What is Enviro Cover System?
Enviro Cover System is a degradable geosynthetic alternative daily cover (ADC) system for municipal solid waste landfills. It consists of:
- Enviro Cover - a degradable plastic film manufactured with EPI's "prodegradent" additive,
- Enviro Cover Deployer - equipment for applying Enviro Cover onto the working face, and
- The method.
Enviro Cover is a specially engineered degradable polyethylene film uniquely categorized by ASTM D 6523-00(2009) as a “non-reusable geosynthetic”. It does not require removal after it is placed on the working face, thus providing coverage until the next layer of waste is deposited.
Enviro Cover has extremely good tear and puncture resistance, and elongation characteristics for meeting the performance requirement of alternative daily cover. Enviro Cover is impermeable. When it is applied to the working face, it helps minimizing rainwater infiltration and reducing undesirable leachate generation.
With EPI's degradable film technology, Enviro Cover degrades upon the exposure to sunlight, heat and/or mechanical stress. It will not interfere with normal landfill mechanics. Leachate and biogas can be collected. The waste can continue to degrade, allowing the landfill to settle and for partially recovery of valuable airspace.
Enviro Cover Deployer is the equipment that applies Enviro Cover film onto the working face. It automates the process by simultaneously deploying Enviro Cover onto the working face and distributing ballast to anchor the film. EPI has a range of Deployers, ranging from a simple spread bar to fully automatic, self-propelled equipment, for meeting the covering need of different landfill sizes.
EPI’s Enviro Cover and Enviro Cover Deployers are covered by method, process and composition patents and patent applications throughout the world.