- Integrity of system depends on keeping moisture out of wastes forever -- "Dry Tomb" concept
- organic waste will not decompose without moisture
- heavy metals and others will not "detoxify" in landfill
- buried wastes remain threat to water quality ad infinitum
- Moisture barriers in cover not amenable to rigorous inspection/ repair to prevent entrance of moisture into wastes
- All landfill liners eventually leak
- Leachate collection systems eventually fail
- Groundwater monitoring regimens likely to miss finger-plumes of incipient leakage; off-site well pollution may be first indication of failure
- Small amount of "garbage juice" can render groundwater supply unpotable
- Postclosure care & remediation funding required indefinitely
- typical 30-yr "post-closure period" only small part of duration of threat to groundwater quality & public health
- long-term financial responsibility will be shifted to others... county, public, area residents
- MSW landfills emit gas, odors, & hazardous chemicals
- NIMBY is often justified based on public health & welfare, and environmental quality protection
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