Toxic soluble waste disposal in a sanitary landfill site draining to an urban water supply

The safe disposal of very large amounts of hazardous substances presents special problems. In the case described here, no one involved realized that a potentially serious situation was being created inadvertently. It is probable that similar situations are occurring elsewhere without notice. This incident illustrates the need for better guidelines concerning the disposal of hazardous substances. First, formal approval of local health departments should be obtained before the disposal of hazardous materials is planned for any particular sanitary landfill site. In addition, hazardous substances should not be deposited at sanitary disposal sites in any populated area, especially if those areas are located at a recharging location for aquifers or near drainage involving private wells or public water supplies. It is also essential that local health department staff should meet with the supervisory staff of county solid waste control programs to discuss the importance of monitoring substances brought to the landfill site. Procedures should be established so that substances known to be toxic or of questionable toxicity should not be accepted without prior consultation with the local health department.