EPA (USA) - BAT Landfill Activities (Abril 2003)

DRAFT
April 2003
BAT GUIDANCE NOTES FOR THE WASTE SECTOR:
LANDFILL ACTIVITIES

BAT Guidance Notes for the Waste Sector: Landfill Activities

Environmental Protection Agency ii
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1 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................ 5
1.1 General ......................................................................................................................... 5
1.2 BAT Guidance Note Structure ......................................................................................... 5
1.3 Using this Guidance....................................................................................................... 6
1.4 Relationship to Other Guidance....................................................................................... 7
1.5 Review and Updating ...................................................................................................... 7
2 INTERPRETATION OF BAT ........................................................................................ 10
2.1 Definition of BAT...........................................................................................................10
2.2 Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 .....................................................................11
2.3 Landfill Directive ............................................................................................................11
2.4 Determine Control Techniques........................................................................................11
2.5 Innovation.....................................................................................................................12
2.6 Identifying Emission Levels against ELVs .......................................................................12
2.7 Site Location Selection..................................................................................................12
2.8 Assessment of BAT......................................................................................................12
2.9 Application of BAT to New Facilities................................................................................13
2.10 Application to Existing Facilities ...................................................................................13
3 ACTIVITies DESCRIPTION AND KEY ISSUES......................................................... 14
3.1 Overview of Landfill Activity.............................................................................................14
3.2 Classes of Landfill .........................................................................................................15
3.3 Landfill Activities Covered by IPPC Directive.....................................................................15
3.4 Other Activities .............................................................................................................16
3.5 Key Issues for Landfill Activities......................................................................................16
4 FACILITY DESIGN........................................................................................................ 22
4.1 Site Location ................................................................................................................22
4.2 Engineered Liner Systems .............................................................................................23
4.3 Stability and Settlement.................................................................................................24
4.4 Raw Materials Selection ................................................................................................27
4.5 Energy Efficiency ..........................................................................................................27
4.6 Energy Utilisation..........................................................................................................29
4.7 Leachate Management ..................................................................................................29
4.8 Landfill Gas Management...............................................................................................30
5 FACILITY MANAGEMENT ........................................................................................... 31
5.1 Experienced and Competent Management.......................................................................31
5.2 Management and Environmental Management Systems (EMS).........................................31
5.3 Accident Prevention.......................................................................................................33
6. WASTE ACCEPTANCE................................................................................................ 35
6.1 Classes of Landfill .........................................................................................................35
6.2 Prohibited Wastes.........................................................................................................36
6.3 Pre-treatment of Waste..................................................................................................36
6.4 Waste Checking ...........................................................................................................37


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7 POTENTIAL EMISSIONS AND THEIR SOURCES.................................................... 39
8. MONITORING............................................................................................................... 40
8.1 Monitoring Guidance......................................................................................................40
9 CLOSURE AND AFTERCARE..................................................................................... 41
9.1 Purpose.......................................................................................................................41
9.2 Cessation of Waste Disposal .........................................................................................41
9.3 Restoration and Aftercare...............................................................................................41
9.4 Maintenance of Environmental Pollution Control Systems .................................................41
APPENDIX 1 Prescribed LANDFILL ACTIVITies............................................................ 43
APPENDIX 2 POTENTIAL EMISSIONS AND THEIR SOURCES .................................. 44
Table A2.1: Potential Emissions to Air..................................................................................45
Table A2.2: Potential Emissions to Water.............................................................................46
Table A2.3: Potential Emissions to Land...............................................................................48
Table A2.4: Potential Emissions of Noise & Vibration.............................................................49
Table A2.5: Potential Emissions of Heat ...............................................................................50
APPENDIX 3 Emission ELIMINATION AND CONTROL TECHNIQUES....................... 51
Surface & groundwater management ....................................................................................53
Leachate production/ collection............................................................................................55
Leachate treatment .............................................................................................................58
Landfill Lining .....................................................................................................................60
Landfill Capping..................................................................................................................65
Landfill gas management .....................................................................................................69
Landfill gas utilisation & flaring.............................................................................................71
Fuel/oil storage...................................................................................................................74
Dust/Fine Particulates (PM
10
)...............................................................................................76
Odour ................................................................................................................................78
Litter..................................................................................................................................80
Noise & vibration.................................................................................................................82
Vehicles ............................................................................................................................84
Birds .................................................................................................................................85
Vermin & insects................................................................................................................87
Mud...................................................................................................................................88
Fires..................................................................................................................................89
Security.............................................................................................................................90
APPENDIX 4 ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY STANDARDS AND EMISSION LIMIT
VALUES ....................................................................................................................... 92
Environmental Quality Standards (EQS)................................................................................92
Emission Limit Values ........................................................................................................92
Setting the ELVs ................................................................................................................93
Table A4.1 Environmental Quality Standards for Surface Waters relating to SI 294/1989EC and SI
293/1988 EC......................................................................................................................99
Table A4.2 Emissions from Landfill Gas Flares to air............................................................ 102
Table A4.3 Emissions from Landfill Gas Utilisation Plants to air ............................................ 103
Table A4.4 Fugitive Emissions to Air .................................................................................. 104


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Table A4.5 Emissions of Noise.......................................................................................... 106
Table A4.6 Emissions of Vibration...................................................................................... 107
APPENDIX 5 SUMMARY OF LANDFILL DIRECTIVE TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
108
APPENDIX 6 REFERENCES........................................................................................... 109
References cited in this Guidance Note.............................................................................. 109
Supplementary References................................................................................................ 111
APPENDIX 7 GLOSSARY................................................................................................ 113
Terms.............................................................................................................................. 113
Abbreviations.................................................................................................................... 119


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1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 General
This Guidance Note is one of a series issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
which provide guidance on the determination of Best Available Techniques (BAT) in relation
to applicants seeking licences under:
The Waste Management Act, 1996 (WMA), and associated Regulations; and as
due to be amended by the Protection of the Environment Act, 2003
The Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992, and associated Regulations
and as due to be amended by the Protection of the Environment Act, 2003
This Guidance Note serves to assist operators of waste facilities to determine BAT for
Landfill Activities. The specific waste disposal activities covered by this Guidance Note are
listed in Appendix 1 and explained in Section 3.
Other EPA BAT Guidance Notes for the Waste Sector cover the following topics:
Waste Transfer and Waste Treatment Activities.
This Guidance Note does not prejudice the requirements of the Safety, Health and Welfare at
Work Act 1989, (No. 7 of 89) and its relevant statutory provisions in relation to waste
activities.
1.2 BAT Guidance Note Structure
To ensure a consistent approach to the determination of BAT for landfill activities this
Guidance Note has been structured as follows:
Section Details
1 Introduction
2 Interpretation of BAT
3 Landfill Activity Description and Key Issues
4 Facility Design
5 Facility Management
6 Waste Acceptance
7 Potential Emissions and their Sources
8 Monitoring
9 Closure and Aftercare
Appendices


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Where relevant, references are made to other detailed guidance, such as EPA Landfill
Manuals,(Appendix 6) and the determination of BAT should be made giving regard to these.
Appendices provide detailed guidance on BAT for the activities associated with landfill as
follows:
Appendix Title
1 Prescribed Landfill Activities
2 Potential Emissions and their Sources
3 Emission Elimination and Control Techniques
4 Environmental Quality Standards and Emission Limit Values
5 Summary of Landfill Directive Technical Requirements
6 References
7 Glossary
1.3 Using this Guidance
Figure 1.1 outlines a general approach for identifying BAT relevant to landfill activities. BAT
should be identified for all elements of a waste treatment process and for the facility overall in
accordance with the steps outlined in Figure 1.1.
Figure 1.1: Approach to identifying BAT
Periodic Review
of Process
Activities

Identify Potential
Emissions to Land, Air,
Water and their Sources
(Appendix 2)
Monitoring
and
Measurement

Determine Control
Techniques to Prevent,
Reduce or Eliminate
Emissions(Appendix 3)
Describe the Landfill Activities
Emissions
substances (liquid,
solid, gas),noise,
vibration or heat

Ensure Emissions Do Not
Exceed Limit Values
(Appendix 3 & 4)
Identify Emission
Levels against
ELVs (Section 2.3)


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1.4 Relationship to Other Guidance
This Guidance Note forms part of an overall regulatory package for the waste sector. The
main elements are outlined below and relevant documents should be referred to in the
determination of BAT.
Principal legislative framework for the application of BAT
Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) Directive (96/61/EC);
Landfill Directive (1999/31/EC);
Groundwater Directive (80/68/EEC); and
WMA 1996 (plus amendments and regulations)
Protection of The Environment Act (expected 2003)

Other legislation, for example the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 and the
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations should be taken into account as
appropriate;
BAT Guidance Notes which should be used in parallel with other guidance on Waste
Licence Applications, guidelines on facility selection/location and Environmental Impact
Assessment;
Other guidance
On Waste Acceptance (EPA Landfill Manuals series);
National Environmental Quality Objectives
Environmental Quality Standards;
Waste Management Plans;
Water Management Plans;
Environmental Management Systems (eg ISO14001:1996, EMAS);
EU Conservation Directives (eg Habitats, Wild Birds); and
Financial Instruments.
EPA website: www.epa.ie (re. list of publications and current information)

Other documents, such as those on standards and techniques will feed into the
determination of BAT as they become published.

The key reference documents are listed in Appendix 6.
The relationship between the various regulatory aspects and BAT is shown in Figure 1.2.
1.5 Review and Updating
This Guidance Note will be periodically reviewed and updated as required to reflect any
changes in supporting guidance and regulation and in order to incorporate technological


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advances as they arise.


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Figure 1.2: Document Links for BAT Determination
2

2
EU Directives include those relating to: groundwater; habitats; wildlife; IPPC; dangerous
substances; UWWT; hazardous waste, air quality, etc (See Appendix 6 for full references)

B

A

T
EU Legislation
(Appendix 6)
National
Legislation
(Appendix 6)
Waste Licence
Application
Waste Licence
Assessment
Waste Licence
BAT Guidance Notes
EU BREF Notes (See
Section 2.5)
Waste Licence
Application
Waste Management
Plans
EPA Landfill
Manuals
Water Management
Plans
Financial Provisions
Fit & Proper
EMS Standards
Groundwater
EIA Guidance
EU Wildlife
Directives
Standards and
Techniques


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2 INTERPRETATION OF BAT
2.1 Definition of BAT
BAT was introduced as a key principle in the IPPC Directive, 96/61 EC. This Directive is due
to be enacted into the Irish Statutes by the Protection of the Environment Act 2003. To meet
the requirements of this Directive relevant Sections of the EPA Act 1992 and the Waste
Management Act 1996 have been amended to replace BATNEEC (Best Available Technology
not Entailing Excessive Costs) with BAT. Thus, for activities falling within the scope of the
Directive that are regulated by these Acts, BAT must be applied. For any activities not within
the scope of the Directive, but regulated by the relevant Sections of the Acts, BAT will also
apply (See 3.3).
BAT is defined in Article 2(11) of the IPPC Directive as follows:
best available techniques shall mean the most effective and advanced stage in the
development of activities and their methods of operation which indicate the practical
suitability of particular techniques for providing in principle the basis for emission values
designed to prevent and, where practicable, generally to reduce emissions and the
impact on the environment as a whole:
techniques shall include both the technology used and the way in which the installation
is designed, built, maintained, operated and decommissioned.
available techniques shall mean those developed on a scale which allows
implementation in the relevant industrial sector, under economically and technically viable
conditions, taking into consideration the costs and advantages, whether or not the
techniques are used or produced inside the Member State in question, as long as they
are reasonably accessible to the operator.
best shall mean the most effective in achieving a high general level of protection of the
environment as a whole.

Annex IV of the Directive lists considerations to be taken into account when determining BAT
as defined above. Consideration should give regard to the likely costs and benefits of a
measure and the principles of precaution and prevention.
The Waste Management Act, 1996 Section 40(4) requires that appropriate controls be
identified for specified waste activities in order to prevent emissions and to protect human
health and the environment from pollution. The essence of BAT is that the selection of
techniques to protect the environment should achieve an appropriate balance between


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realising environmental benefits and the costs incurred by the person carrying on the activity.
In the identification of BAT, emphasis is placed on pollution prevention techniques, including
cleaner technologies and waste minimisation, rather than end-of-pipe treatment.
In determining BAT, applicants for Waste Management Licences must also demonstrate that
due account has been taken of:
the hierarchy for waste management, including waste prevention as the priority, followed
by waste recovery and finally safe disposal of any remaining non-recoverable wastes;
relevant waste management plans.
2.2 Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992
Industrial Facilities that are listed in Schedule 1 of the EPA Act 1992 are licensed under the
EPA (Licensing (IPC) ) Regulations 1994(SI 85 0f 1994). Where such activities undertake on-
site recovery or disposal of waste they must apply BAT for the waste sector to the operation
of their waste activities. The Waste Management (Amendment) Act 2001 (WMA) made
amendments to the first schedule of the EPA Act 1992 to incorporate the link between the
two licensing systems. Details of the relationship between the WMA 1996 and the EPA Act
1992 are provided in Appendix 1.
2.3 Landfill Directive
The provisions in Directive 1999/31/EC on the Landfill of Waste (the Landfill Directive) are
also relevant to the deposit of waste on, in or under land, which are covered by this Guidance
Note. The Landfill Directive includes specific requirements for the siting, operation,
management and monitoring of landfills. The provisions of the Landfill Directive are applied
through the waste licensing system under the WMA. The assessment of BAT for landfill
activities must therefore be consistent with and comply with these technical requirements
which are summarised in Section 3 of this Guidance Note.
2.4 Determine Control Techniques
BAT reference documents (BREF) are produced by the European Commission as an expert
opinion of what is considered to be BAT for a specific sector and is intended to be a driver
towards improved environmental performance across the European Union. The BREF note
on waste treatment is currently in preparation. Progress on its production can be monitored
at the following web site location http://eippcb.jrc.es/pages/FActivities.htm. It will be for
Waste Treatments and it will offer information to guide the determination of BAT-based
permit conditions with respect to the IPPC Directive.


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When BREF documents become available these should be taken into account when
determining BAT, although member states have flexibility in their application.
2.5 Innovation
Technologies identified in the Waste Sector BAT Guidance Notes are considered to be
current best practice at the time of writing. The EPA encourages the development and
introduction of new and innovative technologies which meet BAT criteria and looks for
continuous improvement in the overall environmental performance of waste sector activities
as part of sustainable development. Operators should therefore continue to keep up to date
with the best available technologies relevant to the activity and discuss appropriate
innovations with the EPA.
2.6 Identifying Emission Levels against ELVs
In the process of identifying BAT, site-specific emission levels should be determined and
compared to ELVs (specified Emission Limit Values). These emissions relate both to direct
and indirect release of substances (liquid, solid or gaseous), vibration, heat or noise from
individual or diffuse sources within the waste treatment facility into the air, land or water.
Details of ELVs for specific media and activities associated with waste treatment are given in
Appendix 4.
2.7 Site Location Selection
Site location selection criteria are outlined in Sections 3 and 6 but for definitive guidance on
BAT for this activity the Draft EPA Landfill Manuals - Manual on Site Selection (Appendix 5)
the EPA, DoELG & GSI guide Ground Protection Responses for Landfills ,and Local
Authority Regional Waste Management Plans should be referred to.
2.8 Assessment of BAT
At the facility level, the most appropriate techniques will depend on local factors. A local
assessment of the costs and benefits of the available options may be needed to establish the
best option. The choice may be justified on:
the technical characteristics of the facility;
its geographical location; and
local environmental considerations.


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Individual company profitability is not a relevant consideration.
2.9 Application of BAT to New Facilities
The technologies and the associated emission limit values (ELVs) identified in this Guidance
Note are regarded as representing BAT for a new facility.
To demonstrate that BAT is being applied, consideration must be given to measures that can
be taken to reduce or eliminate emissions from the landfill facility.
The applicant should aim for continuous improvement in performance to prevent, eliminate
and/or progressively reduce emissions.
The technologies identified in this Guidance Note are representative of a wide range of
currently employed techniques appropriate to particular circumstances. However, the
guidance issued in this Note in respect of the use of any technology, technique or standard
does not preclude the use of any other similar technology, technique or standard that may
achieve the required emission standards.
2.10 Application to Existing Facilities
For existing facilities, it is envisaged that they will progress towards attainment of similar
ELVs, but specific ELV requirements and associated time frames for attainment will be
identified on a case by case basis when the licence review is being processed. In addition to
the considerations outlined above for new activities, the following should be taken into
account for existing facilities:
the nature, extent and effect of the emission concerned. In particular, regard should be
taken of sensitive receptors and local environmental impacts. A risk-based approach
should be used to establish the extent of hazards and identify appropriate controls;
the nature and age of the existing facilities connected with the activity and the period
during which the facilities are likely to be used or to continue in operation; and
whether a disproportionate cost would be incurred to replace the old plant with the new
techniques for only a small reduction in emissions.
the Landfill Directive (Article 14) places a requirement on existing facilities to prepare a
conditioning plan. The plan must describe the measures that will be implemented to
bring the landfill to the standards required for a new facility.


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3 ACTIVITIES DESCRIPTION AND KEY ISSUES
3.1 Overview of Landfill Activity
Landfilling and associated activities covered by this Guidance Note are summarised in Figure
3.1. The EPA Landfill Manuals provide further details of these (Appendix 6).
Figure 3.1: Summary of a Landfill Activity
1

A landfill is essentially an engineered construction activity where waste forms the raw
material for the process. Materials entering the facility are delivered to a reception and

1
LFG landfill gas; LTP leachate treatment plant
Emissions Management Systems
BOUNDARY OF LANDFILL ACTIVITIES
Pre-treatment prior to landfill including
sorting, recycling, composting etc
Waste
Reception
Inspection/
Acceptance
Operational
Cell
Cell in
Preparation
LFG Collection
Completed
Cell
Leachate
Collection
LFG Flare
Leachate
Storage/LTP
LFG
Utilisation
Plant
Monitoring
Systems


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handling area where other waste management activities may also take place (refer to BAT
Notes for Waste Transfer and Waste Treatment as appropriate). Following checking and
acceptance, the waste is transported to the disposal point. The landfill development activity
is phased and, at any one time, cells can be under preparation, in operation or in the process
of restoration. In assessing BAT, consideration must therefore be given to both the spatial
and temporal nature of the activity.
In certain classes of landfill, waste may decompose over time and change in nature.
Therefore, where relevant the provision of measures to control emissions from the products
of decomposition, including leachate and landfill gas, form an integral part of the activity.
3.2 Classes of Landfill
The Landfill Directive defines three classes of landfill:
hazardous
non-hazardous
inert
Only wastes falling within the categories of waste permitted for that class of landfill may be
accepted. Definitions of these broad categories of waste are given in Article 2 of the Landfill
Directive.
Hazardous waste" means any waste which is covered by Article 1(4) of Council Directive 91/689/EEC
"Non-hazardous waste" means waste, which is not classified as hazardous waste and may include
municipal waste.
"Inert waste" means waste that does not undergo any significant physical, chemical or biological
transformations. Inert waste will not dissolve, burn or otherwise physically or chemically react,
biodegrade or adversely affect other matter with which it comes into contact in a way likely to give rise to
environmental pollution or harm human health. The total leachability and pollutant content of the waste
and the ecotoxicity of the leachate must be insignificant, and in particular not endanger the quality of
surface water and/or groundwater.

The determination of BAT will be dependent on the class of landfill and only guidance that is
relevant to the site under consideration should be applied.
3.3 Landfill Activities Covered by IPPC Directive
Annex 1(5) of the IPPC Directive specifies the categories of waste management facilities
covered by the Directive. Annex 1(5.4) details the sites covered as:


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Landfills receiving more than 10 tonnes per day or with a total capacity exceeding 25,000
tonnes, excluding landfills of inert waste
In addition to the criteria in the Directive, the Waste Management Act, 1996 Section 40(4),
extends the coverage to all landfill activities through limiting licences to those facilities where:
Emissions from the activity comply with relevant standards or emission limits;
The activity will not cause environmental pollution;
BAT is employed to prevent or eliminate or, where that is not practicable, to limit, abate or
reduce an emission;
The applicant is a fit and proper person to hold a waste licence

(see Section 3.5.2); and
The applicant has made sufficient financial provision for the operation of the facility (see
Section 3.5.2).
Therefore all landfill facilities need to demonstrate that they are using BAT,
regardless of size or class.
Schedules 3 & 4 of the Waste Management Act, 1996 list Classes of licensed activities. The
Classes covered by this guidance are listed in Appendix 1.

3.4 Other Activities
As well as the landfill disposal of waste, other ancillary activities may take place on a landfill
facility such as composting, recycling, leachate treatment and landfill gas management. This
Guidance Note covers only landfilling and directly connected activities i.e. leachate treatment
and landfill gas management. other activities, such as composting, are covered by different
BAT notes. Where an application is made that covers more than one activity on the same
site, all relevant BAT Guidance Notes applicable to the activities should be considered by the
applicant before an application is submitted.
3.5 Key Issues for Landfill Activities
The key issues associated with landfill activities and facility management are summarised
here. Where applicable, references for specific and detailed guidance are indicated in each
sub-section.


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3.5.1 Waste as the Raw Material
Within the IPPC regime, waste management is unique because the installation is a landfill
facility where the majority of the raw material is residual waste. Providing that recovery/pre-
treatment has been undertaken prior to delivery to the disposal point, there is little opportunity
to further prevent or recover waste once it enters the landfill. Therefore, the requirement to
describe the raw materials relates to the quantity and nature of residual waste(s) which will
be disposed of and any ancillary materials that will be used on the facility. Prevention
measures should be focused on the emissions from the facility e.g. leachate and landfill gas,
as opposed to the residual waste that has been deposited at the facility.
3.5.2 Fit and Proper Person
With the exception of Local Authority operated facilities
2
, waste licence applicants need to
demonstrate that they are a fit and proper person (Waste Management Act, 1996 S40 (7)).
There are two elements that these applicants need to satisfy:
i) the applicant or other relevant persons shall not have not been convicted of a prescribed
offence
3
, and
ii) the applicant or other relevant persons shall have the appropriate technical knowledge or
qualifications to operate the facility in accordance with the licence. This includes
successfully completing the FS-Certified Waste Management Training Programme or
equivalent.
3.5.3 Financial Provision
The applicant is also required to demonstrate adequate financial provision for the
development and operation of the site have been made and that the applicant can meet the
requirements of the EC (Amendment of Waste Management (Licensing) Regs 2000), 2002),
SI 337 of 2002. In particular the applicant must be able to demonstrate that:
the charges made for treatment of waste at the site cover all activities associated with the
development, operation, closure and decommissioning of the site;
he is in a position to meet any financial commitments associated with fulfilling the
obligations under the licence, including sufficient financial provision to cover the cost of
closure and decommissioning for a period of at least 30 years. Financial aspects may
include the provision of financial bonds and the purchase of public liability insurance, and
the applicant may also wish to consider establishing a voluntary environmental fund to
develop closer links with the local community. The fund could be under the control of the
applicant and other representative bodies such as the local authority, local community
groups, or liaison committees. These bodies would consider suitable local community

2
WMA Section 40(4)(d) exempts Local Authorities from this requirement
3
WMA Section 40(8) allows the EPA to decide if a convicted person can still be fit and proper.


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projects within the vicinity of the landfill that could be the beneficiaries of grants from such
a fund.
3.5.4 Landfill Directive Requirements
See Appendix 5
The Landfill Directive applies specifically to landfill waste disposal activities and contains
three main elements:
specifications for the three generic classes of landfill;
requirements for the design, regulation and management of landfills to ensure the
protection of the environment; and
measures aimed at preventing unsuitable wastes going to landfill, reducing the amount of
waste going to landfill in general, and biodegradable municipal waste in particular.
3.5.5 Site Location
See Section4.1 and Appendix 6
The Landfill Directive requires the consideration of several factors in the selection of a landfill
site location. These are outlined in Section 4.1. Detailed references addressing site location
issues are given in Appendix 6, and include:
Landfill Directive
EPA Landfill Manuals Landfill Site Selection (Draft)
EPA Landfill Manuals Investigations for Landfill
Groundwater Protection Responses to Landfills (EPA, DoELG and Geological Survey
Ireland 1999)
3.5.6 Design Considerations
See Section 4
Key design issues that need to be addressed when determining BAT are detailed in Table
3.1:


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Table 3.1 Key Site Location and Design issues for Landfill Facilities
Consideration Design Issue Guidance Note
Reference
The nature and quantity of
waste
This directly affects environmental control
measures
Section 4
Water control Rainfall, surface water runoff and groundwater
protection
Section 6
Protection of soil and water Selection of type of liner system Section 6.2
Stability Stability of the site base, liner system, waste
mass and capping
Section 6
Appendix 3 T4; T5
Development aspects Facility design, planning and applied
processes, construction, operation, closure
and aftercare
Sections 6 and 9
Monitoring requirements Provision and installation of monitoring points
within and outside the facility
Section 8
Landfill afteruse Compatibility with the proposed afteruse Section 9
Landfill phasing Operational and restoration requirements,
location of facility infrastructure
Section 9
Leachate management Leachate collection system and
treatment/disposal facility
Appendix 3 T2; T3
Landfill gas control Potential for gas migration, gas collection, gas
burning/utilisation
Appendix 3
T6,T7,T10
Environmental nuisance (a) during construction e.g. noise, dust, mud Appendix 3 T9; T12;
T16
Environmental nuisance (b) during operation, e.g. noise, odours,
dust, litter, birds, vermin and fires
Appendix 3 T9; T10;
T11; T12; T14; T15
Visual appearance During operation and after restoration

When considering facility design, applicants should refer to Section D in the EPA Waste
Licensing Waste Disposal Activities (Landfill Sites); Guidance Note for Applicants. This
covers facility design issues and the detailed information on landfill design contained within
the EPA Landfill Manuals Landfill Site Design.
3.5.7 Facility Management
See Section 5
Facility location and design are not the only factors that influence the potential impacts of a
landfill. The manner in which a facility is managed is a critical element in ensuring emissions
from a landfill are minimised. Therefore management of facilities must ensure that:


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staff are competent to manage and operate the facility, ie a Fit and Proper Person (see
Section 3.5.2)
there are systems in place to ensure standards are maintained, including incident and
complaints management procedures, eg. environmental management systems.
3.5.8 Waste Acceptance
See Section 6
The nature of the waste deposited in a landfill and the way in which that waste is handled can
have a significant effect on the potential for a landfill facility to cause pollution or harm to
health.
Controlling the waste input to the facility is one of the most important operational matters.
The deposit of waste for which the facility is designed, and therefore permitted to accept, can
have a direct effect upon the pollution/nuisance potential of the facility. It is essential that
measures be introduced to ensure that only those wastes for which the facility was designed,
and which are permitted by the licence, are deposited. Section 6 provides guidance on
waste acceptance.
3.5.9 Potential Emissions and their Sources
See Section 7 and Appendix 3 T9; T10; T11; T14; T15; T16 and Appendix 5
The construction of the landfill and the delivery and disposal of waste and other materials
have the potential to cause a range of nuisances and potential risks to the environment and to
human health (nuisances and hazards are listed in Appendix 5). While nuisance can be
controlled by careful siting, design and engineering, it should also be considered in the
operational management on a day-to-day basis
3.5.10 Monitoring
See Section 8 and Appendix 3 All T guidance
Monitoring is required throughout the life of a landfill from the pre-operational phase through
to the operational and aftercare phases. The objectives of a monitoring programme are to:
detect adverse environmental impacts from the landfilling of waste;
provide information for the assessment of a licence application or surrender of a licence;
demonstrate that the environmental control measures are operating as designed;
assist in the evaluation of the processes occurring within the waste body; and
demonstrate compliance with the licence conditions.


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The scope of the programme is identified from the investigation process, the environmental
impact assessment and the nature of the waste to be deposited at the facility. The relevant
monitoring criteria for specific emission elimination and control techniques are included in
Appendix 3.
Further information is contained in the EPA Landfill Monitoring Guidance Note of which the
updated version is currently being finalised and will be published in 2003.
3.5.11 Restoration and Aftercare
See Section 9
Restoration is the process that will return a landfill to a condition suitable for the selected
afteruse. Restoration includes design, landscaping works, soil spreading, final landform
construction and aftercare.
Aftercare involves any measures that are necessary to be taken in relation to the facility for
the purposes of preventing environmental pollution following the cessation of landfill activities
at the facility and the capping and restoration of the site.


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4 FACILITY DESIGN
This Section highlights the issues to be considered and addressed when determining BAT for
the design of the facility and the materials used on the site. EPA Landfill Manuals on Site
Selection (draft) and Investigation for Landfills should be referred to for detailed design
guidance (Appendix 6).
4.1 Site Location
In selecting a suitable location for a landfill, the basic requirement is that it will not cause
environmental pollution, taking into account the characteristics of the location and the
control measures to be employed. To determine the suitability of a location the applicant
must:
consider the distance from the boundary of the site to residential and recreational areas,
waterways, water bodies and other agricultural or urban sites;
take account of any relevant Regional Waste Management Plans or Development Plans
identify any groundwater, coastal water or nature protection zones in the area.
investigate the geological and hydrological conditions, and identify the corresponding
Groundwater Protection Response code for landfills in the area
consider the risk of flooding, subsidence, landslides on site
consider the protection of the nature and cultural heritage in the area
undertake a site investigation (the site investigation will also establish a baseline status
for the land to enable closure and aftercare criteria to be set, see Section 9);
identify the potential environmental effects and risks; and
determine if emission control measures can prevent the developed site posing a serious
environmental risk during its operation.
These issues would normally be addressed in the Environmental Impact Statement for the
site.
Buffer Zones
In assessing the suitability of site location, BAT should consider whether a buffer zone should
be included to minimise or prevent adverse impact on local sensitive receptors, such as
occupied dwellings. Therefore, the applicant should consider the location of the proposed
landfill in relation to its surroundings and in particular its proximity to sensitive receptors.


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Guidance on site selection is given in the Landfill Directive and the EPA Landfill Manuals on
Site Selection, which suggest a minimum distance of 250m between the area to be landfilled
and sensitive occupied dwellings. Other potentially sensitive receptors may also need
consideration. However, as the environmental setting of each potential landfill site is likely to
have its own individual characteristics, the need for a buffer zone and the extent of that zone
must be considered on a site-specific basis giving regard to available guidance on relevant
site issues and risks.
The applicant should consider whether a buffer zone is required between the site with its
potentially disturbing activities and the surrounding neighbouring properties. Establishing
such a zone off the site on land not in his ownership or under his control may be difficult. The
applicant may therefore consider whether attenuation measures such as screening mounds
and fences or woodland strips within his site boundary would provide adequate separation.
The applicant should also consider locating particularly disruptive activities (e.g. noise
generation) away from sensitive receptors and consider appropriate operating times. In this
respect, careful consideration should be given to the location of activities that may give rise to
wind-blown nuisance, e.g. dust, litter, noise, aerosols.
4.2 Engineered Liner Systems
See Appendix 3 T4 and T5
The stability of liner systems during facility preparation and filling with waste must be
assessed with regard to:
subgrade stability, as discussed above;
inter-liner stresses and slip planes in all potential circumstances;
liner systems incorporating geosynthetics/ geotextiles/ geocomposite drainage blankets,
and their performance under non-ideal circumstances;
the effects of potentially varying leachate head;
cellular filling and temporary slopes;
the effects of variations in waste types and characteristics.
The applicant should design a liner that as a minimum meets the requirements of the Landfill
Directive
4
. During construction appropriate QA testing of the liner system must be carried
out to ensure design requirements are met. Reference should be made to the EPA Landfill
Manuals Landfill Site Design for test criteria. A risk assessment may demonstrate that
these values should be increased. These are defined in terms of permeability and thickness
and are:

4
Landfill Directive Annex 1 General requirements for all classes of landfills 3.2 Geological barriers


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24
Landfill for Inert waste K 1.0 x 10
7
m/s thickness 1 m
Landfills for Non Hazardous Waste K 1.0 x 10
9
m/s thickness 1 m
Landfills for Hazardous Waste K 1.0 x 10
9
m/s thickness 5 m
Where the geological barrier does not naturally meet the above conditions it can be
completed artificially and reinforced by other means giving equivalent protection.
4.3 Stability and Settlement
The stability of the waste and its foundation is integral to the performance of a landfill
containment system. An assessment of slope stability and settlement should be conducted
to ensure that during each phase of work the integrity of the liner and capping will not be
compromised. The critical issues for BAT relating to stability and settlement occur in three
possible modes:
Liner failure during the construction and operational phases
Settlement or slippage of waste during the operational phase
Settlement during the post operational phase
The requirements of the Landfill Directive with respect to stability of the waste and the
geological substratum are summarised in Annex I of the Directive. To prevent the risk of
emissions from failures, the landfill design should ensure that the landfill is stable under all
combinations of loading and extremes of behaviour, during and after construction of the
waste landform.
All aspects of geotechnical design must be carried out by appropriately qualified (e.g. CEng)
and technically competent person(s). The assessment of all geotechnical elements should
be made using conventional calculations as guided by best current practice at the time of the
design. Examples are given in Table 4.1.
Table 4.1: Design standards for stability
Aspect Standard Comment
Stability/ general BS 6031 : 1981
Code of practice for
earthworks
Earthworks should be designed by
a geotechnical engineer based
upon facility specific information
Foundation BS 8004 : 1986
Code of practice for
foundations
Method specification should be
proven by trial testing


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25
Waste is generally a heterogeneous material subject to decomposition, consolidation, and
considerable variation, both spatially and with time. It is therefore likely to be inappropriate
and potentially dangerous to analyse waste stability by adhering to conventional geotechnical
parameters. However, there are some landfills which are homogeneous, for example
industrial monofills containing mine waste tailings. These tailings landfills are sometimes
kept flooded to prevent dust and therefore the structural aspects of the tailings dam would
also be relevant. A geotechnical designer should therefore consider the current state of
relevant knowledge.
The geotechnical designer should include in the assessment the following considerations for
any or all of the liner, waste body, or cap:
Settlement or sliding within the foundation (subgrade) beneath the base or side wall liner;
Sliding within the liner system;
Sliding at the waste/liner interface;
Rotational failure within the waste, or through the whole cross-section;
Sliding failure of the cap or of its components.
During infilling and construction of the landform, its stability should be monitored by the
establishment of an appropriate programme. In the light of the monitoring results, the design
assumptions should then be re-considered and modified if appropriate. An appraisal of the
geological, geotechnical, hydrogeological and hydrological conditions at the facility will be
necessary.
Settlement or slippage of waste during the operational phase
The overall objective is to emplace the waste into its final position within the landfill in
accordance with the design objectives, without compromising safety, the environment or
local amenity.
Consideration should be given to the stability of temporary slopes during landfilling. The
designer must ensure that any slope adopted for the temporary face will consider the nature
of the waste, its moisture content, the height of the slope, the nature of the slope foundations,
including the lining system, and the consequences of any possible failure.
The chosen slope should be appraised by a geotechnical engineer according to stability
requirements in each case.


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Settlement of waste during the post-operational phase
The stability of the capping and restoration layers is affected by:
Maximum and minimum surface gradients
The surface gradients should not compromise the overall stability of the landfilled wastes and
the capping layers. They should provide adequate drainage of surface water and be
appropriate for the proposed afteruse.
Afteruse considerations may require that a complex landform be produced. However, the
fundamental objectives and performance criteria of the engineered cap must not be
compromised,
Waste settlement
Settlement of the completed waste mass beneath the capping layer will occur as a result of
the consolidation and deposition of the emplaced waste. The settlement of the waste must
not compromise any of the design features. The effects of settlement need to be considered
in quarry landfills or in landfills whose base is non uniform (or stepped). Measures need to be
taken to avoid problems due to differential settlement which can lead to stresses and breaks
in the engineering cap, and possible releases of emissions. The designer should pay
particular attention to engineering cap gradients at the edge of a landform, especially where
this overlies an area of significant change in depth. In deep landfills, such as those located in
disused quarries, constraints on plan area may require vertically tiered phases in addition to
the full height phases described above.
Uniform settlement of the waste can normally be accommodated by the capping materials.
However differential settlement can cause cracking of the capping layers and lead to
emissions and failure of the surface containment system.
Prevention of Erosion
The design gradients will depend on the overall design model determined through the risk
assessment process and the requirements of the afteruse. The design will need to ensure
that the finished landform is protected from water erosion and that slope stability is
maintained. The stability of the various capping layers should be checked using recognised
techniques
5.

The designer should consider where differential settlement may occur and make provision to
accommodate the settlement and the associated stresses. It is important to ensure
continuous surface water drainage across areas of differential settlement e.g. using flexible
synthetic/membrane channels. In extreme cases, ponding may occur or surface water may
flow into the underlying waste through cracks in the cap.

5
Alexiew D, Berkhout H & Kirschner R (1995): On the slope stability of landfill capping seals using
GCLs in Geosynthetic Clay Liners, ed Robert M Koerner, Erwin Gartung & Helmut Zanzinger;
published by AA Balkema/Brookfield. ISBN 90 5410 5194.


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4.4 Raw Materials Selection
See Appendix 3 T4; T5
The IPPC Directive requires that permitted installations should be operated in such a way
that materials are used efficiently.
Materials and Products
In selecting materials and products, such as engineering materials, cover materials (e.g.
soils; composted material, hessian), construction materials, fuel for machinery (e.g. diesel),
water (eg for wheel washing), pesticides for fly control etc. the applicant should:
demonstrate the steps which have been, or are being taken to reduce the use of
materials;
maintain a detailed inventory of raw materials used on the facility, including:
the chemical composition of the materials where relevant;
the quantities used or expected to be used;
the fate of the materials (the approximate percentages that are released to the
environment i.e. that which is not used for its intended purpose);
environmental impact where known (e.g. degradability, bioaccumulation potential,
toxicity to relevant species);
justify the continued use of any substance for which there is a less hazardous alternative;
have quality assurance procedures for the control of the content of raw materials;
provide a materials balance for materials used in facility development;
consider phasing of the development to minimise use of materials.
Material Substitution
The applicant should demonstrate that procedures are in place to determine the most
suitable material for use, thus preventing use of materials that may have an unacceptable
environmental impact in their manufacture, end-use and ultimate disposal.
4.5 Energy Efficiency
Energy Use
The IPPC Directive requires that permitted installations should be operated in such a way
that energy is used efficiently. Landfill facilities use relatively small quantities of energy in
comparison to large process industries. However, the applicant still needs to demonstrate
that the energy is used efficiently.


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The main uses of energy at a landfill facility are:
heating, lighting and power in facility buildings;
power to facility equipment such as wheel wash, weighbridge, pumps, treatment
processes, lighting etc.; and
fuel to power vehicles.
The applicant should quantify the energy consumption at the facility by the source of energy,
i.e. electricity, gas, fuel and energy from waste (e.g. landfill gas utilisation). An example
breakdown of energy consumption is as follows:

Energy Source Annual Quantity Used (KWh) % of Total
Electricity
Gas
Oil
Energy from waste
Other
Annual Quantity Used (litre)
Vehicle Fuel
The applicant should demonstrate that in the design of the facility, energy efficiency has been
considered, including measures such as:
the use of basic, low cost physical energy efficiency techniques, e.g. gravity feed
systems; and
the consideration of energy saving opportunities in process buildings, control rooms and
offices required for the activity, e.g. insulation.
The applicant should demonstrate that purchasing, operating and maintenance procedures
optimise the energy use by the facility by:
ensuring energy efficient equipment is purchased, including lighting, pumps etc;
ensuring equipment is serviced and maintained regularly;
ensuring equipment is switched off when not in use;
ensuring on-site vehicle movements are minimised and engines are switched off when
not in use; and
reviewing equipment requirements on a regular basis.
Setting time of operation of igh-energy equipment to off-peak periods, where possible
Setting key performance indicators on an annual basis


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The applicant should review energy consumption on an annual basis and examine options
for:
optimisation of energy supply, for example, use of landfill gas generated by waste
disposal to generate heat/power; and
optimising/reducing energy consumption.
Many of the aspects of energy efficiency are likely to be delivered through management
techniques and operating and maintenance procedures, which overlap and form part of the
environmental management system (EMS) for the activity (see Section 5).
4.6 Energy Utilisation
Under the requirements of the Landfill Directive the operator must assess the potential for
utilising landfill gas produced on site and if appropriate make outline proposals for its
utilisation. The ability of a facility to produce gas that can be utilised is dependent on:
the type of waste accepted at the facility (therefore the requirement for energy utilisation
principally applies to landfill accepting biodegradable waste);
the rate and type of degradation within the facility: and
the size of the facility.
The applicant should regularly monitor and determine when suitable levels are available to
allow the gas to be utilised.

4.7 Leachate Management
Rain water landing on the waste will percolate into the waste mass, ultimately generating
leachate. The design of a site must incorporate measures to minimise and contain the
generation of leachate. These measures will reduce the risk of its migration beyond the site
boundary, where it could pollute groundwater, and enable its removal and treatment.
Guidance on leachate generation and management is provided in Appendix 3, T2 and T3.


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4.8 Landfill Gas Management
See Appendix 3 T6; T7 and T10
The major components of landfill gas (LFG) are methane and carbon dioxide, which result
from the breakdown of biodegradable wastes within the landfill. Both are greenhouse gases
and odourless asphyxiants. Methane is flammable and explosive when in mixtures with air at
certain concentrations. Other components of landfill gas such as hydrogen sulphide,
mercaptans and other trace gases give rise to odour nuisance even at very low
concentrations and are responsible for the characteristic smell of landfill gas.
Estimates of gas production can be determined by gas pumping tests or computer
modelling. The rate of gas generation within a landfill varies throughout the life of a landfill
and is dependent on several factors:
waste type
waste depth
moisture content
degree of compaction
landfill pH
temperature
atmospheric pressure
age of waste.

The Landfill Directive requires that landfill gas is collected from all landfills and used.
As such, a landfill gas management system is essential to:
minimise the risk of migration of LFG beyond the perimeter of the facility;
minimise the risk of migration of LFG into services and buildings on the facility;
avoid unnecessary ingress of air into the landfill and thereby minimise the risk of
fires/explosions;
minimise damage to soils and vegetation; and
minimise the impact on air quality and the effect of greenhouse gases on the global
climate.


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5 FACILITY MANAGEMENT
The manner in which a landfill facility is managed is critical to minimising the emissions from
the facility. There are three key areas to consider in facility management
Experienced and Competent Management
Management and Environmental Management Systems (EMS)
Accident Prevention
5.1 Experienced and Competent Management
It is a requirement of The Waste Management Act, 1996 that a private sector applicant and
other relevant persons associated with the applicants business have the appropriate
technical knowledge or qualifications to operate the facility in accordance with the licence.
Therefore the applicant needs to ensure that there are staff who have successfully
completed the FS-Certified Waste Management Training Programme or an equivalent
qualification and that the experience of the staff is commensurate with the level of expertise
required. An ongoing assessment of training needs to be provided, to include new areas of
development and refresher courses.

5.2 Management and Environmental Management Systems (EMS)
The implementation and operation of an environmental management system (EMS) is a
requirement of a waste licence and an effective system of environmental management is
fundamental to ensuring that all appropriate pollution prevention and control techniques are
delivered reliably and on an integrated basis. The EMS should also be demonstrating that
improvements in environmental performance across the range of activities are being planned
and achieved. The International Standard ISO14001:1996 is one example of an EMS
specification which establishes these aims, which can then be demonstrated to interested
parties.
The EMS should be described in sufficient detail to demonstrate:
how it meets the requirements of the management system specification; and
how it is applied to the operational issues in practice.


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5.2.1 Requirements of the EMS:
The minimum requirements for an environmental management system at a waste
management facility are:
(a) Schedule of Environmental Objectives and Targets that must include:
identification of the key environmental impacts of the activities;
objectives and measurable goals for environmental performance;
a program of improvements to implement goals and targets;
feedback from the monitoring program to the targets setting procedure to allow the
regular improvement of targets where appropriate; and
an Environmental Management Program as detailed in the EPA Landfill Manuals -
Landfill Operational Practice.
(b) Corrective Action including:
procedures to be followed in the event of a complaint being made or an incident
occurring at the facility; and
procedures to analyse faults and prevent their recurrence.
(c) Awareness and Training including:
a clear statement of the skills and competencies required for each job;
awareness of the regulatory implications of the Licence for the activity and their work
activities;
awareness of all potential environmental effects from operation under normal and
abnormal circumstances;
prevention of accidental emissions and action to be taken when accidental emissions
occur;
implementation and maintenance of training records for operational staff;
methods of ensuring that staff assigned to both technical and managerial posts have
sufficient qualifications, training and experience for their roles.
(d) Management Structure: clear allocation of responsibilities for environmental
performance, in particular meeting the aspects of the facility licence.
(e) Communications Procedures to ensure that information on the environmental
performance of the facility is available to the public.


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(f) Regular reporting of environmental performance (annual or linked to the audit cycle),
both for:
submitting the Annual Environmental Report to the EPA; and
ideally submitting a public environmental statement;
(g) Regular audit of the EMS, both internal and independent
The applicant must demonstrate how the EMS applies in practice to the operation of the
facility in particular:
the use of materials on the facility including raw materials, water and energy;
the control of emissions; and
? facility monitoring
The functional relationship between an EMS and emission control and emission elimination
techniques guidance for landfill activities is outlined in Table 7.1. This makes reference to the
guidance details provided in Appendix 3.
5.3 Accident Prevention
The IPPC Directive requires accident prevention to be addressed as part of the assessment
of BAT. Many of the aspects of accident prevention are likely to be delivered through the EMS
for the activity and the inclusion of appropriate procedures within the Environmental
Management Programme (EMP) and incident management procedures. Through these
systems and procedures the applicant must demonstrate that:
potential accidents which may occur as a result of facility operations have been identified
and assessed;
the risks associated with any accident have been identified along with the probability of
the accident occurring and the potential impact of the accident;
measures are in place to prevent accidents occurring;
steps have been taken to minimise the consequence of any accident on the environment;
and
there are procedures to prevent accidents recurring.


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Table 5.1 Relationship of an EMS to Emission Control and Elimination Techniques
Guidance, Appendix 3
Overview
An EMS is a requirement of a waste licence. The EMS should establish how the operator will implement his
environmental policy with regard to the environment. This is generally expressed as:
? a commitment to meet all licence condition emission limits and other legal requirements
? prevent pollution and incidents/accidents, e.g. through appropriate preventive and corrective measures
? introduce operational controls to manage activities or aspects of operation that could have a significant
environmental impact
? establish an environmental management programme with objectives and targets set to manage significant
environmental aspects, and
? provide objective evidence of this commitment through audits and via annual reporting.
The EMS should be incorporated across all operations and as such it will assist the operator in demonstrating a
main commitment to continually improve on environmental performance.
Landfill Management
At the design and construction stage, the EMS should be a factor in all stages of the landfill life cycle.
Considerations should also be given to:
? Materials selection and sourcing
? Use of natural resources
? Protection of sensitive receptors - containment and management of the products of the landfill degradation
processes, e.g. landfill gas and leachate
- spillage prevention and containment
- protection of water resources
- prevention of construction and operational noise or other nuisances
to local community
The operation of the landfill must comply with the requirements of the waste licence. Objectives and Targets
should be set to achieve continuous performance improvement in respect of significant environmental aspects,
such as groundwater protection, water emission control systems; landfill gas utilisation.
Potential Environmental Aspects
Environmental Aspect Reference (See Appendix 3)
Spillage/ Uncontrolled
emission prevention
Surface & groundwater management (See T1); Alarm systems/ emergency shut-
down/ diversion; Back-up power supply/ UPS; Back-up pumps; Bunding (See T8);
Landfill Liner failure detection (See T4); Spillage Control Materials; Training and
Awareness; Risk Assessment; Fuel/oil storage (See T8)
Energy Landfill gas utilisation & flaring (See T7); Vehicles (See T13)
Landfill Management Leachate production collection (See T2); Leachate treatment (See T3); Landfill
Lining (See T4); Landfill Capping (See T5); Landfill gas management; (See T6)
Site Management Dust/Fine Particulates (PM
10
) (See T9); Odour (See T10); Litter (See T11); Noise
& vibration (See T12); Birds (See T14); Vermin & insects (See T15); Mud (See
T16); Fires (See T17); Security (See T18)
Monitoring


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Periodic system audit of all EMS elements. Minimum of one full system audit per annum in years 1 to 3 post-
implementation
Preparation of an Annual Environmental Report

6. WASTE ACCEPTANCE
It is essential for landfill operators to implement measures to ensure that only those wastes
for which the facility was designed, and which are permitted by the licence, are deposited.
The EPA Landfill Manuals - Waste Acceptance, provides detailed advice on waste
acceptance. This document provides an outline of the requirements for waste acceptance in
order to assist landfill operators in developing and operating waste acceptance procedures
appropriate for their facility. Compliance with this manual is deemed to be BAT for waste
acceptance.
Pre-acceptance considerations include:
6.1 Classes of Landfill
Article 4 of the Landfill Directive defines the classes of landfill as:
landfill for hazardous waste
landfill for non-hazardous waste
landfill for inert waste.

Only wastes falling within the categories of waste permitted for that class of landfill should be
accepted.
Article 6 of the Landfill Directive details the acceptance criteria for the different classes of
waste and for the receiving landfill. Only hazardous waste (i.e. waste listed on the
Hazardous Waste List
6
), that fulfils the criteria set out in Annex II of the Directive may be
deposited in a hazardous waste landfill (Article 6(b)). Inert waste landfill facilities may be
used only for inert waste (Article 6(d). Suitable material recovered from inert waste may be
used for engineering, development and restoration purposes and may also be used for
suitable operational purposes, eg. daily cover or bunding.
For non-hazardous waste (Article 6(c)) a landfill may accept:

6
The Hazardous Waste List has been combined with the European Waste Catalogue and the new
combined list came into force on 1
st
January 2002.


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(i) municipal waste;
(ii) non-hazardous waste of any other origin, which fulfils the criteria for the
acceptance of waste at a landfill for non-hazardous waste set out in accordance
with Annex II;
(iii) stable, non-reactive hazardous waste (e.g. solidified, vitrified), with a leaching
behaviour equivalent to that of non-hazardous waste and which fulfils the relevant
acceptance criteria set out in accordance with Annex II. Note that hazardous
waste must not be deposited in cells destined for biodegradable non-hazardous
waste.
6.2 Prohibited Wastes
The Landfill Directive (Article 5) requires a phased reduction in the amount of biodegradable
municipal waste going to landfill also prohibits landfilling of certain wastes.
The key measures are:
bans on the landfilling of:
liquids (See Appendix 7)
tyres (initially whole tyres and then shredded);
hazardous waste classified as:
Explosive (H1) ( WMA 1996 Section 92)
Oxidising (H2) ( WMA 1996 Section 93)
Highly flammable and flammable (H3A & H3B) ( WMA 1996 S94&S95)
Corrosive (H8) ( WMA 1996 Section 100)
Infectious (H9) ( WMA 1996 Section 101)
dilution of waste solely to meet acceptance criteria is also prohibited.
6.3 Pre-treatment of Waste
The Landfill Directive (Article 6) requires that only waste that has been subject to treatment is
landfilled. There are exceptions, which address:
inert wastes where such treatment is not technically feasible, and

wastes for which treatment will not reduce the quantity of waste or the hazards to human
health or the environment.

Treatment is defined in the Landfill Directive as any means of physical, thermal, chemical
or biological processes, including sorting, that change the characteristics of the
waste in order to reduce its volume or hazardous nature, facilitate its handling or
enhance recovery.


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To ensure compliance with the Directive it is therefore essential that procedures are put in
place by the operator or applicant to check that the waste delivered to the facility has been
pre-treated. Waste that has not been pre-treated in accordance with the site licence should
not be admitted to the site.
6.4 Waste Checking
Article 11 and Annex II of the Landfill Directive 1999/31/EC set out the nature of the controls
that should be introduced for waste checking. Annex II(3) requires an acceptance procedure
to be based on a three-level hierarchy. See also the EU Council Decision 2003/33/EC
Establishing Criteria and Procedures for the Acceptance of Waste at Landfills. Annex II(3) of
the Landfill Directive comprises:
Level I: Basic Characterisation. Using standard analytical methods, the short and long-
term leaching behaviour and/or characteristic properties of waste are determined by
or on behalf of the waste producer/contractor. The possible risks involved when
handling waste should be identified and included in the waste transfer document.
Level II: Compliance Testing. This consists of periodical testing by standardised analysis
methods, to determine whether a waste complies with licence conditions and (/or)
specific reference criteria and is carried out by the landfill operator. It focuses on
key characteristics identified by the initial characterisation at Level I.
Level III: On-site Verification. Checks to confirm that a waste;
a) is the same as that which has been subjected to compliance testing; and
b) is the same as that which is described in any accompanying documents that
may be required.
On-site verification may consist of a visual inspection of a load of waste before and
after unloading at the landfill facility. More detailed testing may be required if visual
inspection does not enable the facility operator to make a conclusive verification.
The waste licence will clearly state those wastes which may be accepted at the facility and
may also detail those which are not permitted (e.g. liquid, tyres etc). Conditions will limit the
quantity of waste that may be accepted and will also make requirements for checking,
sampling and recording of incoming waste and provisions for dealing with non-permitted
wastes that are delivered. The landfill operator must ensure that only those waste types
permitted by the waste licence are accepted. For non-hazardous landfills, where a particular
waste is suspected as being hazardous, reference should be made to the EPA Hazardous
Waste Classification Tool available at www.epa.ie/techinfo/default.htm .
Upon entry into the facility:


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? all loads should be weighed;
? the waste should be checked in the vehicle, as far as this is possible, by a competent
person, and
? a record made of the waste type, quantity, source and haulier.


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7 POTENTIAL EMISSIONS AND THEIR SOURCES
Emission is defined in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Act 1992, Section 3, to
mean:
an emission into the atmosphere of a pollutant within the meaning of the Air Pollution Act,
1987;
a discharge of polluting matter, sewage effluent or trade effluent within the meaning of the
Local Government (Water Pollution) Act, 1977, to waters or sewers within the meaning of
that Act;
noise (note that the definition of noise includes vibration).
The definition of emission in the IPPC Directive (96/61/EC) includes the direct or indirect
release of substances, vibrations, heat or noise from individual or diffuse sources in
the installation into the air, water or land.
The underlying objectives of IPPC are to prevent pollution and achieve a high degree of
environmental protection by using BAT to eliminate or reduce emissions from processes.
Emissions, and hence environmental pollution, can be eliminated or reduced by:
proper design of the facility (Section 4);
effective management of the facility (Section 5); and
the selection of appropriate processes, technologies and facility operations (Appendix 3).

The potential emissions to the environment from a landfill facility and their sources have been
identified in Emissions Inventory Guidance tables (Appendix 2), under the following
headings:
Air
Water
Land
Noise & vibration
Heat

The guidance tables identify the class of landfill (hazardous, non-hazardous or inert) that the
emissions may arise at. The applicant needs to consider which emissions are likely to arise
from the facility being developed.


Environmental Protection Agency 40
Draft April 2003

8. MONITORING
8.1 Monitoring Guidance
It is essential that the activity and behaviour of a landfill (i.e. its decomposition and settlement
rates) be monitored to an agreed programme throughout the entire life of the facility. These
requirements and activities are described in the EPA Landfill Manuals Landfill Monitoring
(currently under review and due for re-publication in 2003) and outlined in the BAT Emission
Control Guidance in Appendix 3. They include details of monitoring parameters, monitoring
frequency, monitoring location etc.
Monitoring scope for landfill may include:
Requirement Examples of Monitoring Parameters (refer to the EPA Landfill
Manuals Landfill Monitoring for detailed lists)
Surface Water Chemical parameters; temperature; dissolved oxygen; chemical
oxygen demand; ammoniacal nitrogen
Biological parameters: aquatic invertebrate populations; aquatic
toxicity test
Groundwater Levels See surface water examples
Landfill Gas Methane; CO
2
; O
2
; atmospheric pressure; temperature (inside
and outside of the site)
Point Source Emissions
to Air
CO, NO
x
;SO
2

Landfill Leachate Levels See surface water examples
Meteorological Data Temperature; humidity; rainfall; atmospheric pressure
Noise Noise levels at selected locations
Odour Analysis of air samples; olfactory measures
Dust Analysis of air samples
Flora and Fauna Ecological surveys
Landfill Stability and
Settlement
Engineer inspections; void space; settlement levels


Draft April 2003

9 CLOSURE AND AFTERCARE
9.1 Purpose
The Landfill Directive (Article 10) requires operators to ensure there is sufficient financial
provision to cover the cost of closure and aftercare for a period of at least 30 years. Details
of these activities are provided in the EPA Landfill Manuals Landfill Restoration and
Aftercare.
9.2 Cessation of Waste Disposal
The cessation of waste acceptance at a landfill facility initiates a review of the waste licence.
This review allows the licence to be amended to reflect the change in activities on site as the
facility moves from the operational stage to the restoration and aftercare stage. Licence
amendments will reflect the Agencys assessment of the licensees requirements to ensure
that the site continues to be properly managed.
9.3 Restoration and Aftercare
Restoration is a process that will return a site to a condition suitable for the selected afteruse.
Restoration includes soil spreading, final landform construction, landscaping works and
aftercare.
Aftercare involves any measures that are necessary to be taken in relation to the facility for
the purposes of preventing environmental pollution following the cessation of landfill activities
at the facility and the capping and restoration of the site. The length of this aftercare period
will vary from site to site and the licence holder remains responsible for the aftercare until the
Agency accepts the surrender of the waste licence (Waste Management Act, 1996, S48).
9.4 Maintenance of Environmental Pollution Control Systems
Until the EPA accepts surrender of the licence, the licence holder/operator is responsible for
environmental protection of the site. During aftercare the licence holder/operator must
ensure that the following pollution control systems are maintained and remain effective:
the landfill gas control system;
the leachate collection, treatment and disposal system;
the landfill cap;


Draft April 2003

groundwater monitoring boreholes; and
all above ground components such as gas wellheads, leachate pumping manholes and
monitoring boreholes.


Draft April 2003

APPENDIX 1 PRESCRIBED LANDFILL ACTIVITIES

Waste Management Act 1996: Schedule 3 and 4 Classes covered by this Guidance Note
3
rd
Schedule
1 Deposit on, in or under land including landfill.
2. Land treatment, including biodegradation of liquid or sludge discards in soils.
3. Deep injection of the soil, including injection of pumpable discards into wells, salt domes or
naturally occurring repositories.
4. Surface impoundment, including placement of liquid or sludge discards into pits, ponds or
lagoons.
5. Specially engineered landfill, including placement into lined discrete cells that are capped and
isolated from one another and the environment.
6. Biological treatment not referred to elsewhere in this Schedule which results in final
compounds or mixtures which are disposed of by means of any activity referred to in this
Schedule.
1

7. Physico-chemical treatment not referred to elsewhere in this Schedule which results in final
compounds or mixtures which are disposed of by means of any activity referred to in this
Schedule including evaporation, drying and calcinations.
1

9. Permanent storage, including emplacement of containers in a mine.
13. Storage prior to submission to any activity referred to in this Schedule, other than temporary
storage, pending collection, on the premises where the waste concerned is produced.
4
th
Schedule
4. Recycling or reclamation of other inorganic materials.
2
10. Spreading of any waste on land with a consequential benefit for an agricultural activity or
ecological system, including composting and other biological transformation processes.
Note:
1. Classes 6 & 7 are included under landfill in relation to leachate treatment only.
2. Class 4 included for the use of inert materials for landfill reclamation.
Waste Management (Amendment) Act, 2001: Relationship between WMA and The Environmental
Protection Agency Act, 1992
3

Section 13(2) (a) the recovery or disposal of waste at a facility referred to in paragraph 11.1 of the
First Schedule to the [Environmental Protection Agency] Act of 1992.
Note:
3. Paragraphs 11.1, 11.2, 11.3 and 11.4 of the First Schedule of the EPA Act, 1992 are substituted
by an amended Paragraph 11.1.

11.1 The recovery or disposal of waste in a facility, within the meaning of the Waste Management
Act, 1996, which facility is connected or associated with another activity specified in this
Schedule in respect of which a licence under the said Part is or will be required.

Draft April 2003
APPENDIX 2 POTENTIAL EMISSIONS AND THEIR SOURCES
A series of emissions tables have been prepared to relate emissions from Landfill Activities
with appropriate techniques for controlling or eliminating them. These identify the type and
nature of emissions and allocate to each a reference number, which can be cross-
referenced to the relevant control technique guidance in Appendix 3 (identified as T1 to
T13). The structure of the reference numbers is detailed in Figure A2.1. This format is also
applied in separately published BAT Guidance Notes for Waste Treatment Facilities and
Waste Transfer and MRF Activities. The applicant should consider the elimination/control
techniques for identified emissions and determine the combination of techniques that will be
BAT for the particular facility.
Figure A2.1: Structure of Emissions Reference Numbers
L A XX

A letter to identity the type
of facility the emission is
coming from.
L = Landfill

A letter to identity media in
to which the emission is
released, or the type of
emission.
A = Air
W = Water
L = Land
N = Noise or vibration
H = Heat

A number to identify the
particular emission to that
medium

Examples of Referencing System
LA4 = Number 4 in the list of emissions to air from a landfill facility
LW3 = Number 3 in the list of emissions to water from a landfill facility
LN2 = Number 2 in the list of noise emissions from a landfill facility
In Appendix 3 Table A3.1 also cross-references the different emissions identified here with
the elimination/control techniques guidance (T Guidance). Guidance is also provided for

Draft April 2003
impacts that do not have a direct emission to the environment, such as birds, vermin,
security etc but are relevant to the management of a landfill facility.
Table A2.1: Potential Emissions to Air
WASTE SECTOR ACTIVITY Landfill EMISSION INVENTORY GUIDANCE

EMISSIONS INTO: Air
Class of Landfill Applicable To
Emissio
n
Ref No
Type and Source of
Emission
Inert
Non-
Hazardous
Hazardous
Elimination/ Control
Techniques
Guidance
(Appendix 3)
LA1 Odours from waste
7 4 4 T10: Odour
LA2
Odours from leachate/
contaminated surface water
7 4 4
T10: Odour
LA3 Odour from landfill gas
7 4 4 T10: Odour
LA4 Direct emission of landfill gas
7 4 4
T4: Landfill Lining
T5: Landfill Capping
T6 Landfill gas
management
LA5
Combustion/oxidation
products from flaring landfill
gas, utilisation of landfill gas,
burning waste gas and
biological treatment of landfill
gas
7 4 4
T7: Landfill gas
utilisation &
flaring
LA6
Dust from wastes and from
operational/engineering
activities
4 4 4
T9: Dust
LA7 Litter
7 4 4 T11: Litter
LA8 Vehicle emissions
4 4 4 T13: Vehicle impacts
LA9 Asbestos fibres
7 4 4 T9: Dust

Draft April 2003
Table A2.2: Potential Emissions to Water

EMISSIONS INTO: Water
Emissio
n
Ref No
Type and Source of
Emission
Inert
Non-
Hazardous
Hazardous
Elimination/
Control
Techniques
Guidance
(Appendix 3)
LW1
Leachate raw, arising from
landfill degradation
7 4 4
T2: Leachate
Collection
T4: Landfill Lining
T5: Landfill
Capping
LW2 Leachate treated
7 4 4
T2: Leachate
Collection
T3: Leachate
Treatment
LW3 Suspended solids 4 4 4
T1: Surface and
ground water
management
LW4
Surface water run off during
construction
4 4 4
T1: Surface and
ground water
management
LW5
Surface water run off during
operations
4 4 4
T1: Surface and
ground water
management
LW6 Landfill gas dissolved methane
7 4 4
T6: Landfill gas
management
LW7
Landfill gas condensate from
collection
7 4 4
T6: Landfill gas
management
LW8
Effluents (eg including metals,
organic compounds, oxygen
demand, ammoniacal nitrogen,
sulphate)
7 4 4
T1: Surface and
ground water
management
LW9 Fuel/oils etc
4 4 4
T8: Fuel/oil
storage
LW10 Litter 7 4 4
T11: Litter
LW11 Biological organisms/pathogens
7 4 4
Not normally
significant

Draft April 2003

EMISSIONS INTO: Water
LW12
Surface water run-off following
completion of landfill
4 4 4
T1: Surface and
ground water
management
T5: Landfill
Capping

Draft April 2003
Table A2.3: Potential Emissions to Land

EMISSIONS INTO: Land
Emissio
n
Ref No
Type and Source of
Emission
Inert
Non-
Hazardous
Hazardous
Elimination/ Control
Techniques
Guidance
(Appendix 3)
LL1 Leachate
7 4 4
T2: Leachate
Collection
T4: Landfill Lining
LL2
Landfill gas migration into
soils
7 4 4
T6: Landfill gas
management
T4: Landfill Lining
LL3 Mud 4 4 4
T17: Mud
LL4 Litter 7 4 4
T11: Litter
LL5 Surface water runoff
4 4 4
T1: Surface and
ground water
management
TrL3
Spillage stored chemicals
and fuels/oils
4 4 4
T1: Surface &
Groundwater
Management;
T8: Fuel/Oil Storage

Draft April 2003
Table A2.4: Potential Emissions of Noise & Vibration

EMISSIONS OF: Noise & Vibration
Emission
Ref No
Type and Source of
Emission
Inert
Non-
Hazardous
Hazardous
Elimination/Control
Techniques
Guidance
(Appendix 3)
LN1
Noise and vibration from
fixed plant
flares/engines/leachate
treatment plant
4 4 4
T12: Noise and
Vibration
LN2
Noise and vibration from
mobile plant vehicles &
machinery used in waste
operations
4 4 4
T12: Noise and
Vibration
LN3
Noise and vibration from bird
scarers, blasting etc
4 4 4
T12: Noise and
Vibration
LN4
Vibration from
earthmoving/compaction
equipment during
construction & operations
4 4 4
Not normally
significant

Draft April 2003
Table A2.5: Potential Emissions of Heat

EMISSIONS OF: Heat Emissions & Light Nuisance
Emission
Ref No
Type and Source of
Emission
Inert
Non-
Hazardous
Hazardous
Elimination/
Control
Techniques
Guidance
(Appendix 3)
LH1
Heat from landfill gas combustion
flaring, utilisation
7 4 4
T7: Landfill gas
utilisation &
flaring
LH2 Discharge of treated leachate
7 4 4
T3: Leachate
treatment
LH4
Direct heating of surrounding water
bodies from degradation of waste
mass
7 4 4
Insignificant
LH5
Direct heating of surrounding soils
from degradation of waste mass
7 4 4
Insignificant

Light nuisance to neighbours due
to night-time illumination of site
4 4 4
T18 Security

Draft April 2003
APPENDIX 3 EMISSION ELIMINATION AND CONTROL
TECHNIQUES
A range of control techniques that can be implemented to eliminate or reduce emissions from
landfill facility activities and processes are set out in this Appendix. The applicant will need to
demonstrate how the combination of management control (Section 7), facility design and
materials selection (Section 6) along with processes, technologies and operations used on
the facility are BAT for the facility. Table A3.1 lists the series of Guidance Notes for a range of
emission elimination and/or control techniques cross-referenced to the potential emissions
and nuisances outlined in Appendix 2. The technical requirements of the Landfill Directive
are also cross-referenced. The applicant is advised to familiarise themselves with all relevant
reference documents detailed for specific control techniques in the following tables.
The applicant should use the Guidance Notes to demonstrate how the combination of
elimination/control techniques used on the site is BAT for the facility.
Table A3.1: Elimination/Control Techniques Guidance
Control Techniques Emission/Nuisance
1
to be
Controlled
Landfill
Directive
Reference
T1. Surface & groundwater management LW3, LW4, LW5, LW8, LW12; LL5 Annex I (2)
T2. Leachate collection LW1, LL1 Annex I (2)
T3. Leachate treatment LW2, LH2 Annex I (2)
T4. Landfill Lining LA4, LW1, LL1, LL2 Annex I (3)
T5. Landfill Capping LA4, LW1, LW12, LL1, LL2; LL5 Annex I (3)
T6. Landfill gas management LA4, LW6, LW7, LL2 Annex I (4)
T7. Landfill gas utilisation & flaring LA5, LH1 Annex I (4)
T8. Fuel/oil storage LW9 Annex I (2) & (3)
T9. Dust/Fine Particulates (PM
10
) LA6, LA9 Annex I (5)
T10. Odour LA1, LA2, LA3 Annex I (5)
T11. Litter LA7, LW10,LL4 Annex I (5)
T12. Noise & vibration LN1, LN2, LN3 Annex I (5)
T13. Vehicles LA8 Annex I (5)
T14. Birds Nuisance Control Annex I (5)
T15. Vermin & insects Nuisance Control Annex I (5)
T16. Mud LL3 Annex I (5)
T17. Fires Nuisance Control Annex I (5)
T18. Security Safety Measure Annex I (7)
1. See Emission Inventory Guidance in Appendix 2 for detail of the emissions to be controlled and the

Draft April 2003
structure of the reference numbers.

Draft April 2003

WASTE SECTOR ACTIVITY Landfill
ELIMINATION/CONTROL
TECHNIQUES GUIDANCE
T1

TECHNIQUES/CONTROLS
Surface &
groundwater
management
EMISSION/
NUISANCE:
LW3, LW4, LW5, LW8,
LW12, LL5
Class of Landfill Applicable To Inert 4 Non-Hazardous 4 Hazardous 4
The disposal of waste by landfill should be carried out in such a way that it does not result in pollution of
groundwater or surface water. This can be achieved either by preventing leachate escape from the landfill
(see T2, T3, T4) and/or by diverting or otherwise protecting the groundwater or surface water.
Management Techniques
Design Phase
In assessing a site as a suitable the location for a landfill, consideration must be given to the existence and
vulnerability of water bodies in the vicinity that are either above or below ground.
The landfill design should incorporate features designed to prevent surface water and/or groundwater entering
the landfill. Measures will include lining the landfill (T4) and capping (T5).
In addition to preventing water entering the landfill, measures must be put in place to prevent the
contamination of surface water and/or groundwater. These measures will again include landfill (T5) but also
measure to control ancillary activities such as fuel storage (see T8) and septic tanks/sewer connections for
wastewaters produced on site.
Operational Phase
For non-hazardous and hazardous landfill sites, trigger levels need to be set for groundwater quality based
on the specific hydrogeological conditions of the landfill site taking into account the direction and velocity of
the groundwater flow. The trigger levels should be designed to allow the operator to take corrective
measures to prevent any significant adverse environmental effects. The operator should identify appropriate
trigger levels based on the site investigation for agreement with the EPA.
The site should be operated in such a way as to prevent the ingress of water. Any water that does
accumulate in the site should not be allowed to become contaminated by waste or leachate. Monitoring
must be carried out to ensure measures are effective.
Elimination Techniques
It is virtually impossible to operate a landfill without the need to put in place systems to protect and/or
manage surface water and groundwater. Failure to control surface water and groundwater movement through
the site can result in the generation of additional leachate. The only run-off from a landfill site which will have
no detrimental effect upon the environment will be leachate produced by a truly inert waste facility.
Control Techniques
Control technique Specific References
Stream or river physical diversion of flow, new channel No specific reference and only in
exceptional circumstances
following discussions with EPA

Draft April 2003
ELIMINATION/CONTROL
TECHNIQUES GUIDANCE
T1

TECHNIQUES/CONTROLS
Surface &
groundwater
management
EMISSION/
NUISANCE:
LW3, LW4, LW5, LW8,
LW12, LL5
Surface water drainage diversion EPA Landfill Manuals Landfill
Site Design

Control technique cont: Specific References
Lining of surface water ponds, options include concrete tanks,
prefabricated units and geosynthetic liners
EPA Landfill Manuals Landfill
Site Design
Groundwater diversion barriers, piling cut-offs, grouting EPA Landfill Manuals Landfill
Site Design
Groundwater Protection EPA, DoELG, GSI Guide-
Groundwater protection Shemes
for Landfills
Hardstanding/Bunded Areas EPA Landfill Manual, BS
8007:1987
Technique/Control Monitoring
Parameter Test method/Standard
General
Testing
Frequency
1

Monitoring groundwater, up
and down hydraulic gradient
of site, to enable early
detection of any
deterioration in quality.
ISO 5667, Part 11: 1993
Minimum of three monitoring locations, one up gradient
and two downgradient of the site.
Test result need to be compared against the sites trigger
levels.
Quarterly
Groundwater elevation Dip tape measurement related to a datum level. Monthly
Operational;
Quarterly -
Aftercare
Surface water quality ISO 5667-2, 1991
Minimum of two monitoring points, one upstream and one
downstream of site.
Quarterly
Surface water levels and
volume
N/a Monthly &
Biannually
Note 1: Testing frequency will vary depending on sensitivity of site and local hydrogeology.

Draft April 2003

ELIMINATION/CONTROL
TECHNIQUES GUIDANCE
T2

TECHNIQUES/CONTROLS
Leachate
production/
collection
EMISSION/
NUISANCE:
LW1, LL1
Without adequate controls leachate has the potential to cause significant pollution of groundwater or surface
waters, and become a nuisance due to odour. A landfill should be designed so as to minimise the
generation of leachate and the possibility of it escaping from the site. The quantity and nature of leachate
varies considerably, being influenced by:- the nature of the waste, compaction, use of cover, weather/rainfall
Design Phase
1. The landfill design should include measures to minimise:
the generation of leachate,
contain that which is generated,
provide a means of removing it for treatment/disposal.
2. Identify particularly sensitive receptors in the event of leachate escape.
3. Identify factors that could result in larger than necessary quantities of leachate being generated, or an
increased risk of escape.
Construction Phase
During construction, if vertical wells or sumps are to be used, the applicant must check that these are not
damaged during construction work, and that they themselves do not, or will not in the future damage the liner
system. In addition a leachate collection system should be included as an integral part to the lining system
(T4).
Operational Phase
Several aspects of landfill operation can influence the amount of leachate generated:
1. The active area should be kept as small as practicable, taking account of vehicle size, numbers, etc
Good compaction and use of daily cover can reduce the level of water infiltration and hence the quantity of
leachate produced.
With the exception of landfills operating in climates with negligible rainfall, it is vi rtually impossible to avoid
generating some leachate during operation. The only run-off from a landfill site which will have no detrimental
effect upon the environment will be leachate produced by a truly inert waste facility.

Draft April 2003
ELIMINATION/CONTROL
TECHNIQUES GUIDANCE
T2

TECHNIQUES/CONTROLS
Leachate
production/
collection
EMISSION/
NUISANCE:
LW1, LL1
Control Techniques
Control technique Minimum Standards Specific
References
Lining of the landfill void to contain
any leachate generated.
Minimum Standards for lining are detailed in T4 Landfill
Directive
Provision of a leachate drainage
system.
Slope base of site, minimum 2%
Drainage blanket, min 500mm with minimum
hydraulic conductivity of 1x10
-3
m/sec
Landfill
Directive
EPA Landfill
Manuals -
Landfill Site
Design
Provide extraction system to enable
removal of leachate for treatment
and/or disposal.
Vertical wells or sumps need to protect lining
system from damage.
Up-slope risers offer many advantages
EPA Landfill
Manuals -
Landfill Site
Design
Using soil or artificial cover materials
to reduce infiltration of rainfall into the
deposited waste, whilst operating
restricted active area.
Daily cover target depth 150mm of subsoils etc
Intermediate cover target depth 300mm of
subsoils etc
Alternative systems, e.g. fibre matting, plastic
sheets, dependant on system and shoud be
agreed with EPA
EPA Landfill
Manuals -
Landfill
Operational
Practices
Monitoring of the depth and
composition of leachate accumulating
within the fill.
Frequency of monitoring is site specific, minimum
weekly but may be continuous.
The acceptable depth of leachate is a site-
specific issue.
Normal minimum standard is 1 metre head,
however can be <0.5 metre head at sensitive
sites
Monitoring should be at the extraction point and
at two other locations per cell
EPA Landfill
Manuals -
Landfill
Operational
Practices
EPA Landfill
Manuals
Landfill
Monitoring
Re-circulation of leachate to reduce
leachate strength.
In accordance with sites Environmental
Management Plan and in agreement with EPA
EPA Landfill
Manuals -
Landfill
Operational
Practices

Draft April 2003
ELIMINATION/CONTROL
TECHNIQUES GUIDANCE
T2

TECHNIQUES/CONTROLS
Leachate
production/
collection
EMISSION/
NUISANCE:
LW1, LL1
Capping and restoring any completed
area of the landfill as soon as
possible. (See T5)
Landfills for both hazardous and non-
hazardous waste:
1. Impermeable mineral layer
2. >0.5m drainage layer,
3. >1m top soil cover. Plus,
Landfills for hazardous waste:
Artificial sealing system
Landfills for non-hazardous waste:
Gas drainage layer
Landfill
Directive
Annex 1 (3.3)
Parameter Test method/Standard
General
Testing
Frequency
1

Meteorology Rainfall, temperature, wind (direction & speed),
evaporation, humidity
Daily
Monitoring groundwater, up
and down hydraulic gradient
of site, to enable early
detection of any
deterioration in quality.
ISO 5667, Part 11: 1993
Monitoring at one location upgradient and at two locations
downgradient
Quarterly
Surface water ISO 5667-2: 1991 Quarterly
Leachate composition ISO 5667-2: 1991 Quarterly
Leachate levels Not Applicable Weekly during
operations
Monthly during
aftercare
Leacahte Volume Propeller meter, electromagnetic meter or equivalent Monthly during
operations
Bi-annually
during aftercare
Note 1: Testing frequency may vary depending on sensitivity of site.

Draft April 2003

ELIMINATION/CONTROL
TECHNIQUES GUIDANCE
T3

TECHNIQUES/CONTROLS Leachate treatment
EMISSION/
NUISANCE:
LW2, LH2
Leachate that has been removed from the landfill must be managed and it must undergo an appropriate level
of on-site treatment before it can be discharged. Stored, untreated, leachate represents both a pollution
threat and a potential odour nuisance
Design Phase
Need to identify possible disposal routes for suitably treated leachate, (e.g. sewage treatment works, large
rivers, the sea) and consider the requirement of on-site treatment for licensed discharge, or acceptable off-
site disposal. General requirement is to remove degradable organics, ammonia, toxicity of leachate,
dissolved iron and heavy metals and suspended.
Operational Phase
Regular monitoring must be carried out on the composition of leachate within the landfill and on the levels of
stored leachate prior to or during treatment. The treatment facility should be operated to design standards.
Not applicable
Control Techniques
Control technique Minimum Standards
Removal off-site by tanker or transfer to
treatment/disposal elsewhere.
As required by the receiving treatment/disposal facility
operator.
On-site
treatment:
a. Aerobic/Activated
sludge
b. Anaerobic
c. Reed beds
d. Re-circulation
e. Membrane filtration
f. Ozone
g. Peat beds
h. Sand filters
i. Methane stripping
Must treat leachate to a standard that meets discharge
consent limits, this may require the removal of methane, if
leachate is being discharged to sewer.

Draft April 2003
ELIMINATION/CONTROL
TECHNIQUES GUIDANCE
T3

TECHNIQUES/CONTROLS Leachate treatment
EMISSION/
NUISANCE:
LW2, LH2
Parameter Test method Standard Testing Frequency
Leachate Composition Laboratory analysis/portable
field equipment
ISO 5667-2: 1991 Weekly, Monthly
and/or Quarterly
Plant operation Automatic, continuous
recording instruments
Not applicable Continuous
Treated leachate
composition
Laboratory analysis/portable
field equipment
ISO 5667-2: 1991 Weekly, Monthly
and/or Quarterly
Or
Continuous for
some parameters
where onsite
treatment &
discharge
Leacahte removal or
discharge Volume
Propeller meter,
electromagnetic meter or
equivalent
As agreed with
EPA
Continous or per load
removed, as agreed
with EPA

Draft April 2003

ELIMINATION/CONTROL
TECHNIQUES GUIDANCE
T4

TECHNIQUES/CONTROLS Landfill Lining
EMISSION/
NUISANCE:
LA4, LW1, LL1, LL2
Lining systems are required to protect the environment surrounding a landfill site. Lining systems should:
protect groundwater, surface water and soil from leachate contamination;
prevent/control groundwater ingress; and
assist in controlling landfill gas migration.
The Landfill Directive sets minimum standards for the permeability and thickness of lining systems for all
classes of landfill. The applicant will need to demonstrate how a proposed lining system is BAT for their
facility.

Draft April 2003
ELIMINATION/CONTROL
TECHNIQUES GUIDANCE
T4

EMISSION/
NUISANCE:
LA4, LW1, LL1, LL2
Design Phase
The applicant will need to select the appropriate lining system for the site, based on:
material availability (eg. local sources of clay)
results of burrow source testing
type and nature of waste to be accepted at the facility;
local geology and hydrogeology; and
the level of protection required by the surrounding environment.
the need to ensure the stability and long term integrity of the lining system.
The selection of the lining system should be supported by a risk assessment and in general the lining system
should not rely on a single level of protection.
Construction Phase
The applicant should ensure and be able to demonstrate that the lining system has been constructed in
accordance with design specification. To demonstrate the integrity of the lining system a Construction
Quality Assurance (CQA) Plan is required. The CQA Plan should:
ensure that the construction materials meet the design specification;
ensure that the construction methods are achieving the specified permeability and thickness;
ensure the integrity of any geomembrane used; and
incorporate a leak location survey.
The applicant may need to employ independent testing to verify the effectiveness of the Construction Quality
Controls (CQC).
The minimum sampling requirements specified in the EPA Landfill Manuals Landfill Site Design and
Construction monitoring (T4 see later) must be undertaken.
Operational Phase
The applicant should put in place procedures to ensure that the lining system is not damaged prior to and
during the emplacement of waste and in particular the first layer of waste. Measures must also be taken to
ensure that continuing emplacement of waste does not compromise stability of the lining system.

Draft April 2003
ELIMINATION/CONTROL
TECHNIQUES GUIDANCE
T4

EMISSION/
NUISANCE:
LA4, LW1, LL1, LL2
Control Techniques
References
Landfills for inert waste
Base and side wall:
1. mineral layer of minimum thickness 1 metre with a
hydraulic conductivity 1.0 x 10
-7
m/s; or
2. artificial mineral layer of minimum thickness 0.5 metres
providing the same level of protection as (1) above.

Landfills for non-hazardous waste
Base and side wall:
-9
m/s; or
Plus:
an artificial sealing liner; and
a drainage layer 0.5 metres.

Lining of the landfill void will
largely contain leachate and
landfill gas and minimise
the risk of their migration.
Landfills for hazardous waste
Base and side wall:
-9
m/s; or
Plus:
an artificial sealing liner; and
a drainage layer 0.5 metres .

Landfill
Directive Annex
I (3)

Landfill Design
Manual 2002,
Chapter 6

Draft April 2003
ELIMINATION/CONTROL
TECHNIQUES GUIDANCE
T4

EMISSION/
NUISANCE:
LA4, LW1, LL1, LL2
Pre-Construction Monitoring Borrow Source
Moisture content Nuclear method or
microwave oven drying
BS 1377 1 test per 2000m
3
or each
change in material type
Attenberg Limits Limit analysis BS 1377 1 test per 5000m
3
or each
Particle Size Distribution Sieve analysis and
hydrometer
3
or each
Compaction tests Heavy or light compaction BS 1377 1 test per 5000m
3
or each
Hydraulic conductivity
testing
Constant head test Triaxial
cell apparatus
3
or each
Inclusion of non-soil
materials
Observation on site BS 1377 1 test per 5000m
3
or each

Construction Monitoring Compacted Mineral Layer


Moisture content Nuclear method or
microwave oven drying
BS 1377 12/hectare/lift
Moisture content Direct oven drying BS 1377 3/hectare/lift
Density Nuclear method or core
cutter
Density Sand replacement method BS 1377 3/hectare/lift
testing
Triaxial test BS 1377 3hectare/lift
Number of passes Observation Design/Field Trials
Specification

10/hectare/lift
Construction Monitoring Geomembrane integrity

Draft April 2003
ELIMINATION/CONTROL
TECHNIQUES GUIDANCE
T4

EMISSION/
NUISANCE:
LA4, LW1, LL1, LL2
Parameter Test Method Standard Example Testing
Frequency
1

Material Properties Various:
thickness
density
tensile properties
puncture resistance
melt flow index
carbon black content
and dispersion
ASTMD792;
ASTMD1238;
FTMS101C Method
2065; GRIGM5

1/5000 m
2

Trial seam testing Qualitative: field tensiometer 1set/day and at
change of weather
conditions
Bentonite content for BES
liner materials sampled
after placement from loose
lift (just before completion)
(as % Bentonite)
Alther (1983) The methylene
blue test for bentonite liner
quality control. Geotechnical
Testing Journal 6 (3), 133-143.
1 per 800m3 (NB
max. % of failing
material tests is 5%
and outliers must not
be concentrated on
one lifter or one area.
Non-destructive field seam
testing
Air pressure test (twin fusion
seams)

Spark test (extrusion seams)
3bar maintained for
5 minutes, max
drop 10% (0.3bar)
or No sparks
Each seam
Destructive field seam
testing
Qualitative (field tensiometer) 1/200m
Destructive laboratory seam
testing
Peel strength
Shear strength
ASTM D4437
(mod.NSF54)
1/500m
Note 1: Testing Frequency should be agreed with EPA

Draft April 2003

ELIMINATION/CONTROL
TECHNIQUES GUIDANCE
T5

TECHNIQUES/CONTROLS Landfill Capping
EMISSION/
NUISANCE:
LA4, LW1,LW12, LL1,
LL2, LL5
Capping systems, together with lining systems (T4), are required to separate the landfilled wastes from their
surroundings. The capping system should:
minimise infiltration of water into the waste;
promote surface drainage and maximise runoff;
control gas migration; and
provide physical separation between waste and plant and animal life.
The Landfill Directive recommends the standards for the components of capping systems for all classes of
landfill. The applicant will need determine the components of the capping system and the materials to be
used and demonstrate how a proposed capping system is BAT for their facility
Design Phase
The applicant will need to select the appropriate capping system based on the following considerations:
temperature and rainfall extremes;
the effects of roots and burrowing animals on its integrity;
robustness against settlement stresses;
stability of slopes;
vehicular movement;
vehicle access tracks and public footpaths;
surface water drainage;
leachate recirculation;
installation of gas well heads and collection pipework;
installation of leachate collection manholes and pipework;
maintenance requirements
ease of repair;
aesthetic appearance; and
end use.
Construction Phase
The applicant should ensure and be able to demonstrate that the capping system has been constructed in
accordance with design specification. To demonstrate the integrity of the capping system a Construction
Quality Assurance (CQA) Plan is required. The CQA Plan should:
ensure that the construction materials meet the design specification;
ensure that the construction methods are achieving the specified permeability and thickness; and
ensure the integrity of any geomembrane used.
The applicant may need to undertake independent testing to verify the effectiveness of the Construction
Quality Controls (CQC).

Draft April 2003
ELIMINATION/CONTROL
TECHNIQUES GUIDANCE
T5

EMISSION/
NUISANCE:
LA4, LW1,LW12, LL1,
LL2, LL5
Operation and Restoration Phase
The applicant should put in place procedures to ensure that the capping system is not damaged by the
placement of the soil restoration layers or the construction of environmental control systems e.g. landfill gas
or leachate pipework and associated manholes.
Aftercare Phase
The applicant should develop procedures to ensure that the capping system is not damaged by long-term
settlement. A comprehensive monitoring and repair programme should be initiated to ensure the integrity of
the capping layers.
Control Techniques
References
Capping of the landfill will largely
minimise water infiltration and contain
landfill gas and minimise the risk of
gas migration to atmosphere.
Landfills for inert waste
Capping layers:
? subsoil layers;
top soil layer.
The thickness of each layer is not specified and is
dependant on afteruse but should not be less than
0.5 m.
Landfill
Directive Annex
1 (3) and EPA
Landfill
Manuals -
Landfill Site
Design

Draft April 2003
ELIMINATION/CONTROL
TECHNIQUES GUIDANCE
T5

EMISSION/
NUISANCE:
LA4, LW1,LW12, LL1,
LL2, LL5
Landfills for non-hazardous waste
gas drainage layer, minimum thickness 0.3 m
with a hydraulic conductivity of >1 x 10
-4
m/s.
impermeable mineral layer of minimum
thickness 0.6 metre with a hydraulic
conductivity <1.0 x 10
-9
m/s or material that
provides equivalent protection.
drainage layer of minimum thickness 0.5 m
with a hydraulic conductivity > 1.0 x 10
-4
m/s.
subsoil layer, minimum thickness 0.70 m
top soil, minimum thickness 0.15 m (combined
thickness of subsoil and topsoil to be a
minimum of 1.0 m).
Consideration should be given to the inclusion of a
membrane liner in the capping system, this can be
determined by a risk assessment. Substitution of
any of the above elements of the capping system
may be permitted where it can be demonstrated
that there will be no reduction in performance or
stability.

Capping of the landfill will largely
minimise water infiltration and contain
landfill gas and minimise the risk of
gas migration to atmosphere.
Landfills for hazardous waste
artificial sealing layer;
artificial membrane liner;
impermeable mineral layer of minimum
thickness 0.6 metre with a hydraulic
conductivity < 1.0 x 10
-9
m/s;
drainage layer of minimum thickness 0.5 m
with a hydraulic conductivity >1.0 x 10
-4
m/s.
subsoil layer, minimum thickness 0.70 m.
top soil minimum thickness 0.15 m (combined
thickness of subsoil and topsoil to be a
minimum of 1.0 m)
Landfill
Directive Annex
1 (3) and EPA
Landfill
Manuals -
Landfill Site
Design

Draft April 2003
ELIMINATION/CONTROL
TECHNIQUES GUIDANCE
T5

EMISSION/
NUISANCE:
LA4, LW1,LW12, LL1,
LL2, LL5
Construction Monitoring Compacted Mineral Layer
Moisture content Nuclear method or microwave
oven drying
Moisture content Direct oven drying BS 1377 3/hectare/lift
Density Nuclear method or core cutter BS 1377 12/hectare/lift
Density Sand replacement method BS 1377 3/hectare/lift
testing
Triaxial test BS 1377 3hectare/lift
Number of passes Observation Design/Field Trials
Specification
10/hectare/lift
Construction Monitoring Geomembrane integrity
Parameter Test Method Standard Example Testing
Frequency
1

Material Properties Various:
thickness
density
tensile properties
puncture resistance
melt flow index
carbon black content
and dispersion
ASTMD792;
ASTMD1238;
FTMS101C Method
2065; GRIGM5

1/5000 m
2

Non-destructive field
inspection (lapped sheets)
Visual inspection Each seam
Note 1: Testing Frequency should be agreed with EPA

Draft April 2003

ELIMINATION/CONTROL
TECHNIQUES GUIDANCE
T6

TECHNIQUES/CONTROLS
Landfill gas
management
EMISSION/
NUISANCE:
LA4, LW6, LW7, LL2
Landfill gas management systems are required to prevent uncontrolled escapes of gas from the landfill site.
Systems should prevent landfill gas from migrating through the ground in both gaseous and dissolved states
and prevent emissions of methane to the atmosphere
The Landfill Directive requires that all landfill gas is collected and utilised to produce energy. Where energy
generation is not possible, it should be burned in an enclosed flare with a minimum temperature of 1000
o
C and
a retention time of 0.3 seconds (see T7)
The applicant should design and operate the landfill site so that landfill gas may be extracted from waste as
soon as methanogenesis becomes established.
The potential for gas utilisation of a new or future site may be assessed using mathematical modelling to
predict the likely gas yield. For existing sites, mathematical modelling, pumping trials or a combination of
the two may be used.
Provision should be made to prevent condensation from accumulating in extraction systems. Condensate is
managed by arranging the pipe work to fall to a removal point such as a well, a knock out-pot or a dewatering
lance.
There are no absolute rules for well spacing but experience suggests that it should not be more than 40
metres.
Capping will confine the gas, resulting in an increase in pressure. Therefore gas extraction should be provided
before capping is emplaced.
Gas wells may be built-up or drilled, but should have an outside diameter of not less than 300mm with a
casing of not less than 100mm diameter. The annulus should be filled with fines-free aggregate of 10mm-
40mm size. Casings should be of rigid HDPE or stainless steel with smooth bore.
Where the depth of waste exceeds 20 metres, consideration should be given to constructing alternate wells
for deep extraction i.e. with an extended unperforated section.
Gas blowers (boosters) should be of sufficient capacity for the predicted gas yield and constructed of
materials appropriate for landfill gas duty. Blowers should be protected by flame arrestors at both gas inlet
and outlet.

Elimination is not possible from Non-hazardous and many Hazardous sites

Draft April 2003
ELIMINATION/CONTROL
TECHNIQUES GUIDANCE
T6

TECHNIQUES/CONTROLS
Landfill gas
management
EMISSION/
NUISANCE:
LA4, LW6, LW7, LL2
Control Techniques
References
Prevention of uncontrolled escape of
gas using low permeability liners and
capping
Minimum Standards for lining are detailed in T4 Landfill Directive
Collection of gas using wells,
pipelines and pumps.
The capacity of the system and the spacing of
wells should be sufficient to remove all of the
gas as it is produced
Landfill Directive
Landfill gas must be treated and used Production of energy from landfill methane Landfill Directive
If utilisation is not possible, then
combustion of landfill gas in a flare
Enclosed flares must have a retention time of
not less than 0.3 seconds and a temperature
between 1000
o
C and 1200
o
C
Landfill Directive

Parameter Monitoring Method Standard Testing
Frequency
Potential gas emissions
and atmospheric pressure
within the waste body and
outside the containment
engineering area
Approved methods for
monitoring CH
4
, CO
2
, O
2
,
regularly. H
2
S, H
2
and other
gases as required.
Landfill Directive Monthly (operating
phase)
Every six months
(Aftercare phase)
Longer periods
may be adopted if
data justifies this.

Draft April 2003

ELIMINATION/CONTROL
TECHNIQUES GUIDANCE
T7

TECHNIQUES/CONTROLS
Landfill gas
utilisation & flaring
EMISSION/
NUISANCE:
LA5, LH1
The Landfill Directive requires that landfill gas should be treated and used. If it cannot be used to produce
energy then it must be flared in an enclosed flare with a minimum temperature of 1000
o
C and a retention time
of 0.3 seconds. The potential for gas utilisation of a new or future site may be assessed using mathematical
modelling to predict the likely gas yield (See T6).
All flare locations require an atmospheric emissions impact study to ensure that there is no undue impact to
air quality.
The emissions performance of open flares cannot be monitored and it is doubtful that any meet the retention
time criterion though some pre-aerated flares may meet the temperature requirement with methane rich landfill
gas. In addition open flares have a visible flame that may be an unacceptable visual impact. Therefore open
flares should only be used for temporary applications with the approval of the EPA.
Procedures need to be put in place to ensure flares are maintained on a regular basis, to ensure they burn at
the correct temperature. As part of the EPAs RTDI program a study has recently been carried out on the
Design and Control of LandfillGas Flares. This study will be published in 2003. Inlet gas monitoring should
be carried out, and used to assess the composition of raw gas going to the flare. The range of required flare
outlet emission monitoring will be determined based on the site specific inlet gas composition.
For utilisation, a methane content of about 40% is necessary to provide adequate calorific value in the
fuel. However, flares are available that will operate with methane content down to about 20%v/v, depending on
the manufacturer and the quality of emissions required.
Utilisation units are commercially available with electricity outputs ranging from about 30 kW to 1
MW. Capacity may be built up using several units. Ultimate choice of size and type of unit is often a
commercial judgement depending on the availability of end users. Smaller units may only be commercially
viable if heat as well as power can be utilised.
Because of the high capital investment, utilisation plant is generally sized to provide an operational life of 5 to
10 years. This means that the plant is unable to treat all of the gas generated in the years of peak
yield. Consequently a flare is required to treat the surplus and should have sufficient capacity to provide a
stand-by capability in the event that the utilisation plant is out of service.
For small sites or those producing small gas yields, very small high temperature flares are available with
capacities of less than 100m3/hr and a turn down ratio of 10:1.
Where methane content is less than about 20%v/v, flaring is not possible without the use of support fuel.
Where the methane content is very low (<about 3%v/v), thermal oxidation may be an alternative.
Pipe work should be sized to give gas velocities not exceeding 10 m/sec in legs longer than 5 metres.
Landfill gas cannot be eliminated from non-hazardous and many hazardous waste sites.

Draft April 2003
ELIMINATION/CONTROL
TECHNIQUES GUIDANCE
T7

TECHNIQUES/CONTROLS
Landfill gas
utilisation & flaring
EMISSION/
NUISANCE:
LA5, LH1
Control Techniques
Control technique
cont:
Minimum Standards Specific References
Flaring of landfill gas Flares should have a minimum
combustion temperature of 1000
o
C and a
minimum retention time of 0.3 seconds.
UK EA Guidance on Landfill Gas
Flaring, Nov. 2002
German TA Luft 2001 Guidelines,
Sect. 5.4.8.1a.2.1(English version
in draft-format)
EPA RTDI study report on Design
and Control of Landfill Gas Flares
(to be issued in 2003)

Landfill gas engines and
burners

There are a number of ways in which
landfill gas may be utilised, depending on
gas quantity, quality and site location in
relation to users. Techniques have been
developed to utilise both methane and
carbon dioxide. The selected techniques
must ensure that it achieves the ELV in
Appendix 4.
Landfill Directive
UK EA Guidance on Landfill Gas
Flaring, Nov. 2002
German TA Luft 2001 Guidelines,
Sect. 5.4.1.2.3; 5.4.1.4.
(English version in draft-format)

Draft April 2003

Parameter Test method/Standard (or other method agreed with
EPA)
Testing Frequency
Quality of inlet gas
Volume of inlet gas Pitot tube Continuous
Methane
Carbon dioxide
Oxygen
Hydrogen Sulphide
Total Chlorine
Total Fluorine
Infrared analyser/flame ionisation detector
Non-dispersive Infrared analyser
Electrochemical/Galvanic Cell or equivalent
Non-dispersive Infrared or equivalent
Impinger prEN1911-1:1996, or equivalent
Impinger USEPA 13a/13b, or equivalent
Weekly
Weekly
Weekly
Bi-annually
Bi-annually
Bi-annually
Quality of outlet gas
Outlet CO Infrared analyser or equivalent Continuous
Combustion Temperature Thermocouple Continuous
Combustion gases CO,
NO
x
, SO
2

Combined infrared/ chemiluminescence
combustion gas analyser
Bi-annually
Volumetric fl ow rate Pitot tube Bi-annually
TA Luft Organics Class
I,II,III
Sorbent tube/GC/MS Annually or site specific
HCl (incl chloride as HCl) pr.EN1911-1:1996 Impinger/Ion Chromatography Annually or site specific
HF Impinger USEPA 13a/13b, or equivalent Annually or site specific
Particulate monitoring Isokinetic/gravimetric Annually

Draft April 2003

ELIMINATION/CONTROL
TECHNIQUES GUIDANCE
T8

TECHNIQUES/CONTROLS Fuel/oil storage
EMISSION/
NUISANCE:
LW9
Spillages of fuels or oils from fixed or mobile storage tanks on landfills can result in significant contamination
of the soil as well as surface water and groundwater.
Design Phase
The landfill design should take account of the need to protect fuel storage tanks from damage, both accidental
and malicious, so as to reduce the likelihood of spillages.
Bunds should be designed in accordance with CIRIA Report 163 (1997), The Construction of Bunds for Oil
Storage Tanks, which incorporates BS 8007: 1987 Code of Practice for Design of Concrete Structures for
Retaining Aqueous Liquids.
As a minimum, storage be bunded to a volume not less than the greater of the following:
110% of the capacity of the largest tank or drum within the bunded area; or
25% of the total volume of substance which could be stored within the bunded area.
The design of fuel/oil storage areas should ensure that all valves and pipework are contained within the bunded
area when not in use and that storage areas are covered to prevent water ingress where possible.
The tank and bund should also be covered to prevent ingress of rainwater, which, if it accumulates, would
reduce the capacity of the bund to contain tank losses and also complicate the possible recovery of any
losses from the bund.
If mobile fuel tanks or other temporary fuel storage are used on the landfill these tanks must conform to the
requirements of CIRIA Report C535 - Review of proprietary prefabricated oil storage tanks.
Operational Phase
The applicant should put in place clean-up procedures and procedures to ensure that spillages are
contained/minimised. This should included a procedure for proper disposal contaminated rainwater.
The integrity of the bunds should be monitored on a regular basis (minimum of every 3 years)
Where practical, no storage of fuels or oils on landfill area.
Where practical, no refuelling from mobile tanks on landfill.
Provision of bunded tanks and surfaced refuelling areas with its drainage catchment served by an oil
interceptor.
Control Techniques
Control technique General
Reference
All valves on fixed or mobile tanks should be securely locked when not in use, to
prevent vandalism and unauthorised use and /or valves being left open.
EPA Landfill
Manuals Landfill

Draft April 2003
ELIMINATION/CONTROL
TECHNIQUES GUIDANCE
T8

TECHNIQUES/CONTROLS Fuel/oil storage
EMISSION/
NUISANCE:
LW9
Mobile tanks should not be left out overnight on the landfill and should be locked away
in a secure surfaced/bunded area.
Daily inspection of tanks and bunds for leaks
Operational
Practices
Parameter Test Method Testing
Frequency
Bund integrity BS 8007: 1987 Code of Practice for Design of Concrete
Structures for Retaining Aqueous Liquids
Minimum once
every 3 years
Leaks, spills and valve
security
Visual inspection and maintenance of written record Daily
Oil films on collected
rainwater

Draft April 2003

ELIMINATION/CONTROL
TECHNIQUES GUIDANCE
T9

TECHNIQUES/CONTROLS
Dust/Fine
Particulates (PM
10
)
EMISSION/
NUISANCE:
LA6, LA9
Dust (including ash) and fine particulates (PM
10
) has the potential to cause significant nuisance to neighbours
and may pose a risk to the health of those working on, visiting or living close, to the site.
Design Phase
At the EIS and design stage the operator will use the Risk Assessment process to identify particularly
sensitive receptors in the event of dust generation. The same process will also identify high-risk areas e.g.
site roads, waste types, that may give rise to dust generation.
Operational Phase
The operational procedures and the working plan should set out the design and operational considerations and
requirements to minimise and control potential nuisance from dust.
Detailed procedures of the receipt and handling and/ or refusal of hazardous dusty waste (including asbestos)
should be drawn up and used when a facility will be permitted to accept such waste.
The effectiveness of the design and operational provisions should be reviewed as part of the site monitoring;
the annual environmental review report and the sites EMS procedures.
High standard of construction and cleanliness of site roads
Pre-treating certain wastes
Seeding/vegetation of overburden stockpiles and other storage piles
Early restoration
Control Techniques
Reference
Dusty waste may be pre-treated (conditioned) using water sometimes a wetting
agent needs to be incorporated. Alternatively the waste might only be accepted if it is
bagged.
All waste containing asbestos must be treated as a Hazardous Waste as defined in
the Waste Management Act, 1996, where the concentration of asbestos exceeds the
threshold concentration (0.1%). The Landfill Directive, Article 6 ( c ) (iii) allows for
hazardous wastes which are stable and non-reactive, to be accepted at non-hazardous
landfills, provided it is deposited in a separate cell. This is likely to enable suitably
packaged/pretreated bonded asbestos waste to continue to be landfilled at appropriate
sites.
Prompt compaction after discharge from the vehicle delivering the waste, followed by
covering with suitable material (soil or artificial cover materials) to sufficient depth.
EPA Landfill
Manuals Landfill
Operational
Practices

Draft April 2003
ELIMINATION/CONTROL
TECHNIQUES GUIDANCE
T9

TECHNIQUES/CONTROLS
Dust/Fine
Particulates (PM
10
)
EMISSION/
NUISANCE:
LA6, LA9
Provision of spray equipment around active tipping area if dusty waste is a regular
problem.

Regular sweeping of surfaced site roads
Regular spraying of site roads
Seeding of capped surfaces as soon as restoration layers emplaced.
EPA Landfill
Manuals Landfill
Operational
Practices
Parameter Test method/Standard Testing Frequency
Dust Deposition German Engineering Institute: Standard Method
VDI2119 (Measurement of Dustfall, Determination of
Dustfall using Bergerhoff Instrument)
Quarterly
PM
10
prEN12341 Air Quality - field test procedure to
demonstrate reference equivalence of sampling methods
for PM10 fraction of particulate matter
Annual/Quarterly/Co
ntinuous. Site-
specific evaluation
required.
Monitoring
frequency depends
on:
the size of the
site
the wastes
accepted at the
site, and
any history of
dust problems at
the site

Draft April 2003

ELIMINATION/CONTROL
TECHNIQUES GUIDANCE
T10

TECHNIQUES/CONTROLS Odour
EMISSION/
NUISANCE:
LA1, LA2, LA3
Offensive odours arise at landfill site from a number of sources particularly:
Malodorous wastes
Leachate
Landfill gas
The control of odours needs to be proactive and good landfill practices can greatly reduce odours emanating
from a site.
The operational procedures should set out design and management requirements to minimise the risk of
offence being caused by odours.
Key potential receptors should be identified.
Procedures should be developed to identify and handle malodorous waste streams.
Complaints should be logged and receive prompt attention/ action.
Monitoring should seek to establish any links between odour at the site boundary, complaints from receptors,
climatic conditions and the receipt of malodorous wastes.
While no techniques can completely eliminate odour, those that employ surfactant reagents can be effective,
especially if the choice of reagent is based on a characterisation of the compounds in the odour-causing
aerosol.
Control Techniques
References
Minimisation of open tipping face area.
Prompt replacement, compaction and covering of wastes.
Immediate burial of odorous wastes.
The disposal of odorous sludge in covered trenches.
Restrict acceptance of loads known to be particularly odorous.
Restrict tipping activities during periods of adverse meteorology.
Upgrading and sealing of sump covers.
Aeration of leachate storage areas.
Improvements in landfill gas collection and combustion systems.
EPA Landfill
Manuals Landfill
Operational
Practices
Covering or burial of waste excavated during the installation of leachate or landfill gas
management systems.
UK Waste
Management

Draft April 2003
ELIMINATION/CONTROL
TECHNIQUES GUIDANCE
T10

TECHNIQUES/CONTROLS Odour
EMISSION/
NUISANCE:
LA1, LA2, LA3
The use of odour neutralising sprays/aerosols at times when either climatic or waste
acceptance site monitoring indicates heightened risk to identified receptors.
Use of odour neutralising additives in wastes during transport from transfer station to
landfill site.
Paper 26B
Parameter Test method/Standard Testing
Frequency
Perceived odour at a point
on the site boundary
adjacent to an identified
receptor.
Walk over inspection along with the maintenance of an
odour log. The log must be signed and dated indicating
the time of inspection.
The log must include details of the nature of any detected
odour, the actions taken in response and the outcome of
the response.
Daily
Climatic conditions that are
known to be linked with
increased risk to receptors
Inspection of meteorological monitoring equipment or
weather forecasts
Daily
Importation of malodorous
wastes
Making spot checks on site when known malodorous
wastes are being received
As required
Complaints Logging complaints to identify links between complaint
location and time with climatic conditions and receipt of
malodorous wastes
As required

Draft April 2003

ELIMINATION/CONTROL
TECHNIQUES GUIDANCE
T11

TECHNIQUES/CONTROLS Litter
EMISSION/
NUISANCE:
LA7, LW10,LL4
Litter causes a negative visual impact and can cause significant nuisance to those neighbouring a facility.
Good litter control is proactive and can greatly reduce the escape of litter.
Identify particularly sensitive receptors in the event of litter escape. The same process will also identify high-
risk areas that way give rise to litter generation e.g. phases with exposure to high winds.
The design of the landfill should be adapted to minimise the likelihood of litter arising from exposure to wind.
The operational procedures should set out the design and operational considerations and requirements to
minimise and control potential nuisance from litter during normal and high wind conditions. Operational
procedures should include the regular visual inspection of litter netting.
Segregation of waste to remove light fraction from the waste stream
Pre-sorting of waste prior to deposit at the landfill
Shredding or treatment of waste by pulverisation prior to deposit
Control Techniques
Reference
Pinning of waste by use of dozers and landfill compactors immediately after discharge
from the vehicles delivering the waste.
Using soil or artificial cover materials to ensure that deposited waste is held in place -
more frequent application of cover may be required during high winds or in exposed
areas.
Provision of an emergency tipping area/foul weather cell for lightweight wastes such as
paper.
Strategically placed mobile catch fences close to the tipping area or on the nearest
downwind crest.
Temporary banks and bunds immediately adjacent to the tipping area.
Permanent catch fences and netting to trap windblown litter.
Full enclosure of the tipping area within a mobile litter net system.
Wind fencing up wind of the tipping area which can reduce the wind strength as it
crosses the facility.
Closure of the facility to specific or all waste types may be appropriate when conditions
are particularly adverse.
Closure of the site to certain vehicle types if they cause additional problems during
adverse conditions.
EPA Landfill
Manuals Landfill
Operational
Practices

Draft April 2003
ELIMINATION/CONTROL
TECHNIQUES GUIDANCE
T11

TECHNIQUES/CONTROLS Litter
EMISSION/
NUISANCE:
LA7, LW10,LL4
Provision of perimeter planting/ landscaping to reduce wind impacts
Provision of a buffer zone between the catch fencing and the facility perimeter.

Frequency
Escape of wind blown litter
beyond tipping area or outside
boundary of the facility.
Visual inspection and maintenance of written inspection
log signed and dated, indicating the time(s) of inspection
and any actions taken.
Daily

Draft April 2003

ELIMINATION/CONTROL
TECHNIQUES GUIDANCE
T12

TECHNIQUES/CONTROLS Noise & vibration
EMISSION/
NUISANCE:
LN1, LN2, LN3
The aim of BAT should be to ensure that there is no reasonable cause for annoyance to anyone beyond the
facility boundary. Noise emissions will commence during the construction phase, which must be included in
the impact predictions and control techniques.
On a landfill facility noise can be either:
Continuous, i.e. the operation of equipment and vehicles; or
Intermittent, i.e. gas cannons for bird scaring and blasting which are inherently noisy or pulsing tones
such as vehicle reversing signals.
The basic considerations are similar but there are some additional considerations for intermittent noise
sources, in particular the operating time and duration of the inherently noisy activities.
In terms of vibration, it is unlikely that landfill operations will result in a perceptible vibration at a sensitive
receptor and therefore no elimination and control techniques have been identified. However if there is evidence
that vibration is causing an environmental impact the applicant should examine methods of eliminating the
source of the vibration.
To identify whether or not the facility and its surroundings will be subject to unacceptable noise impacts, noise
surveys should be undertaken to determine the background noise levels of the area without operational noise,
LA
90
, and surveys of site noise at noise sensitive receptors (NSRs) and at the perimeter. For new
developments noise impact predictions using BS 5228, or ISO 9613-2 should be carried out prior to the
operations commencing, in order to assess the effect noise will have on identified sensitive locations.
The operational procedures should ensure that plant and equipment are adequately maintained to prevent their
deterioration resulting in an increase in noise levels.
All plant used should be certified to comply with EU noise standards for specified equipment.
The operational procedures should ensure that noisy plant and equipment are used at appropriate times.
Limiting vehicle movement to specific periods.
Ensure noisy and tonal plant and equipment are, where practicable, located in appropriate locations on site,
i.e. away from residential areas, taking into account the topography of the site and surrounding areas. Flares
and utilisation plants should be located at distances of least 250 metres from sensitive receptors, to ensure
no tonal noise impact on the neighbourhood.
There are no techniques that can completely eliminate noise at landfill facilities.
Control Techniques
Control technique Specific/General
References
Construct permanent acoustic screening bunds at the facility perimeter.
Construct temporary acoustic screening bunds around working areas.
EPA Landfill Manuals
Landfill Operational
Practices

Draft April 2003
ELIMINATION/CONTROL
TECHNIQUES GUIDANCE
T12

TECHNIQUES/CONTROLS Noise & vibration
EMISSION/
NUISANCE:
LN1, LN2, LN3
Construct a buffer zone between the facility and the external environment.
Fit silencing equipment to operational plant and equipment.
UK Waste
Management Paper
26B
Selection of equipment that conforms to EU Noise Standards.
Use of acoustic screens around fixed/mobile plant and equipment.
Use buildings to contain inherently noisy fixed plant and equipment.
EPA Landfill Manuals
Practices
Prediction of noise impact at specified noise sensitive locations, using standardised
sound power levels for construction plant.
BS5228 Noise
prediction from open
and construction
sites or ISO 9613:2
Atenuation of Sound
during propagation
outdoors
Assessment of severity of noise impact on residential areas due to a new
development. Specifically refers to industrial development, but is commonly used for
other applications and is currently being reviewed.
BS4142 Assessment
of noise in mixed
industrial areas
Agreed Noise Sensitive
receptors and at locations
at the perimeter, monitoring
30 min. day, 15 min night
LAeq, LA10, LA90
Frequency Analysis(1/3
octave band analysis)
ISO 1996. Acoustics - Description and Measurement
of Environmental Noise. Parts 1, 2 and 3.
Noise ELVs can be found in Appendix 4
Annual, however
higher testing
frequencies may be
required for facilities
with sensitive
receptors close to the
perimeter.

Draft April 2003

ELIMINATION/CONTROL
TECHNIQUES GUIDANCE
T13

TECHNIQUES/CONTROLS Vehicles
EMISSION/
NUISANCE:
LA8
While vehicles are an integral part of landfill operations, their use results in emissions of carbon dioxide,
carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, hydrocarbons and particulates. These emissions can be limited by
good operation practices.
Operational Phase
The applicant should put in place procedures to ensure that vehicles are well maintained and hence operating
efficiently.
As part of assessing the energy efficiency of the facility the applicant should put in place procedures to review
fuel use by all vehicles on sites.
It is not possible to eliminate vehicle emissions at a landfill
Control Techniques
Reference
Regular servicing and maintenance of vehicles.
Engines are switched off when the vehicles are not in use.
Minimising on-site vehicle movements.
EPA Landfill
Manuals Landfill
Operational
Practices
Fuel Usage Evaluation of fuel used by each vehicle Annual, as part of
quantifying annual
energy use

Draft April 2003

ELIMINATION/CONTROL
TECHNIQUES GUIDANCE
T14

TECHNIQUES/CONTROLS Birds
EMISSION/
NUISANCE:
Nuisance Control
Scavenging birds, such as gulls and crows, commonly congregate on landfill sites accepting household
waste. They disturb newly tipped and partially covered waste whilst searching for food, and lead to complaints
from adjoining residents and landowners about food scraps, excreta and other waste dropped away from the
landfill.
Other potential risks include:
Causing bird-strike damage to aircraft.
The introduction of alien species to sensitive local habitats.
Bird control techniques should be carefully planned taking into account the species likely to be affected.
Measures which can be used to mitigate bird nuisance include the employment of good landfill practice, with
prompt disposal and compaction of waste, working in small active areas and progressive covering of waste,
use of fully enclosed mobile net systems (see also T11 Litter) together with the use of bird scaring
techniques.
There are advantages and disadvantages to all bird scaring techniques and the degree of effectiveness can be
assessed from experience. Measures involving explosions or distress calls can cause noise nuisance and
may scare desirable species living in the vicinity off the site. Birds of prey can be effective and have minimal
consequential environmental impact. The effectiveness of any method deteriorates with time and will need to
be changed regularly.
There are no techniques that can completely eliminate nuisance from birds
Control Techniques
Reference
Effective covering of waste, particularly wastes that may contain potential sources of
food
Only allow bagged food waste to be accepted at the site
Flying birds of prey over the site.
Bird shaped kites mimicking birds of prey
Shell crackers-containing flare and banger
Rope banger
Gas cannons
Scarecrows - fixed or mobile
Amplified recording of bird distress calls (species specific)
EPA Landfill
Manuals Landfill
Operational
Practices

Draft April 2003
ELIMINATION/CONTROL
TECHNIQUES GUIDANCE
T14

TECHNIQUES/CONTROLS Birds
EMISSION/
NUISANCE:
Nuisance Control
Electronic sounds imitating calls of distress
Bird corpses or dummies

Pre-treatment of waste, e.g. baling or removal of food waste
All-enveloping net or taunt wires over the landfill site
EPA Landfill
Manuals Landfill
Operational
Practices
Frequency
Level of birds on site Visual inspection and maintenance of written record Daily

Draft April 2003

ELIMINATION/CONTROL
TECHNIQUES GUIDANCE
T15

TECHNIQUES/CONTROLS Vermin & insects
EMISSION/
NUISANCE:
Nuisance Control
Landfills have significant potential to harbour and breed flies and vermin and unless controlled they have the
ability to cause nuisance and health hazards on and off site.
Fly production is associated with wastes that have not been collected for an extended period. The site
operator/manager should be aware of the likelihood of these wastes and plan the site operations accordingly.
If the occurrence of these wastes is a regular problem the site operator/manager may need to consider
prohibiting such waste if it gives rise to a disproportionate nuisance and cause of complaint. Waste
acceptance procedures should address such issues.
Care should be taken to ensure that the use of insecticides does not cause environmental pollution, such as
the contamination of water courses, or endanger protected species of fauna.
Rodents can be attracted to meat-containing and cooked food wastes, therefore the site operator/manager
should be aware of the likelihood of these wastes being delivered by certain hauliers, and plan the site
operations according. Prompt covering of wastes can help to reduce rodent infestation.
Control Techniques
Control technique Specific
References
Prompt emplacement, compaction and covering of wastes in defined cells.
Prompt burial of waste with the potential to attract vermin and flies, such as food wastes
(especially animal by-products if accepted at the facility) and tannery wastes.
Use pest-control specialists to control vermin levels.
EPA Landfill
Manuals Landfill
Operational
Practices
Treat infested areas, such as exposed faces and flanks, with insecticide.
Covering or burial of waste excavated during the installation of leachate or landfill gas
management systems.
UK Waste
Management
Paper 26B
Parameter Test method/Standard. Testing
Frequency
Level of infestation Visual inspection and maintenance of a written record. Daily
Level of infestation Visual inspection and control methods by specialists. Monthly

Draft April 2003

ELIMINATION/CONTROL
TECHNIQUES GUIDANCE
T16

TECHNIQUES/CONTROLS Mud
EMISSION/
NUISANCE:
LL3
Mud, tracked out of the site on to the public highway, has the potential to cause significant nuisance to road
users and may pose a risk of accident.
Identify particularly sensitive receptors in the event of mud generation. The same process will also identify
high-risk areas e.g. site roads, site capping operations, that may give rise to mud generation.
The landfill should be designed so as to reduce the likelihood of mud being deposited on the highway by
maintaining site roads, maximising haul roads and providing effective cleaning systems.
High standard of construction and cleanliness of site roads
Provision and use of wheel/vehicle cleaning facilities
Planning vehicle routes during capping/restoration
Control Techniques
Reference
Regular sweeping of surfaced site access roads
Provision and regular maintenance of site roads
Use of effective wheel cleaning or vehicle washing equipment.
Regular inspection of internal and external roads
EPA Landfill
Manuals -
Operational
Practices
Frequency
Mud on internal roads and
highway

Draft April 2003

ELIMINATION/CONTROL
TECHNIQUES GUIDANCE
T17

TECHNIQUES/CONTROLS Fires
EMISSION/
NUISANCE:
Nuisance Control
All fires on site should be treated as an incident /emergency and dealt with in accordance with the sites
incident procedures.
Operational Phase
The applicant should have detailed procedures, agreed with the fire authorities, to follow in the event of:
a load arriving on fire (or suspected)
surface fires
a fire within the waste body
Ensure there are no ignition sources on site in close proximity to combustible materials
Control Techniques
Reference
Sites should have an emergency tipping area to allow loads that are known or suspected
to be on fire to be deposited. This allows such loads to be inspected and dealt with in an
appropriate manner.
Ensure there is appropriate fire fighting equipment on site based on the nature of the
waste accepted at the site.
Isolate fire in waste on the tipping face to prevent the fire spreading to the body of the
waste. This can be done using inert materials, wetting, digging trenches etc. This
should always be done in consultation with the fire authorities.
EPA Landfill
Manuals
Landfill
Operational
Practices
Manual
Regular checking of landfill gas and oxygen levels will alert the operator to the possibility of fires within the
waste.

Draft April 2003

ELIMINATION/CONTROL
TECHNIQUES GUIDANCE
T18

TECHNIQUES/CONTROLS Security
EMISSION/
NUISANCE:
Safety Measure
A landfill site is a potentially hazardous location and measures should be taken to prevent unauthorised
access to the site. The measures taken to ensure a site is secure should be determined on a site specific
basis. However selection of security measures should take into account those likely to attempt to gain
unauthorised access to the site such as children, fly tippers, vandals and thieves.
Design Stage
The landfill design should take account of the potential for unauthorised access based on the location of the
site, the nature of the surrounding land and vulnerable locations around the boundary. Based on these factors
an appropriate level of security should be specified and should include at a minimum:
Perimeter fencing; and
Access gates at the entrance to the site.
Operation Phase
The applicant should put in place procedures to monitor the security at the site and determine the adequacy
of the measures in place and vulnerable locations. The procedures should identify if security measures need
upgrading.
Aftercare Phase
The applicant should consider the provision of security appropriate to the proposed afteruse of the site. A high
level of security will be required around environmental control equipment, e.g. landfill gas fl are.
Not applicable
Control Techniques
Control technique Specific References
Perimeter fencing; this must be to an adequate standard and height to prevent
unauthorised access. Suitable standards may include chain link, palisade,
stock proof.
BS 1722 may provide
appropriate specifications
Access Gates: gates should be provided at the entrance and should be of a
similar standard to the fencing. Additional gates may be required at other
locations to allow or prevent access to different site locations. All gates must
be capable of being securely locked.
N/a
Security Cameras: cameras with 72 hour recording equipment and remote
access CCTV, may be required to deter unauthorised access at vulnerable
locations on the site or to monitor key access points.
N/a
Intruder Alarms: alarms may be fitted to buildings and stores to deter potential
thieves
N/a

Draft April 2003
ELIMINATION/CONTROL
TECHNIQUES GUIDANCE
T18

TECHNIQUES/CONTROLS Security
EMISSION/
NUISANCE:
Safety Measure
Lighting of site during night time where necessary (as this may cause light
nuisance to neighbours the lighting installations should be selected to ensure
that ambient light pollution is minimised)
N/a
Frequency
Integrity of security
systems
Visual inspection and maintenance of written record Daily/Weekly

Draft April 2003
APPENDIX 4 ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY STANDARDS AND
EMISSION LIMIT VALUES
Environmental Quality Standards (EQS)
These are generally mandatory standards which have been set at European or National level,
in order to limit the concentration of pollutants in the environmental media in question. EQSs
exist for air and for water bodies. (No EQss currently exist for land, although there are
various pollution concentration guidelines for contaminated ground remediation, as well as
nutrient management guidelines for soil application of slurry, etc). Statutory limits exist for
some of the substances emitted to air and water likely to be relevant to this Guidance Note.
Recommended or proposed EQS values for further substances relevant to the aquatic
environment are presented in the EPA publication Environmental Quality Objectives and
Environmental Quality Standards (The Aquatic Environment - A Discussion Document),
1997, (Appendix 5).
EQSs, for water, relate to the maximum allowable concentrations of prescribed substances
in specified classes of water bodies. These maxima are the benchmarks against which the
quality of the receiving environment can be controlled to enable the environmental quality
objective for a particular water body to be achieved.
Therefore an EQS can form the basis for establishing emission limit values for point source
emissions. Applicants are required to consider existing EQSs when assessing their
proposed or existing emissions to the environment. Direct discharges from a facility should
not result in any EQS being compromised and must also be in line with recognised BAT for
the facility. In certain cases even the application of BAT at a facility may lead to an
exceedance of the relevant EQS, for example where already high background levels exist in
the receiving environment. In such cases the Emission Limit Values may have to be reduced
on a site specific basis, in order to ensure that the mandatory Environmental Quality
Standards are met.
The EQSs for water are given in Table A4.1. For other media, emission limit values are
indicated in Tables A4.2 to A4.8.
Emission Limit Values
Emission limit values (ELVs) can be determined either from existing EQSs or from
established international references and standards, which currently are considered to be
achievable through the application of BAT. Point source emissions and ambient limit values
for non-point source emissions that are included in this Guidance Note are indicated in Table
A4.1.

Draft April 2003
Table A4.1 Emission Limit Values for Point source and Non-Point source Emissions
Emission Type Emission Type Reference
Point Source
Water
Treated leachate, Clean Surface
water
Table A4.1
Air Landfill gas flares Table A4.2
Landfill gas utilisation plants Table A4.3
Non-Point Source
Water Diffuse run-off Table A4.1
Air Fugitive emissions (Dust, Odour) Table A4.4
Noise Various fixed & mobile sources Table A4.5
Vibration Various fixed & mobile sources Table A4.6

In respect of these emissions, the applicant should determine BAT for the activity or facility
using the data presented here as a guide to the emission limits expected to be achieved.
However, the applicant should refer to the EPA for guidance on the latest Emission Limit
Values. Prior to varying any of the emission concentrations the applicant, during the
application process, is advised to discuss their requirements with the EPA and demonstrate
their case using a risk assessment approach. ELVs cannot be altered once a Licence has
been issued by the EPA, except by a formal review of the licence. ELVs for the waste sector
are currently under assessment to provide for the application of emerging EU legislation on
the toxic substances inventory and mass release rates achievable for key substances. Any
revisions will be incorporated in later versions of this guidance document. These may
supersede the ELVs set at the time of publication here.
In any quoted ranges of an ELV the lower figure would normally be expected from a new
installation. Existing installations should operate to the lowest practical figure within the range
taking into account the BAT criteria.
Setting the ELVs
The ELVs have been set by reviewing legislation and best practice across Europe and
Ireland. The starting point is often the Environmental Quality Standard (EQS) that must be
achieved and maintained for the respective media, namely air or water. Each member state
has the responsibility for ensuring that the agreed EQSs for a wide range of parameters are
not exceeded, and enforce these by enacting national legislation pertaining to the licensing
and control of environmental emissions.
ELVs for air are often based on international guidelines, (i.e. TA.Luft 1986 /2001) which
provide generally safe emission concentrations. However, modelling or air emissions, and
subsequent comparison with the Air Quality Standards contained in National or European

Draft April 2003
legislation must still frequently be carried out, in order to ensure that the emissions do not
exceed the relevant EQS.
The ELVs are set for major parameters which represent the bulk of the contaminant load for
waste treatment processes and seek to guide applicants to BAT for that process. There are
many minor pollutants and these are not covered expressly as ELVs. However, where EQSs
exist for these minor pollutants, they have been considered.
Emission Limit Values for emissions of noise can similarly vary because they must take
account of differences in the quality and nature of the receiving environment.
Water
Wastewaters at landfill facilities originate from the landfill, such as contaminated rainfall run-
off, leachate and landfill gas condensate and from ancillary activities and site infrastructure,
such as foul drainage, wheel wash and hard standing.
BAT will be related to discharges to water for effluents either discharged directly to surface
waters or to sewer as trade effluents. The treatment required will either be dependent on the
permitted emission consent limits specified in an existing waste licence or which will be
determined for a new application prior to licencing. Treatment provisions would typically
include silt traps/oil interceptors for surface run-off through to biological and physico-
chemical treatment for leachate, dependent on the discharge receptor.
Discharges to Surface Water
EQSs for the Aquatic Environment are specified in the Water Quality (Dangerous
Substances) Regulations 2001 (SI 12/ 2001) and other Regulations associated with water
use eg, SI 293/1988 EC (Quality of Salmonid Waters) Regulations, which supports the
implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC). For non-statutory
proposed or advisory limits refer to the EPA Document Environmental Quality Objectives
and Environmental Quality Standards The Aquatic Environment, A Discussion Document
1997.
For discharges to surface waters the determination of emission limits must ensure that the
quality of the receiving water will not be harmed by the discharge and that it will not cause
current EQSs to be exceeded. EQS values for a range of commonly encountered
parameters are listed in Table A4.2. Set emission limits will reflect the concentrations
achievable by the application of BAT and must be at levels that will not compromise the
dilution capability or assimilative capacity of the receiving water. These levels must also be
equal to or lower than the applicable Environmental Quality Standards. Reference to EPA
publications, including water quality and hydrometric data for the relevant water body, if
available, will give an indication of the acceptable emission limit maxima for the range of
substances present in a discharge. As stated, the maximum may be bettered through the
application of BAT for the facility.

Draft April 2003
Site-specific ELVs for relevant substances can be determined, with reference to the EQS, on
the basis of the assimilative capacity of the receiving water. A calculation formula with a
worked example is given in Figure A4.1.
Figure A4.1 Example of a determination of an ELV for biochemical oxygen
demand for an emission from a leachate treatment plant to surface water
Discharges to Sewer
For discharges to foul sewer, final effluent quality must meet standards that will not
compromise the capability of the receiving sewage treatment works to adequately treat the
wastewaters it receives. Discharges to sewers are subject to agreement with the relevant
Sanitary Authority or sewage undertaker upon receipt of an application. The Agency requests
discharge consent limits from the relevant Sanitary Authority, which will determine the
maximum ELVs set in an EPA licence for discharge to sewer. The Agency may apply more
stringent ELVs than those suggested by the Sanitary Authority, if it so considers. The Urban
Wastewater Treatment Regulations, SI419/1994 prescribe specific conditions regarding
emission limits from sewage treatment works. They also specify discharge quality
conditions on dischargers to sewer to protect the sewer collection systems. The regulations
prevent discharges of harmful substances that may be injurious to the health of sewer
workers and to the sewer condition. BAT must therefore represent a sufficient level of
treatment for discharges to sewer to meet the sewer consent ELVs as specified in the
Site specific ELVs can be established by assimilative capacity calculations. For example
using a 95% flow level for the receiving water the assimilative capacity for a BOD discharge
can be calculated as follows:
Assimilative capacity:

discharge parameter (mg/l) x (volume flow of discharge (m
3
/hr) =conc. in river mg/m
3

(95% flow of receiving water)

Add the background concentration of the parameter in the River (see latest EPA surface water quality
report)

If the calculated input concentration + existing background concentration = EQS, then discharge
concentration may be acceptable providing the discharge is BAT for the facility.

EXAMPLE:
Assuming the EQS for BOD to be 5 mg/l

if BOD to be discharged = 20 mg/l (= 20,000mg/m
3
)
if volume of discharge = 100m
3
/hr
if 95% flow = 50,000m
3
/hr

20,000 mg/m
3
x100 m
3
/hr = 39.92 mg/m
3
= 0.039 mg/l BOD to the receiving water
50,100m
3
/hr

If background BOD conc. is 2.2 mg/l , then overall BOD = 2.239 mg/l
This is less than the EQS of = 5 mg/l, so emission limit value of 20 mg/l would not cause the EQS to
be exceeded.

Draft April 2003
Licence which are set so that there is no adverse impact on the sewer, the treatment
capability of the receiving sewage treatment works and the EQS of the receiving water for
specified substances.
Discharges to Groundwater
The Groundwater Directive (80/68/EEC) which has been enacted in Ireland through the
Protection of Groundwater Regulations 1999 (SI 41/1999), and the Local Government (Water
Pollution) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (SI No. 42 1999) prohibits direct emissions to
groundwater of effluents containing certain hazardous substances (List I), and requires strict
controls to prevent indirect emissions of substances scheduled in List II of the Directive. An
inventory of authorisations given for direct discharge of List II substances to groundwater
must be kept. Removal of risks of emissions to groundwater through appropriate controls
would be BAT for the facility (ie containment, bunding etc). Dependent on the nature of the
facility BAT could require the provision of groundwater monitoring to enable early detection of
any contamination of groundwater that may arise from the facility.
Rainfall runoff
For rainfall runoff that is shed from the cap of all types of landfill the range of ELVs are
identical for all three types of landfill. The most significant emission associated with this type
of discharge is suspended solids arising principally during construction and from dewatering
discharges, as the rainwater should have made contact with the capping only.
Leachate effluent
Discharge from leachate treatment plants may enter either surface watercourses or sewers
or be disposed by spray irrigation to land. In applying BAT to discharges from treatment
systems the following assumptions have been applied:
The discharge will not have a significant impact on the receiving water body or sewer
system.
Systems discharging to surface waters will be robust and deliver a consistently high
quality effluent, typically involving a two-stage treatment process.
The discharge meets the EQS, taking into account the assimilative capacity of the
receiving water.
The contaminative load from an inert landfill is expected to be insignificant and should
not endanger the quality of surface water and/or ground water. However, ELVs may
be set for discharges. ELVs would be principally defined in terms of suspended
solids, BOD, chloride and ammoniacal nitrogen.
The contaminative load of water discharges from non hazardous waste landfills have
been well researched
7
. They are defined principally in terms of ammoniacal nitrogen,
oxygen demand, pH, chlorides and suspended solids.
The contaminative load of water discharges from hazardous waste landfills will be
entirely dependent on the waste deposited. Each facility is unique and will show a
wide variation in the quality of aqueous discharges. With the application of the

7
DOE(UK) Robinson H D (1995) A review of the composition of leachate from Domestic Waste Landfill
Sites DOE Research Report No . CWM 072/95

Draft April 2003
precautionary principle no limits have been set in the absence of full characterisation
of the wastewater stream i.e. no progress is to be made without full documentation of
the potential risks. Specific water ELV guidance for hazardous waste landfills is not
contained in these BAT Notes and specific advice should be sought from the Agency
regarding hazardous waste landfill aqueous discharges.
Air
Emissions to air can occur as either process gases from abatement plant or fugitive
emissions from waste degradation. BAT guidance seeks to regulate both as each can be
effectively managed e.g. covering waste with inert cover material to minimise fugitive landfill
gas emissions or controlling combustion conditions on a flare or utilisation plant.
Air-related ELVs are generally set in accordance with international legislation such as the
Council Directive on the Limitation of Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds
(1999/13/EC) or from guidance, such as the German TA.Luft Guidelines 1986, 1997 and
2001. However, due consideration must be given to existing ambient background conditions
as well as relevant Air Quality Standards set either under the Irish Air Quality Standards
Regulations 2002 (SI 271 of 2002 which has replaced SI 244 of 1987) or the EU Framework
Directive on Air Quality (96/62/EC) and its Daughter Directives (1999/30/EC and
2000/69/EC).
Although there are compositional differences between non-hazardous and hazardous wastes
and as a consequence they will differ slightly in relation to atmospheric emissions, the ELVs
given are relatively similar. Air-related ELVs need to be assessed in light of the background
conditions, as gases such as CO
2
arise from other natural sources such as limestone rock.
To avoid confusion in gas data interpretation a careful assessment of baseline conditions is
essential before any waste is placed in the facility.
Fugitive gas emissions
These include gas emissions to soils surrounding the waste body, the open atmosphere and
within buildings. Emissions arise due to the degradation of waste and the possible migration
of evolved gases through a control barrier such as a liner or cap.
Process gas emissions
Separate ELVs have been prepared for landfill gas flares and landfill gas utilisation plants as
they emit different ranges of gases and under optimum conditions achieve different limits. It is
intrinsically difficult to regularly measure emissions from landfill gas control equipment.
Common problems include:
Health and Safety around very hot flue stacks
Temporal variation in combustion by-products
Discriminating between NO and NO
2

Over estimation of NO
x
and under estimating of SO
2

Temperatures above the normal operating range of most standardised monitoring
equipment
Stack design does not facilitate standardised monitoring procedures

Draft April 2003

The principal process being regulated is the oxidation, or combustion, of methane to carbon
dioxide. Other minor gas components are also destroyed during this process. The ELVs set
out in terms of the major gas components are: oxides of carbon and nitrogen. Other
compounds, such as sulphur cannot be controlled by combustion as they relate directly to
the composition of the gas generated in the landfill. This can vary depending on the waste
decomposing, however inlet gas scrubbing is generally not required as normal sulphur
concentrations do not warrant the technology provision. Control of the combustion
conditions, in terms of the carbon monoxide concentration, temperature and retention time,
rather than the emissions is considered by many regulatory authorities to be the most
effective way to define BAT i.e. by ensuring that combustion occurs at 1000C with a product
retention time of 0.3 seconds within the combustion zone. The EPA is currently drafting a
guideline on the design and control of flares, which will be available in 2003.
Other Emission Criteria: Odours: Odour ELVs have not been specified here but a general
licensing requirement states that odours shall not result in significant impairment of amenities
or the environment beyond the site boundary . Guidance on BAT for odour emission control
techniques is given in (Appendix 3, T10).
Land
Pemitted applications to land are not strictly seen as emissions to the media, rather the
applications are allowed if they are of benefit to the soil. (eg. the application of compost to
ground as a soil improver). Non-beneficial emissions to land are not generally permitted, and
no applications may be made to soil which could endanger the quality of groundwater
beneath the site.

Draft April 2003
Table A4.1 Environmental Quality Standards for Surface Waters relating to SI 294/1989EC and SI 293/1988 EC
8

Parameter/
Determinand EQS Value Reference Conditions
Sampling/monitoring
frequency/limits Standard Test Method Document Sources
Ammoniacal
Nitrogen
= 1 mg/l NH
4
as N
(ref a)

= 0.02 mg/l NH3
(un-ionised)
(salmonid fish) (ref
b)
Standard to be conformed with
by 95% of samples over a
period of 12 months where
sampling is carried out at
least once per month; where
sampling is less frequent the
standard shall be conformed
with by all samples
Sampling frequency depends on
class of water and level of
treatment process control
Nesslers reagent (manual)

or Bethelot Reaction
(automated)

method associated with pH
and temperature
determination
(a) SI 294/1989 EC (Quality of Surface
Water intended for the abstraction of
drinking water) Regulations

(b) Freshwater Fisheries Directive
78/659/EEC
BOD
5
(at 20C
without
nitrification)
= 5mg/l O
2
(ref a)

Category A1, A2 -
5 mg/l
Category 3 7 mg/l
(Ref b)

with by all samples.
Monthly sampling Determination of O
2
by the
Winkler method or by
oxygen probe/meter before
and after five days
incubations in complete
darkness at 201C
(nitrification should be
inhibited)
(a) SI 293/1988 EC (Quality of Salmonid
Waters) Regulations

(b) SI 294/1989 EC (Quality of Surface
Chemical
oxygen demand
(COD)
40mg/l O
2
with by all samples.
class of water and population
served
Potassium dichromate
method.
SI 294/1989 EC (Quality of Surface Water
intended for the abstraction of drinking
water) Regulations

8
The range of EQS parameters cited here is not extensive and for specific substances reference can be made to Parameters of Water Quality
Interpretation and Standards (2001). Published by EPA and current regulations for surface waters.

Draft April 2003
Parameter/
Sampling/monitoring
Chlorides
250 mg/l Cl ? Titration (Mohr's
method).
? Molecular absorption
water) Regulations.
Nitrates
50 mg/l NO
3
Equivalent to 11.3 mg/l as N Absorption
spectrophotometry or
specific electrode
water) Regulations
pH
6<pH<9 pH units Standard to be conformed with
by 95% or more of samples
over a period of 12 months.
Where sampling is carried out
at least once per month,
where sampling is less
frequent, the standard should
be met by all samples
The water should not be
aggressive. The pH values do
not apply to closed containers.
Electrometry SI 293/1988 EC (Quality of Salmonid
Waters) Regulations.
Suspended
solids (total)
50 mg/l SS (ref a)
Category A1 waters
only

= 25 mg/l SS (ref b)
Average over 12 months

Excludes suspended solids
with harmful chemical
properties
class of water and population
served
? Filtering through a 0.45
m filter membrane,
drying at 105C and
weighing.
? Centrifuging (for at least 5
mins with mean
acceleration of 2800 to
3200 g), drying at 105C
and weighing.
(a) SI 294/1989 EC (Quality of Surface

(b) SI 293/1988 EC (Quality of Salmonid
Waters) Regulations
Effluent Toxicity No EQSs for
surface waters are
specified.
LC
50
for whole organisms fish,
invertebrates, algae
EC
50
for indirect bioassay
microtox, respirometry

Arsenic 25 g/l (a) (b)
Chromiun 5 g/l (a)
30 g/l (b)
water hardness as CaCO
3
(a) = 100 mg/l
(b) 100 mg/l
Sampling frequency not
specified
Atomic Absorption
Spectrophotometry
SI12/2001 Water Quality (Dangerous
Substances) Regulations, 2001

Draft April 2003
Parameter/
Sampling/monitoring
Copper 5 g/l (a)
30 g/l (b)
Cyanide 10 g/l (a)
10 g/l (b)
Fluoride 500 g/l (a)
500 g/l (b)

Lead 5 g/l (a)
10 g/l (b)

Nickel 85 g/l (a)
50 g/l (b)
Zinc 8 g/l (a1) 50 g/l
(a2)
100 g/l (b)
water hardness as CaCO
3
(a) = 100 mg/l
(b) 100 mg/l
(a1) = 10 mg/l
(a2) > 10 mg/l = 100 mg/l
Sampling frequency not
specified
Atomic Absorption
Spectrophotometry
SI12/2001 Water Quality (Dangerous
Substances) Regulations, 2001

Draft April 2003
Table A4.2 Emissions from Landfill Gas Flares to air
Parameter/
Determinand
Concentration/ Limit
Value
Reference
Conditions
Sampling/monitoring
frequency/limits Standard Test Method

Document Sources
Carbon Monoxide 50 mg/m
3

(NTP= 0C,
1013mbar and 3%
oxygen)
Continuous
Non-dispersive infra-red
NO
x
150 mg/m
3
NTP Biannual Non-dispersive infra-red
Unburnt
hydrocarbons
10 mg/Nm
3
as
Carbon
9

NTP Biannual Flame ionisation
UK Environment Agency, Nov.
2002 Guidance on Landfill Gas
Flaring

Note: The design of the Flare shall ensure that minimum combustion temperatures above 1000 C and retention times of 0.3 seconds are maintained.

See also: German TA Luft 2001 Guidelines, Sect. 5.4.8.1a.2.1 (English version in draft-format )

EPA RTDI study on Design and Control of Landfill GasFlares to be issued 2003

9
Nm
-3
Normalised cubic metre (as specified in the table Document Source)

Draft April 2003
Table A4.3 Emissions from Landfill Gas Utilisation Plants to air

Parameter/
Determinand
Value Reference Conditions
Sampling/monitoring
frequency/limits Standard Test Method

Document Sources
Carbon Monoxide 80 mg/m
3

(NTP= 0C, 1013mbar and
3% oxygen)
Continuous
Non-dispersive infra-red
NO
x
200 mg/m
3
NTP Biannual Non-dispersive infra-red
Particulates 5 mg/Nm
3
NTP Biannual Isokinetic/gravimetric
German TA Luft 2001
Guidelines, Sect. 5.4.1.2.3
(English version in draft-
format)

Draft April 2003
Table A4.4 Fugitive Emissions to Air
Parameter/
Determinand
Concentration/Limit
Value
Reference Conditions Sampling/monitoring
frequency/limits
Standard Test Method Document Sources Comments
Methane 1% v/v or
(20% Lower
Explosive Limit)
Within buildings or
confined spaces. Also,
values apply to gas
emissions to air for the
purpose of determining end
of biodegradation of wastes
Operational phase:
monthly, or longer,
depending on data
evaluation. After-
care phase, every 6
months.
Catalytic
oxidation/thermal
conductivity/combined
catalytic-thermal
detector/gas
chromatography/flame
ionisation/gas indicator
tubes
Carbon
Dioxide
1.5% v/v 15 minute short-term
exposure level (human
exposure) e.g. within
buildings and confined
spaces
Operational phase:
monthly, or longer,
depending on data
evaluation. After-
care phase, every 6
months.
Catalytic
oxidation/thermal
conductivity/combined
catalytic-thermal
detector/gas
chromatography/gas
indicator tubes
Carbon
Dioxide
0.5% v/v 8 hour long-term exposure
level (human exposure)
e.g., within buildings and
confined spaces
Operational phase:
monthly, or longer,
depending on data
evaluation. After-
care phase, every 6
months.
Infra-red
analyser/thermal
conductivity meter/gas
indicator tubes
Annex III, Landfill
Directive Sampling
frequency must be
representative for
each section of the
landfill.
Construction Industry
Research and
Information
Association (CIRIA)
Reports: 130-
Methane- its
occurrence and
hazards in
construction. 131-
The measurement of
methane and other
gases from the
ground 149-
Protecting
development from
methane 150-
Methane
investigation
strategies 151-
Interpreting
measurements of
gas in the ground
Trigger levels: 1%
v/v methane and
1.5% v/v carbon
dioxide (within
buildings).
EPA Landfill
Manual- Landfill
Monitoring.
Minimum two
monitoring points
per hectare of
landfill. Monitoring
of potential
sources and
sensitive receptors.
Increase
monitoring
frequency if
buildings/services
< 250m from
landfill/increases in
gas quantity or
quality
observed/site is
capped/leachate
removal ceases or
levels within waste
rise.

Draft April 2003
Parameter/
Determinand
Concentration/Limit
Value
Reference Conditions Sampling/monitoring
frequency/limits
Standard Test Method Document Sources Comments
Oxygen 21% v/v in air atmosphere Operational phase:
monthly, or longer,
depending on data
evaluation. After-
care phase, every 6
months.
Electrochemical cells 152- Risk
assessment for
methane and other
gases from the
ground.
Landfill Manual-
Practices- landfill
gas control
systems.
Dust
deposition
240 mg/m
2
/day 24-hour mean
concentration (gravimetric)
Monitoring over 1-
month period (28
days +/- 2)
Annual/Quarterly as
required by site
considerations
Standard Method
VDI2119 (Measurement
of Dustfall,
Determination of Dustfall
using Bergerhoff
Instrument (German
Engineering Institute)
Monitoring at site
boundary, near
sensitive receptors
and of potential
sources.

Fine
Particulates
(PM
10
)
50 g/m
3
Annual/Quarterly/Con
tinuous monitoring as
required by site
considerations
As described in
prEN12341 Air Quality
field test procedure to
demonstrate reference
equivalence of sampling
methods for PM
10

fraction of particulate
matter
Monitoring at site
boundary, near
sensitive receptors
and of potential
sources.

Draft April 2003
Table A4.5 Emissions of Noise
Monitoring
Location and
duration
Measurement
Duration
Determining
Condition
NOTE 1

Limit value Standard Guideline Method of prediction
At boundary or at
noise sensitive
location

30 min. daytime
15 min. nighttime

Statistical
analysis
If background noise
level L
A90
dB is above
35 dB L
A90

55 dB LAeq daytime
45 dB LAeq night
time
EPA Guidance Note for
Noise in Relation to
Scheduled Activities (IPC
Licensing), 1995
BS 5228:1997 Noise and Vibration
Control on construction and open sites
Or
ISO 9613-2:1996 Attenuation of sound
during propagation outdoors
At boundary of
noise sensitive
location

30 min. daytime
15 min. nighttime

Statistical
analysis
If background noise
level L
A90
dB is less
than 35 dB L
A90

Max. 10 dB more
than the measured
L
A90

background noise
level
BS 4142:1997 Method for
rating industrial noise
affecting mixed residential
and industrial areas (being
reviewed at present to include
assessment in rural areas)
Or
At boundary of
noise sensitive
location
30 min. daytime
15 min. nighttime

1/3
rd
octave
frequency
analysis
Any development No tonal or impulsive
noise evi dent from
the development
Tonal and Impulse
identification as per ISO
1996: Part 2
Or

NOTE 1: Noise monitoring shall be carried out annually and on dates agreed in advance with the Agency.

Draft April 2003
Table A4.6 Emissions of Vibration
Parameter/
Determinand
Value Reference Conditions
Sampling/monitoring
Human
response in
structures
Not
applicable
Vibration
dose Value
(VDV)
Nuisance value of vibration
depends on the axis of vibration.
Measurement with vibration meter
if complaints arise
If required by EPA BS 6472: 1992 Guide to
evaluation of human exposure
to vibration in buildings (1hZ to
80Hz)
BS 5228: Part 1: 1997
Code of practice for basic
information and procedures for
noise and vibration control
Part 2: 1997
Guide to noise and vibration
control legislation for
construction and demolition
including road construction
and maintenance.
Part 4: Code of practice for
noise and vibration control
applicable to piling operations.
Part 5: Code of practice
applicable to surface mineral
extraction (except coal) sites.
12 mm/sec
if < once per
week
8 mm/sec if
> once per
week
Peak
particle
velocity
(PPV)
Measured with vibration meter in
three mutually orthogonal
directions at the structure of the
receiving location
Every time blasting is
carried out
Structural
vibration
125 dB
linear
Maximum
peak
Ll(max)
Air overpressure measured with
soundlevel meter at sensitive
receptor
Every time blasting is
carried out
BS 7385: Part 2: 1993 Guide
to damage levels from
groundborne vibration.
EPA noise guidance in
relation to scheduled
activities, 1995
or BS7385

Draft April 2003
APPENDIX 5 SUMMARY OF LANDFILL DIRECTIVE TECHNICAL
REQUIREMENTS
Annex I: General
Location in relation to sensitive receptors, including: residential & recreation areas, waterways,
water bodies, agriculture, urban site; groundwater, coastal water, nature protection zones;
geological & hydrogeological conditions; flooding, subsidence, landslides, avalanches; nature and
cultural heritage
Water control and leachate management measures to control and prevent water from entering
waste and to collect and treat contaminated water/leachate
Protection of soil and water measures for lining and sealing the landfill to prevent pollution of soil,
groundwater or surface water and ensure efficient collection of leachate
Gas control measures to control the accumulation and migration of landfill gas and its collection,
treatment and use
Nuisances and hazards measures to minimise nuisances and hazards from odours & dust
emissions; wind-blown materials; noise & traffic; birds, vermin & insects; formation of aerosols;
fires; mud and dirt
Stability measures to ensure stability of the waste mass and avoidance of slippages
Barriers security and access measures
Annex II: Waste Acceptance Criteria and Procedures
General principles for acceptance of waste at the various classes of landfill
Procedures for testing and acceptance of waste
Guidelines for waste acceptance procedures
Sampling of waste
Annex III: Control and Monitoring Procedures in Operation and Aftercare Phases
Meteorological data data to be collected and frequency of readings
Emission data for leachate sampling, monitoring of surface water, gas monitoring including
frequency and parameters for monitoring
Protection of groundwater sampling, monitoring parameters and trigger levels
Topography of the site waste composition and settlement data for the landfill body

Draft April 2003
APPENDIX 6 REFERENCES
References cited in this Guidance Note
Legislation
Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 Stationery Office, Dublin
Protection of the Environment Bill of January 2003

Local Government (Water Pollution) Act 1977, Stationary Office, Dublin
European Community (1980). Council Directive 80/68/EEC on the protection of
groundwater against pollution caused by certain dangerous substances. (OJ L20,
26/01/80). [amended by 85/208/EC (OJ L89, 29/03/85); 87/144/EC (OJ L57, 27/02/87);
2000/60/EC (OJ L 327, 22/12/00)].
Protection of Groundwater Regulations 1999 (SI 41/1999)
Local Government (Water Pollution) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (SI No. 42 1999)
European Communities (Quality of Salmonid Waters) Regulations, 1988. (SI 293/1988)
European Communities (Quality of Surface Water Intended for the Abstraction of drinking
Water) Regulations, 1989. SI 294/1989
European Community (2000). Council Directive 78/659/EEC on the quality of fresh
waters needing protection or improvement in order to support fish life. (OJ L327,
22/12/00)
Local Government (Water Pollution) Act 1990, Stationery Office, Dublin
Water Quality (Dangerous Substances) Regulations, 2001. SI 12/2001

European Community (1991). Council Directive 91/689/EEC on hazardous waste. (OJ
L377, 31/12/91)
Waste Management Act 1996, Stationery Office, Dublin
European Communities (Amendment of Waste Management (Licensing Regs 2000),
2002), SI 337 of 2002.
European Communities (Licensing of Incinerators for Hazardous Waste) Regulations
1998. (SI 64/1998)
European Community (2000). Council Directive 2000/76/EC on the incineration of waste.
(OJ L 332, 28/12/00)
European Community (1999). Council Directive 1999/31/EC on the landfill of waste. (OJ
L182, 16/7/99)
EU Council Decision 2003/33/EC establishing criteria and procedures for the acceptance
of waste at landfills.
European Community (1996). Council Directive 96/61/EC concerning integrated pollution
prevention and control. (OJ L257, 10/10/96)

Air Pollution Act No.6 of1987, Stationery Office, Dublin
Air Pollution (Air Quality Standards) Regulations, 2002 (SI 271 of 2002) replaces SI 244
of 1987)
European Community (1996) Council Directive 96/62/EC on ambient air quality
assessment and management (OJ: L296/55/96) & Daughter Directives 1999/30/EC and
2000/69/EC

Wildlife Act 1976 and Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000, and Regulations made there under
European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations,1997(SI 94/1997) & Amendments

Draft April 2003
European Communities (Conservation of Wildbirds) Amendment Regulations, 1997. (SI
210/1997)
EPA Publications
Environmental Protection Agency, Department of the Environment and Local
Government, Geological Survey of Ireland 1999 Groundwater Protection Schemes
Environmental Protection Agency, Department of the Environment and Local
Government, Geological Survey of Ireland 1999 Groundwater Protection Responses for
Landfills
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) 1995 Landfill Manuals Investigations for
Landfills
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) 1995 Landfill Manuals Landfill Monitoring
(Update to be published in 2003)
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) 1997 Landfill Manuals Landfill Operational
Practices
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) 1997 Waste Disposal Activities (Landfill Sites)
Application Form
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) 1999 Landfill Manuals Landfill Restoration and
Aftercare
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) 1999 Waste Licensing Draft Guidance on
Environmental Management Systems and Reporting to the Agency
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) 2000 Landfill Manuals Landfill Site Design
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) 2000 Draft Landfill Manuals Landfill Site
Selection
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) 2000 Draft Landfill Manuals Waste
Acceptance
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) 2000 Waste Licensing Waste
Recovery/Disposal Activities (Landfill Sites) Guidance Note for Applicants
EPA RTDI Study on the Design and Control of Landfill Gas Flares, 2003
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) 1995 Guidance Note for Noise in Relation to
Scheduled Activities
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) 2001 Parameters for Water Quality,
Interpretation and Standards
EPA(Environmental Protection Agency) 1997 Environmental Quality Objectives and
Environmental Quality Standards - The Aquatic Environment A Discussion Document.

Standards
British Standards Institute. BS 1722: Fences (40 parts, not all active)
British Standards Institute (1987). BS8007:1987 Code of Practice for design of Concrete
Structures for Retaining Aqueous Liquids. British Standards Institute Milton Keynes, UK
British Standards Institute (1990). BS1377:1990 Methods of Test for Soils for Civil
Engineering Purposes. British Standards Institute, Milton Keynes, UK
British Standards Institute (1993). BS EN25667-2:1993, BS6068-6.2:1991 (or ISO 5667-
2:1991). Water Quality Sampling. Guidance on sampling techniques

Draft April 2003
British Standards Institute BS 6068-6.11:1993, ISO 5667-11:1993. Water Quality
Sampling. Guidance on sampling of groundwaters
Department of the Environment (1995). Waste Management Paper 26B. Landfill Design,
Construction and Operational Practice. The Stationery Office, London. ISBN 0-11-
753185-5
British Standards Institute (1996). BS EN ISO14001:1996, Environmental management
systems specification with guidance for use. British Standards Institute, London
International Standards organisation ISO 1996 Acoustics - Description and
measurement of environmental noise; Part 1-3
International Standards organisation ISO 9613-2:1996 Attenuation of sound during
propagation outdoors
British Standards Institute (1990). BS4142:1990 Rating Industrial Noise Affecting Mixed
Residential and Industrial Areas. British Standards Institute Milton Keynes, UK
British Standards Institute (1997). BS 5228:1997:Part 1 Noise and vibration control on
construction and open sites
American Society for Testing and Methods. ASTM D4437: Standard Practice for
Determining the Integrity of Field Seams used in Joining Flexible Polymeric Sheet
Geomembranes
American Society for Testing and Methods (2002). ASTM D792-00, Standard test for
density and specific gravity (relative density) of plastics by displacement. ASTM
International, USA
Geosynthetic Research Institute. Test method GM5(c). Test method for seam constant
tensile load test for polyolefin geomembrane seams.
FTMS 101 Method 2065. Puncture resistance of geomembranes
German TA Luft Standards, 1986, 1997, 2001 Technical Instructions on Air Quality
Control

Supplementary References
Legislation
European Community (1975). Council Directive 75/442/EEC on Waste. (OJ L194
25/07/75) (as amended by Council Directive 91/156/EEC (OJ L78 26/03/91))
Waste Management (Hazardous Waste) Regulations 1988. (SI 163/1998)
Environment Protection Agency Act, 1992 (Urban Waste Water Treatment) Regulations,
1994. SI 419/1994
European Community (1991). Council Directive 91/271/EEC concerning urban waste-
water treatment. (OJ L135 30/05/91)
Waste Management (Farm Plastics) Regulations 1997. (SI No 315 of 1997)
Waste Management (Licensing) Regulations 1997. (SI 133/1997)
Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations 1997. (SI 242/1997)
Waste Management (Planning) Regulations 1997. (SI 137/1997)
Waste Management (Register) Regulations 1997. (SI 183/1997)

Draft April 2003
European Communities (Amendment of Waste Management Act, 1996) Regulations
1998. (SI 166/1998)
Waste Management (Amendment of Waste Management Act, 1996) Regulations 1998.
(SI 146/1998)
Waste Management (Licensing) (Amendment) Regulations 1998. (SI 162/1998)
Waste Management (Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations 1998. (SI 164/1998)
Waste Management (Movement of Hazardous Waste) Regulations 1998. (SI 147/ 1998)
Waste Management (Packaging) (Amendment) Regulations 1998. (SI 382/ 1998)
Waste Management (Permit) Regulations 1998. (SI 165/1998)
Waste Management (Transfrontier Shipment of Waste) Regulations 1998. (SI 149/1988)
Waste Management (Use of Sewage Sludge in Agriculture) Regulations 1998.
(SI 148/1988)
Waste Management (Water Pollution) (Nutrient Management Planning Consultation)
Regulations 1998. (SI 257/1998)
Waste Management (Hazardous Waste) (Amendment) Regulations 2000. (SI 73/2000)

EPA Publications
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) 1995 Environmental Impact Statements 2
volume set of Guidelines and Advice Notes
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) 1995 Waste Prevention Solving the Growing
Waste Problem
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) 1996 Integrated Pollution Control Licensing
BATNEEC Guidance Note for the Waste Sector
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) 1996 National Waste Database Report 1995
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) 1998 Household Hazardous Waste
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) 1998 Local Authority Landfill Sites in Ireland A
Report for 1995-1997
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) 1998 Waste Management Licensing Guide to
Implementation & Enforcement in Ireland
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) 1999 Proposed National Hazardous Waste
Management Plan
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) 2001 Report on IPC Licensing & Control 2000
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) 2000 National Waste Database Report 1998
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) 2000 Waste Management Licensing Aspects
of Licensing Procedures: Objections, Oral Hearings

Draft April 2003
APPENDIX 7 GLOSSARY
Terms
Activated sludge: a flocculent microbial mass of bacteria, protozoa and other micro-
organisms with a significant proportion of inert debris, produced when sewage is
continuously aerated.
Aerobic: a condition in which elementary oxygen is available and utilised in the free form by
bacteria.
Aftercare: any measures that are necessary to be taken in relation to the facility for the
purposes of preventing environmental pollution following the cessation of landfill activities at
the facility and the capping and restoration of the site.
Afteruse: the use to which a landfill is put following restoration.
Anaerobic: a condition in which oxygen is not available in the form of dissolved oxygen or
nitrate/nitrite.
Baseline monitoring: monitoring in and around the location of a proposed facility so as to
establish background environmental conditions prior to any development of the proposed
facility.
BAT: Best Available Technology as defined in Section 5 (2) of the WMA.
Bentonite: any commercially processed clay material consisting primarily of the mineral
group smectite.
Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD): is a measure of the rate at which micro-organisms
use dissolved oxygen in the bacterial breakdown of organic matter (food) under aerobic
conditions. The BOD, test indicates the organic strength of a waste water and is determined
by measuring the dissolved oxygen concentration before and after the incubation of a sample
at 20C for five days in the dark. An inhibitor may be added to prevent nitrification from
occurring.
Biodegradable waste: any waste that is capable of undergoing anaerobic or aerobic
decomposition, such as food and garden waste, and paper and paperboard.
Borehole: a shaft installed outside waste area for the monitoring of and/or the extraction of
LFG/groundwater. Established by placing a casing and well screen into the boring. If
installed within the waste area it is called a well.

Draft April 2003
Bunding/berm: a dike or mound usually of clay or other inert material used to define limits of
cells or phase or roadways; or to screen the operation of a landfill from adjacent properties;
reducing noise, visibility, dust and litter impacts.
Capping system: system comprising of a number of different components placed over the
waste principal to minimise infiltration into the waste.
Capping: the covering of a landfill, usually with low permeability material (Landfill cap).
Cells: subdivision of phases.
Chemical oxygen demand (COD): is a measure of the amount of oxygen consumed from a
chemical oxidising agent under controlled conditions. The COD is generally greater than the
BOD as the chemical agent will often oxidise more compounds than is possible under
biological conditions.
Composite liner: comprise two or more liners in direct contact with each other.
Condensate: the liquid, which forms within gas pipework due to the condensation of water
vapour from LFG.
Construction/demolition waste: masonry and rubble wastes arising from the demolition or
construction of buildings or other civil engineering structures.
Construction Quality Assurance (CQA): a planned system of activities that provide
assurance that the facility was constructed in accordance with the contract and technical
specifications.
Daily cover: is the term used to describe material spread (about 150mm if soil cover used)
over deposited waste at the end of every working day.
Direct discharge: introduction into groundwater of substances in Lists I or II without
percolation through the ground or subsoil.
Downgradient: the direction towards which groundwater or surface water flows. Also
referred to as downslope.
Effective rainfall: total rainfall minus actual losses due to evaporation and transpiration.
Effluent: a liquid, which flows from a process or system.
Elevated flare: these burn LFG as open flames.
Emission: meaning assigned by the EPA Act of 1992.

Draft April 2003
Flame arrestor: in the case of landfill gas catching fire in the pipes or process equipment or
a flame entering the pipe from a burner, the flame arrestor prevents the fire or flame moving
back down the pipe.
Flare: a flare where the combustion processes take place in a combustion chamber. The
combustion chamber is thermically insulated to prevent the flame from cooling. Some
means of combustion control is normally provided. Also known as a closed flare or ground
flare.
Flare unit: a device used for the combustion of landfill gas thereby converting its methane
content to carbon dioxide.
Flexible membrane liner (FML)/Geomembrane: an essentially impermeable membrane
used with foundation, soil, rock, earth or any other geotechnical engineering related material
as an integral part of human made project, structure or system.
Gas wells: wells installed during filling or retrofitted later within the waste area for the
monitoring of and/or removal of landfill gas either actively through an extraction system or
passively by venting.
Geocomposite: a manufactured material using geotextiles, geogrids, geonets, and/or
geomembranes in laminated or composite form.
Geosynthetic Clay Liners (GCLs): factory manufactured, hydraulic barriers typically
consisting of bentonite clay or other very low permeability materials (powder or granulated
bentonite with or without an adhesive mixed into the bentonite), supported by geotextiles
and/or geomembranes which are held together by needling, stitching or chemical adhesives.
Geotextile: any permeable textile used with foundation, soil, rock, earth or any other
geotechnical engineering related material as an integral part of a human made project,
structure or system.
Greenhouse effect: the accumulation of gases in the upper atmosphere which absorb heat
radiated from the earths surface, resulting in increase in global temperature.
Groundwater: water, which is below the surface of the ground in the saturation zone and in
direct contact with the ground or subsoil.
Hazardous landfill: landfill that accepts only hazardous waste that fulfils the criteria set out
in Article 6 of Council Directive 1999/31/EC on the landfill of waste
Hydraulic conductivity (K): coefficient of proportionality that describes the rate at which a
fluid can move through a permeable medium. It is a function of both the media (solid
component) and the fluid flowing through it (also known as coefficient of permeability).

Draft April 2003
Hydraulic gradient: the change in total hydraulic head between two points, divided by the
length of flow paths between the points.
Hydraulic load: the volumetric flow in relation to the hydraulic capacity of the collecting
system or treatment plant
Hydrogeology: study of the interrelationships of the geology of soils and rock with
groundwater.
Indirect discharge: introduction into groundwater of substances in Lists I or II after
percolation through the ground or subsoil.
Inert landfill: landfill that accepts only inert waste that fulfils the criteria set out in the
Agencys manual Waste Acceptance.
Intermediate cover: refers to placement of material (minimum 300mm if soil used) for a
period of time prior to restoration or prior to further disposal of waste.
Landfill Gas (LFG): all gases generated from the landfilled waste.
Landfill: waste disposal facility used for the deposit of waste on to or into land.
Leachate collection and removal system: engineered system to draw leachate to a central
point for removal, with the purpose of minimising the accumulation and depth of leachate on
the liner.
Leachate well: well installed within the waste area for the monitoring and/or extraction of
leachate as opposed to borehole which is the term used when located outside of the
waste deposition area.
Leachate: any liquid percolating through the deposited waste and emitted from or contained
within a landfill as defined in Section 5 (1) of the WMA.
Liner system: combination of drainage layers and liners.
Liner: a low permeability barrier installed to impede the flow of leachate, groundwater and
landfill gas.
Liquid waste: any waste in liquid form (including waste waters but excluding sludge) and
containing less than 2% dry matter.
List I/II substances: substances referred to in the EU Directives on Dangerous Substances
(76/464/EEC) and Groundwater (80/68/EC).

Draft April 2003
Lower explosive limit (LEL): the lowest percentage concentration by volume of a mixture of
flammable gas with air, which will propagate a flame at 25C and atmosphere pressure.
Manufacturers Quality Assurance (MQA): a planned system of activities that provides
assurance that the materials were manufactured as specified in the contract documents.
Manufacturing Quality Control (MQC): a planned system of inspection that is used to
monitor and control the manufacture of a material, which is factory, originated.
Methanogenic stage: phase where fatty acids are degraded to methane and carbon dioxide
by bacteria.
Moisture content: weight of moisture (usually water) contained in a sample of waste or soil.
Usually determined by drying the sample at 105C to constant weight,
Non-destructive test: an in situ test that does not require the removal of samples from, nor
damage to, the installed liner system.
Non-hazardous landfill: landfill that accepts waste that fulfils the criteria set out in Article 6
of Council Directive 1999/31/EC on the landfill of waste.
Phasing: progressive use of the landfill area so that construction, operation (filling) and
restoration can occur simultaneously in different parts of the site.
Receiving water: a body of water, flowing or otherwise, such as a stream, river, lake,
estuary or sea, into which water or wastewater is discharged.
Restoration: works carried out on a landfill site to allow planned afteruse.
Sludge: the accumulation of solids resulting from chemical coagulation, flocculation and/or
sedimentation after water or wastewater treatment with between 2% and 14% dry matter.
Specific permeability (k): measure of the rate at which a fluid will pass through a medium.
A property of the medium only (solid component).
Stripping: removal of volatile components from liquid by gas exchange.
Total organic carbon (TOC): mass concentration of carbon present in the organic matter,
which is dissolved or suspended in water.
Trigger level: is a value which when encountered requires certain actions to be taken.
Upper explosive limit (UEL): the highest percentage concentration by volume of a mixture
of flammable gas with air, which will propagate a flame at 25Cand atmospheric pressure.

Draft April 2003
Vent: refers to system provided in a landfill to permit the escape to atmosphere of gases and
vapours generated by deposited waste during biodegradation.
Void space: space available to deposit waste.
Well head: fitting to the top of a gas well to control the extraction of landfill gas.

Draft April 2003
Abbreviations
BAT Best Available Techniques
BATNEEC Best Available Techniques Not Entailing Excessive Cost
BREF BAT reference sector notes being produced by the
European Commission
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
EIS Environmental Impact Statement
ELV Emission Limit Value
EMP Environmental Management Programme
EMS Environmental Management System
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
EQO Environmental Quality Objective
EQS Environmental Quality Standard
IPPC Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control
WMA Waste Management Act
LAXX Reference number for an emission to air
LWXX Reference number for an emission to water
LLXX Reference number for an emission to land
LNXX Reference number for an emission of noise or vibration
LHXX Reference number for an emission of heat

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