In landfill operations, what is the role of a liner system?

The liner system in landfill operations plays a critical role in environmental protection by containing leachate and preventing groundwater contamination. A liner is typically composed of various materials, such as clay or synthetic layers, designed to create a barrier between the waste and the surrounding environment.

Leachate, which is the liquid that drains or leaches from a landfill, can contain hazardous substances that could pollute groundwater if not properly managed. The liner prevents the leachate from escaping the landfill and reaching the groundwater, thereby safeguarding local water supplies and ecosystems from potential contamination. Insuring that the liner system is intact and functioning is essential for compliance with environmental regulations and for the long-term sustainability of landfill operations.

The other choices pertain to functions that are either not applicable or secondary to the primary function of the liner system in containing leachate and preventing contamination.