hen it comes to landfill expansions, landfill owners should consider project costs and are paramount to the decision process. The most prudent strategy should not only reflect the science behind the decision, but also how project costs factor in the decision process.

At times because of the contentious landfill expansion market or the controversial CCR Compliance market, project costs get deprioritized in conversations amongst the stakeholders. Landfill owners can become so concerned with the “if” question that the “how much” question gets overlooked. The project economics should be “present” at all decision phases.

No one intentionally wants to spend more than they must, so landfill owners, environmentalists, legislators, and customers must share common goals for incurring only reasonable expenses for the solution. Utilizing a hybrid approach which includes both technical and business perspectives for the landfill project will protect the environment and customers’ rates.

Mechanically stabilized earthen (MSE) berms are a practical technique for expanding capacity in existing landfills. Unfortunately, one common misconception about their use prohibits the proliferation of MSE berms at landfills. This misconception is that MSE berms “cost too much to construct”.

EnCAP-IT, the leader in Encapsulated Mechanically Stabilized Earthen (eMSE) structures has developed tools to construct safeBERM® and safeSTORAGE® been developed to increase safety and decrease cost.

Our solution tools utilize non-traditional construction materials in an environmentally safe manner, voiding the costly procurement of natural resources.

These revenue-generating alternative fill materials can offset construction costs and eliminate off-site material purchase & transport costs.

CCRs
Incinerator ash
Impacted soils
Foundry sands
Dredge material
Crushed concrete
Crushed glass
Drill cuttings
Other approved materials

“Source of Economic Benefit

Much of the potential berm fill material classified as beneficial use material already comes to the same landfills seeking expansion for disposal. They may already be used within the waste management boundary as alternate daily cover or access road surface material on the landfill area.

In addition, a formalized beneficial use material acceptance program offers an owner the opportunity to significantly decrease their project construction costs.”

Jeffrey Crate, P.G

“The Benefits of an Encapsulated Mechanically Stabilized Earthen (eMSE) Berm” – October 2019

Waste Advantage Magazine