This specification defines procedures for determining the performance of certain landfill daily cover materials such as sprayed slurries, foams, and indigenous materials generally described as an alternative daily cover (ADC) for municipal solid waste landfills. It is not applicable to other types of landfills and to geosynthetics used as an ADC. It addresses the evaluation of an ADC and its ability to control fires and odors and whether or not the cover contains materials that present a threat to human health and the environment. Materials shall be tested at accredited laboratories to determine the physical properties such as potential for fire production, water vapor permeance, toxicity, and leaching potential. The control of disease vectors and blowing litter shall be evaluated by observation while scavenging shall be controlled by security procedures and other operating practices.

1.1 This specification defines procedures for determining the performance of certain landfill daily cover materials generally described as an alternative daily cover (ADC). This specification applies only to slurries or foams that are spray applied, or indigenous materials that are placed onto the working face of a municipal solid waste landfill (MSWLF) unit as a cover. It is not applicable to other types of landfills nor geosynthetics used as an ADC.

1.2 This standard addresses the evaluation of an ADC and its ability to control fires and odors and whether or not the cover contains materials that present a threat to human health and the environment. The control of disease vectors and blowing litter can be evaluated by observation, and scavenging is controlled by security procedures and other operating practices.

1.3 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) promulgated regulations under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Subtitle D, which establish criteria for municipal solid waste landfills (MSWLF). These regulations became effective October 9, 1991. The cover material requirements of these regulations are set forth in 40 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 258.21 as follows:

(a) “Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, the owners or operators of all MSWLF units must cover disposed solid waste with 6 in. (152.4 mm) of earthen material at the end of each operating day, or at more frequent intervals if necessary, to control disease vectors, fires, odors, blowing litter, and scavenging.”

(b) “Alternative materials of an alternative thickness (other than at least 6 in. (152.4 mm) of earthen material) may be approved by the Director of the Solid Waste Regulatory Agency of an approved State if the owner or operator demonstrates that the alternative material and thickness control disease vectors, fires, odors, blowing litter, and scavenging without presenting a threat to human health and the environment.”

1.3.1 These federal regulations have the force of the law, and it is the purpose of this specification to define the test procedures necessary to comply with these regulations.

1.3.2 In order for a MSWLF landfill operator to obtain approval for use of an ADC, the operator must supply performance data to the state Solid Waste Regulatory Agency. In general, the technique used to obtain this permission involves applying to the state Solid Waste Regulatory agency for a sanitary MSWLF operating permit modification.

Note 1: Manufacturers will provide performance data for their product.

1.3.3 Parties interested in the evaluation technology described in the Standard Practice should include MSWLF operators, engineering firms, local, state, and federal Solid Waste Regulatory Agencies, and manufacturers and vendors of ADC materials.

1.4 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.