Umbria Region approves Ast landfill expansion in Terni

The Umbria Region has approved a vertical expansion of the Ast hazardous waste landfill in Terni. This strategic move, authorized through a single regional permit (Paur), aims to ensure the operational continuity of the steel plant while adhering to strict environmental protection standards.

The project includes a landfill mining operation to remove 1,100,000 cubic meters of old municipal waste dating from 1987 to 1997, which has caused leachate to infiltrate the groundwater. Arvedi-Ast will remediate the area by installing an insulating geological barrier made of clay and bentonite geocomposite. The process is expected to recover approximately 3% of metals from the extracted waste.

To mitigate visual, noise, and dust impacts, a forested dune up to 20 meters high will be constructed. The expansion will occur entirely within the existing 62-hectare perimeter, resulting in zero new soil consumption. Additionally, Ast is required to plant at least 6 hectares of urban forest to compensate for CO2 emissions and invest 1.2 million euros in site restoration.