Multi criteria decision analysis and geographic information system framework for hazardous waste transport sustainability

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-31-2009

Abstract

This study introduces a combination of Multi Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) and Geographic Information System (GIS) approaches to the hazardous waste transport problem. There are risks associated with a truck being involved in an accident during shipment of hazardous materials (HAZMAT) and/or hazardous wastes. The level of impact posed to surroundings depends on many factors such as population density, No. of sensitive locations, proximity to rescue units and security. It is essential that all of the related factors and criteria involved be considered prior to making decisions about route selection. Certain routing criteria and standards for HAZMAT transport have been developed in many developed countries such as the United States, Canada and European countries with the purpose of risk avoidance during shipment of these materials. However, a lack of a comprehensive framework for the selection of HAZMAT and/or hazardous waste routes that the transporter can use for aiding their decisions is a major concern in most developing countries. The purpose of this study is to develop a framework for making optimum hazardous waste transport routing choices by incorporating multiple factors and sub-factors. Factors and sub-factors are divided into three main categories; economic, environmental and societal (exposure and emergency response) issues that are in line with the sustainability paradigm. The proposed framework can contribute to the thought processes of governmental policy-makers and carriers when they evaluate possible routes and are making their decision in order to minimize damage from transporting hazardous waste. © 2009 Asian Network for Scientific Information.

Identifier

63049086683 (Scopus)

Publication Title

Journal of Applied Sciences

External Full Text Location

https://doi.org/10.3923/jas.2009.268.277

e-ISSN

18125662

ISSN

18125654

First Page

268

Last Page

277

Issue

2

Volume

9

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