Groundwater Pollution from Industrial Waste Disposal

A waste disposal pit in northern New York was improperly constructed, violating the state permit. The pit was not lined with impermeable material, and a groundwater interception ditch was not placed deep enough to lower the groundwater beneath the bottom of the pit. As a result, area groundwater has been polluted. Migration of leachate, following periods of high precipitation, is demonstrated at downgradient sample sites. Physical characteristics of land at the site are unsuitable for industrial waste disposal. Minimum geologic and hydrologie considerations for industrial waste sites include soil type, depth to groundwater and bedrock, slope, and distance to surface water. According to these criteria, land at the disposal pit has severe limitations for industrial waste disposal. A suitability analysis is recommended before siting any waste disposal operation.