Can Hazardous Waste Sites be Breached as a Result of Future Climate Change?

Abstract

One of the most important design parameters for hazardous waste sites is the amount of precipitation that is predicted to fall on the unit throughout the duration of its life, usually decades to centuries. However, this design factor is complicated by strong evidence that climate change, whether from anthropogenic or natural causes, has increased the frequency and duration of strong storms throughout the world. This increase in precipitation can have serious consequences for the integrity of hazardous waste disposal facilities. Since the amount of precipitation falling on these units can accelerate the leaching of contaminants to the subsurface, any increase could cause premature failure. Historical records of rainfall are often used as a prediction of future precipitation in the design of hazardous waste management units. However, measurements made since the 1800s indicate that large-scale changes in precipitation have occurred over the Northern Hemisphere. Thus, the siting of hazardous waste disposal facilities should include an analysis of the effects of this possible increase in precipitation. Hazardous waste disposal facilities (especially landfills) also have the potential for failure due to design limitations. Increased precipitation can breach the cover system and cause either subsidence or leaching of contaminants into the subsurface. Little actual research exists that quantifies the effects of increased precipitation on the operation of abandoned or closed hazardous waste sites, so these effects need to be reviewed.