Landfill Development and Closure

Maximizing landfill capacity while staying compliant and construction-ready

Landfill operators face growing pressure to maintain efficiency, control costs, and stay ahead of evolving environmental regulations. From site characterization and permitting, to cell construction, expansion, and final closure, operators need a partner who understands not just engineering, but day-to-day operational realities.

RESPEC’s solid waste team, strengthened by EARTHRES’ decades of landfill expertise, delivers integrated solutions that maximize capacity, streamline permitting, and support compliance. We guide clients through every phase of landfill development with technical precision, responsive field support, and regulatory insight.

Services

  • Cell Development
  • Final and Temporary Cap Design
  • Geotechnical Engineering, Slope Stability, and Geophysical Surveys
  • Site Characterization and Groundwater Monitoring
  • Construction Quality Assurance (CQA)
  • Capital Project Planning
  • Waste Density / Airspace Utilization Factor (AUF) Calculations
  • Landfill Expansion Design and Permitting
  • Operations Compliance Reporting
  • Air Permitting
  • Forensic Investigations and Expert Testimony

Project Highlights

Cell 17 Construction Design, Bid Document Preparation, and Quality Assurance

Waste Management Grand Central Sanitary Landfill, Pen Argyl, PA

Our team prepared the permit application, construction-level design, and bid documents for Cell 17, located within a complex footprint previously occupied by infrastructure and a sediment basin. Our phased approach maintained continuous landfill operations, compliance, and environmental controls during construction. Services included Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) berms, utility relocations, new stormwater systems, liner system design, bid support, and full CQA during construction.

Southern Expansion Design and Permitting

Alliance Landfill, Lackawanna County, PA

The team delivered design and permitting of a 30-million cubic yard, 87-acre expansion integrating modern landfill technology. We delivered full grading, civil, and geotechnical design, stormwater and leachate system design, landfill gas controls, and a 90-foot MSE berm to maximize airspace and efficiency. Nine phased development plans supported regulatory approvals, permitting, and operational integration.

Final Closure and Gas System Construction

GROWS North Landfill, Bucks County, PA

Across 85 acres and multiple phases, our team provided CQA and engineering certification for final cap installation. Field coordination with contractors and regulators enabled efficient construction and compliance, while integrated services covered geosynthetics, stormwater features, gas system controls, and erosion protection. Our trained staff minimized costs and field delays.

Cell and Site Work Design and Bid Package

Waste Management Grand Central Sanitary Landfill, Pen Argyl, PA

We completed the design and bid documents for grading, MSE berm construction, gas and leachate system integration, and stormwater infrastructure. The team managed field changes and project phasing in close coordination with contractors and site staff. CQA services and certification reporting supported smooth execution and regulatory approvals.