Secrets of a Beautiful Bay: How Xiangshan County Is Winning Its Eco-Recovery
Xiangshan County in Zhejiang Province, situated within a renowned East China Sea fishing ground and embraced by a coastline and two ports, is recognized as a national cultural preservation area as well as a marine ecology demonstration zone. However, this beautiful harbor requires ecological management and protection, along with more comprehensive strategies to address pollution issues.
Turning Over a New Leaf: A Landfill Transformed Through Dedicated Effort.
Shuitong'ao Landfill in Xiangsha County has been in operation since its establishment in 1995. As the county's only centralized waste disposal site, it receives over 500 tons of garbage daily from the county, generating nearly 200 tons of landfill leachate. At the bottom of the landfill, there are seven ponds designed to collect leachate seepage from the waste. However, the oxidation tanks are situated close to the mudflats, and their potential pollution risks cannot be overlooked.
How to achieve "zero landfill and zero leachate" for domestic waste? Xiangshan County has taken proactive measures: the County Party Secretary convened special meetings, repeatedly listened to reports from departments such as integrated administration and law enforcement and ecological environment, established a special "109" task force, mobilized key personnel from the county, conducted on-site inspections in villages around the landfill, solicited opinions, and formulated plan to improve the living environment in three communities.
Xiangshan County simultaneously started three major projects: waste-to-energy incineration, ecological circular restoration of the landfill, and comprehensive utilization of biogas. The waste-to-energy facility is equipped with two grate incineration lines, each capable of processing 300 tons of domestic waste per day. Every line is outfitted with a flue gas treatment system, and an additional 300-ton capacity production line has been reserved. The operation of these incineration lines has enabled Xiangshan County to achieve its goal of "zero landfill" for domestic waste.
The first phase of the ecological circular restoration of the landfill included the implementation of a vertical impermeable barrier system, a rainwater and sewage diversion system, and a leachate regulating tank, achieving comprehensive pollution control for the simple landfill. The second phase involved the expansion into a sanitary landfill, incorporating site levelling, waste pile reshaping, a groundwater collection and drainage system, a leachate collection and discharge system, and a landfill gas collection and extraction system. These measures have significantly enhanced the leachate treatment capacity.
Addressing Fundamental Issues to Serve as the "Ecological Guardian" of the Beautiful Harbor.
The leakage of landfill leachate and the release of the malodorous gas will lead to issues such as groundwater contamination, air pollution, fire and explosion hazards, and landfill settlement. Xiangshan County has committed to addressing these challenges by adhering to a strategy that tackles both symptoms and root causes, with an emphasis on long-term solutions. While enhancing leachate treatment capacity, the county also endeavors to achieve waste reduction at the source, actively striving to serve as an "ecological guardian" of Xiangshan's beautiful harbour.
Meanwhile, Xiangshan County has carried out a variety of themed promotional campaigns. By mid-August, the county government had organized four educational events for youth, attracting over 1,200 participants. Through these activities, young participants gained a firsthand understanding of how household waste is transformed into valuable resources, contributing to the effort of building a "zero-waste city"
By 2021, the ecological and environmental quality of Xiangshan County had steadily improved. Air quality showed consistent positive trends, surface water quality remained stable--with some areas experiencing further enhancements--and the water quality of major drinking water sources was maintained at a good level. The quality of offshore seawater also improved, while the ecological index continued to rate in the excellent range.
With its clear bays and beautiful beaches, Xiangshan County is firmly advancing an ecological priority and green development strategy, promoting the construction of a beautiful Xiangshan to high standards. Seizing the opportunity of the 19th Asian Games, the country has leveraged its unique coastal and mountain scenery, peninsula charm, and fishing culture to create a distinctive maritime base for practising the "Two Mountains" theory. This initiative drives high-level ecological conservation alongside high-quality economic development.
While maintaining clear waters, beautiful bays, and clean beaches, Xiangshan County has firmly prioritized ecological development, leading with green growth, and is striving to take solid steps on the path toward ecological civilization.
