UNIVERSITY MODULAR FRAMEWORK -MODULE SPECIFICATION
All items with a star (*) cannot be changed without approval.
SCHOOL * School of Science and Technology
DIVISION * Environmental and Material Sciences
FIELD* ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
MODULE TITLE* Landfill Processes
MODULE CODE * LEVEL* CREDIT VALUE* CO-ORDINATOR
5 20 Margaret Bates
ENV2033
DELIVERY MODE(S)* Distance Learning; Standard
DELIVERY UON
LOCATION(S)*
PRE-REQUISITES*:
The Distance Learning session of this module has pre-requisites of ENV1018 or
ENV1010
CO-REQUISITES*:
None
RESTRICTIONS*:
The Distance Learning session of this Module is ONLY available to students enrolled on
the distance learning route to the award of Foundation Degree Wastes Management.
SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS*:
This module has no supplementary regulations
DESCRIPTION*:
This module develops and applies both scientific and legislative principles to provide
students with a deeper understanding of the technologies of landfill, and its role in the
overall waste management process. They will study the locational criteria for landfill
sites, their design for leachate and landfill gas control and after-use, and their
operational management as well as strategies for monitoring their environmental
impact. Students will visit one or more working landfill site(s) for technical briefings.
This module specification was produced using the Academic Database on 11-Nov-11
They will specify and evaluate design options for the modification of a case study site
against a hypothetical brief, and will present recommendations for clients and
regulators. The aim will be to expose students to the investigations and procedures
involved in establishing a modern landfill site operating within the constraints of
existing legislation. Some emphasis will be given to familiarising students with the
scientific principles underlying landfill gas and leachate management.
OVERALL AIM(S) FOR THE MODULE* (Max 2 bullet points)
LEARNING OUTCOMES*: (Max of 10)
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
Knowledge & Understanding
a) demonstrate a detailed understanding of the legislative framework which
controls the landfilling wastes in the UK;
b) recognise processes and procedures of site assessment;
c) show a detailed knowledge and understanding of the biochemistry of anaerobic
digestion and landfill gas/leachate generation,
d) demonstrate an understanding of restoration techniques and post closure
monitoring strategies.
Subject-specific Skills
e) estimate landfill gas yields and leachate production using a variety of methods,
f) apply scientific principles which underlie the impacts of landfill on the
environment,
g) evaluate landfill gas and leachate control methodologies,
h) assess landfill operational and environmental control procedures,
i) demonstrate an understanding of restoration techniques and post closure
monitoring strategies.
Key Skills
j) select and organise relevant information from a variety of sources,
k) analyse the main features of complex problems,
l) present statistical or other data in appropriate forms,
m) identify the need for numerical skills and techniques within the context of
perceived or a given problem or tasks.
INDICATIVE CONTENT:
Landfill Licensing
Statutory requirements (eg. Control of Pollution Act 1974, Council Directive on waste,
75/442/EEC Environmental Protection Act 1990, Waste Management Licensing
Regulations 1994, EU Waste Management Directive 1999, Landfill Regulations 2001)-
'fit and proper person', Certificate of Completion. Planning, environmental
This module specification was produced using the Academic Database on 11-Nov-11
assessment, working plans. Roles of the Environment Agency /SEPA and the Health
and Safety Executive.
Landfill Site Investigation
Objectives (establishment of baseline conditions, environmental assessment,
monitoring), scope of investigation, organisation and approach of investigation
Landfill Engineering, Design and Construction
Implications of legislative framework and guidance on landfill design. Key principles
associated with landfill design and construction.- site liners (types, suitability,
prevention of damage to), profile of final landform, phasing of development, site
infrastructure, material requirements and materials balance, ground water and
surface water management, leachate management, landfill gas management,
preparatory works required prior to landfilling, monitoring requirements.
Landfill Operation
Waste acceptance procedures, analysis of incoming waste. Landfill operational
procedures, day to day operations - site infrastructure, internal movement of wastes,
waste discharge and emplacement methods, waste compaction, working areas,
daily cover, disposal techniques for difficult wastes, protection of local amenities,
landfill fires, pest and vermin control. Equipment used on landfill sites (compactors,
tracked dozers, loaders, rubber-tyred wheel loaders, scrapers, hydraulic excavators,
auxiliary equipment). General landfill safety, performance monitoring of operations
Landfill Gas Generation, Control and Use
Origins, properties and behaviour of landfill gas. Theoretical estimation of landfill gas
yields using stiochiometric methods (Buswell equation, and its derivatives), COD,
cellulose: lignin ratio, volatile solids, incubation and mathematical models.
Objectives of landfill gas management. Origins, properties and beahviour of landfill
gas. Methods available for the control of landfill gas (passive venting, barriers,
pumping). Mechanism of landfill gas movement and migration both within an outside
a landfill site. Landfill gas collection and monitoring systems (pipework, condensate
traps, probes, boreholes, wells, pumps, flares and diffusers). Scientific principles
associated with various types of gas monitoring equipment currently available. Landfill
gas utilisation schemes (emphasis on economics including NFFO) currently in
operation throughout the UK.
Landfill Leachate & Control
Leachate control system design (taking into account surface and ground water
ingress, drainage, cellular landfilling, landscaping and capping). Water balance and
leachate production. Leachate collection, removal and treatment methodologies.
Capping Design and Construction
Objectives of capping. Key features of capping design and construction. Stability and
settlement.
Restoration, Aftercare, Landscaping and After use
Post closure monitoring, restoration (eg. Landscaping, tree planting), and After use.
Post Closure Monitoring and Control
This module specification was produced using the Academic Database on 11-Nov-11
JUSTIFICATION OF TEACHING, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT STRATEGY*:
TEACHING, LEARNING & ASSESSMENT ACTIVITIES STUDY HOURS
STD DL
Lectures 36
Module Learning Material 48
Seminars 8
Field Visits 4
Written Assignment-1 10 10
Written Assignment-2 20 20
Formal Examination 20
Time Constrained Assignment 20
Independent study and skills development 102 102
TOTAL 200 200
CONTEXT*
ASSESSMENT STRUCTURE*
Assessment Items Units Weighting Learning Outcomes
AS1- Written Assignment-1:
eg. series of wide ranging questions
covering all aspects of landfill processes 1 20 a-h, l, m
AS2- Written Assignment-2:
eg a design a landfill site, or the
economical and environmental aspects
of implementing a gas collection system
or leachate treatment process. 1 20 a-m
EX1- Examination 3 60 a-k
For the Distance Learning Session of this module:
Assessment Items Units Weighting Learning Outcomes
Written Assignment-1:
e.g. series of wide ranging
questions covering all aspects
of landfill processes 1 20% a,b,c,d,e,f,g,h,l,m
Written Assignment-2:
e.g. a design a landfill site,
or the economical and
environmental aspects of
implementing a gas collection
system or leachate treatment
process. 2 40% a,b,c,d,e,f,g,h,i,j,k,l,m
Time Constrained Assignment 2 40% a,b,c,d,e,f,g,h,i,j,k
Total 5 100%
This module specification was produced using the Academic Database on 11-Nov-11
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
Grading criteria for each element of the assessment strategy will be attached to the
assignment briefing notes.
APPROVAL/ REVIEW DATES:
Version: 7
Date of approval: 2004
All sections reviewed and revised for PSR - May 2008
This module specification was produced using the Academic Database on 11-Nov-11