Is Excavation of Contents Practical?
The volume of landfill contents, types of wastes, hydrogeology, and safety must be considered when assessing the practicality of excavation and consolidation or treatment of wastes. Consideration of excavation must balance the long-term benefits of lower operation and maintenance costs and unrestricted land use with the initial high capital construction costs and potential risks associated with excavation. Although no set excavation volume limit exists, landfills with a content of more than 100,000 cubic yards (approximately two acres, 30 feet deep) would normally not be considered for excavation. If military wastes are present, especially high-hazard military wastes such as ordnance, safety considerations may be very important in determining the practicality of excavation. If excavation of the landfill contents is being considered as an alternative, the presumptive remedy should not be used. Therefore, a standard RI/FS would be required to adequately analyze and select the appropriate
