Author Question: Can there be more than one classification of landfill within the boundaries of one landfill site? ... (Read 173 times)

mcmcdaniel · **on:** Jul 15, 2018

Can there be more than one classification of landfill within the boundaries of one landfill site? Explain
why or why not? What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

How does settlement in a landfill potentially pose a threat to ground and surface water resources? What will be an ideal response?

catron30 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 15, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Yes, some landfills encompass all three types within their boundaries. This occurs because the
underlying geology varies within the area of the landfill. Not only are rock types heterogeneous and
variable, but the water table itself will also lie at different depths in different places. One area may
have an impermeable substrate and be classified as a Class I landfill, while another will have a
permeable substrate and be classified as a Class III landfill.

Answer to Question 2

Settlement can promote ponding of surface water and can cause cracks to appear in the landfill. These
can penetrate the soil layers emplaced to seal the cells of the landfill and thereby allow surface water to
infiltrate. This water can become highly contaminated leachate with the potential to escape through
other cracks into the surrounding environment