New York Paper Industry Landfill Liner Selection Criteria, 1990 Environmental Conference Proceedings

Anticipating the promulgation of significant new solid waste regulations in New York State, a phased study was undertaken to justify a special classification for paper industry solid wastes with a resultant reduction in landfill liner requirements. Phase I of the study consisted of a characterization of solid wastes generated by the paper industry, as well as ground water and leachate data from existing paper industry landfill sites. These data established the pollution potential of paper industry waste as significantly lower than that of municipal solid waste.

Phase II of the study evaluated the performance and appropriateness of alternative landfill liner design requirements for paper industry wastes. This was accomplished through analysis of an existing paper industry waste landfill with a single clay liner; a laboratory study of the compatibility and long-term impacts of paper industry leachate on the permeability of soil liner material; and an analysis of potential leakage rates associated with alternative liner configurations. The results of the Phase II investigations indicated that paper industry wastes could be incorporated into 6NYCRR, Part 3602.14 as an additional monofill landfill category.