Indonesia (Cinangka) – Encapsulation of Lead Contaminated Soccer Field

Cinangka Village is a high-density residential area with a legacy of lead contamination from used lead acid battery (ULAB) recycling and lead smelting. Cinangka (population ≈12,500) lies approximately 45 km SSW from metro Jakarta.

Cinangka is home to numerous small-scale used lead acid battery (ULAB) recycling facilities that both melt and smelt expended lead acid batteries. These operations occur within the village proper but are hidden from street view with concrete walls and fencing, and are a primary income source for some village residents. In addition to these active operations, there are legacy-waste dumpsites in central community areas throughout the village.

Prior to involvement from Pure Earth or KPPB, lead waste from former smelting activities in the Cinangka area was collected and disposed in shallow burials and surface dumps around the village soccer field and the adjacent ravine.

The project location includes a football field and the adjacent area that has become contaminated with lead waste from recycling operations. The main Cinangka Primary School (1,015 students) is located 100 meters from the football field.

Excavation of the area for encapsulation and isolation space for site excavation occurred from September 2013 through March 2014. The total excavated volume is approximately 7200 cubic meters, for 2850 cubic meters of waste and 4750 cubic meters of combined liner, limestone and clean cover.

From The Pollution Blog:

• Soccer Field Transformed From Toxic Lead Dump To Safe Play Space
• A Soccer Field That Will Not Poison