Waste disposal, regulatory policy and potential health threats

Abstract

Abstract The issues with respect to development of a safe liner-barrier system for waste containment facilities in the land disposal of wastes are examined in relation to the need for minimization of potential health and environmental threats. The influence of regulatory policies or attitudes, e.g. the ‘Compliance (Mandated) Requirement’ and the ‘Performance Requirements’ attitudes, on the requirements for barrier system design and performance is seen to be very significant. Ensuring protection of public health and the environment is central to the construction and performance requirements and criteria of the barrier system. Regulatory control and measures designed to fulfil minimization of public health threats must address the basic question of ‘what constitutes a health threat’, especially since one needs to ensure proper and secure barrier performance for 250–500 years or more. The performance of substrate material and engineered landfill barriers as competent liner systems, particularly with respect to substrate control on waste leachate containment and transport, must be well understood if proper protection of public health and the environment is to be obtained.