Draft

GUIDELINES FOR MAINTAINING BUFFER AROUND WASTE

PROCESSING AND DISPOSAL FACILITIES

CENTRAL POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD

PARIVESH BHAWAN, EAST ARJUN NAGAR, SHAHDARA
DELHI: 110032
www.cpcb.nic.in
Table of Contents
1. Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 3
1.1 Background ................................................................................................................................... 4
1.2 Objectives...................................................................................................................................... 4
1.3 Legal Frame work: ......................................................................................................................... 4
1.4 Purpose of Buffer Zones................................................................................................................ 7
1.5 Current Scenario ........................................................................................................................... 7
2. Approach .............................................................................................................................................. 9
3. Processing Facility............................................................................................................................. 10
3.1 Compositing ................................................................................................................................ 10
3.2 Vermin- Compositing .................................................................................................................. 10
3.3 Bio-methanation ......................................................................................................................... 10
3.4 Incineration ................................................................................................................................. 11
3.5 Gasification and pyrolysis, .......................................................................................................... 11
3.6 Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) .......................................................................................................... 11
3.7 Sanitary landfilling/landfill gas recovery. .................................................................................... 12
3.8 Waste to Energy .......................................................................................................................... 12
4. Siting Criteria ..................................................................................................................................... 14
4.1 Buffer Zone Siting Criteria ........................................................................................................... 15
4.2 Buffer Zones Activities ................................................................................................................ 17
4.3 Buffer Zone for Waste Processing Facilities................................................................................ 18
4.4 Buffer Zone for Landfill Facilities ................................................................................................ 19
4.5 Noise Control .............................................................................................................................. 22
4.6 Green Belt ................................................................................................................................... 22
Annexure
1. Introduction
Solid waste management is a major issue in developing countries like India due to
increasing trend of population together with quantum of waste generation. The present
solid waste management practice envisaging different treatment technologies followed by
disposal of remnant in secured landfill plays a key role in the solid wastes management
system, which likely to continue for the next few decades. Composting, vermin-composting,
Biogas, refuse derived fuel (RDF), pelletization, Waste to Energy as specified for waste
processing technologies are being attempted in the country. However, the waste to Energy
is getting priority due to non-availability of land and economic return. The waste to energy
process also ensures quick disposal of waste besides avoiding long term potential threat of
landfill/dumpsites and their impacts on environment and health.

The adoption of the waste management hierarchy, viz. waste minimization, reuse,
recycling, recovery of energy, treatment of containment and finally waste disposal in
landfills, has shown the way of significant diversion of waste from accumulation of waste at
landfills. Disposal of wastes in landfills is the least preferred management as it impacts on
the surrounding environment. Landfill sites encompass waste processing/disposal facilities,
which become sources of pollution in terms of air, water, land and noise pollution besides
emitting foul smell. Therefore, provision of buffer zone around these facilities is essentially
required to prevent people living in the surrounding from exposure/impacts of such
pollutants. Buffer zone also acts as barrier, absorber and to some extend as remedial
measures against the fugitive emissions. Buffer zone is also equally important for any
processing facility as the processing activities directly or indirectly generate pollution in the
area. The fugitive emissions of pollutants observed during handling of waste, storage,
transportation and movements of traffics.

Indian cities are expanding with the increase in population and economic activities.
Identification of landfill site in such cities has become a challenging issue for the
municipalities. Non-existence of proper land use plan of Urban Authorities has aggravated
the situation further leading to failure in solid waste management. Municipalities are facing
NIMBY syndrome, public resistance and even legal issues in the Courts. Most of the
existing landfill sites have no adequate Buffer Zone; whereas available buffer zone areas
are also under illegal encroachment and such landfills are always likely to face public
resistance.

The Buffer zone is defined as an area of restricted activities, depending on the activity and
adjacent land uses i.e. the conduct of waste operation would be prohibited. It also ensures
long-term availability of disposal sites by avoiding potential conflicts between disposal sites
and adjacent land use. Laying down physical dimensions of Buffer Zone is a critical issue,
especially for the existing facilities. Though the Municipal Solid Waste (Management and
Handling) Rules, 2000 specified the terminology of Buffer Zone, the rule was silent about
the dimension of Buffer Zone.
1.1 Background

The Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 was notified on 8th April, 2016 revamping the
Municipal Solid Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules, 2000. According to the newly
notified Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 (at rule 14), the duties specified to Central
Pollution Control Board are as follows;

Publish guidelines for maintaining buffer zone restricting any residential, commercial
or any other construction activity from the outer boundary of the waste processing
and disposal facilities for different sizes of facilities handling more than five tons per
day of solid waste;

Publish guidelines, from time to time, on environmental aspects of processing and

disposal of solid waste to enable local bodies to comply with the provisions of these
rules; and

In 1982 an Indian task force developed the Core-Buffer-Multiple Use Zone strategy 1 this
strategy aimed at separating incompatible land uses, in particular in relation to wildlife. In
this approach, the buffer zone would be under the park authorities administration.
Sometimes controlled use of forest produce would be allowed. The multiple-use zone was
located outside the park boundaries designated for rural development. The buffer zone in
the Indian context could refer to: A buffer entirely inside the park boundaries, " A buffer
with a sanctuary status adjoining the park, and " A buffer of reserved forest status adjoining
a park or sanctuary. The ICDP approach is in fact the result of the buffer zone approach,
since the buffer zone principle is often applied in ICDPs.

1.2 Objectives

To minimize the risk of adverse impacts on the environment (land, air, water, noise)
provide direction, certainty and consistency for the siting buffer zone area,
promote responsible land management and conservation
promote responsible management of hazards and loss of amenity
To encourage new technological interventions depending on the processing facilities.

1.3 Legal Frame work:

The distance criteria for various activities are notified by the State Governments as well as
Central Government. The new guidelines proposed should not liquidate the existing
distance criteria notified under various Acts/Rules. However, implementation of these

1
Berkmller and Mukherjee, 1998
guidelines could be more stringent considering the local conditions /existing legal
frameworks. The indicative legal notifications are as under;

A. Provisions related to Buffer Zone specified in the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016
are as under;

Definition of buffer zone- means zone of no development to be maintained

around solid waste processing and disposal facility, exceeding 5 TPD of installed
capacity. This will be maintained within total land area allotted for the solid waste
processing and disposal facility.
Rule 11 Section (l)- Duties of the Secretaryin-charge, Urban Development in the
States and Union territories- notify buffer zone for the solid waste processing and
disposal facilities of more than five tons per day in consultation with the State
Pollution Control Board
Rule 12 Section (h)- Duties of Central Pollution Control Board- publish guidelines for
maintaining buffer zone restricting any residential, commercial or any other
construction activity from the outer boundary of the waste processing and disposal
facilities for different sizes of facilities handling more than five tons per day of solid
waste;
The distance criteria specified in Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 at Schedule I
(A)(vii)- The landfill site shall be 100 meter away from river, 200 meter from a
pond, 200 meter from Highways, Habitations, Public Parks and water supply wells
and 20 km away from Airports or Airbase. However in a special case, landfill site
may be set up within a distance of 10 and 20 km away from the Airport/Airbase
after obtaining no objection certificate from the civil aviation authority/ Air force as
the case may be. The Landfill site shall not be permitted within the flood plains as
recorded for the last 100 years, zone of coastal regulation, wetland, Critical habitat
areas, and sensitive eco-fragile areas.
Schedule I (A)(viii)-The sites for landfill and processing and disposal of solid waste
shall be incorporated in the Town Planning Departments land-use plans.
 Schedule I (A)(ix)-A buffer zone of no development shall be maintained around solid
waste processing and disposal facility, exceeding five Tonnes per day of installed
capacity. This will be maintained within the total area of the solid waste processing
and disposal facility. The buffer zone shall be prescribed on case to case basis by the
local body in consultation with concerned State Pollution Control Board.
Schedule I (F)-Criteria for ambient air quality monitoring

B. The Coastal Zone Regulation notified under the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part-II,
Section 3, Sub-section (ii) of dated the 6th January, 2011) COASTAL REGULATION ZONE
NOTIFICATION MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (Department of
Environment, Forests and Wildlife) as under;

(i) The land area from High Tide Line (hereinafter referred to as the HTL) to 500mts on
the landward side along the sea front.

(ii) CRZ shall apply to the land area between HTL to 100 meters or width of the creek
whichever is less on the landward side along the tidal influenced water bodies that
are connected to the sea and the distance up to which development along such tidal
influenced water bodies is to be regulated shall be governed by the distance up to
which the tidal effects are experienced which shall be determined based on salinity
concentration of 5 parts per thousand (ppt) measured during the driest period of the
year and distance up to which tidal effects are experienced shall be clearly identified
and demarcated accordingly in the Coastal Zone Management Plans (hereinafter
referred to as the CZMPs).

Prohibited activities under the CRZ Notification are as under;

(i) Setting up and expansion of units or mechanism for disposal of wastes and
effluents except facilities required for,-
(a) Discharging treated effluents into the water course with approval under the
Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 (6 of 1974);
(b) Storm water drains and ancillary structures for pumping;
(c) Treatment of waste and effluents arising from hotels, beach resorts and
human settlements located in CRZ areas other than CRZ-I and disposal of
treated wastes and effluents;

(ii) Dumping of city or town wastes including construction debris, industrial solid
wastes, fly ash for the purpose of land filling and the like and the concerned
authority shall implement schemes for phasing out any existing practice, if any,
 shall be phased out within a period of one year from date of commencement of
this notification.

C. Any other Notifications under Central/ State Governments;

(i) Notified Areas- Reserved Forests, Nature Protection, Sanctuary, Wild life
Sanctuary, Eco-sensitive zones, Historical Monuments, places of tourist interest,
etc.
(ii) State Policy/Plan
(iii) Master Plan of development Authorities

1.4 Purpose of Buffer Zones

The Buffer Zone, as defines the land between the boundary of core activity area that may
potentially be used for waste processing and disposal activities as per land use and the
boundary of the area owned by the facility within which unacceptable adverse impacts due to
these waste processing and disposal activities on the amenity of sensitive land use are possible.
This may be represented by the separation distance.

1.5 Current Scenario

Pollution Aspect

A major environmental concern is gas release by decomposing garbage. Methane is a by-product of the
anaerobic respiration of bacteria, and these bacteria thrive in landfills with high amounts of moisture.
Methane concentrations can reach up to 50% of the composition of landfill gas at maximum anaerobic
decomposition (Cointreau-Levine, 1997). A second problem with these gasses is their contribution to the
enhanced greenhouse gas effect and climate change .Liquid leachate management varies throughout
the landfills of the developing world. Waste management is a problem in urban and rural areas. Many
areas, particularly in India, still have inadequate waste management; poorly controlled open dumps and
illegal roadside dumping remain a problem. Such dumping spoils scenic resources, pollutes soil and
water resources, and is a potential health hazard to plants, animals and people. Also these big dump site
doesnt give a aesthetic view to people. Noise and dust are also the major concern for the landfill sites.

Scarcity of land

Land is scarce in India, even though the country has a land area of about 328 million hectares which is
the seventh largest land area among the countries of the world. For giving the buffer zone area around
the core facility will be a challenge as land is not available mostly encroachment has already taken
place in many places around the landfill sites which ultimately effects the surrounding area. In most of
the towns, no land is available for the treating the of solid waste, neither as landfill site nor for disposal
through other techniques. The Master/Development Plans, prepared by the Town Planning Department,
do not reflect this aspect. Many a times, land is earmarked for sanitation purpose, which includes the
disposal of solid waste as well as a site for sewage treatment plant, which is insufficient for either use.
Since location of the land plays an important role, therefore, it should be located in such a way that solid
waste is disposed off in decentralized manner so that the transportation cost for the solid waste is
optimized.

People living around the site are so resistance that they are not willing to vacate the area or for relocate.
2. Approach
Guidelines for maintaining buffer around waste processing
and disposal facility

Scope

Formulation of Objectives:
To minimize the risk of adverse impacts on the environment (land, air, water, noise)
provide direction, certainty and consistency for the siting buffer zone area,
promote responsible land management and conservation
promote responsible management of hazards and loss of amenity
To encourage new technological interventions depending on the processing facilities

Guideline Development
Literature Study
Review on Committee inputs
Committee discusses-reviews and expert testimony and develops draft recommendations

Draft Guideline revised

Committee discusses and revises guideline
Comments Review on Committee inputs

Updation
Final input and recommendation are consider

Published
3. Processing Facility
The main technological options available for processing/ treatment and disposal of MSW are
composting, vermin-composting, anaerobic digestion/bio-methanation, incineration, gasification
and pyrolysis, plasma pyrolysis, production of Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF), also known as pelletization
and sanitary landfilling/landfill gas recovery. Not all technologies are equally good in all respect.
Each one of them has advantages and limitations.

3.1 Compositing

Composting can be carried out in two ways i.e., aerobically and anaerobically. During aerobic
composting aerobic micro-organisms oxidize organic compounds to Carbon dioxide, Nitrite and
Nitrate. Carbon from organic compounds is used as a source of energy while nitrogen is recycled.
Due to exothermic reaction, temperature of the mass rises. During anaerobic process, the anaerobic
micro organisms, while metabolizing the nutrients, break down the organic compounds through a
process of reduction. A very small amount of energy is released during the process and the
temperature of composting mass does not rise much. The gases evolved are mainly Methane and
Carbon dioxide. An anaerobic process is a reduction process and the final product is subjected to
some minor oxidation when applied to land. 2 Details of Land requirement for compost plant and
compost plants details in India are given in Annexure -1

3.2 Vermin- Compositing

Vermi-composting involves the stabilization of organic solid waste through earthworm consumption
which converts the material into worm castings. Vermin-composting is the result of combined
activity of microorganisms and earthworms. Microbial decomposition of biodegradable organic
matter occurs through extracellular enzymatic activities (primary decomposition) whereas
decomposition in earthworm occurs in alimentary tract by microorganisms inhabiting the gut
(secondary decomposition). Microbes such as fungi, actinomycetes, protozoa etc. are reported to
inhabit the gut of earthworms. Ingested feed substrates are subjected to grinding in the anterior
part of the worms gut (gizzard) resulting in particle size reduction. Vermitechnology, a tripartite
system which involves biomass, microbes and earthworms in influenced by the abiotic factors such
as temperature, moisture, aeration etc. Microbial ecology changes according to change of abiotic
factors in the biomass but decomposition never ceases. Conditions unfavorable to aerobic
decomposition result in mortality of earthworms and subsequently no vermin-composting occurs.
Hence, preprocessing of the waste as well as providing favorable environmental condition is
necessary for vermin-composting. 3

3.3 Bio-methanation
Bio-methanation is anaerobic digestion of organic materials which is converted into biogas, a
gaseous combustible mixture, of methane (CH4). Bio-methanation is a biological treatment method

2
CPHEEO Manual, May 2000
3
CPHEEO Manual, May 2000
that can be used to recover both nutrients and energy contained in biodegradable municipal waste.
Bio-methanation of organic wastes is accomplished by a series of biochemical transformations -
which include in the first stage hydrolysis, acidification and liquefaction followed by a second stage
where acetate, hydrogen and carbon dioxide are transformed into methane. The process generates
biogas with high content of methane (5570%) which can directly be used as fuel and by employing
gas engines can also generate electricity. One of the most promising methods of treating the organic
fraction of MSW and other organic wastes is anaerobic digestion which is well adapted for high-
moisture wastes (Becidan, 2007). This technology has dual benefits. It gives biogas as well as
manure as end product. Fibre fraction of waste can also be recovered for use as a soil conditioner
after biomethanation. The fibre fraction tends to be small in volume but rich in phosphorus, which is
a valuable and scarce resource at global level.

3.4 Incineration
In Incineration combustible waste is burned at temperatures high enough (900-1000 0C) to consume
all combustible material, leaving only ash and noncombustible to dispose off in a landfill. Under
ideal conditions, incineration may reduce the volume of waste by 75% to 95% (Schneider, 1970).
Incineration may be used as a disposal option, only when land filling is not possible and the waste
composition is of high combustible (i.e. self-sustaining combustible matter which saves the energy
needed to maintain the combustion) paper or plastics. It requires an appropriate technology,
infrastructure, and skilled manpower to operate and maintain the plant. In Indian cities, Incineration
is generally limited to hospital and other biological wastes. This may be due to the high organic
material (40-60%), high moisture contact (40-60%) and low calorific value content (800-
1100Kcal/Kg) in solid waste (R.Raajput & G Prasad, 2009; Kansal, 2002; Joardar, 2000; Bhide &
Shekdar, 1998)

3.5 Gasification and pyrolysis,

In Pyrolysis, the chemical constituents and chemical energy of some organic wastes is recovered by
destructive distillation of the solid waste. It is a form of incineration that chemically decomposes
organic materials at high temperature in the absence of oxygen. Pyrolysis typically occurs under
pressure and at operating temperatures above 430 C. In practice, it is not possible to achieve a
completely oxygen-free atmosphere. Because some oxygen is present in any pyrolysis system, a
small amount of oxidation occurs. If volatile or semi-volatile materials are present in the waste,
thermal desorption will also occur. Organic materials are transformed into gases, small quantities of
liquid, and a solid residue containing carbon and ash. The off-gases may also be treated in a
secondary thermal oxidation unit. Particulate removal equipment is also required. Several types of
pyrolysis units are available, including the rotary kiln, rotary hearth furnace, or fluidized bed
furnace. These units are similar to incinerators except that they operate at lower temperatures and
with less air supply

3.6 Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF)

In an RDF plant, waste is processed before burning. Typically, the noncombustible items are
removed, separating glass and metals for recycling. The combustible waste is shredded into a
smaller, more uniform particle size for burning. The RDF thus produced may be burned in boilers on-
site, or it may be shipped to off-site boilers for energy conversion. If the RDF is to be used off-site, it
is usually densified into pellets through the process of pelletisation. Pelletisation involves
segregation of the incoming waste into high and low calorific value materials and shredding them
separately, to nearly uniform size. The different heaps of the shredded waste are then mixed
together in suitable proportion and then solidified to produce RDF pellets. The calorific value of RDF
pellets can be around 4000 kcal/ kg depending upon the percentage of organic matter in the waste,
additives and binder materials used in the process, if any. Since pelletisation enriches the organic
content of the waste through removal of inorganic materials and moisture, it can be very effective
method for preparing an enriched fuel feed for other thermo-chemical processes like Pyrolysis/
Gasification, apart from Incineration. Additional advantage is that the pellets can be conveniently
stored and transported.

3.7 Sanitary landfilling/landfill gas recovery.

Sanitary landfill is a fully engineered disposal option, which avoids harmful effects of uncontrolled
dumping by spreading, compacting and covering the wasteland that has been carefully engineered
before use. Through proper site selection, preparation and management, operators can minimize
the effects of leachates (polluted water which flows from a landfill) and gas production both in the
present and in the future. In this process the waste is disposed and is covered with a layer of soil.
The compact layer of soil restricts continued access to the waste by insects, rodents and other
animals. It also isolates the refuse, minimizing the amount of surface water entering into and gas
escaping from the waste (Turk, 1970). Sanitary Landfilling is a necessary component of solid waste
management, since all other options produce some residue that must be disposed of through
landfilling. However, it appears that landfilling would continue to be the most widely adopted
practice in India in the coming few years, during which certain improvements will have to be made
to ensure the Sanitary landfilling (

3.8 Waste to Energy

Waste-to-Energy (WtE) technologies consist of any waste treatment process that creates energy in
the form of electricity, heat or transport fuels (e.g. diesel) from a waste source. In conventional
biogas Conversion to Heat and Power (CHP) plants the equipment for capturing CO2 is not required.
Nitrogen and oxygen, the two main components of air, are found usually in biogas in a ratio 4:1.
Their presence is mainly due to the air introduced in biogas mixture after the anaerobic digestion so
as to remove the excess hydrogen sulfide amounts. Ammonia concentration in biogas is usually
most of the times very low, not exceeding 0.1 mg/m3. The presence of ammonia in higher
concentration is attributed to the increased nitrogen content of the substrate used (e.g. poultry
manure). Hydrogen sulfide quantity in biogas is a decisive factor for its quality. Without the
integration of a biogas de-sulfurizing step, hydrogen sulfide concentration may exceed 0.5 % by
volume which is a significant amount, capable of causing damages due to corrosion effects to the
downstream piping or to the cogeneration engine. Actually, many engine manufacturers and
providers suggest an upper limit in hydrogen sulfide concentration of 0.05 % by volume, for a long-
life lasting effective operation of the engine. The presence of water, in the gaseous form of vapour,
 is inevitable in biogas mixture due to the type of biochemical reactions and collection mechanism of
the biogas which takes place during anaerobic digestion. Similarly, hydrogen sulfide gets oxidized to
sulphuric acid in presence of water vapour which is highly corrosive for the engine. High vapour
concentration may turn the non-corrosive carbon dioxide into a corrosive compound due to
formation of carbonic acid. As a result, water removal from biogas is another necessary pre-
treatment step so as to eventually introduce biogas into the cogeneration engines. 4 Details of Waste
to Energy plants in India are given in Annexure- 1.

4
Report of the Task Force on Waste to Energy (W to E)
4. Siting Criteria
The Buffer Zone, as defines the land between the boundary of core activity area that may potentially
be used for waste processing and disposal activities as per land use and the boundary of the area
owned by the facility within which unacceptable adverse impacts due to these waste processing and
disposal activities on the amenity of sensitive land use are possible. This may be represented by the
separation distance. Buffer zone area can also help to prevent nuisances to neighbours and impacts
to their health or quality of life, as well as environmental impacts to groundwater, air, noise.

Providing buffer zones between an core processing facility and the surrounding community is a good
practice. The size of the buffer zone may be dictated by the minimum separation distances specified
in provincial or municipal regulations, bylaws, and guidelines (see Table 5). The capacity of the
facility, the potential for creating nuisance conditions, topography and wind conditions, and the
facilitys specific design controls also factor into determining buffer zone area. As a general rule, the
larger the distance from a facility to a sensitive area, the higher the potential to reduce conflicts
between the site and adjacent land uses and neighbours related to odour, traffic, noise, and dust.
Vegetation, shrubs, trees, and berms can be incorporated into buffer zones to serve as visual
barriers and to reduce noise levels. Fencing in buffer zones may also help control litter.

Table 1 Locational Criteria specified in Manual on Municipal Solid Waste Management 2000
(CPHEEO, MoUD

Location Distance
Lake or Pond No landfill should be constructed within 200 m of any lake or pond.
River No landfill should be constructed within 100 m of a navigable river or
stream.
Flood Plain No landfill should be constructed within a 100 year flood plain
Highway No landfill should be constructed within 200 m of the right of way of any
state or national highway
Habitation A landfill site should be at least 500 m from a notified
habitated area. A zone of 500 m around a landfill boundary should be
declared a No-Development Buffer Zone after the landfill location is
finalized.
Public parks No landfill should be constructed within 300 m of a public park.
Critical Habitat Area No landfill should be constructed within critical habitat areas.
Wetlands No landfill should be constructed within wetlands
Ground Water Table A landfill should not be constructed in areas where water table is less than
2m below ground surface
Airports No landfill should be constructed 20 km within or the limits prescribed by
regulatory agencies (MOEF/ CPCB/ Aviation Authorities)
Water Supply Well No landfill should be constructed within 500 m of any water supply well.
Coastal Regulation A landfill should not be sited in a coastal regulation zone
Zone
Unstable Zone A landfill should not be located in potentially unstable
zones such as landslide prone areas, fault zone etc.
 Earthquake zone 500m from fault line fracture (urban local bodies in seismic zone 4 &5
consult seismic map)

The area required around the core facility is a key site selection criterion. A processing facility
typically requires space for receiving waste, storing waste, segregation of waste and treating the
waste. Separation distances between the core facility and sensitive habitats or sources of potable
water may help to prevent serious environmental impacts. Similarly, buffer zones area between the
facility and neighbouring properties can help temporarily mitigate nuisance impacts until further
controls can be implemented. Most provinces, and some municipalities, have established
requirements for siting composting, anaerobic digestion (AD), and other waste management
facilities.

Factors considered for Buffer Zone:

The solid waste processing and disposal sites generate odor, wind -blown refuse, noise,
visual impact, traffic, dust, leachate for contamination ground/surface water and
ambient air pollution.
Generation of Noise pollution due to operation of machineries, DG sets, pumps,
handling of wastes, traffic movements, etc.
The biological process that involves the microbial activities may be affected by external
agents like spray of pesticides, chemical, paints and other volatile reagents.
Possible loss of agricultural productivity due to dust particles.

4.1 Buffer Zone Siting Criteria

There are three different approaches for siting the buffer area for Existing Plants. One method is to
first define the existing processing facility where land is not available for buffer zone area i.e, Not
Feasible (e.g.Okhla Plant), and go for technological interventions (typically, 30 m distances is
required). In this case, selection criteria are determined according to the specific technology
requirements. As an example, if large-scale, open-composting, which typically requires a large
footprint and has higher odour control challenges, requiring greater buffer zone area from sensitive
residential areas. This approach is best where location represents a major challenge (e.g., poor
social acceptance due to negative experience with waste treatment facilities already implemented
in the region, or limited potential available locations)

The second approach is to first identify a location where buffer zone can be given as per the given
criteria i.e, Feasible, where is land available for giving the buffer area with the best chance of
community acceptance and compliance with regulatory requirements.
The third approach is for Facility where both area and technological interventions can be used i.e,
Partially Feasible. In this case it depends on case to case if land is available then buffer zone will be
given according to the land availability and if land is not available than will suggest technological
approach with some buffer zone area.

1. Existing Facility
- Feasible
- Partially feasible
- Not Feasible
2. New Facility (which got approval)

There is no basis for claiming that one of these approaches is better than the other. In many cases,
the approach is dictated by project-specific issues, such as project development timelines,
availability of land, and condition of existing waste management facility.

There are a number of issues and criteria that should be considered when siting a buffer zone area
for waste processing facility. This fall into three general categories:

1. Environmental considerations

2. Proximity and access considerations

3. Land-use considerations

Environmental considerations

Water Sources There are provisions for river, lake and pond in MoUD CPHEEO Manual.
Flood Plains- As per MoUD guidelines landfill should not be constructed within a 100 year
flood plain but as per the discussion with Committee member it was decided to take 20
years data for flood plain area.
Topography- In hilly areas land availability and also the slope must be taken care of
Wind Speed and Direction- Wind direction is one of the important consideration as it helps
us to know the direction in which the area can be effected due to dust and odour.
Earthquake- While designing makes sure in which seismic zone the site comes under. As
earthquake make effect the linning of the landfill bed.

Proximity and access considerations

Transportation Network
Utilities and Services

Land-use considerations

Land Usage and Activities on Adjacent Sites

 Allowable Land Uses and Zoning
Proximity to Airports
Proximity to Other Waste Management Facilities

4.2 Buffer Zones Activities

Activities to be prohibited/ regulated and permitted

Activity Buffer Prohibited Regulated Promoted Remark Problems/Conflicts

Zone Activities
Residential 500m* Yes Odor, wind -blown
Commercial 500m Yes For small shops refuse, noise, visual
activities and other impact, traffic, dust,
business contamination of
related ground water and
establishment surface water
Adoption of Yes Shall be
green promoted
technology
Setting of Yes
industries
causing
pollution
Waste-to- Yes Non-
Energy conventional
should
be promoted
Agriculture yes Regulate use of contamination
pesticides
Plantation yes Indigenous
species for
nature
conservation

*A landfill site should be at least 500 m from a notified habituated area. A zone of 500 m around a landfill boundary should be
declared a No-Development Buffer Zone after the landfill location is finalized.(landfill manual by MOEF-chapter 17)

NB: Puduchery Municipality and Dhanbad Municiplaity have already provided Buffer Zone of 500 m around dumping yard.
Punjab Board has issued direction to Ludhiana Municipal Corporation vide letter dated 17.05.2016 to provide Green belt of
minimum 5 meters around the Boundary wall of the dumping site and provide Green Belt in three rows having 15 meters width
around the boundary of plant site.
4.3 Buffer Zone for Waste Processing Facilities

(i) Proposed guidelines for New Waste processing facilities:

Capacity of Buffer Zone indicating aerial distance from the tip of

waste core activity area to Outer boundary wall of the facility
processing & (in Meters)
disposal Residential Commercial Construction
facilities activities activities

(Tonnes/day)
6 -50 30 30 30

51-100 60 60 60

101 & above 100 100 100

NB: (1) Including minimum 20 meter width plantation within buffer zone
(2) In cosmopolitan cities, land availability is restricted. Even in some cases 100 m
buffer zone is not available. In such cases, control system, green belts and Best
Available technologies (BAT) is to be adopted.

(ii) Feasible condition: Proposed guidelines for Existing/ under

construction/Awarded/ restricted availability of land Waste processing facilities:

Capacity of Buffer Zone indicating aerial distance from the tip of

waste core activity area to Outer boundary wall of the facility
processing & (in Meters)
disposal Residential Commercial Construction
facilities activities activities

(Tonnes/day)
6 -50 30 30 30

51-100 60 60 60

101 & above 100 100 100

NB*:
With min 20m green belt & stringent measures of pollution control
200m it should be total distance from the facility - Residents within the premises
including area outside the premises.
 Awarded project which have restricted available land, any change may require new site,
new permission, EC, etc. leading to delay of the project by 2-3 years.
NGT Order dt. 22.12.2016 that 20m buffer zone is sufficient and also green belt should be
mandatory.

(iii) For Partially feasible- 20m

Capacity of Buffer Zone indicating aerial distance from the tip of

waste core activity area to Outer boundary wall of the facility
processing & (in Meters)
disposal Residential Commercial Construction
facilities activities activities

(Tonnes/day)
6 -50 20 20 20

51-100 20 20 20

101 & above 20* 20 20

NB*:
Specific condition like Ghazipur, Bhalswa, where no land is available for Green
belt, recover land from existing dumpsite and develop.
With stringent measures of pollution control and 10 m width of plantation
NGT Order dt. 22.12.2016 that 20m buffer zone is sufficient and also green belt should
be mandatory.

(iv) Not feasible- Stringent measures to be adopted by the Local Authority in

consultation with SPCB/PCC.

4.4 Buffer Zone for Landfill Facilities

(v) New Landfills, Under construction & Awarded landfills

Capacity of Buffer Zone indicating aerial distance from the tip of
waste core activity area to Outer boundary wall of the facility
processing & (in Meters)
disposal Residential Commercial Construction
facilities activities activities
(Tonnes/day)
6 -50 50 50 50
51-100 100 100 100
101 & above 200 200 200
With min 30 m width of plantation to act as barrier
m
 Awarded project which have restricted available land, any change may require new site,
new permission, EC, etc. leading to delay of the project by 2-3 years.

(vi) Existing landfill sites (feasible)

Capacity of Buffer Zone indicating aerial distance from the tip of

waste core activity area to Outer boundary wall of the facility
processing & (in Meters)
disposal Residential Commercial Construction
facilities activities activities

(Tonnes/day)
6 -50 30 30 30
51-100 60 60 60

101 & above 100 100 100

NB: With stringent measures of pollution control and minimum 20 m width of plantation

(vii) Existing landfill sites (Partially feasible)

Capacity of Buffer Zone indicating aerial distance from the tip of

waste core activity area to Outer boundary wall of the facility
processing & (in Meters)
disposal Residential Commercial Construction
facilities activities activities

(Tonnes/day)
6 -50 20 20 20
51-100 20 20 20

101 & above 20 20 20

NB:
With stringent measures of pollution control and 10 m width of plantation
NGT Order dt. 22.12.2016 that 20m buffer zone is sufficient and also green belt
should be mandatory.

(viii) Existing Landfill sites (Not feasible):

The ULB shall take specific measures in consultation with SPCB/PCC for
closure/capping of the existing landfill.
4.5 STRINGENT MEASURES FOR CONTROL OF POLLUTION WITHIN WASTE PROCESSING AND
DISPOSAL FACILITIES

(i) Control of pollution at source: Installation of adequate pollution control devices at

source for emissions and discharges
(ii) Resource Conservation: Minimize consumption of water and energy/ fuel.
(iii) Recycle: use recycled wastewater, heat energy, waste materials, etc. Leachate to
be recycled in landfill /composting. Treated leachate to be used for plantation &
others safe utilities.
(iv) Noise Control: Noise control at source- providing shield, barriers, absorbers, green
belts, etc.
(v) Fugitive dust control: Cover all open soil surfaces with grass, carpeting of roads,
slow vehicular movements, regular sprinkling of water, reduce dropping distance
and waste handling in negative pressure, etc.
(vi) Odor control: avoid odor causing activities, treatment for odorous pollutants, use
odor suppressing enzymes/spray, maintenance of vessels/equipments, etc.

4.6 For Existing Processing Facility

Examples of Buffer Zone for landfill, composting and waste to energy

plants

Landfill
ISWA- 500 m should be provided depending on the size of landfill, height, wind
direction.
In South Australia 500m buffer distance shall be maintained between areas
dedicated for waste disposal and the nearest surface water.
In Ontario buffer area shall be atleast 100 m wide at every point
Malaysia- waste treatment and disposal 500m
South Africa- Buffer zone min 200m to 500m
Devon city council (UK)- 500m buffer distance
Bangladesh-250m from the habitat
Hong Kong- 250 m away from the edge of the waste (landfill boundary)
South Australia- Depending on the land use and landfill size, buffer zone varies from
200-500m

According to these different country examples it observed that the minimum buffer
area varies from 100-200m and maximum is 500m

Composting
Canada- minimum buffer strip between composting facility boundary and adjacent
property. For in-vessel Composting distance between active area and the nearest
 residential or institutional building shall be min 500m, nearest commercial or
industrial building 250m and nearest property boundary will be min 100m
Malaysia- production of compost from organic waste- 500m
Devon city Council (UK)- buffer distance 500m
Buffer zone varies from min 200m to max 500m from the active area.

Waste-to-Energy
EPAs guidelines recommended separation distances for industrial residual
emissions is case to case basis for Australia
Devon city Council (UK)- buffer distance 500m
China- 300m buffer zone between incineration plants and local residents
Details are given in Annexure-II.

4.7 Noise Control

While no specific statutory controls exist for noise from construction sites, all noise nuisances
should be reduced wherever possible from vehicles, fixed machinery within the site, blasting,
general construction activities, and from movements of vehicles servicing the site.

Ambient noise monitoring has been conducted by CPCB at three various MSW treatment plants.
Out of these three two are monitored while plant was not operational

1. M/s Timarpur Okhla, Waste to Energy Plant, Okhla New Delhi, (Monitored on 17.12.2016)
Noise level near boundary wall towards Sukhdev Vihar (100mt) is Lmax - 80, Lmin- 55
2. M/s Delhi MSW Solutions Ltd. Bawana, Delhi (Monitored on 19.12.2016 while plant not in
operation)
Noise level near west side boundary wall (200mt) is Lmax - 68, Lmin- 43
3. M/s IL&FS Environmental Infrastructure & Service Limited, Gazipur, Delhi (Monitored on
20.12.2016 while plant not in operation)
Noise level near boundary wall (Naer RDF Area, 100 mt. from process) is Lmax - 86, Lmin- 55

Suggestions

Enclose noise prevention equipment

Provide noise attenuation screens, where appropriate
Where an activity is likely to cause a noise nuisance to nearby residents, restrict operating
hours.
Schedule deliveries to the site so that disruption to local amenity and traffic are minimized.
Acoustic approach
Promote Eco friendly facility

5.0 Green Belt

 An important aspect of a green belt sometimes overlooked is that the plants constituting green
belts are living organisms with limits to their tolerance towards air pollutants. A green belt is
effective as pollution sink only within the tolerance limits of constituent plants. The philosophy
is that when primary pollutants are taken care of, formation of secondary pollutants will not
reach menacing proportions. Primary pollutants of concern are SO2 ,HF, NO2, CO, CO2, NH3,
H2S, Cl, SPM and organics. 5 (Annexure- 2 attached showing the selection criteria for plants near
the processing facility)

Guidelines for developing green belt as per agro-climatic conditions

(a) Criteria for Selection for Green Belt

The plant species should be fast growing
They should have thick canopy cover
They should be perennial and evergreen
They should have high sink potential
They should be effective in absorbing pollutants without significantly affecting their growth

(b) Plantation around Processing & Disposal site:

Keeping in view the nature of pollutants expected from the disposal site a green belt of 5.0 km
width id recommended and the following plant species can be selected for plantation:

Acacia nilotica (Babul)

Deldergia Sissoo (Shishum)
Acacia auriculiformis (Australian Babul)
Azadirachta Indica (Neem)
Lagerstroemia speciosa (jamun)
Prongamia pinnata (Karanji)

(c) Road Side Plantation in Processing & Disposal Site

Minimum two rows of plants are required for p[lantation on roadside to minimize the
pollutants effects. While planting care should be taken to ensure that plants in seconds row fall
in between the two plants of the first row. The plant species suitable for plantation on roadside
are listed below:

Cassia siamca (Cassia)

Acacia Nilotica (Babul)
Azadirachta indica (Neem)
Saraca indica (Ashoka)
Pongamia glabra (Mango)
5
Guidelines For Developing Greenbelts, CPCB, March 2000
 Delonix rogia (Gulmohar)
Magnifera indica (Bahunia)
 Annexure 1
Compost Details
Table 2 Land Area Requirements 6

Plant (TPD) 50 100 200 300 500

Total area required for 1 1.5 3 4 6
compost plant (Ha)
Green Belt (sq.m.) 1000 2000 4000 6000 8000
Buffer Area (sq.m.) 1000 2000 4000 6000 8000
Roads (km) 1 1 1.5 2 3

Table 3 Waste to Compost Plant, May 2012-16

Monthly Annual
S.No State City Plant Actual Compost Actual
Compost Compost production Compost
Production Production capacity Production
Capacity Capacity (MT) Capacity
(MT) (MT) (MT)
Total: Total: Total: Total:
57853 MT 12651 MT 511093 151809
MT MT
1 Chhattisgarh Dhamtari 113 42 1,350 500
2 Delhi New Delhi 5775 628 69,300 7541
3 Delhi New Delhi 1650 42 19,800 500
4 Delhi Okhla 2063 652 24,750 7825
5 Goa Panjim 107 19 1,284 225
6 Gujarat Ahmedabad 825 50 9,900 600
7 Gujarat Ahmedabad 1238 836 14,850 10034
8 Gujarat Bhavnagar 825 25 9,900 300
9 Gujarat Dakor 3094 667 37,125 8000
10 Gujarat Godhra 150 129 1,800 1550
11 Gujarat Morbi 150 125 1,800 1500
12 Gujarat Patan 150 129 1,800 1550
13 Gujarat Porbandar 150 138 1,800 1650
14 Gujarat Surat 825 42 9,900 500
15 Gujarat Surendra 150 138 1,800 1650
Nagar
16 Gujarat Vadodara 825 25 9,900 300
17 Karnataka Bangalore 3713 46 44,550 550
18 Karnataka Belgaum 619 176 7,425 2112
19 Karnataka Mangalore 825 59 9,900 703

6
Inter Ministerial Task Force Report by MoUD, May 2005
 20 Karnataka Mysore 1031 392 12,375 4707
21 Karnataka Shimoga 413 0 4,950
22 Kerala Calicut 413 284 4,950 3404
23 Madhya Pradesh Indore 1031 667 12,375 8000
24 Maharashtra Pune 2063 189 24,750 2271
25 Maharashtra Nagpur 825 125 9,900 1500
26 Maharashtra Turbhe 2063 692 24,750 8300
27 Rajasthan Jaipur 1238 737 14,850 8844
28 Tamil Nadu Coimbatore 2681 1079 32,175 12950
29 Tamil Nadu Madurai 371 250 4,455 3000
30 Tamil Nadu Trichy 1238 166 14,850 1991
31 Tamil Nadu Conoor 37 27 446 325
32 Tamil Nadu Erode 413 109 4,950 1305
33 Tamil Nadu Metupalyam 144 51 1,733 617
34 Tamil Nadu Pollachi 248 66 2,970 787
35 Tamil Nadu Udumplet 83 35 990 420
36 Telangana Hyderabad 15262 1593 1,83,150 19120
37 Telangana Suryapet 210 25 2,520 300
38 Uttar Pradesh Moradabad 619 250 7,425 3000
39 Uttar Pradesh Muzafarnagar 495 333 5,940 4000
40 Uttar Pradesh Aligarh 454 292 5,445 3500
41 Uttar Pradesh Fatehpur 124 83 1,485 1000
42 Uttar Pradesh Lucknow 375 83 4500 1000
43 Uttar Pradesh Allahabad 250 63 3000 750
44 West Bengal Haldia 1031 73 12,375 875
45 West Bengal Kolkata 1500 1021 18,000 12253
Source: Data from MoUD
Waste to Energy Details
Table 4 : Operational Waste to Energy Plants
S. No State Name of the City/ Town Capacity (MW)
1 Mahrashtra Pune 10
2 Maharashtra Solapur 3
3 New Delhi Okhla 12
4 New Delhi Ghazipur 16
5 Telangana Karimnagar 12
6 Madhya Pradesh Jabalpur 11.4
7 Delhi Narela- Bawana 24
Total 88.4
Source: Data from MoUD
 Table 5 : Under Construction Waste to Energy Plants

S. No State Name of city/town Proposed Probable month

capacity of commissioning
(MW)
1 Andhra Pradesh Vishakhapatnam 15 Mar-17
2 Andhra Pradesh Vijaywada 12 Mar-17
3 Andhra Pradesh Tirupati 5 Mar-17
4 Andhra Pradesh Kadapa 5 Jun-17
5 Andhra Pradesh Nellore 4 Jun-17
6 Andhra Pradesh Anantpur 4 Jun-17
7 Andhra Pradesh Kurnool 1 Jun-17
8 Andhra Pradesh Vizianagaram 4 Jun-17
9 Andhra Pradesh Tadepalligudem 5 Jun-17
10 Andhra Pradesh Guntur 15 Sep-17
11 Bihar Patna 12 Mar-18
13 Gujarat Surat 11.5 Dec-17
14 Gujarat Rajkot 4 Mar-18
15 Himachal pradesh Shimla 1.7 Mar-18
16 Jharkhand Ranchi 11 Dec-17
17 Karnataka Bengaluru 8 Dec-16
18 Karnataka Bangalore, Karnataka 12 Mar-18
19 Kerala Kochi 10 Dec-17
20 Madhya Pradesh Indore 8 Mar-18
21 Maharashtra Pune 7 Dec-16
22 Maharashtra Thane 10 Dec-17
23 Maharashtra Nagpur 11.5 Dec-17
24 Manipur Imphal 1 Dec-17
25 New Delhi Kidwai Nagar 1.6 Jun-16
26 Odisha Bhubaneswar & 11.5 Mar-18
Cuttack, Odisha
27 Punjab Ludhiana 8 Jun-16
28 Punjab Bathinda 8 Dec-16
29 Tamil Nadu Coimbatore 8 Sep-16
30 Telangana Greater Hyderabad 11 Jun-16
Municipal Corporation
31 Uttar Pradesh Allahabad 6 Mar-18
32 Uttar Pradesh Agra 10 Mar-18
Total 241.8
Source: Data from MoUD
 Annexure-2

Selection criteria for plants near the processing facility


Buffer Zones Indicators for Landfills:
S. Agency/Country
No.
1 ISWA the International
Solid Waste Association
2 Environment Protection
Authority (South Australia)
3 Ontario (East-Central
Canada Province)
Source
Guidelines for Design and
Operation of Municipal Solid Waste
Landfills in Tropical Climates
Environmental management of
landfill facilities (municipal solid
waste and commercial and
industrial general waste)
Landfill standards: a guideline on
the regulatory and approval
requirements for new or expanding
landfilling sites
Annexure-3
Reference
Landfill sites should not be located in the immediate proximity of occupied
dwellings, waterways and water bodies. A minimum distance of at least 500 m
should be provided. Depending on the size of the landfill, height, wind direction-
large minimum distances might be required
The following minimum buffer distances shall be maintained at municipal solid
waste and C&I general waste landfill facilities:
500 m to residential development, rural townships and highways or
arterial road networks. A lesser buffer may be acceptable where it is
considered compatible with the surrounding area and land uses so that
there will be an effective buffer of 500 m between the landfill and any
sensitive or incompatible land use.
3000 m between an airport utilised by turbojet aircraft and 1500 m
between an airport utilising piston aircraft respectively, and a landfill that
attracts birds (due to food or other wastes). Landfills that abut this buffer
zone will need to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of the
Civil Aviation Authority and as approved by the EPA.
A minimum buffer distance of 500 m shall be maintained between areas
dedicated for waste disposal and the nearest surface water (whether
permanent or intermittent) and the 100 year flood plain.
Regulation 232/98 sets a minimum requirement for the size of the buffer area at a
landfilling site. This requirement is given in Section 7 of the Regulation and is as
follows:
1. The owner and the operator of a landfilling site shall ensure that the waste
fill area is completely surrounded by buffer area in accordance with this
section.
2. The buffer area shall be at least 100 metres wide at every point.
3. Subsection (2) does not apply to a buffer area if the buffer area is at least
30 metres wide at every point and a written report confirms that;
(a) the buffer area provides adequate space for vehicle entry, exit,
turning, access to all areas of the site and parking;

4 Department Of
Environment Ministry Of
Natural Resources And
Environment Malaysia
5 Department Of Water
Affairs And Forestry
Republic Of South Africa
6 Devon City Council (UK)
7 Bangladesh
8 Hong Kong
9 South Australia
Guidelines for siting and zoning
of industry and residential areas
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR
WASTE DISPOSAL BY LANDFILL
Devon Waste Plan- Protecting
Waste Management Capacity
ADB TA: 39295 report on Preparing
the Third Urban Governance
and Infrastructure Improvement
(Sector) Project
EPDs publication Landfill Gas
Hazard Assessment - Guidance
Note, is available at EPDs website
at www.epd.gov.hk
Consultative Draft-Guidelines for
Separation Distances as given
below
(b) the buffer area provides adequate space on the surface of the site for
all anticipated structures, equipment and activities; and
(c) the buffer area is sufficient to ensure that potential effects of the
landfilling operation do not have any unacceptable impact outside the
site.
Waste treatment and disposal- 500 meters
Buffer Zone Minimum Requirements for Site Selection:
Communal Landfill: 200m
Small Landfill: 200m
Medium Landfill:400m
Large Landfill:400m
Buffer Distance Hazardous and non-hazardous landfill Physical, physico-chemical
and biological treatment Thermal treatment -500m
250 m from habitation, sensitive receptors
For the purpose of protecting the development from the potential hazards of
landfill gas migration, an evaluation of the risks posed by landfill gas is required for
any development which is proposed within the 250m Consultation Zone. The
Consultation Zone represents the area of land surrounding the landfill boundary as
defined by a line, running parallel to and 250m away from the edge of the waste if
this can be identified or, if not the recognized landfill site boundary.
Buffer Zones Indicators for Compost Facilities:

S. Agency/Country Source Reference

No.
1 New Brunswick , CANADA Guidelines for the
Environment and Local Site Selection,
Government Operation and
Approval of
Composting
Facilities in New
Brunswick

2 ADB- Design TABLE 16- Green buffer zone (trees and bushes)- 200 m2
 TOWARD SUSTAINABLE Specifications for a
MUNICIPAL ORGANIC Compost Facility of
WASTE MANAGEMENT IN 100 Tons per Day
SOUTH ASIA A Guidebook
for Policy Makers and
Practitioners
3 Environment Protection Compost guideline The EPA recommends that the operation of composting facilities is avoided in the
Authority-South Australia following locations:

1,000 m to land that is for sensitive use

4 CANADA- Nova Scotia
Within the floodplain known as the 1956 River Murray Floodplain or any
floodplain subject to flooding that occurs, on average, more than one in every
100 years
Within the Mount Lofty Ranges Water Protection Area and the South East
Water Protection Area as declared under Part 8 of the EP Act
Within 100 m of a bank of a major watercourse (eg Murray, Torrens and
Onkaparinga Rivers), or within 500 m of a high-water mark.
COMPOSTING Separation Distances for in-vessel Composting:
FACILITY a The distance between the active area and the nearest residential or
GUIDELINES institutional building shall be a minimum of 500 metres.
b The distance between the active area and the nearest commercial or
industrial building shall be a minimum of 250 metres.
c The distance between the active area and the nearest property boundary shall
be a minimum of 100 metres.
d Where it can be demonstrated that particular equipment will not release
odours generated from the composting process into the surrounding
environment, the distance between the equipment and the nearest property
boundary shall be a minimum of 30 metres.
e The distance between the active area and the nearest watercourse or water
body, including salt water, shall be a minimum of 30 metres.

Separation Distances for open windrow composting facilities:

 a The distance between the active area and the nearest structure, including
residential, institutional, commercial or industrial buildings, shall be a
minimum of 500 metres. Where the facility includes more than 1000 tonnes
annually of food waste in its feedstock, or exceeds 10 000 tonnes annually of
total feedstock, then the separation distance shall be a minimum of 1000
metres.
b The distance between the active area and the nearest property boundary shall
be a minimum of 100 metres.
c The distance between the active area and the nearest watercourse or water
body, including salt water, shall be a minimum of 30 metres. (d) Where a
facility was operational prior to the adoption of this provincial guideline, and
whose tonnage of received feedstock has increased over time to exceed
10,000 tonnes, separation distances will not be increased.

5 Department Of GUIDELINES FOR Production of compost from organic waste- 500 m

Environment Ministry Of SITING AND
Natural Resources And ZONING OF
Environment Malaysia INDUSTRY AND
RESIDENTIAL AREAS
6 Devon City Council (UK) Devon Waste Plan- Buffer Distance Hazardous and non-hazardous landfill Physical, physico-chemical and
Protecting Waste biological treatment Thermal treatment -500m
Management
Capacity
Buffer Zones Indicators for Waste to Energy Facilities:

S. Agency/Country Source Reference

No.
1 EPA Victoria, Australia Energy from waste Plants must meet local planning and zoning requirements
applicable to the facility, with large facilities sited in appropriate
industrial zones with adequate separation distances to sensitive
receptors. EPAs guideline Recommended separation distances for
industrial residual air emissions (publication 1518) is CASE to Case
Basis

2 Department Of Environment
Ministry Of Natural
Resources And Environment,
Malaysia
3 Devon City Council (UK)
4 China
Guidelines For Siting And Zoning Of
Industry And Residential Areas
Devon Waste Plan- Protecting
Waste Management Capacity
September 2008 notice on
environmental impact assessments
for biomass-fired power plants
issued by the MEP and the National
Energy Bureau.
Treatment of non-hazardous waste by combustion or incineration
or other methods, with or without the resulting production of
electricity or steam, substitute fuels, biogas, ashes or other by-
products for further use etc.- 350 meters
Buffer Distance Hazardous and non-hazardous landfill Physical,
physio-chemical and biological treatment Thermal treatment -
500m
300-metre buffer zone between incineration plants and local
residents