Mini Landfill ~ Many Problems

1. Mini Landfill ~ Many Problems Tiahna Taylor December 5, 2008 E - Hour

2. Table of Contents Title Topic Slide # Introduction Landfills 3 Summary Outside Waste 4 Michigan Landfills Maps 5-6 Leachate Methods Collection Methods 7 Treatment Methods 8 Contaminations Types of Leachate 9 Prevention of Leachate 10 Geological Features 11 Methane Production 12 Mini Landfill Data Table 13 Drawings 14 Analysis/ Conclusion 15 Sources Work Cited 16

3. Introduction • Landfills • Is a site for the disposal of waste materials by burial. • The purposes of this project are: • Students will stimulate what happens to trash/ debris that ends up as solid waste. • Students will learn about the operation of a landfill. The picture is from The Runco Environmental Inc. Website: http://runcoenv.com/landfill.htm

4. Outside Waste • Waste from outside of Michigan has been a problem since 1980’s. The waste from other areas are causing our landfills to become full faster. The problem is that if the landfill is not correctly monitored the landfill could overflow before it is caped. It the landfill overflows then any surrounding water become contaminated. Once the water become contaminated the state then has to pay for the clean up process and also find other source of drinking water for the nearby residents that had once used the water. The waste is also an issue because the waste posses health risk and environment hazards. This waste could contain materials that are banned from Michigan landfills. This waste can lead to extra pollution and there is can a potential terrorist treat. That is if the waste is used to hide explosives or other dangerous materials. On February 7, 2007, a law was passed to imposed a $7.50 per ton tipping fee (tax) on all solid waste deposited in Michigan landfills, and use the money to promote and pay for recycling programs. At present, waste imported from other states and Ontario represents approximately 20% of all municipal solid waste disposed of in Michigan landfills.

5. Michigan Landfills- Map

6. Pictures: Duell & Gardner Landfill Site Location Well Location for Drinking Water All pictures on this slide are from:

7. Methods of Leachate • Collection Methods • In 1979, MDNR collected soil and drum samples which indicated that PCBs were present in the soil. • In 1981, The US EPA collected surface water samples. • In 1982, US EPA installed four monitoring wells http://techalive.mtu.edu/meec/module15/MunicipalSolidWaste.htm

8. Methods of Leachate Continued • Treatment Methods • Excavation of contaminated soil and on-site treatment using low temperature thermal desorption (LTTD) • Construction of a clay cap to properly cover the old landfill area • Extraction of groundwater to capture and halt the flow of the contaminated plume and removal of contaminants from the ground water by carbon adsorption. • Groundwater monitoring to assess the state of remediation • Placement of deed restrictions to prevent installation of drinking water wells in the affected area of the site during remediation.

9. Contaminations • Groundwater • Chloroform and carbon tetrachloride were found only in the shallow portion of the aquifer (10ft to 20ft below the ground surface) while aniline and N, N-Dimethylaniline were also found in deeper portions of the aquifer (up to 100 feet). • Soil • The primary contaminants found in the soils included bis(2-ethylhexy) phthalate, crystal violet, aniline, and N, N-Dimethylaniline. PCBs and pesticides (DDT, DDD, and DDE), Crystal Violet was detected at up to 188 parts per million (ppm). *Potential health risks may exist for individuals who have direct contact with or ingest contaminated groundwater or soil.

10. Prevention of Contamination • Place restrictive covenants on section of property where residential standards are exceeded; ensure they prohibit construction near extraction system. • Place new chain and lock on gate at entrance to site. • Update and finalize Landfill Monitoring Plan. • Inform the communities of the problem to help cut down on waste.

11. Geological Features • Glacial deposits approximately 300 feet thick consisting predominantly of very fine to medium grained sand. • The underlying bedrock is sandstone of the Marshall formation. • One unconfined aquifer has been identified at the site and is not used for drinking • There are two residential drinking wells in the northern half of the site, these well are from 25ft.- 40ft. Below ground level • The water table was between three to sixteen feet below ground level. • Groundwater flow beneath the site is generally to the south-southeast toward Bear Creek which is approximately 1.5 miles from the site.

12. Gases • While the Duell and Gardner Landfill has no direct gas emissions, there are basic landfill gas emissions and uses. • The Two most common gas emissions include: • Methane and carbon dioxide, • These greenhouse gases kill surface vegetation. • Modern landfills use a gas extraction system to pump the gas to an engine where it is burned off or converted to energy. *Researchers have found that only 10 to 20 percent, of methane gas is captured due to inefficiencies of the collection systems.

13. Data Table I have an excused absence on 11.12.08, we did not record on 10.29.08

14. Drawings of Mini Landfill Observations: The first day- we add water to the landfill, and I assume that the moisture will cause some effects. The Second time- The moisture in the soil are causing roots to grow, the landfill liner (plastic bag) has burst open. Plants are 6inches tall. The Last Recording-The roots have covered the bottom of the landfill (bottle), and the plants are dying. 1. 2. 3. Toxic Waste Roots Soil Plastic Wrapper Printer Paper Plants Printer Paper Turning Darker Plants Dying

15. Analysis and Conclusion Questions • What happens at a landfill? ~ Municipal solid wastes are brought to landfills and covered with a layer of soil, they have leachate systems that collect, and sent to the surface for treatment. They sometime have gas recovery systems, that monitor for gases often used for energy. • What happens to the trash when it is buried? ~ After the trash is buried it begins to deteriorate, and the toxic waste gives off gases and if not properly managed it can pollute to groundwater below. • What changes did you observe in your landfill over the two months? ~I watch the trash deteriorate, and I also saw roots form from the soil. These roots grow very tall and began to slowly die. • How is this like an actual landfill? ~ At real landfills, once they are full they are covered with the last layer of clay and soil and then they plant the native grass. Also the mini landfill was like and actual landfill by being layered, and monitored. • What changes will you make in your household as a result of this experiment? ~ From this experiment I plan to create less waste, try using reusable items, and continue to recycle. I will also pick up trash that I see and not liter anywhere, everything we do effects our environment in some way.

16. What I have learned? • I have learned the purpose was fulfilled, I understand was is happening with the trash at the landfills and understand the operation of landfills. I also see where the contamination of groundwater can come from. Just as the liner in my landfill bust from the impact of the trash so can that of actual landfills. The only difference is that at the actual landfill the leachate is able to reach the water, and if not monitored properly become a reach to humans. This project has also made me want to change my behavior to that in the stated objective. Making a landfill and researching Michigan landfills have had a positive effect on my life and knowledge.

17. Work Cited • The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Website: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/hac/pha/duell/due_p4.html • The Environmental Protection Agency Website: www.epa.gov/superfund/sites/npl/mi.htm • RUNCO Environmental Inc. Website: E:\RUNCO Environmental - Landfill Diagram.htm • Department of Environmental Quaility Website: http://www.michigan.gov/deq