Contaminant impact assessment and the contaminating lifespan of landfills

Abstract

Some of the factors to be considered in performing impact assessments for proposed municipal and non-hazardous waste landfill sites are discussed. These factors include the effect of the mass of contaminant, infiltration, and attenuation in the hydrogeologic system on the contaminating lifespan of a landfill. The potential impact of fracturing of the soil separating the landfill from an underlying aquifer is examined. The influences of a compacted clay liner and (or) a natural, intact clayey layer below the fractured soil are examined. The concept of developing "triggers" to initiate leachate control measures, and the associated potential impact on groundwater, is discussed in the context of the potential design life of the underdrain system in a landfill. Key words: environmental impact, contaminant migration, landfill, design, fractures, liners, groundwater, leachate collection.