Development of a National Toxic Waste Disposal Facility in the State of Bahrain

Abstract

Bahrain is an example of a small, newly industrialized country with a limited range of both heavy and light industry. A survey of toxic and hazardous wastes identified only four significant streams of bulk solid wastes and three of oily wastes. In these circumstances, the establishment of a conventional centralized treatment facility complete with high-temperature incinerator and chemical treatment facilities could not be justified. This paper presents the results of a study aimed at developing a national toxic waste disposal facility appropriate to the specific needs and circumstances of Bahrain. As such, it will be of interest to other newly industrialized countries. A national disposal facility has been developed at a remote desert site. A hydrogeological site investigation showed that the site is, effectively, impermeable. Nevertheless, design of the land disposal facility focussed on the desirability of preventing rainfall infiltration during occasional flash floods. Oily wastes are being utilised to "seal" both the base of the site and the completed surface.