Additional earthwork support and careful site preparation help move a landfill containment project into its next phase.
Preparing a landfill cell for liner installation requires more than delivering materials and mobilizing a crew. The underlying surface must meet specific requirements to support the containment system’s long-term performance.
At a landfill project in North Florida, COMANCO has reached a significant milestone after navigating difficult subgrade conditions and severe weather. Located in the Florida Panhandle, the project highlights the unique environmental and weather-related challenges often associated with landfill construction throughout the Gulf Coast region. Landfill liner installation projects in Florida frequently require contractors to adapt to changing site conditions, heavy rainfall events, and severe weather while maintaining strict environmental compliance standards.
With additional earthwork assistance complete, the crew has begun deploying the landfill’s geosynthetic liner system.
Overcoming Subgrade Challenges
Severe weather created challenging site conditions and delayed the start of liner deployment. Before installation could proceed, the subgrade needed additional preparation to meet the project’s requirements.
To help the owner move forward, COMANCO provided additional earthwork assistance. In September, the team mobilized equipment and personnel to support subgrade preparation and fine grading.
Safety remained a priority throughout the process. As Hurricane Isaias approached the Florida Panhandle in October, COMANCO proactively withdrew its crew from the jobsite to protect personnel from potentially dangerous weather conditions.
As a contractor specializing in geosynthetic containment systems throughout the southeastern United States, COMANCO has extensive experience preparing for, responding to, and recovering from hurricanes and severe weather events. From emergency containment repairs and liner restoration to landfill, mining, and industrial containment system rehabilitation, COMANCO understands the importance of protecting both personnel and environmental infrastructure before, during, and after major storm events.
The proactive decision to temporarily demobilize the project allowed the team to prioritize safety while preserving construction quality standards, enabling work to resume efficiently once conditions improved.
COMANCO’s additional support helped address the subgrade challenges and prepare the site for liner deployment. With installation now underway, the project has moved into its next phase of construction.
This progress demonstrates the value of flexibility and responsiveness when unexpected conditions affect a project’s schedule. Proper subgrade preparation also establishes a suitable foundation for the containment system and helps reduce the risk of complications during installation.
A Multi-Layer Landfill Containment System
With liner deployment underway, COMANCO is advancing installation of a multi-layer geosynthetic containment system designed to support the landfill’s long-term performance.
The system includes 60-MIL textured HDPE geomembrane liner and 200-MIL geocomposite drainage material, both supplied by SKAPS Industries. Geosynthetic clay liner (GCL), already available onsite, will also be installed in designated areas.
Each component serves an important purpose. The geomembrane provides a containment barrier, while the geocomposite supports drainage within the engineered system. The GCL provides an additional low-permeability barrier where specified.
Together, these materials help manage liquids and support the landfill’s environmental protection objectives.
Multi-layer containment systems are a critical component of modern landfill cell construction. When properly installed, geomembranes, geosynthetic clay liners, drainage composites, and leachate collection infrastructure work together to help prevent environmental impacts while supporting long-term facility operations. Proper installation and quality assurance of these systems play a vital role in achieving regulatory compliance and protecting surrounding groundwater resources.
Integrating Leachate Collection Infrastructure
Beyond geosynthetic installation, the project includes approximately 7,000 LF of HDPE piping, ranging from 3 inches to 24 inches in diameter.
ISCO Industries supplies the piping, which supports the landfill’s leachate collection system, sump riser, and force main. Additional materials include drainage rock, geotextile, and associated fittings.
Proper integration of these components is essential to the overall containment system. While the liner helps contain liquids, the leachate collection infrastructure collects and conveys them for management.
By coordinating the installation of geosynthetics and associated piping, COMANCO supports the development of a comprehensive landfill containment system.
Supporting Long-Term Environmental Protection
Long-term environmental protection depends heavily on the quality of landfill liner installation and the integration of supporting containment components. Experienced geosynthetics contractors understand that even minor deficiencies in subgrade preparation, liner deployment, drainage materials, or piping infrastructure can impact overall system performance.
By combining earthwork support, geosynthetic installation expertise, and HDPE piping construction capabilities, COMANCO provides clients with comprehensive solutions for landfill expansion and containment projects throughout Florida and the Southeast.
Moving Forward with Liner Installation
Under the leadership of Superintendent Jorge Gomez, with support from Sr. Project Manager Michael Taylor and Project Engineer Jose Martinez, the team has transitioned from site preparation to active liner installation.
Reaching this milestone represents important progress following challenging weather and subgrade conditions.
As installation progresses, COMANCO remains focused on meeting the project’s specifications and supporting the landfill’s operational needs. Once complete, the containment system will help manage leachate, protect the surrounding environment, and support the facility’s long-term performance.
SAFETY ★ QUALITY ★ SERVICE
COMANCO is an environmental, commercial, and civil construction company specializing in constructing containment facilities.
From landfill liner installation and HDPE geomembrane deployment to leachate collection systems, earthwork support, and hurricane-related environmental repairs, COMANCO provides specialized construction services for landfill owners, municipalities, and private operators throughout Florida and the Southeast. COMANCO’s expertise in geosynthetic containment systems helps clients overcome site-specific challenges while building environmentally responsible facilities designed for long-term performance.
Contact COMANCO to discuss your project’s installation needs.
📍 4301 Sterling Commerce Dr, Plant City, FL 33566
📞 (813) 988-8829
🌐www.comanco.com