Landfills and abandoned dumpsites possess the potential for redevelopment as productive properties, resulting in economic benefit to owners and municipalities.  However, the inherent nature of fill materials impounded in landfills and dumps present unique hazards to health and the environment.

Landfills, though regulated since the 1970s, present challenges for development, because the integrity of containment systems must be preserved throughout the redevelopment process.  Historical dumpsites may have no containment systems in place, allowing environmental contaminants to be leached from the waste material, polluting soil, groundwater, and air quality.

AKT Peerless has participated in reclamation of several sites, as part of development plans. 

Typical site concerns are:

·         Leachate contamination of groundwater and surface water

·         Air quality from migrating methane gas

·         Soil contamination from contact with waste materials in unregulated waste streams

After analysis of the waste materials and potential hazards (typically determined from Phase I, Phase II, and Baseline Environmental Assessment studies), AKT worked with owners and municipal authorities to develop control measures to allow human occupancy of the subject properties.  A work plan is developed and submitted to governing authorities for approval.  The work plan outlines the methods for controlling contaminant migration and contaminant monitoring.  Work plan action items have included:

·         Defining the waste boundary using soil exploration, including soil borings and test pits

·         Installation of site capping system to minimize storm water infiltration and reduce leachate production

·         Design, oversight, and installation monitoring of active and passive methane collection systems to intercept methane gas at the site boundaries and prevent migration to neighboring properties

·         Long-term monitoring of methane venting systems and groundwater monitoring systems to confirm the effectiveness of treatment or containments systems

AKT Peerless’ staff has several on-going landfill/dump projects.