Geosynthetics Conquer the Landfill Law

by Luther Derian, Assist. Division Engr.; L.A. Solid Waste Management Division, Los Angeles, CA,
Edward Kavazanjian, Jr., Assoc.; Geosyntec Consultants, Huntington Beach, CA,
Michael S. Snow, Geosyntec Consultants, 16541 Gothard St., Suite 211, Huntington Beach, CA 92647,
Kelly M. Gharios, Sanitary Engr.; L.A. Bureau of Sanitation, Solid Waste Management Division, Los Angeles, CA,


Serial Information: Civil Engineering—ASCE, 1993, Vol. 63, Issue 12, Pg. 50-53


Document Type: Feature article

Abstract:

Los Angeles' last operating landfill is undergoing a major expansion using innovative materials in the liner system to overcome difficult site conditions. The design represents the first approved alternative in California-and perhaps in the nation-to the Resouce Conservation and Recovery Act's Subtitle D regulations for liner systems. Its use sets a precedent for alternatives to the Resource and Conservation Recovery Act's Subtitle D prescriptive regulations for liner systems. To provide uninterrupted service at the landfill, design and construction proceeded concurrently with regulatory approval. The Lopez Canyon Landfill, located in the foothills of the San Gabriel mountains about 50 km northwest of downtown Los angeles, has been in operation since 1975, and has a total capacity of about 18.6 million metric tons of refuse. At the 1990 disposal rate of 3,600 metric tons per day, the landfill would have exhausted its permitted capacity by November 1992. To extend the life of existing units and meet future solid-waste disposal needs, the Los Angeles Bureau of Sanitation began developing the final landfill cell.

Subject Headings: Landfills | Linings | Metric systems | Laws and regulations | Solid wastes | Recycling | Mountains

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