A four-phase landfill closure project showcases COMANCO’s expertise in geomembrane installation, geocomposite drainage systems, gas venting, and quality-controlled environmental construction.
Closing a landfill cell requires more than covering waste. It takes a carefully installed containment system designed to manage stormwater, vent gas, and protect the surrounding environment.
COMANCO is making steady progress on a four-phase North Florida landfill closure project, installing nearly 1.6 million SF each of three geosynthetic materials. Led by Superintendent Carlos Garcia, the crew has completed approximately 65% of the overall project. With the third phase completed, COMANCO is awaiting site preparation before returning for the final phase.
Three Geosynthetic Layers, One Containment System
The landfill closure system incorporates three materials supplied by AGRU, each serving a distinct purpose in the final cover system.
The primary containment layer consists of 40-MIL LLDPE Black Double-Sided Microspike geomembrane. This textured liner provides containment while supporting the cover system’s stability.
Above the geomembrane, a 300-MIL geocomposite stormwater drainage layer helps manage water within the closure system. Meanwhile, a 200-MIL geocomposite gas venting underlayment provides a pathway for gas movement beneath the liner.
Each material requires approximately 1,613,248 SF of installation across the project.
To date, COMANCO has installed:
- 1,070,774 SF of 40-MIL LLDPE geomembrane
- 984,669 SF of 300-MIL stormwater geocomposite
- 1,051,888 SF of 200-MIL gas venting geocomposite
Fun Facts About This Installation
- The crew has already installed more than 3.1 million square feet of geosynthetic materials across the project.
- Upon completion, the project will include nearly 4.8 million square feet of geosynthetic materials.
- That’s enough material to cover approximately 84 football fields, including end zones.
- Every roll of material must be carefully deployed, seamed, tested, and documented to meet strict landfill closure quality requirements.
Together, these layers form a high-performance landfill closure containment system designed to manage stormwater, control landfill gas migration, and protect the surrounding environment. Proper installation of geomembranes and geocomposite drainage systems is critical to ensuring long-term containment performance and regulatory compliance after waste disposal operations end.
Navigating Complex Drainage Features
One of the project’s distinguishing features is its multi-terrace design. Phases 1, 3, and 4 incorporate an integrated stormwater drainage system that requires careful coordination between the geosynthetic materials and drainage infrastructure.
The system includes corrugated piping, which presented an installation challenge at the pipe penetrations. Standard pipe boot methods required additional consideration because of the pipe’s corrugated surface.
Rather than proceeding with a less effective detail, COMANCO’s field team collaborated with the Engineer to develop and approve a pipe boot solution that maintained the integrity of the landfill closure system. This proactive problem-solving approach reflects the company’s commitment to quality workmanship and long-term system performance.
This attention to installation details is especially important in landfill closure applications. Properly constructed penetrations help maintain the integrity of the containment system where different materials and components meet.
The crew also adapted to using battery-operated sewing machines instead of their familiar electric equipment for geocomposite installation. This adjustment further demonstrated the team’s ability to accommodate project-specific requirements.
Maintaining Progress Through Weather and Site Activity
Over four months onsite, the crew navigated an active construction environment while coordinating with other contractors.
Frequent communication helped maintain safe working conditions as multiple teams performed their respective scopes. In addition, the crew managed rain and lightning during the region’s rainy season.
By monitoring conditions and coordinating daily activities, the team maintained progress while prioritizing safe operations.
Their efforts resulted in four months onsite without a reported safety incident, reflecting COMANCO’s culture of safety and commitment to protecting both personnel and project stakeholders. Maintaining safe operations while coordinating with multiple contractors remains a core component of the company’s project execution strategy.
Quality Verified Throughout Installation
Quality control has remained a central focus across the first three phases.
The team has completed 101 destructive tests (DTs), achieving a weld acceptance rate exceeding 99%. These tests verify the strength and integrity of field seams and serve as a critical component of COMANCO’s quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) program during geomembrane installation.
Consistent testing and documentation are particularly valuable on large, multi-phase projects. They help identify potential issues during construction rather than after the closure system is complete.
The project’s scope has also expanded to include an existing cap crater repair and a western tie-in modification due to differing site conditions. These additional areas require integration with the overall closure system.
Preparing for the Final Phase
With approximately 65% of the project complete, COMANCO is preparing for the final phase of installation. Once complete, the landfill closure system will provide long-term environmental protection through expertly installed geomembrane containment, stormwater drainage management, and gas venting infrastructure.
The final phase will continue installing the geomembrane, stormwater drainage geocomposite, and gas venting underlayment.
Landfill closure marks an important transition in a facility’s lifecycle. Although the cell no longer accepts waste, its containment system must continue performing for years to come.
Through specialized geosynthetic installation, geomembrane welding, drainage system integration, and rigorous QA/QC procedures, COMANCO continues to demonstrate why owners trust the company with complex landfill closure and environmental containment projects. By combining experienced field leadership with proven installation practices, COMANCO is helping deliver a closure system designed to protect the environment and ensure long-term site stability.
SAFETY ★ QUALITY ★ SERVICE
COMANCO is an environmental, commercial, and civil construction company specializing in constructing containment facilities.
From multi-layer landfill closure systems to complex drainage details, COMANCO brings experienced field crews and specialized geosynthetic installation expertise to environmental construction projects. Proper installation and quality control help owners protect their facilities and support long-term containment performance. Planning a landfill closure or containment project? Contact COMANCO to discuss your installation needs.
📍 4301 Sterling Commerce Dr, Plant City, FL 33566
📞 (813) 988-8829
🌐www.comanco.com