As part of Bedfordshire County Council’s continued commitment to protect the environment, RLCL was commissioned to undertake a holistic review of the capping, restoration and environmental management schemes proposed for the 42 hectare Sundon Landfill site. 

The review concentrated on identifying alternative or innovative methods and technologies, which could improve performance and constructability of the schemes as well as providing identifiable benefits to the environment.  The results of the review will eventually be used as a basis for the development of the final design, which will be considered by the Planning Committee.

Eastern Boundary

The review of the capping system has included consideration of replacing a soil blinding layer with a geosynthetic material and replacing part of the clay cap with a geomembrane.  The review of the landfill gas management system has involved the development of innovative methods and technologies which are the subject of extended trials (see article “Landfill Gas Extraction Trials” In this Review). 

The identification of alternative access routes (including railway service arches) for the delivery of construction and restoration materials has focussed on seeking to minimise the impact of site traffic on local residents and the public generally. 

Also included in our review were surface water and leachate management systems.  In both cases innovative designs and technologies should provide important environmental benefits. 

The Design Review was managed by Jon Clark, Project Director.

Proposed Access Route