THE LOW PRESSURE AERATION OF LANDFILLS: EXPERIENCE, OPERATION AND COSTS

SUMMARY: The in situ stabilization of old deposits aims for a lasting and controlled reduction of pollutant emissions from the deposited waste in order to diminish expenditure and the duration of landfill aftercare measures. The stabilization operation so far, observed over a period of 1 – 2 years at three landfills in Germany, shows that leachate contamination is permanently reduced, biodegradation processes are significantly accelerated and main settlements take place within a short period of time. 1. IN SITU STABILIZATION FOR THE CLOSING AND AFTERCARE OF LANDFILLS For operators of landfills, the closing and aftercare will be a central subject over the coming years. Decisions must be made with regard to the technical, economic and personnel organization of the closure and subsequent measures. In this respect, the most different initial conditions and requirements must be taken into consideration: • Closure and, above all, aftercare will largely be determined by leachate and landfill gas emissions. • All investigations and experience regarding the emission behavior indicate that aftercare wil