WM – Dekalb Landfill

Project Details

Witech Excavating is currently completing the 2026 Final Cover & East Unit Cell Phase 3B project for Waste Management at the DeKalb Landfill in DeKalb, Illinois. The approximately three-month project includes two major scopes: completing the final cover system over an existing landfill cell and constructing a new landfill cell to provide additional future disposal capacity. For the final cover area, Witech is grading and preparing the existing landfill surface before placing approximately 40,000 CY of protective cover material and 10,000 CY of vegetative cover/topsoil following installation of the geocomposite and geomembrane systems by Waste Management. Construction of the new East Unit Cell includes approximately 30,000 CY of cut-to-fill excavation, placement and compaction of 25,000 CY of low-permeability clay to construct a three-foot liner across the cell floor and slopes, and approximately 7,000 CY of granular drainage material following installation of the geosynthetic liner system.

A major focus throughout the project has been identifying and securing enough suitable low-permeability clay to meet Waste Management’s liner specifications. Witech has worked closely with Waste Management and its engineering team through additional soil borings, test pits, and continuous evaluation of excavated materials to identify acceptable clay sources while protective cover material is hauled to the final cover area. Groundwater management has added another layer of complexity, requiring ongoing pumping, coordination, and adjustments to the construction sequence to maintain suitable working conditions and keep excavation and liner installation progressing. On-site Superintendent Tegan Kruser has played a key role in maintaining strong communication with Waste Management, coordinating upcoming activities, and proactively addressing field conditions as they arise. The project remains in progress with completion anticipated in September 2026.