414 CHAPTER 16 Solid and Hazardous Waste
pipes that extend hundreds of meters into an injec-
tion zone located between two impermeable areas. In
such geologic formations, the waste is not likely to
migrate into aquifers that could be used for drinking
or irrigation.- How are the Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act and the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation,
and Liability Act alike, and what is the focus
of each act? - How is green chemistry applied to reducing
sources of hazardous waste?
Hazardous waste that is not completely detoxified
must be placed in long-term storage. Hazardous waste
landfills are subject to strict environmental criteria and
design features. They are located as far as possible from
aquifers, streams, wetlands, and residences. Design com-
ponents include several layers of compacted clay and
high- density plastic liners at the bottom of the landfill
to prevent leaching of hazardous substances into surface
water and groundwater (Figure 16.16). Leachate is col-
lected and treated to remove contaminants. The entire
facility and nearby groundwater deposits are carefully
monitored to make sure there is no leakage.
Some toxic liquid waste, such as explosives and
pesticides, can be disposed of by deep-well injection. In
this technique, the liquid waste is injected through
Native vegetationBiota layers
(crushed concrete)1.2 m (4 ft) of soilSynthetic
clay/plastic liner
Soil
Stacked barrels
of hazardous wasteCollection
system for leachate
Detection
system for leachate
High-density plastic liner
0.9 m (3 ft) of compacted clay linerProtective soil layer
(0.9 to 1.2 m, or 3 to 4 ft)
Barrels of hazardous
waste are placed above
the liners and covered
with soil.
A drain system located
above the liners allows
liquid leachate to collect
in a basin where it can
be treated.
The bottom of this
hazardous waste landfill
has two or three layers
of compacted clay, each
covered by a high-
density plastic liner.Adapted from Rocky Mountain Arsenal Remediation Venture Office.ÕÌ>Ü>ÞÊÛiÜÊÌ
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The bottom of this hazardous waste landfill has two layers of compacted clay, each covered by a high-density plastic liner. (Some
hazardous waste landfills have three layers of compacted clay.) A drain system located above the plastic and clay liners allows liquid
leachate to collect in a basin where it can be treated, and a leak detection system is installed between the clay liners. Barrels of
hazardous waste are placed above the liners and covered with soil.
Would it be more likely to
find this type of hazardous
waste landfill in the United
States or Russia? Why?GLOBALLOCAL