Environmental Geotechnics The primary objective of the study

Environmental Geotechnics

The primary objective of the study of Environmental Geotechnics is to find ways to prevent Soil and Groundwater Contamination by applying the Geotechnical knowhow.

What is Groundwater ?

How can Groundwater be contaminated ?

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IMPACTS FROM DUMPS: A dump will impact its surrounding environment by: • Its presence (area need, visual impact, social and economical impact) • Transport of waste (noise and air) • Waste attracts animals (vermin's, insects) • Waste emits landfill gas. • Waste emits dust and other materials • Waste emits pollutant water impacting soil, surfac water and groundwater. 2/14/2022 Department of Civil Engineering, Assam Engineering College 6

THE MAIN ROLE OF A GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER ARE: 2/14/2022 1. Design, construction, operation and maintenance of new waste disposal and containment facilities 2. Isolation of contaminated ground 3. Remediation of contaminated sites 4. Provide good drainage system and purification system. 5. Monitor land, water and air pollution and take measures to control them. Department of Civil Engineering, Assam Engineering College 7

WASTE MANAGEMENT: There are different types of waste management methods that can be used for waste containment or waste isolation purposes by a civil engineer. They are: 1. Landfill 2. Combustion 3. Recycling 1. LAND FILLING. 2. COMBUSTION. 3. RECYCLING. 2/14/2022 Department of Civil Engineering, Assam Engineering College 8

Landfill • Landfill implies disposal of waste in the ground. • 70% of the waste is disposed in landfill and the percentage has been gradually decreasing. • The amount of waste actually increased due to population growth.

LANDFILL LINER SYSTEM

Combustion • Combustion can reduce the volume of the solid waste up to 90%. • Residual ash is hazardous material and should be disposed accordingly.

Recycling Materials in Percentage of Waste Corrugated boxes Newspapers Office paper Glass containers Steel cans Aluminum cans Plastics packaging Yard waste

Method 1970 1980 1990 Land filling 72% 81% 67% 1992 (Goal) 55% Combustion 21% 9% 16% 20% Recycling 7% 10% 17% 25% 2/14/2022 Department of Civil Engineering, Assam Engineering College 14