Lebanon Post-Conflict Environmental Assessment - UNEP

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LEBANONPOST-CONFLICT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTTable 10. Sample no: 50bSW1 (E731687, N3744796)Laboratory AnalysisParameter Unit Concentration WHO StandardsBOD mg/litre 625 NilCOD mg/litre 1735 NilSodium mg/litre 222 200EPH μg/litre 1103 NilTable 11. Sample no: 50bSW2 (E731741, N3744707)Laboratory AnalysisParameter Unit Concentration WHO StandardsBOD mg/litre 769 NilCOD mg/litre 2680 NilSodium mg/litre 228 200EPH μg/litre 2580 NilThe results showed that the surface water washighly saline, which might have been due to localpollution or to local geological formations.Due to high biological oxygen demand (BOD)and chemical oxygen demand (COD) readings,dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations weremeasured between 1-1.25 mg/litre, which iswell below the level required to support fishpopulations and most aquatic life. This wasconfirmed by field observations.In addition, the upstream river water was brownin color and the vegetation along the banks of theriver was withered and dry, whereas it was greenfurther away from the water. This phenomenonmay be explained by high nitrate levels in the river,which typically result from inadequate sewagetreatment in urban areas.The results of the analysis showed a noticeabledifference in BOD, COD, and EPH levelsbetween the water samples collected up- andAsh from the burnt plastic goods stockpiled beside the Ghadir River64 • United Nations Environment Programme • United Nations Environment Programme • United Nations Environment Programme •
INDUSTRIAL AND URBAN CONTAMINATIONDuring a follow-up visit all the ash (see photo on the previous page) had been washed away following heavy rainfalldown-gradient. At both sampling locations,however, the concentrations of BOD and CODsignificantly exceeded the environmental limitvalues for wastewater set by the Lebanese Ministryof Environment. The presence of hydrocarboncontamination is also a cause for concern.Waste managementThe partial destruction and subsequent burningof the factory generated significant quantities ofpotentially hazardous ash, possibly containingdioxins, resulting from the combustion of thelarge volume of plastics and paper stockpiled onsite. This material is leaching into and having anadverse affect upon the river water.RecommendationsUrgent short-term measures(0 – 3 months)1. Clean-up of the site should be undertaken toprevent further ash leaching into the river, ifindeed there is any ash left on the site afterrecent heavy rainfall.2. Given the high antimony concentrationswithin the rubble and ash on the first floorof the main building, this material should bedisposed of in a sanitary landfill site ratherthan dumped on adjacent land or buried.3. If a sanitary landfill is not available, or refuses toaccept the ash and rubble, the material shouldbe stored in re-sealable containers and placedin a safe location, protected from the rain, untila suitable disposal option is found.4. Care should be taken when handling theash, as it may be an irritant to skin and eyes;appropriate health and safety equipment mustbe issued and used, including gloves, boots,overalls and breathing masks.5. After use, the drums should preferably bedisposed of to prevent their reuse and the riskof contamination of whatever commoditymay be stored inside them.6. Sediment in the stream should be monitoredto locate the ash flushed into the streamduring the rain. If located, the stream shouldbe dredged and the waste handled as indicatedin steps 2 to 3.7. A toxicity characteristics leaching process(EPA) test should be performed on the ashto determine whether it is hazardous prior todisposal in a sanitary landfill site.• United Nations Environment Programme • United Nations Environment Programme • United Nations Environment Programme •65
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LebanonPost-Conflict Environmental
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IntroductionFrench navy experts on
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INTRODUCTIONUNEP expert assessing d
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Main Findings andRecommendationsBad
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