GIS APPLICATIONS IN
SELECTION OF SOLID
WASTE DISPOSAL
SITES
ADVANTAGES OF GIS:
 Geographic Information System ( GIS ) is a very helpful
tool that integrates a variety of information by graphics
 It can let us integrate many kinds of information through
graphical interfaces.
 GIS can also answer more complicated questions, as,
for example, using models to evaluate health risk and
the trend in environmental quality assessment, and
determine the priority area for development based on the
degree of environmental sensibility.
GIS DATA STORAGE
 In order to apply GIS to process a variety of different
types of analyses, we have to ensure that GIS data are
properly stored, easy to retrieve and modify.
 Traditionally, when utilizing GIS, one classifies data into
Graphic Data and Attribute Data. Graphic Data are large
in quantity and contain few changes; and usually
Attribute Data are large in quantity and highly
changeable. Therefore, these two types of data are
stored in different databases.
GIS DATA STORAGE
 the Graphic Database is divided into three
categories:
1. Vector Data: Most data related to the environment have the
characteristics of spatial distribution and geographic location
2. Satellite Data: Satellite image data obtained by the
remote sensoring process possess the characteristics of
broad coverage and multi-temporal photography.
3. GPS ( Global Positioning System ) Data: It can be applied to
different spatial positioning of important landmarks, such
as factories, industrial zones, disaster areas and water
supply districts, etc
Decision Making
(Reference: James C. Ascough II, USDA-ARS, Great Plains Systems Research Unit)
 Decision makers historically have indicated that inaccessibility of
required geographic data and difficulties in synthesizing various
recommendations are primary obstacles to spatial problem solving
 Studies have shown that the quality of decisions (i.e., the ability to
produce meaningful solutions) can be improved if these obstacles
are lessened or removed through an integrated systems approach,
such as a spatial decision support system (SDSS).
 In addition, multicriteria decision making (MCDM) and a wide range
of related methodologies offer a variety of techniques and practices
to uncover and integrate decision makers’ preferences in order to
solve “real-world” GIS-based planning and management problems.
Landfills
(Reference: Herzog and Labadie (2000))
GIS helps in the development of a suitable DSS for siting the new
landfill.
First phase: Screening
uses exclusionary criteria to eliminate sites with legal
restrictions, physical impracticalities, potential threats to public water
supply and environmentally sensitive areas, proximity to residential
areas, and overlying geological fault zones.
Second phase: MCDA
Potential sites were ranked using multi-criteria decision analysis
(MCDA) algorithms and non-exclusionary data such as soil
suitability, habitat effect, flood resistance, property costs, distance
from population center, and hauling distance. Sensitivity analyses
can be performed rapidly to assess how assigned weights affect the
outcome. The results of the MCDA and the decision-making process
can be demonstrated and displayed with GIS to diminish
environmental.
Using GIS for Determining Potential Low Level
Hazardous Waste Disposal Sites in North
Carolina
 The process of siting a hazardous waste landfill (or for that matter
any landfill) is a long political process that is subject to many
changes in variables. By employing GIS in this selection process it
may become easier to develop a preliminary coverage of potential
sites.
 This coverage would be based on regulated restrictions and may
help lessen the bias towards siting in areas of lower economical and
political prominence
 GIS would allow the analysis of site selection to include an
optimization of viable sites subject to the variables of interest
Method for Conducting Project
 Research the North Carolina criteria for selecting
potential sites
 Obtain coverage data that corresponds to the NC criteria
(such as soil types)
Use ArcInfo/ArcView to create a series of layouts that
select potential sites by a process of elimination
The process of creating exemption coverages
 The process of creating exemption coverages was repeated for
the following:
 Road Coverage with 300 meter buffer
 Stream Coverage with 90 meter buffer
 Wetland Coverage (Landfill can not sit in wetland)
 Urban Coverage (Landfill can not sit in urban areas)
 Flood Prone Coverage (Landfill can not sit in flood prone areas)
 Cost coverages
Cost coverages

The cost coverages created consisted of two
sets of more restrictive coverages, including
land areas with very low clay contents (<10 %)
and areas with moderately low clay contents
(<30%). The theory behind this selection
criteria was that clay materials are very
impermeable and thus tend to restrict pollutant
migration. In addition, clays are used in landfill
construction and the presence of on-site clays
reduce the cost of landfill construction.
Conclusions:
 The results from the preceding project
illustrate the impact that GIS can have on
siting problems. By providing an unbiased
methodology and the ability to optimize
and change relevant variables, GIS is a
useful tool in solving such problems. As
more data becomes available, the
usefulness and accuracy of this tool will
only increase.