Planning and engineering in relation to waste disposal: a case study of the Alkerton landfill

Abstract

Abstract The integration of planning with geology and engineering is essential in the successful location and development of landfill sites, particularly in areas which are not intrinsically safe for waste disposal without engineering improvements. Although technical matters often form the primary basis for site selection, planning constraints and political factors can be as important and yet may receive less emphasis by the developers. Selection of a site can arouse concern amongst local people who consider that they will be adversely affected, despite assurances from the developer, and the formation of local action groups employing specialist expertise to oppose development of landfill sites, is now common-place. Landfill developers must therefore address technical, planning and public acceptability matters equally and effectively, in an integrated way, and must ensure that prediction of the impact of the landfill on the environment and its affect on the community proves to be accurate to maintain the credibility of the developer and the planning authorities. Recently, Oxfordshire County Council faced co-ordinated oppostion to their proposals to develop a landfill near the picturesque village of Alkerton, near Banbury. Because of the risk of pollution to nearby springs perceived by the local community, the Council created a containment site by constructing a clay trench through the vestigial ironstone, keyed into the relatively impermeable underlying silts and clays. The landfill has been operated to reduced infiltration and leachate production, and regular monitoring of environmental conditions has been carried out in conjunction with representatives from the Parish Council. This paper describes the interplay between planning, technical and political factors on which the decision to approve the development was based. The results of subsequent monitoring and the long term implications for site operations as a result of the engineering solution adopted, are also discussed.