These states and territories had required daily cover for at least 10 years prior to 1991, and the federal government had required it for nearly 20 years. There are several reasons why EPA requires daily application of cover, as listed below. EPA believes that cover material applied less frequently will not be as effective in meeting these purposes. Daily cover also provides a firebreak to prevent flames from spreading throughout a landfill. In addition, by removing the waste from observation, scavenging is discouraged.
Daily cover provides a more stable surface for vehicles to use when necessary.
Federal Register 33314. 56 Federal Register 50978. U.S. EPA. 1993.