SUBSURFACE LANDFILL BARRIER

This proposal describes a study to identify, develop, and evaluate state-of-the-art methods and materials which can be used as subsurface barriers between landfills containing hazardous waste and an aqueous environment such as coastal areas subject to higher groundwater tables or tidal variations. The study will consider physical barriers, induced barriers, and a combination of both. This study will evaluate ways of taking advantage of site specific geohydrologic conditions to contain specific wastes, thereby enabling efficient remediation. Both existing technologies and innovative solutions will be considered. Questions of effectiveness, feasibility, costs, standardization potential, safety, usability, and implementation will be answered. A comprehensive final report including a guide to proper selection of containment systems for Navy sites and recommendations for follow-on field and laboratory testing will be published.