What is a common result of improper landfill liner use?

The common result of improper landfill liner use is groundwater contamination. Landfill liners are designed to prevent leachate—liquid that has percolated through waste materials—from seeping into the surrounding soil and ultimately reaching groundwater supplies. When liners are not properly installed or fail, hazardous substances from the waste can leach into the groundwater, posing significant risks to drinking water sources and ecosystems.

Groundwater contamination through faulty liners can lead to serious public health concerns, as pollutants may include heavy metals, chemicals, and pathogens. Once contaminated, it can be challenging and costly to remediate groundwater, making proper landfill liner installation crucial to protecting environmental and human health.

Reduced landfill capacity, increased waste collection costs, and excessive odor production can be issues associated with landfills but are more indirect consequences of operational oversight rather than directly tied to the improper use of liners. Proper liners specifically address the management of leachate and the safeguarding of groundwater resources, which is why the potential for contamination is the primary concern.