JurnalPost.com - Every day, the city of Palembang generates approximately 1,260 tons of waste. Of that amount, about 1,000 tons end up at the Sukawinatan Final Disposal Site (TPA). On this site, spanning roughly 25 hectares, the waste piles continue to rise, forming what has become a "trash mountain."
This condition not only disrupts the city's aesthetics and creates unpleasant odors, but it also potentially affects the quality of water and air in the area surrounding the landfill.
In our view, the existence of the trash mountain at the Sukawinatan landfill should not be seen merely as a matter of disposal capacity. Large volumes of waste undergo decomposition processes that can generate leachate.
Leachate is formed when water enters the waste piles, dissolving various materials contained within. If not managed properly, leachate can migrate vertically and horizontally, contaminating the soil and water sources around the landfill.
Groundwater contamination can persist for a long time. Therefore, prevention, control, and monitoring efforts are crucial steps to reduce risks to the environment and the surrounding community.
Threats to Air Quality
Beyond water pollution, air quality is also an issue that requires serious attention. Organic waste undergoing decomposition produces various gases as a result of microorganism activity.
These gases can create pungent odors and, under certain conditions, pose a fire hazard if not properly controlled.
According to reports from Sumatera Ekspres, the trash mountain at the Sukawinatan landfill has caught fire four times, with the affected area reaching approximately five hectares.
Fires and open burning of waste can produce smoke and particulates that degrade local air quality. This condition not only impacts the physical environment but can also disrupt the comfort of residents living or working near the landfill area.
Because the community near the landfill faces these environmental conditions directly, the issues of water and air quality must be viewed from the perspective of environmental health.
Polluted environments can affect the comfort and daily activities of the community. However, water and air quality cannot be assessed solely based on odor, color, or visual observation.
To determine the level of pollution accurately, measurements and examinations using appropriate methods and equipment are required.
Waste Management Must Start at the Source
In our group's opinion, solving the problem of the trash mountain at the Sukawinatan landfill cannot be achieved simply by expanding the land or increasing the landfill's capacity.
The problem must be addressed from the source of the waste through to the final processing stage.
One step that can be strengthened is the application of the 3Rprinciple, namely Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Additionally, organic waste processing can be carried out through the use of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae, composting, and the implementation of biopores.
These efforts can help reduce the amount of organic waste that must be sent to the landfill.
Public education also needs to be strengthened, particularly regarding the sorting of organic, inorganic, and hazardous and toxic (B3) waste. Education can be conducted through schools, communities, residential areas, and management facilities such as waste banks.
By sorting at the source, the amount of waste entering the landfill can be reduced, while simultaneously increasing opportunities to reuse materials that still have value.
Leachate and Gas Management Need Strengthening
At the landfill management level, leachate originating from waste piles must be handled through an adequate treatment system.
Gases formed from the waste decomposition process also need to be controlled to reduce the risk of air pollution, odors, and potential fires.
Furthermore, local governments and landfill operators need to conduct regular monitoring of groundwater quality, residents' well water, and air quality around the landfill area.
The results of this monitoring should be communicated openly to the public. Environmental data transparency is important so that residents are aware of the condition of their living environment and can participate in oversight.
Community involvement can also help encourage more responsible waste management and prevent the recurring problem of waste accumulation.
More Than Just an Issue of Odor and Scenery
Ultimately, the existence of the "trash mountain" at the Sukawinatan landfill is no longer just about scenery, unpleasant odors, or the limited capacity of the landfill.
The risks to water and air quality make this issue a matter of environmental protection and public health.
The success of a waste management system should not be measured solely by how much waste can be transported to the landfill. Equally important is the extent to which the system can reduce waste generation, prevent pollution, and maintain environmental quality.
The community, the government, and landfill operators each have a role in reducing waste production, controlling pollution, and maintaining water and air quality.
Consistent and integrated management is essential to ensure the environment remains safe and livable for the current community and future generations.
Comments 0
Write a Comment Share your response