SHWPCE
Bill Bardin
Homework 4
4.4.a
Landfills of the type we are installing contain liners and have redundant systems
designed specifically to collect leachate that passes through the landfill mass. The
leachate will be treated on site prior to disposal to insure that it meets all DEEP and
EPA guidelines before release to the environment. In the event that the leachate cannot
meet the required standards, it will be transported to a qualified treatment plant for
further processing.
4.4.b
Although the town is our client, our task is to evaluate the possible options for a landfill
in the town. We will present several options as to the location and type of landfill that
fits the location best. Each proposal will have estimated costs for construction and
operation as well as projected life for the facility. There will also be recommendations
for the closure and use of the land when the facility reaches its useful life. It will be up
to the town council to select the best option.
6.0
Since the proposed facility is planned for an area that used to be an active landfill there
needs to be a well documented evaluation of the subsoil conditions and load bearing
capacities. It is important to determine the extent to which the waste was compacted
when initially introduced into the landfill. It is important to determine extents of the
landfill area and evaluate the containment structure, if any exists. Efforts need to be
made to determine the exact contents of the landfill mass. Given its age, there is a good
possibility that there are materials present that are considered hazardous today. It would
be necessary to determine if they present any health and/or public safety issues. A
number of core samples will have to be drilled to effectively map the extent of any
groundwater contamination that may be present. Air sampling before, during and after
the evaluation would be necessary to determine if disturbing the mass would release
any toxic or harmful chemicals.
7.0
Landfills today are significantly different that pre EPA landfills. Modern landfills have
liners or impervious base material to contain leachate. They also have leachate
collection and treatment systems. Landfills now incorporate a well-designed
groundwater monitoring system as an integral part of the system.
11.0
The location of the landfill should be reevaluated for a number of reasons. First and
foremost, would be the proposed location. It lies less than 10 feet above the level of the
river, which poses leaching problems and potential groundwater contamination issues
during times of flooding or just high water. The high water table on the proposed site is
another issue, especially since the subsurface soil is highly permeable. Runoff from the
forest will pass through the proposed area potentially causing erosion issues. Locating a
landfill next to an existing park with picnic grounds could cause a serious backlash
from the general population, especially those who use the park. A better place would be
a high point on the other side of the river in the farmland. The site would be less
susceptible to the issues noted above. By locating the landfill on the other side of the
river, transportation costs would be reduced and there would be more options to
economize the routes.
12.0
I would strongly object to siting a landfill where the town wants it based on the reasons
in the answer above. I would seriously consider refusing to design the landfill because
of what I believe is an unrealistic liability.
13.0
Microbes, in the absence of oxygen, break down the organic matter producing methane
and CO2, which can be harvested as an energy source.
14.0
Out of site – out of mind is certainly a good selling point. Many people would be happy
to pay more, less than $1 per month per person, to have the waste dumped in somebody
else’s backyard. The distance seems extreme, at the limit of a driver’s wheel time under
current DOT regulations. They may be using rail to transport the waste, which would
significantly reduce the cost and manpower burden. What is the term of the contract?
Are there fuel surcharges? As for visiting the site, other than due diligence, there is
really no reason to visit the site and going as a guest of the hauling company would be
considered a conflict of interest.
15.0
A landfill will require a flexible impervious geomembrane covering the bottom and
sides of the landfill and a groundwater monitoring system.
16.0
Daily dirt cover is a performance issue; off-site gas migration is a design requirement
as is boundary odor detection and gas collection well location.