Semakau

Now the real reason for this blog. Ever heard of Pulau Semakau. Ok maybe you haven't and I won't blame you. It's essentially a rubbish dump - but one like no other. Commissioned on April fools day 1999, Semakau Landfill was seen as an answer to our growing waste problems and congested landfills. Created by building a 7km rock bund to enclose the sea between Pulau Semakau and Pulau Sakeng, this was lined with an impermeable membrane and marine clay to prevent the leakage of wastes. This was divided into individual ponds that would be sealed and drained when ready to receive the rubbish. In the meantime sea water was left to flow in the unused ponds making them a haven of marine life and attracting fisherfolk of both the rod and feathered variety. Much of the original mangroves on Pulau Semakau were conserved and currently reforestation projects are being carried out to replenish the mangroves. Seen as an eco friendly move this also serves as a leakage indicator for any mangrove in the vicinity of a leak would die. Here are some shots on the island:

Clean energy on Semakau: Wind and solar energy

Lagoon surrounded by the rock bund

Monitoring wells to check for leakage water samples are collected regularly

Picnic sites! Super strong ocean breeze. Semakau is also offering recreational activities like cycling, kite flying, star gazing and fishing. Had a fantastic BBQ here.

You won't believe that that this is a landfill right? As the lots are filled they are covered with soil and seeded. Already many small trees growing making them look like a normal patch of wild grassland. And because it is mainly insinerated trash - there is no smell. I didn't have any good pics of the "true" Semakau. Right at the jetty is a huge building where refuse, comprising incinerated waste from our three incineration plants and construction debris, first arrives from the mainland. It houses 3 ton trucks, cranes that lift one ton of ash at a go, barges that tip the scales at 3500 tons. (these barges are parked at night to avoid busy sea traffic) With incineration reducing the amount of rubbish by? 90%, it is expected (or hoped) that semakau will continue to fulfill our land fill needs till 2045. And after that who knows? An island get-away?