PumpOne and Leachate

Leachate is defined as water that filters through waste materials and comes into contact with various substances in a landfill, such as decomposing organic matter, chemicals, and other various contaminants. The resulting leachate mixture can consist of organic and inorganic compounds, including heavy metals, pathogens, suspended solids, and dissolved substances. The leachate liquid is often highly polluted and can pose significant environmental and health risks, contaminating groundwater, surface water, and soil if not properly managed.

The collection systems for leachate are an integral part of modern landfill designs and are implemented to capture and manage leachate effectively. Typical components and methods used for the collection of leachate include:

• Impermeable Liners: Landfills are constructed with impermeable liners made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or clay to prevent the downward movement of leachate into the underlying soil and groundwater. The liners act as a barrier, forcing the leachate to move horizontally.
• Leachate Collection Pipes: Perforated pipes, often made of HDPE, are installed within the landfill at the base of each waste cell or on top of the liner system. These pipes form a network of collection lines that run horizontally across the landfill to collect leachate as it drains through the waste layers.
• Collection Sumps: Collection sumps, or sump pits, are designed to receive the leachate collected by the perforated pipes. These sumps act as collection points where leachate accumulates before it is pumped out for further treatment or disposal. The sumps are equipped with pumps to facilitate the extraction of leachate.
• Leachate Pumping: To prevent the uncontrolled release of leachate, modern landfill designs incorporate pumping systems. These systems collect the leachate and direct it to either treatment facilities or storage tanks for appropriate disposal.
• Monitoring Wells: Monitoring wells are strategically installed in and around the landfill to assess groundwater quality and detect any potential leachate leakage. These wells help monitor the effectiveness of the leachate collection system and provide early detection of any environmental impacts.

The collection systems are designed to create a gradient that directs the leachate towards the collection pipes and sumps. Gravity and an inclined slope are used to facilitate the flow of leachate to the collection points.

The treatment of leachate involves several processes aimed at reducing or removing contaminants to make the leachate safer for disposal or potential reuse. The treatment methods used vary depending on the composition of the leachate and the desired level of treatment. Some common techniques employed in leachate treatment include:

• Pre-treatment: Leachate may undergo initial pre-treatment steps to remove large solid particles and debris through processes like screening and sedimentation. This step helps protect downstream treatment equipment and ensures smoother operation.
• Physical Treatment: Physical treatment methods involve the use of physical processes to remove suspended solids and separate liquids from solids. Common physical treatment techniques include sedimentation, filtration, and membrane filtration. These methods help reduce particulate matter, turbidity, and dissolved contaminants.
• Chemical Treatment: Chemical treatment methods involve the addition of chemical agents to facilitate the removal of specific contaminants. Coagulation and flocculation are commonly used processes where chemicals are added to destabilize suspended particles, allowing them to form larger aggregates that can be more easily removed by filtration.
• Biological Treatment: Biological treatment methods utilize microorganisms to break down and metabolize organic contaminants present in the leachate. Biological treatment can significantly reduce organic pollutants and some nitrogen compounds.

The treatment process regularly involves a combination of these techniques to achieve the desired level of purification.

Disposal typically involves the proper management and treatment of leachate to prevent its uncontrolled release into the environment, where it can contaminate water sources and harm ecosystems. The disposal methods for leachate depend on local regulations, environmental standards, and the level of treatment achieved. Common disposal methods for treated leachate consist of:

• Wastewater Treatment Plants: Treated leachate that meets required quality standards may be discharged into municipal wastewater treatment plants. These plants have the infrastructure and processes to further treat leachate along with other domestic and industrial wastewater before releasing it into surface water bodies.
• Sewer Systems: In some cases, where local regulations allow, treated leachate can be discharged into municipal sewer systems. The leachate is combined with the domestic wastewater stream and undergoes further treatment at wastewater treatment plants.
• Evaporation Ponds: In regions with low precipitation rates and suitable climatic conditions, evaporation ponds or lagoons can be used for leachate disposal. Leachate is collected and stored in specially designed ponds, where it is exposed to the atmosphere, allowing natural evaporation to occur. Over time, the water content of the leachate reduces, leaving behind concentrated residues that require additional handling.
• Deep Well Injection: Deep well injection involves injecting treated leachate into deep, underground wells specifically designed for this purpose. This method requires geological assessments to ensure the injected leachate does not contaminate underground water sources.

Proper management, monitoring, and compliance with local regulations are essential to ensure the protection of the environment and human health when disposing of leachate.

PumpOne is a leading manufacturer of electric and pneumatic pumps specifically designed for the efficient removal of leachate from landfills and remedial sites. Offering U.S. made products that are designed to handle the demanding conditions of landfill operations while providing consistent, effective leachate removal even in the most challenging environments. Pump One offers two primary pumping technologies each used in different scenarios:

• The pneumatic ONE Series is the culmination of years of testing and engineering to provide the most versatile and maintainable pneumatic pump on the market. The ONE provides seamless extraction in vertical wells, pumping hazardous leachate to storage tanks where it can later be prepped for disposal.
• The electric ALLY Series was developed to provide superior efficiency and reliability for high-demand applications. The ALLY is built with operators in mind, delivering exceptional performance while providing resistance to harsh chemicals and abrasives that will often lead to motor burnout.

• Redesigned casing allows a maximum operating temperature of 210*F
• New epoxy coated float & polished discharge tube reduces scaling buildup & allows for easier cleaning.
• Upgraded magnets that withstand higher temperatures, sand, & harsh chemicals.
• Redesigned actuator rod assembly allows for less drag & quicker reassembly.
• All major components are 316 machined stainless steel for increased durability.
• Accepts industry standard size hose barbs or fast fittings.
• Every pump is built in the USA and comes with a 5-year standard warranty.

• High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) shroud for superior strength and durability
• Teflon-fitted stainless steel Grundfos Pump
• Franklin Electric environmental motor
• PTFE (Teflon®) Bushings
• FKM (Viton®) for all O-ring seals
• Stainless Steel internal screen
• Works with designs for horizontal, slope, and vertical applications from 5 to 1,200 GPM

Looking for more information about our applications or specific details on the pneumatic ONE Pump and electric ALLY Pump?

Reach out to us at: 704.453.4373 or email [email protected] for more information.