Considering what a modern landfill is, it’s no wonder they’re considered the best way to dispose of waste. Among the most important steps taken in a modern landfill is Capping, which prevents further toxic spills and stabilizes hazardous waste. Controlled landfills also are more regulated and monitored, ensuring that they don’t become an ecological nightmare. But how do these facilities actually protect the environment?
Capping prevents further toxic spills
In the United States, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) has tightened the regulatory standards for existing landfills and set basic standards for landfill caps. A Hazardous Waste Landfill Cap is three layers of synthetic material atop two feet of compacted clay. The Non-Hazardous Waste Landfill Cap is less strict but must be equivalent to standard caps. Alternative Landfill Cap Designs must meet similar standards.
Leachate is collected
Leachate is a toxic waste stream with high ammoniacal nitrogen concentrations. These wastes are often acidic and anoxic, and they lack phosphorus, a nutrient required by biological communities. These conditions make leachates difficult to treat. This article describes the process and impacts of landfill leachate. In addition, it describes the role of leachate in the treatment of waste. Orlando Dumpster Rental and Junk Removal Services are the best you can avail.
Hazardous waste is stabilized
Modern landfills are lined with a thick layer of clay to keep liquids from penetrating the material. When liquids are generated, rain and snow can carry contaminants to the landfill bottom. This leachate is collected by perforated pipes. The leachate is funneled to treatment facilities, which are located on site or nearby. Once there, the waste is processed and disposed of as hazardous waste.
Controlled landfills are more regulated
Landfills are a relatively recent development. Before the 20th century, most people simply threw their waste out a window. As garbage piled up in populated areas, cities searched for a solution. In 1935, California implemented the first landfill-like solution. These early landfills were open dump grounds where toxic chemicals and gas could escape into the atmosphere. This pollution was a major concern.
Methane gas is a greenhouse gas
The Environmental Integrity Project, one of the three environmental groups suing the EPA, said it is time for the agency to review its method for calculating landfill methane emissions. The method has been flawed for the last three years. The EPA must review the method every three years and officials have known that the factors used are wrong since 2008.
Environmental regulations
Modern landfills are constructed with a liner of clay or high-density plastic that is fully sealed and contains no open areas for leachate. The leachate is a liquid that passes through the landfill and contains contaminants such as volatile organic compounds and nitrogen. The leachate is then channeled to treatment facilities such as wastewater treatment plants, which treat the water before releasing it into the environment. This process can reduce the number of toxins that leachate can contain.
Impact on local communities
Modern landfills are ecologically responsible and an important piece of the community’s infrastructure. They provide valuable services and revenue to the host community. Moreover, they provide protections for surrounding communities. Here are some of the ways in which landfills impact local communities. Read on to learn more. But first, let’s take a look at some of the problems associated with old landfills. First of all, old landfills were real nuisances to their neighbors. They had no odor control measures or barriers to prevent toxins from leaking into the ground water, and were generally unpleasant places to live.
