Geologic aspects of landfill refuse disposal

The decomposition of solid waste materials in sanitary landfills produces liquids and gases which are deleterious to human beings, animals, plants and inorganic geologic materials. This paper presents a summary of leachate characteristics and discusses the effects of leachate on groundwater quality and carbonate strata. A system for site evaluation for purposes of sanitary landfill is also presented. The characteristics of the soil and rock at a site are included in the evaluation system through assessment of their infiltration potential, permeability, filtering capability and absorption potential. The characteristics of the groundwater at a site are taken into consideration through assessment of the substrate potential, buffering capacity and distributive potential (for contaminants). Formulae are stated to allow determination of evaluation parameters, and an example of the application of the rating system is presented. Use of the site-evaluation system will improve the quality of site selection and will reduce contamination and pollution problems created by construction of refuse landfills at unsuitable locations.