What are second generation landfills?
The new provincial disposal standards to be implemented on December 31st, 2005 require Nova Scotians to use second generation landfills for the disposal of solid waste. Second generation landfills will be required to have in place plastic and soil liners and a piping systems to collect leachate for proper disposal at treatment facilities. Leachate is a liquid containing toxins produced within solid waste facilities as a result of water seeping through various organic materials that improperly decomposed. Leachate collects contaminated particles from the landfill material and can pollute neighbouring soil and water resources if it escapes from the landfill site.
