Effect of drains on the seepage of contaminants from subgrade tailings disposal areas

Conference · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1984

OSTI ID:5261697

Witten, A J; Pin, F G; Sharp, R D

A numerical simulation study is performed to investigate the influence of ponded water and a bottom drain on the pathways for contaminant migration from a subgrade uranium mill tailings disposal pit. A numerical model is applied to a generic disposal pit constructed with a bottom clay liner and steep unlined sidewalls. The migration of a two-contaminant system is modeled assuming that neither contaminant decays and only one contaminant is retarded. Two dominant pathways are identified; one associated with lateral sidewall leakage and the other associated with transport through the bottom clay liner. It is found that the drain serves to reduce migration through the sidewall which, in turn, prevents the retarded contaminant from reaching the aquifer. The ponded water provides increased head which causes an accelerated vertical movement of moisture through the clay liner. 2 references, 8 figures.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-26
• OSTI ID: 5261697
• Report Number(s): CONF-840245-9; ON: DE84007521
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

053000* -- Nuclear Fuels-- Environmental Aspects
054000 -- Nuclear Fuels-- Health & Safety
11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS
520301 -- Environment
Aquatic-- Radioactive Materials Monitoring & Transport-- Water-- (1987)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
CLAYS
DRAINAGE
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
GROUND WATER
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
LINERS
MANAGEMENT
MASS TRANSFER
MILL TAILINGS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
RADIOACTIVE WASTE DISPOSAL
RADIONUCLIDE MIGRATION
SOLID WASTES
TAILINGS
UNDERGROUND DISPOSAL
WASTE DISPOSAL
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTES
WATER