427-Intro Study Guide

Matthew Gullixson
1. What is the integrated solid waste management?
The integrated solid waste management is the strategic approach to sustainable
management of solid wastes covering all sources and all aspects, covering
generation, segregation, transfer, sorting, treatment, recovery and disposal in an
integrated manner, with an emphasis on maximizing resource use efficiency.
2. What is EPAs ISWM hierarchy?
The EPAs ISWM hierarchy starts with reduction at the top of the hierarchy
pyramid. Reuse is the next step underneath reduction. Underneath reuse is
recycling and composting. The next step underneath that is incineration.
Finally, the bottom most part of the hierarchy pyramid is landfill.
3. What is the role of landfill?
Landfills are particularly designed structures built into and on top of the ground
that separates waste from the area around it. Therefore, they contain garbage
and prevent contamination between the waste and the surrounding
environment.
4. How can we determine whether the waste is hazardous or not?
A solid waste is a hazardous waste if it is specifically listed as a known hazardous
waste or meets the characteristics of a hazardous waste. Listed wastes are
wastes from common manufacturing and industrial processes, specific industries
and can be generated from discarded commercial products. Characteristic
wastes are wastes that exhibit any one or more of the following characteristic
properties: ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity or toxicity. A waste that has a
hazardous component and a radioactive component is called a mixed waste.
5. What is the definition of waste? Can it be a resource? When?
Waste is a material that is cheaper to throw away than to use. Waste can be a
resource. It can be a resource through several processes that include recycling,
anaerobic digestion and composting.
6. What are the consequences of mishandling waste?
The consequences of mishandling waste can fall into three categories: legal,
financial and environmental. In a legal sence you can experience both federal
and state legal actions. Financially, you can experience hefty fines.
Environmentally, mishandled waste can cause serious contamination issues that
may not be reversible.
7. What is sanitary landfill?
A sanitary landfill is a site where waste is isolated from the environment until it is
safe.
8. Summarize the overall landfill operations and processes (slide #15)
The overall landfill operations and processes involves six major components.
These include landfill design, landfill closure, landfill gas management, leachate
management, placement landfill operations and environmental monitoring.
9. What is leachate?
Leachate is the liquid that drains or leaches from a landfill.
10.How do we collect leachate in a landfill?

Leachate is collected through the landfills leachate collection system. The

system has three components: a leachate collection layer, a filter geotextile and
a leachate collection pipe system. These three components work together to
collect and remove the leachate.
11.Describe how waste is placed in a landfill based on the figures shown in slide
#16
Before waste is placed in a landfill, it must be first weighed. Then the load is
inspected by authorized personnel. Once it is approved, then the waste can be
placed into the landfill.
12.Review 40 CFR Part 258.10 and provide the detailed regulations in local
restrictions in slide #18
Performance Standard:
258.16(a) Existing MSWLF units that cannot make the demonstration
specified in sec. 285.10(a) pertaining to airports, 258.11(a) pertaining to
floodplains, or 258.15(a) pertaining to unstable areas, must close by October
9, 1996, in accordance with sec. 258.60 of this part and conduct post-closure
activities in accordance with sec. 258.61 of this part.
258.16(b) The deadline for closure required by paragraph (a) of this section
may be extended up to two years if the owner or operator demonstrates to
the Director of an approved State that:
258.16(b)(1) There is no available alternative disposal capacity;
258.16(b)(2) There is no immediate threat to human health and the
environment.
13.What are the main reasons for establishing Operating Criteria Subpart C?
The main reason for establishing this was to enforce some more specific
operating instructions to avoid any confusion.
14.What are the design criteria Subpart D for Approved and Unapproved States?
The design criteria for a new MSW landfill in an unapproved state is a composite
layer and leachate collection system design. The criteria for a new MSW landfill
in an approved state are an approved design that meets performance standard.
The design criteria for existing MSW landfill units require installation of final
cover that prevents infiltration after closure and doesnt require retrofitting with
liners or leachate collection systems.
15.What do we have to do if the landfill contaminated the surrounding
environment?
You must following the corrective action program that is listed out in parts 257
and 258 following landfill contamination of the surrounding environment.
16.What are the requirements when a landfill is closed?
The closure requirements includes an erosion layer with a minimum 6 earthen
material of sustaining native plant growth and an infiltration layer with a
minimum 18 earthen material with a permeability equal to or less than the
permeability of any bottom liner system or natural subsoils present.
17.Why must the landfill owner provide financial assurance for the landfill closure?
This must be provided because financial security is a top priority in every
business including landfills. Financial assurance allows the landfill process to
proceed more effectively and efficiently.