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.