A template for geophysical investigations of small landfills

When reviewing problems associated with industrial and domestic waste buried in landfills worldwide, it seems incongruous to even consider Switzerland with its famous mountain pastures and beautiful valleys. Yet within this tiny country are an estimated 40 000 small landfills, more than one per km2 of inhabitable land. Although most are expected to be harmless, Swiss government scientists have suggested that approximately 8000 will require continuous monitoring and that about 500 of the most dangerous sites will require major remedial work at a total cost in excess of $1.5 billion.