Few data exist on containment system performance. One of the most comprehensive studies on short- and medium-term performance of containment systems was conducted by Bonaparte et al. (2002), based on information collected from publications and from discussions with facility owners, operators, designers, and regulators. The study reported performance problems from multiple sources, including operators, at approximately 2,000 U.S. landfills and impoundments designed and constructed under Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Subtitles C and D. A total of 85 “problems” were identified at 79 landfill and 5 surface impoundment facilities (listed in Table 5.1 and shown graphically in Figure 5.1). Care must be taken in drawing conclusions from these data, since the search for problem facilities was not exhaustive.

FIGURE 5.1 (Left) General distribution of problems by waste containment system component or attribute. (Right) Distribution of problems by principal human factor contributing to the problem. SOURCE: Bonaparte et al. (2002).