GFA designed and oversaw the closure of the Demolition Landfill in Bend, Oregon. The project included site characterization studies; preparation of conceptual designs for the leachate, surface water and landfill gas management systems; preparation of plans and specifications; and construction.

Working with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, the project team was successful in obtaining approval for an alternative final cover system that utilizes on-site soils to store water above the refuse during the winter months and a mixture of deep-rooted plants to pump water out of the final cover soils during the spring and summer. This water balance type of final cover system is the first of its type to be permitted by the DEQ. Costs for closure of the landfill have been reduced by more than 50% as a result of the use of the innovative design.