Abstract: The invention pertains to the conversion of waste materials derived from gypsum mining and processing, such as existing gypsum stacks, into waste containment or landfill facilities. Advantageously, waste containment facilities and business methods according to the invention enable the creation of a positive revenue stream from previously negative assets such as gypsum stacks. Methods of the invention include the creation of waste containment facilities from existing gypsum stacks, or from the on-site formation of containment facilities from waste gypsum or other waste minerals as they are transported and positioned at a waste site. Waste containment facilities created according to the invention can be used for the short-term, long-term or permanent storage of 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 geomembrane comprising a unitary structure fabricated by co-extrusion including a center core, a thermoplastic adhesive layer secured on one side of the center core, and a textured layer secured on the opposite side of the center core. The geomembrane is utilized in the manufacture of a liner for earthen constructions by employing the thermoplastic layer of the geomembrane to secure the geomembrane to a geosynthetic clay liner.

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: A temporary berm or bin system, easily transported, erected without tools, and easily dismantled. A set of panels or planks is joined with sliding clips to form a bin having vertical or near vertical sides. The bin is lined with an impervious sheet of geocloth to form a containment berm for use in controlling the dispersal of hazardous material spilled from storage or work facilities. Spring loaded clamps hold the geocloth securely to the uppermost plank without nailing, sewing, or other labor consuming and/or tear prone methods. The berm is particularly suited to protect oil well drilling sites in environmentally sensitive environments such as arctic tundra. No excavation or other disturbance of the soil is required to erect the protective berm. The berm is secured to the ground by spildng through triangular support gussets. In the arctic, securing may be accomplished by freezing ice or mud as an “ice mortar” over the gusset feet and along the lower edge of the planking.

Abstract: The disposal of rubbish (trash, garbage), and other waste materials, is nowadays effected in a properly-designed tip (dump) so constructed and lined that none of its contents can in any way affect the ambient conditions. The required impervious lining layer comes in rolls, each of which is a long, heavy, sheet of material. The dispenser apparatus can be “rigidly” attached to a tractor's (conventional) three-point mounting. A long beam 34, or framework of beams, having roughly centrally thereof a three-point mounting 39 by which it can be attached behind a tractor 32 clear of the ground, the beam 34 having normally-disposed end plates 35 between which there is borne a support rod 26 carrying a roll 27 of liner material. Preferably the beam 34 is associated with positioning control device 62,63 that can be used to adjust the lateral angle of the lower three-point mounting linkages 61, and so move the roll 27 to either side to modify where the liner is laid.