Project Overview

A landfill site in Southern California faced numerous challenges in its closure process. The site was soil-deficient, with only one road available for access. Importing the large volumes of soil typically required for traditional vegetated cover systems posed significant financial and logistical burdens. Additionally, the landfill’s steep 2H:1V slopes created concerns regarding long-term maintenance and the potential for veneer slope failure.

Solution

To address these complex site conditions, the engineered final cover system by Watershed Geo, ClosureTurf®, was selected. This system eliminated the need for massive soil importation, immediately reducing both cost and construction traffic. The design incorporated geomembrane, which provided high interface friction, enhancing slope stability and increasing the factor of safety compared to traditional methods.

Performance During Construction

While under construction, the site endured multiple major rain events—including a historic storm that dropped 6 inches of rain in a 24-hour period. Despite these extreme weather conditions, the ClosureTurf® system performed exceptionally well, and the project experienced fewer delays than would be expected with a traditional vegetated closure system.

Results & Benefits

• Reduced Construction Costs: Eliminated the need for trucked-in soil and minimized heavy equipment use.
• Faster Construction Timeline: Accelerated installation due to simplified construction methodology.
• Lower Maintenance Requirements: No need for irrigation, mowing, or re-vegetation.
• Maximized Airspace: Less cover soil means more volume for waste.
• Lower Environmental Impact: Reduced carbon footprint from fewer truck trips and no need for ongoing vegetation management.
• Improved Aesthetics: A uniform, clean appearance with durable synthetic turf finish.

Conclusion

This Southern California landfill is a prime example of how ClosureTurf® can solve complex closure challenges. By delivering a faster, safer, and more sustainable solution, Watershed Geo’s engineered system provided superior long-term performance in both routine and extreme conditions.