Prediction of leachate level in Kimpo metropolitan landfill site by total water balance

Abstract

Kimpo metropolitan landfill has received various kinds of wastes since January 1992. The leachate level was measured to be 10.3 m in May 1995 and the level increased to 12.2 m in August 1996. Therefore, to prove the reason for the increasing leachate level, we calibrated hydraulic conductivity of each waste and intermediate layer using the HELP (Hydrologic Evaluation of Landfill Performance) model. The leachate generation data measured from February 1993 to October 1995 was used in the model calibration. As a result of a model calibration, we obtained an average infiltration ratio and used this in analysis of the total water balance to predict elevation of leachate level. Main causes of the elevation of the leachate level were the high water content of the waste and the degradation of the leachate-drainage system caused by the subsidence of a natural barrier layer.