Environmental Impact Assessments for Hazardous‐Waste Landfills

Abstract

Environmental impact considerations must be included in the planning and design of new hazardous‐waste landfills. Such considerations should address the potential for surface and ground‐water pollution along with changes in local land use, habitat, air quality, and noise. Described herein is a methodological framework consisting of 10 suggested activities associated with the conduction of an environmental impact study for a new hazardous‐waste landfill. The activities involve information gathering and analysis relative to the need for the landfill, pertinent environmental laws and regulations, and the environmental setting for each considered site. The technical focus of the study should be on quantifying, if possible, or at least qualitatively describing, the anticipated impacts on air quality, surface and ground water quality, noise, biological habitats, threatened or endangered species, historic or archeological sites, and socioeconomic characteristics, including transportation, land use, health and safety. Mitigation of undesirable impacts should also be addressed for each alternative site, design, and operational pattern. Finally, the planning and implementation of a baseline, operational phase, and closure phase environmental monitoring program may be necessary. Usage of the 10 suggested activities will provide a technically sound approach for conducting an environmental impact study for a proposed hazardous‐waste landfill.