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on the size and method of operation and, to some degree, on the experience and preference of the operators (Tables 4-2-7B and 4-2-7C). The most common equipment used on sanitary landfills is the crawler tractor, which can be used with a dozer blade, trash blade, or front-end loader. A tractor is versatile and can normally perform all required operations: spreading, compacting, covering, trenching, and hauling the cover material. If a machine is required nearly full time for compaction, it is economically advisable to purchase a landfill compactor. Other types of equipment commonly used at large sanitary landfills, where specialized equipment increases overall efficiency, are scrapers, draglines, graders, rubber-tired loaders, and water trucks. Rubbertired tractors are recommended for certain landfill operations. Use of this type of equipment, however, leads to a continuous tire maintenance problem and increased equipment downtime. Sketches of a crawler tractor, steel-wheeled tractors, and self-loading scraper are shown in Figures 4-2-7D, E, and F, respectively. Vehicles will have Roll Over Protection/Fall Protection without regard to age of vehicle. (29 CFR 1926.1000.)

4.2.7.19 These types of equipment are designed to perform the following major functions:

1.

2.

3.

3.

Waste Handling. This function includes the moving, spreading, and compaction of the waste.

Cover Material Handling. Cover material handling includes the excavation, transportation, distribution, and compaction of the cover material.

Support Functions. Support functions include the construction and maintenance of the access roads, the control of dust, and protection against fires.

4.2.7.20 Sanitary landfills that handle about 150 tons (136 metric tons), or less, of solid waste per day can normally operate efficiently with one piece of equipment; but provisions must be made for standby equipment. Large landfills that handle more than 300 tons (272 metric tons) of solid waste per day will require more than one piece of equipment. At these sites, specialized equipment can be utilized to increase efficiency and minimize

costs.

4.2.7.21 Closure Plans

4.2.7.22 Site closure can be both expensive and difficult if it is not included as part of the initial landfill design.

4.2.7.23 Three basic goals need to be achieved. First, closure shall minimize the need for further maintenance at the landfill site. Second, closure shall place the landfill in a condition that will have the least possible detrimental environmental impacts in the future. Third, the closure plan should consider preparation of the site for future use.

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(1) Specialized equipment that can improve operation efficiency.

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TABLE 4-2-7C

Equipment Selection Guidance for Multiple Unit Sites
(from Eldredge 1974)

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Spread Refuse

A

A

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Compact Refuse

A

A

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Excavate Cover

A

A

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Haul Cover

91 m

(300 ft)

or less

A A B

A O C C C 0

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= Not applicable or poor choice

Scrapers may require loading assistance in tough soils and adverse weather conditions

Courtesy of Eldredge, R. W., "Selection of Sanitary Landfill Equipment,"
Waste Age, January/February, 1974.

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4.2.7.24 Table 4-2-7D (Robinson 1986) identifies tasks that must be accomplished during site closure. Some regulatory agencies are requiring that the developer prepare a closure plan as part of the initial plans for the landfill. If a closure plan has not been developed, the tasks identified in the table under "Preplanning" must be completed. Preplanning includes specifying the final topographical contours for the landfill and establishing procedures for storm water removal.

4.2.7.25 A source of cover shall be identified when the fill is designed. If additional cover material will be needed, it shall be brought to the site while the landfill is operating. This will ensure that cover is available when the landfill is closed, and the cost can be recovered from current landfill users. Another preplanning element is preparing a landscaping and vegetative cover plan for implementation upon closure. This is in addition to planning other features of the landfill such as gas vents, leachate collection facilities, or groundwater monitoring systems. A schematic of a closed landfill is shown in Figure 4-2-7G. Impermeable membranes are used to control movement of landfill gases and leachate.

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