WO2024072845A2

WO2024072845A2 - Waste mass capping systems and methods

Info

Publication number: WO2024072845A2
Application number: PCT/US2023/033795
Authority: WO
Inventors: Timothy Hodge
Original assignee: Strata Sustainability, Llc
Priority date: 2022-09-27
Filing date: 2023-09-27
Publication date: 2024-04-04
Also published as: WO2024072845A3

Abstract

A system for capping a waste mass is provided. The system includes a closure cap positioned to seal the waste mass, and a fluid monitoring network configured to monitor in real-time the flow of at least one fluid within the closure cap. The closure cap includes a primary capping layer disposed atop the waste mass, a compost amended soil layer disposed atop the primary capping layer, a capillary break layer disposed atop the compost amended soil layer, and a topsoil layer disposed atop the capillary break layer. The capillary break layer is configured to reduce a percolation rate of the at least one fluid flowing within the closure cap.

Description

WASTE MASS CAPPING SYSTEMS AND METHODS

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/410,336, filed September 27, 2022, which is incorporated by reference as if disclosed herein in its entirety.

FIELD

[0002] The present technology relates generally to the field of waste management, and more particularly, to closure caps for sealing waste masses such as landfills and contaminated sites.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Traditional closure methods for contaminated sites and landfills using conventional plastic-based capping systems are expensive, prone to long-term failure, and can be cost prohibitive. Beneficial re-use of plastic capped sites can likewise be challenging and limited.

[0004] Waste mass (e.g., contaminated sites and landfills) capping is an important containment tool that forms a barrier between the contaminated material (e.g., solid waste, petroleum contaminated soils, mine spoils, fugitive discharges, etc.) and the surface, thereby safeguarding humans and the environment from the harmful effects of its contents and perhaps limiting the migration of the contents back into the environment, including but not limited to methane, which is an extremely potent greenhouse gas. These systems typically utilize synthetic, petroleum-based materials, like plastics, that are expensive, difficult to maintain, and typically only available in higher socio-economic markets with the economic resources and technical capabilities to install and maintain. However, there is a global need for contaminated site closure and containment, sanitary landfills, and responsible waste management. Additionally, many of the same locales/regions that cannot afford traditional landfill closure systems are also lacking viable options for disposal of problem wastes such as contaminated soils, animal carcasses, sludges, septic wastes, etc.

[0005] What is needed, therefore, are improved waste mass capping systems and methods that address at least the problems described above. SUMMARY

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present technology, a system for capping a waste mass is provided. The system includes a closure cap positioned to seal a waste mass, and a fluid monitoring network configured to monitor in real-time the flow of at least one fluid within the closure cap. The closure cap includes a primary capping layer disposed atop the waste mass, a compost amended soil layer disposed atop the primary capping layer, a capillary break layer disposed atop the compost amended soil layer, and a topsoil layer disposed atop the capillary break layer. The capillary break layer is configured to reduce a percolation rate of the at least one fluid flowing within the closure cap.

[0007] In some embodiments, the fluid monitoring network includes a plurality of lysimeters positioned in the closure cap. The plurality of lysimeters are configured to obtain real-time evapotranspiration data of water within the closure cap. At least one of the plurality of lysimeters is positioned in each of the primary capping layer, the compost amended soil layer, the capillary break layer, and the topsoil layer.

[0008] In some embodiments, the fluid monitoring network includes a plurality of gas monitors positioned in the closure cap. The plurality of gas monitors are configured to obtain real-time migration data of at least one gas within the closure cap. At least one of the plurality of gas monitors is positioned in each of the primary capping layer, the compost amended soil layer, the capillary break layer, and the topsoil layer.

[0009] In some embodiments, the primary capping layer includes a mixture of soil and crushed rocks.

[0010] In some embodiments, the compost amended soil layer includes a mixture of compost and biochar.

[0011] In some embodiments, the capillary break layer includes a mixture of soil and rocks.

[0012] In some embodiments, the topsoil layer includes a fine-grain soil.

[0013] In some embodiments, at least one biodiesel crop is planted in the topsoil layer.

[0014] In some embodiments, at least one alternative energy utility unit is integrated with the closure cap and is configured to supply electrical power to the fluid monitoring network. In some embodiments, the at least one alternative energy utility unit includes at least one solar panel array, at least one windmill, or combinations thereof. [0015] According to another embodiment of the present technology, a method of sealing a waste mass with a closure cap is provided. The method includes disposing a primary capping layer over the waste mass; disposing a compost amended soil layer over the primary capping layer; disposing a capillary break layer over the compost amended soil layer; and installing a fluid monitoring network throughout the closure cap. The capillary break layer is configured to reduce a percolation rate of at least one fluid flowing within the closure cap. The fluid monitoring network is configured to monitor in real-time the flow of the at least one fluid within the closure cap.

[0016] According to yet another embodiment of the present technology, a closure cap for sealing a waste mass is provided. The closure cap includes a primary capping layer disposed atop the waste mass, a compost amended soil layer disposed atop the primary capping layer, a capillary break layer disposed atop the compost amended soil layer, and a topsoil layer disposed atop the capillary break layer. The capillary break layer is configured to reduce a percolation rate of the at least one fluid flowing within the closure cap. The primary capping layer includes a mixture of soil and crushed rocks. The compost amended soil layer includes a mixture of compost and biochar. The capillary break layer includes a mixture of soil and rocks. The topsoil layer includes a fine-grain soil.

[0017] In some embodiments, a fluid monitoring network is positioned throughout the closure cap and is configured to monitor in real-time the flow of the at least one fluid within the closure cap.

[0018] Further objects, aspects, features, and embodiments of the present technology will be apparent from the drawing Figures and below description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019] Some embodiments of the present technology are illustrated as an example and are not limited by the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references may indicate similar elements.

[0020] FIG. l is a partial cross-sectional view of a waste mass capping system according to some embodiments of the present technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 1, a system for capping a waste mass is generally designated by the numeral 100. The system 100 includes a closure cap 200 that is configured to be positioned over a waste mass 110 to seal the waste mass 110. The waste mass 110 can be the waste that forms a landfill, the contaminated material (e.g., solid waste, petroleum contaminated soils, mine spoils, fugitive discharges, etc.), that forms a contaminated site (e.g., fracking sites, coal ash piles, spill sites, hazardous waste leak sites, etc.), etc. The closure cap 200 is configured to be positioned on the waste mass 110 to seal the waste mass 110. In some embodiments, the closure cap 200 is an evapotranspiration (“ET”) cap that includes a series of layers each formed of combinations of soils and/or earthen materials such that the closure cap 200 is configured to store water until it is either transpired through vegetation or evaporated from a top surface of the closure cap 200.

[0022] The closure cap 200 includes a primary capping layer 210 that is disposed immediately atop the waste mass 110. In some embodiments, the primary caping layer 210 is formed of a mixture of soil and crush rocks. In some embodiments, the primary capping layer 210 is formed of a coarse-grained soil. The materials that form the primary capping layer 210 can be locally sourced from the area surrounding the waste mass 110 and the soil materials can be a mixture of local and recovered materials.

[0023] The closure cap 200 includes a compost amended soil layer 220 that is disposed immediately atop the primary capping layer 210. In some embodiments, the compost amended soil layer 220 includes a mixture of compost materials and biochar materials. In some embodiments, the compost amended soil layer 220 includes recycled and/or difficult to recycle products (e.g., compost with a lot of plastic contamination that would otherwise be unusable). In some embodiments, the compost amended soil layer 220 is formed from a mixture of compost materials, inert materials, topsoil materials, and biochar materials. In some embodiments, the compost amended soil layer 220 further includes biosolid materials, fibrous construction debris, and/or other recovered materials to make further use of recovered, reusable materials (e.g., organic wastes, fibrous materials, drywall, gypsum, crushed glass, etc., and can include potentially problem wastes such as animal carcasses, biosolids, and otherwise difficult to recover construction demolition materials) from waste streams. In some embodiments, the compost amended soil layer 220 is formed, and the materials it is formed of are generated, on-site, i.e., at the location of the waste mass 110. For example, in some embodiments, the waste mass capping system 100 includes attendant systems for generating and supplying materials for the closure cap 200, such as a composting facility (using, e.g., traditional windrow or aerated static-pile systems depending on the nature of the organics used and the desired compost volume) and a biochar retort. Use of the compost amended soil layer 220 in the closure cap 200 results in sequestered carbon and reduced methane emissions as compared to conventional contaminated site/landfill capping systems.

[0024] The closure cap 200 includes a capillary break layer 230 that is disposed immediately atop the compost amended soil layer 220. The capillary break layer 230 is configured to reduce or eliminate the percolation of fluid (e.g., water, plant nutrient solution, etc.) between the layers of the closure cap 200, due to the unsaturated hydraulic properties between the capillary break layer 230 and the topsoil layer 240 (discussed below) that retain the fluid in the higher topsoil layer 240. In some embodiments, the capillary break layer 230 includes a mixture of soil materials, rocks, gravel, and any other drainage fill materials, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the soil and rock materials are local to the vicinity of the waste mass 110 and/or generated from processing waste materials such as concrete rubble from construction demolition, crushed glass, shredded tires, etc.

[0025] The closure cap 200 includes a topsoil layer 240 that is disposed immediately atop the capillary break layer 230. In some embodiments, the topsoil layer 240 includes fine- grain soil materials. In some embodiments, the topsoil layer 240 includes amended soil materials, such as a soil amended with compost materials and/or biochar materials. In some embodiments, the amended soil is a fine-grain soil. In some embodiments, the closure cap 200 includes at least one biodiesel crop 250 (e.g., Jartropha, Moringa, etc.) that is planted in the topsoil layer 240 to expedite transpiration of water within the closure cap 200.

[0026] The closure cap 200 has a depth D that is formed of a depth DI of the primary capping layer 210, a depth D2 of the compost amended soil layer 220, a depth D3 of the capillary break layer 230, and a depth D4 of the topsoil layer 240. In some embodiments, the layers 210, 220, 230, 240 of the closure cap 200 have irregular shapes due to the closure cap 200 being disposed over and contoured to an irregularly shaped waste mass 110 such that the depths D, DI, D2, D3, D4 represent average depths of the closure cap 200 and its respective layers 210, 220, 230, 240. In some embodiments, the depths D, DI, D2, D3, D4 vary based on factors such as precipitation predictions for the vicinity of the waste mass 110, hydraulic properties of the materials used to form the respective layers 210, 220, 230, 240 (e.g., water retention quantity and duration for the soil materials, compost materials, etc.), the type and amount of vegetation planted in the topsoil layer 240 (e.g., plants that consume much water can result in thinner layers 210, 220, 230, 240), etc. In some embodiments, the depths D, DI, D2, D3, D4 are calculated via diagnostic models that determine how much and how quickly water percolates through the layers 210, 220, 230 240. For example, in some embodiments a hydrogeologic evaluation of landfill performance (“HELP”) diagnostic model is used to calculate the depths of each layer. The HELP model includes estimating the water retention values of the materials used to form a layer of the closure cap 200, predicting precipitation quantities and rates for the vicinity of the waste mass 110 based on historical data, and modeling how much of the predicted precipitation will evaporate before penetrating the layer. The depth of the layer can be adjusted based on the results of the HELP model, such as increases the depth if the water does not fully evaporate and passes through the layer or decreasing the depth if the water evaporates before passing through the layer.

[0027] In some embodiments, the waste mass capping system 100 includes a fluid monitoring network 300. The fluid monitoring network 300 is configured to monitor in realtime the flow or migration of at least one fluid within the closure cap 200. In some embodiments, the fluid monitoring network 300 includes a plurality of lysimeters 310 that are positioned throughout the closure cap 200 and are configured to obtain real-time data regarding the evapotranspiration of water at different areas within the closure cap 200. In some embodiments, at least one lysimeter 310 is positioned in each of the layers 210, 220, 230, 240. In some embodiments, the lysimeters 310 are installed throughout the closure cap 200 as the respective layers 210, 220, 230, 240 are formed. In some embodiments, the lysimeters 310 are installed after the closure cap 200 is formed.

[0028] In some embodiments, the fluid monitoring network 300 includes a plurality of gas monitors 320 that are positioned throughout the closure cap 200 and are configured to obtain real-time data regarding the migration of at least one gas (e.g., methane, hydrogen sulfide, etc.) within the closure cap 200. In some embodiments, at least one gas monitor 320 is positioned in each of the layers 210, 220, 230, 240. In some embodiments, the gas monitors 320 are installed throughout the closure cap 200 as the respective layers 210, 220, 230, 240 are formed. In some embodiments, the gas monitors 320 are installed after the closure cap 200 is formed. Although the lysimeters 310 and the gas monitors 320 are shown in FIG. 1 as positioned throughout the closure cap 200 in an approximately evenly spaced alternating pattern, the present technology is not limited thereto and contemplates embodiments in which the lysimeters 310 and the gas monitors 320 are positioned according to any other pattern and spacing arrangement. The lysimeters 310 and/or the gas monitors 320 are configured to communicate (via e.g., any wireless protocol such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular data, satellite link, cloud-based communications, etc.) in real-time the evapotranspiration data and/or the gas migration data to a remote source (e.g., a computing device such as a server, desktop computer, laptop computer, Smartphone, etc.) for real-time performance monitoring of the closure cap 200.

[0029] In some embodiments, the waste mass capping system 100 includes at least one alternative energy utility unit 400 that is integrated with the closure cap 200. The alternative energy utility unit 400 is installed atop and partially at least one of the layers of the closure cap 200. The at least one alternative energy utility unit 400 includes a solar panel array, a windmill, or any other alternative energy source, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the alternative energy utility unit 400 is configured to supply electrical power to the fluid monitoring network 300. In some embodiments, the alternative energy utility unit 400 is configured to supply electrical power to a power grid in the vicinity of the waste mass 110. Integrating the alternative energy utility unit 400 with the closure cap 200 capitalizes on the otherwise wasted land of the waste mass 110.

[0030] Accordingly, embodiments of the present technology are directed to contaminated site and landfill capping systems based on organics-based materials, often locally sourced, which can include otherwise difficult to handle organics waste streams, and utilize the principles of evapotranspiration to meet, and in some embodiments exceed, the standard of functional equivalence to traditional plastic-based closure systems. Embodiments of the present technology integrate the following systems/processes: evapotranspiration closure caps, composting, biochar production, recovery of commodities from waste streams, bio-diesel crops grown on the landfill cap, compost application for carbon sequestration, solar panel deployment on the landfill cap, and soil engineering for a vegetative waste mass closure cap. The waste mass capping system preferably accommodates problem wastes that are otherwise often improperly managed, including, but not limited to, sludges/treated biosolids (e.g., composted, aerated, etc.), animal carcasses, storm debris, and contaminated soils (e.g., hydrocarbons). Thus, the waste mass capping system has a low-to-negative carbon footprint and generates renewable energy and inputs for green fuels (e.g., biodiesel) for the surrounding community.

[0031] As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, various modifications, adaptations, and variations of the foregoing specific disclosure can be made without departing from the scope of the technology claimed herein. The various features and elements of the technology described herein may be combined in a manner different than the specific examples described or claimed herein without departing from the scope of the technology. In other words, any element or feature may be combined with any other element or feature in different embodiments, unless there is an obvious or inherent incompatibility between the two, or it is specifically excluded.

[0032] References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular aspect, feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes that aspect, feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment referred to in other portions of the specification. Further, when a particular aspect, feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect or connect such aspect, feature, structure, or characteristic with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described.

[0033] The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to "a plant" includes a plurality of such plants. It is further noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for the use of exclusive terminology, such as "solely," "only," and the like, in connection with the recitation of claim elements or use of a "negative" limitation. The terms “preferably,” “preferred,” “prefer,” “optionally,” “may,” and similar terms are used to indicate that an item, condition, or step being referred to is an optional (not required) feature of the technology. The term "and/or" means any one of the items, any combination of the items, or all of the items with which this term is associated.

[0034] Each numerical or measured value in this specification is modified by the term “about.” The term "about" can refer to a variation of ± 5%, ± 10%, ± 20%, or ± 25% of the value specified. For example, "about 50" percent can in some embodiments carry a variation from 45 to 55 percent. For integer ranges, the term "about" can include one or two integers greater than and/or less than a recited integer at each end of the range. Unless indicated otherwise herein, the term "about" is intended to include values and ranges proximate to the recited range that are equivalent in terms of the functionality of the composition, or the embodiment.

[0035] As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for any and all purposes, particularly in terms of providing a written description, all ranges recited herein also encompass any and all possible sub-ranges and combinations of sub-ranges thereof, as well as the individual values making up the range, particularly integer values. A recited range (e.g., weight percents of carbon groups) includes each specific value, integer, decimal, or identity within the range. Any listed range can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range being broken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, or tenths. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein can be readily broken down into a lower third, middle third, and upper third, etc.

[0036] As will also be understood by one skilled in the art, all language such as "up to," "at least," "greater than," "less than," "more than," "or more," and the like, include the number recited and such terms refer to ranges that can be subsequently broken down into sub-ranges as discussed above. In the same manner, all ratios recited herein also include all sub-ratios falling within the broader ratio. Accordingly, specific values recited for radicals, substituents, and ranges, are for illustration only; they do not exclude other defined values or other values within defined ranges for radicals and substituents.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A waste mass capping system comprising: a closure cap positioned to seal a waste mass, the closure cap comprising: a primary capping layer disposed atop the waste mass; a compost amended soil layer disposed atop the primary capping layer; a capillary break layer disposed atop the compost amended soil layer, the capillary break layer is configured to reduce a percolation rate of at least one fluid flowing within the closure cap; and a topsoil layer disposed atop the capillary break layer; and a fluid monitoring network configured to monitor in real-time the flow of the at least one fluid within the closure cap.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the fluid monitoring network comprises a plurality of lysimeters positioned in the closure cap, the plurality of lysimeters are configured to obtain real-time evapotranspiration data of water within the closure cap, at least one of the plurality of lysimeters is positioned in each of the primary capping layer, the compost amended soil layer, the capillary break layer, and the topsoil layer.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the fluid monitoring network comprises a plurality of gas monitors positioned in the closure cap, the plurality of gas monitors are configured to obtain real-time migration data of at least one gas within the closure cap, at least one of the plurality of gas monitors is positioned in each of the primary capping layer, the compost amended soil layer, the capillary break layer, and the topsoil layer.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the primary capping layer comprises a mixture of soil and crushed rocks.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the compost amended soil layer comprises a mixture of compost and biochar.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the capillary break layer comprises a mixture of soil and rocks.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the topsoil layer comprises a fine-grain soil.

8. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one biodiesel crop planted in the topsoil layer.

9. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one solar panel array configured to supply electrical power to the fluid monitoring network.

10. A method of sealing a waste mass with a closure cap, the method comprising: disposing a primary capping layer over the waste mass; disposing a compost amended soil layer over the primary capping layer; disposing a capillary break layer over the compost amended soil layer, the capillary break layer is configured to reduce a percolation rate of at least one fluid flowing within the closure cap; and installing a fluid monitoring network throughout the closure cap, the fluid monitoring network is configured to monitor in real-time the flow of the at least one fluid within the closure cap.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the fluid monitoring network comprise a plurality of lysimeters positioned in the closure cap, and installing the fluid monitoring network comprises installing at least one of the plurality of lysimeters in each of the primary capping layer, the compost amended soil layer, the capillary break layer, and the topsoil layer.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the fluid monitoring network comprises a plurality of gas monitors positioned in the closure cap, and installing the fluid monitoring network comprises installing at least one of the gas monitors in each of the primary capping layer, the compost amended soil layer, the capillary break layer, and the topsoil layer.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the primary capping layer comprises a mixture of soil and crushed rocks.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein the compost amended soil layer comprises a mixture of compost and biochar.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein the capillary break layer comprises a mixture of soil and rocks.

16. The method of claim 10, wherein the topsoil layer comprises a fine-grain soil.

17. The method of claim 10, further comprising planting at least one biodiesel crop in the topsoil layer.

18. The method of claim 10, further comprising integrating at least one solar panel array with the closure cap, the at least one solar panel array is configured to supply electrical power to the fluid monitoring network.

19. A closure cap for sealing a waste mass, the closure cap comprising: a primary capping layer disposed atop the waste mass, the primary capping layer comprising a mixture soil and crushed rocks; a compost amended soil layer disposed atop the primary caping layer, the compost amended soil layer comprising a mixture of compost and biochar; a capillary break layer disposed atop the compost amended soil layer and configured to reduce a percolation rate of at least one fluid flowing within the closure cap, the capillary break layer comprising a mixture of soil and rocks; and a topsoil layer disposed atop the capillary break layer, the topsoil layer comprising a fine-grain soil.

20. The closure cap of claim 19, further comprising a fluid monitoring network positioned throughout the closure cap and configured to monitor in real-time the flow of the at least one fluid within the closure cap.

21. The closure cap of claim 20, wherein the fluid monitoring network comprises a plurality of lysimeters configured to obtain real-time evapotranspiration data of water within the closure cap, at least one of the plurality of lysimeters is positioned in each of the primary capping layer, the compost amended soil layer, the capillary break layer, and the topsoil layer.

22. The closure cap of claim 20, wherein the fluid monitoring network comprises a plurality of gas monitors configured to obtain real-time migration data of at least one gas within the closure cap, at least one of the plurality of gas monitors is positioned in each of the primary capping layer, the compost amended soil layer, the capillary break layer, and the topsoil layer.

23. The closure cap of claim 20, further comprising at least one solar panel array configured to supply electrical power to the fluid monitoring network.

24. The closure cap of claim 19, further comprising at least one biodiesel crop planted in the topsoil layer.