Project Specifics

The Riverbend Landfill is an active landfill with eight existing modules. Since 2010, Geosyntec has provided consulting services for many aspects of operations at the landfill. Waste Management (WM) sought the consolidation and incorporation of preconstruction, design, and as-built data into a three-dimensional (3D) model to visualize its current gas-well network and assist in the efficient and cost-effective placement of new gas extraction wells.

Geosyntec Scope of Services

Geosyntec was supplied a digital version of the most recent site aerial photo and topographic map. Electronic versions of base grade and final grade were collected by our geotechnical group and spatially joined with the aerial photo and topographic base map. A thorough collection of well construction information was compiled in table form and added to a centralized database. Geosyntec performed extensive QA of the data to assure spatial integrity and consistency among the associated parties. Our project team then elevated the data into a 3D model using ArcGIS software, symbolized it appropriately and intuitively, and reviewed this work. Geosyntec provided a preliminary draft version of the model to WM fo r review as a 3D PDF deliverable that could be viewed in Adobe Acrobat. The model was then revised and finalized based on WM’s comments on the draft. Geosyntec hosted WM in our office to view and manipulate the 3D model, demonstrating the relationships between the various features and elements. During the visit, proposed gas extraction wells were inserted into the 3D model to facilitate discussion. Various two-dimensional plan view figures showing different combinations of current and proposed features were created based on WM requests. Representative views of the 3D model as hardcopy figures and animated sequences/flythroughs were also provided as needed to assist in informed decision-making and project communication.

Notable Accomplishments

Using our 3D model to visualize all the known construction and topological data with respect to proposed additional well locations, Geosyntec demonstrated that WM could achieve a more efficient methane extraction network. The ability to visualize the site data in 3D helped WM make informed construction decisions that in turn resulted in significant savings during the life of the project. Well placement derived from the use of this model has been shown to greatly increase the efficiency of the gas extraction network over traditional methods. Using the 3D model features and data visualizations, we produced presentation-quality figures and graphics that were distributed among project teams and aided in construction assurance and communication among site personnel and multiple regulatory agencies.

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