Gude Road Landfill Closure with AGRU Lining Systems

The Gude Road Landfill closure was safely completed using the AGRU Integrated Drainage System (IDS) to transform the landfill into a usable greenspace.

Context

In Rockville, Maryland, the Gude Road Landfill operated from 1964 until 1982, disposing of municipal solid waste. The dumpsite predated modern landfill design regulations, lacking an engineered liner cover system. This led to significant environmental concerns requiring remedial action to meet current regulatory standards.

According to the EPA’s Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP), landfill sites in Maryland can leave significant greenhouse gas footprints (1). These landfills, often filled by nearby cities, could be responsible for substantial methane emissions. However, waste management processes like Landfill Gas (LFG) Energy collection systems convert landfill gas to energy. These emissions can be mitigated, highlighting the demand for evidence-based landfill construction and remediation strategies.

Opportunities

The aging infrastructure of the Gude Road Landfill presented multiple environmental challenges, including leachate production, landfill gas emissions, and potential groundwater contamination. Montgomery County implemented a comprehensive Remedial Action Plan (RAP) to address these issues in 2023. The plan included key objectives, such as minimizing leachate production, reducing landfill gas emissions, and protecting groundwater quality.

The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) observed that before implementing LFG Energy systems, methane content in landfill gas peaked at 60–70% (2). Following the facilitation, this content was reduced to an average of 43.86% (3). This highlights the potential for significant greenhouse gas mitigation and energy recovery through sustainable waste management.

Solution

Montgomery County’s RAP included several vital components for rehabilitating the landfill. The landfill was closed with a geosynthetic cover system utilizing 5 million square feet of AGRU’s 50-mil linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) MicroDrain^® and 10 million square feet of AGRU geotextile, AGRUTEX^® (AT081). This closure system will prevent rainwater infiltration, which will minimize leachate production and help contain gas emissions.

A gas collection and control system was implemented to capture and manage landfill gas. Additionally, a groundwater treatment system was installed to monitor potential contamination issues and safeguard water quality. To ensure the effectiveness of the remedial measures and allow for early detection of possible problems, ongoing environmental tracking will include regular sampling and analysis of groundwater, surface water, and landfill gas.

Montgomery County actively engaged with the community throughout the remedial closure process and provided public meetings, information sessions, and updates on the project’s progress. Furthermore, all remedial closure activities complied with federal and state environmental regulations, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) guidelines.

The engineering design for the project was handled by EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc. Hallaton Environmental Linings, Inc. served as the installer, and Allan Myers, Inc. acted as the general contractor.

Outcome

Geosynthetics installation for the closure project was completed in early 2025, a full four years ahead of schedule, creating a space designed to include a dog park, disc golf, and a recreational space, while providing a stable energy source over the coming years. The closure helps create a cleaner, safer setting for the local community, reinforcing the role of landfill rehabilitation in building infrastructure for a sustainable future.

The Gude Landfill is about thirty minutes from the heart of Washington, D.C., where green space is at a premium. Located in the Potomac River watershed, which flows directly into the Chesapeake Bay, this long-term solution to waste containment helps maintain the health of Maryland’s greatest natural resource.

Contact AGRU for support on projects that seek to rehabilitate landfill sites.

References

• “Project and Landfill Data by State.” EPA. (2024).
• Montgomery County, Maryland. “Gude Landfill: Landfill Gas Monitoring Plan.” Department of Environmental Protection. (2009). https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DEP/Resources/Files/trash-recycling/facilities/gude/landfill-gas/approved-plan.pdf.
• Montgomery County, Maryland. “Gude Landfill Emissions.” Department of Environmental Protection. Accessed online 13 August 2024. https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DEP/trash-recycling/facilities/gude-landfill/emissions.html.