The Sanitary Landfill in the Subarctic

Abstract

A field study of two and a half years was conducted into the application of the sanitary landfill to the Subarctic. Temperatures and gas concentrations were observed in an experimental cell, and groundwater quality measured on the periphery. Carbon dioxide concentrations peaked during the warmer periods corresponding to minimum oxygen concentrations. No methane was ever detected nor were significant changes in groundwater quality observed. After the study period, the cell was opened for examination and showed that little decomposition had occurred. This indicates that serious consideration must be given to the use and location of landfills in cold climates.