Leachate Attenuation Zones: Protecting Groundwater from Landfill Contamination

A leachate attenuation zone is essentially a buffer zone around a landfill that prevents contamination of groundwater by toxic or hazardous wastes. Many older landfills were established before stricter regulations required contaminant attenuation zones.

History

• Older landfills were sometimes built close to bodies of water or wetlands, allowing contaminants to leach into the soil and water table. In addition, some of these areas that were once remote became built up over time, presenting a greater hazard to communities.

Planning

• Planning for leachate attenuation zones and other containment methods must occur before a landfill is built. A number of factors, including topography, geology, soil permeability and water table, must be considered before locating a site.

Additional Information

• Government agencies may purchase property adjacent to a landfill to establish a leachate attenuation zone. Even after the landfill is constructed, oversight is necessary to monitor saturation, or the degree to which contaminants have penetrated the zone.