation are

outlined as follows:-

a) Potential impacts to surface water

i. Raw leachate has high BOD, COD and ammoniacal nitrogen which are

harmful contaminants. Discharge of raw leachate into the receiving

streams/rivers would affect the surface water quality and the aquatic system.

ii. Water quality modeling of Sg. Pagoh shows that the impact from discharge of

raw leachate in Sg. Pagoh is significant. However, the dilution factor of Sg.

Executive Summary




Muar even at a low flow period negates the impact in Sg Muar. On the other

hand, release of treated leachate indicates minimum impact even during low

flow period.

b) Potential impacts to groundwater

i. Infiltration of raw leachate from the landfill site into the ground would

contaminate the groundwater and soils in the area.

ii. Groundwater modeling shows that movement of contaminants in unconfined

and semi-confined aquifer is slow due to very low soil permeability. Hence,

the potential impact to groundwater quality due to the operation of the

proposed Sanitary Landfill is very low.

c) Potential impacts to leachate facilities

i. Raw leachate is acidic and can be corrosive. It has the potential to corrode

metal piping and other metal related materials.

8.2.3.2 Proposed Mitigating Measures and Residual Impacts

Environmental impacts from leachate can be mitigated by minimizing leachate

generation, leachate containment, collection and treatment. Leachate generation can be

minimised by diverting the stormwater away from the landfilling site and provision of daily

and final cover which minimizes the amount of water able to infiltrate into the landfill. In

addition, recirculation of the collected leachate also minimise the amount of leachate that

requires treatment. Recirculation has additional benefits such as increase in recovery of

landfill gas and accelerates waste stabilization.

The generated leachate can be contained by installation of liner system. Then, a

gravity leachate collection pipe channels and collects raw leachate in holding/balancing tank

and subsequently to leachate treatment plant. Leachate treatment plant should be operated

and maintained according to design specification and operational requirements to ensure that

the effluent meets the Acceptable Discharge Limit under Environmental Quality (Control of

Pollution from Solid Waste Transfer Station or Landfill) Regulations 2009. In addition,

continuous monitoring of leachate production, storage and treatment should be carried out.

After leachate treatment, the environmental impacts due to leachate may still exist. To

mitigate the residual impacts, the treated leachate will be channeled to the retention pond (i.e.

existing ex-mining pond) where it will mix with the stormwater. This will dilute the treated

leachate. Then, the effluent will be discharged to wetland which further flows to Sg. Pagoh. It

is recommended to discharge the effluent from retention pond during rainy season so that the

effluent is further diluted.

Executive Summary




8.3 Ecological Environment

8.3.1 Terrestrial Flora


The proposed Project will likely cause the loss of plant cover which is permanent and

further cause the loss of surface soil due to erosion. However, since most of the species

identified are common weeds and plants that are not rare or threatened, the losses are not

significant.

The treated leachate that will be discharged into wetland may give impact to wetland

plant. However, it should be noted that the discharge does not contain oil. Hence, no adverse

impact is expected to occur.

After landfill closure, the area will be left bare of trees making the whole location

uneco-friendly. In addition, there will still be the threat of soil erosion on the slope of the

landfill.

8.3.1.2 Mitigating measures

Greening of the ex-landfill will assist to curb slope erosion, and tree will also assist in

carbon sequestration. Certain tree species like Acacia mangium, Hopea odorata, Intsia

palembica and Switenia macrophylla have been shown to be rather effective in

phytoremediation of cadmium and lead in the soil. These trees should be planted to assist the

re-establishment of the fractured ecology at the ex-landfill.

8.3.2 Terrestrial Fauna


The loss of habitat for fauna will also occur due to the proposed Project. It is

anticipated that most fauna will move out to the surrounding area (i.e. small orchards and oil

palm smallholdings, remnant vegetation on the fringes as well as the forest reserve). Birds

are more mobile as they can fly to other areas to feed. Since the Project site is not a major

habitat and resident animals are few in species and number, the impacts are considered not

significant.

During operation, the food waste dumped at the landfill may attract rats, crows and

flies. With a bare landscape after landfill closure, fauna like birds and small mammals may

not return as the altered man-made habitat would have rendered the area unsuitable and

unfriendly.

8.3.2.2 Proposed Mitigating measures

Some suitable preventive measures in sanitary landfill such as the installation of

fences and application of daily and final soil cover are expected to mitigate rats, crows and

flies problem. As three species of rats (Rattus tiomanicus, Mus musculus and Rattus rattus)

Executive Summary




have been confirmed to be found within the study area, the use of rat bait (e.g. Warfarin and

Matikus) may have to be used to curb their spread.

Greening of the ex-landfill will assist in the re-establishment of the fractured ecology

at the ex-landfill. There are tree species that can provide food and shelter to birds and small

mammals and should be planted. These include Eugenia polyantha, Ficus benjamina and

Cinnamomum iners.

8.3.3 Stream Ecology

There is no significant impact of the proposed Project to stream ecology due to the

low fish population in the waterbodies near the project site. However, sedimentation problem

during construction that is expected to occur should be the main concern. Sediments can

impair aquatic habitat by reducing permeability of streambeds and thereby reduce dissolved

oxygen (DO) concentration. The protection of nearby aquatic habitat from sedimentation can

be done by proper road construction and maintenance, buffer zone and usage of silt traps.

In addition, the generated leachate during landfill operation might also affect the

aquatic habitat. Major impact might occur if there is raw leachate discharge into waterways.

This can be mitigated by effective leachate management system.

8.4 Socio-economic and Human Environment

8.4.1 Socio-economic


The socio-economic impacts of the proposed Project are summarized in Table ES-2.

Table ES-2: Summary of socio-economic impacts

Category Impact

Land uses

- Adjacent lots Construction of access road will involve two lands acquisition

- Agricultural There is vegetable farming nearby the Project site, hence there

has been a protest from the Persatuan Penanam-penanam Sayur

dan Buah-buahan Muar Selatan, claiming the severe impact of

the proposed Project on the vegetation

- Residential The impact is likely negligible since the nearest residential area

is located about 2.2 km from Project site

- Proposed

developments

The impact is not expected to occur since the proposed

developments in Pagoh are located about 12 km from Project

site.

Infrastructures The dump trucks will increase the loading capacity on the road.

Any spillage at residential area will become a nuisance to the

residents.

Economic It is anticipated that the proposed Project will create job

opportunities for local residents.

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Based on the evaluation of potential impacts to the nearby landuses only the nearest

residential area in Kg. Tanah Merah and agricultural-based landuse around the proposed

Project are expected to receive impacts from the proposed Project and may lead to social

conflict. In addition, the land acquisition for construction of access road to the proposed

Project might cause problem if not handled properly.

However, it should be noted that with the proposed developments at Pagoh such as

education centre, fire station and museum, it is anticipated that a sanitary landfill will be

highly needed. This is because the increasing populations at Pagoh will definitely generate

more solid waste, thereby an efficient solid waste management should be planned concurrent

with the proposed developments.


To ensure construction works can proceed as planned, the proposed limits of land

acquisition will be submitted to the Land Office to initiate the land acquisition process.

The total acquisition of private land, no matter how small in area, requires proper

planning and should be professionally handled in order to prevent any protests from the

landowners. The terms of compensation of land should be discussed among all affected

parties in order to reach a fair and amicable agreement among the parties.

8.4.2 Public Health

The health risk assessment on air pollution indicates that the landfill trace gas H2S

(based on measurement at Bukit Bakri unsanitary landfill) would most likely pose public

health hazard. However, beyond 940 m from the landfill, concentration of H2S reduced

drastically and would unlikely pose an acute effect to the community. It should be noted

that the H2S hazard quotient is based on H2S data measured at unsanitary landfill. The

proposed landfill is sanitary and semi-aerobic, hence with all environmental protective

measures such as application of daily cover and the presence of ventilation system will

reduce H2S emission. In addition, a reponse plan based on measured hydrogen sulphide

concentrations should be developed.

For water pollution, the possible pathways of exposure from the proposed Project are

through direct contact with river water from recreational activities and ingestion of water.

The health risk assessment findings indicate that water contaminants from the proposed

Project would not likely to affect the raw water quality of Sg. Pagoh for drinking water

source. The direct contact to water through swimming are also not expected to pose any

health risk as all the contaminants were below the acceptable screening level for recreational

activities.

Other potential health risks are the vector-borne and zoonotic diseases as landfills are

potential places for breeding sites for rodents, mosquitoes, flies and cockroaches. The

existing environment showed a very high density of flies‟ population in the area especially C

Executive Summary




megacephala and Musca domestica. It is expected that the presence of wastes at the proposed

Sanitary Landfill will aggravate these flies population density.

Compaction of waste and application of daily cover as part of sanitary landfill

operation will help to mitigate the mosquitoes, rodents and flies problem. This will ensure

the food and shelter place are destroyed and diminished. Rodent control such as baiting is

recommended to be carried out regularly. It is also recommended to establish a Disease

Control Unit in the safety and health program of the landfill management in order to

prevent infectious disease due to the flies, mosquitoes and rodents population.

8.4.3 Traffic and Transportation

Traffic impact assessment involves traffic forecast at the opening year 2012 and after

5 years operation which is 2017. For roadway Jalan Pagoh–Parit Sulong/J23, the increase in

the peak-hour traffic volumes will be relatively small and has little effect on the

volume/capacity ratio for both 2012 and 2017 with percentage increase of 0.6-3.3% and 0.6-

3.0% respectively.

As for intersections, the Muar/Paya Redan/J23 (J1) is expected to operate at LOS F

with or without the proposed Project. On the other hand, there will be no significant reduction

in the performance of Kangkar Senanggar/Batu Pahat/J23 (J2) in terms of LOS.

For more efficient traffic management and scheme and safety as well,

recommendations for intersection improvement are made based on standards stipulated in

JKR Arahan Teknik (Jalan) 11/87. Intersection J1 requires upgrading in terms of geometry

and land configurations, particularly on the minor approach. In year 2017, the intersection

may need to be upgraded to a signalized intersection to accommodate relatively heavy

turning traffic during peak-hours even without the proposed Project. Intersection J2 only

requires improvement in terms of geometry to increase lane saturation flow.

The opening of the proposed Project will require a new intersection to be created on

Jalan Pagoh–Parit Sulong/J23 road section. This intersection will be of a stop–controlled

type. However, a proper channelization is required to ensure safe operations of traffic on the

road section. An exclusive right–turn and left–turn lane must be provided on the major road

approaches.

Based on traffic assessment, although the impact of waste trucks to traffic is not

significant, it is advisable to use Muar – Bakri – Kangkar Senanggar/Batu Pahat/J23

(J2) as waste transportation route to minimize the environmental impacts by avoiding

intersection at Muar/Paya Redan/J23 (J1) to reduce the possible queuing time at such a

junction.

Executive Summary




9.0 QUANTITATIVE RISK ASSESSMENT (QRA)

The risk assessment study is first carried out qualitatively due to simplicity of landfill

facility (i.e. landfill is not a major installation such as chemical industry). The outcome of the

qualitative risk assessment will indicate the imperative rating of all possible hazards. Any

hazard that has higher hazard rating will be subjected to QRA in order to assess quantitatively

its likelihood and consequence.

Significant hazards are identified from three major landfill components such as

transportation, operation and reaction occurring in landfill. The results of Qualitative Risk

Analysis show that the risk associated with the proposed Project is in the category between

Low to Medium. However, the consequence of the possible fire and explosion of the landfill

gas (i.e. methane) is slightly high. Hence, QRA is carried out to assess its consequence and

likelihood.

The result of the QRA indicates that the probability of the occurrence of methane

fire/explosion would be 3.3 x 10-7

/yr. This value is below the tolerable value set in the

regulation that is 1.0 x 10-6

/yr. Thus, it could be concluded the risk associated with methane

fire/explosion is considerably low. However, proper mitigations are still required for the

safeguard of the surrounding landfill area.

In order to reduce the risk associated to the proposed Sanitary Landfill, the landfill

management should establish effective procedures that could cater the three major landfill

components such as transportation, operation and reaction occurring in landfill. The

procedures should include the folowing:

a) Transport procedures

b) Safety procedures in landfill operation

c) Safety procedures for workers

d) Safety procedures for monitoring landfill gas and groundwater

In addition, systems such as leachate treatment, groundwater protection (liner) and

monitoring, gas flare and landfill gas monitoring must be ensure to be working effectively.

10.0 CONCLUSION

Based on the findings from all sub-studies in this DEIA, the main concerns are

erosion during construction and leachate generation during landfill operation. However, with

the proposed mitigating measures, it is expected that the proposed Project will not impose

significant adverse impact to the physical, biological, socio-economic and human

environment in the vicinity of the Project area. The mitigating measures adopted during

design stage of the proposed Sanitary Landfill have mostly lessened the anticipated

environmental impacts.

The conclusion for each sub-study is derived as follows:-

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Geology and Geotechnical

The impact of soil erosion during construction and operation stage is inevitable.

Hence, implementation of control procedures as outlined in Erosion and Sediment Control

Plan (ESCP) are necessary to mitigate the impact.

Groundwater Quality

The proposed Sanitary Landfill which will be equipped with liner and leachate

collection system is unlikely to cause groundwater contamination by leachate. Groundwater

modeling shows that the movement of contaminants in unconfined and semi-confined aquifer

is slow due to very low soil permeability. Hence, the potential impact to groundwater quality

due to the operation of the proposed Sanitary Landfill is very low.

Ambient Air Quality and Odour

The main issues are generation of greenhouse gases (CO2 and CH4) and odour (i.e.

H2S and NH3). However, with mitigating measures adopted at design stage (i.e. designed as

semi-aerobic) and at operational stage such as H2S monitoring, develop a reponse plan based

on measured hydrogen sulphide concentrations, ensuring proper application of daily cover,

operation of garbage trucks, landfill gas collection and venting and also leachate treatment

plant, the impacts should be minimal.

Noise and Vibration

There is no significant noise impact to the nearest residential areas as they are located

at distance where the noise levels are below permissible limits. As for vibration, there is also

no significant impact being identified.

Leachate management

Effective leachate management through minimizing leachate generation, leachate

containment, collection and treatment will largely lessened the impacts to environment. In

addition, management of residual impacts through utilization of retention pond and the

surrounding wetland will further minimize the environmental impact.

Surface Water Hydrology

Cell arrangement that retains the pond area (i.e. the existing ex-mining pond) can help

to minimise disturbances to the drainage system. Further, the use of the pond as retention

pond can mitigate the impact during low flow as it allows further reduction of pollutant

concentration. In addition, it can cater for the post development storm flow within Project

site. The retention pond can regulate the post-development storm flow to less than the pre-

development level as required in the Urban Storm Water Management (MASMA). It is

indeed a beneficial impact as it will improve flood scenario at the Project area.

Executive Summary




River Water Quality

The results of the water quality modeling (QUAL2E) for the treated leachate indicate

minimum impact even during the low-flow period. On the other hand, the impact of the

organic pollution by the untreated leachate as indicated by BOD, COD, ammoniacal nitrogen

as well as dissolved oxygen (DO) are relatively high in Sg. Pagoh but the dilution factor of

Sg. Muar even at a low-flow period negates the impact in Sg Muar. This indicates that the

water intakes closest to the confluence of Sg. Pagoh and Sg. Muar will not be affected by the

proposed Project.

10.2 Biological Environment

Terrestrial Flora and Fauna

It should be noted that the Project site is indeed an already disturbed land. The

proposed Project will likely cause the loss of plant cover which is permanent and further

cause the loss of surface soil due to erosion. However, since most of the species identified are

common weeds and plants that are not rare or threatened, the losses are not significant. The

loss of habitat for fauna will also occur due to the proposed Project. Since the Project site is

not a major habitat and resident animals are few in species and number, the impacts are

considered not significant.

The impacts to flora and fauna due to the proposed Project can be mitigated during

post-closure stage. Greening of the ex-landfill by planting certain tree species will assist to

re-establish the fractured ecology at the ex-landfill.

Stream Ecology

There is no significant impact of the proposed Project to stream ecology due to the

low fish population in the waterbodies near the project site. In addition, the possibility of raw

leachate discharge into the waterbodies is considered very low due to the well proposed

leachate management system.

10.3 Socio-economic and Human Environment

Socio-economic

The socio-economic impacts from the proposed Project can be considered as

beneficial provided all the proposed mitigating measures be implemented. It should be noted

that with the proposed developments at Pagoh such as education centre, fire station and

museum, it is anticipated that a sanitary landfill will be highly needed. This is because the

increasing populations at Pagoh will definitely generate more solid waste, thereby an efficient

solid waste management should be planned concurrent with the proposed developments.

Executive Summary




Public Health

The proposed Project is a sanitary landfill which means that not only environmental

protective measures will be practiced but also the landfill will be kept clean and healthy for

people to live nearby. Hence, the impact of the proposed Project to public health is

considered very minimal.

Traffic and Transportation

Based on traffic assessment, although the impact of waste trucks to traffic is not

significant, it is advisable to use Muar – Bakri – Kangkar Senanggar/Batu Pahat/J23

(J2) as waste transportation route to minimize the environmental impacts by avoiding

intersection at Muar/Paya Redan/J23 (J1) to reduce the possible queuing time at such a

junction.

10.4 Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA)

The risks associated with the proposed Project are assessed as not significant.

Executive Summary

S = Short Term, L = Long Term, P = Permanent, Si = Significant, N = Not Significant, B= Beneficial

DEIA for Sanitary Landfill at Pagoh, Mukim Jorak, Muar, Johor ES-30



Table ES-3: Summary of Potentially Significant Impacts and Mitigating Measures (Pre-Construction, Construction, Operational and

Post-Closure Phase)

Activity Potential Impacts Signifi-

cance of

Impacts

Proposed Mitigating Measures Residual

Impacts

1. PRE-CONSTRUCTION PHASE

1.1 Geotechnical investigation

and site survey

Geology

- Establishment of access

tracks and the stationing of

equipment and personnel

N

- No mitigating measures required, the

areas to be cleared for investigation

works are not large and the land has

already been disturbed

1.2 Land acquisition Socio-economic

- Acquisition of private land

for access road might cause

protest from land owner if

not handled properly

S

- The terms of compensation of land

should be discussed among all affected

parties in order to reach a fair and

amicable agreement among the parties

2. CONSTRUCTION PHASE

2.1 Site clearing and

earthworks (i.e. drain,

berms and bunds)

Flora

- Loss of plant cover

Fauna

- Loss of habitat, most fauna

will move out to surrounding

area

Geology

- Soil erosion

P, N

P, N

S, Si

- Re-vegetation after completion of

earthworks

- Works must not be carried out at night

to prevent disturbance to the night

creatures that come out to feed or

migrate

- Regulating the phases of construction,

construction of sedimentation ponds,

control of earthworks

Executive Summary






cance of

Impacts


Impacts

Hydrology

- Localized flash flood

Noise

- The highest predicted noise

at construction site is 109

dBA which exceeds the

stipulated limit (workers at

the site will be affected the

most, the nearest residents

will not be affected as they

are located at distance where

the noise level has reduced to

42 dBA)

Vibration

- Operation of equipment for

earth moving and site

impacting will produce

ground borne vibration

S, N

S, Si

S, N

- Dumping of biomass and construction

waste into ex-mining ponds and nearby

streams should be prohibited

- Diversion channel and temporary dyke

should be constructed to avoid

blockage of drainage pattern

- Workers should be provided with

hearing protection

- Heavy machineries and equipment

should be lubed and maintained

regularly

- Scheduling operation of heavy

machineries and equipment so that

these units will not be operating at the

same time

Executive Summary






cance of

Impacts


Impacts

Economic

- Job opportunities for local

residents

S, B

2.2 Establishment of

temporary building

Landuse

- Alteration of landuse

Surface Water Quality

- Contamination of waterways

due to generation of sewage

and solid waste

Public Health

- Generation of unpleasant

odour, proliferation of pests

and pathogenic vectors and

spread of communicable

disease

S, N

S, N

S, N

- Areas utilized should be kept as small

as possible

- Proper waste management and

sanitation facilities should be provided

- No wastewater to be allowed to enter

waterways prior to treament

- Regular checks by Health Officer

2.3 Transportation of

materials and equipment

Traffic

- Minimum traffic impact due

to limited amount of

materials and equipment

transportation. Most of the

work involves land cutting

and filling.

S, N

- None required

Executive Summary






cance of

Impacts


Impacts

Ambient Air Quality

- Dust and suspended

particulate matters from the

movement of heavy vehicles

on bare earth surfaces

- Exhaust fumes from heavy

equipment, machineries and

trucks

Noise

- Noise from heavy vehicles

S, N

S, N

- The dirt roads should be watered down

periodically during the dry season

- Monitoring of traffic volume and

observation of speed limits for heavy

vehicles

- Proper maintenance of the vehicles

2.4 Storage and handling of

construction materials

Ambient Air Quality

- Windblown dust from

stockpiles of construction

materials


- Surface runoff from

stockpiles of construction

materials can cause increase

in total suspended solids

(TSS) in the receiving

watercourses

S, N

S, N

- Stockpiles should be wetted regularly

- Provide adequate cover for the

materials if deem necessary

- Construction materials should be

covered to prevent the generation of

TSS

- Temporary earth drain surrounding the

perimeter of the stockpile yard shall be

provided

Executive Summary






cance of

Impacts


Impacts

Vibration

- Operation of equipment for

material handling will

produce ground borne

vibration

S, N




same time

2.5 Construction of access

road

Geology

- Soil erosion

Noise

- The highest predicted noise

at construction site is 109

dBA which exceeds the

stipulated limit

Ambient Air Quality

- Dust suspension


- Increase of sedimentation in

waterbodies

Stream Ecology

- Sedimentation may impair

aquatic habitat

S, Si

S, Si

S, Si

S, Si

S, Si

- Reduction of working area and re-

vegetation of exposed area

- Provide workers with hearing

protection

- The dirt roads should be watered down

during the dry season

- Proper drainage system with silt traps

strategically placed to intercept silt

laden runoff into the receiving

watercourses

- Roads should not be constructed during

periods of heavy rainfall

- Establishment of buffer zone to help

Executive Summary






cance of

Impacts


Impacts

Socio-economic

Job opportunities for local

residents

S, B

filter out sediment from surface runoff

- Installation of silt traps

2.6 Construction of sanitary

landfill

- Cell preparation (i.e.

construction of liners and

sealing systems, leachate

piping system and gas

ventilation system)

Geology

- Soil erosion and siltation


- Leakage of fuels and

lubricants will increase the

loading of oil and grease as

well as reduce the amount of

dissolved oxygen in the river

water.

Groundwater

- Excavation works might

cause contamination of

groundwater

Vibration

- Vibration emissions due to

dump trucks that haul soil,

clay, sand and rocks

S, Si

S, N

S, N

S, N

- The working area for excavation

activities should be kept at minimum

- Fuels and lubricants must be stored

properly. Storage in bunded area is

recommended for easy containment and

minimises pollution

- Used lubricants must be stored in a

secure site and properly disposed off

- Use of drain, silt ponds and vegetation

cover so that erosion and subsequent

siltation will be confined within the site




same time

Executive Summary






cance of

Impacts


Impacts

Socio-economic

- Job opportunities for local

residents

S, B

2.7 Disposal of construction

and biomass waste

Ambient Air Quality

- Open burning of biomass

waste


- Dumping of construction

waste in waterways

S, Si

S, Si

- Open burning should be prohibited

- Construction waste should be properly

disposed at the provided site

- Clearance services should be provided

at least weekly

3. OPERATIONAL PHASE

3.1 Waste transportation Traffic

- Impacts will depend on the

selected route:

a) JI (Muar/Paya Redan)

Already congested

b) J2 (Kangkar

Senanggar/Batu Pahat)

Existing LOS is good

L, Si

N

- Upgrading in terms of geometry and

land configurations during opening

year, need upgrading to a signalised

intersection in year 2017

- Improvement in terms of geometry only

Executive Summary






cance of

Impacts


Impacts

Ambient Air Quality

- Generation of odour from

solid waste and its leachate

transported by dump trucks

to the landfill

Socio-economic

- Spillage of waste at

residential area will become

a nuisance

Risk

- Accident involving dump

trucks

L, Si

N

N

- Ensure garbage trucks are equipped

with proper leachate collection tank to

prevent spillage of leachate which is the

main cause of odour

- Garbage trucks should be properly

maintained and equipped with the latest

technology to prevent leakage and

odour

- All dump trucks must follow the

procedure and traffic movement

guideline

3.2 Landfilling activities

a) Tipping of waste

b) Spreading and

compaction of waste

c) Applying daily cover

and final cover

Geology

- Landslide occurrence due to

slope instability

L, Si

- Fill slope of 1:3 for solid waste

- Apply slope stability factor of at least

1.5

- Surface drainage systems shall be

installed on the slopes to ensure there is

proper drainage for surface run-off

within the landfill

- Regular inspection of slope conditions

especially after heavy rainfall

Executive Summary






cance of

Impacts


Impacts

Ambient Air Quality


solid waste

Noise

- Highest predicted noise level

at the landfill is 114 dBA

Vibration

- Vibration emission from

dump trucks

L, Si

Si

N

- Ensure daily cover soil is provided for

each layer of fresh wastes being

landfilled

- Workers should be provided with

hearing protection

- Compactors and bulldozers should be

lubed and maintained regularly

- No dump truck is permitted to slam its

body gate for any reason

- Use heavier trucks

3.3 Land clearing for opening

of more cell in stages to

receive waste

Geology

- Soil erosion

S, Si

- Soil protection and erosion control

measures such as detention ponds and

silt traps should be provided at

appropriate location

3.3 Leachate generation

Groundwater

- Infiltration of leachate into

groundwater

Si

- Installation of HDPE liner with

thickness of at least 1.5 mm and a layer

of geosynthetic clay liner (GCL) at the

bottom of HDPE liner

- Monitoring of

groundwater

quality

Executive Summary






cance of

Impacts


Impacts

Ambient Air Quality


leachate treatment plant


- Discharge of raw leachate

into surface water

Hydrology

- Discharge of treated leachate

into retention pond which

also collects storm water at

landfill site

Flora

- Discharge of effluent into

wetland may affect the plant

in wetland

Si

Si

B

N

- Ensure the drainage system for leachate

is properly maintained

- Ensure proper operation of leachate

treatment plant by competent operator

- Leachate should be effectively treated

to meet the acceptable conditions for

discharge of leachate (Environmental

Quality (Control of Pollution from

Solid Waste Transfer Station and

Landfill) Regulations 2009)

- None required as the effluent does not

contain oil

- Residual

impact is

mitigated by

the large area

of wetland

Executive Summary






cance of

Impacts


Impacts

Stream ecology


can diminish bio-diversity

and reduce population of

aquatic species

N

- Leachate treatment

- Monitoring of

water quality

3.4 Landfill gas generation Ambient Air Quality

- Generation of landfill gas

(CH4 and CO2)

Ambient Air Quality and

Public Health


trace landfill gas such as H2S

and NH3

Groundwater

- Groundwater contamination

due to dissolving of volatile

organic compounds

Risk

- Landfill gas explosion

Si

Si

Si

N

- Ensure proper collection and venting of

landfill gas to prevent formation of

localised gas pockets

- Application of daily cover

- Develop a response plan based on

measured H2S concentration

- Liner system

- Installation of landfill gas flare system

- Monitoring of

H2S

- Monitoring of

groundwater

quality

- Monitoring of

landfill gas

Executive Summary






cance of

Impacts


Impacts

4. POST-CLOSURE PHASE

4.1 Final cover and

landscaping

Geology

- Soil erosion through breach

in the turfed or vegetated

landfill areas

Flora

- The area is left bare of trees

making the whole location

uneco-friendly

Fauna

- Fauna like birds and small

mammals may not return as

the altered man-made

habitat would have rendered

the area unsuitable and

unfriendly

N

N

N

- Implement and monitor post–closure

erosion and sediment control measures

- Vegetation on the final capping needs

to be trimmed for neatness and to

provide effective drainage and erosion

prevention

- Plant tree species that can assist the re-

establishment of the fractured ecology

at the ex-landfill

- Plant tree species that can provide food

and shelter to birds and small mammals

4.2 Leachate generation Surface Water Quality


into receiving stream

Si

- Continuously operate leachate

treatment plant

- Monitoring of

water quality

Executive Summary






cance of

Impacts


Impacts

Groundwater

- Infiltration of raw leachate

into groundwater

Si

- Maintain the liner system in a good

condition

- Monitoring

of

groundwater

quality

4.3 Landfill gas generation Ambient Air Quality

- Generation of landfill gas

(CH4 and CO2) and trace

landfill gas such (H2S and

NH3)

Si

- Continue operation of landfill gas

collection facility, the collected residual

gases are to be flared wherever

necessary

4.4 Waste stabilization

Risk

- Land subsidence due to

degradation and compaction

of waste, uneven settlement

can cause tearing of landfill

liner leading to groundwater

contamination

N

- Monitoring of ground conditions and

levels

Documents

Landfill”)...For this proposed Project, a level 4 sanitary landfill (in accordance with “The Technical Guideline for Sanitary Landfill, Design and Operation, August 2006 by the