What is the required depth of earth for the final surface of a sanitary landfill?

The required depth of earth for the final surface of a sanitary landfill is typically around 2 feet. This depth is critical for several reasons related to environmental health and safety. Covering the landfill with this amount of earth helps to minimize odor, control the attraction of pests, and reduce exposure to any potential leachate and gases that may escape from the waste within.

Additionally, the earth cover aids in the stabilization of the landfill structure and contributes to proper drainage, which is essential to prevent water from pooling on the surface and to direct it away from the waste. This also helps in promoting vegetation growth over the landfill, which further assists in stabilization and reduces soil erosion on the surface.

The other depths provided, such as 6 inches, 6 feet, and 3 feet, do not meet the recommended practices for achieving the desired environmental protection and aesthetic considerations for a closed landfill site. A shallower cover may not provide adequate protection against odors or pests, while a deeper cover could lead to unnecessary waste of resources and might complicate ongoing maintenance tasks. Therefore, 2 feet serves as an effective balance between functionality and practicality in landfill closure procedures.