Lebanon Post-Conflict Environmental Assessment - UNEP

INDUSTRIAL AND URBAN CONTAMINATIONLiban Lait dairy plant after the conflictpy g p g gMetres0 20 40 60 80 10014/08/2006 © SPACE IMAGINGobtained using portable equipment. According tofield measurements, the quality of groundwaterwas potable. Laboratory analysis detectedchromium (Cr +3 ) and zinc concentrations aboveenvironmental screening values, but substantiallybelow intervention requirements.Unless there are undertermined cracks andfissures, the risk to groundwater is consideredquite low, due to the limited pollution sourcesand the deep aquifer which is overlain by relativelyimpermeable strata.Waste managementThe destruction of the dairy plant generated asignificant amount of waste requiring appropriatedisposal, including but not necessarily limited tothe following:demolition waste, composed primarily of steelbeams, aluminium sheeting, and concreterubble;a small localized leak in the vicinity of thediesel fuel tank;the pile of electronic waste in the southernmostcorner of the site; andseveral empty plastic containers (20 l) ofmotor oil and hydrochloric acid.Perhaps of greater concern was the fact that thefactory appeared to be operating, or using, a dumpsite approximately 1.5 km from the plant, whereall solid waste was apparently dumped. At thetime of the inspection, hazardous healthcare waste(HHCW) relating to the cattle was found in thewaste stream. This, in addition to the potentiallytoxic ash, poses serious risks for the health andsafety of local residents, particularly children.RecommendationsUrgent short-term measures(0 – 3 months)1. Before the generator fuelled by the tanks isoperated, the hose-pipeline connection shouldbe repaired adequately.2. The horizontal and vertical extent of thelocalized spill should be investigated further.• United Nations Environment Programme • United Nations Environment Programme • United Nations Environment Programme •81