Ground Water Protection Systems

(1) General Performance Standard. Landfills shall contain and collect leachate and minimize the migration of leachate out of the landfill into the underlying ground water to the maximum practicable extent and prevent the pollution of ground water during the active life of the facility and the closure and post- closure periods. (2) General Design Standards. Landfill ground water protection systems shall: (a) be constructed of materials that are compatible with the leachate and gases expected to be generated within the landfill; (b) be constructed with a system to collect and contain leachate prior to treatment and/or disposal; (c) provide coverage of all areas to be filled with solid waste and all base perimeters likely to be in contact with leachate; (d) have a minimum slope of 2% over the entire ground water protection system; (e) be constructed so that the slope of the liner provides positive drainage to those locations along the perimeter of the landfill where the collection and removal is achieved; (f) be constructed such that any liner, where the slope of the liner will be less steep than four horizontal to one vertical (4:1) runs at least five feet (vertically) or to the top of side slopes or berms if applicable; (g) be capable of withstanding the physical and mechanical stresses associated with the site and landfill development, operation and maintenance activities. (h) be sufficiently strong and stable enough to withstand the static and seismic loads at the site under all expected operating conditions; and (i) be designed with a factor of safety (FS) appropriate for the structure and situation being evaluated. All factors of safety shall be identified and justified. (3) Ground Water Protection System Components. Except as provided in 310 CMR