X LANDFILL MANUALS LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AOX: Adsorbable organic halogens ASTM: American Society for Testing and Materials BATNEEC: Best available technology not entailing excessive cost BES: Bentonite enhanced soil BOD: Biochemical oxygen demand cc: Cubic centimeter BSI: British Standards Institute CCTV: Closed circuit television CIRIA Construction Industry Research and Information Association COD: Chemical oxygen demand CQA: Construction quality assurance CQC: Construction quality control CSPE Chlorosulfonated polyethylene DGM: Digital ground model dti: Department of trade and industry (UK) DTM: Digital terrain model EIS: Environmental Impact Statement EPA: Environmental Protection Agency ETSU Energy Technology Support Unit(UK) FML: Flexible membrane liner(also called a geomembrane) FSR: Flood Studies Report GCL: Geosynthetic clay liner GLLS: Geomembrane leak location surveys GRI: Geosynthetic Research Institute HDPE: High density polyethylene HHW: Household hazardous waste IEI: Institute of Engineers of Ireland LCRS: Leachate collection and removal system LEL: Lower Explosive Limit LFG: Landfill gas LLDPE: Linear low density polyethylene MCV: Moisture condition value MDPE Medium density polyethylene MQA: Manufacturing quality assurance MQC: Manufacturing quality control NRA: National Roads Authority NSF: National Sanitation Foundation NTP: Normalised temperature and pressure PE: Polyethylene PS(C): Project Supervisor Construction PS(D): Project Supervisor Design PVC: Polyvinyl chloride QA: Quality assurance QC: Quality control TOC: Total organic carbon TRL: Transport Research Laboratory UEL: Upper Explosive Limit WMA: Waste Management Act,1996 WWTP: Waste water treatment plant
AOX: Adsorbable organic halogens ASTM: American Society for Testing and Materials BATNEEC: Best available technology not entailing excessive cost BES: Bentonite enhanced soil BOD: Biochemical oxygen demand cc: Cubic centimeter BSI: British Standards Institute CCTV: Closed circuit television CIRIA Construction Industry Research and Information Association COD: Chemical oxygen demand CQA: Construction quality assurance CQC: Construction quality control CSPE: Chlorosulfonated polyethylene DGM: Digital ground model dti: Department of trade and industry (UK) DTM: Digital terrain model EIS: Environmental Impact Statement EPA: Environmental Protection Agency ETSU Energy Technology Support Unit (UK) FML: Flexible membrane liner (also called a geomembrane) FSR: Flood Studies Report GCL: Geosynthetic clay liner GLLS: Geomembrane leak location surveys GRI: Geosynthetic Research Institute HDPE: High density polyethylene HHW: Household hazardous waste IEI: Institute of Engineers of Ireland LCRS: Leachate collection and removal system LEL: Lower Explosive Limit LFG: Landfill gas LLDPE: Linear low density polyethylene MCV: Moisture condition value MDPE: Medium density polyethylene MQA: Manufacturing quality assurance MQC: Manufacturing quality control NRA: National Roads Authority NSF: National Sanitation Foundation NTP: Normalised temperature and pressure PE: Polyethylene PS(C): Project Supervisor Construction PS(D): Project Supervisor Design PVC: Polyvinyl chloride QA: Quality assurance QC: Quality control TOC: Total organic carbon TRL: Transport Research Laboratory UEL: Upper Explosive Limit WMA: Waste Management Act, 1996 WWTP: Waste water treatment plant LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS x LANDFILL MANUALS
1INTRODUCTION 1.INTRODUCTION 1.1 INTRODUCTION safe disposal of any remaining non-recoverable wastes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)is required,under the Environmental Protection The primary purposes of the Policy Statement is to Agency Act,1992 to specify and publish criteria and provide a national framework within which local procedures for the selection,management,operation authorities,and the waste industry can plan ahead and termination of use of landfill sites.This with confidence.This includes reducing our current document on 'Landfill Site Design'is one of a series overwhelming reliance on landfill,which accounts of manuals on landfilling which have been published for 92%of municipal waste.Landfill must become to fulfill the Agency's statutory requirements. a subsidiary element of an integrated waste infrastructure,catering only for residual waste which In the past,many of the problems associated with cannot be prevented or otherwise treated. landfills occurred as a result of non engineered facilities and poor management.It is imperative that A sustainable approach to waste management in issues outlined in this manual and the other landfill Ireland is being developed through the manuals are considered in full in the design and the Environmental Protection Agency Act,1992 and the development of the landfill. Waste Management Act,1996. There are many potential environmental problems The Waste Management Act,1996 provides for the associated with the landfilling of waste.These introduction of: problems are often long-term and include possible contamination of the groundwater and surface water measures designed to improve national regimes,the uncontrolled migration of landfill gas performance in relation to the prevention, and the generation of odour,noise and visual reduction and recovery of waste;and nuisances. a regulatory framework for the application of This manual,along with the others in the series,has higher environmental standards,particularly been prepared to assist landfill operators to conform in relation to waste disposal. to the standards required,including the BATNEEC principle,and to ensure that the long-term Waste Management Plans,which Local Authorities environmental risks posed by landfills (including are responsible for preparing under Section 22 of the closed landfills)are minimised through effective Waste Management Act,1996 and the Waste containment,monitoring,and control. Management (Planning)Regulations,1997;must have particular regard to waste prevention and waste 1.2WASTE POLICY recovery.Section 26 of the Waste Management Act, 1996 requires the Environmental Protection Agency Ireland's waste policy is outlined in the document to prepare a national hazardous waste management 'Waste Management-A Policy Statement-changing plan.This must also have particular regard to our ways'(1998)which builds on earlier strategies prevention and minimisation of the production of including 'Sustainable Development-A Strategy for hazardous waste and to the recovery of hazardous Ireland'adopted by the Government in 1997. waste. National policy in relation to waste management is based on a hierarchy of principles agreed by the 1.3 LANDFILL European Union.Our priorities are: EC Directive 75/442/EEC requires all Member prevention of waste generation and reduction at States to take appropriate measures to establish an source; integrated and adequate network of waste disposal installations which will allow the Community to waste recovery through reuse,recycling and become self-sufficient as regards the disposal of energy recovery;and waste
1 1.1 INTRODUCTION The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is required, under the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992 to specify and publish criteria and procedures for the selection, management, operation and termination of use of landfill sites. This document on ‘Landfill Site Design’ is one of a series of manuals on landfilling which have been published to fulfill the Agency’s statutory requirements. In the past, many of the problems associated with landfills occurred as a result of non engineered facilities and poor management. It is imperative that issues outlined in this manual and the other landfill manuals are considered in full in the design and the development of the landfill. There are many potential environmental problems associated with the landfilling of waste. These problems are often long-term and include possible contamination of the groundwater and surface water regimes, the uncontrolled migration of landfill gas and the generation of odour, noise and visual nuisances. This manual, along with the others in the series, has been prepared to assist landfill operators to conform to the standards required, including the BATNEEC principle, and to ensure that the long-term environmental risks posed by landfills (including closed landfills) are minimised through effective containment, monitoring, and control. 1.2 WASTE POLICY Ireland’s waste policy is outlined in the document ‘Waste Management - A Policy Statement -changing our ways’ (1998) which builds on earlier strategies including ‘Sustainable Development - A Strategy for Ireland’ adopted by the Government in 1997. National policy in relation to waste management is based on a hierarchy of principles agreed by the European Union. Our priorities are: • prevention of waste generation and reduction at source; • waste recovery through reuse, recycling and energy recovery; and • safe disposal of any remaining non-recoverable wastes. The primary purposes of the Policy Statement is to provide a national framework within which local authorities, and the waste industry can plan ahead with confidence. This includes reducing our current overwhelming reliance on landfill, which accounts for 92% of municipal waste. Landfill must become a subsidiary element of an integrated waste infrastructure, catering only for residual waste which cannot be prevented or otherwise treated. A sustainable approach to waste management in Ireland is being developed through the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992 and the Waste Management Act, 1996. The Waste Management Act, 1996 provides for the introduction of: • measures designed to improve national performance in relation to the prevention, reduction and recovery of waste; and • a regulatory framework for the application of higher environmental standards, particularly in relation to waste disposal. Waste Management Plans, which Local Authorities are responsible for preparing under Section 22 of the Waste Management Act, 1996 and the Waste Management (Planning) Regulations, 1997; must have particular regard to waste prevention and waste recovery. Section 26 of the Waste Management Act, 1996 requires the Environmental Protection Agency to prepare a national hazardous waste management plan. This must also have particular regard to prevention and minimisation of the production of hazardous waste and to the recovery of hazardous waste. 1.3 LANDFILL EC Directive 75/442/EEC requires all Member States to take appropriate measures to establish an integrated and adequate network of waste disposal installations which will allow the Community to become self-sufficient as regards the disposal of waste. 1INTRODUCTION 1. INTRODUCTION
2 LANDFILL MANUALS In the communication from the Commission on the review of the Community Waste Strategy(COM(96) 399 final)landfill represents the option of last resort. The Council adopted the directive on the landfill of waste in 1999(Council Directive 99/31/EC).This Directive aims: to ensure high standards for the disposal of waste in the European Union; to stimulate waste prevention via recycling and recovery of waste;and to create a uniform cost for the disposal of waste which consequently will prevent the unnecessary transport of waste. The Waste Management Act,1996 designates the Agency the sole licensing authority for landfills.The Waste Management (Licensing)Regulations,1997 provide for the commencement and operation of the system of licensing by the Agency of waste recovery and disposal activities.Through licensing,control and active management,the standards of design and operation of landfills should improve. 1.4 LANDFILL SITE DESIGN Good design of a landfill site will prevent,or reduce as far as possible,negative effects on the environment,as well as the risks to human health arising from the landfilling of waste.It is essential that the designer adopt methods,standards and operational systems based on best current practice which reflect progress in management techniques and containment standards.The design process should be consistent with the need to protect the environment and human health. Landfill design is an interactive process incorporating the conceptual design proposals,the findings of the environmental assessment and environmental monitoring results,risk assessment and the conclusions reached in investigations.The fundamental objective behind waste management is that of sustainability.It is implicit therefore that landfill development and operation (which are intrinsically linked)should reflect this approach. This manual outlines the design objectives and considerations that need to be taken into account in the design of a landfill.Management systems for the control of leachate,gas,surface water and groundwater are discussed.The design of engineering works associated with lining and capping systems is considered
In the communication from the Commission on the review of the Community Waste Strategy (COM (96) 399 final) landfill represents the option of last resort. The Council adopted the directive on the landfill of waste in 1999 (Council Directive 99/31/EC). This Directive aims: • to ensure high standards for the disposal of waste in the European Union; • to stimulate waste prevention via recycling and recovery of waste; and • to create a uniform cost for the disposal of waste which consequently will prevent the unnecessary transport of waste. The Waste Management Act, 1996 designates the Agency the sole licensing authority for landfills. The Waste Management (Licensing) Regulations, 1997 provide for the commencement and operation of the system of licensing by the Agency of waste recovery and disposal activities. Through licensing, control and active management, the standards of design and operation of landfills should improve. 1.4 LANDFILL SITE DESIGN Good design of a landfill site will prevent, or reduce as far as possible, negative effects on the environment, as well as the risks to human health arising from the landfilling of waste. It is essential that the designer adopt methods, standards and operational systems based on best current practice which reflect progress in management techniques and containment standards. The design process should be consistent with the need to protect the environment and human health. Landfill design is an interactive process incorporating the conceptual design proposals, the findings of the environmental assessment and environmental monitoring results, risk assessment and the conclusions reached in investigations. The fundamental objective behind waste management is that of sustainability. It is implicit therefore that landfill development and operation (which are intrinsically linked) should reflect this approach. This manual outlines the design objectives and considerations that need to be taken into account in the design of a landfill. Management systems for the control of leachate, gas, surface water and groundwater are discussed. The design of engineering works associated with lining and capping systems is considered. 2 LANDFILL MANUALS
2DESIGN OBJECTIVES AND CONSIDERATIONS 2.DESIGN OBJECTIVES AND CONSIDERATIONS 2.1 DESIGN OBJECTIVES Protection of soil and water A liner must be provided for the protection of soil. The primary objective of landfill site design is to groundwater and surface water.The liner system provide effective control measures to prevent or may consist of a natural or artificially established reduce as far as possible negative effects on the mineral layer combined with a geosynthetic liner environment,in particular the pollution of surface that must meet prescribed permeability and water,groundwater,soil and air.as well as the thickness requirements. resulting risks to human health arising from landfilling of waste. ·Leachate management An efficient leachate collection system may have The design concept for a landfill depends on the to be provided to ensure that leachate ground conditions,the geology and hydrogeology of accumulation at the base of the landfill is kept to a the site,the potential environmental impacts and the minimum.The leachate system may consist of a location of the landfill.The investigations for a leachate collection layer with a pipe network to landfill should provide sufficient information to convey the leachate to a storage or treatment enable the formulation of a site specific design facility. Landfill practice is dynamic in that it will change ·Gas control with both advances in technology and changes in The accumulation and migration of landfill gas legislation.To incorporate such advances and must be controlled.Landfill gas may need to be changes a periodic review of the design should be collected with subsequent treatment and carried out,as the lifespan of a landfill site from utilisation,or disposal in a safe manner through commencement to completion is long compared to flaring or venting. other construction projects.Generally,landfills are constructed on a phased basis. Environmental nuisances Provisions should be incorporated in the design to 2.2 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS minimise and control nuisances arising from the construction,operation,closure and aftercare The designer should consider all environmental phases of the landfill.Nuisances that may arise media that may be significantly impacted through from landfilling include:noise.odours.dust.litter. the life of the landfill.The chosen design will have birds,vermin and fires. a major influence on the operation,restoration and aftercare of the facility.Aspects that must be Stability considered in the design are briefly discussed below. Consideration must be given to the stability of the subgrade,the basal liner system,the waste mass Nature and quantities of waste and the capping system.The subgrade and the The waste types accepted at the landfill will dictate basal liner should be sufficiently stable to prevent the control measures required.The requirements excessive settlement or slippages.The hydraulic at a landfill accepting inert waste will be different uplift pressure on the lining system due to to those at one accepting non-hazardous groundwater must be considered.The method of biodegradable waste which in turn will be different waste emplacement should ensure stability of the from a facility accepting hazardous waste waste mass against sliding and rotational failure. The capping system should be designed to ensure 。Vater control stability against sliding. To reduce leachate generation,control measures may be required to minimise the quantity of Visual appearance and landscape precipitation,surface water and groundwater Consideration should be given to the visual entering the landfilled waste.Contaminated water appearance of the landform during operation and will need to be collected and treated prior to at termination of landfilling and its impact on the discharge. surrounding landforms
Nature and quantities of waste The waste types accepted at the landfill will dictate the control measures required. The requirements at a landfill accepting inert waste will be different to those at one accepting non-hazardous biodegradable waste which in turn will be different from a facility accepting hazardous waste. Water control To reduce leachate generation, control measures may be required to minimise the quantity of precipitation, surface water and groundwater entering the landfilled waste. Contaminated water will need to be collected and treated prior to discharge. 2.1 DESIGN OBJECTIVES The primary objective of landfill site design is to provide effective control measures to prevent or reduce as far as possible negative effects on the environment, in particular the pollution of surface water, groundwater, soil and air, as well as the resulting risks to human health arising from landfilling of waste. The design concept for a landfill depends on the ground conditions, the geology and hydrogeology of the site, the potential environmental impacts and the location of the landfill. The investigations for a landfill should provide sufficient information to enable the formulation of a site specific design. Landfill practice is dynamic in that it will change with both advances in technology and changes in legislation. To incorporate such advances and changes a periodic review of the design should be carried out, as the lifespan of a landfill site from commencement to completion is long compared to other construction projects. Generally, landfills are constructed on a phased basis. 2.2 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS The designer should consider all environmental media that may be significantly impacted through the life of the landfill. The chosen design will have a major influence on the operation, restoration and aftercare of the facility. Aspects that must be considered in the design are briefly discussed below. • • Protection of soil and water A liner must be provided for the protection of soil, groundwater and surface water. The liner system may consist of a natural or artificially established mineral layer combined with a geosynthetic liner that must meet prescribed permeability and thickness requirements. Leachate management An efficient leachate collection system may have to be provided to ensure that leachate accumulation at the base of the landfill is kept to a minimum. The leachate system may consist of a leachate collection layer with a pipe network to convey the leachate to a storage or treatment facility. Gas control The accumulation and migration of landfill gas must be controlled. Landfill gas may need to be collected with subsequent treatment and utilisation, or disposal in a safe manner through flaring or venting. Environmental nuisances Provisions should be incorporated in the design to minimise and control nuisances arising from the construction, operation, closure and aftercare phases of the landfill. Nuisances that may arise from landfilling include; noise, odours, dust, litter, birds, vermin and fires. Stability Consideration must be given to the stability of the subgrade, the basal liner system, the waste mass and the capping system. The subgrade and the basal liner should be sufficiently stable to prevent excessive settlement or slippages. The hydraulic uplift pressure on the lining system due to groundwater must be considered. The method of waste emplacement should ensure stability of the waste mass against sliding and rotational failure. The capping system should be designed to ensure stability against sliding. Visual appearance and landscape Consideration should be given to the visual appearance of the landform during operation and at termination of landfilling and its impact on the surrounding landforms. • • • • • • 3 2 DESIGN OBJECTIVES AND CONSIDERATIONS 2. DESIGN OBJECTIVES AND CONSIDERATIONS
4 LANDFILL MANUALS Operational and restoration requirements 2.3 DESIGN STANDARDS The designer must consider the manner of site development and the necessary site infrastructural Standards for design are necessary to ensure a requirements during landfill operation and consistent approach to landfill design.The restoration.Landfill sites should be developed on introduction of standards should assist in the a phased basis.Site infrastructure should include improvement of landfills and prevent or reduce for the provision of;site accommodation. negative effects on the environment. weighbridge,waste inspection area,wheelwash, site services and security fencing. Standards and procedures used include: Monitoring requirements ·Absolute standards The designer should consider monitoring Designers should use,where possible,relevant requirements at the design stage.These should be Irish,European,or International Standards consistent with the requirements outlined in the published by recognised bodies.The designer Agency's manual on 'Landfill Monitoring' should ensure that standards used are current. Estimated cost of the facility 。 Performance specifications The designer should estimate the cost of the total Performance specifications may be drawn up and project (construction,operation,closure and used for specific topics. Leachate control aftercare)from commencement to completion. equipment and gas utilisation equipment are This should include the costs of planning,site examples where performance specifications are preparation and development works,operational used. works,restoration/capping works,landfill aftercare,and monitoring.Consideration should 。Guidelines be given to the financing of the facility at the A number of guidelines on different aspects of design stage in order to ensure that sufficient funds landfill design are available.This manual is can be generated to fund ongoing and potential intended to serve a dual function of outlining the liabilities. general process of design and providing relevant information. Afteruse The designer should consider the intended afteruse Quality Assurance and Quality Control Procedures of the facility.It should be compatible with the Quality assurance and quality control are integral material components and physical layout of the parts of a landfill design scheme.Quality capping system,the surrounding landscape and assurance/quality control plans should be used to current landuse zoning as specified in the relevant ensure that the design and construction of the development plan. facility is carried out to a satisfactory standard. 。Construction Environmental effects during construction must be considered. These may include noise from machinery,dust from soil excavation and soil placement,disturbance,traffic diversion,and avoidance of pollution by construction related activities. Risk Assessment The design and engineering of a landfill should be supported by a comprehensive assessment of the risk of adverse environmental impacts or harm to human health resulting from the proposed development
Operational and restoration requirements The designer must consider the manner of site development and the necessary site infrastructural requirements during landfill operation and restoration. Landfill sites should be developed on a phased basis. Site infrastructure should include for the provision of; site accommodation, weighbridge, waste inspection area, wheelwash, site services and security fencing. Monitoring requirements The designer should consider monitoring requirements at the design stage. These should be consistent with the requirements outlined in the Agency’s manual on ‘Landfill Monitoring’. Estimated cost of the facility The designer should estimate the cost of the total project (construction, operation, closure and aftercare) from commencement to completion. This should include the costs of planning, site preparation and development works, operational works, restoration/capping works, landfill aftercare, and monitoring. Consideration should be given to the financing of the facility at the design stage in order to ensure that sufficient funds can be generated to fund ongoing and potential liabilities. Afteruse The designer should consider the intended afteruse of the facility. It should be compatible with the material components and physical layout of the capping system, the surrounding landscape and current landuse zoning as specified in the relevant development plan. Construction Environmental effects during construction must be considered. These may include noise from machinery, dust from soil excavation and soil placement, disturbance, traffic diversion, and avoidance of pollution by construction related activities. Risk Assessment The design and engineering of a landfill should be supported by a comprehensive assessment of the risk of adverse environmental impacts or harm to human health resulting from the proposed development. • • • • • • 2.3 DESIGN STANDARDS Standards for design are necessary to ensure a consistent approach to landfill design. The introduction of standards should assist in the improvement of landfills and prevent or reduce negative effects on the environment. Standards and procedures used include: Absolute standards Designers should use, where possible, relevant Irish, European, or International Standards published by recognised bodies. The designer should ensure that standards used are current. Performance specifications Performance specifications may be drawn up and used for specific topics. Leachate control equipment and gas utilisation equipment are examples where performance specifications are used. Guidelines A number of guidelines on different aspects of landfill design are available. This manual is intended to serve a dual function of outlining the general process of design and providing relevant information. Quality Assurance and Quality Control Procedures Quality assurance and quality control are integral parts of a landfill design scheme. Quality assurance/quality control plans should be used to ensure that the design and construction of the facility is carried out to a satisfactory standard. • • • • 4 LANDFILL MANUALS