New York State’s Regulatory Approach to Environmental Containment Systems

By: Robert Phaneuf, P.E., Acting Director
Bureau of Hazardous Waste & Radiation Management
Division of Solid & Hazardous Materials

Abstract

This discussion will provide an overview of New York State’s regulatory programs regarding land disposal facility liner and final cover system designs from both a regulatory and engineering perspective. Participants will learn of the importance that the various containment system components have on the overall performance and the affect that construction quality can have on maintaining an acceptable degree of regulatory compliance. An overview of electrical resistivity liner integrity surveys as a form of construction quality assurance and what we have learned from conducting these post-construction surveys will be presented. The discussions will also cover critical aspects of the State’s proactive liner system monitoring program as a means to ensure groundwater quality standards are not violated.  Participants will gain a better understanding of the State’s solid, hazardous and low level radiological waste regulatory requirements that have been developed to ensure protection of the environment and public health.  Discussions of emerging research needs relative to liner and final cover system component service life predictions and defining landfill end state conditions will likewise be touched on.

Bio

Robert J. Phaneuf has worked for the past 25 years in the field of solid waste management in a regulatory capacity. Mr. Phaneuf is the supervisor of the Eastern Solid Waste Facility Section within the Division’s Bureau of Solid Waste & Corrective Action. Mr. Phaneuf’s primary duties within the Bureau include: formulation of statewide solid waste management policy for the NYSDEC and the supervision of technical and administrative evaluations of Part 360 applications to construct and operate solid waste management facilities throughout eastern New York State. Mr. Phaneuf was also a member of the Division’s rule-making team for both the 1988 and 1993 revision efforts on the State’s solid waste management regulations (6 NYCRR Part 360) with primary focus on landfill regulations relating specifically to landfill siting, design, construction, operation and closure. Mr. Phaneuf has coordinated the development of several technical assistance workshops and seminars on behalf of the Division relating to landfill design, construction, operation and closure technologies. Mr. Phaneuf is currently Chair Person of the ASTSWMO’s Bioreactor Landfill Work Group, and is a registered professional engineer in the State of New York, and he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Clarkson University, located in Potsdam, New York.