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Impact of Increased Rainfall on Small Arid Landfills

This article explores the impact of changing rainfall patterns on small arid landfills (SALs) and discusses the challenges faced by SALs in managing stormwater and preventing groundwater contamination. It also highlights the need for coordinated efforts between the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and western counties to address these issues.

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Impact of Increased Rainfall on Small Arid Landfills

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  1. Impact of Increased Rainfall on Small Arid Landfills Will Fraundorfer | Environmental Specialist KDHE Bureau of Waste Management

  2. Impact of Increased Rainfall on SALs Outline • What is a Small Arid Landfill (SAL)? • How have rainfall patterns changed? • How have SALs been affected? • Where do we go from here?

  3. Impact of Increased Rainfall on SALs What is a SAL? • Landfills that are exempt from: • Liners • Leachate collection systems • If they: • Dispose of <20 tons of waste per day. • Receive <25 inches of precipitation per year. • Have no practical disposal alternative. • Have no groundwater contamination. • SALs are important for small communities!

  4. Impact of Increased Rainfall on SALs Groundwater Contamination at SALs • If SALs detect contamination, they: • Lose their exemption, and; • Comply with stricter regs (usually they close). • Contamination is defined as any constituent in the SAL regs detected above the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) established by EPA. Source: USGS

  5. Impact of Increased Rainfall on SALs Changing Precipitation • Any county which had any part of its area receiving <25” of precipitation was allowed the exemption. • These decisions were made around 1993. Climate data from NOAA & Kansas State University.

  6. Impact of Increased Rainfall on SALs Changing Precipitation • The 25” precipitation line has moved west. • Essentially none of the eastern most exempt counties would qualify for the exemption today. Climate data from NOAA & Kansas State University.

  7. Impact of Increased Rainfall on SALs Changing Precipitation • Large, high rainfall events can be particularly challenging. Source: K-State Climate Center

  8. Impact of Increased Rainfall on SALs Effects on SAL Operations • Heavy rains can suspend operations • Increased leachate generation. • Stormwater management. • Risk of groundwater contamination • Increased rainfall makes it harder for SALs to comply with state regs; and more expensive to operate.

  9. Impact of Increased Rainfall on SALs Where do we go from here? • KDHE needs to determine a path forward for SALs. • We plan to coordinate with western counties to determine what our approach should be. • Most of the counties that are directly affected are aware of the concern.

  10. Impact of Increased Rainfall on SALs In Conclusion • SALs are important for western KS communities. • Rainfall has increased in western KS. • There are technical & regulatory challenges. • KDHE & western counties are aware of & thinking about this issue.

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