A descriptive analysis of post‐closedown environmental monitoring and maintenance of the Pääsküla landfill

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate changes in the environmental state of Pääsküla landfill in the post‐closedown period, especially changes in the soil and groundwater quality, composition of leachate water and air quality, and to analyse the effects of the works carried out and the measures implemented during the closing down of the Pääsküla landfill on the surrounding environment.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on the official environmental monitoring reports (EERC 2005‐2009) combined with the practical work experience and observations of the author on the landfill.FindingsThe study reveals that the most evident changes, which have taken place in the environmental state in the Pääsküla landfill were those in the quality of surface water. Remarkable improvement of the water quality of the Pääsküla River was detected after installation of the vinyl pile wall around the landfill body. After capping of the landfill, a drop in the content of methane in landfill gas was detected, as well as a decrease of the total gas production in the landfill.Practical implicationsThe conclusions justify the efforts made in the course of closing down works of the Pääsküla landfill and the chosen technical solutions. It is necessary to continue the environmental monitoring of the landfill leachate water, ground water and surface water as well as monitoring of air quality and subsidences on the landfill.Originality/valueThe paper provides a detailed overview of the post‐closedown environmental monitoring and maintenance activities in the landfill as well as progress in the state of environment regarding the measures taken in order to decrease the negative environmental impact of the landfill. The experience of closing down the landfill can be used for similar projects, especially the impacts of capping the landfill on the methane production and installation of the protection wall and leachate collection drainage around the landfill on the suface water.