Special probe launched into explosion at Aruwakkalu sanitary landfill

A team of specialists together with the Police have launched an investigation into yesterday’s (Oct 7) explosion at the Aruwakkalu Sanitary Landfill, the Megapolis Ministry said.

Issuing a statement the Ministry observed that the explosion had occurred at a Regulation Tank where the leachate from the garbage was being collected. “Suspicion has arisen as to whether this was an act of sabotage,” the statement read.

At present, garbage from Colombo is being dumped at two slots in the landfill which holds a capacity of 600 metric tonnes each - a move which has drawn stiff opposition from residents citing health concerns.

Leachate is sucked into the Regulation Tank through a pump, the Ministry said adding that the collection of gases inside the tank such as methane was a natural reaction.

However,  the Ministry rejected claims that the explosion could have occurred due to the collection of methane gas, since the Regulation Tank is 700mm thick and is covered with a 400mm thick concrete layer.

The statement emphasized that leachate was not exposed to the environment after the explosion and that steps are being taken to direct leachate into a different Regulation Tank.

The construction company involved in the project is incurring its own costs in taking steps to repair the tank, the Ministry said.

No casualties have been reported due to the explosion.