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Project Code [2006-PhD-S-22]

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Project title

Hierarchy for Land as a Receptor of Organic Wastes

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

University College Dublin (UCD)

Lead Applicant

William Magette

Project Abstract

The European Unionis Landfill Directive (1999/31/EC) requiring that biodegradable (organic) waste be diverted from landfill challenges the way municipal solid wastes traditionally have been managed in Europe generally and in Ireland particularly. Organic wastes can be recycled through land. Ensuring the sustainability of this strategic direction requires a systematic decision making approach based on sound science. A technical assessment of the Irish land base capacity was made and a cross-section of stakeholders was queried regarding attitudes to land application of wastes. A decision support system (DSS) was developed to identify optimal waste load distributions as well as configure logistical designs to satisfy environmental and economic objectives and stakeholder attitudes. In Ireland soil phosphorus will limit the national land capacity for organic wastes to less than 70% of the municipal and industrial organic wastes anticipated. A i?one-size-fits-alli? approach is not optimal for establishing land as a waste management strategy in Ireland.

Grant Approved

�74,665.00

Research Hub

Natural Environment

Research Theme

Soils and Land-Use

Start Date

05/02/2007

Initial Projected Completion Date

05/02/2011