reduction in exposure of layer surfaces to erosion. 
Regardless of the manner of filling ravines, the 
depth of each layer of cells should usually be 
limited to 6 to 8 feet and maximum compaction of 
refuse and cover should be obtained. 
Small Community Operation. Some small commu- 
nities may be financially unable to obtain new 
equipment heavy enough to carry on all phases of 
landfill operation. Some have purchased used 
tractors to solve this problem. Others have realized 
sanitary disposal of refuse by renting heavy equip- 
ment and having a trench excavated long enough to 
permit operation for 3 to 6 months. In the latter 
instance, a light-weight, relatively inexpensive 
tractor is obtained and used to spread and compact 
the refuse. Cover stockpiled during the excavation 
of the trench is applied to the compacted refuse by 
the light tractor. In some soils where excavation 
for cover is not too difficult or time consuming, the 
lighter equipment could accomplish the complete 
operation of a sanitary landfill for a small town. 
Experience indicates that heavier equipment should 
be obtained if possible, for maintenance costs on 
very light equipment may be high. 
Winter and Inclement W eather Operations. Winter 
months do not prohibit successful sanitary landfill 
operation. Landfills have been operated success- 
fully in an area where temperatures as low as 44° 
below zero are encountered and with winds as high 
as 30 m.p.h. The necessary trenches should be 
dug well in advance of extreme cold weather and 
cover material stockpiled for use at that time. In 
some soils it may not be necessary to excavate in 
advance; and even though very low temperatures 
prevail, excavation for cover may be accomplished 
on a day-to-day basis. 
In sections of the country where winter tempera- 
tures are not severe, the bulk of the annual rainfall 
may come during this season. Areas near the stabi- 
lized entrance roadway should be reserved for 
operations during this or any other wet season or 
for short wet periods during normally dry seasons. 
If trenches are dug in advance to meet this possi- 
bility, adequate drainage should be provided. When 
the weather is favorable, operations may be carried 
on in areas somewhat remote from the entrance road 
or the stabilized roads through the disposal tract. 
A stand-by supply of cinders, shell, or gravel 
should always be present for use in emergency 
situations. Loads of street sweepings, ashes, etc., 
delivered to the fill should be saved for this pur- 
pose also. 
Recommended Operating Practices 
1. A sanitary landfill should be well planned 
and its operation and maintenance should be 
performed by a trained person. The health 
department should have the authority to 
assure, by working through proper channels, 
that operations meet public health require- 
ments at all times. 
2. The municipal department responsible for 
operation should determine local sources of 
equipment for short term use in the event of 
breakdown or major overhaul. 
3. The face of the working fill should be kept 
as narrow as is consistent with proper opera- 
tion of trucks and equipment so that the area 
of waste material exposed during the opera- 
ting day will be minimal. The refuse should 
receive as much compaction as possible. 
This will facilitate the application of a solid, 
even layer of earth cover and minimize 
settlement. 
4. The exposed refuse should be covered with 
earth as promptly as is consistent with 
proper operation, but certainly by the close 
of each day’s operation, so that each day’s 
deposit makes a closed cell. Earth cover 
should be thoroughly compacted to prevent 
newly emerged flies from working their way 
from the compacted refuse through to the 
surface. 
5. The final covering for surface and side 
slopes should be maintained at a depth of 
approximately 24 inches. 
6. The final level of the fill should provide a .5 
percent to 1 percent slope to allow for ade- 
quate drainage. Much steeper slopes should 
be avoided as they encourage erosion. In 
case the finished fill has a boundary and/or 
side slope, it should be as gradual as possi- 
ble to prevent erosion. These slopes should 
be seeded promptly and covered with straw 
to minimize erosion until vegetation becomes 
established. 
7. If water under pressure is available, the 
exposed waste material and adjacent sur- 
faces may be watered when necessary to 
allay dust. This additional moisture will also 
facilitate compaction and possibly will in- 
crease the rate of decomposition. 
8. As a rule, the layer of refuse should not 
exceed an average depth of about 6 to 8 feet 
after compacting. Where successive “lifts” 
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