- Significant resources dedicated to dust suppression
- Unique programs include the use of water, ground asphalt and native plant vegetation
- Odors are eliminated or minimized through a comprehensive gas collection system, misters and special handling procedures
Due to the nature of landfills, dust suppression is an ongoing activity. In recent years, Waste Management has focused significant resources on state-of-the-art dust suppression techniques. We apply water on inactive areas and roads, and replant native vegetation on closed portions of the landfills. In a unique program, we grind asphalt from construction projects and reuse it on roadways within the landfills. Using ground asphalt instead of dirt roads generates far less dust as trucks drive throughout the landfills. Combined, these systems are effective in reducing dust at the landfills.
Landfill Liners
The landfill liner system and its components, including the HDPE (high density polyethylene) liner are designed to provide maximum protection to the environment. Installation of the liner system is supervised and inspected to ensure that it meets or exceeds environmental standards. Preparation of the existing ground surface is performed prior to construction of the liner system to achieve the design subgrade configuration and remove rocks that could penetrate the liner. Two feet of compacted clay or a geosyntheic clay liner (GCL) is then placed over the prepared subgrade surface and the 60 mil HDPE liner is installed over the clay or GCl material. Finally, a drainage geocomposite is placed above the HDPE liner. The HDPE liner is fabricated, installed, tested and repaired in accordance with approved guidelines. All manufacturer's recommendations and installation procedures are overseen by independent Quality Assurance personnel. Prior to implementation, Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) consultants certified that the geosynthetic materials have been properly installed.
All components of the liner system construction are supervised and inspected to ensure that the completed landfill is protective of the environment. This includes manufacturing of the HDPE liner and installation of all components of the liner system during construction.
Leachate Collection and Removal System
- Prevents contamination through advanced technology
- Safely removes and treats leachate (precipitation that percolates through open cells)
Various technologies prevent environmental contamination. One mechanism for ensuring environmental safety is a leachate collection system. Leachate is precipitation that lands upon open cells and percolates through them. Our leachate collection system removes this liquid from the cell so that it does not rest on the cell liner. The liquid is removed and treated.
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Gas Monitoring
A regular gas-monitoring program has been in effect at the landfills since its inception and includes permanent probes located along the perimeter of the landfill. The probes are installed to monitor the entire depth of waste to ensure that methane gas does not migrate off the landfill property.
Landfill Gas Collection & Recovery
- Reduces the potential for offsite gas migration
- Minimizes landfill gas emissions
- Controls potential odors
- Landfill gas can be used to generate power for the local community
The Landfill Gas Collection and Flaring System currently operating at the Waimanalo Gulch landfill is designed to provide continuous removal of landfill gas in active areas of the landfill and consists of gas extraction wells and gas collection piping. Gas wells are installed at appropriate spacing to efficiently collect gas generated by the waste. The wells are connected to a pipe network that transmits gas to a high-efficiency flare for destruction.
The landfill is leading the way in reducing greenhouse gases by extracting landfill gas daily. Waste Management is one of the biggest traders of greenhouse gas emissions on the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX).
Constant Groundwater Protection and Monitoring
- Composite liner made of dense plastic and clay materials
- Prevents liquids from seeping beneath the landfill
- Real-time monitoring data on groundwater movement and quality
The current groundwater-monitoring program includes monitoring wells placed around the active areas of the landfills. The locations of the wells are principally selected to intercept groundwater that flows beneath the landfill. The depth of the monitoring wells has been selected to monitor the uppermost groundwater. Monitoring wells are sampled and inspected on a regular basis in accordance with state and federal guidelines.
Effective Landscaping
- Improves aesthetics
- Reinforces landfill stability and safety
Litter Control
- Dedicated litter patrol crew
- Moveable fences to capture windblown litter
- Early/ongoing soil cover for active areas on windy days
