After a landfill site is closed, what is the minimum depth of compacted soil that should cover it?

The correct choice for the minimum depth of compacted soil that should cover a closed landfill site is 2 feet. After closing a landfill, it is essential to cover the waste with a layer of compacted soil to minimize the environmental impact, such as controlling odors, preventing scavenging by wildlife, and reducing the risk of leachate and methane production.

Covering a closed landfill with compacted soil also aids in promoting vegetation growth, stabilizing the surface, and preventing erosion. The 2-foot depth is usually considered the minimum standard as it is adequate for achieving these goals while not being excessively costly or impractical for landfill operators to implement.

In practice, regulatory agencies often set forth guidelines specifying this minimum depth to safeguard public health and the environment, aligning with best management practices for waste containment and containment closure.