A sanitary landfill is being designed for a town. Which feature is essential to prevent groundwater contamination from leachate?
- A Daily cover of soil
- B Compaction of waste
- C Impermeable liner at the base ✓
- D Gas venting system
Correct answer: C. Impermeable liner at the base
Explanation
An impermeable liner (clay or synthetic) at the base of a sanitary landfill is the primary engineering control to prevent leachate from percolating into groundwater. Daily cover controls odor and vectors. Compaction reduces volume. Gas venting manages methane. Without a liner, leachate contaminates groundwater regardless of other measures.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 26th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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