Protecting Capacity, Safeguarding the Environment
Landfill expansion projects often appear straightforward on paper, but field conditions quickly reveal the complexity behind containment, sequencing, and regulatory compliance. Pairing expansion work with a temporary closure system increases the challenge. Crews must build new capacity while maintaining environmental protection on active or partially completed areas. If not executed correctly, these transitions can introduce risk to liner integrity, gas management systems, and leachate control.
At the Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County landfill in Palm Beach, Florida, this balance is more than a construction priority — it is a critical environmental responsibility. Teams must deliver new infrastructure while preserving the integrity of the systems that protect surrounding communities and waterways.
Understanding the Risk in Expansion and Closure Work
Expanding a landfill cell while installing a temporary closure overlay introduces multiple layers of operational risk. Subgrade preparation must meet strict tolerances before liner installation can begin. Any inconsistency in grading or compaction can impact the performance of the geosynthetic system.
Simultaneously, crews must integrate new gas-collection infrastructure and complete leachate systems without disrupting daily operations. A temporary closure system is not just a cover — it is an engineered barrier designed to:
- Prevent infiltration
- Control landfill gas
- Shield underlying materials until final closure
If teams do not manage sequencing properly, they risk delays, rework, and compliance concerns. Poor coordination between trades can also lead to damage to installed materials, especially when working across large surface areas with multiple active scopes.
Field Execution Requires Coordination Across Disciplines
Successful landfill expansion and closure work depends on how well teams coordinate in the field. Earthwork, liner installation, and piping are closely linked, and teams must complete each phase with the next step in mind.
On this project, earthwork operations led by Superintendent Billy Wilson prepared the foundation for liner installation, while geosynthetics work under Superintendent Ramon Irizarry followed closely behind. This type of coordination ensures that subgrade conditions are suitable and that liner deployment can proceed without interruption.
The project includes the installation of a temporary overlay closure liner tied directly into the Cell 25 expansion. This work also includes improvements to the gas system, installation of a new gas piping network, and completion of the leachate collection system.
Material quantities reflect the scale and complexity of the work:
- 1,564,920 SF of 60 mil HDPE liner
- 450,800 SF of 30 mil HDPE liner
- Over 1.5 million SF of geocomposite
- 615,525 SF of GCL
- 115,000+ tons of protective cover sand
Every layer plays a vital role in keeping liquids contained, gas managed, and the environment protected.
How Experienced Contractors Manage This Work
Experienced environmental contractors approach these projects with discipline and foresight. At COMANCO, this includes:
- Verifying subgrade stability before installing geosynthetics
- Maintaining rigorous QA/QC standards during liner deployment
- Coordinating piping installation to avoid conflict with geosynthetic work
- Using proven sequencing practices to protect materials
On this project, the team completed overlay piping before final grading, allowing them to transition smoothly into the next phase. As Cell 25 nears completion, crews are welding final pipe sections and placing protective sand over the installed geosynthetics. The next phase will focus on grading the overlay subgrade and continuing geosynthetic installation.
Consistent communication between field leadership, including new Foreman Michael Wilson and Project Engineer Alex Kusik, has helped maintain progress and alignment across teams.
COMANCO’s Approach in the Field
COMANCO approaches landfill expansion and temporary closure work with a focus on constructability and long-term performance. The goal is to install each component correctly the first time while maintaining the schedule and protecting installed materials.
On this project, that commitment is evident through:
- Sequenced earthwork and liner operations designed to reduce downtime
- Careful handling and deployment of geosynthetics to protect system integrity
- On-site support systems, including a new trailer for planning and communication
- Field amenities — like crew access to ice — that promote safety and productivity
The presence of experienced leadership, along with additional support from team members like Leadman David Boone, has helped maintain steady progress as the project advances.
Building Capacity While Protecting the Environment
As work on Cell 25 continues, the project remains on track with steady progress through each phase of construction. Once completed, the new cell will provide additional capacity for waste placement within a fully engineered and monitored system.
At SWA Palm Beach, this expansion supports continued operations while maintaining compliance with environmental regulations. It ensures that crews properly contain, manage, and monitor materials, reducing the risk of environmental impact.
Landfill expansion and temporary closure projects require more than installation. They require coordination, discipline, and an understanding of how each component performs over time. When executed correctly, these systems provide reliable containment and support the continued operation of critical infrastructure.
Doing the work right the first time is what protects both the project and the planet.
SAFETY ★ QUALITY ★ SERVICE
COMANCO is an environmental, commercial, and civil construction company specializing in constructing containment facilities.
Landfill expansion and temporary closure projects require careful coordination between earthwork, geosynthetics, and piping systems. When sequencing is managed correctly, these systems work together to support containment, gas control, and long-term performance. COMANCO brings field experience and disciplined execution to each phase of construction, helping reduce risk and maintain compliance.
Contact COMANCO to learn how we can help deliver a durable, compliant closure system.
📍 4301 Sterling Commerce Dr, Plant City, FL 33566
📞 (813) 988-8829
🌐 www.comanco.com