The Landfill (England and Wales) Regulations 2002

4.—(1) The monitoring of groundwater shall be carried out in accordance with Table 2.

(2) The parameters to be analysed in the samples taken must be derived from the expected composition of the leachate and the groundwater quality in the area.

(3) In selecting the parameters for analysis, the mobility in the groundwater zone must be taken into account.

(4) Parameters may include indicator parameters in order to ensure an early recognition of change in water quality (the recommended parameters are pH, TOC, phenols, heavy metals, fluoride, As, oil/hydrocarbons).

TABLE 2

Operational phaseAfter-care phase

Notes to Table 2

1

If there are fluctuating groundwater levels, the frequency must be increased.

2

The frequency must be based on the possibility for remedial action between two samplings if a trigger level is reached, i.e. the frequency must be determined on the basis of knowledge and the evaluation of the velocity of groundwater flow.

3

When a trigger level is reached (see paragraph 5), verification is necessary by repeating the sampling. When the level has been confirmed, a contingency plan set out in the landfill permit conditions must be followed.

Level of groundwaterEvery six months1Every six months1
Groundwater compositionSite-specific frequency2, 3Site-specific frequency2, 3