Abstract
Highly sulfide-rich (approximately 83 % pyrite), potentially acid-generating mine tailings were sub-aqueously deposited in the Don Rouyn old quarry pit from 1997 to 2000. The site covers approximately 7 ha near Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec. Various in situ measurements and laboratory tests were performed during the summer and autumn of 2008, 2009, and 2010 to: characterize tailings samples; monitor water quality in the final effluent, shallow water cover, and groundwater around the pit, and; study tailings erosion and resuspension. In situ measurements included the vertical profile and spatial distribution of pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, electric conductivity, and redox potential. Suspended tailings, wind speed, and direction were monitored. Groundwater, cover water, and final effluent water samples were chemically analyzed and suspended sediment concentrations (SSCs) was determined. Physical, mineralogical, and chemical tailings properties were also determined. Results show that the quality of the groundwater, cover, and effluent waters complied with Canadian and Quebec regulations. SSCs were also within regulation limits. No association was found between SSC and hydrodynamic conditions (wind speed, fetch, etc.). Although theoretical calculations indicated a critical wind speed of at least 10 m/s for tailings resuspension, suspended sediment was observed for wind speeds at <10 m/s.
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