Have you ever found in the sleeve or the pocket of a new shirt the “Inspected By…” piece of paper? You probably don’t think twice about it. You simply look at it and throw it away. However, if you were to think about it, what might the process be to inspect the garment? To be sure the sleeves are the same length, or the collar is sewn on correctly, or that it has all the buttons. That tag is intended to signify that the product was reviewed and has met its required standards to be placed in service.
Ever wonder if anybody reviews the bottom of a landfill? When is it ready to be placed in service?
When I was a kid, a landfill was, for the most part, a hole in the ground filled with trash. Well, we still dig a hole, but since the early 1990’s, municipal solid waste landfills (MSWLF) require a containment system on the bottom and sides of the landfill beneath the waste. These containment systems, i.e. liner systems, are designed to protect human health and the environment by serving as a barrier between the waste and liquid in the landfill from the soil and groundwater outside the landfill. These liner systems are typically constructed of compacted clay liners and geosynthetic materials which are documented and inspected to ensure the liner system was built in accordance with the permit requirements and its overall purpose of protecting the environment.
The landfill liner inspection process is usually called Construction Quality Assurance (CQA) and is an important and integral component of protecting the environment. CQA is generally performed by a third party firm to provide an unbiased evaluation of the liner construction independent of the owner or the contractor.
SCS provides Landfill CQA services across the country. We have proven, experienced field staff that observe, document and test specific physical properties of the soil liner and geosynthetics. Our engineers are experienced and licensed to certify that the liner was built in accordance with the permit requirements.
Landfill CQA is not limited to the liner system. SCS provided CQA for final cover systems, leachate forcemain systems, and methane extraction systems.
If you are wondering more about landfill CQA or have a need for your facility, give us a call. We’d be happy to discuss in more detail and assist with your project. SCS is ready to serve, and help to bring your project in service.
Learn more about Jeff Reed and Construction Quality Assurance services at SCS, or see a matrix of CQA projects completed.
Contact Jeff Reed