1. (a) The protective cover shall meet the following performance standards. The protective cover shall:

   1. (1) Protect the primary liner from physical damage from stresses and disturbances from overlying wastes, waste cover materials and equipment operation.
   2. (2) Protect the leachate collection system within the protective cover from stresses and disturbances from overlying wastes, waste cover materials and equipment operation.
   3. (3) Allow the continuous and free flow of leachate into the leachate collection system within the protective cover.
   4. (4) Cover the bottom and sidewalls of the disposal area.

2. (b) Unless alternative design requirements to meet the performance standards in subsection (a) are approved as part of the permit under § 271.231 (relating to equivalency review procedure), the protective cover shall meet the following design requirements. The protective cover shall be:

   1. (1) Comprised of clean earth material that contains no aggregate, rocks, debris, plant material or other solid material larger than 1/2 inch in diameter, and no material with sharp edges.
   2. (2) As permeable as or more permeable than, 1 x 10^-2 cm./sec. based on field testing, and shall allow the free flow of liquids and leachate passing through or generated by solid waste.
   3. (3) At least 18 inches in thickness.

Source

The provisions of this § 273.257 amended December 22, 2000, effective December 23, 2000, 30 Pa.B. 6685. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (226215).

Cross References

This section cited in 25 Pa. Code § 273.161 (relating to liner system and leachate control plan); 25 Pa. Code § 273.251 (relating to scope and requirements); and 25 Pa. Code § 285.123 (relating to impoundments—general).