Non-invasive geophysical methods applied to sanitary landfills: Solid Waste Management Unit 059 at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri

Author

Niklas Henry Putnam

Abstract

"Preliminary field observations were unable to substantiate the existence of a sanitary landfill north of site FLW-059, located at Fort Leonard Wood Military Reservation, Missouri. A series of subtle geomorphological features (parallel trenches and crests) on the site suggested that ‘earth-moving’ activity possibly associated with the operation of a landfill had occurred. However, no historical records documented the existence of such activity. The Fort Leonard Wood Environmental Division wanted to determine if the suspected site was used as a landfill and preferred to investigate the area using non-invasive geophysical methods.

The objective of this study was to determine if the site had indeed been used as a landfill. Toward this end, the pattern of surface subsidence was compared to the subsidence in the established landfill. Cross sectional settlement in the suspect area was found to be less than that with the established landfill.

Geophysical data were also acquired on-site. The complementary magnetic, electromagnetic, and ground penetrating radar; offered a means of detecting buried waste through non-invasive, non-destructive, and cost-effective methods. The complementary use of multiple methods increased the probability of accurately identifying and mapping landfill material.

The interpretation of magnetic and electromagnetic data suggests the trenches contain ferromagnetic material associated with refuse-mixed soils. Unfiltered ground penetrating radar profile data show laterally discontinuous reflections and hyperbolic diffractions probably indicative of subsurface trash zones. On the basis of the interpreted geophysical data, it is concluded the area is landfill whose geometry is best described as a series of mostly continuous north-south trending waste disposal trenches"-- Abstract, p. iii

Advisor(s)

Anderson, Neil L. (Neil Lennart), 1954-

Committee Member(s)

Cardimona, Steven James, 1963-
Imes, Jeffrey L.

Department(s)

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Geology and Geophysics

Comments

Requirements for accompanying CD-ROM: Windows Office 95.

Publisher

University of Missouri--Rolla

Publication Date

Fall 2001

Pagination

ix, 130 pages, 1 computer optical disc (4 3/4 in.)

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 126-129)

Rights

© 2001 Niklas Henry Putnam, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Restricted Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Thesis Number

T 7965

Print OCLC #

48797144

Recommended Citation

Putnam, Niklas Henry, "Non-invasive geophysical methods applied to sanitary landfills: Solid Waste Management Unit 059 at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri" (2001). Masters Theses. 2085.
https://scholarsmine.mst.edu/masters_theses/2085