Satellite Imagery and GIS as a Tool For Tracking Hazardous Waste Dumpsites

Hazardous waste dumpsites within the defined facility and illegal dumpsites have become a menace due to exposure to the ambient atmosphere. The impact of these dumpsites is substantial and does have a short term and long term effect on the environmental components like soil, surface water, ground water and ambient air. These impacts are being assessed in and around scientifically managed facilities but not in the case of illegal dumpsites. However continuous tracking is a problem and time consuming process which demands substantial resources by physical means. Analysis of Satellite imagery of these dumpsites and evaluation of the images with the help of defined attributes of satellite imagery will provide a broader understanding of the geographical location of the dump sites and their spatial distribution. A defined list of parameters characteristic of soil, water and air surrounding the location will serve as a tool to declare the environmental condition of the area. It will also facilitate assessment of the effectiveness of the environmental management systems in place, broadly for the study area. The geographical locations connected to the primary data generated by different agencies (industries, educational institutions, regulatory bodies research and government organizations) will strengthen the studies and provide lead for prioritization of the locations on a   scale that defines the degree of pollution and magnitude of the impact on the environment, health of the community and socio-economic issues. This paper analyzes the studies conducted in the Indian context.