Landfill & Tailings

Environmental Governance Case Study: HDPE Geomembrane, the "Seepage Guardian" for Landfills and Tailings Ponds

Landfills and tailings ponds are a persistent challenge for environmental remediation:

Landfills: Leachate contains heavy metals and organic matter. Once leaked, it can contaminate groundwater and soil.

Tailing Ponds: Tailings residue is prone to seepage, causing landslides and even dam failures.

Traditional seepage control methods (clay and concrete) are costly, slow to implement, and subject to geological constraints. This is where HDPE geomembrane comes in—like a "seepage-proof raincoat" for the site, both cost-effective and highly effective.

Superior Seepage Control

With a permeability coefficient as low as 10⁻¹⁷ cm/s, 100 times stronger than clay, a 1.5mm thick membrane can block harmful substances.

Case Study: A landfill in Shandong Province uses a 1.5mm double-smooth geomembrane and has experienced no leakage for 10 years. Durable and durable

Anti-aging agents and carbon black (2.5%) are added to ensure UV resistance and acid and alkali corrosion resistance. This easily handles the highly acidic environment of tailings ponds.

High tensile strength prevents cracking during landfill settlement (geomembranes can adapt to uneven settlement).

Fast and cost-effective construction

Compared to concrete construction, geomembranes are laid 50% faster and cost 30% lower.

A tailings pond replaced clay sloped walls with HDPE membrane, saving 50% on anti-seepage material costs.

Case 1: Landfill closure

Solution: 1.5mm HDPE membrane + 600g/m² geotextile, black and green dual-color design (green facing up, aesthetically pleasing and UV-resistant).

Result: Leachate collection rate increased by 90%, and after closure, the land was revitalized and resembling a lawn from a distance.

Case 2: Tailings Pond Seepage Prevention

Solution: 1.5mm rough HDPE membrane + GCL bentonite blanket, double-layer anti-seepage.

Construction Key:

Welding temperature maintained at 4-40°C, wind speed ≤ Level 4.

Leave a 1.5% margin when laying on the slope to prevent tearing due to thermal expansion and contraction.

Result: Dam body seepage incidents reduced to zero, and groundwater quality monitoring well data met standards.

Puncture prevention : Sharp stones can scratch the membrane. Before laying, the base must be cleaned or geotextiles must be added for protection.

Welding Inspections: A project resulted in localized leakage due to missed weld inspections. A dual-layer "hot melt + extrusion welding" approach was subsequently implemented.

Don't Ignore the Weather: Working on rainy days? Welding will be impossible if the membrane becomes wet! Always work during dry periods.

New Materials: Develop biodegradable geomembranes (such as EVA composite membranes) to reduce secondary pollution.

Smart Monitoring: Sensors embedded within the membrane monitor leaks in real time (similar to a "health code for anti-seepage membranes").

HDPE geomembrane isn't a panacea, but it's undoubtedly the most cost-effective solution for landfills and tailings ponds—it's impermeable, durable, fast to install, and can even be used in conjunction with ecological restoration. Want to avoid unnecessary complications? Remember these three key points: choose the right thickness, weld seams securely, and provide adequate protection. Next time you encounter a project like this, consider this "plastic armor"!