Post-Closure Landfill
Use
Concepts and
Considerations
NC SWANA FALL 2014 MEETING
DWM
Presented by Ed Mussler P.E., Wilmington, NC
October 2014
Post Closure Uses of Landfills
Background
Rules and Regs
What to look for
What to consider
What is done
Closure of Landfill Units-Why
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After use a landfill unit must be closed space to
protect human health and the environment
After closure a landfill unit must be monitored for
some period of time.
After closure a landfill unit usually has no intrinsic
value- except non approachable
Solid Waste Rule for Closure
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Solid Waste Management.
 Part 1. Definitions.
§ 130A-290. Definitions.
(2) "Closure" means the cessation of operation of a solid waste management
facility and the act of securing the facility so that it will pose no significant threat to
human health or the environment.
§ 130A-294. Solid Waste Management PRogram
(b) The Commission shall adopt and the Department shall enforce rules to implement
a comprehensive statewide solid waste management program. The rules shall be
consistent with applicable State and federal law; and shall be designed to protect
the public health, safety, and welfare; preserve the environment; and provide for
the greatest possible conservation of cultural and natural resources. Rules for the
establishment, location, operation, maintenance, use, discontinuance, recordation,
post-closure care of solid waste management facilities also shall be based upon
recognized public health practices and procedures, including applicable
epidemiological research and studies; hydrogeological research and studies;
sanitary engineering research and studies; and current technological development in
equipment and methods.
What are the Rules?
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Pre Subtitle D- Pre 1993- Close with 2 feet of dirt,
monitor and maintain.
Facility is provided a closure letter that may have
specifics
Post Closure use must not disturb the integrity of the
cap and be approved by the Section
Solid Waste Rules Modern Era
Subtitle D and Beyond
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15A NCAC 13B .1629 CLOSURE AND POST-CLOSURE PLAN
(a) Purpose. As required under Rule .1617 of this Section, the owner or operator shall submit a closure and post-closure plan
which meets the requirements of this Rule.
(b) Closure plan contents.
(1) General content of the plan. The owner or operator shall prepare a written closure plan that describes the steps necessary
to close all MSWLF units at any point during its active life in accordance with the cap system requirements in Paragraph (c) of
this Rule, as applicable. The closure plan, at a minimum, must include the following information:
(c) Post-closure plan contents. The owner or operator of all MSWLF units must prepare a written post-closure plan that
includes, at a minimum, the following information:
(1) A description of the monitoring and maintenance activities required in Paragraph (d) of Rule .1627 for each MSWLF unit,
and the frequency at which these activities shall be performed;
(3) A description of the planned uses of the property during the post-closure period. Postclosure use of the property shall not disturb the integrity of the cap system, base liner
system, or any other components of the containment system, or the function of the
monitoring systems unless necessary to comply with the requirements in this Section. The
Division may approve any other disturbance if the owner or operator demonstrates that
disturbance of the cap system, base liner system, or other component of the containment
system, including any removal of waste, will not increase the threat to human health and
the environment.
Summary of Post Closure Use
The cap must be maintained
 The buffer is for monitoring and
remediation
 Must not compromise the monitoring
system
 Can one drill a hole in it?
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What is considered
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What are the hazards, obstacles
Settlement
Gas
Monitoring
Maintenance
Structural stability
Risk
Exposure paths,
What are other concerns
Community involvement
 Open space
 Resources
 Long term maintenance,
 Compatibility with final contours and
surrounding neighborhood,
 Cost of virgin ground
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Additional Concerns for Analysis
Who owns it and controls the landfill
 Who is the responsible party, government
versus private?
 Concern for public health and safety
 Protect monitoring wells, gas probes
 Concern over irrigation,
 Need extra cover for trees and shrubs.
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Post-Closure Uses
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Parks
Business incubators
Field Offices for support structure of county
Solar Farms
Education opportunities
Post Closure Uses
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Open Space
Natural area with indigenous plants for birds or
butterflys
Walking trails
Riding Trails
Ball fields
Observation Areas
Gun Ranges
Fire Safety Training
Summary
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Many uses are possible, be creative
Must maintain the purpose of the landfill and postclosure- protection of public health and environment
Must protect and maintain the groundwater and
LFG monitoring network
Must be able to remediate the groundwater or LFG
Must be able to drill a hole in it
Contact Information
Ed Mussler, P.E.
Permitting Branch Supervisor
Solid Waste Section
1646 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27609
919-707-8281
Ed.mussler@ncdenr.gov
Wastenotnc.org