Suitability of Landfill - Coursework Example

Suitability of Landfill Table of Contents Suitability of Landfill Abstract This paper examines the pertinent factors that need to be taken into consideration when deciding the suitability of a landfill site. It offers an original framework for numerous criteria that should be taken into account in landfill siting, involving environmental, economical and technical issues. The paper recognizes the fat that there are no unanimously accepted guidelines for which criterion should be taken into account in determining the suitability of a place for landfill siting and how the comparative importance of various factors should be judged. However, it considers comprehensively the conceptual, practical and empirical considerations and the necessity of combining effective technology and site suitability in siting a landfill within a large city. Some of the general factors requiring consideration include water management, site selection and accommodation, access and traffic control, cover material, among others. 1. Introduction Landfill is the most commonly used waste disposal method in most countries. It is the descriptor employed for the placement of waste materials into the ground, and in most cases due to the nature of the waste materials involved, is equated to long term storage. Previously, most of the problems linked to landfills happened due to non-engineered facilities and failure to take into consideration pertinent factors (Derek 2009, 20). There are numerous potential environmental issues linked with the land-filling of waste. These problems are frequently long-term and include probable contamination of the surface water and groundwater regimes, the unmanaged generation of noise and odor nuisances. The process of locating a landfill should start with an expansive screening of a given place.  The use of general locating criteria can assist the person intending to set up a landfill to classify the different portions of a given area within a large city in regards to appropriateness for waste management.  This procedure can reduce the region of study to the most encouraging zones for facility location.  The favorable zones within a given area can then be assessed on the basis of technical siting criterion. This process can further reduce the area of study to the most approving sites (UNEP 1995, 1).  After primary field work, which may include such operations as geophysical surveying and test borings, the best site can be chosen for all-inclusive hydrogeology evaluation, engineering and impact assessment. Generally, a number of factors including Geographic area and population to be served by the site, type of waste and quantity to be disposed, cost of operation, hauling distance and site operating life span are considered when determining suitability of landfill site selection in big cities. 2. Site Selection The various considerations in site selection comprise effects upon the environment and the local community. The most important environmental consideration is the possibility for surface water and groundwater pollution due to insufficient waste containment (Steve 2009, 21).  A mixture of favorable hydrogeology setting and engineering design features will increase the safety of the waste inside the facility.  Engineering aspects such as perimeter dikes leachate collection systems, and constructed liners can triumph over certain site deficiencies.  Nevertheless, natural settings that reduce exposure of the waste to the surroundings are preferred to engineering control and can to a large extent trim down the expenditure of site development (Texas Commission on Environmental Equality 2004, 1).  2.1 Effects of a landfill Effects of a landfill on the local neighborhood are related to the closeness of the facility and its operations to existing schools, residences, and other vital centers of city activity (Hauser 2008, 133).  By and large, these impacts depend on the current land use surrounding a proposed site.  If the facility to be constructed is well-suited with existing land uses such as location in an industrial area these impacts are somewhat less significant.  Public resistance is more often than not based on apprehension over increased traffic, possible reduced property values, odors, noise and the likelihood for increased health threats due to activities of the facility (Ramjeawon & Beerachee 2008, 14).  Sponsors of the facility can address these worries through the use of locations that are well-suited with the existing land use, buffer zones, proper facility model and operation, and continued interaction with landowners and local residents (Jim 2000, 1).  3. Landfill Site Design Proper design of a landfill site will reduce or prevent as far as feasible, unconstructive effects on the surrounding environment, as well as the threats to human health originating from the landfill of waste. It is imperative consider and adopt standards, techniques and operational systems grounded on best practice which mirror progress in containment standards and management techniques. The process of designing a landfill should be in line with the great need to protect human health and the environment (Tammemagi 2000, 76). Landfill design is more often than not an interactive method incorporating the conceptual design suggestions, the findings of the environmental monitoring and environmental assessment results, risk evaluation and the conclusions made in investigations. 4. Design Consideration and Objectives 4.1 Design Objectives The primary aim of landfill site design is to offer effective control measures to reduce or prevent as far as feasible the negative effects on human and environment, in particular the contamination of soil, air, surface water, groundwater as well as the resulting threats to human health arising from waste land-filling (Environmental Protection Agency 2000, 1). The design principle for a landfill in a large city depends on the ground conditions, the hydrogeology and geology of the site, the potential environmental effects and the site of the landfill. Investigations should be carried out in order to provide adequate data to enable the creation of a site specific model (Sunil et al 2008, 69) Landfill practice is always dynamic in that it will tend to change with both advances in technology and other changes such as new legislation. To integrate such changes and advances, a periodic evaluation of the model needs to be carried out, as the lifespan of landfills sites from commencement to conclusion is long comparable to other construction projects. 4.2 Design Considerations Design considerations are other factors that require consideration when determining suitability of landfill site selection in big cities (Holton & Newman 2007, 34). The designer of a landfill should take into account every environmental media that may be significantly affected throughout the lifespan of the landfill. The selected design will no doubt have a huge influence on the restoration operation and aftercare of the landfill. Some aspects to be considered are discussed below briefly. Quantities and Nature of Waste The types of waste to be accepted at the landfill will dictate the management measures needed (Mary 2009, 30). The requirements at a landfill meant for disposing inert waste will be distinct to those accepting biodegradable, non-hazardous waste which in turn will be distinct from a facility dealing with hazardous waste. Waste Control To lessen leachate production, control measures may be needed to reduce the amount of surface water, groundwater and precipitation entering the landfill. Polluted water will require collecting and treating before discharge (Economist 2009, 52). Environmental Nuisances Provisions should be integrated inn the landfill design to control and minimize nuisances originating from the building, operation and closure stages of the landfill. Problems that may occur from landfills include dust, litter, odors, noise, fires, vermin, and birds. Gas Control The accumulation and exodus of landfill gas should be managed (Guohe 2010, 440). Gases produced in a landfill need to be collected, treated and used or disposed in a safe and sound manner through venting or flaring. Stability Consideration should be given to the stability of the capping and waste mass system, the basal liner and sub-grade system. The basal liner and the sub-grade should be adequately stable to reduce excessive slippages or settlement. The technique of waste emplacement should guarantee stability of the waste mass against rotational and sliding failure. Landscape and Visual Appearance Consideration should be given to the visual look of the landform in the course of operation and during termination of land-filling and its effect on the surrounding landscape Restoration and Operational Requirements In determining suitability of landfill site selection in big cities, it is important to take into account the way the site is going to be developed and the required site infrastructural needs during landfill restoration and operation (Gerald 2009, 17). Generally, landfill locations should be developed in stages. Site infrastructure may include for the provision of; weighbridge, site accommodation, wheel-wash, waste inspection area, security fencing and site services. Cost of the facility The total cost of setting up the facility should be considered. These costs include construction, aftercare, closure and operation. In addition, these costs should include the expenses of planning, development works, site planning, capping or restoration works, monitoring, landfill after care, and operational works. Also, consideration should be accorded to the funding of the facility at the design phase in order to guarantee that adequate funds can be produced to finance potential and ongoing liabilities. After-use Before deciding to set up a landfill, it is important to consider the planed after-use of the facility. In any case, it should not be incompatible with the physical layout and material components of the surrounding landscape, the capping system and the present land-use zoning as stated clearly in the pertinent development plan Construction Environmental impacts during the period of construction should be taken into account. These may include noise produced by machineries, dust from soil placement and soil excavation, traffic diversion, disturbance and evasion of pollution by construction connected activities. 5. Cover material Cover material is considered an essential component of land-filling operations. The intermediate or daily cover material help in control of nuisances such as odor, vermin, flies, birds, and windblown litter. Daily cover is used to characterize material spread all over the deposited waste at the conclusion of every working day. Ideally, daily cover should be permeable so as to allow water to pass through thus preventing perched or ponding water buildup. Intermediate cover denotes the placement of material for a given period of time before restoration or before further disposal of waste. Normally, intermediate cover should considerably lessen rainfall infiltration. In determining the suitability of a landfill site, the designer should take into consideration the use of substitute biodegradable materials. These include: Heavy duty biodegradable and reusable sheets: Geo-textiles; Sprays and foams; Compost. Advantages of utilizing substitute daily cover over conventional methods may include: Preservation of empty space; Preservation of soil material Permeable to gas and water; and Biodegradable. 6. Landscaping The landfill should pose a well managed and lean appearance to the residents of the city. As such, consideration should be given to provision of buffer zones with landscaped berms as well as other methods of landscaping such as tree planting my help to reduce environmental impact. The designer needs to take into account the suggested end use of the place following completion as this to some extent will influence the final landform. This ultimate landform should fit in with the adjacent environment. 7. Site Infrastructure 7.1 Access and Traffic Control In deciding the suitability of a place for landfill site, consideration should be given to access. Access can be either by rail, water or road. In cases in which access to the landfill location is to be by road, then the effect of the suggested development on the available road infrastructure should be assessed. The results obtained from traffic analysis will significantly determine if provisions are needed to deal with the expected traffic flow in case of a large city. The available road infrastructure may require upgrading to be able to deal with the rise in traffic to the location or a dedicated road connecting the closes secondary or primary route to the suggested site may be needed. In most cases, an evaluation before detailed design should make sure that the potential for destructing existing road network and the queuing of traffic on the roads are adequately addressed. Haul routes from the reception area to the exit should be considered and if the site is suitable for landfill, it should be designed to standards adequate to permit trafficking of vehicles. Haul routes may need to have room for the passage of heavy vehicles such as tracked bulldozers and wheel compactors. Also, service routes to other pertinent facilities on site such as treatment plant should be of adequate standard to permit easy access by service vehicles. 7.2 Site Accommodation There is need to consider site accommodation in the process of determining the suitability of landfill site (Giorgio 2010, 610). The site should provide room for the establishment of the following facilities: Administration building including administration offices, general reception area, and first aid area; Sanitary facilities including toilets and showers; Waster reception site; Staff facilities: mess and lockers room; Parking area. In most cases, it is recommended that purpose built structures be built. It is also important to determine if it is possible to on-site laboratory facilities. The administration block should have a facsimile machine, a working telephone and should be appropriate for records storage. The waste reception site is a significant part of the infrastructure of a landfill as it is normally used to ascertain whether wastes should be taken in for disposal at the location or not (Louise, Ferreira & Frank 2008, 56). It should be possible to locate the waste inspection facility at the site so as to lead to minimum commotion to other traffic using the facility. In addition, it should be built on an unreceptive hard-standing place with retaining bunds. Further, drainage from this area should be autonomous of the reception area and should be released to the leachate treatment plant or foul sewer. 7.3 Security Security is another consideration in determining suitability of landfill site. It should be possible to erect perimeter fencing at every site. The fencing to be erected should be of the appropriate standard and adequate height to prevent unauthorized entry. The site should also have gates or it should be possible to build them in case the place is deemed suitable for a landfill site. In any landfill site, it may be essential to provide gates at all points around the location for access. Every gate should be to a standard not different to that of the standard for the security fencing. 8. Water Management Surface water and groundwater are important natural resources of both economic and ecological value and deserve consideration when determining the suitability of landfill site. Therefore, it is imperative to evaluate whether groundwater control is needed at the site and is so what are the impacts a control system may have on the groundwater (Jeanne 2008, A13) Generally, the position of the landfill liner structure in relation to the water table will indicate the control measures needed. If the liner structure is situated above the water table such that there is an unsaturated zone below that waste, the probability is that no control measures will be needed. Quite the opposite, if there is a comparable high water table and the liner structure is situated below this level, control measures will be needed. 9. Lining systems The lining system is used to protect the adjacent environment including surface water, groundwater, and soil by containing leachate produced inside the landfill, regulating entry of groundwater, and helping in the management of the exodus of landfill gas (Gray, Koerner & Qian 2001, 18). The chosen liner should achieve constant performance and be fully compatible with the anticipated leachate for the life of the facility. 9.1 Risky waste landfill For a risk or hazardous landfill facility, a composite liner should be employed. Two alternatives are presented that can be used. However, the alternative to be used depends on the nature of waste to be deposited (Charusiri 2008, 39). Alternative systems may also be considered for pre-treated risky waste such as stabilization, verification and solidification of risky waste. 10. Separation Distances  Another factor that requires consideration is the recommended separation distances between landfill and a specific entity of interest and places in which a landfill cannot be sited unless alleviating actions are undertaken (Pacheco & Jalali 2010, 834). Least separation distances should be dealt with in such a way that the site analysis finally shows the needed separations. Apart from assisting the preliminary location selection procedure, the employment of minimum distances will give a margin of protection in terms of public safety and health. The fundamental rationales for buffer zones include: Safety aspects-site features must accommodate management of windblown pollutants, probable spontaneous combustion or even explosion of ignitable gases and wastes and irritating odors. Buffer zones should ensure safe course of emergency vehicles in case of explosions or fires (Marian 2009, 58). Adequate reaction time-should at any instance the monitoring system show that pollutants are migrating from the site, time is required to devise and enforce a proper mitigation technique. Longer distances give more time to come up with mitigation measures (Suresh 2008, 44). There should be sufficient space for corrective action or containment measures including pumping systems, drainage diversions, or slurry walls may be needed. Every measure needs a considerable amount of land area. Sufficient monitoring distance - satisfactory land area must surround dumping operations so that screening wells can be located strategically (Christopher 2009, 14).   In all cases, the separation space should be enough to prevent adverse effects on neighboring property activities.  The site should have minimum separation distance of about two hundred feet between landfill disposal activities and the adjoining property line. Also a minimum separation distance of about five hundred feet should be provided between the landfill boundary and civic drinking water supplies, established schools, hospitals, residences, and other recognized centers of community activity (Evan 2008, 948). 11. Soils The fluid transmitting characteristics of the soil under a landfill liner structure will to a certain extent influence the likelihood of waste migration that may have entered the landfill liner. Virtually impermeable materials including shale and clay, to a great extent restrict the zone that could be impacted by discharges from industrial solid waste landfills when compared to more leaky soils, such as sand, silt and gravel (Bagchi 2004, 33).  Shale and clay units may have discontinuities such as desiccation cracks, fractures, joints, and fissures that can augment the unit's mass hydraulic conductivity.  Nevertheless, such discontinuities should be interconnected to noticeably reduce the unit's efficacy in restricting waste exodus.  Homogeneous, colossal, and virtually impermeable shale and clay beds that offer a large vertical severance between the bottom of the landfill and the highest aquifer are preferred sites for industrial solid waste landfills (Joe 2009, 13).  Consolidates igneous and metamorphic rocks may also offer secure sites for disposal. Landfills to be located in such locations have a tremendously low probability that surface water will be unfavorably affected by waste exodus. Clays also can be unfavorably affected by organic chemicals.  Any clay that is used as a blockade to waste exodus should be assessed for compatibility with the wastes to be disposed in the landfill  Industrial solid waste landfills should not be constructed so as to interrupt or to unswervingly overlie substantial thicknesses of leaky soils, such as silt, sand or gravel.  Thin beds, lenses or seams of silt or sand that extend for merely a short distance and are bounded by clay will frequently not considerably increase the potential for waste exodus.  Sandy clay or sand beds may show an adequately low permeability such that the rate of waste exodus would be awfully slow (McGuire & Andraski 2009, 321).  Nevertheless, as the permeability, thickness or continuity of a silt or sand unit increases, there is an equally less guarantee that waste exodus will be adequately restricted.  Consequently, regionally continuous beds or strata or reasonably to highly leaky soils should be avoided.  Karst areas in dolomite, caliche and limestone serve as poor hordes for industrial solid ravage landfills due to their elevated hydraulic conductivity.  Any cracked rock such as sandstone, metamorphic or igneous rocks, limestone, and dolomite rocks will not offer a high level of secondary containment if the cracks are consistent (Hazardous Waste Consultant 2008, 14).  Hydraulic conductivities in sandstone, dolomite and limestone generally are exceedingly variable and characteristically within the marginal range.  In deciding the suitability of a landfill site, such materials should not be preferred as derivative containment materials. 12. Conclusion It is obvious from the continuing debate that several factors determine the suitability of landfill selection in big cities. Site selection which is an important factor comprises effects upon the environment and the local community particularly the possibility for surface water and groundwater pollution due to insufficient waste containment. Proper landfill site design will reduce or prevent as far as feasible, unconstructive effects on the surrounding environment, as well as the threats to human health originating from the landfill of waste. Design considerations are other factors that require consideration when determining suitability of landfill site selection in big cities. Selection of landfill should take into account every environmental media that may be significantly affected throughout the lifespan of the landfill. Consideration should also be given to access. Access to the site can be either by rail, water or road. 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