BACKGROUND OF SITE
Lorong Halus Landfill was once Singapore's sole landfill and was operated between the early 1970's and the late 1990's. The landfill is split into several different cells on both sides of the Tampines Expressway (TPE). Our specific area of study was in use from 1970 to 1974.
Waste deposited in the landfill included municipal solid waste, construction debris, incineration ash, inert fill and stabilized hazardous waste. Trench-like pits were dug and filled with the waste. When these were full, waste was further piled on top of it, and then eventually capped with a layer of clay. Trees currently grow in the layer of topsoil on top of the cap.
The final plots of the landfill were closed on 31 Mar 1999, with waste disposal thenceforth moved to a newly established dumping ground on the offshore island of Pulau Semakau, which has since become a nature draw with thriving natural habitats in its own right.
Jurong Town Corporation (JTC) had previously commissioned feasibility studies to review and evaluate potential environmental hazards associated with developing the Lorong Halus landfill site for industrial use and providing mitigation measures against landfill related hazards.
The portion of the old Lorong Halus landfill north of the TPE along the eastern bank of Serangoon Reservoir has recently been transformed into an educational site and a sanctuary for plants, birds and other wildlife. Using an innovative bio-remediation system, national water agency PUB designed the Lorong Halus Wetland to collect and treat water passing through the former landfill, preventing it from flowing into Serangoon Reservoir. At the same time, the wetland creates a new haven for biodiversity that provides opportunities for recreation, research, and education. The project is part of the "Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters (ABC Waters) Programme", by national water agency PUB. The Lorong Halus Wetlands and the accompanying Riverside Walk of the Punggol Promenade were just opened on 5 Mar 2011 and are poised to serve the nearby residents living in Punggol.
CONTEXT
The site is bounded by Sungei Serangoon to the west, now a dammed reservoir leading north to the Straits of Johor, and beyond that the public housing estate of Hougang East. The Tampines Expressway (TPE) slices the northern end of the site from the newly established Lorong Halus Wetlands, while the new Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway (KPE) bounds the eastern edge of the site, beyond which is the extensive Paya Lebar Airport. To the south is the light industrial estate of Defu Lane. A heavy vehicle parking area is to the south west of the site.
Sources:
Meinhardt News, “Lorong Halus Landfill, Singapore”, 14 Jun 2004 http://www.meinhardtgroup.com/newsdeskdetail.php?nid=97
Quek, Augustine, “An Island Landfill for an Island Nation”, Pollution Engineering, 1 Nov 2008
http://www.pollutionengineering.com/Articles/Cover_Story/BNP_GUID_9-5-2006_A_10000000000000459744
URA News Release, “New eco-friendly Wetland and Riverfront Promenade for the North-East” 5 Mar 2011
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