Regulatory requirements for alternative daily covers are set to ensure they perform as effectively as the traditional six inches of soil used to cover landfill waste each day. Environmental agencies, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and state regulatory bodies, require that these covers control odors, litter, disease vectors, fires, and scavenging animals. Each material proposed for use must be tested and approved before being applied in the field.
Landfill operators must demonstrate that their chosen cover provides complete and consistent waste containment under normal operating conditions. Regulations also require proper documentation of the materials used, the method of application, and the frequency of use to maintain compliance. Inspections and periodic reviews ensure the cover remains effective and does not cause environmental harm, such as contamination or excessive runoff.
