What is a significant consequence of inadequate financial assurance in landfills?

Inadequate financial assurance in landfills leads to an inability to properly close and care for facilities. Financial assurance is designed to ensure that the landfill operator has the necessary funds to perform closure activities and any post-closure care required to protect public health and the environment. When this financial backing is insufficient, it creates a significant risk that the landfill will not be closed according to regulatory standards or maintained properly afterward, which can lead to environmental contamination, public health hazards, and increased burdens on the community.

Proper closure involves activities like covering the landfill, establishing vegetation, and monitoring groundwater and air quality, all of which require financial resources. If an operator fails to secure adequate financial assurance, the responsibility for these critical post-closure tasks may fall to local governments or the public, leading to potential ecological and economic consequences. This emphasizes the importance of adequate financial assurance to safeguard the environment and ensure community safety after a landfill has reached its operational capacity.