The Al Khoudh landfill was used for different kinds of waste including construction and demolition waste.

Assessment of environmental impactIt is unknown, however, whether or to what extent the dumpsite also contains waste with potentially negative impact on the environment or whether landfill gases are generated in the area. Moreover, the catchment area for public and private drinking water wells might be located in the area.

Private homes on former landfillIn spite of this uncertainty private homes are being built in the area, and Muscat Municipality has thus engaged COWI to investigate potential risks and to recommend remedial actions.

COWI has carried out field investigations and soil and groundwater monitoring. Subsequently, we developed conceptual modelling for the landfill and its surrounding environment to assess the risks relating to future use of the landfill as residential area.

Our tasksOur tasks included project management, risk assessment and proposal for remedial actions including a matrix outlining economic, technical and environmental pros and cons associated with each remedial action.