Hazardous Waste is a term being applied to the by-products of an increasing number of manufacturing and industrial concerns. Wastewater from a wide variety of processes now falls under regulatory controls. If the wastes are spilled, leaked, stored or otherwise brought into contact with the ground surface, there is always the possibility of groundwater contamination. Once wastes are in contact with the groundwater, they will move in the direction of local groundwater flow, and may contaminate water supplies or watercourses at some distance away. The liability problems associated with hazardous waste are tremendous.
This paper examines the current groundwater protection regulatory requirements and climate regarding remedial work on existing lagoons and containments as well as for new siting and design of similar facilities. Remedial methods such as sludge stabilization, underground leachate barriers and waste removal are described. New containments usually involve lined facilities where synthetic or clay barriers with intervening drainage layers are used to protect the groundwater.
Two case studies are used to illustrate typical problems. The first is located in Ohio and describes the cleanup of PCB oil-contaminated lagoons and the surrounding underground area. The work consisted of liquid disposal, sludge stabilization, removal, containment construction and permanent on-site disposal. The second site consists of a new lined disposal facility located in Oregon which incorporates many of the latest design and safety features required under the regulations. Synthetic liners with special drainage grids are used to minimize the risk to the environment.