When people hear the word landfill, they often imagine a simple hole in the ground where waste is buried and forgotten. In reality, modern landfills are among the most carefully engineered and environmentally regulated infrastructure projects in Canada.
At Claystone, the construction of Cell 9—the newest landfill cell—offers a clear example of how today’s landfills are designed to protect the environment, manage waste responsibly, and serve communities for decades to come.
Planning the Cell: How Big Is “Big Enough”?
Before excavation begins, engineers must answer a deceptively simple question: how large should the cell be? The answer depends on projected waste volumes, regulatory timelines, construction costs, environmental risk, while also considering the site geotechnical requirements and soil bearing capacity.
Cell 9 was a multi year process with planning beginning in 2022 and construction occurring in 2025 to provide new landfill capacity while the current cell reaches its final waste capacity. At its deepest point, the cell reaches approximately 15 metres, tapering to about 11–12 metres at the shallow end.
Rather than excavating an oversized pit and leaving protective liners exposed for years, Claystone sizes cells carefully so they can be filled and protected quickly – reducing liner wear and minimizing environmental exposure.
Protecting Groundwater: Layers of Defense
A common community question is: what happens if something leaks?
At the base of Cell 9 is a multi-layered protection system. It includes synthetic liners that are thermally welded so seams are stronger than the liner itself, geotextile layers for structural protection, and drainage rock that efficiently moves liquids without clogging. Beneath these engineered layers lies a thick layer of compacted clay that achieves extremely low permeability.
Monitoring Comes First
Environmental protection doesn’t stop once construction is complete. Claystone maintains an extensive network of groundwater monitoring wells around the site, tested multiple times each year ensuring the cell is operating properly and as per design.
These tests measure adjacent groundwater levels, groundwater chemistry, conductivity, and any potential indicators of contamination. Results are documented in detailed environmental reports that remain on record for the life of the landfill.
If monitoring ever detected an issue, established response procedures would be triggered immediately—from targeted soil stabilization to, in extreme cases, liner repair or replacement. Claystone is also required to maintain remediation and closure funds in trust, ensuring financial capacity to respond now or decades into the future.
Managing Leachate and Building Safely
As waste settles, captured precipitation and moisture contained in landfilled waste creates a liquid called leachate. In Cell 9, a network of engineered pipes collects and directs leachate to designated treatment and collections pathways, preventing contact with surrounding soil or waterways.
To protect the liner during early operations, Claystone places an initial two-metre layer of waste gently over the base before heavy compactors are introduced. Waste is then placed in carefully planned layers, or “lifts,” to ensure long-term stability.
From Landfill to Legacy
When responsibly engineered, landfills can become valuable assets for communities. Across North America, former landfill sites have become parks, natural areas, and renewable energy hubs. Claystone’s approach reflects this long-term perspective—combining rigorous engineering, ongoing monitoring, and financial planning to ensure the site remains safe, stable, and beneficial well into the future.
