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1. Site Suitability Assessment: The
Influence Of Geology In Waste Disposal
Evaluation And Safe-Guiding Waste
Disposal Site Over Time
PRESENTED BY: 1

2. Abstract
Proper waste disposal is essential to safeguard the environment and
public health. This article focuses on the significance of geology and
engineering in the assessment and selection of suitable landfill sites. It
highlights the use of engineering geology techniques, geotechnical
investigations, and geophysical methods in the site suitability
assessment process. Additionally, the article emphasizes the
importance of considering environmental and community factors in site
selection and discusses the crucial steps of site construction,
management, and restoration for safe waste disposal. Finally,
recommendations are provided to enhance waste disposal practices,
protect the environment, and foster sustainable land reuse.
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3. Introduction
• It is inevitable that the chemical and biological
contaminants in wastes will find their way back to
humans to affect health, quality of life, and working
activities
• The aim of designing a landfill is to make available a
facility that will provide a reasonable degree of safety
to humans and the environment during its operational
as well as its post-closure life
• Therefore, in designing a waste disposal site, the
topography, hydrology, hydrogeology, and geology of
the area are considered essential pieces of information
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4. Introduction
• Engineering geology employs methods
such as aerial photographs and satellite
imageries which serve as useful guides to
identifying geological and hydrogeological
features and so reveal areas on which
landfill sites might be located
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5. Objectives
• To raise awareness among the public about the
importance of protecting the environment from the
harmful effects of indiscriminate waste disposal
• To emphasize the involvement of appropriate
professionals in the construction of safe waste
disposal facilities
• To provide adequate planning and investigative
information on waste management techniques,
particularly in developing countries
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6. The Role of Engineering Geology in
Planned Waste Disposal Programs
• "Engineering geology is a branch of human knowledge
that uses geological information combined with
practice and experience to assist in the solution of
problems in which such knowledge may be applicable"
• Prior to the design and construction of a waste
disposal site, geomorphological, geological,
subsurface, and soil characteristics of the site must be
investigated to ensure the best siting, stability of the
facility, and to minimize the effects of the sites both in
the short and long term
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7. The Role of Engineering
Geology in Planned Waste
Disposal Programs
• The engineering geologist and
hydrogeologists should advise on
the engineering characteristics of
the soil , site settlement, site
geometry, hydrologic cycle and
groundwater flow patterns,
leachate management, and the
artificial barrier systems to use
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8. Significance Of Engineering Geology In
Planned Waste Disposal Programmes
• Engineering geology, a multidisciplinary field
that combines geological knowledge with
practical expertise, plays a pivotal role in the
assessment and development of waste
disposal sites
• Its significance lies in ensuring the long-term
safety and environmental sustainability of
waste disposal facilities
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9. Geotechnical Investigations:
Ensuring Safe Site Selection
• These investigations encompass a comprehensive
analysis of the site's geomorphological, geological,
subsurface, and soil characteristics
• One of the primary considerations in waste disposal
site selection is to avoid areas prone to landslides or
with the potential for future instability
• Geotechnical assessments also emphasize the
importance of selecting sites with clay-rich soils that
exhibit low permeability
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10. Geophysical
Investigations: Unveiling
the Subsurface Secrets
• In tandem with traditional geotechnical methods,
geophysical investigations are harnessed to unravel the
subsurface mysteries of waste disposal sites
• Geophysical techniques, such as seismic surveys,
electrical resistivity, ground-penetrating radar, and
electromagnetic methods, provide valuable insights into
the site's subsurface conditions
• The integration of multiple geophysical methods offers a
comprehensive view of the subsurface conditions, aiding
in critical decisions related to landfill design and leachate
management
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11. Advancing Site Suitability Assessment with
Aerial Imagery and Remote Sensing
• In the digital era, engineering geologists leverage the
power of aerial photographs and satellite imagery to
augment traditional site selection methods
• Aerial imagery offers a bird's-eye view, enabling a
rapid assessment of potential sites and preliminary
mapping of landforms
• Satellite imagery, as part of remote sensing
technologies, provides a wealth of additional
information
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12. Incorporating Community and
Environmental
Considerations: A Holistic
Approach
• While engineering geology forms the foundation of waste
disposal site selection, a comprehensive approach must
also incorporate community and environmental
considerations
• Engaging with local communities and stakeholders is
paramount to understand their concerns and address any
social impacts of the proposed waste disposal facility
• Environmental impact assessments play a pivotal role in
evaluating the potential effects of waste disposal sites on
the surrounding ecosystem
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13. A Multitude of Geophysical
Sensing Methods
• Seismic Surveys: Seismic waves are propagated into the
subsurface, and their reflections are used to determine the
depth to competent bedrock, as well as the presence of
subsurface layers and their characteristics, such as topsoil,
weathered layers, and fresh bedrock
• Electrical Resistivity Surveys: Electrical resistivity
measurements aid in understanding the nature of the
subsurface materials, including groundwater resources and the
aquifer's characteristics
• Ground-Penetrating Radar : GPR uses radar pulses to map
subsurface features, including buried structures and layers
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14. A Multitude of Geophysical
Sensing Methods
• Electromagnetic Methods: EM methods are
valuable in assessing subsurface
conductivity, which can help identify
potential aquifers and delineate boundaries
between different geological formations
• Magnetic Surveys: Magnetic surveys are
useful in detecting subsurface variations in
magnetization, aiding in identifying
geological structures such as faults and
shear zones
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15. Revealing Subsurface
Information
• Geophysical methods furnish essential information about the
subsurface, aiding in making informed decisions regarding
waste disposal site selection and management
• The data obtained includes: Subsurface Layers and
Characteristics: Understanding the stratigraphy and
composition of subsurface layers, such as topsoil,
weathered layers, and fresh bedrock, assists in designing
appropriate landfill structures
• Depth to Competent Bedrock: Determining the depth to
competent bedrock is critical for assessing the site's overall
stability and potential for waste containment
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16. Geotechnical Investigations:
Unveiling the Subsurface Secrets
Geophysical methods provide valuable insights into
the subsurface conditions of waste disposal sites.
Techniques such as seismic surveys, electrical
resistivity, ground-penetrating radar, and
electromagnetic methods reveal crucial information
about the depth to bedrock, groundwater resources,
subsurface layers, and potential leachate pathways.
Integrating these methods enhances landfill design,
leachate management, and long-term stability.
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17. Field Measurement of Hydraulic
Property
• The permeability of the ground, which governs
its ability to transmit water, is determined
through a pumping test
• In this test, a well is sunk into the ground,
surrounded by smaller observation holes
spaced along lines radiating from the well
• Permeability values can also be obtained from
the rise in water levels following pumping
cessation
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18. A Comprehensive
Approach for
Landfill Design
• The integration of in-situ geotechnical
investigations and laboratory testing
allows engineers to develop a
comprehensive understanding of the
subsurface conditions
• This knowledge forms the foundation for
making informed decisions in landfill site
selection, designing landfill structures,
and ensuring the long-term stability and
environmental safety of waste disposal
facilities
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19. SITE CONSTRUCTION: Building the
Foundation for Safe Waste Disposal
• Site construction plays a pivotal role in waste
management, particularly in safeguarding the environment
and public health
• Proper site construction starts with clearing and preparing
the area, which allows for efficient waste containment
while minimizing the risk of contamination
• The installation of impermeable liners and barriers is of
paramount importance in preventing leachate, a harmful
liquid produced from waste decomposition, from seeping
into the soil and groundwater
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20. SITE MANAGEMENT: Safeguarding
Operations and Environmental Compliance
• Effective site management is essential to ensure that
waste disposal facilities operate in an environmentally
responsible manner
• Continuous monitoring of key parameters such as
leachate levels, gas emissions, and groundwater quality is
vital in identifying and addressing potential issues promptly
• Compliance ensures that waste disposal activities meet
strict standards, preventing adverse impacts on
ecosystems, nearby communities, and natural resources
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21. SITE RESTORATION: Reclaiming
the Land for Future Use
• The process of site restoration is crucial in reclaiming
the land and mitigating the environmental legacy of
waste disposal facilities
• Post-closure care ensures that the site continues to be
monitored and maintained, even after waste
deposition has ceased
• One of the most significant benefits of site restoration
is the opportunity to repurpose the land for future use
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22. Conclusion
• The site suitability assessment for waste disposal facilities
is a crucial and complex process that involves various
disciplines, including engineering geology, geotechnical
investigations, and geophysical methods
• Engineering geology, aided by aerial photographs and
satellite imagery, guides site selection by identifying
geological and hydrogeological features
• Geotechnical investigations offer essential data on soil and
rock characteristics, guiding landfill design and stability
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