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Project title

Suitability of Municipal WWTPs for the Treatment of Leachate from Landfills in Ireland

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG)

Lead Applicant

Raymond Brennan

Project Abstract

Internationally, there are on-going and recent cases of groundwater and/or local environment pollution as a result of poor landfill leachate management. Furthermore, wastewater plant managers may refuse to continue treating landfill leachate or are re-evaluating current disposal fees for leachate at their plants. In Ireland, due to the lack of previous reliable data, recent studies have recommended further research be conducted into the effect of landfill leachate on the operation of municipal wastewater treatment plants (MWWTPs). This project aims to close gaps in both national and international knowledge (outlined above) and significantly improve current practice in treatment of landfill leachate in municipal wastewater treatment plants. The project focuses on field based work at both landfill and MWWTPs. The project team will also utilise full scale trial facilities such as the NUI Galway/EPA Water Research Facility and associated remote monitoring facilities. This project will (i) characterise landfill leachate and their effect on MWWTPs, (ii) survey landfill and WWTP operators (iii) develop guidance on landfill leachate treatment with aprticular reference to municipal wastewater treatment plants (iv) develop a cost benefit analysis to compare onsite treatment to treatment and MWWTPs and (v) meet with and disseminate results to project stakeholders.

Grant Approved

�159,970.77

Research Hub

Natural Environment

Research Theme

Protecting our Water Resources

Start Date

09/12/2013

Initial Projected Completion Date

09/12/2015