Report 4 of the Council on Science and Public Health (A-07)

Expansion of Hazardous Waste Landfills Over Aquifers

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Summary

Objective.  To examine the construction and placement of hazardous waste landfills, their impact on the public water supply, and potential health hazards as a result of contamination.

Methods. English-language articles were identified by a PubMed search from 1967 to January 2007 using the key words landfill expansion, hazardous waste, and aquifers. Articles were selected based on information relating to the structure and composition of landfills, including their liner components and leachate collection systems. Additional articles were chosen to identify the quantity and type of aquifers in the United States, the effect of water contamination on the public water supply, and the potential impact of expanding existing landfills. Because of differences in definitions, regulations, and standards, for the purposes of this report only articles applying to the United States were included.  In addition, the Web sites of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the United States Geological Survey were searched for resources on regulations and guidelines for disposal of hazardous waste, landfill placement and construction, and information on aquifers.

Results. There are several categories of hazardous waste and a broad definition of the term aquifer, and it is likely that many hazardous waste landfills are above or near aquifers. Although hazardous waste sites have complex collection and monitoring systems, leakage of leachate from these systems is probable in the long term. The concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), inorganic compounds or heavy metals, or hazardous waste that may potentially be leaked from these sites is difficult to predict. Although the toxicity of these contaminants is recognized, because of confounding factors and problems with study design a direct causal link between contaminants found in leachate and specific adverse health outcomes is not always clear. However, some studies have shown increased prevalence in diseases or conditions in exposed populations that are at least somewhat explained by their proximity to a hazardous waste disposal site.

Conclusions. The expansion of hazardous waste landfills or the construction of new hazardous waste landfills over principal aquifers represents a potential health risk for the public water supply and is inconsistent with sound principles of public health policy. Efforts to improve hazardous waste treatment, recycling, and disposal methods to reduce the public health burden should be supported.

RECOMMENDATIONS 

The following statements, recommended by the Council on Science and Public Health, were adoptd by the AMA House of Delegates as policy and directives at the 2007 AMA Annual Meeting:

The AMA:

1.  Recognizes that the expansion of hazardous waste landfills or the construction of new hazardous waste landfills over principal aquifers represents a potential health risk for the public water supply and is inconsistent with sound principles of public health policy, and therefore should be opposed. (Policy)
2. Will advocate for the continued monitoring of groundwater sources, including principal aquifers, that may be contaminated by hazardous waste landfill or other landfill leachate. (Directive)
3. Supports efforts to improve hazardous waste treatment, recycling, and disposal methods in order to reduce the public health burden. (Directive)

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