Electrical Leak Location Surveys (ELLS) are recognized as a useful CQA tool to assess the integrity of geomembrane liners. They are regularly featured in conference literature and widely used on landfill sites. In spite of this, the ELLS service providers repeatedly encounter similar problems arising from a lack of understanding of the potential and the limitations of the ELLS. The paper briefly summarizes more than 10 years of the authors` experience in locating leaks through geomembranes. Comments are made on statistics on the occurrence of leaks. It is suggested focusing on the indirect (primary) causes of geomembrane damage. This can be achieved by publishing more actual examples and case studies.

Reprinted with Permission from BHF Environmental Ltd