Closed, Illegal and Abandoned (CIA) Disposal Sites

Clean Closure of Solid Waste Disposal Sites

Clean closure is defined as the complete removal of all waste and waste residuals, including contaminated soils. A clean closure is generally defined as being when waste materials and residuals are removed to a point where remaining contaminant concentrations are at or below background levels or levels established by the relevant regulatory agencies (LEA Advisory 16). 

Advantages of Clean Closure

• Increased postclosure land uses for the site.
• Elimination of Board/LEA inspections of the site.
• Increased postclosure land uses for the site.

Candidates for Clean Closure

• Sites closed prior to current regulations and are facing a change in the land use which may threaten the integrity of the closed site or pose a threat to public health and safety or the environment.
• Closed sites which have developed environmental problems, i.e., cover, gas, drainage, erosion, etc.
• The cost of clean closure is less than or equal to postclosure maintenance and long term monitoring.

Elements of Clean Closure

1. Site Characterization
2. Clean Closure Plan Preparation
3. Review and Approval
4. Actual Clean closure
5. Verification and Approval of Clean Closure

Elements of Clean Closure Plan

1. Site Characterization
2. Excavation and Material Management
3. Confirmation of Waste Removal
4. Post Closure Maintenance and Land Use

Examples of Clean Closure Cost Estimates

• Sand Diego NTC AB 2136 Cost Estimate: Adobe PDF or MS Excel
• Sand City Disposal Site Cost Estimate: Adobe PDF or MS Excel.  

Elements of Site Characterization

• Extent of Waste [Footprint (Length * Width) * Depth = Volume of Waste (yds³)]
• Characterization of Waste Present
• Levels of Contamination

For more information on clean closure read LEA Advisory #16, September 26, 1994. 

Remedial Work Scoping Home

Last updated: April 18, 2008