We know the results of scientific research aimed at determining the condition of waste landfills left by the former “Boruta” plant in Zgierz. Experts, using modern methods, accurately determined the area of landfills, assessed the content of heavy metals in plants in the study area, indicated possible threats and further steps to recultivate the site.
During the meeting (14th of December) at the Zgierz City Hall, dedicated to the presentation of the results of research conducted from spring to November 2022, detailed maps and spatial charts of the diagnosed area were presented.
The identified area of the non-reclaimed landfill was estimated at approximately 16 hectares in total. Thanks to the use of laser scanning, the height and volume of the heaps were accurately described. Detailed maps show the current state of landfills, analyzing all the effects of the impact on vegetation. These maps indicate the area where the impact on the condition of plants is the greatest.
Exceeding the content of some heavy metals (e.g. zinc) in the trees growing there was detected. In the case of manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe), the results were very diverse and slightly elevated, but typical for this part of the Łódź agglomeration. For zinc (Zn) and nickel (Ni) the values which may indicate contamination were exceeded in some places.
In the opinion of the scientists, the next step in the process of reclamation of the former “Boruta” plant landfill site, should be the collection of soil samples to determine the extent to which contamination of the area with heavy metals can be dangerous to the environment. The second stage of activities included in the entire project will be to determine the impact of the diagnosed content of landfills on the environment, and to indicate the methods and costs of reclamation.
The area where barrels with environmentally hazardous waste were stored for many years under the previous regime has recently been privately owned. During last months, the court decided to take over the landfills by the Municipality of the City of Zgierz, which declares that it will take measures to protect the environment against the negative impact of this deposit.
Determining the current state of unreclaimed landfills, their impact on the environment as well as technologies and costs of reclamation is an undertaking under the Local Development Plan, developed for participation in the Local Development program, co-financed by the Municipality of Zgierz from Norwegian Funds in the competition of the Ministry of Development Funds and Regional Policy.
