What distance from a water source is recommended when burying mass garbage onsite?

• A. 200 feet
• B. 50 feet
• C. 100 feet
• D. 500 feet

Answer: (C)

When mass garbage is buried onsite, the priority is to protect water sources from contamination by leachate, runoff, and vectors. A buffer between the waste and any water supply reduces the chance that pollutants reach wells, springs, or surface water, even during rain events. The commonly used minimum setback is 100 feet, which provides a practical balance between site practicality and protection. A shorter distance, like 50 feet, risks contamination; larger distances (200 or 500 feet) offer more protection but aren’t the standard minimum tested here. So the recommended distance is 100 feet.