DE Oracle @ UMUC

Landfill Construction Model (HTML version)

Robert Beauchamp

Program Director

Graduate School of Management and Technology

Category: » Learning-objects

This simulation illustrates the 13 major phases of landfill construction and maintenance. (Flash version)

Phase 2: Add compacted clay or synthetic liner to prevent contaminants from seeping into the groundwater. This liner has a permeability of 10 -7 centimeters per second.

Phase 3: Install leachate collection system.

Phase 4: Install geosynthetic liner to help stabilize the waste.

Phase 5: Add a sloped, sand drainage layer to allow leachate to seep into the collection system below.

Phase 6: Deposit solid waste (open and use landfill). New waste is spread and compacted every 6 feet. A soil or synthetic layer is added daily to prevent waste from blowing and to limit pests.

Phase 7: Install groundwater and gas monitoring wells. New wells are drilled into full waste cells throughout the active life of the landfill.

Phase 8: Add soil layer. When the landfill fills to capacity, a final stabilizing soil layer is placed over the compacted solid waste.

Phase 9: Install clay cap to prevent water from filtering into the landfill. It is about 3 feet thick, with a permeability of 10-7.

Phase 10: Install geosynthetic cap to provide additional protection against water filtration.

Phase 11: Install sand drainage layer to drain rainwater away from the waste.

Phase 12: Add a layer of top soil to promote plant growth.

Phase 13: Plant grass and other short rooted plants to prevent erosion of the landfill surface.

Phase 14: Construct methane recovery building. A methane recovery building uses landfill gas released during degradation to generate electricity for the facility.