In the management of industrial and hazardous waste, leachate is not simply “dirty water.” It is a complex chemical cocktail that may contain strong acids, organic solvents, heavy metals, and corrosive salts at elevated temperatures. In these environments, a conventional geomembrane can fail within months if the correct material is not properly selected and installed.
At SAI, we specialize in the containment of aggressive leachates, providing solutions that go beyond the standards of a traditional municipal landfill geomembrane liner, with a focus on extreme chemical resistance and thermal integrity.
When chemicals interact with the polymers of a geomembrane, several degradation processes may occur:
To address these challenges, we go beyond standard HDPE when the situation requires it.
The bituminous geomembrane liner is an exceptional option for heavy industrial leachates and hot mining waste. Its structure, combining modified bitumen with a polyester reinforcement, provides unique chemical resistance to certain solvents and superior thermal stability. Unlike thermoplastics, it does not expand or contract drastically with changes in leachate temperature.
For extremely volatile waste streams, we install co-extruded membranes that include specialized internal barrier layers to prevent the permeation of chemical gases and vapors that even HDPE may allow passing.
It is common for waste managers to focus on the initial geomembrane liner cost. However, in hazardous waste management, the cost of the material is negligible compared to the cost of failure.
An industrial chemical spill does not only result in environmental fines; it can lead to plant shutdowns and criminal liability. For this reason, SAI allocates budgets toward the “over-specification” of safety: double-liner systems with integrated leak detection.
| Type of Leachate | Recommended Material | Technical Rationale |
| Sulfuric Acid (Mining) | High-quality HDPE | Superior chemical resistance to acids |
| Organic Waste / Hydrocarbons | Bituminous geomembrane liner | Reduced swelling and degradation |
| High-Temperature Leachates | High-OIT HDPE / BGM | Prevents accelerated oxidation |
| Municipal Waste | LLDPE / HDPE | Versatility and flexibility |
The integrity of a leachate containment system depends 100% on geomembrane liner welding. A one-millimeter pore is enough for aggressive chemicals to begin degrading the underlying soil.
SAI employs IAGI-certified technicians who apply welding parameters specific to each resin type. In high-hazard projects, we also implement electric spark testing on extrusion seams to ensure there is not even the slightest molecular discontinuity in the joint.
Aggressive leachate management requires a partner who understands chemistry as well as construction. At SAI, we do not simply install geomembranes; we design chemical safety barriers. By selecting the right material and executing installations with surgical precision, we ensure that the industry’s most hazardous wastes remain isolated—protecting your operation and the environment. Get in touch, SAI has the best solution for your projects.