Alternative Landfill Cover for Habitat Creation
Amanda Ludlow, Principal Scientist, Roux Associates, Inc.
ABSTRACT
Roux Associates designed a NYSDEC approved alternative landfill cover (2nd approved alternative
landfill cover in NYS) for a nine-acre industrial landfill at an 80-acre former chemical manufacturing facility
adjacent to the Hudson River in Rensselaer, New York.
The alternative landfill cover design for consists of a 30-inch soil cap to eliminate direct exposure of
human and ecological receptors to underlying landfill waste. Rhizodegradation (i.e., degradation of
organic compounds in the plant root zone) mechanisms provide for the insitu treatment of the landfill
COCs, while phytostabilization (i.e., sequestration within the plant root zone) mechanisms provide for
enhanced containment of metal COCs.
In order to obtain regulatory approval for the alternative landfill cover and preclude the need for a 10-7
cm/sec low permeability liner, the design had to demonstrate equivalency with the state landfill closure
regulations (6 NYCCR Part 360). Accordingly, the vegetation planting density for the landfill cover was
designed to balance the water needs of the various plants with the evapotranspiration requirements to
minimize infiltration. In addition, the landfill cover was designed to minimize leachate generation even
during plant dormancy periods, with residual water stored in the surface soil material. Through the
completion of a detailed water-balance analysis and discussions with the state, Roux Associates
demonstrated the water infiltration equivalency requirements of the state regulation were achieved, and
the alternative cover design was therefore approved.
The cap vegetation includes numerous native species to promote ecological diversity and create a
valuable wildlife habitat. The project was officially certified by the Wildlife Habitat Council in 2008 as part
of the Wildlife at Work and Corporate Lands for Learning programs.
BIOGRAPHY
Amanda Ludlow, Principal Scientist, has over 14 years of experience in management, design, and
implementation of Engineered Natural Systems (ENS®) for the treatment of industrial and municipal
wastewaters including constructed treatment wetlands, phytotechnologies and natural media filtration.
Ms. Ludlow holds a BS in Bio Engineering, MA in Marine Biology, and a MS in Civil and Environmental
Engineering. Ms. Ludlow directs the ENS® practice in the New York office. Ms. Ludlow has prepared
multiple designs incorporating passive technologies for the removal and treatment of metals, PCBs,
chlorinated solvents and nutrient enriched wastewaters. Ms. Ludlow has also developed multiple
sustainable stormwater management designs that utilize the low impact development approach,
producing significant cost savings to clients, while minimizes the impact from development of down
gradient sensitive receptors.