In the bustling metropolis of Tehran, the daily ritual of waste disposal has become a pressing concern, with over 8,000 tons of urban waste generated each day. The Kahrizak landfill, one of the city’s primary waste disposal sites, has been grappling with a myriad of environmental risks, sparking public discontent and raising alarms about potential hazards. Enter Benyamin Sadeghi, an assistant professor of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, who has been working to address these challenges through a novel integration of risk management techniques.
Sadeghi and his team have turned to two powerful methodologies: Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). By combining these approaches, they aim to prioritize and mitigate the risks associated with landfill operations, not just in Tehran, but in other megacities facing similar issues.
The study, published in the journal *Environmental Energy and Economic Research* (translated from Persian as “Journal of Environmental Energy and Economic Research”), began with a comprehensive survey of 130 waste management experts. Through this survey, 22 key risks were identified, ranging from land use changes to proximity to urban areas and airports. “The goal was to pinpoint the most critical risks that could lead to environmental degradation and public health concerns,” Sadeghi explained.
Using FMEA, the team evaluated each risk based on its severity, the probability of occurrence, and the potential for detection. This evaluation led to the calculation of a Risk Priority Number (RPN) for each identified risk, allowing the researchers to prioritize them effectively. The top three risks identified were changes in land use, distance to city limits, and proximity to the airport.
But Sadeghi and his team didn’t stop at identification and prioritization. They conducted a follow-up survey among 92 experts to propose corrective actions. Nine key actions were identified to address the most pressing risks, offering a roadmap for improving landfill management practices.
The implications of this research extend far beyond Tehran. As urban populations grow and waste production increases, the need for effective risk management in landfills becomes ever more critical. “This study provides a robust framework for other cities to assess and mitigate risks in their waste management systems,” Sadeghi noted. “By adopting these methods, municipalities can enhance environmental protection, public health, and overall sustainability.”
For the energy sector, the insights gleaned from this research are particularly relevant. Landfills are not just repositories for waste; they are also potential sources of renewable energy through methane capture and other waste-to-energy technologies. Effective risk management can ensure the safe and efficient operation of these facilities, making them more viable and attractive for investment.
As cities around the world grapple with the challenges of waste management, Sadeghi’s work offers a beacon of hope. By integrating FMEA and AHP, researchers and practitioners can develop more resilient and sustainable waste management strategies, ultimately contributing to a cleaner, healthier environment for all.