Environmental impact assessment of municipal solid waste disposal site in Tabriz, Iran using rapid impact assessment matrix

The irregular and non-normative development of cities and also weakness in the waste management system has created many problems especially in large cities. However, even many of the principles of engineering and environmental criteria about burying of wastes do not match in the landfill sites. Therefore, environmental impact assessment (EIA) for landfills to examine the effects of landfills on environment is essential. Rapid impact assessment matrix (RIAM) is one of the ways that it can be used to EIA. This method minimizes the elements of subjectivity and introduces some degree of transparency and objectivity. Using the RIAM, EIA has been carried out on different municipal solid waste disposal options in Tabriz landfill and it has been found that composting with the sanitary landfill is the best recommended option according to the existing circumstances.