Intensepublicconcern regarding the environmental and health effects of uranium tailings has forced a re-evaluation of past disposal practices. This paper outlines the options that should be considered in selecting the site for, and the design of, the most economic and environmentally acceptable impoundment of tailings. A site selection method is described that ensures the consideration of all reasonable siting alternatives within a given radius of the plant site. Methods of qualitative and semi-quantitative evaluation ef the alternative sites are mentioned that permit the sites to be rated according to visual, land-use, pollution-risk, and cost criteria. Aternative impoundment designs that are reviewed include embankments and diversions, liners, covers, and stabilization methods. Physical and chemical methods of tailings preparation that reduce the potential for pollution are considered briefly. Robertson,-A.MacG. (Steffen Robertson and Kirsten (Canada) Inc.)
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