The use of DRASTIC Index and Simple Matrix Techniques to Assess the Environmental Impact of Akaider Dumpsite Area/Jordan

EIA are needed to avoid adverse impacts and to ensure long term benefits which lead to sustainable development. There are several techniques to conduct an EIA. Among these techniques include checklists, Matrices and overlay. DRASTIC index is considered an important methodology for studying groundwater vulnerability. In this research study, a simple matrix technique was adopted to investigate the Environmental Impacts of Akaider dumpsite on the surrounding environment. Nine environmental parameters (Groundwater, surface water, air, soil, land use, industry, public health, heritage and historical sites and socio-economic situation) were studies to see the impact of the dumpsite on their quality. It was found that the dumpsite might pose a major threat to these parameters. Also, DRASTIC index was used to investigate groundwater vulnerability to contamination in the area. It was found that the dumpsite is located within a moderate vulnerability zone. This means that groundwater in the underlying groundwater basins in not completely save and might be contaminated in the future