Performance of a geocomposite liner for containing Jet A-1 spill in an extreme environment

A composite liner comprised of a fluorinated high-density polyethylene (f-HDPE) geomembrane and geosynthetic clay liner (GCL) was used to contain a hydrocarbon spill in the Canadian Arctic. Results of laboratory tests conducted to assess the effect of exposure to cold climates and hydrocarbons on the performance of the GCL and f-HDPE geomembrane with time are reported herein. The effect of freeze-thaw conditions on the short-term low-gradient and the long-term high-gradient hydraulic conductivity of unfrozen GCL specimens is examined with respect to permeation by Arctic diesel (jet fuel). The hydraulic conductivity of frozen GCL specimens is also discussed. The effect of contact with jet fuel on the chemical and mechanical properties of the geomembrane is reported. Finally, the implications of these extreme conditions on the likely performance of the composite liner are discussed.