Leachate and gas generation

The generation of leachate and gas from landfills is a well documented phenomenon which impacts landfill design and operation. Leachate and gas production are both influenced by the contents of the landfill, the local climate, and the manner in which the facility is operated. Gas composition and volume will be discussed in this chapter as will leachate composition. The quantity of leachate produced from a landfill is a function of site surface hydrology, which in turn is a function of climate, the presence of groundwater and the numerous factors affecting infiltration of surface water into the landfill. Leachate quantity is discussed in a later chapter.