Waste Management

Site selections and associated investigations are undertaken in strict compliance with the “Minimum Requirements: Volume 1-3” [Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF). 3rd Edition 2005]. A classification system of the waste stream is established and candidate sites investigated. The alternatives are presented to the community for comment. Specialist studies may be undertaken during this process. The sites are ranked and the most suitable site is selected based on environmental, economic and social criteria.

The site investigation ensures that any fatal flaws which may have been overlooked in preliminary investigations are identified and eliminated. It also provides a sound basis for risk assessment by obtaining adequate geological, geohydrological and geotechnical information for the site.

All landfill/waste management facilities are subject to permitting and licensing, irrespective of whether they are new or old, to be established or to be closed. J&G is proficient in the permit application process and drafting of EIA reports. Water licence applications in terms of the National Water Act (1998) are applied for where required.

The waste hierarchy in the National Waste Management Strategy (1999) advocates the reduction and minimisation of waste before treatment and disposal. Composting is one example of recycling waste by reducing the amount of waste going into the landfill.

Every municipality is required by law to draw up an Integrated Waste Management Plan (IWMP). An IWMP provides a dynamic framework to manage a municipality’s waste stream effectively, based on the waste hierarchy. It requires full ownership of the plan by the municipal politicians, officials, waste practitioners and the general public to ensure a successful outcome.

The three part process:

• Status Quo Report (including Gap Analysis)
• Assessment Report
• Final IWMP Report

The key findings of the Status Quo Report, Gap Analysis Report and Assessment Report are taken forward to develop the strategies, action plans and tasks the for the municipality’s IWMP.

J&G’s technical engineering section has undertaken numerous general and hazardous waste landfill designs including associated facilities and structures such as: leachate collection, treatment and disposal systems, landfill gas and contaminated storm water management systems. Operating, monitoring and closure plans are also developed for the client to guide the proper management of the facility.

Waste databases developed into Waste Information Systems (WIS) are useful to provide strategies, policies and plans with reliable and up-to-date information on which to base decisions. Desktop studies, field trips, interviews, data verification and GIS techniques may be used to develop the WIS.

J&G has undertaken co-disposal determinations as well as the delisting of hazardous wastes and sewage sludge.

J&G has undertaken the design of composting plants and material recovery facilities as well as waste characterisation and recycling studies.

The transportation of waste collected from source often requires the incorporation of waste transfer stations to reduce the cost of transportation. J&G has undertaken economic feasibility studies and the technical design of transfer stations.

Programmes have been implemented by J&G, together with experienced sub-consultants.

J&G has undertaken litter and water quality studies incorporating innovative technical solutions.