Lab 5 Landfill Suitability Analysis

California has some of the most stringent environmental policies in the nation. The difficulty being, that it is hard to enforce these policies. In addition to the environment protections, the human population must be considered as well. Kettleman City, in the Central Valley is the home of a 1,600-acre landfill that has raised concerns for the local community, and now this small town is gaining political attention and support. At question is whether Chemical Waste Management, who is intent on expanding this site, has been neglectful in providing a safe environment for those exposed to some of the toxic waste within and running off the landfill. A thorough study must be made to ensure that the community does not suffer potential harm as a result of the landfill being expanded. A Suitability Analysis is one way to locate the best available location and potential expansion for a landfill. 

In this week’s lab we created and converted grid layers to produce an analysis model for a fictional county in Montana, Gallantin. We used the Spatial Analyst to assist in order to mask our area of study so we could better focus on the area of interest. We produced 5 individual maps identifying relevant factors of the area of study, as well as a final analysis incorporating the factors into one map.

We produced a map indicating the slope of the study area, which is relevant for potential runoff. The second map created buffers around the landfills in the area of study, of which there were two. Map three, indicated the soil drainage for the study area. The fourth map shows buffers around streams in the area. Map five, shows the land cover for our study area. Each of these factors play an important role in determining the best area suitable for a landfill with minimal impact on human life, which is our goal.

Using the raster data we created, we were able to produce our final analysis process map. We incorporated each of these factors, with weighted values placed on elements, to create a map that would provide information necessary to locate the best areas for a landfill. It is through careful analysis with consideration of key factors in relationship to landfills that the potential of human health and wellbeing can be preserved.

I enjoyed this lab, as through some of the repetitive functions it became second nature producing the maps showing the different factors involved in locating an acceptable place for something such as a landfill. Bringing all of these factors together into a final analysis was rewarding. ArcGIS is an invaluable tool for presenting visual aide in an easy to understand format.