The application of a statistical trend analysis program to ground-water quality monitoring data from eight western Michigan solid waste landfills

A statistical analysis and interpretation of ground-water chemistry data from eight landfills in Western Michigan was performed. Data were collected over approximately the past ten years, pursuant to the requirements of Michigan's Solid Waste Management Act. A statistical regression model was used to reduce the data to identifiable trends and estimated magnitudes. These results were analyzed with respect to each landfill's characteristics and hydrogeological setting. Comparisons were made concerning the landfills' relative potential for environmental harm. Also, the effectiveness and applicability of this model to the analysis of ground-water monitoring data was assessed.;It was concluded that this analysis and categorization of landfills provides an efficient method of reducing large amounts of ground-water monitoring data to a summary of trends and magnitudes which can be easily evaluated. It provides a formal methodology by which rational decisions concerning future site management can be made.