Constructing a zero leak landfill cell

¹ TRI Environmental, Inc., Austin, Texas, USA
² Chenango Contracting, Inc., Johnson City, New York, USA

^* Corresponding author: abeck@tri-env.com

Abstract

Engineered landfill barriers are the last line of defence in protecting precious groundwater resources from contamination. A landfill cell without any leaks at the conclusion of construction is the exception rather than the rule. From design to materials testing to installation practices and contractor care, all of these elements contribute to both the short and long-term integrity of the lining system. Electrical leak location (ELL) methods can be used to detect leaks in installed landfill cells after construction so that leaks can be repaired before a landfill cell begins filling operations. However, the thorough testing of landfill cells using ELL can be complicated by their complex configuration. The dipole method, employed after cover material placement, requires electrical isolation of the cover material, which is difficult to achieve with a landfill expansion cell configuration. Additionally, employing only this type of testing can leave the tie-in area untested, which is a critical area prone to damage. This paper provides solutions for complete landfill expansion cell testing, including a relatively new testing methodology (ASTM D8265, [1]), which provides protocol for verifying that a geomembrane has been successfully installed with no leaks. A case study is included to show how ASTM D8265 can be used to provide documentation of a zero-leak condition of a landfill cell after construction. Common elements of design, geomembrane installation, and quality assurance are discussed in order to provide a road map of how to reach a zero-leak condition at the end of a landfill expansion cell construction project. This paper can be used as a guide to constructing a zero-leak landfill cell using state-of-the art construction practices and ELL testing methodologies.