Modern landfills – understanding the science behind best practice design, construction and operation

The term Landfill BPEM refers to the Best Practice Environmental Management for landfills, a key document issued by EPA Victoria. Andrew Green, from Peter J Ramsay & Associates, is an experience environmental auditor’s assistant in the design, assessment, and auditing of landfill lining system construction in Victoria.

Andrew taught us the science behind best practice design and construction of landfill basal liner and capping systems. In addition, he shared critical information that goes beyond what is covered in the Landfill BPEM. In particular the presentation included:

• An overview of typical landfill basal liner and capping systems, including common construction materials – what do these look like?

• Key design and operational assumptions for the hydraulic performance of landfill basal liner and capping systems – what are the assumed leakage and seepage rates, and how are these estimated?

• Techniques used for quality assurance during the construction of landfill basal liner and capping systems – what assurances are there that these lining systems are correctly constructed?

• Monitoring of performance – how does environmental monitoring translate to lining system performance?