Landfills in karst terrains

Journal Article · Wed Jun 01 00:00:00 EDT 1994 · Bulletin of the Association of Engineering Geologists; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2113/gseegeosci.xxxi.2.203· OSTI ID:6956295

Hughes, T H ^[1]; Memon, B A; LaMoreaux, P E ^[2]

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1. Hydrologic Consultants, Inc., Lakewood, CO (United States)
2. P.E. LaMoreaux and Associates, Tuscaloosa, AL (United States)

State and Federal regulations have established restrictions for location of hazardous waste and municipal, solid waste landfills. Regulations require owners/operators to demonstrate that the hydrogeology has been completely characterized at proposed landfills, and that locations for monitoring wells have been properly selected. Owners/operators are also required to demonstrate that engineering measures have been incorporated in the design of the municipal solid waste landfills, so that the site is not subject to destabilizing events, as a result of location in unstable areas, such as karst terrains. Karst terrains are typically underlain by limestone or dolomite, and may contain a broad continuum of karst features and karst activity. Preliminary investigation of candidate sites will allow ranking of the sites, rejection of some unsuitable sites, and selection of a few sites for additional studies. The complexity of hydrogeologic systems, in karst terrains, mandates thorough hydrogeologic studies to determine whether a specific site is, or can be rendered, suitable for a land disposal facility. Important components of hydrogeologic studies are: field mapping of structural and stratigraphic units; interpretation of sequential aerial photographs; test drilling and geophysical analyses; fracture analyses; seasonal variation in water-levels; spatial variation of hydraulic characteristics of the aquifer and aquiclude; velocity and direction of movement of ground water within aquifers; determination of control for recharge, discharge, and local base level; and evaluation of the effects of man's activities, such as pumping, dewatering and construction.

• OSTI ID: 6956295
• Journal Information: Bulletin of the Association of Engineering Geologists; (United States), Vol. 31:2; ISSN 0004-5691
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
58 GEOSCIENCES
CAVES
GROUND SUBSIDENCE
HYDROLOGY
SANITARY LANDFILLS
POLLUTION REGULATIONS
SITE CHARACTERIZATION
SITE SELECTION
GEOLOGY
SITE APPROVALS
CAVITIES
MANAGEMENT
REGULATIONS
WASTE DISPOSAL
WASTE MANAGEMENT
540250* - Environment
Terrestrial- Site Resource & Use Studies- (1990-)
580000 - Geosciences