Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
landfill. During the siting process, the specific design and operational needs are
identified. During this stage, important parameters must be decided (O'Leary and
Walsh 2002):
Types of wastes accepted or rejected
Geographic area the site will serve
Target tip fee or cost of operation
Maximum haul distance
Site operating life
Profile of potential site users
Means for coordinating with recycling and resource recovery projects
An ideal sanitary landfill location should have the following eight character-
istics (O'Leary and Tansel 1986a):
1. It complies with local zoning and land use criteria, including local road
weight limits and other limitations.
2. It is easily accessible by solid waste collection and transport vehicles in
all weather conditions.
3. It is suitable for safely protecting surface and groundwater quality.
4. It is suitable for controlling landfill gas migration.
5. There is access to earth cover material that can be easily handled and
compacted.
6. The landfill's operation is located such that it will not affect external
environmentally sensitive areas.
7. There is adequate land and internal capacity to provide a buffer zone from
neighboring properties, and this can be expanded.
8. The location is feasible for haul distances to user communities.
9. The location is economically feasible to acquire, develop, and operate as
a landfill.
Wetlands, unstable soils, or landslide-susceptible areas, fault areas, seismic
impact zones, and areas in the 100-year floodplain or in proximity to an airport
are not suitable for landfill development. Land-use plans, GIS maps, floodplain
maps, and aerial photographs can be used to assess suitability of the areas. Areas
with a sensitive environment and areas with endangered plant or animal habitats,
virgin timber land, wildlife corridors, unique physical features, and historical and
archeological sites should be avoided.
Ideally, landfill sites should be located in silt and clay soils that restrict leachate
and gas movement. A landfill constructed over a permeable formation such as
gravel, sand, or fractured bedrock can pose a significant threat to groundwater
quality (O'Leary and Tansel 1986b, 1986c). Soil characteristics are important for
landfill development for three reasons:
 
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