Stotts Creek Landfill

About This Project

STOTTS CREEK LANDFILL

THE ISSUE

At the time (2003), Stotts Creek was a 20 year old landfill site where dry and wet wastes were dumped together, compacted and then covered with a thin layer of clay. The current system of treatment limited the amount of leachate that could be effectively disposed of, especially during high rainfall periods. With a growth in population predicted, it was anticipated the landfill facility would need to be expanded, requiring a more efficient and cost effective method for leachate treatment.

THE VETIVER SOLUTION

A unique Veticon Consulting design utilising Vetiver System phytoremediation technology was adopted. This design combined seepage control with an overhead irrigation system. The dump was capped, followed by mass planting on the mound surface for overhead leachate irrigation. Contour line planting on the slope was also applied for leachate seepage and erosion control.

THE RESULT

The application of the Vetiver System leachate disposal technology was extremely effective. Despite the highly polluted, saline and alkaline leachate, the Vetiver established at a 90-95% success rate. The high salt and other contaminants did not adversely affect the plant growth and due to the irrigation process, the grass continued to grow in the winter months. The Vetiver Grass Installation successfully disposed of all leachate and run off generated at Stotts Creek during the dry season.