Stage 1 - An “Unsaturated Zone” beneath the waste (Mid 1970s to about 1987)

Compacted Waste

Highest permissible level of ground water

Stage 2 - A 1 metre thick clay* liner, or an HDPE Liner to seal the base (circa.
1987 to mid 1990s)

Compacted Waste

Highest permissible level of ground water
as usually about 1 metre (minimum) below
the liner.

Stage 3 - Composite Lining - An HDPE Liner to seal the base laid over a 1 metre
thick clay* liner (mid 1990s to date)

*Clay must be no more permeable
than 1 x 10-9m/sec.

Compacted Waste

Highest permissible level of ground water
is usually about 1 metre (minimum) below
the liner.

Single size stone drainage layer

Depth usually 300 mm

This final detail will continue to be adopted for Municipal Solid Waste (non hazardous) landfills, and
may also be applied to many hazardous waste site landfill lining designs.

“The Landfill Site” www.landfill-site.com (December 2004)