Why do secure landfills use double impermeable liners?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

radioactive waste — hazardous-waste management Employees loading transuranic waste into a shipping container at Vallecitos Nuclear Center, a nuclear research facility in Alameda county, California.

Secure landfills utilize double impermeable liners primarily to prevent the contamination of groundwater and surrounding soil by hazardous waste.1

These liners work in conjunction with a double leachate collection system, which consists of a network of perforated pipes placed above each liner. The upper system is designed to prevent the accumulation of leachate within the fill, while the lower system serves as a critical backup to ensure that any potential leaks are captured before they can migrate into the environment. By employing this redundant containment strategy, facilities can effectively manage hazardous materials and minimize the risk of environmental damage.1