Construction
Construction of landfill components is an integral part of site development. Detailed engineering construction plans and technical specifications are prepared prior to beginning construction.
Some key personnel and their functions related to landfill construction include:
- Earthwork and geosynthetics installation contractors, specializing in landfill construction work
- An independent third party engineering firm specializing in landfill Construction Quality Assurance (CQA)
- The Ohio EPA conducts inspections throughout the construction process
- Independent third party laboratories to perform soils and geosynthetics testing
Soils Pre-Qualification
All soils utilized for landfill construction are pre-qualified in a soils laboratory to confirm soil properties in accordance with design specifications. All soils lab data is submitted to the OEPA prior to using them in landfill construction. Depending on the type of soils and landfill construction components, soil testing is conducted at a frequency of one test for every 1,500 cubic yards of soils.
Test Pad Construction
Test pad construction is a unique construction method used in Ohio. After recompacted clay liner soils are pre-qualified, a test pad is constructed to mimic the construction techniques utilized in the landfill construction. The test pad documents the soils placement procedures, soils processing techniques, moisture application, and compaction procedures. Upon completion of a test pad, permeability of the constructed soil liner is verified by installation of devices that measures horizontal and vertical permeability. A test pad construction report is submitted to the OEPA for review and approval.
Field Activities
Professional engineers monitor construction activities on a daily basis. Daily reports are prepared documenting construction activities such as field-testing of all soils and geosynthetic components in accordance with the specifications.
Certification Report
Upon completion of construction activities, a comprehensive construction certification report is submitted to the Ohio EPA for approval. Waste is placed in the new areas after the Ohio EPA approves the construction certification.
The certification report includes:
- List of all pertinent permit documents and plans utilized for construction
- General description and procedures of construction
- Documentation of field activities, testing and results
- Documentation of all laboratory testing results
- Construction photographs and record drawings
- Certification by a professional engineer registered in the State of Ohio