18-Env-A6 Solid Waste Engineering and Management · December 2014
Nivaar worked solution (AI-drafted; not reviewed by a licensed engineer)
Reference texts: Tchobanoglous, Theisen & Vigil, Integrated Solid Waste Management: Engineering Principles and Management Issues; Vesilind, Worrell & Reinhart, Solid Waste Engineering; Davis & Cornwell, Introduction to Environmental Engineering (6th ed.); CCME, Guidance Document on Landfill Gas Management; Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.
This paper prints marks IN FRONT of the question number on every line (e.g. "5 1. What are the elements…", "4 16. All 29 questions are answered in full.
Question text not reproduced: the examination questions are © Engineers and Geoscientists BC. Open the official past paper (linked at the top of this page) to read the question, then follow the worked solution below.
(1) Anaerobic decomposition of putrescible organics — food and yard waste stored in sealed or poorly ventilated containers quickly go anaerobic, producing hydrogen sulphide, organic acids and other odorous compounds. (2) Excessive storage time / infrequent collection combined with warm ambient temperatures — the longer putrescible waste sits before collection, especially in warm weather, the further decomposition proceeds and the stronger the resulting odour before it is ever removed from site. Both factors are ultimately biological rather than mechanical, so improving container ventilation and shortening the collection interval are the two most effective corrective actions available to a facility operator.
