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Application of Hydrogeology to the Selection of Refuse Disposal Sites a
Author(s) -
London Ronald A.
Publication year - 1969
Publication title -
groundwater
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.84
H-Index - 94
eISSN - 1745-6584
pISSN - 0017-467X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1745-6584.1969.tb01664.x
Subject(s) - leachate , hydrogeology , site selection , environmental science , waste disposal , groundwater , waste management , municipal solid waste , environmental engineering , civil engineering , mining engineering , engineering , geotechnical engineering , political science , law
New sanitary landfills are being opened each day to accommodate the rising volume of solid wastes. Selection of proper sites is a very major part of the disposal problem, particularly as they might affect the surrounding surface and ground water. Leachate production is inevitable in the humid East and throughout most of the country. Several alternatives are suggested that would result in the assimilation of migrating leachate into, the environment at tolerable limits or for its renovation prior to final discharge: Alternative 1—knowledge of existing hydrogeologic conditions which would favorably control the rate and direction of leachate migration; Alternative 2—engineering the landfill by construction of low‐cost facilities to collect and treat leachate; and Alternative 3—construction of limited collection facilities to supplement natural conditions. It is suggested that more emphasis be given to hydrogeologic factors in the selection of refuse disposal sites to insure protection of surrounding surface and ground water. It is time to approach the waste disposal problem on a more sophisticated level by requiring test drilling, monitoring, and by giving consideration to the engineering of, landfills so that man's health and' environment are not jeopardized.