Locating and Repairing Leaks in Landfill/Impoundment Flexible Membrane Liners

摘要

In the United States, the large quantities of solid and hazardous wastes generated each year are commonly disposed of in landfills and surface impoundments. Geomembrane liners (flexible membrane liners, FMLs) are often used to form an impermeable barrier to prevent migration of contaminant liquids to nearby soil and water. As a pollution barrier the FML must be sound and without defect. An effective method was needed not only to locate leaks in FML's before waste materials are introduced but to isolate leaks for subsequent repair in operating landfill impoundments. EPA, recognizing the enormity and the implications of the problem, undertook a research program to determine where the leaks were, how to get to the leak, and how to repair the leak.