What is the minimum buffer distance for a landfill from a notified habitation/residential area?

500 meters, as per Table 1, to minimize impacts like odour, dust, and noise.

What is the minimum required thickness and permeability for a compacted clay liner?

A minimum thickness of 1 meter with a permeability not exceeding 1x10^-7 cm/s (Clause 5.3.2.1).

What constitutes a composite liner system as per this code?

It typically consists of a geomembrane (min 1.5mm HDPE) placed over a compacted clay liner (min 1m thick) (Clause 5.3.2).

How often should groundwater be monitored around a landfill?

Once before the monsoon, once during the monsoon, and once post-monsoon annually (Table 4).

IS 15410

: 2004

Landfill sites - Criteria for selection, design, operation and environmental monitoring

CurrentSpecializedCode of PracticeEnvironmental · Environmental and Sanitation

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This standard provides comprehensive criteria for the selection, design, operation, and environmental monitoring of landfill sites for municipal solid waste. It aims to ensure the containment of waste and control of leachate and landfill gas, thereby protecting the surrounding environment, particularly soil and groundwater resources.

Lays down criteria for the selection, design, operation, and environmental monitoring of landfill sites for municipal solid waste.

Quick Reference Values

Minimum buffer zone from river/lake500 m

Minimum buffer zone from national highway500 m

Minimum permeability of compacted clay liner1 x 10⁻⁷ cm/s

Minimum thickness of HDPE geomembrane1.5 mm

Minimum thickness of leachate drainage layer30 cm

Minimum slope for leachate collection pipes1%

Maximum slope of final cover1V : 3H (33%)

Minimum slope of final cover4 to 5%

Practical Notes

While this IS code provides technical guidelines, compliance with the latest Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules issued by the MoEF&CC is legally mandatory.

Construction Quality Assurance (CQA) for the installation of the liner system, especially the welding of geomembrane seams, is the most critical factor for the long-term performance of the landfill.

The code is specific to municipal solid waste. Landfills for hazardous or industrial waste require more stringent design criteria, often referred to as 'secure landfills'.