Thursday, January 27, 2011
Pulau Semakau Landfill
Singapore's non-incinerable wastes were formerly dumped at two landfills located at Lim Chu Kang and Lorong Halus at Tampines on mainland Singapore. With the amount of refuse increasing by 6% every year, it was foreseen that both landfills would reach full capacity in 1997. As no other suitable sites for landfill could be found on the main island, a decision was made to create a landfill site by enclosing the waters between the eastern part of Pulau Semakau and the western part of Pulau Sakeng. It would be a sort of reclamation.
The landfill area covers 350ha (about 440 football fields) and has a landfill capacity of 63 million m3. It is expected to have a lifespan of 30 years. The new landfill, which cost $630 million, started operations in April 1999.
Even through currently we are no facing problems with the lack of landfill, but what will happen after 30 years?
Hence it is important for us to recycle and reduce our waste.
References: http://infopedia.nl.sg/articles/SIP_1008_2010-03-22.html
http://sg.ksdb.com/1072418.pageLBL
