Welcome Landfill Fire Prevention, IPAL Processed Water Proposed to Wet Waste Piles

According to Diaz, piles of rubbish need to be wetted regularly because they are at risk of catching fire when faced with hot and dry weather conditions.

"Now there is El Niño and global warming so fires can occur more easily. With a circular from the Minister of the Environment, local governments are directed to wet the waste in landfills that has already piled up," he said.

Utilizing treated water from WWTPs can be an alternative to meet these water needs. Apart from reducing the use of clean water, this step allows processed water to be reused to support landfill safety and management.

Scavenger Safety Must Be Prioritized

Apart from reviewing waste water management, Diaz asked the regional government to pay attention to the safety of scavengers operating at the Sambutan TPA.

Scavengers are asked not to enter active zones or be around high mountains of rubbish because of the risk of accidents.

"From the perspective of scavengers, please pay attention later. Don't let there be scavengers in active zones. The safety of scavengers must be a priority for all of us," stressed Diaz.

He encouraged the provincial government and Samarinda City Government to increase outreach and supervision to protect residents who work to look for goods of economic value in the landfill area.