Landfill Waste Pollution and Control

This book addresses a pollution hazard prevalent in most cities and large towns world-wide by providing an understanding of the scientific and technical control of the landfill method of domestic and non-domestic waste disposal, considered within the framework of integrated waste management. Landfill disposal is practised world-wide, and is cheap and convenient but, if poorly managed, poses a serious threat to the environment. This pollution threat is a source of concern to regulating authorities and environmental pressure groups. This comprehensive text reflects the authority of the author’s considerable experience in assessment and remediation of landfill sites, which he has taught in post-graduate courses on hazardous waste management, and in running international programmes on waste and contaminated land-related subjects for industry. Dr. Westlake’s expertise also reflects his work in association with the Environmental Safety Centre at the Harwell Laboratory.

Featuring the microbial degradation of waste within landfills, with an understanding of hazards associated with the production, migration and control of landfill gas and leachate, the book also points to the benefits to be obtained from gas production. There is important discussion on the monitoring of potentially dangerous dormant sites, and much helpful advice on trouble shooting.

The text is set in the context of regulatory controls and assesses their impact, while at the same time looking at the way forward for waste disposal by landfill. There is coverage of legislative requirements and constraints including those from the European Union reflecting official attitudes. There is growing international consensus that EU regulations can be interpreted and applied as a benchmark in relation to legal practices and attitudes in all countries throughout the world

Addresses a pollution hazard prevalent in most cities and large towns world-wideProvides an understanding of the scientific and technical control of the landfill method of domestic and non-domestic waste disposal, considered within the framework of integrated waste managementProvides an important discussion on the monitoring of potentially dangerous dormant sites