Abstract: A spill containment system for container tanks which include a liquid container and a steel frame surrounding the liquid container. The overall dimensions of the container tank are approximately twenty feet long, eight feet wide and eight and a half feet high. Beneath one or more stacked container tanks is a containment pan assembly including a liquid-tight pan having an interior capable of holding at least a portion of the contents of one liquid container. The containment pan assembly has an upper rectangular section that supports the container tanks and also has a length of about twenty feet and a width of eight feet. However, the entire height of the containment pan assembly is between eight inches and twenty-four inches. Additional similarly constructed containment pan assemblies are arranged adjacent the first assembly with hoses interconnecting the interiors of the several liquid-tight pans of the several containment pan assemblies.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention comprise a system for strengthening a sloped structure such as a berm, basin, levee, or embankment. The comprises first and second opposing sides, the second side being adjacent the sloped structure; a bottom side adjoining bottom edges of the first and second sides, thereby forming a cavity within the first, second, and bottom sides; fill material disposed within the cavity; an impermeable membrane encapsulating at least a portion of the fill material; and a plurality of reinforcing members disposed within the fill material.

Abstract: A berm comprises fill material, a covering portion, and a drainage system. The fill material comprises contaminated fill material fully encapsulated by an impermeable membrane. The covering portion comprises structural fill material and at least partially covers the fill material. The drainage system is within the impermeable membrane.

Abstract: A method and system for dewatering and consolidating contaminated dredged sediment concurrently as it is discharged to a disposal pond using horizontal drains installed in the settled sediment and vacuum loading. Horizontal drains are connected to a vacuum pump via collector hoses and a header pipe. Vacuum pump operation consolidates the settled sediment and reduces the volume, enabling continued discharge of dredged sediment. Successive installation of horizontal drains within accumulating sediment and consolidation by vacuum pumping may continue until the disposal pond is filled with consolidated sediment. Vacuum pumping is continued for some period after final cover installation to enhance containment performance by over-consolidation. The horizontal drain system may also be used to deliver liquid reagents for sediment treatment or to circulate water for flushing. The method enables the disposal pond to be on land or under water below the original sediment line.

Abstract: An articulating conduit linkage system for maintaining a fluid connection between a fluid source and displaceable conduit that has been buried in a subsiding permeable body. A fluid source can supply a working fluid through a source outlet. A displaceable conduit can receive the working fluid through a conduit inlet, and be buried at a depth within a subsiding permeable body that is contained within a permeability control infrastructure. A plurality of articulating conduit segments can include, an outer conduit segment coupled to the source outlet, an inner conduit segment coupled to the conduit inlet, and at least one middle conduit segment coupled to the outer and inner segments. In the event of a subsidence, the plurality of articulating conduit segments are configured so the outer and inner conduit segments extend the conduit linkage system while maintaining a working fluid connection between the source outlet and the conduit inlet.

Abstract: A gas and liquid extraction system and method to efficiently capture the gas generated from the decomposition of organic matter, generally referred herein as the biomass, present in a landfill is disclosed herein. The system and method taking in account the presence of high amount of water and proposing landfilling methodology to allow the efficient capture of an as high as possible amount of gas from each and every ton of biomass contained in the landfill which is heterogeneous, anisotropic in nature and unsteady in term of fluid flow behavior.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention comprise berm to increase capacity of an existing landfill. The landfill comprises a waste-receiving recess having a surface and an outer perimeter, an edge surface peripherally adjacent at least a portion of the outer perimeter, and an existing accumulation of waste within the recess. The berm comprises a reinforced portion having opposing inner and outer surfaces and comprising fill material and a plurality of reinforcing members disposed therein, backfill material having an inner surface adjacent the inner surface of the reinforced portion, and an impermeable membrane encapsulating at least a portion of the backfill material, at least a portion of the fill material, and at least a portion of one or more of the reinforcing members.

Abstract: A berm to increase capacity of an existing landfill comprises a reinforced portion and backfill material. The landfill comprises a waste-receiving recess having a surface and an outer perimeter, an edge surface peripherally adjacent at least a portion of the outer perimeter, and an existing accumulation of waste within the recess having a collective top surface. The reinforced portion has opposing inner and outer surfaces and comprises structural fill material and a plurality of reinforcing members disposed therein. The backfill material has an inner surface adjacent the inner surface of the reinforced portion. The backfill material comprises contaminated fill material and is at least partially encapsulated by an impermeable membrane. At least a portion of the berm sits on at least a portion of the edge surface of the landfill. Portions of the berm are substantially parallel to corresponding portions of the outer perimeter.

Abstract: An alternating anaerobic and aerobic digestion system and method of forming same includes a subterranean enclosure configured to hold organic matter. The enclosure has a plurality of conduits in a bottom surface of the enclosure. The digestion system further includes an irrigation system configured to dispense a liquid from a top portion of the enclosure and to recover a percolated liquid from a bottom portion of the enclosure, a ventilation system configured to provide air flow to the bottom portion of the enclosure, and a gas-tight membrane cover configured to cover the enclosure.

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 berm to increase capacity of an existing landfill comprises fill material and a covering portion. The landfill comprises a waste-receiving recess having an outer perimeter, an edge surface peripherally adjacent at least a portion of the outer perimeter, and an existing accumulation of waste within the recess. The fill material has a base, an inner sloped surface adjacent a future accumulation of waste, and an outer sloped surface opposite the inner sloped surface. The fill material comprises contaminated fill material fully encapsulated by an impermeable membrane. The covering portion comprises structural fill material and at least partially covers the fill material. At least a portion of the berm sits on at least a portion of the edge surface of the landfill, and portions of the berm are substantially parallel to corresponding portions of the outer perimeter.

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 berm to increase capacity of an existing landfill comprises a reinforced portion and backfill material. The landfill comprises a waste-receiving recess having a surface and an outer perimeter, an edge surface peripherally adjacent at least a portion of the outer perimeter, and an existing accumulation of waste within the recess having a collective top surface. The reinforced portion has opposing inner and outer surfaces and comprises structural fill material and a plurality of reinforcing members disposed therein. The backfill material has an inner surface adjacent the inner surface of the reinforced portion. The backfill material comprises contaminated fill material and is at least partially encapsulated by an impermeable membrane. At least a portion of the berm sits on at least a portion of the edge surface of the landfill. Portions of the berm are substantially parallel to corresponding portions of the outer perimeter.

Abstract: A method of recovering hydrocarbons from hydrocarbonaceous materials can include forming a constructed permeability control infrastructure. This constructed infrastructure defines a substantially encapsulated volume. A mined hydrocarbonaceous material can be introduced into the control infrastructure to form a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to remove hydrocarbons therefrom. Hydrocarbon products can be collected from intermediate locations within the permeable body. Advantageously, an intermediate fluid collection system can be used to draw a hydrocarbon product from the permeable body at preselected locations. Such intermediate collection can provide hydrocarbon product fractions which can reduce or eliminate the need for full-scale distillation of a hydrocarbon product having a full range of products such as that typically found in crude oil.

Abstract: A method of preventing egress of a vapor from an encapsulated volume can include forming a substantially impermeable vapor barrier along an inner surface of the encapsulated volume. The encapsulated volume includes a permeable body of comminuted hydro carbonaceous material. Further, the vapor barrier can include an insulating layer capable of maintaining a temperature gradient of at least 400° F. across the insulating layer. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to liberate hydrocarbons therefrom and the hydrocarbons can be collected from the permeable body. The vapor barrier layer can be a single or multiple layer construction, depending on the specific materials chosen.

Abstract: A method of recovering hydrocarbons from hydrocarbonaceous materials can include forming a constructed permeability control infrastructure. This constructed infrastructure defines a substantially encapsulated volume. A comminuted hydrocarbonaceous material can be introduced into the control infrastructure to form a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to remove hydrocarbons therefrom. During heating and removal of hydrocarbons and subsequent thereto a positive pressure can be maintained within the encapsulated volume by means of a non-oxidizing gas to expedite flushing of hydrocarbonaceous material, inhibit unwanted entry of oxygen into the encapsulated volume and remove recoverable hydrocarbons following the heating process.

Abstract: A method of biodegrading municipal solid waste includes providing a quantity of municipal solid waste and promoting anaerobic digestion in the quantity of municipal solid waste by methanogenic organisms to produce methane. The methane production is monitored and when it is determined that production of methane from the quantity of municipal solid waste has subsided, aerobic digestion of the quantity of municipal solid waste is promoted. A gas collection system in operative association with the quantity of organic waste collects biogas and the biogas is monitored and the rate of gas collection is adjusted as necessary to maximize methane collection. A leachate collection system collects leachate from the quantity of municipal solid waste and circulates the leachate back to the quantity of organic waste during the anaerobic digestion and aerobic digestion steps.

Abstract: A bioreactor including one or more features that improve bioreactor liquid infiltration and gas recovery including a porous material layer having a layer of first porous material including a trench, a second porous material located in the trench and extending beyond the top surface of the layer of first porous material and perforated gas recovery piping located in the second porous material.

Abstract: A boot for attaching a geosynthetic layer to a vertical member in a soil, where the geosynthetic layer extends substantially horizontally outwardly from the vertical member. The boot includes a stack of flexible rings. Each ring has an inner edge defining a center opening larger than the horizontal cross section of the vertical member and an outer edge, and is secured around its inner edge to the inner edge of a ring adjacent one side and around its outer edge to the outer edge of a ring adjacent its other side. The bottom ring of the stack of rings is adapted to secure to the geosynthetic layer. A securement ring is secured around the top ring of the stack of rings and has a center opening adapted to be secured to the vertical member.

Abstract: A constructed permeability control infrastructure can include a permeability control impoundment defining a substantially encapsulated volume. A comminuted water-containing hydrocarbonaceous material can form a permeable body within the encapsulated volume. The impoundment includes a water vapor outlet for removing water vapor from the encapsulated volume. A heating device is also embedded within the permeable body to provide convective heating thereof. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to initially remove water therefrom as a water vapor. The water vapor can be removed from the infrastructure via the outlet which can be controlled or shut off when the permeable body is sufficiently dewatered. The dewatered permeable body can then be heated sufficient to remove hydrocarbons therefrom. During heating the hydrocarbonaceous material is substantially stationary as the constructed infrastructure is a fixed structure.

Abstract: A method of recovering hydrocarbons from hydrocarbonaceous materials can include forming a constructed permeability control infrastructure. This constructed infrastructure defines a substantially encapsulated volume. A comminuted hydrocarbonaceous material can be introduced into the control infrastructure to form a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to remove hydrocarbons therefrom. During heating the hydrocarbonaceous material is substantially stationary as the constructed infrastructure is a fixed structure. Removed hydrocarbons can be collected for further processing, use in the process, and/or use as recovered.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for removing contaminants from contaminated soil with the aid of a stripping gas. In the process a biologically active layer is present in or on the soil. The process comprises the following steps: a) there is created in the soil a medium whose resistance is lower than the resistance of the surrounding soil, b) the stripping gas is injected in the soil at the depth of and/or beneath the contaminant, c) the contaminants are volatized with the stripping gas, whereupon the stripping gas with the contaminants largely flows to the biologically active layer via the medium whose resistance is lower than the surrounding soil.

Abstract: A storm water and septic system using plastic galleries that have multiple layers provided having differing hardness characteristics, the exterior layer having a lower hardness rating than an inner layer; and a multi-layer gallery where the inner layer is treated to be resistance to degradation to a selected chemical that would otherwise degrade polyethylene. The gallery may further be provided with an interior layer having defined dielectric properties such that a fluid level measurement can be made of fluid in the galleries.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method of collecting biogas from a landfill that results in more complete collection of biogas produced in the landfill, and with less contamination with air. The method involves providing the landfill with an upper gas containment layer near the surface of the landfill to retard biogas escape and air entrainment into the landfill. Underneath the gas containment layer is provided a gas-permeable conductive layer. Underneath the conductive layer, a well withdraws biogas from the landfill. Withdrawal of biogas from the well creates a partial vacuum that draws gas from the gas-permeable conductive layer down through the waste mass to the well. If the rate of gas withdrawal from the well is too rapid, air will be entrained from the atmosphere into the gas-permeable conductive layer. But if the rate of gas withdrawal from the well is too slow, biogas may percolate through the gas-containment layer and the surface of the landfill to escape.

Abstract: What is disclosed are compositions, devices, and methods for use in environmental remediation. The compositions are for use in a variety of environmental remediation barriers including fiber rolls, mats or blankets, and berms. Applications for the use of the compositions, devices, and methods include remediation of aqueous run-off material from contaminated soil, landfill remediation, eutrification of waterways, and revetment of banks.

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 fluid injection and removal system to inject or remove fluids from a landfill or contaminated area. The system allows for treatment of waste in the landfill or the contaminated area. The fluid injection and removal system includes a permeable layer and at least one perforated pipe. The permeable layer enables essentially uniform distribution of the fluid into the underlying waste or contaminated area. The fluid injection and removal system can be combined with a leachate collection system to create a leachate recirculation system for use in a landfill. The leachate collection system includes at least one perforated collection pipe embedded in a drainage layer. Sensors can be provided in the permeable layer to enable the change in the physical characteristics of the waste adjacent the permeable layer to be monitored.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method of collecting biogas from a landfill that results in more complete collection of biogas produced in the landfill, and with less contamination with air. The method involves providing the landfill with an upper gas containment layer near the surface of the landfill to retard biogas escape and air entrainment into the landfill. Underneath the gas containment layer is provided a gas-permeable conductive layer. Underneath the conductive layer, a well withdraws biogas from the landfill. Withdrawal of biogas from the well creates a partial vacuum that draws gas from the gas-permeable conductive layer down through the waste mass to the well. If the rate of gas withdrawal from the well is too rapid, air will be entrained from the atmosphere into the gas-permeable conductive layer. But if the rate of gas withdrawal from the well is too slow, biogas may percolate through the gas-containment layer and the surface of the landfill to escape.

Abstract: A gas exchange apparatus is provided which provides for both passive fluid flow and blower associated fluid flow through a barometric valve. A battery powered blower is provided which allows for operation of the barometric valve during times when the barometric valve would otherwise be closed, and provides for enhanced volume of gas exchange.

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 system for the onsite storage, treatment and disposal of contaminated soils and sediments includes a trench that is excavated at the site. The trench is formed with a bottom surface that includes a sump reservoir and a sloped portion oriented to feed liquids into the sump reservoir. An impervious liner is positioned in the trench to prevent leakage into the surroundings. A sump system that includes the sump reservoir, drain tubes and geotextile netting is disposed in the trench to transfer fluids between the sump reservoir and the contaminated material. A geotextile filter sheet is positioned over the sump system allowing fluid transfer between the sump system and the contaminated material while preventing solids from entering the sump system. An access pipe allows fluids to be introduced into and withdrawn from the sump reservoir to accomplish various treatment methods including de-watering, vapor extraction, bioremediation, surfactant washing and solvent extraction.

Abstract: A system and method for extracting metals from material deposited in a landfill include applying a leaching solution to the material. The leaching solution dissolves various metals it contacts, forming a leachate bearing one or more metals. The metal-bearing leachate is further processed in a solvent extraction (SX) plant to produce a metal-bearing solution. The metal bearing solution undergoes further processing, such as electrowinning (EW), to recover one or more metals from the metal-bearing solution.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a flow of a liquid into a sewer drain comprising a catch basin having a catch basin drain coupled with the sewer drain. In addition, a housing element that is positioned within the catch basin, whereby the housing element is coupled with the catch basin drain in a first fluid-tight manner. The housing element having a porous surface positioned below a predetermined level. A column having a proximal end and a distal end, whereby the column is positioned within the housing element and the proximal end is coupled with the catch basin drain in a second fluid tight manner. The distal end is positioned above the predetermined level and an actuator mechanism is coupled with the column and configured to selectively open and close the column to the flow of the liquid that is entering the catch basin drain.

Abstract: A cover assembly for an organic waste lagoon basin and a method of making and deploying such a cover assembly. A cover includes connected cover panels or sections. In one form of the invention the panels are comprised of a single layer of geotextile fabric. In another form of the invention the panels are comprised of interconnected strata including a sacrificial layer which faces the sun and protects the cover from ultraviolet light degradation; a foam layer that floats the cover; and a geotextile fabric layer. The geotextile fabric is porous and suppresses the release of malodorous gases from the lagoon basin. The cover can be constructed and deployed by laying out cover panels in fanfold fashion along a side of the basin; connecting adjacent edges of the panels; attaching flotation to the free edge of the top panel; and using deployment lines and a mandrel to move the cover across the filled basin.

Abstract: An advanced containment system for containing buried waste and associated leachate. A trench is dug on either side of the zone of interest containing the buried waste so as to accommodate a micro tunnel boring machine. A series of small diameter tunnels are serially excavated underneath the buried waste. The tunnels are excavated by the micro tunnel boring machine at a consistent depth and are substantially parallel to each other. As tunneling progresses, steel casing sections are connected end to end in the excavated portion of the tunnel so that a steel tube is formed. Each casing section has complementary interlocking structure running its length that interlocks with complementary interlocking structure on the adjacent casing section. Thus, once the first tube is emplaced, placement of subsequent tubes is facilitated by the complementary interlocking structure on the adjacent, previously placed, casing sections.

Abstract: An advanced containment system for containing buried waste and associated leachate. A trench is dug on either side of the zone of interest containing the buried waste so as to accommodate a micro tunnel boring machine. A series of small diameter tunnels are serially excavated underneath the buried waste. The tunnels are excavated by the micro tunnel boring machine at a consistent depth and are substantially parallel to each other. As tunneling progresses, steel casing sections are connected end to end in the excavated portion of the tunnel so that a steel tube is formed. Each casing section has complementary interlocking structure running its length that interlocks with complementary interlocking structure on the adjacent casing section. Thus, once the first tube is emplaced, placement of subsequent tubes is facilitated by the complementary interlocking structure on the adjacent, previously placed, casing sections.

Abstract: A landfill (10) having a leachate collection apparatus including a layer of geonet material (40) disposed above a liner (38) as its primary leachate flow path. Leachate flows along the geonet material to a collection trench (16) located along an edge (14) of a generally planar landfill area (12). The superior hydraulic conductivity of the geonet material (34) disposed above a liner (32) is provided below the primary drainage layer for additional ground water protection. A collection box 918) having both a leachate collection compartment (54) and a leakage collection compartment (56) is disposed in alignment with openings (80, 82) formed in the respective liner layers. The sealing surfaces (64,68) between the collection box and liners are all located on upper surfaces of the collection box.

Abstract: A containment system to isolate waste in the ground including parallel interlocking tubes.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a flow of a liquid into a sewer drain comprising a catch basin having a catch basin drain coupled with the sewer drain. In addition, a housing element that is positioned within the catch basin, whereby the housing element is coupled with the catch basin drain in a first fluid-tight manner. The housing element having a porous surface positioned below a predetermined level. A column having a proximal end and a distal end, whereby the column is positioned within the housing element and the proximal end is coupled with the catch basin drain in a second fluid tight manner. The distal end is positioned above the predetermined level and an actuator mechanism is coupled with the column and configured to selectively open and close the column to the flow of the liquid that is entering the catch basin drain.

Abstract: A membrane cover is mounted at the surface of a wastewater reservoir. The membrane cover has a flexible buoyant impermeable membrane affixed to the perimeter walls of the reservoir and loosely laid over the wastewater level inside the reservoir. An array of weight lines is anchored to the perimeter walls and is loosely laid over the impermeable membrane. The array of weight lines defines a rectangular herringbone pattern. An array of drains is also provided. Each drain is disposed along one of the lateral weight lines. The membrane cover also comprises an array of troughs formed therein under the array of weight lines. A water ballast having the continuous herringbone pattern is contained within the troughs. Because of this water ballast, the membrane cover is kept taut and stable during a rainstorm and a surface thereof exposed to uplifting wind forces is minimized.

Abstract: Method for consolidating an earth stratum situated in a subgrade by withdrawing water that is present in there from it, comprising the stepwise arrangement from the surface of the soil, at some depth, of vertical draining means, such as drainage strips, in the earth stratum, the arrangement of horizontal drainage means, such as drainage pipes, in the upper area of the earth stratum and connecting them to the vertical drainage means for water transfer between them, the arrangement of an air sealing layer directly over the horizontal drainage means and the closing of the surface of the soil, as well as the connection of the horizontal drainage means to a pump for discharge of the water.

Abstract: A spill containment system for storage tanks, flow devices, and the like, and a containment system for spilled light non-aqueous phase liquid are provided. The spill containment system comprises a liner for receiving and containing liquid that spills, as well as a withdrawal tube that sealingly extends into the liner at a high point thereof. An alternative spill containment system comprises two liner portions, one about a storage tank and another about a flow device leading, for example, to a furnace. A withdrawal tube extends to a low point of the first liner portion. The containment system comprises a trench, filled for example with low capillarity medium, for at least partially surrounding an area where light non-aqueous phase liquid is stored or may migrate to. A liner is disposed over the top of the trench and along at least a portion of one side thereof. At least one withdrawal tube sealingly extends through the liner at a high point thereof and into the trench.

Abstract: A vadose zone for a leaching field which enables the construction of a leaching field in terrain where conventional leaching fields cannot be constructed. Such terrain also comprise areas where a high water table exists or where percolation tests fail. The vadose zone is constructed adjacent to the leaching field which is buried in a layer of soil which has been constructed over a nonporous barrier such as a plastic sheet or ledge or clay. The effluent from the leaching field is forced to move sideways out of the leaching field into the adjacent soil. The adjacent soil becomes a vadose zone to complete treating the effluent. The effluent is forced to flow through a prescribed predetermined distance through the vadose zone before it is permitted to disperse through the soil toward the water table or over the clay or ledge.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system of decomposing municipal solid waste (MSW) within a landfill by converting the landfill to aerobic degradation in the following manner: (1) injecting air via the landfill leachate collection system (2) injecting air via vertical air injection wells installed within the waste mass; (3) applying leachate to the waste mass using a pressurized drip irrigation system; (4) allowing landfill gases to vent; and (5) adjusting air injection and recirculated leachate to achieve a 40% to 60% moisture level and a temperature between 120° F. and 140° F. in steady state.

Abstract: A membrane cover is mounted at the surface of a wastewater reservoir. The membrane cover has a flexible buoyant impermeable membrane affixed to the perimeter walls of the reservoir and loosely laid over the wastewater level inside the reservoir. An array of weight lines is anchored to the perimeter walls and is loosely laid over the impermeable membrane. The array of weight lines defines a rectangular herringbone pattern. An array of drains is also provided. Each drain is disposed along one of the lateral weight lines. The membrane cover also comprises an array of troughs formed therein under the array of weight lines. A water ballast having the continuous herringbone pattern is contained within the troughs. Because of this water ballast, the membrane cover is kept taut and stable during a rainstorm and a surface thereof exposed to uplifting wind forces is minimized.

Abstract: Landfills including multiple lifts having horizontal piping layers and methods for their use to accelerate anaerobic and/or aerobic degradation of municipal solid waste to increase landfill capacity.