Experience in locating leaks in geomembrane-lined ponds

¹ Rio de Janeiro State University (UERJ), Av. São Francisco Xavier 524– 5° andar, sala 5029 (bloco F), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
² Leak Location Service (LLSI) – 16142 University Oak, San Antonio, Texas, United States

^* Corresponding author: priscilazidan@gmail.com

Abstract

This study presents the results of five years of applying the dipole method in geomembrane-lined ponds to locate leaks arising from either the construction or operational stage. Inspections were conducted on 136 projects designed with single (n=57) or double (n=79) liner and located in the United States (n=108), Mexico (n=5), or Canada (n=23). The ponds were tested either full or at a depth between 0.3m and 0.8m, both sets of results were compared to the available literature. Approximately 210 ha of primary geomembrane-lined ponds were surveyed, uncovering 825 leaks during the study period. An average number of leaks/ha was 13.2 ranging from 0 to 272. The highest results were 272, 242, and 131 leaks/ha in double-lined, and 80 and 77 leaks/ha in single-lined ponds. The inspected data revealed that 43% of projects had 0-2 leaks/ha, 20% had >2-5 leaks/ha, 14% had >5-10 leaks/ha, and 16% of the ponds had >20 leaks/ha. The results of this study are crucial for designers, Landfill Operators, and Environmental Agencies in establishing inspection practiced for lined ponds, particularly after a period of operation.