When it comes to impermeable landfill covers, there are two primary types - permanent and temporary. Permanent landfill covers are used when a cell is closed. Temporary caps and covers, which we’ll cover further in this blog, are used to reduce the infiltration, or precipitation, into the waste and minimize leachate generation. Leachate is the liquid that drains from a landfill. It varies in composition, but usually contains dissolved and suspended materials. Geosynthetic temporary covers have become more common in landfills over the years and will likely become a requirement for municipal solid waste landfills in the United States due to new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. Many factors go into choosing the best temporary landfill covers and geosynthetics continue to rise as a desirable choice.
Benefits of Geosynthetic Temporary Landfill Covers
- Reduce long-term leachate generation better than soil-only covers
- Often costs less than low-permeability soil
- Helps control odor and greenhouse gas emissions
- Offer very low permeability compared to traditional clay layers
- Strength and durability to protect against tears and punctures
- Effective at managing stormwater runoff
- Weathering protection for prepared containment systems
- Protects prepared landfill cells prior to their commision
- UV stabilized and reinforced materials provide cost savings through reuse
Choosing Temporary Covers
Choosing the right material and design for temporary covers can be a daunting process, but it doesn’t have to be. Consider these factors when choosing temporary landfill covers:- Is it UV protected?
- How long is the warranty on the material you choose?
- Which material is the strongest and more durable?
- Does the cover support slope stability?
- How is the cover constructed?
- Can it be customized?
- Can the cover be reused?
- Is the material corrosion-resistant?
- Is the material reinforced for superior leachate protection?
- What heaviness and grade of protection do you need?
