T7-1 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

Lagoon and Liner Design

Guidelines

Water Quality Program

Washington State Department of Ecology

April 2023 | Publication 98-37

T7-2 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

Table of Contents
ADA Accessibility ................................................................................................................... 6
Abstract or Executive Summary ............................................................................................. 7
T7 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines ............................................................................... 8
T7-1 Guidance Purpose................................................................................................... 8
T7-2 General Design Guidance ........................................................................................ 8
T7-3 Single versus Double Liners ................................................................................... 10
T7-4 Lagoon Siting Criteria ............................................................................................ 10
T7-5 Retrofit of Existing Lagoon .................................................................................... 11
T7-5.1 Lagoon Types ................................................................................................ 11
T7-5.1.1 Single Liner Systems...................................................................................... 11
T7-5.1.2 Double Liner Systems.................................................................................... 12
T7-5.2 Material Types .............................................................................................. 13
T7-5.2.2 Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) .................................................... 21
A. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) ........................................................................................ 26
T7-5.2.3 Other Geomembrane Materials ................................................................... 28
T7-5.2.4 Geotextiles .................................................................................................... 29
T7-5.2.5 Geocomposite Drainage Nets ....................................................................... 30
T7-5.2.6 Geosynthetic Clay Liner (GCL) ....................................................................... 31
A. Material Properties ............................................................................................... 36
1. Institutes ........................................................................................................... 36
2. Manufacturers .................................................................................................. 37
3. Installers ............................................................................................................ 37
T7-5.3 Lagoon Design Guidance ............................................................................... 37
T7-5.3.1 Surface Water ............................................................................................... 37
A. Access .................................................................................................................... 37
B. Freeboard .............................................................................................................. 37
C. Overflow................................................................................................................ 37
D. Water Level Monitoring ........................................................................................ 38
E. Wind Uplift ............................................................................................................ 38
T7-3 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

F. Example Wind Uplift Calculation .......................................................................... 39

G. Subsurface Vapor Venting .................................................................................... 46
H. Penetrations.......................................................................................................... 46
I. Buoyancy ............................................................................................................... 46
J. Cold Weather Considerations ............................................................................... 48
K. Stability ................................................................................................................. 48
1. Veneer ............................................................................................................... 48
2. Lagoon design for stable slopes ........................................................................ 51
3. Leakage ............................................................................................................. 52
4. Leak Detection Layer......................................................................................... 53
T7-5.4 Lagoon Sizing ................................................................................................ 55
T7-5.4.1 Sizing ................................................................................................................... 55
T7-5.4.2 Other Design Criteria .......................................................................................... 57
T7-5.5 Dam Safety ................................................................................................... 57
T7-5.6 Liner Placement and Construction Standards ................................................. 58
T7-5.6.1 Subgrade Preparation ......................................................................................... 58
T7-5.6.2 Liner .................................................................................................................... 59
T7-5.6.3 Specifications ...................................................................................................... 60
T7-5.6.4 Construction Quality Control (CQC).................................................................... 61
T7-5.6.5 Groundwater and Surface Water ....................................................................... 61
T7-5.6.6 Access ................................................................................................................. 61
T7-5.7 Leak Detection .............................................................................................. 62
T7-5.7.1 Definition of a Leak ............................................................................................. 62
T7-5.7.2 Leak Detection Methods..................................................................................... 63
T7-5.7.3 Single Liner Leakage............................................................................................ 64
T7-5.7.4 Double Liner Leak Location Complications......................................................... 64
T7-5.7.5 Leak Detection Frequency .................................................................................. 64
T7-5.7.6 Leak Response Thresholds and Response Planning ........................................... 65
T7-5.7.7 Response Planning .............................................................................................. 67
T7-5.8 Operations and Maintenance ........................................................................ 70
T7-5.8.1 Sludge Management ........................................................................................... 71
T7-4 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

T7-5.8.2 Sludge Removal Methods ................................................................................... 71

T7-5.9 Inspection Methods ...................................................................................... 72
T7-5.9.1 Single Liner .......................................................................................................... 72
T7-5.9.2 Double Liner........................................................................................................ 72
T7-5.10 Construction Quality Assurance (CQA) and Construction Quality Control
(CQC) 72
T7-5.10.1 Definition of QA and QC ................................................................................... 73
T7-5.10.2 Appropriate CQA and CQC ................................................................................ 74
T7-5.510.3 Stress Cracking of HDPE Geomembranes ....................................................... 79
T7-5.10.4 Best Management Practice............................................................................... 80
T7-5.10.5 CQA Methods.................................................................................................... 81
T7-5.11 Reporting and Approval ............................................................................. 83
T7-5.12 Closure Plans. ............................................................................................ 83
T7-6 References ........................................................................................................... 84
T7-5 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

List of Tables and Figures

Figure T7-1 Lagoon liner diagrams................................................................................................ 10

Figure T7-2 Typical leak detection sump and side slope pump .................................................... 16
Table T7-1 HDPE (smooth) material specification ........................................................................ 18
Table T7-2 HDPE (textured) material specification ...................................................................... 20
Table T7-3 Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) (smooth) material specification ............... 22
Table T7-4 LLDPE (textured) material specification...................................................................... 24
Table T7-5 PVC material specification .......................................................................................... 27
Table T7-6 Geotextile pad material specification ......................................................................... 30
Table T7-7 Geocomposite drainage material specification .......................................................... 33
Table T7-8 Geosynthetic Clay Liners (GCLs) material specifications ............................................ 34
Figure T7-3: Recommended values of the suction factor for design of any sloped based on
critical leeward slope ................................................................................................................ 39
Table T7-9 Geomembrane normalized tension values. ................................................................ 44
Figure T7-4 Lagoon ballast schemes ............................................................................................. 45
Figure T7-5 Subsurface vapor venting system .............................................................................. 47
Figure T7-6 Pipe Geomembrane Cover to Prevent Ice Encapsulation ......................................... 48
Figure T7-7 Various types of geomembrane covered slope stability failures .............................. 52
Table T7-10 Rate of fluid flow in granular leachate collection layer resulting from a defect in the
primary liner. ............................................................................................................................ 53
Table T7-11 Rate of leachate (in liters per day) migration through a defect in a geomembrane
primary liner as a function of the defect diameter and the head of liquid on top of the
primary liner. ............................................................................................................................ 55
Figure T7-8 Action leakage rate/Reservoir depth......................................................................... 69
Table T7-12 Proposed values for Action Leakage Rates (ALRs) .................................................... 69
Table T7-13 Seam strength and related properties of thermally bonded smooth and textured
high-density polyethylene (HDPE) geomembranes (English Units) ......................................... 76
Table T7-14 Seam strength and related properties of thermally bonded smooth and textured
linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) geomembranes (English Units)................................ 77
Table T7-15 Seam shear and peel strength polyvinyl chloride (PVC) geomembranes................. 78
Figure T7-9 Example liner panel layout, seam numbering, and repair types and locations ........ 79
T7-6 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

ADA Accessibility
The Department of Ecology is committed to providing people with disabilities access to
information and services by meeting or exceeding the requirements of the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, and Washington State
Policy #188.
To request ADA Accommodation, contact Water Quality Reception at 360-407-6600. For
Washington Relay Service or TTY call 711 or 877-833-6341. Visit Ecology’s accessibility
webpage 1 for more information.
For document translation services, call Water Quality Reception at 360-407-6600. Por
publicaciones en espanol, por favor llame Water Quality Reception al 360-407-6600.

1
[Link]
T7-7 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

Abstract or Executive Summary

Stabilization ponds and aerated lagoons have been used extensively for wastewater treatment
for many years. The treatment options represent a low-cost, low-technology approach for
communities where land is plentiful and inexpensive and when lagoon effluent quality can
comply with discharge limits. When properly designed with long detention times, they also
provide a good alternative to consider when pathogen removal is a principle design criteria
(e.g., where discharge is in the vicinity of shellfish harvest beds).
Ecology always requires geomembrane liners for newly constructed wastewater
impoundments. Generally, existing unlined impoundments need not be retrofitted with a liner
unless activities such as solids removal, operational modifications, or construction activities
disrupt the integrity of the bottom or monitoring indicates unacceptable impacts to ground
water.
Pond and lagoon systems have traditionally had difficulty with consistent suspended solids
removal and are prone to short-circuiting without appropriate modification. Such modifications
can include the use of multiple lagoons in series or use of baffles to create cells within a lagoon.
These systems often cannot meet the effluent limits for ammonia required for many freshwater
stream dischargers. Lagoons alone cannot adequately achieve the overall nitrogen reduction
required for discharge to ground water.
Ecology will review proposals for new and upgraded pond and lagoon systems on a case-by-
case basis. Treatment lagoons for surface water discharge, the use of non-overflow evaporative
lagoons for effluent disposal, and lagoons used as part of a land treatment system or in
conjunction with a constructed wetland wastewater treatment system require Ecology review.
Consult Section E1 for additional information about the use of ponds or lagoons for reclaimed
water treatment
T7-8 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

T7 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

This section provides technical specifications for implementing requirements for construction of
lined lagoons, authorized through chapter 173-240 WAC. The permittee is ultimately
responsible for its wastewater facilities and for the compliance of those facilities with local,
state, and federal requirements.

T7-1 Guidance Purpose

The purpose of this is section is to establish criteria for construction of lined lagoons used to
treat and impound wastewater in order to permit them under Washington’s Wastewater
Discharge Permit system.
Municipalities and industries have used stabilization ponds and aerated lagoons extensively for
wastewater treatment for many years. The treatment options represent a low-cost, low-
technology approach for communities where land is plentiful and inexpensive and when lagoon
treatment generates effluent quality in compliance with discharge limits. When properly
designed with long detention times, lagoons provide a good option for pathogen removal, and
ammonia and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) reduction.
Engineering Design Reports must be submitted for permitting of new and upgraded wastewater
pond and lagoon systems; which includes treatment lagoons for surface water discharge, non-
overflow evaporative lagoons for effluent disposal, and lagoons used as part of a land
treatment system or in conjunction with a constructed wetland wastewater treatment system.
Ecology requires geomembrane liners for newly constructed domestic wastewater
impoundments.
Consult Section E1-5 for additional information about the use of ponds or lagoons for reclaimed
water treatment.

T7-2 General Design Guidance

An Engineering Report must be submitted to Ecology and approved. Plans and specifications
must also be approved by Ecology before the facility contracting documents can be issued for
bids. The design standards in this guidance must be used in the Engineering Report. The
Engineering Report needs to include a construction quality assurance (CQA) plan and an action
leakage rate (ALR) plan.
Ecology will review and approve wastewater treatment system lagoon designs considering:

• Siting criteria
• Design criteria
• Operations
• CQA
The Engineering Report must identify specific design characteristics that will protect
groundwater quality.
T7-9 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

All lagoons must be designed, constructed and operated to protect groundwater quality using:

• A double liner with leak detection or

• A single geomembrane liner with groundwater monitoring.
In this guidance the following terminology is used for a double liner system; 1) the top
geomembrane is the primary liner; and 2) the bottom geomembrane in contact with the
subgrade is the secondary liner.
The leak detection layer between the primary and secondary liners (geomembranes) can be a
geocomposite drainage net or aggregate drainage layer. Aggregate drainage layers require a
geotextile between the aggregate and geomembranes.
The subgrade must be prepared to accept the overlying geomembrane and requires a finish
that limits ruts, ridges, sharp and loose material.
For lagoons that can contain 10 acre-feet or more of fluid and/or have embankments more
than 6 feet tall, will also need to meet Dam Safety requirements, chapter 173-175 WAC. The
owner and engineer need to submit designs, plans, and operations and maintenance
procedures to the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) Water Quality Program
and Dam Safety Office for approval prior to construction.
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Principles of Design and Operations of
Wastewater Treatment Pond Systems for Plant Operators, Engineers, and Managers (2011)
provides principals on wastewater lagoons systems. The EPA document provides information
on siting, design, operations, maintenance and closure of wastewater lagoons.
Composite liners of a low permeable soil layer overlain by a geomembrane are used extensively
in landfills. However, composite liners should be used with caution in lagoons. A composite
liner should not be directly exposed to the impounded liquid. As pointed out by Giroud &
Bonaparte (1989a):
“Composite liners must be used with caution in liquid containment facilities. If the
geomembrane component of the composite liner is directly in contact with the contained liquid
(in other words, if the geomembrane is not covered with a heavy material such as a layer of
earth or concrete slabs), and if there is leakage through the geomembrane, liquids will tend to
accumulate between the low-permeability soil (which is the lower component of the composite
liner) and the geomembrane, since the submerged portion of the geomembrane is easily
uplifted. Then, if the impoundment is rapidly emptied, the geomembrane will be subjected to
severe tensile stresses because the pressure of the entrapped liquids is no longer balanced by
the pressure of the impounded liquid. Therefore, a composite liner should always be loaded,
which is automatically the case in a landfill or in a waste pile, and which must be taken into
account in the design of a liquid containment facility.”
Clearly, un-ballasted composite liners should not be used as primary (single) liners in lagoons.
T7-10 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

T7-3 Single versus Double Liners

Lagoons can be single or double lined. A single lined lagoon is composed of one geomembrane
layer. A double lined lagoon is composed of two (2) layers of geomembrane with a leak
detection system between the geomembranes. To reduce leakage, lagoons may be underlain
by a low permeability soil or a geosynthetic clay liner (GCL). Ecology recommends the use of
double lined lagoons.
Figure T7-1 provides generalized diagrams of various lagoon liner systems.
Figure T7-1 Lagoon liner diagrams

Note: See Figure T7-2 for leak detection sump schematic.

T7-4 Lagoon Siting Criteria

The lagoon bottom must be constructed at an elevation at least 5 feet higher than the seasonal
high groundwater level, and 10 feet above any bedrock surface. The maximum groundwater
T7-11 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

elevation is defined by the highest groundwater elevation measured over at least a one-year
period of monthly groundwater elevation measurements at the lagoon site.
Groundwater means water in a saturated zone or stratum beneath the surface of the land. If
the groundwater elevation data shows the groundwater surface is 20 feet or more below the
bottom of the lagoon, then monthly groundwater elevation monitoring is not required to
establish elevation for design. If groundwater is within 20 feet of the lowest component of the
lagoon, monthly groundwater monitoring will be required for a minimum of one year to
establish the maximum site groundwater elevation.
Ecology may consider alternatives to these requirements (including underdrain systems) on a
site-specific basis if the hydrogeologic assessment demonstrates that groundwater elevations
will not rise to within five feet of the lagoon bottom design under extreme high-water events,
such as that caused by nearby flooding.

T7-5 Retrofit of Existing Lagoon

Retrofits of existing impoundments pose special concerns. If the old liner developed a leak,
Ecology will require over excavation of soils contaminated by organic matter. Excavation of at
least 12 inches around the leak(s) will be required, with the final excavation depth to be
determined based on conditions encountered during the excavation. Venting of vapors beneath
the geomembrane will be required when retrofitting or replacing an existing lagoon liner (see
T7-5.3.1.G Subsurface Vapor Venting).

T7-5.1 Lagoon Types

T7-5.1.1 Single Liner Systems
A single lined lagoon can consist of a single geomembrane over a prepared
subgrade or a soil barrier layer or GCL overlain by a geomembrane and
soil/gravel overburden layer to provide a compressive load. The soil/gravel
layer if used provides the weight necessary to prevent a GCL from swelling
and increasing in thickness and holds the geomembrane in place to allow for
effective performance of the barrier layer with the geomembrane.
Subgrade beneath the geomembrane needs to be well graded. Subgrade with
a well graded sand and gravel with some silt, prevents punctures to the
overlying geomembrane (Rowe et al., 2013). The use of coarse or highly
permeable soils as a subgrade are not allowed. Leaks over highly permeable
materials will percolate quickly and can cause movement of fines. Coarse soils
also tend to have a significant quantity of large rocks that make subgrade
preparation difficult and will increase the chances of geomembrane puncture
or thinning. To limit potential leakage through the liner system, the use of a
soil barrier layer or GCL is appropriate. Typically, a soil barrier layer or GCL
would be used with a single liner system and requires a granular or concrete
layer above the geomembrane to weigh it down. Additional information on
T7-12 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

subgrade preparation is provided in T7-7.5.6 Liner Placement and

Construction Standards.
The stability of the lagoon embankment and liner system needs to be
addressed in the Engineering Report. The assessment of the lagoon liner
embankment and liner system approach is provided in T7-5.3.1.K Stability. For
lagoons storing over 10 acre-feet of fluid the lagoon design presented in the
Engineering Report must be approved by Ecology’s Dam Safety Office prior to
construction.
For systems with a single geomembrane liner, with or without a soil or GCL
liner beneath, groundwater monitoring is required. The groundwater
monitoring system must be designed to provide both background
groundwater quality (up-gradient of the lagoon) and any impact to the
groundwater down-gradient of the lagoon as well as groundwater elevation. A
groundwater assessment and groundwater monitoring plan must be included
in the Engineering Report.
In addition to groundwater monitoring a lagoon with a single geomembrane
liner must conduct a leak detection survey once every five years.
T7-5.1.2 Double Liner Systems
A double liner system’s bottom geomembrane or secondary geomembrane
has the same construction and design requirements as the single liner system.
The addition of the leak detection layer and primary geomembrane are the
new components for the double lined system. The leak detection layer must
have the hydraulic capacity to transmit primary liner leakage under the design
loadings without becoming saturated. The design must account for reductions
in transmissivity due to creep, blockage by soil particulates, or biological
fouling.
The Engineering Report must specify:

• slope of the impoundment bottom

• placement of the collection sump, collection of fluids that leak
• thickness and composition of the drainage layer
• leakage monitoring access point and other engineered design criteria of
the leak detection system
• action leakage rate (ALR) through the primary geomembrane that
triggers actions to remedy or repair the primary liner, using the methods
described in T7-5.3.1.K.4 Leak Detection
• interface friction of the layers (see T7-5.3.1.K Stability)
• additional venting
• any other items for permitting the double lined lagoon
T7-13 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

A double liner system uses two geomembranes with a leak detection layer
between. The use of a soil liner or GCL to replace a geomembrane is not
acceptable.
The leak detection layer can be granular or a geocomposite drainage net. This
layer needs to be sized to convey potential leakage through the primary
geomembrane to a low point. Flow to the low point in the leak detection layer
can be drained by gravity to a monitoring manhole or a sump that allows for
collection and removal of fluid. The quantity of fluid collected will need to be
quantified for volume, leakage rate and chemical characteristic to determine
the source of such fluids whether they are from the lagoon or naturally
occurring groundwater. Schematic of a typical leak detection sump and side
slope pump are shown in Figure T7-2.
The pump system is to convey the ALR. The minimum pumping rate should be
10 gallons per minute (gpm) or a rate that allows unconfined flow in the leak
detection layer when draining the lagoon.
The leak detection layer must be designed for unconfined flow. To ensure
leakage is within the ALR, construction quality assurance and nondestructive
testing of the primary geomembrane is necessary.
In addition to the above requirements, owner/operators of double lined
lagoons must conduct a leak survey once every ten years.

T7-5.2 Material Types

Geomembranes are impermeable membranes used for lagoon liners. Geotextiles are
permeable fabrics and are typically used in lagoons to provide protection of the
geomembranes from punctures, separate soil layers, and can be used for venting of
vapors. Geotextiles are used in the manufacturing of products such as geocomposite
drainage nets, strip drains, GCLs and reinforcing layers.
The selection of a geomembrane will be based on the fluid that is intended to be
contained and the intended life of the lagoon. Exposed geomembrane surfaces, not
covered with liquid, soil or aggregates, have been found to have a half-life of 59 to 97
years (Koerner et al., 2017) (Koerner et al., 2011). High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
has the longest half-life. Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) and Flexible
Polypropylene (fPP) having the shortest half-life. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) made in
North America is not recommended for exposed application (Note: European
manufacturers have produced a PVC better suited for ultra violet (UV) exposure that is
used for dam facing). The same study found that nonwoven, needle punched
geotextiles have an exposed half-life of approximately 6 months. To achieve the
longevity noted above the choice of high-quality materials and good construction
techniques is required.
T7-14 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

Chemical and heat effects on geomembranes must also be considered (Ewais et al.,
2018) in the engineering design of the lagoon impoundment. For typical municipal
wastewater and similar strength industrial wastewater the Geosynthetic Research
Institute (GRI) and Fabricated Geomembrane Institute (FGI) material standards are
recommended for use in the lagoon design. For industrial wastewater and municipal
wastewater, that has unusual characteristics or elevated temperatures, an assessment
of the geomembrane materials chemical resistance in relation to the fluids to be
contained must be included in the engineering design.
An additional consideration involves the long-term operation and maintenance of the
lagoon liner. Permits will require leak testing at least once per permit cycle (every five
years). So planning for testing is best done at this stage of lagoon design. Preplanning
for electrical leak testing involves the placement of permanent electrodes beneath the
primary liner but above the secondary liner and the drainage layer. Most lagoons will
require a minimum of eight electrodes, one at each corner of the pond and midway
down length of each axis of the pond, and in some cases out in the center of the pond.
However, lagoon size and fluid conductivity will determine the exact number of
electrodes installed. A larger lagoon will require more electrodes because of signal
attenuation issues, Additionally, ponds containing highly conductive solutions can
cause electrical signal attenuation resulting in very low amplitude responses, so by
having permanent electrodes installed will ensure adequate coverage for locating
leaks in the top liner. For the optimum number of electrodes, consult an electric leak
detection provider so they can design a permanent electrode system. They can help
with custom designs considering pond size and solution conductivity. Any leak
detection surveys using these permanent electrodes must conform to the practices as
described in ASTM D8265. There are several advantages to installing permanent
electrodes in a double lined pond, such as:

• Saves having to make slits in the top liner if the pond ever leaks.
• Saves having to hire a repair company to fix temporary slits in the top liner after
a leak detection survey is completed.
• Allows for quicker setup of a future leak detection survey.
• Up-front installation costs are offset by not having to pay a liner repair company
to fix slits.
• Allows for better data quality by ensuring that all permanent electrodes.
Another preplanning consideration specific to double-lined lagoons is the use of a top
liner with a conductive layer. Although this will increase liner cost the return in
investment associated with this product in terms of being able to find holes before the
lagoon is put into operation in comparison to the direct costs of draining the pond,
fixing the pond and filling the pond back up is substantial. One critical issue when
using a liner with a conductive layer is to ensure that every roll is placed with the
T7-15 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

conductive side down. If any piece of liner is missed installed with the conductive layer
up (in contact with the lagoon fluid) no electronic leak detection will not work.
To assess the suitability of a geosynthetic material, compare the existing fluid data to
already completed chemical resistance testing provided by manufacturer to determine
if the geomembrane is suitable to contain the intended fluids. For special cases where
data does not exist, testing of the geomembrane with the fluid following American
Society for Testing and Materials International (ASTM) D5747 Standard Practice for
Tests to Evaluate Chemical Resistance of Geomembranes to Liquids is necessary.
A description of the manufactured materials typically used for lagoon lining is
provided in the following sections.
T7-16 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

Figure T7-2 Typical leak detection sump and side slope pump
T7-17 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

T7-5.2.1 High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

HDPE has the longest life of the commonly used geomembrane materials for
wastewater lagoon liners with an exposed half-life of up to 97 years. HDPE has
a variety of formulations and the half-life of each formulation will be different.
HDPE is manufactured with an antioxidant package that makes it suitable for
long-term subaerial exposure. HDPE is manufactured in rolls that are up to
22.5 feet wide and several hundred feet long. The material can be textured on
one or both sides of the sheet to improve the sheets friction angle with the
soil or geotextile that is in contact with the sheet.
Typically, HDPE is the first choice for lagoon liners. There are other
geomembrane materials available that may be better for a specific
application, as described below. The minimum thickness is 60-mil for primary
and 40-mil for secondary geomembrane layers.
The GRI GM13 specification for smooth and textured HDPE geomembranes is
listed in Table T7-1 and Table T7-2 below.
T7-18 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

Table T7-1 HDPE (smooth) material specification

Properties Test 40 mil Test 60 mil Test Minimum Testing
Method Values Values Frequency
Thickness (min. and D5199 nominal nominal Per Roll
avg.)
Lowest individual of 10 N/A -10% -10% N/A
values
Formulated Density mg/L D1505 / 0.940 g/cc 0.940 g/cc 200,000 lb.
(min.) D792
Tensile Properties 1 D6693 Type N/A N/A 20,000 lb.
(min. and avg.) IV
Yield strength N/A 84 lb./in. 126 lb./in. N/A
Break strength N/A 152 lb./in. 228 lb./in. N/A
Yield elongation N/A 12% 12% N/A
Break elongation N/A 700% 700% N/A
Tear resistance (min. and D1004 28 lb. 42 lb. 45,000 lb.
avg.)
Puncture resistance D4833 72 lb. 108 lb. 45,000 lb.
(min. and avg.)
Stress crack resistance 2 D5397 500 hr. 500 hr. Per GRI-GM10
Carbon black content D4218 3 2.0% - 3.0% 2.0% - 3.0% 20,000 lb.
(range)
Carbon black dispersion D5596 note 4 note 4 45,000 lb.
Oxidative Induction Time N/A N/A N/A N/A
(OIT)
(min. and avg.) 5
Standard OIT (min. and D3895 100 min. 100 min 200,000 lb.
avg.)
High-pressure OIT D5885 400 min. 400 min 200,000 lb.
(min. and avg.)
Oven aging (at 85oC) 5, 6 D5721 N/A N/A N/A

Standard OIT (min. and D3895 55% 55% Per each formulation
avg.)
% retained after 90 days
High-pressure OIT D5885 80% 80% Per each formulation
(min. and avg.)
% retained after 90 days
UV Resistance 7 D7238 N/A N/A N/A
Standard OIT (min. and D3895 N.R. 8 N.R. 8 Per each formulation
avg.)
High-pressure OIT D5885 50% 50% Per each formulation
(min. and avg.)
% retained after
1,600hrs.9
a. Test values for additional thicknesses can be found at (link to GRI GM13).

Notes:
T7-19 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

1. Machine direction (MD) and cross machine direction (XMD) average values should be on the basis of 5 test
specimens each direction.
Yield elongation is calculated using a gage length of 1.3 inches.
Break elongation is calculated using a gage length of 2.0 inches.

2. The yield strength used to calculate the applied load for the SP-NCTL test should be the manufacturer's
mean value via MQC testing.

3. Other methods such as D1603 (tube furnace) or D6370 (TGA) are acceptable if an appropriate correlation to
D4218 (muffle furnace) can be established.

4. Carbon black dispersion (only near spherical agglomerates) for 10 different views: 9 in categories 1 or 2,
and 1 in Category 3.

5. The manufacturer has the option to select either one of OIT methods listed to evaluate the antioxidant
content in the geomembrane.

6. It is also recommended to evaluate samples at 30 and 60 days to compare with the 90 day response.

7. The condition of the test should be 20 hr. UV cycle at 75oC followed by 4 hr. condensation at 60oC.

8. Not recommended since the high temperature of the Std-OIT test produces an unrealistic result for some of
the antioxidants in the UV exposed samples.

9. UV resistance is based on percent retained value regardless of the original HP-OIT value.
T7-20 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

Table T7-2 HDPE (textured) material specification

Properties Test 40 mil Test 60 mil Test Minimum Testing
Method Values Values Frequency
Thickness (min. and D5994 nominal (-5%) nominal (-5%) Per Roll
avg.)
lowest individual for 8 out N/A -1.0% -1.0% N/A
fo 10 values
lowest individual of 10 N/A -15% -15% N/A
values
Asperity Height mils D7466 16 mil 16 mil Every 2nd roll 1
(min. and avg.)
Formulated Density D1505 / 0.940 g/cc 0.940 g/cc 200,000 lb.
(min. and avg.) D792
Tensile Properties 2 D6693 Type N/A N/A 20,000 lb.
(min. and avg.) IV
Yield strength N/A 84 lb./in. 126 lb./in. N/A
Break strength N/A 60 lb./in. 90 lb./in. N/A
Yield elongation N/A 12% 12% N/A
Break elongation N/A 100% 100% N/A
Tear resistance (min. and D1004 28 lb. 42 lb. 45,000 lb.
avg.)
Puncture resistance D4833 60 lb. 90 lb. 45,000 lb.
(min. and avg.)
Stress crack resistance 3 D5397 500 hr. 500 hr. Per GRI-GM10
Carbon black content D4218 4 2.0% - 3.0% 2.0% - 3.0% 20,000 lb.
(range)
Carbon black dispersion D5596 note 5 note 5 45,000 lb.
Standard OIT6,7 D3895 100 min. 100 min 200,000 lb.
(min. and avg.)

High-pressure OIT D5885 400 min. 400 min 200,000 lb.

(min. and avg.)

Oven aging (at 85oC) 7, 8 D5721 N/A N/A N/A

Standard OIT (min. and D3895 55% 55% Per each formulation
avg.)
% retained after 90 days

High-pressure OIT D5885 80% 80% Per each formulation

(min. and avg.)
% retained after 90 days

UV Resistance 9 D7238 N/A N/A N/A

Standard OIT (min. and D3895 N.R. 10 N.R. 10 Per each formulation
avg.)

High-pressure OIT D5885 50% 50% Per each formulation

(min. and avg.)
% retained after 1,600hrs.
11

a. Test values for additional thicknesses can be found at (link to GRI GM13).
T7-21 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

Notes:
1. Alternate the measurement side for double sided texture sheet.

2. Machine direction (MD) and cross machine direction (XMD) average values should be on the basis of 5 test
specimens each direction.

Yield elongation is calculated using a gage length of 1.3 inches.

Break elongation is calculated using a gage length of 2.0 inches.

3. The yield strength used to calculate the applied load for the SP-NCTL test should be the manufacturer's
mean value via MQC testing.

4. Other methods such as D1603 (tube furnace) or D6370 (TGA) are acceptable if an appropriate correlation to
D4218 (muffle furnace) can be established.

5. Carbon black dispersion (only near spherical agglomerates) for 10 different views: 9 in categories 1 or 2,
and 1 in Category 3.

6. Oxidative Induction Time (OIT) (min. and avg.)

7. The manufacturer has the option to select either one of OIT methods listed to evaluate the antioxidant
content in the geomembrane.

8. It is also recommended to evaluate samples at 30 and 60 days to compare with the 90 day response.

9. The condition of the test should be 20 hr. UV cycle at 75oC followed by 4 hr. condensation at 60oC.

10. Not recommended since the high temperature of the Std-OIT test produces an unrealistic result for some of
the antioxidants in the UV exposed samples.

11. UV resistance is based on percent retained value regardless of the original HP-OIT value.

T7-5.2.2 Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE)

LLDPE is a polyethylene with more flexibility and greater elongation than
HDPE. The exposed half-life of LLPDE is up to 67 years. LLDPE is manufactured
with an antioxidant package that makes it suitable for long-term exposure.
LLDPE is manufactured in rolls that are up to 22.5 feet wide and several
hundred feet long. The material can be textured on one or both sides of the
sheet to improve the sheets friction angle with the soil or geotextile that is in
contact with the sheet.
LLDPE can be reinforced with a scrim to improve tensile strength. A reinforced
LLDPE geomembrane is not recommended for a lagoon liner. The minimum
thickness is 60-mil for primary and 40-mil for secondary geomembrane layers.
The GRI GM17 specification for smooth and textured LLDPE geomembranes
are listed in Table T7-3 and Table T7-4 below.
T7-22 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

Table T7-3 Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) (smooth) material specification
Properties Test 40 mil Test 60 mil Test Minimum Testing
Method Values Values Frequency
Thickness - mils (min. and avg.) D5199 nominal nominal Per Roll
Lowest individual of 10 values N/A -10% -10% N/A
Density g/mL (max.) D1505 / D792 0.940 g/cc 0.940 g/cc 200,000 lb.
Tensile Properties 1 (min. and avg.) D6693 Type N/A N/A 20,000 lb.
IV
Break strength N/A 152 lb./in. 228 lb./in. N/A
Break elongation N/A 700% 700% N/A
2% Modulus – lb./in. (max.) D5323 2,400 3,600 Per formulation
Tear resistance (min. and avg.) D1004 28 lb. 42 lb. 45,000 lb.
Puncture resistance (min. and avg.) D4833 72 lb. 108 lb. 45,000 lb.
Axi-symmetric break resistance D5617 30 30 Per formulation
strain % (min.)
Carbon black content (%) D4218 2 2.0% - 3.0% 2.0% - 3.0% 20,000 lb.
Carbon black dispersion D5596 note 3 note 3 45,000 lb.
Oxidative Induction Time (OIT) N/A N/A N/A N/A
(min. and avg.) 4
Standard OIT (min. and avg.) D3895 100 min. 100 min 200,000 lb.
High-pressure OIT (min. and avg.) D5885 400 min. 400 min 200,000 lb.
Oven aging (at 85oC) 5 D5721 N/A N/A N/A
Standard OIT (min. and avg.) D3895 35% 35% Per each formulation
% retained after 90 days
High-pressure OIT (min. and avg.) D5885 60% 60% Per each formulation
% retained after 90 days
UV Resistance 6 D7238 N/A N/A N/A
Standard OIT (min. and avg.) D3895 N.R. 7
N.R. 7
Per each formulation
High-pressure OIT (min. and avg.) D5885 35% 35% Per each formulation
% retained after 1,600hrs. 8
a. Test values for additional thicknesses can be found at (link to GRI GM13).
T7-23 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

Notes:
1. Machine direction (MD) and cross machine direction (XMD) average values should be on the basis of 5 test specimens each direction.

Break elongation is calculated using a gage length of 2.0 inches at 2.0 in/min.

2. Other methods such as D1603 (tube furnace) or D6370 (TGA) are acceptable if an appropriate correlation to D4218 (muffle furnace) can be established.

3. Carbon black dispersion (only near spherical agglomerates) for 10 different views: 9 in categories 1 or 2, and 1 in Category 3.

4. The manufacturer has the option to select either one of OIT methods listed to evaluate the antioxidant content in the geomembrane.

5. It is also recommended to evaluate samples at 30 and 60 days to compare with the 90 day response.

6. The condition of the test should be 20 hr. UV cycle at 75oC followed by 4 hr. condensation at 60oC.

7. Not recommended since the high temperature of the Std-OIT test produces an unrealistic result for some of the antioxidants in the UV exposed samples.

8. UV resistance is based on percent retained value regardless of the original HP-OIT value.
T7-24 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

Table T7-4 LLDPE (textured) material specification

Properties Test 40 mil Test 60 mil Test Minimum Testing
Method Values Values Frequency
Thickness (min. and avg.) D5994 nominal (-5%) nominal (-5%) per roll
lowest individual for 8 out of 10 N/A -10% -10% N/A
values
lowest individual of 10 values N/A -15% -15% N/A
Asperity Height mils (min. and avg.) D7466 16 mil 16 mil Every 2nd roll 1
Formulated Density (min. and avg.) D1505 / D792 0.939 g/cc 0.939 g/cc 200,000 lb.
Tensile Properties 2 (min. and avg.) D6693 Type N/A N/A 20,000 lb.
IV
Break strength N/A 60 lb./in. 90 lb./in. N/A
Break elongation N/A 100% 100% N/A
2% Modulus – lb./in. (max.) D5323 2,400 3,600 per formulation
Tear resistance – lb. (min. and avg.) D1004 22 lb. 33 lb. 45,000 lb.
Puncture resistance (min. and avg.) D4833 44 lb. 66 lb. 45,000 lb.
Axi-symmetric break resistance D5617 30 30 per formulation
strain - % (min.)
Carbon black content (range) D4218 3 2.0% - 3.0% 2.0% - 3.0% 20,000 lb.
Carbon black dispersion D5596 note 4 note 4 45,000 lb.
Oxidative Induction Time (OIT) N/A N/A N/A N/A
(min. and avg.) 5
Standard OIT (min. and avg.) D3895 100 min. 100 min 200,000 lb.
High-pressure OIT (min. and avg.) D5885 400 min. 400 min 200,000 lb.
Oven aging (at 85oC) 6 D5721 N/A N/A N/A
Standard OIT (min. and avg.) D3895 55% 55% Per each formulation
% retained after 90 days
High-pressure OIT (min. and avg.) D5885 80% 80% Per each formulation
% retained after 90 days
UV Resistance 7 D7238 N/A N/A N/A
Standard OIT (min. and avg.) D3895 N.R. 8 N.R. 8 Per each formulation
High-pressure OIT (min. and avg.) D5885 50% 50% Per each formulation
% retained after 1,600hrs. 9
a. Test values for additional thicknesses can be found at (link to GRI GM13).
T7-25 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

Notes:
1. Alternate the measurement side for double sided texture sheet.

2. Machine direction (MD) and cross machine direction (XMD) average values should be on the basis of 5 test specimens each direction.

Yield elongation is calculated using a gage length of 1.3 inches.

Break elongation is calculated using a gage length of 2.0 inches.

3. The yield strength used to calculate the applied load for the SP-NCTL test should be the manufacturer's mean value via MQC testing.

4. Other methods such as D1603 (tube furnace) or D6370 (TGA) are acceptable if an appropriate correlation to D4218 (muffle furnace) can be established.

5. Carbon black dispersion (only near spherical agglomerates) for 10 different views: 9 in categories 1 or 2, and 1 in Category 3.

6. The manufacturer has the option to select either one of OIT methods listed to evaluate the antioxidant content in the geomembrane.

7. It is also recommended to evaluate samples at 30 and 60 days to compare with the 90 day response.

8. The condition of the test should be 20 hr. UV cycle at 75oC followed by 4 hr. condensation at 60oC.

9. Not recommended since the high temperature of the Std-OIT test produces an unrealistic result for some of the antioxidants in the UV exposed samples.

10. UV resistance is based on percent retained value regardless of the original HP-OIT value.
T7-26 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

A. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

PVC geomembranes must be covered with a minimum 12-inch-thick layer of
soil or aggregate. PVC can be fabricated into panels depending on thickness
up to 200 by 200 feet. For a small lagoon, a fabricated PVC geomembrane
panel can be dropped in as a single piece reducing construction time. The
minimum thickness is 40-mil for a PVC liner.
The FGI PVC geomembrane specification is provided in Table T7-5.
T7-27 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

Table T7-5 PVC material specification 1, 2.

Certified Properties 3, 4 ASTM PVC 20 5 PVC 40 PVC 60

Average Thickness 6, 7 D-5199 20 +1 mil 40 +2 mil 60 + 3 mil
0.51 + .03 1.02 + .05 1.52 + .08
Tensile Properties 3, 4, 5 N/A N/A N/A N/A

Tensile Force at Break D-882 4 48 lbs/in 97 lbs/in 137 lbs/in

Min (MD &
Elongation at Break N/A 360% 430% 450%
Tensile Force at 100% Elongation N/A 20 lbs/in 40 lbs/in 60 lbs/in
Average Modulus at Break N/A 2,400lbs/sq 2,400lbs/sq 2,400lbs/sq
D-1004 4 i6 lbs i10 lbs i15 lbs
Tear Strength
Min (MD &
D-1204 4
Dimensional Stability Max Chg 4% 3% 3%
(MD & TD)
Low Temperature Impact D-1790 4, 8 -15o F -20o F -20o F
Pass -26o C -29o C -29o C
Index Properties 9 N/A N/A N/A N/A

Specific Gravity D-792 1.2 g/cc 1.2 g/cc 1.2 g/cc

Typical
Water Extraction Percent Loss D-1239 4, 6 0.25% 0.30% 0.30%
(max) Max Loss
Average Plasticizer Molecular D-2124 4, 9, 10 400 400 400
Weight Min
Volatile Loss Percent Loss (max) D-1203
4
1.5% 1.5% 1.5%
Max Loss
Soil Burial G160 4, 11 N/A N/A N/A
(max change allowed in) Max values
Tensile Force at Break (95%) N/A 45.6 lbs/in 92.2 lbs/in 130.2 lbs/in
Elongation at Break (80%) N/A 288 344 360
Tensile Force at 100% Elongation N/A 16.0 lbs/in 32.0 lbs/in 48.0 lbs/in
Hydrostatic Resistance D-751 4 68 psi 120 psi 180 psi
(Min)
Seam Strengths N/A N/A N/A N/A
Shear Strength 6, 9 D-7408 4
38.4 lbs/in 77.6 lbs/in 109.6 lbs/in
(Min)
Peel Strength at 20 in./min. 6, 9 D-7408 4 12.5 lbs/in 15.0 lbs/in 15.0 lbs/in
(Min)
Peel Strength at 20 in./min. 6, 9 D-7408 4 15.0 lbs/in 18.0 lbs/in 18.0 lbs/in
(M)in
T7-28 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

Notes:
1. FGI PVC Specification revision effective 1/1/20.

2. It is recommended that PVC geomembranes not be handled or installed at cold temperatures below
40oF/5oC. If a PVC geomembrane will/must be installed at temperatures below 40oF/5oC, the installer must
submit a cold weather work plan for approval by the geomembrane manufacturer and/or fabricator.

3. Certified properties are tested by lot as specified in FGI PVC Appendix A of FGI PVC specification revision
dated 1 September 2019.

4. Modifications or further details of tests are described in FGI PVC Appendix B of FGI PVC Specification
revision dated 1 September 2019.

5. Number in the title refers to PVC sheet thickness. (PVC 20 means a 20-mil thick PVC sheet.)

6. Metric values are converted from US values and are rounded to the available significant digits.

7. Thickness under D5199 will not vary more than ±5%.

8. For warm and arid climates (sheet temperature of greater than or equal to 120°F or 50°C and rainfall less
than 10 inches annually) passing temperatures are -17°C for PVC 20 and -20° C for all other thicknesses.

9. Index properties are tested once per formulation as specified in FGI PVC Appendix A of the FGI PVC
Specification dated 1 September 2019.

10. For arid climates (as defined in note 8 above) use average plasticizer molecular weight of 410 grams/mol.

11. Soil burial minimum values for: (1) Tensile Force at Break corresponds to 95% of the non-buried Tensile
Force at Break, (2) Elongation at Break corresponds to 80% of the non-buried Elongation at Break, and (3)
Tensile Force at 100% Elongation corresponds to 80% of the non-buried Tensile Force at 100% Elongation.

12. If adhesive or solvent seams are created, a 24-hour cure time is required before seam testing

T7-5.2.3 Other Geomembrane Materials

There are other geomembrane materials that can be suitable for lagoon
liners. These materials are:

• Polypropylene (fPP) and reinforced PP (fPP-R) have been used primarily for floating
covers and a few liners in lagoons and tanks. fPP is polypropylene sheet that does not
have a scrim reinforcing layer. Reinforcing of geomembranes with a scrim is to provide
the material with a higher tensile strength. The scrim layer reduces the thickness of
the fPP-R to the thickness between the scrim and outside of the sheet. Also, scrim can
wick water into the sheet. Prevention of water wicking must be accounted for in
designing and constructing a lagoon using fPP-R.
• Reinforced Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene (CSPE-R) is primarily used for potable water
and floating covers at the time of the writing of this guidance. CSPE is a suitable
geomembrane for lagoon lining.
• Bitumen liners are used for installation where wrinkles must be avoided. Bitumen
liners are heavy and are not as susceptible to wind uplift.
• Ethylene Interpolymer Alloy (EIA), industry shorthand XR-5, Ethylene propylene diene
terpolymer (EDPM) and other materials are available and may be the best choice for a
particular fluid.
T7-29 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

Use of geomembranes other than HDPE, LLDPE and PVC for sanitary sewage
wastewater lagoon liners needs to be demonstrated in the Engineering Report
to Ecology as suitable for the application.
T7-5.2.4 Geotextiles
Geotextiles are manufactured material made from yarns, strips and fibers.
Yarns and strips are woven. Fibers are needle punched or heat bonded to
create the fabric. Geotextile layers made with yarns are used for a soil
reinforcing layer (typically installed above the geomembrane for veneer
reinforcing). Needle punched and heat bonded geotextiles are used for
cushioning (padding) to reduce punctures, as a layer to improve interface
shear strength, or for soil separation.
Geotextiles have limited ability to withstand UV light exposure. Half-life of
woven materials range from approximately 9 months to 10 years (Koerner et
al., 2017). A nonwoven heat bonded geotextile can have a half-life of up to 5
years. Needle punched, nonwoven geotextiles have a half-life of
approximately 6 months. Needle punched, nonwoven geotextiles exposure to
UV light should be limited to less than 30 days to ensure that material
properties are not reduced. If geotextiles are to be allowed to be exposed to
UV light for more than 30 days, the Engineering Report should include an
explanation of the measures that will ensure the integrity of the geotextile is
preserved.
Geotextiles used to improve interface friction of a liner system must be
needle punched, nonwoven. Testing for interface friction is described in T7-
5.3.1.K Stability.
Geosynthetic Research Institute (GRI) recommended nonwoven geotextile
specifications GT 12(a) are listed in Table T7-6 below.
 T7-30 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

Table T7-6 Geotextile pad material specification

Property 1,2 Test Method Unit Mass/Unit Mass/Unit Mass/Unit Mass/Unit Mass/Unit Mass/Unit
ASTM Area3 Area3 Area3 Area3 Area3 Area3
Mass per unit area D5261 oz./sq. yd. 10 12 16 24 32 60
Grab tensile strength D4632 lb. 230 300 370 450 500 630
Grab tensile elongation D4632 % 50 50 50 50 50 50
Trap. tear strength D4533 lb. 95 115 145 200 215 290
Puncture (CBR) strength D6241 lb. 700 800 900 1100 1700 2400
UV resistance 4 D7238 % 70 70 70 70 70 70
Notes:
1. All values are Minimum Average Roll Value (MARV) except UV resistance; it is a minimum value

2. GRI GT 12(a) Required Properties, Test Methods and Values for Geotextiles Used as Geomembrane
Protection (or Cushioning) Materials

3. (ounces/square yard)

4. Evaluation to be on 2.0-inch strip tensile specimens per ASTM D 5035 light hours exposure.

T7-5.2.5 Geocomposite Drainage Nets

Geocomposite drainage nets are commonly used between the two
geomembrane liners of a double liner system as a leak detection system. A
geocomposite drainage net is made from a composite material consisting of a
geonet heat-bonded on one or both sides with a nonwoven, needle punched
geotextile. The transmissivity of Geocomposite drainage nets is higher than
aggregate drains taking up less volume to convey fluid and/or air. Geotextile
layers also prevent soil fines and sludge movement into the geocomposite
drainage path that could lead to clogging and drainage failure.
Geocomposite drainage nets are also suitable for air transmission beneath
lagoon liners. The limitation on exposure of geotextiles to UV light of no more
than 30 days also applies to geocomposite drainage nets.
GRI GN4 specification for geonets and geocomposite drainage nets are listed
in Table T7-7. The table presents 3 different geonet core thicknesses. The
thicker the geonet the higher the tensile strength and flow rate. The
geotextiles presented are for 6- and 8-ounce material. Heavier geotextiles can
be used but will reduce the flow rate and may require testing. Geotextiles can
be laminated (bonded) to one or both sides of the geonet to create the
geocomposite drainage layer. By adding the geotextile, the flow rate of the
geocomposite is lower than just for the geonet alone.
T7-31 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

When using a geocomposite drainage net the engineer will need to have
removed the geotextile from the surface of the geocomposite in contact with
the drainage aggregate in the leak detection sump as shown in Figure T7-2.
The laminate strength of the geocomposite drainage layer if high will make
removal of the geotextile difficult. The engineer may want to consider using
separate geonet and geotextiles in the leak detection sump to avoid having to
remove laminated geotextile from the geonet.
The selection of the appropriate geotextile for a geocomposite must be
considered in design. Thicker, heavier geotextiles generally create higher
friction angles than thinner, lighter geotextiles. When considering the stability
of the lagoon’s liner system (T7-5.3.1.K Stability) if a high friction angle is
needed to produce a stable slope a heavier geotextile can be considered but
note that the flow rate of the geocomposite drainage layer will be reduced.
T7-5.2.6 Geosynthetic Clay Liner (GCL)
Geosynthetic Clay Liners consist of a thin layer, about ¼ inch, of sodium
bentonite sealed between two layers of geotextile. The geotextiles are either
sewn or needle punched together. The permeability of a GCL is 1x10-9
centimeters per second (cm/s) which is hydraulically equivalent to a 2-foot
thick soil layer with a permeability of 1x10-7 cm/s.
Sodium bentonite is a high swelling clay. The swelling property of sodium
bentonite can provide a seal around punctures that will limit leakage of fluids.
GCLs will swell if they become wet from a leak or from absorbing moisture
from the subgrade and are not confined by a minimum 12-inch thick soil layer.
A GCL that swells without an overlying soil layer, needs to be removed and
replaced. GCL seams must overlap by a minimum of 12 inches.
The fluid that hydrates a GCL can impact the permeability of the material.
Municipal wastewater is suitable to hydrate a standard manufactured GCL.
Fluids that contain metal salts or are high or low in pH need to be assessed to
determine if there is an impact that increases the permeability of the GCL.
Various polymers can be blended with the sodium bentonite that will counter
the impact of metal salts and pH. To determine if there is an appropriate
polymer for the fluid, testing will be required. ASTM D6142 Standard Guide
for Screening Clay Portion and Index Flux of GCL for Chemical Compatibility to
Liquids2 and ASTM D6766 “Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Hydraulic
Properties of Geosynthetic Clay Liners Permeated with Potentially
Incompatible Aqueous Solutions” prescribe the testing procedures to verify

2
[Link]
T7-32 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

performance and suitability of the polymer modified GCL. Manufacturers are

a good source of information on GCLs and chemical compatibility.
The use of a GCL as part of a lagoon’s liner system needs careful consideration
by the Engineer. A GCL having a low permeability can trap fluid between the
GCL and geomembrane causing whales (bulges in the geomembrane liner)
that apply stresses to the geomembrane with the potential to thin and
rupture the geomembrane. Overburden must be placed to apply sufficient
force to prevent fluid from being trapped between the geomembrane and
GCL.
GRI GCL3 specifications are listed in Table T7-8. The two general categories of
GCL covered in this specification are reinforced and nonreinforced. Within
each category there are three types: geotextile (GT), polymer coated
geotextile (GT-Polymer Coated), and geomembrane/geofilm (GM-GF).
T7-33 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

Table T7-7 Geocomposite drainage material specification

Property Test Method Test Value Based Test Value Based Test Value Based Test
on Geonet on Geonet on Geonet Frequency
Thickness Thickness Thickness
(a) Geonet (before lamination) N/A 200 mil 250 mil 300 mil
Thickness D5199 200 250 300 Per 50,000 lb.
Density D1505/D792 0.95 0.95 0.95 Per 50,000 lb.
Carbon Black Content D1603/D421 1.5 to 3.0 1.5 to 3.0 1.5 to 3.0 Per 100,000
8 lb.
Tensile Strength D7179 180 240 300 Per 50,000 lb.
Compressive Strength D6364 120 120 120 Per 100,000
lb.
Flow Rate/Width D4716 5.0 7.2 9.0 Per 200,000
lb.
Geotextile (before lamination) N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Mass/Unit Area D5261 6 8 6 8 6 8 Note 7
Grab Strength D4632 157 200 157 200 157 200 N/A
Grab Elongation D4632 50 50 50 50 50 50 N/A
Tear Strength D4533 55 80 55 80 55 80 N/A
Puncture Strength D6241 310 430 310 430 310 430 N/A
Permittivity D4491 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 N/A
AOS D4751 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 N/A
UV Stability D4355 50 50 50 50 50 50 N/A
Single-Sided Laminated N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Composite
Flow Rate/Width D4716 2.7 2.2 3.9 3.2 4.9 4.0 Per 200,000
lb.
Ply Adhesion D7005 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 Per 100,000
lb.
Double-Sided Laminated N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Composite
Flow Rate/Width D4716 2.0 1.5 2.9 2.9 3.6 2.7 Per 200,000
lb.
Ply Adhesion D7005 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 Per 100,000
lb.
T7-34 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

Table T7-8 Geosynthetic Clay Liners (GCLs) material specifications

Test GT- GT-Polymer GM-GF GT- GT-Polymer GM-GF Testing

Property Related1 Coated1 Related1 Related2 Coated2 Related2
Method Frequency
Clay (as received) N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
swell index (ml/2g) D5890 24 24 24 24 24 24 50 tonnes
fluid loss (ml)3 D5891 18 18 18 18 18 18 50 tonnes
Geotextiles (as received) N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 25,000 sq. yd.
cap fabric (non-woven)4,12 D5261 5.9 5.9 5.9 3.0 3.0 n/a / 3.0 25,000 sq. yd.
cap fabric (woven)12 D5261 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 25,000 sq. yd.
carrier fabric (non-woven
D5261 5.9 5.9 5.9 3.0 3.0 n/a / 3.0 25,000 sq. yd.
composite)4, 12
carrier fabric (woven)12 D5261 3.0 3.0 3.0 -- -- -- 25,000 sq. yd.
coating – mass/unit area5, 12 D5261 n/a 5.8 n/a n/a 5.8 n/a 5,000 sq. yd.
Geomembrane/Geofilm (as
received)
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Thickness (mils)6 D5199/D5994 n/a n/a 15/20/4 n/a n/a 15/30/4 25,000 sq. yd.
Density (g/cc) D1505/D792 n/a n/a 0.92 n/a n/a 0.92 25,000 sq. yd.
break tensile strength, MD & XMD
D6693 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 34 25,000 sq. yd.
(lb/in.)
break tensile strength, MD & XMD
D882 n/a n/a 14 n/a n/a 14 25,000 sq. yd.
(lb/in.)
GCL (as manufactured) N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
mass of GCL (lb/ft2)7 D5993 0.81 0.83 0.84 0.81 0.83 0.84 5,000 sq. yd.
mass of bentonite (lb/ft2)7 D5993 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 5,000 sq. yd.
moisture content(%) 3 D5993 35 35 35 35 35 35 5,000 sq. yd.
tensile strength, MD (lb/in.) D6768 23 23 23 23 23 23 25,000 sq. yd.
peel strength (lb/in.) D6496 2.1 2.1 2.1 1.0 1.0 1.0 5,000 sq. yd.
Permeability3 (cm/sec), “or” D5887 5x10-9 n/a n/a 5x10-9 n/a n/a 30,000 sq. yd.
Flux3 (cm3/sec-cm2) D5887 1x10-6 n/a n/a 1x10-6 n/a n/a 30,000 sq. yd.
GCL permeability3,8,9
D6766 1x10-6 n/a n/a 1x10-6 n/a n/a yearly
(cm/sec) (max. at 5 lb/in.2)
GCL permeability3,8,9
D6766 mod. 5x10-8 n/a n/a 5x10-8 n/a n/a yearly
(cm/sec) (max. at 70 lb/in.2)
Component Durability N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
geotextile and reinforcing yarns
(% strength retained)10
N/A 65 65 n/a 65 65 n/a yearly
geomembrane N/A n/a n/a GM Spec 11 n/a n/a GM Spec 11 yearly
geofilm/polymer treated (%
strength retained)10
N/A n/a 85 80 n/a 85 80 yearly

n/a = not applicable

T7-35 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

1. Reinforced GCL

2. Non-reinforced GCL

3. These values are maximum (all others are minimum)

4. For both cap and carrier fabrics for nonwoven reinforced GCLs; one or the other must contain a scrim component of mass > 2.9 oz/sq. yd. for dimensional
stability. This only applies to GM/GCL composites which are exposed to the atmosphere for several months or longer sa as to mitigate panel separation.

5. Calculated value obtained from difference of coated fabric to as-received fabric.

6. First value is for smooth geomembrane, second value is for textured geomembrane, third is for geofilm.

7. Mass of the GCL and bentonite is measured after oven drying per the stated test method.

8. Value represents GCL permeability after permeation with 0.1 M calcium chloride solution (11.1 g CaCl2 in 1-Liter water); termination criterion see
subsection 5.6.1 Subgrade Preparation.

9. Test should be run on pure bentonite. Not on polymer modified bentonite.

10. Value represents the minimum percent strength retained from the as-manufactured value after oven aging at 60oC for 50-days.

11. Durability criteria should follow the appropriate specification for the geomembrane used; i.e., GRI GM-13 for HDPE, GRI GM-17 for LLDPE or GRI GM-18
for fPP.

12. Units are in “mass/unit area (oz/yd2)”

T7-36 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

A. Material Properties
This section provides sources of industry specifications. Standard
manufacturing and physical properties specifications developed by institutes
are preferred over manufacturers and geosynthetic installer specifications for
use in lagoon liner design and construction.
1. Institutes
Two institutes prepare and maintain manufacturing and materials
specifications for geosynthetic materials used for lagoon liner design
and construction; the Geosynthetic Institute (GI) and the Fabricated
Geomembrane Institute (FGI).
The GI (GI Specification Page) 3 has prepared manufacture and
material specifications* for the following materials:
• HDPE geomembrane
• LLDPE geomembrane
• GCL
• Needle punched, nonwoven geotextile
• fPP and fPP-R
• CSPE-R
*To find a specification, click on the material link.
The FGI (FGI Web Site) 4 has prepared manufacture and material
specifications** for the following materials:
• fPP-R
• PVC
**Click on Specifications and Guidelines, then click on FGI/FGI
Material Specifications to locate the specifications.
Both these institutes add and take away materials and update their
web sites regularly. The links and directions are good at the time of the
writing of this guidance (May 2021).
Minimum material thickness required for geomembranes is 40-mil,
except for HDPE and LLDPE geomembrane primary liners where the
minimum thickness is 60-mil.
Warranties for materials is not required by Ecology. It is good practice
for the owner/operator to obtain a warranty for geomembranes and
should be considered when specifying materials.

3
[Link]
4
[Link]
T7-37 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

2. Manufacturers
Manufacturers of geosynthetic materials establish their own
proprietary specifications. These specifications can be used as
appropriate when designing a lagoon liner system.
3. Installers
Some geosynthetic installers have their own line of materials. These
materials are repackaged manufacturer products or an integrated
company that includes both manufacturing and installation. These
specifications can be used as appropriate when designing a lagoon
liner system.

T7-5.3 Lagoon Design Guidance

This section deals with design standards generally used for geomembrane lined
lagoons.
T7-5.3.1 Surface Water
Adequate provision will be made to prevent storm water from running into
the lagoon. Storm water runoff must not erode lagoon embankments.
A. Access
The minimum width of the embankment around a lagoon shall be 10 feet to
allow vehicle access.
Lagoons will be fenced for security and to prevent access to the lagoon by
humans and animals. Fencing should not obstruct maintenance vehicle access
on top of the embankment. Provide adequate gates for access by vehicles and
people.
An escape method needs to be provided for within each lagoon. Examples of
appropriate escape mechanisms are ropes, ladders, and roughened surfaces.
The owner/operator shall install an escape system that is approved by their
safety officer.
B. Freeboard
Lagoon embankments up to 15 feet in height require at least 2 vertical feet of
freeboard. Embankments over 15 feet in height require at least 3.5 vertical
feet of freeboard.
C. Overflow
An emergency overflow will be provided for each lagoon that will allow the
contained fluid to flow from the lagoon without damage to the lagoon’s
embankment and/or floating cover. For lagoons that can store over 10 acre-
feet of fluid, the overflow must meet the requirements of Dam Safety chapter
173-175 WAC.
T7-38 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

Lagoons shall be provided with an overflow which is brought down to an

elevation 12 to 24 inches above ground surface and discharges over a
drainage inlet structure or splash pad. No overflow shall be connected directly
to a sanitary sewer or storm drain. Overflow discharge shall be visible. Any
overflow discharge pipe or weir shall be sized to pass fluid out of at a rate
equal to or exceed the maximum flow rate at which fluids enter the lagoon
(including flows received from the 24-hour, 25-year rainfall event).
D. Water Level Monitoring
A water level gauge will be installed in every lagoon. The gauge shall be
placed on the bottom of the lagoon and be visible from the top of the
embankment.
Double lined lagoons also require a second water level gauge in the sump. For
sumps that are contained within the lagoon, the side slope riser pipe can
allow access to the side slope pump with a transducer to measure the water
level or a separate conduit with a transducer to allow water level
measurement.
For double lined lagoons with sumps outside the lagoon, the sump shall allow
measurement of flow from the leak detection layer.
Measurement of fluid volume from the lagoon’s leak detection layer is
required. A measurement system developed to allow calculation of the
leakage rate through the primary liner will be included in the Engineering
Report.
The potential for explosive and hazardous emissions such as vapors
containing methane with Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) of 5%, other explosive
compounds, or hydrogen sulfide within the sump must be assessed. If there is
a potential for explosive or hazardous vapors, the design Engineer needs to
consider and include appropriate controls.
Lagoons with floating covers can be designed with a water level gauge that is
internal or external to the lagoon. An example of an internal gauge is a
transducer that measures pressure and converts pressure to fluid depth. An
example of an external gauge is a contrasting colored geomembrane material
calibrated in 0.5-foot increments welded to the lagoon cover.
E. Wind Uplift
Geomembrane wind uplift during installation or after construction can
damage or tear geomembranes, in addition, wind repositioning of a
geomembrane introduces wrinkling and uneven tensions.
T7-39 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

Expected wind loads for the project site can be determined using procedures
for wind load on low rise buildings (ASCE 7-05), which includes guidance on
wind speed maps and wind loads. Wind speed reference tools are also
available online. The design for each lagoon liner must address wind uplift of
the geomembrane for temporary conditions during construction and for
permanent installation conditions for that portion of the geomembrane that
is not covered with soil or filled with water. The design must withstand winds
with a mean recurrence interval of 100 years, or 100 miles per hour (mph),
whichever is greater. For special wind zones along the Pacific Ocean coast,
Strait of Juan de Fuca, and along the Columbia River from the coast to near
Longview, contact the local building department for required wind speed
design specifications.
The equation for determining required mass per unit area to prevent wind
uplift is described by (Giroud et al., 1995).
Equation 1
−4 �z
𝜇𝜇𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺 ≥ 𝜇𝜇𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺 = 0.00508𝜆𝜆𝑉𝑉 2 e−�1.252x10
Where:
𝜇𝜇𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺 = required geomembrane mass per unit area (kg/m2)
𝜆𝜆 = suction factor (unitless)
V = uplift wind velocity (mph or km/hr)
For unusual geometries, the engineer may choose to increase the values of
the suction factor, λ, given in Figure T7-4 by up to 30%.
Figure T7-3: Recommended values of the suction factor for design of any sloped based on critical
leeward slope

(source Giroud et al., 1995)

F. Example Wind Uplift Calculation

A geomembrane of 60-mil (1.5 mm) HDPE material is proposed for a lagoon.
The wind uplift velocity of 100 mph (161 km/hr) was determined to be the
design threshold. The lagoon is located at 500 feet (150 m) above sea level.
T7-40 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

The slope of the lagoon is 3H:1V and is 10 feet (3 m) high. Is the mass per unit
area of the 60-mil HDPE geomembrane adequate to prevent uplift?
Physical properties for HDPE geomembranes can be found on Tables T7-1 and
T7-2.
Example Wind Uplift Calculation
A 60-mil (1.5 mm) HDPE geomembrane material is proposed for a lagoon. The
wind uplift velocity of 100 mph (161 km/hr) was determined to be the design
threshold. The lagoon is located at 500 feet (150 m) above sea level. The
slope of the lagoon is 3H:1V and is 10 feet (3 m) high. Is the mass per unit
area of the 60-mil HDPE geomembrane adequate to prevent uplift?
Physical properties for HDPE geomembranes can be found on Tables T7-1 and
T7-2.
𝜆𝜆 =0.7 (average)
𝑉𝑉 = 100 mph (161 km/hr)
z = 500 ft (~150 m), gives

𝜇𝜇𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺 = 0.00508(0.7) (161)² e−(0.0001252)150

𝜇𝜇𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺 ≥ 𝜇𝜇𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺 = 90 kg/m2

For a 60-mil (1.5 mm) thick HDPE geomembrane 𝜇𝜇𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺 is 1.41 kg/m2. (Density
from Table T7-1 or 2 divided by thickness (0.940 kg/m3 x (1.5mm x m/1,000
mm)). A different thickness of geomembrane will have a different 𝜇𝜇𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺 .)
Comparing the proposed material to the required mass per unit area;
Check 𝜇𝜇𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺 ≥ 𝜇𝜇𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺

1.41 kg/m2 < 90 kg/m2

The mass per unit area of the 60-mil HDPE geomembrane alone is not
adequate to prevent uplift at the design threshold of 100 mph. Additional
weight, in the form of a protective layer, anchor trench, ballast trench, ballast
tubes or another system will be necessary to prevent uplift. Figure T7-4 below
shows various schemes that can be used to prevent wind uplift including
anchor trenches, slope trenches and ballasts, for single liner and double liner
schemes.
To provide a ballast system that is adequate for this lagoon, what is the
necessary depth of soil weight to prevent the bottom of the lagoon from
being uplifted?
T7-41 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

Density of the soil used for ballast is 106 lbs/cf (1,700 kg/m3).
1 −4
𝐷𝐷𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 = �−1.41 + 0.00508𝜆𝜆𝑉𝑉 2 e−�1.252x10 �z �
1,700
𝜆𝜆 = 0.4 (floor of lagoon from Figure T7-3)
1
𝐷𝐷𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 = �−1.41 + 0.00508(0.4)(1612 )e−(0.0001252)150 �
1,700
1
𝐷𝐷𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 = (−1.41 + 51.69)
1,700
𝐷𝐷𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 = 0.03 𝑚𝑚 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 1.2 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖

A thin layer of soil or fluid of 0.03 m (1.2 in) on the bottom of the lagoon will
prevent wind uplift. The soil will need to be protected from wind removal and
obviously a wedge of soil will need to be placed at the toe of the slope to
prevent wind forces from uplifting the geomembrane at this location. Another
approach to providing ballast would be to calculate the required quantity of
soil necessary to prevent wind uplift for the entire bottom of the lagoon and
provide in ballast trenches, tubes or with anchor trenches. A factor of safety
of 2 is recommended when sizing ballast necessary to prevent wind uplift.
With the geomembrane restrained at the top in an anchor trench and bottom
of the lagoon with ballast or a layer of soil or fluid, calculate the slope
subjected to wind uplift.
10
𝐿𝐿 = = 31.6 ft (9.6 m)
sin (tan−1 1/3)
Determine the effective suction using one of the following equations.
At sea level:

𝑆𝑆ₑ = 0.6465𝜆𝜆𝑉𝑉 2 − 9.81𝜇𝜇𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺

Above sea level:

𝑆𝑆ₑ = 0.6465𝜆𝜆𝑉𝑉 2 𝑒𝑒˗(1.25 x 10¯⁴)z − 9.81𝜇𝜇𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺

Where:
Sₑ = effective suction (Pa)
λ = suction factor (dimensionless)
V= wind velocity (m/s)
T7-42 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

z = elevation above sea level (m)

Since our lagoon is at 150 m, we use the above sea level equation, effective
suction is then calculated:
−4 �150
𝑆𝑆𝑒𝑒 = (0.05)(0.7)(1612 )�e−�1.252x10 � = 886.27 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃

The value of 𝑆𝑆𝑒𝑒 𝐿𝐿 is

𝑁𝑁 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘
𝑆𝑆𝑒𝑒 𝐿𝐿 = (800.36)(9.6) = 8,547 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 8.55
𝑚𝑚 𝑚𝑚
Find the yield strain (stress), ɛ, on Table T7-1 and 2 which is 12% (126 lbs/in x
(0.1751 kN/m / lbs/in) = 22 kN/m) then calculate
𝑇𝑇𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎
𝑇𝑇′𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 =
𝑆𝑆𝑒𝑒 𝐿𝐿
22
𝑇𝑇′𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = = 2.6
8.51
Table T7-9 shows that at ɛ = 12% has 𝑇𝑇′𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 of 0.69. For the example 𝑇𝑇′𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = 2.6
is greater than 0.69 so the design with the floor ballasted and top anchored
the side slope of the lagoon is adequate to resist wind uplift.
Suction vents located at the top of slopes are generally believed to be an
effective way to prevent or reduce uplift of a geomembrane by the wind.
These vents stabilize the geomembrane by sucking air from beneath the
geomembrane when the wind blows, thereby decreasing the air pressure
beneath the geomembrane. For the suction vents to work, air located
beneath the geomembrane must flow toward the vent when the air vent is
exposed to wind-generated suction. If the soil beneath the geomembrane has
a low permeability, there is little air beneath the geomembrane. This air will
flow toward the vent after the geomembrane has been slightly uplifted. If the
soil beneath the geomembrane is permeable there is a significant amount of
air entrapped beneath the geomembrane, and while this air is being sucked
out by the suction vent, the geomembrane is uplifted. Therefore, in all cases
the geomembrane may be uplifted for a short period of time before the
suction vents are effective. In cases where the soil beneath the geomembrane
has a low permeability, short strips of drainage geocomposites, radiating from
the suction vent, have been recommended to help drain the air located
beneath the geomembrane. However, the effectiveness of this method has
not been evaluated (Giroud, et al., 1995). A method for the design of suction
vents has not been developed.
T7-43 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

The appropriate uplift prevention scheme will prescribe the associated length
and spacing of the chosen approach. These determinations will require
further investigation of the effective suction and depth of protective layer.
The resulting tension and strain on the geosynthetic membrane liner must
also be within the specifications established for the membrane material.
More example calculations may be found in (Giroud et al., 1995, 1999 &
2006), (Zornberg and Giroud, 1997), and (Giroud, 2009).
 T7-44 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

Table T7-9 Geomembrane normalized tension values1.

Relative Geomembrane Normalized Uplift angle Relative Geomembrane Normalized Uplift
uplift strain tension θ uplift strain tension angle θ
u/L ε T/(Se L) ( )
o u/L ε T/(Se L) ( o)
(-)2 (%) (-)2 (-)2 (%) (-)2
0.000 0.000 1 0 0.250 15.91 0.63 53.1
0.010 0.027 12.51 2.3 0.260 17.15 0.61 54.9
0.020 0.107 6.26 4.6 0.270 18.43 0.60 56.7
0.030 0.240 4.18 6.9 0.280 19.75 0.59 58.5
0.040 0.426 3.15 9.1 0.2819 20.00 0.58 58.8
0.050 0.665 2.53 11.4 0.2892 21.00 0.58 60.1
0.060 0.957 2.11 13.7 0.290 21.10 0.58 60.2
0.0613 1.000 2.07 14.0 0.2965 22.00 0.57 61.3
0.070 1.30 1.82 15.9 0.300 22.50 0.57 61.9
0.080 1.70 1.60 18.2 0.3035 23.00 0.56 62.5
0.0869 2.00 1.48 19.7 0.310 23.93 0.56 63.6
0.090 2.15 1.43 20.4 0.3105 24.00 0.56 63.7
0.100 2.65 1.30 22.6 0.3174 25.00 0.55 64.8
0.1065 3.00 1.23 24.0 0.320 25.39 0.55 65.2
0.110 3.20 1.19 24.8 0.3241 26.00 0.55 65.9
0.120 3.80 1.10 27.0 0.330 26.89 0.54 66.8
0.1232 4.00 1.08 27.7 0.3307 27.00 0.54 67.0
0.130 4.45 1.03 29.1 0.3373 28.00 0.54 68.0
0.138 5.00 0.97 30.9 0.340 28.43 0.54 68.4
0.140 5.15 0.96 31.3 0.3437 29.00 0.54 69.0
0.150 5.90 0.91 33.4 0.350 30.00 0.53 70.0
0.1513 6.00 0.90 33.7 0.360 31.60 0.53 71.5
0.160 6.69 0.86 35.5 0.370 33.23 0.52 73.0
0.1637 7.00 0.85 36.3 0.380 34.90 0.52 74.5
0.170 7.54 0.82 37.6 0.3806 35.00 0.52 74.6
0.1753 8.00 0.80 38.6 0.390 36.60 0.52 75.9
0.180 8.43 0.78 39.6 0.400 38.32 0.51 77.3
0.1862 9.00 0.76 40.9 0.4096 40.00 0.51 78.6
0.190 9.36 0.75 41.6 0.410 40.08 0.51 78.7
0.1965 10.00 0.73 42.9 0.420 41.86 0.51 80.1
0.200 10.35 0.73 43.6 0.430 43.67 0.51 81.4
0.2064 11.00 0.71 44.9 0.4372 45.00 0.50 82.3
0.210 11.37 0.70 45.6 0.440 45.51 0.50 82.7
0.2159 12.00 0.69 46.7 0.450 47.38 0.50 84.0
0.220 12.44 0.68 47.5 0.460 49.27 0.50 85.2
0.2250 13.00 0.67 48.5 0.4638 50.00 0.50 85.7
0.230 13.56 0.66 49.4 0.470 51.18 0.50 86.5
0.2339 14.00 0.65 50.1 0.480 53.13 0.50 87.7
0.240 14.71 0.64 51.3 0.490 55.09 0.50 88.8
0.2424 15.00 0.64 51.7 0.500 57.08 0.50 90.0

Notes:
1. This table was established using the equations given in Table 3 (Giroud, et. al. 1995) and is a copy of Table
2 from the referenced paper.

2. (-) indicates unitless.

T7-45 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

Figure T7-4 Lagoon ballast schemes

T7-46 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

G. Subsurface Vapor Venting

Any chosen liner scheme will inevitably trap vapors contained in the
subgrade. The Engineering Report must include a method to vent these
vapors from the subgrade. Typical configurations for a single lined lagoon
include a geotextile vent layer immediately below the primary geomembrane.
A double lined lagoon normally includes a geotextile vent layer below the
secondary geomembrane. The Engineering Report shall provide justification
for hydraulic design slope of the geotextile vent layer, including calculations
for the hydraulic transmissivity of the chosen geotextile material (Giroud et
al., 2000).
The lagoon subgrade must have defined slopes that convey vapors from the
low point of the lagoon to the vent release point. Vents release points shall be
placed near the top of the lagoon. The vent layer design shall allow collection
and venting of vapors from all potential vapor sources, including groundwater
movement, decomposition/biodegradation, chemical reactions and any other
potential vapor sources.
H. Penetrations
Inlet and outlet piping and any other feature that penetrates through the
geomembrane requires a watertight seal. Geomembrane boots, concrete
aprons, and boxes have been successfully used. Features that have odd
shapes may need to be modified to allow a good connection to the
geomembrane liner that will prevent leakage. A design option for columns
that penetrate the liner system and extend above the lagoon’s water surface
is to extend the boot above the water table.
I. Buoyancy
Most geomembranes have a specific gravity less than water, causing
geomembranes to float if water or vapors apply upward forces greater than
the weight of the overlying materials. Whales, hippos, and air bulging form
under conditions where upward hydraulic or vapor pressures exceed the
downward gravitational forces exerted by liquids and ballast in lagoons (Cao
et al., 2015), (Wie et al., 2016), and (Gassner, 2017). Design approaches to
reduce or eliminate lagoon liner uplift are described by Koerner & Koerner,
(2014 & 2015).
In general, lagoons must be sited in locations where buoyancy related to
groundwater is not a concern. If a lagoon is sited in a location where
groundwater may be within 5 feet of the bottom of the lagoon, subsurface
drains must be installed. Subsurface drains can be French drains,
geocomposite drainage layers and/or other methods that will intercept and
transmit groundwater from beneath the lagoon to a surface drain. The
T7-47 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

calculated groundwater interception rate must be used in the design of the

drain system and presented in the Engineering Report.
In cases where the ability to intercept groundwater and convey the
intercepted water to a surface drain is not practicable, like in a valley during a
flood, a scheme that will prevent uplift of the lagoon’s geomembrane during
high groundwater events must be included in the lagoon design and
construction. The scheme will identify the potential high-water event, such as
the 100-year flood event, ballast approach, operational considerations and
other controls that will provide for a factor of safety greater than 1.1.
To repair whales in existing lagoons, the lagoon must be drained, if there is a
soil, sludge and/or sediment layer it must be removed over portions of the
liner to be repaired, the liner cut and a geocomposite placed with venting
extended to the top of the lagoon. If the lagoon is not appropriately graded to
allow vapors to flow to the surface, regrading of the soil subgrade may be
necessary.
Figure T7-5 illustrates a good practice regarding installation of a venting
system using geocomposite strips to capture subsurface vapors and direct to
the outside edge of the lagoon. The design intent is to prevent the formation
of whales and provide for stable sideslopes.
Figure T7-5 Subsurface vapor venting system

VENT STRIPS
T7-48 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

J. Cold Weather Considerations

Lagoons that will experience extended periods of freezing temperatures must
be designed to accommodate the ice that can form. Any piping or other
feature that is on the surface of the lagoon will become encapsulated in the
ice sheet. To prevent ice from encapsulating a pipe or feature, the lagoon can
be engineered to prevent freezing by aeration, covers, or another system that
keep the water surface free from ice. Where the water surface will be allowed
to freeze and form an ice layer, surface piping will need to be placed below
the surface of the primary geomembrane and a cap strip welded over the
ballast or pipe (see Figure T7-4: Lagoon ballast schemes), or a pipe
geomembrane cover installed over the pipe that extends below the zone of
ice into unfrozen water or the end sealed to enclose the pipe as shown in
Figure T7-6.
Figure T7-6 Pipe Geomembrane Cover to Prevent Ice Encapsulation

K. Stability
1. Veneer
The thin soil layer placed above the geomembrane is called a veneer
soil cover. Veneer soil cover placed on side slopes tends to slide down
T7-49 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

to the bottom of the lagoon with time (Koerner, 2016). These

situations represent a major challenge for at least the following
reasons:
• The underlying geomembrane barrier generally represent a low
interface shear strength boundary with respect to the soil placed
above them.
• The liner system is oriented precisely in the direction of potential
sliding.
• The potential shear planes are usually linear and are essentially
uninterrupted along the slope.
• Liquid (water) cannot continue to percolate downward through the
soil owing to the presence of the geomembrane thus saturating the
veneer soil layer.
When such slopes are relatively steep and uninterrupted in their length
(which is the design goal for lagoons to maximize containment space
and minimize land area), the situation is exacerbated (Koerner and
Soong, 2005).
The interface shear strength of the veneer cover soil with respect to
the underlying material (i.e. geomembrane) is critical to properly
analyze the stability of the cover soil. The interface shear strength
value is obtained by laboratory testing of the project-specific materials
at the site-specific conditions. Project-specific materials mean
sampling of the candidate geosynthetics to be used at the site, and the
cover soil at its targeted density and moisture conditions. Site-specific
conditions are defined by: 1) normal stresses, 2) strain rates, 3) peak
or residual shear strengths, and 4) geomembrane temperature
extremes (high and/or low). Note that it is completely inappropriate to
use values of interface shear strengths from the literature for veneer
cover soil design. The direct shear test must be performed on site
specific materials and under proper simulation conditions (Koerner,
2016).
The direct shear test has been utilized in geotechnical engineering
testing for many years. The test was adapted to evaluate geosynthetics
in ASTM D5321/D5321M Standard Test Method for Determining the
Shear Strength of Soil-Geosynthetic and Geosynthetic-Geosynthetic
Interfaces by Direct Shear (Koerner and Soong, 2005). The test
method is applicable for all geosynthetics, except for Geosynthetic Clay
Liners, which are addressed in Test Method D6243/D6243M.
T7-50 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

The equation to use for a slope of infinite length with gas pressure at
the interface is the method described by Theil (1998)5 (Benson et al.,
2012). The equation for a factor of safety (FS) is:

a + (𝜎𝜎𝑣𝑣𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑠𝑠 2 𝛽𝛽 − 𝑢𝑢)𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡
𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹 = ≥ 1.5
𝜎𝜎𝑣𝑣𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝛽𝛽𝛽𝛽𝛽𝛽𝛽𝛽𝛽𝛽

Where:
𝑎𝑎 = effective adhesion parameter for the lower geomembrane
interface adhesion in kPa
𝜎𝜎𝑣𝑣 = vertical overburden pressure from soil layers, height of soil times
unit weight of soil in (m*kN)/m3
β = slope angle in degrees
u = gas pressure in kPa
δ = interface friction angle in degrees
Example Slope Stability of Cover Layer
A cover system on a 3H:1V slope (β = 18.4°) consists of the following
elements, from top to bottom:
Cover soils above a drainage layer of thickness 0.9 m (h) with an
average unit weight of 15.7 kN/m3 (γ);
Geomembrane to cover soil layer angle of 27° (δ);
𝑎𝑎 = 0 kPa;
𝜎𝜎𝑣𝑣 = 15.7 kN/m3 x 0.9 m = 14.13 m*kN/m3 and;

u = 0.3 kPa, gives

0 + (14.13 m ∗ kN/m3𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑠𝑠 2 18.4° − 0.3 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘)𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡27°

𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹 =
14.13 m ∗ kN/m3𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐18.4°𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠18.4°

FS = 1.45
This example shows that even for a relatively strong interface between
the geomembrane and cover soil layer (δ =27°), very little excess gas
pressure (approximately 0.3 kPa) can be tolerated before the factor of
safety drops below 1.5. In selecting a value for u, the designer needs

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T7-51 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

to use best professional judgment regarding an acceptable FS for this

condition. Also, the gas pressure is not uniform under the
geomembrane. A good design that appropriately vents subsurface
vapors should have very low to no gas pressure.
If the cover soil layer is saturated, as would be expected in an
operational lagoon, the friction angle will be less than when dry. If the
saturated interface friction between the geomembrane and cover soil
layer is δ = 20°, gas pressure is 0 kPa, and adhesion is 0 kPa the FS is
1.09. Just a little gas pressure or a slightly lower interface friction
angle will drop the FS below 1 which indicates an unstable slope.
Ecology requires a minimum factor of safety for veneer slope stability
of 1.5. When determining interface friction, the use of dry or saturated
conditions will need to be established by the designer. Gas pressure
will need to be included in the analysis. For a properly vented lagoon
the gas pressure should be very low to zero.
The use of buttresses and taper fills to improve the stability of a slope
is acceptable (Giroud et al., 1995 & 1995). Geogrids, high strength
geotextiles and geowebs can also be incorporated to improve slope
performance and meet the minimum factor of safety. The use of
inclusions to improve veneer slope stability can be considered
(Zornberg, et al., 2001).
The stability of a slope soil and granular top layer must also
incorporate seepage and rapid drawdown considerations to ensure
success (Iryo and Rowe, 2005) (Özer and Bromwell, 2011).
2. Lagoon design for stable slopes
Design of lagoon side slopes requires geotechnical assessment of
global stability, or rotational failure of the soil mass beneath the liner.
Assessment of global stability requires knowledge of:
• subsurface conditions, including soil properties, soil strength
parameters and soil pore water pressures
• slope geometry, including height (H) and slope angle (β)
Typical modes of global stability failure include shallow or surface
failure, failure through the toe of the slope, and base failure, as shown
on Figure T7-8 (adapted from Koerner 2016, Figure 5.16). Slope
stability is typically assessed following a limit equilibrium approach.
Subsurface investigation of the proposed lagoon is required to define
the stratigraphy, soil characteristics, groundwater conditions, soil shear
T7-52 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

strength and pore water pressures. This investigation is best

completed during the lagoon liner permitting and design period.
Global stability shall be assessed under static and seismic loading
conditions in accordance with statewide seismic design category
mapping 6 published by Washington State Department of Natural
Resources. Stability under seismic loading should include an
assessment of the liquefaction potential of the base soils, where
subsurface conditions include relatively loose granular deposits below
the groundwater table.
Acceptable factors of safety are a function of the consequences of
slope failure and the uncertainty with respect to soil strength
measurements. These should be assessed and addressed in the
Engineering Report. Ecology expects the slope factor of safety to be 1.5
or higher.
Figure T7-7 Various types of geomembrane covered slope stability failures

3. Leakage
While the intent of lagoon design is to prevent leakage, experience has
shown that lagoons do leak. Leaks result from construction related
activities such as poor welds, damage from rock puncture, and tearing
by equipment. While in operation, lagoon leaks can be caused from
age related cracking and tears in the geomembrane, slippage of soil
layers, impacts, whales, animals, and cleaning. The list of potential
causes of leakage is numerous, and the above is not a complete list.

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T7-53 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

Leak detection and calculating the appropriate Action Leakage Rate

(ALR) is discussed in T7-5.7 Leak Detection.
4. Leak Detection Layer
The double-lined lagoon design shall accommodate unconfined flow in
the leak detection layer. More specifically, the transmissivity of the
geosynthetic material that makes up the leak detection layer shall
exceed the fluid leakage rate into the leak detection layer (the Action
Leakage Rate). Localized confined flow in a geocomposite near a leak
can occur.
The geocomposite drainage layer must be designed and maintained to
prevent whales. Slowly drawing down of the lagoon may be necessary
to repair leaks detected in the leak detection layer. The use of a
granular leak collection layer on the floor of a lagoon can be used to
provide for unconfined flow.
The flow rate per unit width for a standard geocomposite liner is listed
in Table T7-7. Flow rates provided are for a specific load of 10,000
pound per square foot and 2 different weights of geotextiles. If the
specific design load and the geotextile selected for a lagoon’s
geocomposite are different than the products shown in Table T7-7
testing at the anticipated load and geocomposite product following
ASTM D4716 Test Method for Performing the (In-Plane) Flow Rate per
Unit Width and Hydraulic Transmissivity of a Geosynthetic Using a
Constant Head is recommended. Potential flow rates through the leak
collection layer is listed in Table T7-10 and Table T7-11 (from Giroud
et. al., 1997).
Table T7-10 Rate of fluid flow in granular leachate collection layer resulting from a defect in the
primary liner.

Fluid thickness Fluid thickness Gravel, 300 mm Gravel, 300 mm

Meter (m) Millimeter (mm) (approx. 1 ft)a (approx. 1 ft)a
N/A N/A m3/second Liter/day (lpd)
0.005 5 2.5x10-6 216
0.01 10 1.0x10-5 864
0.05 50 2.5x10-4 21,600
0.1 100 1.0x10-3 86,400
0.3 300 9.0x10-3 777,600

a.
k = 1 × 10-1 m/s
T7-54 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

Notes (see Table 1 Giroud et al, 1997): The leachate thickness, to, can be derived from the leachate head on top of
the secondary liner using Equation 4 from Giroud et al’s paper. The leachate thickness, to, is the actual leachate
thickness if to < tLCL and a virtual leachate thickness if to > tLCL. The tabulated values of the rate of leachate flow, Q,
were calculated using Equation 9 from Giroud et al’s paper when to < tLCL and Equation 16 when to > tLCL . Units: 1
m3/s = 86,400,000 liters per day (lpd).

Maximum fluid thickness in the drainage layer in the above table is approximately 1 foot, which is unconfined flow in
the gravel layer. The table illustrates that a single small hole in a lagoon liner beneath a shallow depth of fluid can
produce over 750,000 liter per day (over 200,000 gallons per day).

The Action Leakage Flow rates listed in Table T7-11 can be compared with rates of leachate migration through
defects of a single geomembrane used alone (i.e. not part of a composite liner) calculated using Bernoulli’s equation,
which is expressed as follows:

Q = 0.6 a = 0.6 𝜋𝜋 (d 2 /4) ≈ (2/3) d 2

Where:

a = defect area;

d = defect diameter;

g = acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s/s); and

hprim = head of leachate on top of the primary liner.

T7-55 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

Table T7-11 Rate of leachate (in liters per day) migration through a defect in a geomembrane
primary liner as a function of the defect diameter and the head of liquid on top of the primary liner.

Fluid head on top of the Geomembrane primary liner defect diameter, d

primary liner, hprim (mm) (1 )2 3 5 10 20 50 100
5 13 51 115 319 1,275 5,101 31,881 127,52
10 18 72 162 451 1,803 7,214 45,086 180,34
50 40 161 363 1,008 4,033 16,131 100,816 403,26
100 57 228 513 1,426 5,703 22,812 142,575 570,30
300 99 395 889 2,469 9.878 39,512 246,948 987,79
Note: The tabulated values of the rate of leachate migration, Q, through a geomembrane defect were calculated
using Bernoulli’s equation and are expressed in liters per day (lpd).

Leakage flow estimation provides information that demonstrates that small defects and low fluid head results in
significant flows. When selecting the action leakage rate (ALR) and developing an investigation plan note that a few
small holes in the primary geomembrane can result in corrective action being required. Setting an ALR and corrective
action plans are described in Section T7-5.7.7.

T7-5.4 Lagoon Sizing

T7-5.4.1 Sizing
The Engineering Report must provide engineering justification for the volume
of the impoundment. The required volume will vary with the intended use of
the facility.
Non-Overflow (evaporative) Impoundments. Engineers must establish the
required volume by developing a monthly hydraulic balance that accounts for
wastewater discharges, precipitation, and local evaporation rates. The design
case is a ‘wet’ year (1 year in 10 recurrence interval) with high precipitation.
Waste Treatment Impoundments. Typically, the required volume to provide
adequate treatment uses a complete mix hydraulic model with first order
kinetics. The following equation models a single cell lagoon.
S/So = 1/(1+kTt)
Where:
So = influent BOD5 (mg/l)
S = effluent BOD5 (mg/l)
k = reaction coefficient (day-1)
T = Temperature (°C)
t = hydraulic residence time (days)
T7-56 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

Determine the reaction coefficient (k) using experimental or pilot data. In the
absence of such data, a reaction coefficient of k20 = 0.2 day-1 (at T= 20 °C) may
be used. For lagoons operating at a temperature other than 20 °C, engineers
may use the following equation to determine an appropriate reaction
coefficient:
kT = 0.2(1.047)(T-20)
Design of the treatment component temperature is based on the 30-day
average temperature for the coldest month of the year not the influent
temperature.
Calculate the hydraulic residence time using the lagoon volume available for
wastewater treatment excluding volume consumed by stored sludge.
The appropriate volume reserved for sludge depends on the operation of the
lagoon system. The Engineering Report and the Operation and Maintenance
Manual must provide justification and documentation for the design sludge
volume. The owner/operator must remove solids from the lagoon if changes
in the flow pattern or visible solids mounding occur.
Since effluent BOD5 determined by the above first-order equation will
normally estimate only the soluble, carbonaceous BOD, this concentration
should be augmented to include estimated particulate BOD and nitrogenous
BOD in the total effluent BOD5 calculation. This calculation must include the
estimated effects of algae, ammonia, and nitrites on total effluent BOD5.
Other design models are in use for design of wastewater stabilization lagoons.
These models may increase the level of treatment if improvements such as
increased mixing intensity, baffling, lagoons in series, mechanical aeration,
and effluent filtration and polishing are used. Ecology will evaluate designs
based on other models if the wastewater facilities plan provides justification
for the model’s use and the selected coefficient’s value.
Storage Lagoons. Lagoons that discharge to land treatment facilities often
require storage for nitrogen removal. Crop systems cannot take up nutrients
during the winter months. Consequently, design of lagoon storage capacity
should provide for storage of wastewater generated through the winter. The
design must include a required volume based on a monthly hydraulic balance
that accounts for wastewater discharge volumes, precipitation, evaporation,
and permitted discharge volumes for each month.
T7-57 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

Evapotranspiration rates and precipitation data are available from the WSU
AgWeatherNet Data center 7, the National Climate Data Center, or published
data in the Washington State Irrigation Guide Appendix B. Lagoon capacity
design is based on a high precipitation, ‘wet’ year (1 year in 10 recurrence
interval), and on influent wastewater rates and discharge volumes.
Lagoons for land treatment systems often incorporate both a ‘storage’ and
‘treatment’ component.
Storage lagoons must provide additional storage volume to accommodate any
residual solids intended to be stored in the impoundment.
T7-5.4.2 Other Design Criteria
Other design criteria for land treatment systems include:
Guidelines for Preparation of Engineering Reports for Industrial Wastewater
Land Application Systems – Washington State Department of Ecology
publication no. 93-36, May 1993
Implementation Guidance for the Ground Water Quality Standards –
Washington State Department of Ecology publication no. 96-02, revised
October 2005
Guidance on Land Treatment of Nutrients in Wastewater, with Emphasis on
Nitrogen - Washington State Department of Ecology publication no. 04-10-
018, November 2004
All these design criteria guidance documents8 are available online.

T7-5.5 Dam Safety

If the storage capacity at the top of the embankment level is 10 acre-feet (equivalent
to 435,600 cubic feet or 3.258 million gallons) or more, the law requires a dam safety
permit. The Dam Safety Unit at Ecology 9 may grant an exemption if the embankment
height is 6 feet or less and the consequences of failure are minimal. Owner/operators
must obtain this exemption in writing from the Dam Safety Unit at Ecology’s
headquarters in Lacey as a condition of the lagoon permitting. Embankment design
requires the embankment to withstand a 100-year flood event. In cases where a
lagoon is divided into several cells, the total volume of water impounded by all the
cells generally determines whether the embankment is subject to the dam safety
regulations. See Chapter G1 for additional information on dam safety requirements.

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T7-5.6 Liner Placement and Construction Standards

Section T7-5.10 on CQA and construction quality control (CQC) provides the specifics
on managing the quality associated with construction of lagoon lining systems.
Reference manuals regarding liner placement and construction standards are available
from the EPA (1993) 10, International Association of Geosynthetic Installers (IAGI) and
FGI. FGI has three standards prepared in 2013 and 2014. The IAGI and FGI standards
are updated periodically and the latest versions of their guidelines can be found at FGI
Web Site 11 and IAGI Web Site 12. Links to each paper are provided in the reference
section.
The following provides specifics that need to be addressed in the project CQA Plan and
construction plans. Site specific design and CQA requirements need to be addressed
and included in the CQA Plan and construction plans.
T7-5.6.1 Subgrade Preparation
Subgrade, embankments, and side slopes for lagoons shall be constructed of
relatively impervious soil and compacted to at least 95 percent Standard
Proctor Density, ASTM D698 Standard Test Methods for Laboratory
Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12,400 ft lb/ft3 (600
kN-m/m3)) to form a stable structure. Vegetation, wood debris, sharp objects,
deleterious materials, and other unsuitable materials shall be removed from
the area where the liner is to be placed.
The top surface of the prepared subgrade shall be smooth rolled. Any ruts or
ridges greater than 1/2-inch shall be removed. Loose stones shall be removed.
There is documented long-term impact that loose stones create thinning and
even holes in the geomembrane (Brachman and Sabir, 2010).
Deployment of the geosynthetic material on the subgrade must not dislodge
stones from the subgrade. Design needs to consider approaches that can limit
stone dislodgement that can include rolling and not dragging the geotextile,
slip sheets, and keeping the surface damp.

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T7-5.6.2 Liner
The installation of groundwater control systems and vapor venting systems
are the first step in placement of a single or double lined lagoon. Drain and
inlet piping need to be in place. The anchor or termination trench needs to be
excavated.
The installation of the geomembrane needs to be done when the weather is
appropriate for such installation. Appropriate weather conditions are low
wind speed, no precipitation on subgrade, and geomembrane temperatures
that are adequate for welding. Geomembrane temperatures above 120 °F and
below 32 °F are the upper and lower limit the geomembrane should be
deployed unless it is shown that satisfactory deployment and welding can be
obtained to the satisfaction of the Engineer (EPA, 1993 13). The subgrade
needs to be observed and accepted by the geomembrane installer daily
before deployment of materials. Test strips made using the same equipment,
personnel and materials need to be performed and be within project
requirements before field welding begins.
Nondestructive testing of the liner system is required for single liners.
Nondestructive testing of welded seams needs to be 100 percent.
Nondestructive testing is described in T7-5.7 Leak Detection.
Destructive testing of seams, if any, should follow the recommendation in the
CQA Plan.
Boots or other method to provide a watertight seal need to be installed. The
anchor or termination trench needs to be backfilled and compacted in
accordance with the Ecology approved specifications.
If used a granular leak detection layer will be at least 12 inches thick,
measured perpendicular to the underlying secondary geomembrane. The
granular or geocomposite leak detection layer will remain unsaturated by the
minimum design leakage rate of 500 gallons per acre per day through a single
hole (Giroud and Touze-Foltz, 2005; Touze-Foltz et al., 2001; and Giroud et al.,

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1997 and 2000 (multiple papers)). For deep lagoons, a higher design leakage
rate may be appropriate.
A saturated leak detection layer can allow hydraulic pressure to build beneath
the primary geomembrane that can create slope instability and whales.
The termination of the leak detection layer can allow water that becomes
trapped in the anchor trench to percolate into the layer. There needs to be a
seal between the primary and secondary geomembranes along the
termination edge to prevent percolation.
Venting of the leak detection layer as well as the subgrade needs to be
provided.
The leak detection layer must have a minimum slope of 2 percent towards the
collection sump. Veneer stability of the leak detection layer must have a
minimum factor of safety of 1.5.
The secondary geomembrane liner must include liner testing using an
electrical leak location evaluation. The leak location evaluation must detect a
3-millimeter hole in its longest dimension. The design engineer may propose
another equivalent post-construction test method for Ecology approval and
prior to the lagoon/liner being placed in service.
The double liner primary geomembrane is more difficult to test the surface for
leaks. The use of more rigorous CQA and CQC is warranted, and the use of
conductive geomembrane sheets should be considered.
T7-5.6.3 Specifications
Specifications can be a stand-alone document or provided on the drawings.
The specifications will at a minimum identify liner materials, sub-grade and
veneer soil placement and compaction, CQA and CQC activities, liner material
weld testing frequencies, weather limitations, geosynthetic placement, water
level measurement, piping and penetrations, lagoon/liner access and security.
All plans and specifications must be consistent with the Ecology approved
Engineering Report and submitted to Ecology for review and approval.
The general contractor and the liner installer must provide information that
clearly shows their experience in impoundment construction and liner
installation, construction management, and quality control. The general
contractor and liner installer must submit the documentation verifying their
experience and qualification with the bid proposal.
When constructed with a single geomembrane liner, the installation must
include liner testing using an electrical leak location evaluation. The leak
T7-61 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

location evaluation must detect a 3 millimeter hole in its longest dimension.

The design engineer may propose another equivalent post-construction test
method for Ecology approval and prior to the lagoon being placed in service.
The impoundment general contractor and liner installer must submit to the
facility owner/operator a certificate of quality installation within 45 days of
substantial completion of the liner installation. A copy of the certificate of
quality installation will be provided to Ecology with the CQA Report (seeT7-
5.11 Reporting and Approval).
When lagoon construction is complete and before the lagoon is put into
service a declaration of construction in accordance with chapter 173-240-095
WAC shall be submitted to Ecology. As-built drawings and a final CQA Report
are to be submitted to Ecology along with the declaration of construction.
T7-5.6.4 Construction Quality Control (CQC)
CQC is part of the general contractor’s and geosynthetic installer’s work. Both
destructive and nondestructive testing of field seams is required.
Soil testing as part of subgrade preparation, if part of the earthwork
contractor’s requirement to provide, need to follow the requirements of the
specifications.
If the lagoon requires permitting by the Dam Safety Unit at Ecology, additional
requirements regarding CQC will be part of the permit.
The initial filling of the lagoon needs to occur at a rate determined by the
engineer to allow monitoring of the leak detection sump and stoppage of
filling if there is a leak that triggers implementation of the ALR plan.
T7-5.6.5 Groundwater and Surface Water
Excavation into the earth runs the risk of encountering groundwater and
entrapping surface water. The lagoon sub-grade needs to be excavated in dry
soils. If groundwater is expected to be within 2 feet of the bottom of the
lagoon, a method to measure groundwater during construction needs to be
provided.
Surface water can be entrapped beneath the lagoon liner during rain events
and from run-on. The contractor needs to address how surface water will be
handled and prevented from damaging the liner system during construction.
T7-5.6.6 Access
Access roads need to be a minimum of 3 feet thick over the geomembrane
when the design is to drive into the lagoon with vehicles for cleaning or other
maintenance. Concrete ramps can be used to reduce the thickness of access
T7-62 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

roads. The use of crushed rock, if used to provide a stable road base, must not
be allowed to impinge on the liner to reduce the possibility of creating tears
and holes.

T7-5.7 Leak Detection

T7-5.7.1 Definition of a Leak
Evaluating the performance of a lagoon liner is a challenge. While zero
leakage into the ground is a legitimate goal as the leaking liquid can pollute
the subsurface environment primarily the groundwater, or the soil integrity
can be impaired, achieving a zero-leakage rate may not be practically feasible
and neither can a zero-leakage rate be realistically measured. In their paper
Action Leakage Rate for Reservoir Geomembrane Liners, Peggs and Giroud
(2014) show that the concept of action leakage rate, developed for landfills in
the United States, can be adapted to lagoon liners. The action leakage rate
provides a criterion to evaluate the performance of a lagoon liner that would
trigger monitoring and remedial actions should the rate be exceeded. Peggs
and Giroud’s paper provides a discussion of the parameters that have an
influence on the selection of the action leakage rate for a given lagoon and
suggests values of action leakage rates for lagoons. It is shown that it is
possible to rationally select action leakage rates for lagoons and reservoirs.
Recognizing that all liners may leak (Giroud & Bonaparte, 1989a) is the first
step to the safe design of liquid containment systems. The second step is to
evaluate whether leakage into the ground is acceptable or not. If leakage into
the ground is not acceptable, it is possible to design a containment system to
manage and control leakage. The safe design of a containment system would
not be possible if the likelihood of leakage through an individual liner had not
been recognized as a first step. Depending on the desired degree of leakage
control, there is a variety of adequate containment systems that typically
includes, a single or double geomembrane liner system or a composite liner
system (i.e. geomembrane underlain by a compacted clay liner or a
geosynthetic clay liner).
Adapting from several dictionaries, and restricting the discussion to liquids in
the context of this chapter, it can be said that the word “leak” has two
meanings:

• a passageway through which liquid can unintentionally escape; and

• the liquid that escapes through a passageway, such as liquid flowing
unintentionally out of a lagoon.
To avoid possible confusion due to this dual meaning of the word “leak,” the
word “hole” is used herein to mean a passageway through the liner such as a
T7-63 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

puncture, tear or crack, or a passageway at the periphery of the liner such as a

gap between the liner and appurtenances.
The word “leakage” designates the amount of liquid that flows through one or
several holes. The term “leakage rate” designates the amount of leakage per
unit of time.
The term “leakage rate” is also used to designate what is more accurately
called “leakage rate per unit area.”
T7-5.7.2 Leak Detection Methods
The modern technology for finding holes in geomembrane liners is designated
by “electric leak location” or “electric liner integrity survey” or similar terms.
This technology is essential in all geomembrane liner installations to ensure
liner integrity. This technology can be used with a geomembrane exposed,
under water or under a layer of soil. ASTM standards for liner integrity surveys
include:
D6747 Standard Guide for Selection of Techniques for Electrical Leak Location
of Leaks in Geomembranes
D7002 Standard Practice for Electrical Leak Location on Exposed
Geomembranes Using the Water Puddle Method
D7240 Standard Practice for Electrical Leak Location Using Geomembranes
with an Insulating Layer in Intimate Contact with a Conductive Layer via
Electrical Capacitance Technique (Conductive-Backed Geomembrane Spark
Test)
D7703 Standard Practice for Electrical Leak Location on Exposed
Geomembranes Using the Water Lance Method
D7953 Standard Practice for Electrical Leak Location on Exposed
Geomembranes Using the Arc Testing Method
D8265 Standard Practices for Electrical Methods for Mapping Leaks in
Installed Geomembranes
ASTM is working on a procedure to determine the sensitivity of any lining
system to holes of different sizes in different locations.
According to ASTM D 6747, an electric liner integrity survey should be able to
find holes as small as 1.4 mm under water and 6.4 mm if the geomembrane is
covered with up to 600 mm of soil. The diameter of 1.4 mm corresponds to a
hole area of approximately 1.5 mm2, and 6.4 mm to a hole area of
approximately 30 mm2. For comparison, a standard wooden pencil lead is 2
T7-64 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

mm diameter. In fact, smaller holes can be found by experienced operators

using modern equipment.
All methods require:

• An electrically conductive medium over and in contact with the liner;

• An electrically conductive medium under and in contact with the liner;
and
• These two mediums shall not be in electrical contact other than
through the holes being sought.
T7-5.7.3 Single Liner Leakage
A single liner can be inspected for leakage both visually or by conducting an
electric leak location survey. To use an electric leak location survey the lagoon
will need to be electrically isolated. This may require removal of wiring from in
lagoon equipment such as aerators. Further the lagoon should not have a
thick layer of sludge as it would not allow grounding with the subsoil.
Another method used to locate leaks is an acoustic method that uses a
sensitive underwater microphone to locate the turbulent noise of water
exiting a leak.
T7-5.7.4 Double Liner Leak Location Complications
Double liner test methods are the same as for single liners. The only major
difference is that there may not be a conductive layer under the primary
geomembrane, e.g., in the case of a geonet/geotextile composite. Hence the
development of conductive-backed geomembrane and conductive
geotextiles. The liner design must consider whether electrical surveys will be
required and to construct the liner accordingly. Once a double liner has been
placed in service it is not possible to locate leaks in the secondary liner using
electrical methods.
T7-5.7.5 Leak Detection Frequency
Essentially an integrity survey can be done whenever a geomembrane layer is
completed or whenever a soil layer has been placed over the geomembrane.
The first will identify damage done by the liner installer, and the latter will
find damage done by the earthwork contractor. By conducting both surveys
there will be little argument about who is responsible for what.
In a single liner, a survey will be done on the installed liner before any soil
layer is placed on top of it. Another survey may be done after the soil has
been placed. With careful planning, the soil survey may be started before the
soil layer placement has been completed. Once placed in operation an electric
leak survey shall be conducted once every five years (once per permit cycle).
T7-65 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

The secondary liner of a double liner will be treated the same way as a single
liner, except that since there will be little hydraulic head on the secondary
liner, there is little need to test the secondary liner except in the sump area
where there will always be standing water. The primary liner will be surveyed
after any cover soil has been placed. Note that once the primary liner has
been installed holes in the secondary cannot be found electrically. It is
recommended that at least an electrical survey of the secondary
geomembrane in the sump be performed. Once placed in operation an
electric leak detection survey for a double-lined lagoon shall be conducted
once every ten years.
A negative electric leak detection survey (a survey that shows the liner is
intact and not leaking) must be followed up by using the same electric leak
detection method and equipment and an artificial leak. The procedure for
creating and testing an artificial leak is covered in ASTM-D8265, referenced
above in Section 5.7.2. If these steps are followed, then they will be sufficient
proof that the pond is not in a leaking state.
T7-5.7.6 Leak Response Thresholds and Response Planning
The fact that leakage, or at least potential leakage, is an essential
consideration in the design of a lined facility (landfill, lagoon, tank or
reservoir) implies that leakage can be quantified and controlled. Accordingly,
there are specified allowable leakage rates in the United States for landfill
primary liners in the case of double-lined landfills, and for liners in municipal
wastewater treatment ponds. These allowable leakage rates are usually called
“action leakage rates” because some action is required if the measured
leakage rate is above the action leakage rate.
However, now in the United States, there is no well-established action
leakage rate for liners in large lagoons. The need for action leakage rates for
lagoons is being increasingly recognized. Among the issues being considered
are the following: should the action leakage rate depend on the lagoon depth,
the lagoon size, the type of liner, or some other criterion?
Therefore, the only relevant approach is, for each specific case, to determine
the limit between acceptable and unacceptable leakage based on a rational
analysis. As indicated by Giroud (1984a), and adding a fourth item, leakage
can be acceptable if the following requirements are met:

• the leaking liquid does not cause unacceptable pollution of the ground
or the groundwater;
• the leaking 1iquid does not cause a degradation of the soil supporting
the geomembrane; and
T7-66 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

• the leaking liquid does not uplift the geomembrane liner.

In other words, the types of detrimental effects of leakage are:

• environmental damage;
• geotechnical damage; and
• liner disturbance or damage.
If any of these situations is possible, a double liner system is a viable solution.
Recognizing that individual liners may leak has led to the development of the
concept of the double liner system, which is a relatively safe way to contain
liquids with negligible leakage into the ground. The concept was presented by
Giroud (1973) and used for the first time with two geomembranes in 1974, as
described by Giroud & Gourc (2014).
A double liner system consists of two liners and a leakage collection, detection
and removal layer between the two liners. The leakage collection, detection,
and removal layer are generally referred to as the leakage detection layer, the
upper liner is called the primary liner and the lower liner is called the
secondary liner.
The leakage detection layer has two functions:

• It makes it possible to measure the rate of leakage through the primary

liner; and
• By removing the fluids collected in the leak detection system as quickly as
possible, it maintains a very low head of liquid on top of the secondary
liner, thereby minimizing significantly the rate of leakage further into the
ground.
It should be noted that the leakage detection layer is not a leak location layer:
it shows there is a leak (hole) in the liner, but not where that leak (hole) is.
The leakage detection layer material should be highly permeable to ensure
rapid leakage detection so that the accumulated fluids can be promptly
removed. Adequate leakage detection layer materials are gravel, geonets, and
drainage geocomposites with a geonet core. Sand is not adequate because it
is not sufficiently permeable, and it exhibits capillarity.
The secondary liner is not simply a back-up to the primary liner. It has an
essential role for proper leakage collection and measurement. A typical
leakage rate per unit area through a geomembrane-only primary liner is of the
order of 10-10 m/s in a landfill and 10-9 m/s in a lagoon. These leakage rates
per unit area are of the same order as the vertical flow rate through
compacted clay with a hydraulic gradient of 1. Clearly, if the secondary liner is
T7-67 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

made of clay only (rather than geomembrane or clay overlain by a

geomembrane), a large fraction of the collected leakage will infiltrate into the
clay and, therefore, will not be detected.
If the secondary liner is made of a bentonite GCL only, most of the leaking
liquid will be used to hydrate the bentonite. In other words, if the leakage
detection layer does not rest on a geomembrane, the true rate of leakage
through the primary liner will not be measured.
It is important to note that the measured leakage rate in the case of a double
liner system is not the rate of leakage into the ground. The measured leakage
is the leakage collected by the leakage detection layer. In other words, it is the
rate of leakage rate through the primary liner (if the leakage detection layer
functions properly and conveys all the collected leakage to an outlet where it
is measured; which implies that leakage through the secondary liner is
negligible).
In the case of a double liner, the determination of the rate of leakage into the
ground requires three steps:

• determination of the rate of leakage through the primary liner;

• analysis of the flow in the leakage detection layer and determination of
the hydraulic head on the secondary liner; and
• the information from 1 and 2 above will be used to determine the rate
of leakage through the secondary liner, which is essentially the rate of
leakage into the ground.
A composite liner is a liner that includes two components: a synthetic
component and a mineral component. Typically, a composite liner is a
geomembrane underlined by a layer of compacted clay or a GCL. Composite
liners are very effective in reducing leakage. As shown by Giroud & Bonaparte
(1989b), the rate of leakage through a composite liner is two to four orders of
magnitude less than the rate of leakage through a geomembrane alone with
the same hole size and frequency.
T7-5.7.7 Response Planning
GSI published a white paper on ALRs used in water, mining, and solid waste
facilities in all states in 2009. While the results range from “zero” to 68,000
liters per hectare per day (lphd) the mean is between 2,000 to 5,000 lphd,
which is close to the EPA recommendation of 2,000 lphd for a landfill liner
under a 300 mm hydraulic head and close to the Ten States specification of
5,000 lphd for a wastewater lagoon liner under a 2-meter (m) head.(see
subsection 93.422 Seal in Ten States specification). Peggs and Giroud
T7-68 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

recommend target ALRs in large deep ponds as shown in Table T7-12 (Peggs
and Giroud, 2014).
T7-69 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

Table T7-12 Action Leakage Rates (ALRs) for Permit Regulated Lined Lagoons

Liquid Depth Liquid Depth Action Leakage Action Leakage

(m) (ft) Rate Rate
(lphd) 1 (gpad) 2
1 3.3 1,200 120
2 6.6 1,600 170
3 10 2,000 210
4 13 2,300 250
5 16 2,600 270
10 33 3,600 380
15 50 4,500 480
20 66 5,200 550
25 80 5,800 600
30 100 6,300 670
1. lphd = liters per hour per day.

2. gpad = gallons per acre3 per day.

3. lagoon size in acres

Figure T7-8 Action Leakage Rate/Reservoir Depth

In fact, the Ten States specified value of 5,000 lphd under 2 m of head (see
subsection 93.422 Seal in Ten States specification) is too high on this scale and
should be closer to 1,700 lphd.
The ALR is presented as a guide. It is not a specification, although it has often
been used as such. Rather, it sets an investigative plan in motion. An example
of one such plan from the mining industry is as follows:

• Up to 5,000 lphd: Acceptable for normal operation

• 5,000 to 10,000 lphd: Prepare to initiate written plan, inspect for likely
leak location(s)
T7-70 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

• 10,000 to 25,000 lphd: Operate at level below likely leak location and
search for leak(s)
• Over 25,000 lphd: Stop operations and find/repair leak(s).
When developing the ALR, the capacity of the leak detection sump’s pump
will need to be considered. If the flow into the sump is less than the pump
capacity, the flow is unconfined, this is acceptable. If the flow into the sump is
greater than the pump’s capacity, the leak detection layer will begin to fill,
and confined flow will occur which is unacceptable. For example, the pump’s
flow rate is 10 gpm (37.8 liters per minute), flow into the sump is 5 gpm, the
pump can remove this flow and the leak detection layer has unconfined flow
which is acceptable. If the flow is 15 gpm, fluid will build up in the leak
detection layer at 15 gpm – 10 gpm = 5 gpm creating confined flow which in
not acceptable.
When a leak is repaired, restart operations must check for and confirm no
leak indications as the water level exceeds the repair level. Survey equipment
shall be calibrated to demonstrate that appropriate hole(s) will be found, and
the leakage rate shall be constantly monitored to ensure it is less than the
ALR.
In summary the following activities shall be considered when developing the
appropriate ALR for a lagoon:

• Establish an ALR for the primary liner.

• Perform a liner integrity survey on the secondary liner (geomembrane)
in a lagoon’s sump.
• It may not be necessary to do a liner integrity survey on the secondary
geomembrane on the slope due to lower hydraulic head.
• Leakage through the primary geomembrane must be constantly
removed to minimize head on the secondary geomembrane.
• Design must consider the need and type of conductive layer under the
primary geomembrane.
• Define response actions if ALR is exceeded.
The selection of an ALR and the response actions must be included in the
Engineering Report and approved by Ecology. Ecology is likely to set an ALR in
the operating permit for a lagoon.

T7-5.8 Operations and Maintenance

During the operational life of the lagoon, operators at the facility will routinely
conduct inspection and maintenance activities as part of any discharge permit.
Inspection methods often include operating boats or rafts to take samples at the
T7-71 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

corner of lagoons, maintenance of in lagoon equipment such as aerators, and using

staff gauges for depth measurements. The primary maintenance activity is sludge
removal. Sludge is a solid to semi-solid residue remaining at end of the treatment
process train and settles at the bottom of lagoons. The handling of sewage sludge for
disposal has special requirements and must comply with Section S, Residual Solids
Management 14 of this guidance and the Code of Federal Regulations [CFR], Title 40:
Protection of the Environment, Section 503 – Standards for the use of or disposal of
sewage sludge 15. The volume and consistency of a sludge will vary based on the
overall treatment process, but management is a universal need. The design engineer
should be aware of these activities to provide a lagoon liner design that
accommodates normal sludge removal operations. Proper liner termination schemes
and the design of access roads will facilitate operation and maintenance.
Ecology has a standard checklist for the monthly observation of lagoons. The Ecology
checklist includes sections on security, controls and equipment, leak detection (for
double lined lagoons), embankment, liner condition, lagoon performance, water
depth, freeboard and weather conditions. For double lined lagoons, the volume of
fluid removed from the sump since the last inspection needs to be recorded along
with the depth of fluid in the sump on the day of the inspection. The checklist is to be
filled out monthly and submitted to Ecology annually.
T7-5.8.1 Sludge Management
It is recommended for the Engineering Report to include a system for sludge
removal in the design and construction of the lagoon. Sludge management,
removal and disposal methods must comply with the facility Biosolids Permit.
When it becomes necessary to remove sludge from a lagoon, the operator
should coordinate with the Ecology Biosolids permit manager to ensure
compliance with the permit conditions. In most cases the operator and/or
consulting engineer are required to develop a plan outlining the method of
sludge and solids removal, steps to be taken to ensure lagoon liner integrity.
Testing of the sludge and solids to be removed for volatile compounds and
metals, and ultimate disposal of the sludge must be compliant with the
Biosolids Permit specifications.
T7-5.8.2 Sludge Removal Methods
The most common method of sludge and solids removal is to employ some
type of sludge pumping equipment. For a lagoon that has a concrete or other
solid subgrade that allows equipment operation, then care needs to be taken
to operate in a manner that does not damage the protective cover of the

14
[Link]
15
[Link]
bin/retrieveECFR?gp=2&SID=3ba5c96eb4bfc5bfdfa86764a30e9901&ty=HTML&h=L&n=pt40.30.503&r=PART
T7-72 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

geomembrane. Damage to a geomembrane liner will require repair or

replacement. If the lagoon’s geomembrane liner is damaged interim measures
must be taken to control leakage until repair or replacement of the liner
occurs. Interim measures include increased monitoring of the leaking liner to
document that the leak is not adversely affecting surface water, groundwater
and/or public health.

T7-5.9 Inspection Methods

T7-5.9.1 Single Liner
A single liner can be inspected for leakage both visually, by reviewing
groundwater monitoring reports, and conducting an electric leak location
survey. To use an electric leak location survey the lagoon will need to be
electrically isolated. This may require removal of wiring from in lagoon
equipment such as aerators. Further the lagoon should not have a thick layer
of sludge as it would not allow grounding with the subsoil.
T7-5.9.2 Double Liner
Double liners should be inspected visually along with review of the data
obtained from the leak detection sump and conducting an electric leak
location survey. If a leak is observed or indicated by level data, slowly draining
the lagoon and monitoring of the leak detection sump is recommended. This
approach can limit the area to investigate to find the leak to the elevation
where the leakage slowed.

T7-5.10 Construction Quality Assurance (CQA) and Construction Quality

Control (CQC)
The objective of CQA is not to ensure that a good and well-performing structure is
built rather it is to confirm that what was designed is what was built. The involvement
of a good “CQA” program should be able to identify problem events before
construction starts. An overview of the contents of CQA programs is available in
“Quality Assurance and Quality Control for Waste Containment Facilities” (USEPA,
1995) and justification for a quality management program is discussed in GRI White
Paper #26, Need for and Justification of Quality Management Systems for Successful
Geosynthetic Performance and GRI GM 29 Field Integrity of Geomembrane Seams (and
Sheet) Using Destructive and/or Nondestructive Testing.
CQA provides records that can identify the location and extent of any non-
conformance so that appropriate remedial actions can be taken.
Effective CQA decreases the number of penetrating defects in a geomembrane liner
and its associated components (Forget, [Link]. 2005).
T7-73 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

T7-5.10.1 Definition of QA and QC

Quality Assurance (QA): All those planned or systematic actions necessary to
provide adequate confidence that a material, product, system, or service will
satisfy given needs.
Quality Control (QC): The operational techniques and the activities which
sustain a quality of material, product, system, or service that will satisfy given
needs; also, the use of such techniques and activities.
Primary Liner: The upper geomembrane liner of a double liner containment
system.
Secondary Liner: The lower geomembrane liner of a double liner containment
system.
Composite Liner: A liner consisting of a geomembrane and a mineral layer,
such as compacted clay or a geosynthetic clay liner.
Geocomposite: A geonet drainage layer with geotextile bonded on one or
both sides.
Liner Integrity Survey (LIS): An electrically based quality control method for
detecting liner leak locations.
QA is performed on a specific contractor’s own work by a third (independent)
party to ensure that a conforming product is delivered. QC is work done by
the specific contractors' personnel to ensure the conformance of a work
product to your customer’s specifications. Thus, most parties will have their
own Quality Plans that are integrated with the overarching project CQA/CQC
plan.

• A practical geomembrane-based lining system project Quality

Assurance process consists of:
• Manufacturing QA (MQA) is done on incoming resin by the
Manufacturer.
• MQA (e.g., uniaxial tensile test) is also done by the installer on the as-
manufactured sheet.
• Density measurements on resin are delivered to the geomembrane
manufacturer as part of the manufacturer’s QA program.
• Resin density used by the manufacturer is specified as part of the
manufacturer’s QC (MQC) program.
• Any measurements made by the Quality Firm (QF) on resin and
products prior to onsite delivery are part of the MQA program.
T7-74 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

• Seam tests performed by the installer are part of the installer’s CQC
program.
• Observations made by the QF are part of the CQA program.
Detailed contents of CQA programs and plans are presented by Koerner and
Hsuan (1992) and in EPA/600/SR-93/182. They have primarily been written for
HDPE as has this guidance but are also applicable to other materials as
indicated later.
T7-5.10.2 Appropriate CQA and CQC
A CQA monitor should be on site when work is performed on the liner.
Various efforts have been made to specify rejectable manufacturing surface
flaw types, sizes, and distributions, but little headway is being made (Gassner,
personal communication, 2018). Thus, each flaw should be considered
separately by all parties at an Action Decision Meeting when a problem arises.
An independent third-party Quality Firm (QF) will observe that material is
safely stored and that all material is delivered as ordered. The CQA observer
will be employed by the QF.
The QF will observe the deployment, numbering, and welding of
geomembrane panels so the liner is as flat as possible yet will be fully
supported without wrinkles and bridging when first covered. Note, if wrinkling
is not acceptable for a lagoon this may require a material other than HDPE
such as a reinforced product (low expansion) or bituminous GMB (low
expansion, heavy, low uplift). However, because high voltages (30 to 50 KV)
are used, it is dangerous to do on wet geomembranes. Trial spark testing shall
be done to confirm the applied voltage required to detect a 3 mm wide
pathway through the weld.
Each seam sample for seam destructive peel and shear testing shall be a
minimum of 3-feet-long. Each sample is typically divided int. o three equal
parts with one part retained by each of the Engineer, the QF, and the Installer.
Each weld will be labelled on the liner adjacent to the weld with time, date,
welding machine number, operator ID, and weld machine details. Samples
shall be sent to a Geosynthetic Accreditation Institute-Laboratory
Accreditation Program (GAI-LAP) laboratory for peel and shear testing with
results being available to all parties within 8 hours of receipt by the
laboratory.
Seam strengths required for HDPE, LLDPE and PVC are provided Tables T7-13,
T7-14 and T7-15 respectively. HDPE and LLDPE tables are from GRI GM19a
T7-75 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

Seam strength and related properties of thermally bonded homogeneous

polyolefin geomembrane/barriers (2017). PVC table is from FGI.
As part of the project CQA, the QF will observe all repairs, their numbers,
when made and by whom. All repairs shall be nondestructively tested and
recorded by the installer and the QF.
A geoelectric integrity survey will be performed on all primary liners and on
the sump area of all secondary liners, prior to covering. A second integrity
survey shall be performed when the primary liner has been covered with soil
or rock. The QF shall observe the set up and calibration of the survey
equipment. Sensitivities shall be set up to detect a minimum 5 mm hole. Prior
to each day’s surveying the QF will arrange for a meeting of all concerned
parties for the surveyor to identify the upcoming survey area and associated
safety precautions.
A written CQA report identifying all equipment used, operator names, and
test results obtained (including non-conforming test results) will be prepared
by the QF, and a copy submitted to Ecology. However, the most important
document is a drawing of the primary panel layout showing whether panels
are smooth or textured/structured, the locations of any repair patches/welds,
the nature of any damaged seam, and with each seam numbered, usually by
the panel numbers on each side (Figure T7-8). A panel layout provides a good
map that can help in identifying potential problem areas if a leak occurs in the
future.
T7-76 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

Table T7-13 Seam strength and related properties of thermally bonded smooth and textured high-density polyethylene (HDPE)
geomembranes (English Units)

Geomembrane Nominal Thickness 30 mils 40 mils 50 mils 60 mils 80 mils 100 mils 120 mils
Hot Wedge Seams1 shear strength, 57 80 100 120 160 200 240
shear elongation at break2 50 50 50 50 50 50 50
% peel strength, lb/in. 45 60 76 91 121 151 181
peel separation, % 25 25 25 25 25 25 25
Extrusion Fillet Seams shear strength, 57 80 100 120 160 200 240
shear elongation at break2 50 50 50 50 50 50 50
% peel strength, lb/in. 39 52 65 78 104 130 156
peel separation, % 25 25 25 25 25 25 25
Notes for Table:

1. Also for hot air and ultrasonic seaming methods.

2. Elongation measurements should be omitted for field testing.

T7-77 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

Table T7-14 Seam strength and related properties of thermally bonded smooth and textured linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE)
geomembranes (English Units)

Geomembrane Nominal 20 mils 30 mils 40 mils 50 mils 60 mils 80 mils 100 mils 120 mils
Hot Wedge Seams1 shear 30 45 60 75 90 120 150 180
strength, lb/in.
shear elongation2 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50
% peel strength, lb/in. 25 38 50 63 75 100 125 150
peel separation, % 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25
Extrusion Fillet Seams shear 30 45 60 75 90 120 150 180
strength, lb/in.
shear elongation2, % 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50
peel strength, lb/in. 22 34 44 57 66 88 114 136
peel separation, % 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25

Notes:

1. Also for hot air and ultrasonic seaming methods

2. Elongation measurements should be omitted for field testing

T7-78 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

Table T7-15 Seam shear and peel strength polyvinyl chloride (PVC) geomembranes1

Seam Strengths ASTM PVC 10 PVC 20 PVC 30 PVC 40 PVC 50 PVC 60

Shear Strength 2, 3 D-74084 20 lbs/in 38.4 lbs/in 58.4 lbs/in 77.6 lbs/in 92.8 lbs/in 109.6 lbs/in
(min)Min 3.47 kN/m 6.7 kN/m 10 kN/m 14 kN/m 16 kN/m 20kN/m
Peel Strength 2, 3 D-74084 10 lbs/in 12.5 lbs/in 15 lbs/in 15 lbs/in 15 lbs/in 15 lbs/in
(Min) 1.8 kN/m 2.2 kN/m 2.6 kN/m 2.6 kN/m 2.6 kN/m 2.6 kN/m
Notes:

1. FGI PVC Specification revision effective 1/1/17.

2. Metric values are converted from US values and are rounded to the available significant digits.

3. If adhesive or solvent seams are created, a 24-hour cure time is required before seam testing
T7-79 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

Figure T7-9 Example liner panel layout, seam numbering, and repair types and locations

T7-5.510.3 Stress Cracking of HDPE Geomembranes

HDPE geomembranes have a unique performance characteristic that
effectively defines the need for, and contents of, a CQA Plan. HDPE
geomembranes are susceptible to stress cracking (SC). SC is a brittle cracking
that can occur at a constant stress lower than the yield stress and break stress
of the material. Most SC is initiated at and propagates by slow crack growth
(SCG), along the edges of extrusion welds. It is accelerated by cyclic stresses
that occur by contraction/expansion over night and day cycles. Some HDPE
geomembranes are more susceptible to SC than others.
In a few cases the SCG can transition to a rapid crack propagation (RCP) and a
“shattering” over large areas of exposed liner. Peggs (1997) believes that if
SCG can be avoided, RCP can be avoided.
It is emphasized that the HDPE geomembranes should function as a fluid
barrier only and not as a load bearing member of the lining system. Hence the
need for a CQA plan and observations by the onsite QF to be concerned about
folds, creases, wrinkling, overgrinding, lack of subgrade support, protruding
stones, and overheating during liner installation.
For more information on SC see Peggs (1997), Peggs et. al. (2014) and Lustiger
(1983).
T7-80 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

T7-5.10.4 Best Management Practice

The QF and the CQA Plan should be viewed as the mortar that holds the bricks
together to avoid information and data from falling through any gaps or
causing additional work due to overlaps and conflicting statements.
The CQA Plan shall be written by the project engineer and reviewed by the QF
or shall be written by the QF after it has reviewed all project documents. The
QF shall review all concerns and make suggested modifications for approval
by the Project Engineer. The QF can be the design firm or an independent
firm.
The QF shall be contracted by the owner or the project engineer. The QF shall
not be contracted by the general contractor, the excavation contractor, or the
liner installer, for these firms provide CQC, not CQA. The responsibility of the
QF should be to the owner/engineer and not to any other party.
An on-site pre-construction meeting should be held after all project
documents have been reviewed to ensure there are no gaps through which
details will be lost and no overlaps, which can cause unexpected delays.
The QF shall not issue directions to the liner installer, rather the QF will
discuss problems that arise with the installer. As appropriate the QF will
discuss problems with the Project Engineer. The project engineer will make
the final decision during or after an Action Decision Meeting with all involved
parties. Pro and con positions of those attending that meeting will be
recorded.
When non-conformance requires remediation, such activities shall be
described in detail and all data quantified.
When performing calibration tests and any type of trial tests, all non-
conforming test results will be recorded. Test specimens will be archived by
the engineer and/or owner.
When trial tests are required, they shall be performed with the actual
material proposed for production and in an orientation required for
installation. Thus, if production welding will be done on slopes, the trial
welding will be done on similar slopes and not on the flat floor of a trailer.
The only temperature of interest is that of the geomembrane itself. The
installer needs to adjust their welding as temperature changes throughout the
day. The air temperature 150 mm above the geomembrane, as often
proposed, and elsewhere are of no consequence. Under cloud cover, the
temperature of the geomembrane will be the same ambient temperature as
the air but under a full summer sun the liner temperature may be much
T7-81 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

higher than the ambient air. A white liner will be about 20⁰C cooler than a
black liner so wrinkles, and bridging are of less concern when working under
full sun conditions. In general terms, the UV resistance lost by not using
carbon black to protect the HDPE is balanced by the lower operating
temperature of the white geomembrane.
When performing seam peel and shear tests on the minimum of ten
specimens all five peel and five shear specimens will be required to meet
individual tests specifications. There shall be no outliers and no reduced value
specimens.
T7-5.10.5 CQA Methods
CQA methods shall include those that ensure the correct materials are
received on-site and that there is enough material available. The material
shall be safely stored where it will not be damaged or degraded by elevated
temperatures or exposure to UV radiation. Prefabricated panels shall be
labeled with arrows indicating their locations for proper deployment.
Materials shall be sampled at a given frequency and tested to ensure
compliance with the specifications. Additional independent testing
(approximately every 10,000 m2, see GRI GM13 for HDPE) will be defined in
the event the material is nonconforming. It is better to arrange testing before
the material leaves the manufacturing plant and arrives on site. If there is any
nonconformance, samples will be taken 10 rolls away on each side of the
nonconforming roll and tested. Passing material will be considered all that
between two passing locations. Small projects may not have 10 rolls, in this
case tighten up the sampling to identify nonconforming material that is to be
removed from the project site.
The samples will be subject to index testing to ensure the material meets
project specifications and typically GRI GM13 specifications. An index test is a
procedure which may contain a known bias, but which may be used to
establish an order for a set of specimens with respect to the property of
interest. GM13 specification shall be considered a minimum for HDPE.
Performance specifications (such as oxidation induction time (OIT) dand SC
will also be checked) and can be significantly higher than GM13 depending on
service conditions. Thus, GRI GM13 SCR specifies >500 hour which could be
applied to a non-critical golf course pond liner but could be >1,500 hours for a
more critical pond liner and ≥2,500 hour for an even more critical wastewater
treatment pond.
Again, while using HDPE, by far the most predominant liner material, for these
guidelines, the same principles can be applied to other materials. However, it
is necessary to know the vagaries in performance of the other materials. For
T7-82 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

instance, EPDM cannot be successfully electrically surveyed for leaks since its
carbon content is too high so that the material itself is conductive.
When ready for liner deployment the subgrade will be checked for
smoothness, density, gradient, foreign matter, and standing water/snow, etc.
Both geomembrane installer and project engineer will sign off on subgrade
acceptance. The surface condition must also be acceptable to the QF.
The Master Seamer on the installation team should be certified by the IAGI.
The installation company may be certified as well. The installation company
should identify a CQC Representative for the project, often the Master
Seamer, or someone with extensive experience.
Should certified people and companies not be available, staff with the
following experience could be considered:

• 5 projects totaling(?) > 5,000,000 ft2(total square footage)

• Monitor – 2 projects > 200,000 ft2 (for each project)
• Letters of reference
If materials other than HDPE are used, and there are often reasons why HDPE
should not be used, a similar procedure will be followed. The CQA plan should
also include sections for subgrade preparation and for the other geosynthetics
designed for the lining system.
Guidance for assembling a lagoon geomembrane lining system CQA plan has
been presented. While centered on HDPE, the same principles can be used,
with some adjustment, for other geomembrane materials. It is only necessary
to know and understand the pros and cons of that material’s performance
and to integrate appropriate oversight of the pros and cons in the overall CQA
program. The CQA plan is the mortar that integrates the various contractors'
quality programs to prevent things from falling through the cracks or resulting
in overlaps and wasted resolution time.
The CQA guidance covers:

• Pre-construction document reviews

• Pre-construction problem resolution
• Geomembrane manufacturing and QC testing
• Shipping and storage
• Conformance testing
• Material deployment
• Welding
• Seam testing
• Repairing
T7-83 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

• Electrical integrity surveys

• Record logs
• Panel layout records
• Final report submitted to Ecology with declaration of construction
It cannot be emphasized enough that unless CQA is performed by
knowledgeable monitors, it will be a complete waste of time and money and
may be additionally costly when leaks must be found and repaired.

T7-5.11 Reporting and Approval

The Engineering Report and Plans and Specification documents for wastewater
lagoons need to be organized and follow the outline of this guidance. The Engineering
Report and Plans and Specs shall follow the reporting guidelines in Section G1. The
Engineering Report for wastewater lagoons must include at least the following:

• Objective of project
• Location
• Geology and groundwater
• Design criteria
• Operations
• Action leakage rate (ALR)
• Require reports during operations
• Construction documents that include a CQA Plan
• Declaration of completion and submittal of documents to Ecology (173-240-095
WAC)
Review and approval of the wastewater lagoon Engineering Report is performed at
Ecology’s regional offices. A Wastewater Lagoon Engineering Report can be a
standalone document for construction of the lagoon only or lagoon construction can
be combined with the Engineering Report for the new facility. One copy of a draft
report must be submitted to the appropriate regional office for preliminary review.
Two copies of the final report must be submitted for review and approval. One
approved copy will be returned to the firm or municipality developing the plan.
If the lagoon is also regulated by the Dam Safety Office, any specific reports and
approvals must be coordinated with the Dam Safety Office before the lagoon is put
into service.

T7-5.12 Closure Plans.

The owner or operator of a lagoon for containing or treating wastewater must prepare
a closure plan prior to decommissioning, removing, or abandoning the lagoon. At a
minimum, the closure plan must describe the methods of removing solids from the
lagoon and a plan for appropriate disposal. The closure plan must provide
remediation/rehabilitation for the lagoon and surrounding area adequate to the
T7-84 May 2023 Lagoon and Liner Design Guidelines

future intended use of the site. The owner/operator must submit the closure plan to
Ecology for review and approval.

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