LIST OF FIGURES V LIST OF FIGURES Figure 3.1: Diagrammatic Layout of a Landfill 6 Figure 3.2: Phasing of a Landfill Development Figure 4.1: Schematic of Typical Access,Service and Haul Roads Figure 4.2: Typical Access Ramp..... 2 Figure 4.3: Wheelcleaning Arrangements 15 Figure 4.4: Typical Civic Waste Facility Layout ”1”” 7 Figure 5.1: Groundwater Conditions 20 Figure 5.2: Typical Cut Off Drain.. Figure 5.3: Methods for Surface Water Control 24 Figure 6.1(A): Lining Systems for Hazardous Waste Landfills 27 Figure 6.1(B) Lining Systems for Non-Hazardous and Inert Waste Landfills 28 Figure 6.2: Effect of Moisture Content and Compactive Energy on Hydraulic Conductivity for a Silty Clay (After Mitchell,Hooper and Campanella,1965) 3 Figure 6.3: Typical Anchor Trench Detail Figure 6.4: Typical Weld Details 42 Figure 7.1: Major Stages of Waste Degradation. Figure 7.2: Changes in Leachate Composition(Source UK DOE 1991) 45 Figure 7.3: Relationship Between Waste Density and the Absorptive Capacity of Waste. Figure 7.4: Typical Leachate Collection and Removal System 53 Figure 7.5: Mound Model to Determine Pipe Spacing Figure 7.6: Leachate Collection Sump and Pipe Riser Going Up the Side Slope 57 Figure 7.7: Secondary Leak Detection Removal Systems(Hazardous Landfills Only) . Figure 7.8: General Arrangement of Leachate Pumping Chamber.. 59 Figure 7.9: Typical Leachate Monitoring Chamber Details 6 Figure 8.1: Activated Sludge Process.. 5 Figure 8.2: Sequencing Batch Reactor 66 Figure 8.3: Rotating Biological Contactor 67 Figure 8.4: Membrane Bioreactor System Figure 8.5: Schematic Representation of Activated Carbon Treatment System 72 Figure 8.6: Reverse Osmosis Treatment System.... Figure 8.7: Reed Bed System 74 Figure 8.8: Leachate Treatment-Schematic of the Design Process .76 Figure 9.1: Limits of Flammability of Mixtures of Methane,Air and Nitrogen 78 Figure 9.2: Passive Gas Venting (Into Waste)........ . Figure 9.3: Passive Gas Control System(Venting to Atmosphere From Gas Drainage Layer) 81 Figure 9.4: Example of a Vertical Gas Well Arrangement........ . Figure 9.5: Example of Horizontal Well.... Figure 9.6: Example of a Hybrid Well Arrangement 88 Figure 9.7: Example of a Gabion Gas Well Arrangement 。 89 Figure 9.8: Typical Well Head for Landfill Gas Figure 9.9: Landfill Gas Condensate Traps.. 90 Figure 9.10: Typical Condensate Reservoir Complete with Syphon 0 Figure 9.11: Illustration of Landfill Gas Development&Production Options 91 Figure 9.12: Schematic Diagram of a Landfill Gas Flare Figure 9.13: Typical Landfill Gas Monitoring Borehole(Outside Waste Body) 93 Figure 10.1: Landfill Capping Systems .97 Figure 11.1: Quality Control /Assurance 99 Figure B.1: Approximate Range of Application of Groundwater Control Techniques in Soils....122 Figure C.1: Calculated Rate of Leakage Per Unit Area for Various Thicknesses of Mineral Liner.128 Figure C.2: Calculated Rate of Leakage Per Unit Area for Various Heads of Leachate ...129 Figure C.3: Value of IAVG 131 Figure C.4: Leakage Rates for Variation in Hydraulic Head and Hydraulic Conductivity for a Composite Liner With Good Contact Between Geomembrane and Soil Component..131
Figure 3.1: Diagrammatic Layout of a Landfill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Figure 3.2: Phasing of a Landfill Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Figure 4.1: Schematic of Typical Access, Service and Haul Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Figure 4.2: Typical Access Ramp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Figure 4.3: Wheelcleaning Arrangements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Figure 4.4: Typical Civic Waste Facility Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Figure 5.1: Groundwater Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Figure 5.2: Typical Cut Off Drain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Figure 5.3: Methods for Surface Water Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Figure 6.1(A): Lining Systems for Hazardous Waste Landfills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Figure 6.1 (B): Lining Systems for Non-Hazardous and Inert Waste Landfills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Figure 6.2: Effect of Moisture Content and Compactive Energy on Hydraulic Conductivity . . for a Silty Clay (After Mitchell, Hooper and Campanella, 1965) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Figure 6.3: Typical Anchor Trench Detail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Figure 6.4: Typical Weld Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Figure 7.1: Major Stages of Waste Degradation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 Figure 7.2: Changes in Leachate Composition (Source UK DOE 1991) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 Figure 7.3: Relationship Between Waste Density and the Absorptive Capacity of Waste . . . . . . . . .51 Figure 7.4: Typical Leachate Collection and Removal System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 Figure 7.5: Mound Model to Determine Pipe Spacing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 Figure 7.6: Leachate Collection Sump and Pipe Riser Going Up the Side Slope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 Figure 7.7: Secondary Leak Detection Removal Systems (Hazardous Landfills Only) . . . . . . . . . .58 Figure 7.8: General Arrangement of Leachate Pumping Chamber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59 Figure 7.9: Typical Leachate Monitoring Chamber Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 Figure 8.1: Activated Sludge Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 Figure 8.2: Sequencing Batch Reactor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 Figure 8.3: Rotating Biological Contactor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67 Figure 8.4: Membrane Bioreactor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 Figure 8.5: Schematic Representation of Activated Carbon Treatment System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72 Figure 8.6: Reverse Osmosis Treatment System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72 Figure 8.7: Reed Bed System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74 Figure 8.8: Leachate Treatment - Schematic of the Design Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76 Figure 9.1: Limits of Flammability of Mixtures of Methane, Air and Nitrogen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78 Figure 9.2: Passive Gas Venting (Into Waste) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81 Figure 9.3: Passive Gas Control System (Venting to Atmosphere From Gas Drainage Layer) . . . . .81 Figure 9.4: Example of a Vertical Gas Well Arrangement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87 Figure 9.5: Example of Horizontal Well . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87 Figure 9.6: Example of a Hybrid Well Arrangement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88 Figure 9.7: Example of a Gabion Gas Well Arrangement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89 Figure 9.8: Typical Well Head for Landfill Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89 Figure 9.9: Landfill Gas Condensate Traps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90 Figure 9.10: Typical Condensate Reservoir Complete with Syphon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90 Figure 9.11: Illustration of Landfill Gas Development & Production Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91 Figure 9.12: Schematic Diagram of a Landfill Gas Flare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92 Figure 9.13: Typical Landfill Gas Monitoring Borehole (Outside Waste Body) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93 Figure 10.1: Landfill Capping Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97 Figure 11.1: Quality Control / Assurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99 Figure B.1: Approximate Range of Application of Groundwater Control Techniques in Soils . . . .122 Figure C.1: Calculated Rate of Leakage Per Unit Area for Various Thicknesses of Mineral Liner .128 Figure C.2: Calculated Rate of Leakage Per Unit Area for Various Heads of Leachate . . . . . . . . .129 Figure C.3: Value of IAVG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .131 Figure C.4: Leakage Rates for Variation in Hydraulic Head and Hydraulic Conductivity for a Composite Liner With Good Contact Between Geomembrane and Soil Component . .131 LIST OF FIGURES LIST OF FIGURES v
Vi LANDFILL MANUALS LIST OF TABLES Table 4.1: Weighbridge Types:-Advantages/Disadvantages 14 Table 6.1: Soil Classification Tests Table 6.2: Typical Suitable Ranges for Parameters of Clay 32 Table 6.3: Recommended Minimum Testing Frequencies for Investigation of Borrow Source 34 Table 6.4 Recommended Materials Tests for Soil Liner Materials Sampled After Placement in a Loose Lift (Just Before Compaction)........ 34 Table 6.5: Recommended Maximum Allowance Variation for Materials Sampled After Placement in a Loose Lift(Just Before Compaction) 34 Table 6.6: Recommended Minimum Testing Frequencies on Compacted Soil 34 Table 6.7: Recommended Maximum Allowance Variation..... 35 Table 6.8: Recommended Bentonite Content Test for BES Liner Materials Sampled After Placement in a Loose Lift(Just before Compaction) 35 Table 6.9: Geomembrane Bonding Methods.... 38 Table 7.1: Summary of Composition of Acetogenic Leachates Sampled from Large Landfills with a Relatively Dry High Waste Input Rate 47 Table 7.2: Summary of Composition of Methanogenic Leachates Sampled from Large Landfills with a Relatively Dry High Waste Input Rate 48 Table 7.3: Typical Water Balance Calculation.... .50 Table 7.4: Characteristics of Leachate that are Potential Clogging Mechanisms .55 Table 8.1: Leachate Treatment Methods and Objectives .64 Table 8.2: Design Criteria for Activated Sludge Plants .65 Table 8.3: Design Criteria for Sequencing Batch Reactor 66 Table 8.4: Design Criteria for RBC.. .68 Table 8.5: Design Criteria for Powdered Activated Carbon System 70 Table 9.1: Model Input Data Table 9.2: Monitoring Combustion Products From Flare Units. 85 Table 11.1: Responsibilities of Those Involved in Development of a Landfill ..100 Table 12.1: Health,Safety and Welfare at Work(Construction Regulations)1995 Summary of Main Duties ...103 Table B.1: Physical Cut-Off Techniques for Exclusion of Groundwater .120 Table B.2: Summary of Principal Pumped Well Groundwater Control Methods .121 Table C.1: Advantages/Disadvantages of Basic Polymers of Geomembranes .127 Table C.2: Relationship Between Liner Thickness and Rate of Leakage Per Unit Area .128 Table C.3: Relationship Between Leachate Head and Rate of Leakage Per Unit Area ..129 Table C.4: Leakage Rate Per Unit Area in Litre per Hectare Per Day.... 130 Table D.1: Constituents of Inert and Hazardous Leachate .133 Table D.2: Comparative Performance of Various Treatment Processes for Leachate Treatment...134 Table E.1: Typical Landfill Gas Composition(Source UK DOE).......... .138 Table E.2 Typical Instrumentation for Use with Landfill Gas............. ....138
Table 4.1: Weighbridge Types:- Advantages/Disadvantages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Table 6.1: Soil Classification Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Table 6.2: Typical Suitable Ranges for Parameters of Clay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Table 6.3: Recommended Minimum Testing Frequencies for Investigation of Borrow Source . . . .34 Table 6.4 Recommended Materials Tests for Soil Liner Materials Sampled After Placement in a Loose Lift (Just Before Compaction) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Table 6.5: Recommended Maximum Allowance Variation for Materials Sampled After Placement in a Loose Lift (Just Before Compaction) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Table 6.6: Recommended Minimum Testing Frequencies on Compacted Soil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Table 6.7: Recommended Maximum Allowance Variation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Table 6.8: Recommended Bentonite Content Test for BES Liner Materials Sampled After Placement in a Loose Lift (Just before Compaction) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Table 6.9: Geomembrane Bonding Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 Table 7.1: Summary of Composition of Acetogenic Leachates Sampled from Large Landfills with a Relatively Dry High Waste Input Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Table 7.2: Summary of Composition of Methanogenic Leachates Sampled from Large Landfills with a Relatively Dry High Waste Input Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 Table 7.3: Typical Water Balance Calculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 Table 7.4: Characteristics of Leachate that are Potential Clogging Mechanisms . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 Table 8.1: Leachate Treatment Methods and Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 Table 8.2: Design Criteria for Activated Sludge Plants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 Table 8.3: Design Criteria for Sequencing Batch Reactor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 Table 8.4: Design Criteria for RBC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68 Table 8.5: Design Criteria for Powdered Activated Carbon System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70 Table 9.1: Model Input Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79 Table 9.2: Monitoring Combustion Products From Flare Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85 Table 11.1: Responsibilities of Those Involved in Development of a Landfill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100 Table 12.1: Health, Safety and Welfare at Work (Construction Regulations) 1995 Summary of Main Duties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103 Table B.1: Physical Cut-Off Techniques for Exclusion of Groundwater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .120 Table B.2: Summary of Principal Pumped Well Groundwater Control Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . .121 Table C.1: Advantages/Disadvantages of Basic Polymers of Geomembranes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .127 Table C.2: Relationship Between Liner Thickness and Rate of Leakage Per Unit Area . . . . . . . .128 Table C.3: Relationship Between Leachate Head and Rate of Leakage Per Unit Area . . . . . . . . .129 Table C.4: Leakage Rate Per Unit Area in Litre per Hectare Per Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .130 Table D.1: Constituents of Inert and Hazardous Leachate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .133 Table D.2: Comparative Performance of Various Treatment Processes for Leachate Treatment . . .134 Table E.1: Typical Landfill Gas Composition (Source UK DOE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138 Table E.2: Typical Instrumentation for Use with Landfill Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138 LIST OF TABLES vi LANDFILL MANUALS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Vii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Agency wishes to acknowledge those who contributed to and reviewed this manual.A review panel was established by the Agency to assist in the finalisation of the manual and we acknowledge below the contribution of those persons who took the time to offer information,advice and in many cases comments and constructive criticism on the draft manual.We gratefully acknowledge the assistance offered by the following persons: Mr.Eamon Timoney Mr.Declan O Sullivan Fehily Timoney Co. Mr.Larry O Toole/Mr.Donal Cronin M.C.O Sullivan Co.Ltd. Mr.Mike Long University College Dublin Dr.Michael Rodgers National University of Ireland,Galway Mr.Declan Mc Grath/Mr.Chris Long FLI International Mr.Con Crotty Mr.Niall Troy Lining Services(Waterford)Ltd. Mr.Mike Everest GSE Lining Technology Ltd. Mr.Garret Fallon Wimpey EPC Ltd(now Irish Power Systems Ltd.) Mr.Michael O Leary South Dublin County Council(now Wicklow County Council) Mr.Gerry Duane Fingal County Council Mr.Bruce Misstear Trinity College Dublin Mr.Larry Kelly Institute of Engineers of Ireland Continuing Education Committee Dr.Bryan Gregory Kirk McClure Morton Mr.Ray Mc Gee Department of the Environment Local Government Mr.Damien Greham Tobin Environmental Services Dr.Mike Barr Aspinwall Company Mr.Geoff Parker K.T.Cullen Co.Ltd.(now Environment and Resource Management Ltd.)） Mr.Roger Dixon B&M Pipeline Services Limited The Agency also wishes to acknowledge the assistance of the South East Regional Environmental Committee and the Institute of Engineers(Geotechnical Society)who submitted comments and constructive suggestions. The assistance of the following people within the Agency is also acknowledged for reviewing the document and providing useful comments and information: Ms.Ann Butler Dr.Jonathan Derham Dr.Duncan Laurence(now Duncan Laurence Environmental) Mr.Dara Lynott Mr.Tadgh O Mahony
The Agency wishes to acknowledge those who contributed to and reviewed this manual. A review panel was established by the Agency to assist in the finalisation of the manual and we acknowledge below the contribution of those persons who took the time to offer information, advice and in many cases comments and constructive criticism on the draft manual. We gratefully acknowledge the assistance offered by the following persons: Mr. Eamon Timoney / Mr. Declan O Sullivan Fehily Timoney & Co. Mr. Larry O Toole / Mr. Donal Cronin M. C. O Sullivan & Co. Ltd. Mr. Mike Long University College Dublin Dr. Michael Rodgers National University of Ireland, Galway Mr. Declan Mc Grath / Mr. Chris Long FLI International Mr. Con Crotty / Mr. Niall Troy Lining Services (Waterford) Ltd. Mr. Mike Everest GSE Lining Technology Ltd. Mr. Garret Fallon Wimpey EPC Ltd (now Irish Power Systems Ltd.) Mr. Michael O Leary South Dublin County Council (now Wicklow County Council) Mr. Gerry Duane Fingal County Council Mr. Bruce Misstear Trinity College Dublin Mr. Larry Kelly Institute of Engineers of Ireland Continuing Education Committee Dr. Bryan Gregory Kirk McClure Morton Mr. Ray Mc Gee Department of the Environment & Local Government Mr. Damien Greham Tobin Environmental Services Dr. Mike Barr Aspinwall & Company Mr. Geoff Parker K.T. Cullen & Co. Ltd. (now Environment and Resource Management Ltd.) Mr. Roger Dixon B & M Pipeline Services Limited The Agency also wishes to acknowledge the assistance of the South East Regional Environmental Committee and the Institute of Engineers (Geotechnical Society) who submitted comments and constructive suggestions. The assistance of the following people within the Agency is also acknowledged for reviewing the document and providing useful comments and information: Ms. Ann Butler Dr. Jonathan Derham Dr. Duncan Laurence (now Duncan Laurence Environmental) Mr. Dara Lynott Mr. Tadgh O Mahony ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS vii
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PREFACE ix PREFACE The Environmental Protection Agency was established in 1993 to license,regulate and control activities for the purpose of protecting the environment.Section 62 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act,1992,states that "the Agency shall,as soon as practicable,specify and publish criteria and procedures for the selection, management,operation and termination of use of landfill sites for the purpose of environmental protection". These criteria and procedures are being published in a number of manuals under the general heading of LANDFILL MANUALS The purpose of this manual is to provide guidance on landfill site design so as to prevent or reduce as far as possible negative effects on the environment.Guidelines are presented for the design of landfill liner systems, leachate management systems,for landfill gas management and for the final capping system.Information on quality assurance and quality control procedures to be followed to validate the construction process is also included.It provides detailed information on the design process as it progresses from site development through to the stage of final capping. Manuals on Imvestigations for Landfills,Landfill Monitoring,Landfill Operational Practices,Landfill Restoration and Aftercare have been published by the Agency while manuals on Site Selection and Waste Acceptance are also being finalised for publication.Given that this Landfill Site Design Manual is one of a series,it is important that this document is read in conjunction with other available publications. Future Irish landfills will be developed,managed,monitored and subjected to aftercare procedures within the Waste Management Act,1996 and the requirements of the EU Directive on the Landfilling of Waste.This manual is being published to assist in meeting the statutory obligations of Section 62 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act,1992.It is intended to be a nationally adopted guidance manual for use by those involved in the design of landfills The current standard of operation of many landfills is unsatisfactory and significant improvements are required if we are to meet the higher standards proposed in the national legislation and EU directives.To meet these standards,a thorough,professional and consultative approach to the selection,operation,management and aftercare of our landfills is required.Our determination to deal with waste in a responsible manner should be reflected in our approach to all aspects of the planning and management of existing and proposed landfills
The Environmental Protection Agency was established in 1993 to license, regulate and control activities for the purpose of protecting the environment. Section 62 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992, states that "the Agency shall, as soon as practicable, specify and publish criteria and procedures for the selection, management, operation and termination of use of landfill sites for the purpose of environmental protection". These criteria and procedures are being published in a number of manuals under the general heading of LANDFILL MANUALS. The purpose of this manual is to provide guidance on landfill site design so as to prevent or reduce as far as possible negative effects on the environment. Guidelines are presented for the design of landfill liner systems, leachate management systems, for landfill gas management and for the final capping system. Information on quality assurance and quality control procedures to be followed to validate the construction process is also included. It provides detailed information on the design process as it progresses from site development through to the stage of final capping. Manuals on Investigations for Landfills, Landfill Monitoring, Landfill Operational Practices, Landfill Restoration and Aftercare have been published by the Agency while manuals on Site Selection and Waste Acceptance are also being finalised for publication. Given that this Landfill Site Design Manual is one of a series, it is important that this document is read in conjunction with other available publications. Future Irish landfills will be developed, managed, monitored and subjected to aftercare procedures within the Waste Management Act, 1996 and the requirements of the EU Directive on the Landfilling of Waste. This manual is being published to assist in meeting the statutory obligations of Section 62 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992. It is intended to be a nationally adopted guidance manual for use by those involved in the design of landfills. The current standard of operation of many landfills is unsatisfactory and significant improvements are required if we are to meet the higher standards proposed in the national legislation and EU directives. To meet these standards, a thorough, professional and consultative approach to the selection, operation, management and aftercare of our landfills is required. Our determination to deal with waste in a responsible manner should be reflected in our approach to all aspects of the planning and management of existing and proposed landfills. PREFACE PREFACE ix