Geohydrologic descriptions of selected solid waste disposal sites in Puerto Rico

Fifty solid-waste disposal sites in Puerto Rico were examined in 1977 and ranked according to their potential for degradation of the water resources. Twenty-five of the sites show significant leachate pollution potential. The cover material at 21 sites is relatively permeable and offers insignificant attenuation to leachates. Thirty-six sites are adjacent to streams and nine of these are located in headwater areas. Rainfall is abundant and at 40 of the sites exceeds 1,500 millimeters per year.

General descriptions of the 50 disposal sites are given with their geohydrologic setting. Baseline data consisting of specific conductance, pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and common ions were obtained at many of the sites. Such information provides a technical basis for assessing future effects of those solid-waste disposal sites on the quality of water resources.