Liner Systems for Monofills The liner system usually consists of two geomembranes; each provided with a drainage

layer and a leachate collection system.

A leachate detection system is placed between the first and second liners as well as below the lower liner. In many installations, a thick (3 to 5 ft) clay layer is used below the two geomembranes for added protection.

Construction of Clay Liners The most serious problem with the use of clay liner is its tendency to form cracks due to dessication. It is critical that the clay liner not be allowed to dry out as it is being placed. To insure that the clay liner performs as designed, the clay liner should be laid in 4- to 6-in layers with adequate compaction between the placement of succeeding layers. Laying the clay in thin layers avoids the possibility of leaks due to alignment of clods that could occur if the clay liner is applied in a single pass. Another problem is cracking due to differential swelling. The problem can be avoided by using only one type of clay used in the construction of the liner.

Leachate Collection Systems The design of a leachate collection system involves (1) selection of the liner to be used (2) the development of the grading plan including the placement of the leachate collection and drainage channels and pipelines, (3) the layout and design of the leachate removal, collection and holding facilities.

Selection of Liner System The type of liner system selected will depend to a large extent on the local geology and environmental requirements of the landfill site.

In locations where both leachate and gas migration must be controlled, a combined liner comprising a clay liner and a geomembrane liner with an appropriate drainage and soil protection layer will be necessary.

Design of Leachate Collection Facilities Sloped terraces To avoid the accumulation of leachate in the bottom of a landfill, the bottom area is graded into a series of sloped terraces. The terraces are shaped so that the leachate that accumulates on the surface of the terraces will drain to leachate collection channels.

Perforated pipe placed in each leachate collection channel is used to convey the collected leachate to a central location, from which it is removed for treatment or reapplication to the surface of the landfill.