Lecture 14 Sanitary Landfills: Principles and Processes

Front

What is the primary purpose of a landfill?

Back

To bury or alter the chemical composition of wastes so that they do not pose any threat to the environment or public health.

Front

How are landfills structured?

Back

Landfills are made of cells that isolate discrete volumes of waste from adjacent cells using barriers like natural soil or clay.

Front

What is the main reliance of landfilling?

Back

Landfilling relies on containment rather than treatment of wastes.

Front

What are the minimum requirements for a sanitary landfill?

Back

Full or partial hydrological isolation, formal engineering preparation, permanent control, planned waste emplacement and covering.

Front

What are the phases in the life cycle of a landfill?

Back

Planning phase, Construction phase, Operation phase (5 – 20 years), Completed phase (20 – 100 years), Final storage phase.

Front

What occurs during the planning phase of a landfill?

Back

Preliminary hydro-geological and geo-technical site investigations are conducted as a basis for actual design.

Front

What activities are involved in the construction phase of a landfill?

Back

Earthworks, road and facility construction, and preparation of the fill area including liners and drains.

Front

What characterizes the operation phase of a landfill?

Back

High intensity of traffic, work at the front of the fill, operation of environmental installations, and completion of finished sections.

Front

What happens during the completed phase of a landfill?

Back

Termination of actual filling occurs, and emissions may decrease to a level where they do not need further treatment.

Front

What is the final storage phase of a landfill?

Back

The landfill is integrated into the surroundings for other purposes and no longer needs special attention.