Closing an Open Dumpsite and Shifting - International ...

XI. POST-CLOSURE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME
When disposal operations have ceased and final cover or capping has been applied to the
waste, the disposal facility is considered as “closed”. Wastes should no longer be accepted at
the facility for disposal and post-closure management is effected.
The long-term effects of settlement, gas emissions and leachate production, among others,
will require aftercare measures for a closed disposal site long after it has ceased operations.
Thus, post-closure activities are important in ensuring the proper functioning of the final
cover, drainage control systems, leachate management systems, and other environmental
controls.
Maintenance and monitoring programmes should be carefully planned so that it will meet the
following:
• Regulatory requirements (allowable emissions/effluents, minimum period for such an
activity);
• Annual budgetary constraints of the LGU; and
• Other factors (ex. environmental and community sensitivity of the facility).
A. Maintenance Programme
In order to effectively meet post-closure maintenance requirements, it is essential that a postclosure
maintenance plan be developed. An ideal post-closure plan should have the following
elements:
• Afteruse plan;
• Inspection schedule;
• Preventive maintenance; and
• Monitoring for groundwater, surface water, final effluent, and gas quality
B. Monitoring Programme
Long-term monitoring of closed disposal sites is conducted to ensure that there is no release
of contaminants from the disposal site that may significantly affect public health and the
surrounding environment. Although not specifically required by law in some countries, it is
highly recommended that a monitoring programme for the quality of groundwater, surface
waters nearest the closed disposal facility, final effluent (leachate), as well as gaseous
emissions, be implemented.
XII. ATTENDANT COSTS OF CLOSING A DISPOSAL SITE
Decommissioning a disposal site will entail costs on the closure activities and post-closure
management programme. Closure costs will occur at the end of the life of the disposal area,
while post-closure costs will be incurred for at least the first ten 10) years after closure.
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