What must subsurface impounds include to manage leachate?

Subsurface impounds are structures designed to hold liquid waste while preventing it from contaminating the surrounding environment, particularly groundwater. A critical component of effective management within these systems is the leachate collection system.

Leachate is the liquid that has percolated through waste material and contains various contaminants. To prevent this leachate from accumulating and potentially leaking into the soil or groundwater, a leachate collection system captures this liquid, allowing for proper treatment or disposal. This system typically consists of pipes and pumps that facilitate the removal of leachate from the bottom of the impound, thereby enabling continuous monitoring and management of potential pollution sources.

While groundwater monitoring systems and drainage trenches play important roles in environmental protection, they do not directly manage leachate within the impoundment itself. Instead, they serve either to monitor or manage the surrounding environment. Surface ponds are also not functionally related to leachate management; they are typically used for different purposes such as storage or treatment of surface runoff rather than for the collection of leachate within the structure. Thus, the presence of a leachate collection system is essential to ensure that subsurface impounds operate safely and effectively.