Landfills, Dumps, & Waste

Landfills and Open Dumps

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Contamination Evidence

• Observed leachate runoff.
• Seepage into nearby surface water.
• High levels of bacteria, organic chemicals, metals, nitrates in well water tests.

Causes

• Lack of control over leachate.
• Permeable soil.
• Leaky landfill cover.
• No liner or liner failure.
• Poor management.
• Lack of control over hazardous wastes disposal.

Prevention

• Proper design, maintenance, and operation.
• Avoid sensitive groundwater areas.
• Regular inspection and groundwater monitoring.
• Ban hazardous wastes from landfill unless designed for this purpose.
• Reduce waste by recycling.

Small Disposal Pits

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Used for dumping or burning wastes by businesses and households.

Contamination Evidence

• Petroleum odor in well water.
• Other chemical odors.
• Detection of chemicals in well water tests.

Causes

• Improper disposal of chemicals, oil, pesticides, other wastes and used containers.
• Lack of disposal facilities for small amounts of hazardous wastes.

Prevention

• Public information and education.
• Disposal facilities for small hazardous waste generators.
• Enforcement against improper waste disposal.