AREA A/B ENGINEERING REPORT - Waste Management

During operation of the landfill, cover grades
are maintained to promote good surface
drainage (generally 2 – 5% slopes) and, at the
same time, minimize surface flow velocities.
Overly steep grading can lead to excessive
erosion from fast-moving surface runoff,
potentially damaging the landfill cover and
side slopes, and producing runoff containing
high silt levels that can block or damage the
SWMS. On the other hand, overly shallow
grading can lead to ponding, creating difficult
and muddy working conditions and increased
infiltration of rainwater into the landfill (which
increases leachate generation). In addition to
engineered control systems, managed landfills
Geosyntec Consultants
Retention pond at a large landfill in a wet climate
(note pond outlet control structure in foreground and
rip-rap protected boundary)
implement some form of operational BMP for stormwater control prior to discharge. Other
common BMPs include use of wet weather decks (commonly used to minimize the working face
area), run-off control berms, silt fences, straw bales, booms, and street sweeping.
4.3 Maintenance of Landfill Systems
Engineered structures such as a bridge, dam, or office building require ongoing preventative
maintenance to function as designed, and an active landfill operation is no different. In addition
to routine scheduled maintenance, response procedures must be in place for all active engineered
systems should routine inspections reveal that repair is warranted ahead of scheduled
maintenance. Preventative and response maintenance is a key management component during
active operation of a modern landfill as well as during and following closure.
4.3.1 Preventative and Response Maintenance during Active Operations
During active operations, inspection and preventative maintenance activities are
scheduled for all landfill components and are generally specified as SOPs in the
facility’s operation plan. Inspection and maintenance is conducted to maintain
equipment, infrastructure, and related facilities in good condition and to prevent
emergencies. All routine inspection and maintenance procedures follow a
predetermined schedule. The frequency of inspections for equipment is based
on the rate of potential deterioration or malfunction. The landfill supervisor keeps equipment
inspection and service reports for each piece of equipment, noting all servicing requirements
(completed or pending), unusual incidents, and faulty operational conditions.
A preventive maintenance program is implemented at the facility throughout its operating life.
The purpose of the program is to reduce the possibility of damage to the facility or release of
MD10186.doc 65 29 March 2009