Abstract: A manufactured composite comprising synthetic turf and impermeable geomembrane is used in a single-layer capping system as the single layer to provide permanent, impermeable and functional aesthetic cover for a job site. During installation of composite pieces at a job site, an edge portion of a tufted section of a second composite piece is overlaid onto an edge untufted section of the first composite piece already laid and anchored over foundation soil to form a reinforced overlapping seam, through which the two composite pieces are physically and permanently joined together. As composite pieces are joined together, the continuity of synthetic grass and the continuity of impermeability are extended and realized over the entire site to form permanent, impermeable and functional aesthetic cover for a job site.

Abstract: Methods and systems for treating tailings at an elevated pH using lime are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the method comprises (i) providing a tailings stream comprising bicarbonates and a pH less than 9.0, (ii) adding a coagulant comprising calcium hydroxide to the tailings stream to form a mixture having a pH of at least 11.5 and a soluble calcium level no more than 800 mg/L, and (iii) dewatering the mixture to produce a product having a solids content of at least 40% by weight. In some embodiments, the pH and soluble calcium level of the mixture cause chemical modification of clay materials of the mixture via pozzolanic reactions. In some embodiments, the undrained shear strength of the product increases over a period of time of at least two days.

Abstract: A manufactured composite comprising synthetic turf and impermeable geomembrane is used in a single-layer capping system as the single layer to provide permanent, impermeable and functional aesthetic cover for a job site. During installation of composite pieces at a job site, an edge portion of a tufted section of a second composite piece is overlaid onto an edge untufted section of the first composite piece already laid and anchored over foundation soil to form a reinforced overlapping seam, through which the two composite pieces are physically and permanently joined together. As composite pieces are joined together, the continuity of synthetic grass and the continuity of impermeability are extended and realized over the entire site to form permanent, impermeable and functional aesthetic cover for a job site.

Abstract: Provided are a water-blocking filler, the swelling properties of which do not decrease easily even when in contact with water containing calcium ions, and a filler for engineered multi-barriers with said water-blocking filler as the engineered multi-barrier filler. A water-blocking filler mainly comprising sodium bentonite obtained by mixing 30 weight % or less, in terms of inner percentage, of a pozzolan substance such as fly ash or silica fume with said bentonite, and a filler using said water-blocking filler that is used for engineered multi-barriers in radioactive waste disposal facilities.

Abstract: System for containing liquid introduced onto a reusable load-supporting surface includes a plurality of interconnectable berm members configured to releasably sealingly engage the load-supporting surface to prevent leakage of liquid from the load-supporting surface around its perimeter.

Abstract: A geomembrane liner for a containment system including liner panels and connected by a seam at overlapped edges, with the top panel having a conductive lower surface which is non-conductive across the seam. Heat welding of the seams is accomplished by a welder having a heating unit with a projection which interrupts the conductive lower surface of the top panel before forming the seam. Such seams may be used separately or selectively with a lined containment system having a plurality of liner panels covering at least a portion of the containment system bottom. The liner panels have a conductive lower surface and overlap with adjacent panels, and conductive members underlie adjacent panels and contact the conductive lower surface of both adjacent panels to provide an electrical connection between the conductive lower surfaces of the adjacent panels.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting against environmental contamination at a drilling site is disclosed. The apparatus is used to form a perimeter around the drilling site, the interior of which is covered by a geomembrane. The portion of the geomembrane found along the perimeter is placed in the groove of the apparatus's base. A key block is then fit into the grove, thereby holding the geomembrane in place by the tension created between the base and the key block. At those perimeter locations that will be traversed by vehicles and equipment, two ramp pieces replace the key block in holding the geomembrane tight against the base.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide tank (3) is connected to a pump device (5). The pump device (5) is joined and connected with an infusion well (9), which is a tubular body. The infusion well (9) extends downward beneath the ground (7) and is provided so as to reach a saltwater aquifer (11). Part of the infusion well (9) forms a horizontal well (10) in a substantially horizontal direction. In other words, the horizontal well (10) is a location in which part of the infusion well (9) is formed in a substantially horizontal direction within a saltwater aquifer (11). The horizontal well (10) is provided with filters (13), which are porous members. For the filters (13), for example, a fired member in which ceramic particles are mixed with a binder that binds those particles can be used. Moreover, if the hole diameter for the filters (13) is small, microbubbles with a smaller diameter can be generated.

Abstract: A containment chamber is constructed by excavating a pit at the site of oil-contaminated sand and lining the pit with an impermeable, heat-resistant, flexible plastic liner. An array of spaced apart heating assemblies is positioned to cover the bottom of the chamber. Each heating assembly may include an elongate linear electric resistance heater positioned within a tubular slotted sand screen. The containment chamber is filled with a charge of contaminated sand. Solvent, such as diesel fuel, is pumped into the elongate passageways defined between the heaters and screens. The heaters are actuated to vaporize the solvent, which moves through the screen slots and convectively permeates the charge. The vapor transfers heat to the oily sand and condenses. Condensed solvent and heated oil drain and are recovered from the chamber.

Abstract: A system for reinforcing and facing a wall comprises a plurality of facing baskets and corresponding substantially horizontal reinforcing members, arranged in a plurality of layers. An impermeable membrane is positioned to uninterruptedly span two or more layers. At each of one or more layers, different portions of the impermeable membrane are positioned (a) between the substantially horizontal portion of the facing basket and the bottom surface of the corresponding reinforcing member, (b) around the outer end of the corresponding reinforcing member, (c) along the top surface of the substantially horizontal portion of the facing basket, and (d) angled upward toward an adjacent layer.

Abstract: Systems and methods of the present invention include a method for the treatment of drilling wastes and coal combustion residues, comprising combining at least a first drilling waste with coal combustion residues to form a paste, combining at least a second drilling waste with coal combustion residues to form a compactable fill, and placing the paste and the compactable fill in a landfill. Other embodiments include a method of treating drilling wastes and coal combustion residues, comprising combining at least one drilling waste with a coal combustion residue to form a paste. Further embodiments include containing the paste within at least one geotextile container. Still further embodiments include placing the geotextile container in a landfill.

Abstract: A concrete pit containing radioactive waste is surrounded by a low diffusion layer of cement-based material, which in turn, is surrounded by a low water permeability layer of sodium-type bentonite and the leaching out of calcium ions from the low water permeability layer is inhibited by mixing sodium bicarbonate or sodium carbonate with the sodium-type bentonite/sand mixture of the low water-permeability layer so that leached calcium ions form a barrier layer having calcium carbonate as the main component in the vicinity of the interface between the layers.

Abstract: A landfill soil cover system is proposed for preventing water infiltration into a landfill and gas emission from the landfill under all weather conditions. The landfill cover system comprises three soil layers; namely, a clay layer, a gravelly sand layer and a silt layer, compacted successively from the bottom to the top of the system. The clay layer is compacted immediately above an optional gas collection layer and landfill waste at an optimum water content. Additionally, a trench for water drainage may be constructed, for example, every 20-40 m in the horizontal direction. Water infiltration and landfill gas emission can be prevented effectively by this landfill soil cover system under any humid, semi-arid and arid climates.

Abstract: A containment system includes a geomembrane liner positioned over a ground surface. An anchor member is provided beneath the geomembrane liner and includes a fastening plate adapted to be secured to the geomembrane liner. The geomembrane liner is positioned over the ground surface and anchor member and is secured to the fastening plate. Dirt or other covering material may then be provided in the hole and over the geomembrane, or the geomembrane may be left exposed.

Abstract: Compost cover tie-down systems for securing a compost cover using a perimeter element, struts and lashes are disclosed, wherein the lashes apply force to the struts which thereby apply a force to the perimeter element to aid in securing a compost cover. Configurations of struts for use with compost cover tie-down systems are also disclosed, which include perimeter engagement portions and lash engagement portions. Multiple configurations of the systems, struts, and lashes as well as methods of using the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A landfill includes a layer of solid waste and a barrier layer provided on top of the layer of solid waste. The barrier layer is formed from a plurality of manufactured composite particles that include a plurality of solid pieces having a hydratable material applied thereto. A flexible membrane layer is provided on top of the layer of barrier layer. A method of producing such a landfill is also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to systems, methods and devices for containing a substance within a region. In some embodiments, one or more hollow structures are positioned around the region and the structures are at least partly filled (e.g., through fill openings) with a weighting material. Some embodiments relate to a curved device comprising steps, such that a first cross-section of the device comprises a round shape and a second cross-section comprises a plurality of substantially linear segments. Some embodiments relate to a tank connection device comprising a sleeve extending through a curved device.

Abstract: Devices and methods for directing a non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) that migrate entrained in a fluid (e.g., a gas) from sediments in bodies of water by using trapping caps having an upwardly sloped surface toward an accumulation zone that contains a water table, in which migration of the gas carries the NAPL toward the accumulation zone.

Abstract: A cover system is provided for waste sites and environmental closures, in which the cover system comprises a synthetic grass and an impermeable geomembrane that can be applied without the use of heavy earthwork equipment as temporary or final cover to control odors, erosion, gas migration and contaminate migration. The invention allows installation on very steep slopes and does not require the use of an extensive anchoring system to resist wind uplift or slope failure.

Abstract: A machine (20) for laying a film on a landfill surface and depositing an anchoring material such as soil on the film is carried on the blade (22) of a bulldozer (24). The machine (20) has a pair of hoppers (28, 30) with an engine compartment (38) between them. The front walls (40) of the hoppers have exit slots (52) for the release of anchoring material onto the film as it is being laid. The hoppers have chain floors (62) for moving the anchoring material to the exit slots (52). A film roll holder 32 below the hoppers holds a roll (82) of film for unwinding onto the landfill surface as the machine is propelled.

Abstract: An engineered, scalable underground containment system and method for storing compressed gases or liquids in permeable rock formations using conventional drilling techniques. The porosity and permeability of the formation may be enhanced to maximize reservoir capacity and increase the rate at which gases and liquids can be introduced into and removed from the reservoir. In some embodiments, layers of cap rock in the formation are utilized as containment barriers, and in some, containment barriers are constructed around the storage zones.

Abstract: A modular roof like enclosed structure has attachments suitable for handling by lifting machinery to be placed on a landfill site and a perimeter strip extension which abuts or overlaps an adjoining module on the site. The modular structure is vented to allow ventilation of the landfill and the vent contains a filter to extract harmful gasses and odors. The structure also contains a liquid spray system to spray insecticide and deodorant onto the landfill and a fire retardant system which is activated automatically when smoke is detected.

Abstract: The method of the present invention results in a secondary containment area for above ground storage tanks. The method involves leveling the site, laying a foundation bed, building a retaining barrier around the site, covering the foundation bed and retaining barrier with a liner cloth, and applying a layer of polyurea to the liner cloth and retaining barrier.

Abstract: The disclosure shows an apparatus and a method for containing a spill of petroleum product. The inventive apparatus and method each include the assembly pliable building blocks of a generally rectangular shape that surrounds an internal void. The blocks form a wall by stacking successive horizontal rows of building blocks such that the respective internal voids vertically align, thereby forming adjacent columnar voids within the wall. The columnar voids are then filled with an adsorbent material that will cling to the petroleum product.

Abstract: A cover system is provided for waste sites and environmental closures, in which the cover system comprises a synthetic grass and an impermeable geomembrane that can be applied without the use of heavy earthwork equipment as temporary or final cover to control odors, erosion, gas migration and contaminate migration. The invention allows installation on very steep slopes and does not require the use of an extensive anchoring system to resist wind uplift or slope failure.

Abstract: Vertical migration of a plume of subsurface contamination in the vadose zone to the groundwater is prevented by forming and maintaining one or more desiccation layers in the vadose zone in or above a layer of contamination. Horizontal barrier layers are produced by injecting dry air at a specific elevation in one borehole and removing the air at another borehole. These horizontal layers act as an impermeable barrier to the vertical migration of dissolved contaminants.

Abstract: The method of the present invention results in a secondary containment area for above ground storage tanks. The method involves leveling the site, laying a foundation bed, building a retaining barrier around the site, covering the foundation bed and retaining barrier with a liner cloth, and applying a layer of polyurea to the liner cloth and retaining barrier.

Abstract: The invention relates to a barrier cap material including a blend of: a plurality of aggregate particles, and a plurality of manufactured composite particles including a hydratable sealant material. In a particular embodiment, the segregation of a blend of aggregate particles and composite particles, when dropped through a water column can be controlled by varying blends of aggregate and composite particles. In another embodiment, the permeability of the barrier cap material, when hydrated on a surface, can be controlled from 1×10?3 cm/sec to 1×10?8 cm/sec by varying blends of aggregate and composite particles.

Abstract: The membrane cover has fold lines therein intersecting the walls of the reservoir at intersection points. A geometric chord or secant joins two intersection points, and defines, with a portion of the walls of the reservoir, a static segment in the membrane cover. The membrane cover in the static segment is tensioned along lines of force that are parallel to or that make acute angles, with the aforesaid chord or secant. The membrane cover in the static segment remains substantially planar and stationary, thus static, despite the rising and lowering of the remaining portion of the cover in response to variations in the level of the content of the reservoir. A hatchway is mounted in the static segment of the cover. In another aspect of the invention, the hatchway has an airtight compartment extending between the membrane cover and a point below the level of the material inside the reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a waste or environmental containment system that includes modified asphalt specifically designed for containment, and a system of installation that provides a seamless cap over the area to be contained. The modified asphalt of the present invention has a permeability less than 1×10?8 cm/sec and an air void content less than 3 percent. The system of installation includes joint designs that meet the same parameters as the modified asphalt mat to provide a seamless containment cap or liner to contain hazardous wastes at RCRA, Superfund sites, waste sites and environmental containment areas.

Abstract: A leaching-stabilized heavy metal-contaminated matrix can be stored in a subsurface saturated zone by contacting the matrix with an amount of an agent for increasing acid-neutralization capacity sufficient to provide the stored matrix a preselected permanence level.

Abstract: A geotechnical barrier includes a first barrier layer; a second barrier layer overlying the first barrier layer and spaced therefrom, the first and second barrier layers defining, at least in part, a fluid passageway having an inlet and an outlet; and fluid displacement means for displacing a fluid through said fluid passageway from the inlet to the outlet. The invention extends to method for constructing and operating a geotechnical barrier and to a geosynthetic barrier and a geocomposite geosynthetic barrier.

Abstract: A method and liner for a reserve earthen pit for use in onshore drilling operations has a foamed polymeric composition. At least one layer of the continuous foamed polymeric composition is applied to the interior surface of the reserve earthen pit, preferably after the native soil has been compacted, thereby forming a sealed liner barrier between the native soil and the interior of the pit. The composition is resistant degradation from the drilling muds that are stored within the pit. UV protectants may also be added to the pit liner composition.

Abstract: In order to effectively prevent diffusion of a harmful substance to a non-polluted soil side with a relatively simple and inexpensive construction without requiring a large-scale system, a pollution diffusion preventive wall member is installed underground for partitioning between a polluted soil side and a non-polluted soil side, the wall member being formed of wall forming material having water-permeability and containing a rare earth compound carried therein.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a waste or environmental containment system that includes modified asphalt specifically designed for containment, and a system of installation that provides a seamless cap over the area to be contained. The modified asphalt of the present invention has a permeability less than 1×10?8 cm/sec and an air void content less than 3 percent. The system of installation includes joint designs that meet the same parameters as the modified asphalt mat to provide a seamless containment cap or liner to contain hazardous wastes at RCRA, Superfund sites, waste sites and environmental containment areas.

Abstract: Systems, components, and methods relating to subterranean containment barriers. Laterally adjacent tubular casings having male interlock structures and multiple female interlock structures defining recesses for receiving a male interlock structure are used to create subterranean barriers for containing and treating buried waste and its effluents. The multiple female interlock structures enable the barriers to be varied around subsurface objects and to form barrier sidewalls. The barrier may be used for treating and monitoring a zone of interest.

Abstract: A method for the disposal of biosolids, the method comprising providing a supply of biosolids; selecting an introduction formation below a ground surface, the introduction formation comprising a natural gas formation in a gas accumulation zone; introducing the biosolids into the introduction formation at a pressure sufficient to create and maintain fractures within the selected introduction formation; and allowing degradation of the introduced biosolids.

Abstract: The invention pertains to means and methods for enabling the further use of previously negative assets, and particularly from those facilities formed from gypsum waste, such as that suitable for forming gypsum stacks. Waste containment or landfill facilities are formed from the conversion of gypsum refuse waste materials derived from gypsum mining and processing, and particularly from such facilities as they are formed in place from such gypsum-based refuse. Such facilities can be utilized, rented or leased as waste containment facilities for the short-term, long-term or permanent storage of non-gypsum waste materials such as solid waste, community refuse materials, biomass, industrial waste, phosphate waste, and for composting or otherwise processing materials such as biomass.

Abstract: A containment system for use adjacent to a selected region of a subterranean formation and comprising a plurality of laterally interlocked casing strings. At least one electrically conductive element is disposed along at least a portion of a casing string and is used for performing electrical time domain reflectometry. At least one protective element may be positioned between portions of adjacent casing strings of the barrier, and at least one electrically conductive element may be disposed at least partially within the at least one protective element for use in indicating at least one characteristic of at least a portion of the containment system. Electrical time domain reflectometry (TDR) may be used to indicate the at least one characteristic; for instance, TDR may be used to indicate leakage through the barrier or a discontinuity or void in a barrier filler material.

Abstract: A waste collection site having a fluid distribution structure, and the structure and related method, the structure including a geocomposite for placement on and between levels of collected waste and at least one pipe extending up from the geocomposite and adapted to receive the fluid from horizontally extending feeder headers. The permeable material includes a spacing layer between top and bottom layers, and a discharge manifold at the bottom of the pipe discharges the fluid between the top and bottom layers. The bottom layer has a flow rate FB of fluid therethrough and the top layer has a flow rate FT, where FB<FT, and the spacing layer maintains a space between the top and layers to permit flow of fluid therein to distribute the fluid.

Abstract: A very long term storage installation for calorific products such as nuclear waste, comprises at least one closed cavity (10), in which at least one product confinement container is housed (14). To evacuate the heat released by the stored products, each container (14) is surrounded by a jacket (26) associated with a thermosiphon (24) whose cold source is formed of an air condenser provided above a slab (20) sealing the top part of the cavity. The jacket (26) is preferably interchangeable and tightly surrounds the container (14).

Abstract: A combined waterproofing sheet and protection course membrane has a water resistant film and a protective layer. The protective layer protects the film from being punctured and otherwise compromised. An adhesive layer, with a free adhesive side for adhesion to a foundation, is adhered to the film, so that the membrane can be applied to a subterranean foundation in a single step. While the foundation is being back filled, the protective layer keeps the water resistant film intact thereby maintaining the water resistant capabilities of the membrane.

Abstract: An EKG structure comprising geosynthetic material associated with at least one conducting element wherein the structure comprises at least one core element substantially enclosed by at least one sheath, one or both comprising the geosynthetic material; the use thereof as an electrode, a method for treating substrate with the EKG structure, the treated substance obtained thereby

Abstract: A testable sump apparatus comprises a body wall including a first wall with a first wall portion and a second wall with a second wall portion. The first wall portion is spaced from the second wall portion to at least partially define a body wall interstitial space therebetween. The testable sump apparatus can optionally include at least one spacer located in the body wall interstitial space between the first wall portion and the second wall portion. The sump apparatus can also include an optional test port and an optional fitting mounted to the body wall adjacent the through hole. The fitting, if provided, can at least partially define a fitting interstitial space, wherein the fitting interstitial space may be in fluid communication with the body wall interstitial space.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of processing biodegradable waste material comprising the steps of: (i) placing said waste material in a container, (ii) adding soil containing bacteria to said waste material, (iii) applying liquid to said waste material, and (iv) periodically aerating said waste material, whereby to biodegrade said waste material to a soil material.

Abstract: A system, computer program product and method of preventing and controlling sulfide mineral oxidation and generation of acid rock drainage in a mass of sulfidic waste is provided. The mass of sulfidic waste includes a cover. The method involves applying under the cover of an oxygen deficient/non-reactive gas mixture, substantially throughout the mass of sulfidic waste, in a quantity sufficient to create a pressure differential between the inside of the mass of sulfidic waste and the open atmosphere outside and adjacent to the mass of sulfidic waste, such that the oxygen gas concentration inside the mass of sulfidic waste is substantially equal to, or less than, the atmospheric oxygen gas concentration outside and adjacent to the mass of sulfidic waste. The system includes a distribution system and sensors for detecting acid rock drainage conditions of the mass of sulfidic waste, and in response applying an effective amount of oxygen deficient/non-reactive gas mixture.

Abstract: Apparatus suitable for venting and dispensing gas from an area of ground. The apparatus comprising a passage arrangement locatable in the ground extending generally horizontally and formed from a plurality of self-supporting open units. One or more columns extends downwardly from the passage, the columns being formed of a core material having an open permeable structure. The or each column has a fluid permeable exterior, and is in communication with the passage.

Abstract: A method for reducing the leaching of lead from a lead projectile impact area acting to collect or stop such projectiles includes contacting the lead projectile impact area with a seed of dry granular lead stabilizing agents. This seeding or coating of lead stabilizing agents stabilizes lead in the bullet/shot impact area while also allowing for future lead bullets, fragments or lead shot fired into the soil to be stabilized upon contact with the lead stabilizing agent seeds or contact with rainwater leaching through the lead stabilizing agent seeds produced from the projectile coating, or excess seed from the lead shell projectiles. This method eliminates the need to remove or re-treat range soils and greatly reduces the environmental and health risks associated with the use of lead as projectiles in the open environment as well as at control trap ranges.

Abstract: A method for remediating aquifers and groundwater contaminated, for example by toxic halogenated organic compounds, certain inorganic compounds, and oxidized heavy metals and radionuclides, using the introduction of an innocuous oil, preferably an edible, food grade oil such as soybean oil, formulated into a microemulsion preferably by mixing with a natural food-grade emulsifier (such as lecithin) and water.

Abstract: A method for remediating aquifers and groundwater contaminated, for example, by toxic halogenated organic compounds, certain inorganic compounds, and oxidized heavy metals and radionuclides, using the introduction of an innocuous oil, preferably an edible, food grade oil such as soybean oil, formulated into a microemulsion preferably by mixing with a natural food-grade emulsifier (such as lecithin) and water.