The evaluation of the potential hazard of an existing industrial waste site and the design of a unique closure plan for the site are presented in this paper. A high-strength geotextile or woven synthetic fabric is used to enable placement of an earthen cap on the very weak waste body. Specification of appropriate test standards and results are critical for selection of the proper geotextile. Observation of installation procedures and behavior of the geotextile in the field make it possible to draw conclusions concerning needed modifications in standards presently used to select high-strength geotextiles for soft-ground construction.