Abstract
In the uranium mining industry the most significant hazard is constituted by the tailing ponds, especially due to radon emissions and gamma debit dose, but also to possible expansion of some radionuclides and heavy metals. With a view to recommending the most efficient measures and prevention and remediation technologies for reducing effective doses to acceptable values for member of community and critical groups, it is necessary to perform a detailed risk assessment. This paper uses a case study of a tailing pond of a uranium ore plant in Romania, from a radiological point of view - looking into the pollution sources and the environmental impact of the radionuclides on the affected area. As a result of this assessment, more scenarios have been conceived and on the basic of a radiological risk assessment, we have recommended some corresponding technological solutions for the ecological rehabilitation of the tailing pond. We concluded the safest way to rehabilitate was by covering and encapsulating the area, thereby isolating it from the environment, preventing the migration of the polluting elements, limiting infiltrations in material mass and stopping radon emissions. The conclusions of the radiological risk assessment constituted the basis for elaborating the technical documentation.
Published Version
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