GEOLOGIC SETTING OF LANDFILLS

1
GEOLOGIC SETTING OF LANDFILLS

• by
• Catherine A. Folger

2
Definition

• A landfill is a shallow burial vault in soil.

3
Geographic LocationsTen things to consider

• Haul distance
• Location restrictions
• Available land area
• Site access
• Soil conditions and Topography

• Climatic conditions
• Surface water hydrology
• Geologic and hydrogeologic conditions
• Local environmental conditions
• Ultimate use for completed landfills

4
Haul distance
5
Location restrictions

• Airports
• Floodplains
• Wetlands
• Known fault areas
• Seismic impact zones
• Unstable areas

6
Available land area
Adequate Buffer zone and at least five years
operation for deferral of disposal costs required
7
Site accessmegafills and railways
8
Soil conditions
9
Topography

• Dictates what equipment needed to make usable

10
Climatic conditions

• Harsh winters limit accessability
• Freezing hinders excavation
• Wind patterns and strength affect lighter-weight
  debris

11
Surface water hydrology

• Natural drainage and runoff
• Flooding potential
• Water running in/out of site

12
Geologic and Hydrogeologic conditions

• Most important because through these studies we
  can determine the potential for contamination of
  rock and water

13
Local environmental conditions

• Traffic
• Noise
• Odor
• Dust
• Airborne debris
• Visual impact
• Property value

14
Ultimate use

• Capped and terminated

15
Our planet