Landfill Management

Landfill Site Selection

  • Finding a suitable site for a landfill is a complex process.
  • Landfill operators collaborate with regulators to ensure proper site selection.
  • Properties near wetlands undergo careful evaluation for environmental concerns.
  • The impact on nearby traffic is analyzed.
  • The site is assessed to understand the land, groundwater, and surface water conditions.
  • Community feedback is considered.
  • Meeting environmental and land use standards is mandatory.

Landfill Construction and Operation

  • Permit Plans:
    • Following permit plans is the first step for sound construction after site approval.
  • Base Securing:
    • The second step involves securing the base of the landfill to provide stability for the liner.
  • Liner Installation:
    • A two-phase composite liner is installed on the base and sides of the landfill.
  • Leachate Collection:
    • Leachate, which naturally occurs when waste contacts water, is collected.
    • A system of drains, pumps, pipes, and hoses moves leachate away from the landfill.
    • The leachate collection system acts as an effective biological filter, removing excess moisture.
  • Groundwater Monitoring:
    • A groundwater monitoring system is installed to ensure the landfill's operation doesn't impact groundwater.
    • This system acts as an alert, indicating if additional protective measures are needed for neighboring properties.
    • Groundwater quality is continuously protected.
  • Access Control and Waste Screening:
    • Access to the site is carefully controlled for safety.
    • Waste is screened for appropriateness before being accepted.
    • Only waste that has not been recycled is accepted.
  • Waste Compaction and Cover:
    • Equipment compacts the waste daily.
    • Daily cover soil or tarps are placed to prevent littering and odor.
  • Gas Collection:
    • Gas wells are installed to capture methane generated by the waste.

Landfill Closure and Post-Closure

  • Cover System:
    • Once the landfill is full, it is covered with a regulator-approved cover system.
  • Ongoing Monitoring:
    • Groundwater monitoring continues post-closure.
    • Methane gas is collected and either destroyed or converted into energy or fuel.
  • Regulatory Approval:
    • Regulators approve the landfill's closure once it stops accepting waste.
  • Post-Closure Monitoring Period:
    • The landfill's safety is monitored for 30 years, or as required by the regulators.
  • Long-Term Security:
    • Controls are put in place to keep the property secure for the future.
  • Post-Closure Land Use:
    • The property surrounding a closed landfill can be used for commercial or industrial purposes.
    • Commonly, it is used for green space suitable for recreation or habitat conservation.
  • Wildlife Habitat Conservation:
    • Strong support for wildlife habitat conservation at landfills through partnerships with organizations like the Wildlife Habitat Council.