Hyderabad: The base of garbage transfer stations should be a thick layer of clay, up to one metre thick depending on load, or high-density polythene to block seepage of dirty water into the ground water, as per the Pollution Control Board regulations.
During monsoons, the stations should be covered so that rainwater does not mix and percolate into the ground. Time limits should be fixed to transfer the waste from the stations as gases start emanating from the pile. However, neither of the city’s sites has followed the basic pollution control norms.
Dr W.G. Prasanna Kumar, professor of sociology environment education, said, “No harm is caused if the garbage is lifted the same day, but delay leads to putrefaction and releases leachate, a liquid that percolates from solid waste.”
He said to prevent the lecheate from percolating into the ground, the GHMC should build a pit to collect it. “If waste is not lifted from the transfer stations, the Pollution Control Board can act on it. Every station should have a retaining wall and a shed to block rainwater and a base made of thick clay liner. Accumulated waste undergoes chemical reactions and gives off gases,” he said.
Dr C. Srinivasulu, assistant zoologist at OU, said there were three aspects. Biological putrefaction (rotting of food) and other organic material will lead to the pile giving off methane, ammonia, nitrogen-based gases and carbon monoxoide which is poisonous, and hydrogen sulphide.
“This causes temporary discomfort if inhaled but over long durations leading to respiratory problems,” he said. Seepage into groundwater will lead to pollution by both metallic and non-metallic compounds. E. Coli, staphylococcus and other bacteria will mix with groundwater, he said.
