Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Location-specific factors
• Weather conditions
• Subsurface characteristics
• Groundwater characteristics
• Proximity of sensitive receptors
• Flooding, hurricanes, other
• Other
Design factors
• Cap
• Leachate collection
• Leachate monitoring
• Gas collection
• Gas monitoring
• Surface water management
• Groundwater monitoring
• Fill size (depth, area)
• Age of landfill
• Other
Operational factors
• Fill materials
• Rate of filling
• Moisture addition
• Other
Sanitary Landfill
Postclosure performance
factors
• Leachate generation
• Gas generation
• Cap integrity
• Settling
• Groundwater quality
• Surface water quality
• Age of landfill
• Frequency of inspections
• Other
End-use factors
• Structural needs
• Surface modifications
• Extent of public use
• Other
Economic factors
• Postclosure use
• Postclosure monitoring
• Corrective actions
• Funds
• Other
Figure 7.1
Engineering considerations for development of sanitary landfills
the landfill result in gas emissions to the atmosphere, as well as lateral migra-
tion through the surrounding soils (Nastev et al. 2001). Figure 7.1 presents the
engineering considerations for development of sanitary landfills.
Design goals for sanitary landfills typically include the following (O'Leary
and Tansel 1986a):
•
To serve the solid waste disposal needs of a specific community or region
•
To protect groundwater quality by eliminating leachate discharge
•
To protect air quality and generate energy by installing a landfill gas recov-
ery system
•
To use landfill space efficiently and extend site life as much as is practical
•
To minimize dumping time for site users to reduce potential nuisance con-
ditions for neighbors
•
To provide a plan for using the land after the site is closed
The general trends indicate that the number of landfills in the United States has
steadily declined over the years. However, the average landfill size has increased,
as shown in Figure 7.2 (U.S. EPA 2007). Since 1990, the total volume of munic-
ipal solid waste (MSW) disposed of in landfills has decreased by 4 million tons,
from 142.3 million to 138.2 million tons in 2006, as presented in Table 7.1.
Based on the data reported by the U.S. EPA, the net per capita discard rate (after
recycling, composting, and combustion for energy recovery) was 2.53 pounds
per person per day in 1960, similar to the 2.55 per capita rate in 2004, as shown
in Table 7.2.
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