Landfill operations in the Niger delta region of Nigeria

Solid wastes are the bulkiest undesirable residue in the form of refuse, garbage, sludge, etc. generated through domestic, commercial, industrial and agricultural activities, and landfill is by far the cheapest known method of final disposal of solid wastes. In this study, existing geotechnical and hydro-geological data were used to select a suitable site for possible landfill operations in the Niger delta region of Nigeria. The site so selected was then further investigated to provide baseline data for design, construction, operation and future monitoring of such facility if embarked upon. Superficial deltaic lateritic soil deposit beneath this site as well as peak groundwater level was found to satisfy necessary conditions for landfill operation. But hydraulic conductivity or permeability conditions were relatively inferior to approved standards, hence, the use of liner was recommended. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.