CPWM Landfill Design and Operations 4

Question 1

What is the design life requirement for post-closure care at a municipal solid waste landfill under federal regulations?

Accepted Answer

30 years

Answer

RCRA Subtitle D requires a minimum 30-year post-closure care period, though states may require longer periods based on site-specific conditions.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a required component of a landfill's post-closure care plan?

Accepted Answer

Resumption of waste acceptance for beneficial reuse

Answer

Post-closure care includes cover maintenance, groundwater monitoring, and leachate management, but waste acceptance is permanently prohibited once closure is certified.

Question 3

What type of financial assurance mechanism allows a landfill owner to self-fund closure costs by depositing funds into a dedicated trust over the life of the facility?

Accepted Answer

Closure trust fund

Answer

A closure trust fund requires annual contributions so that, at the time of closure, sufficient funds are available to complete closure and post-closure activities without reliance on external credit.

Question 4

Bioreactor landfills differ from conventional MSW landfills primarily because they:

Accepted Answer

Deliberately recirculate leachate to accelerate waste decomposition

Answer

Bioreactor landfills intentionally recirculate leachate (and sometimes add liquids) to maintain optimal moisture for microbial activity, accelerating waste stabilization and gas generation.

Question 5

What is the minimum thickness of low-permeability soil required in the final cover barrier layer under 40 CFR Part 258?

Accepted Answer

18 inches

Answer

The final cover barrier layer must be at least 18 inches of compacted soil with hydraulic conductivity ≤1×10⁻⁷ cm/s, or an equivalent geomembrane alternative.

(CPWM) Certified Professional in Waste Management Practice Test

(CPWM) Certified Professional in Waste Management Practice Test

CPWM Landfill Design and Operations 4