Modeling of the Seepage Flux of Ground Water from Coastal Landfills
Abstract
The ability to predict seepage rates and locations of seepage flux from a sanitary landfill is paramount in evaluating the environmental impact a landfill may have. This ability extends to investigations relevant to the remediation of closed or abandoned sites of waste disposal many of which contain hazardous materials. This is of particular importance in the evaluation of coastal landfills. Hydrogeologic characterization of landfills has relied on conventional techniques such as in-situ 'slug tests' and laboratory evaluations of soils and water samples. These methods are limited in the extent and application of the information obtained. An in-situ method to obtain a broader evaluation of hydrogeological conditions for a coastal landfill has been devised. Tidal stress theory was used for the determination of an effective hydraulic conductivity in coastal aquifers. A combination of analytical modeling methods were employed to determine the potential seepage area and seepage flux distribution. These included construction of a flow net for the landfill and time-dependent evaluation of the hydraulic gradient between the fresh water and the salt water. Ground water quality sampling indicated concentrations of lead, copper, zinc and mercury in the refuse wells at 10,000ppb, 1000ppb, 1000ppb and 10ppb respectively. These levels are 2 - 3 orders of magnitude greater than found in the upgradient well.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA234037
Entities
People
- Damian A. Colden
Organizations
- University of Rhode Island