Turning a Problem into a Resource: Remediation and Waste Management at the Sillamäe Site, Estonia: 28 (NATO Science Partnership Subseries: 1, 28) - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0792361873 ISBN 13: 9780792361879

Publisher: Springer, 2000

Synopsis

In its present condition, the dam of the tailings pond is less stable than is recommended by international practice. A surveillance system has been established to observe both vertical and horizontal soil movement and the buildup of stresses in the soil. The stability of the dam depends primarily on erosion by shore processes and the consequent reduction of the counterbalance, as well as the reduction in strength of the Cambrian clay underlying the dam caused by creep and by water percolating to the bottom of the pond. The most critical need is to enlarge the counterbalance and to stop erosion. The surveillance system should be supplemented with a system of inclinometers. Monitoring of coastal processes should be continued. At present, the hydrodynamic stress on the dam is minimal because the pebble layer allows drainage of water out of the tailings pond and into the sea. The regulatory requirement to end emissions into the Baltic Sea must be met without causing undesirable hydrodynamic stresses on the dam. This could be done by covering the pond and diverting precipitation water. 9. References I. Report on Topographic-Geodetic Studies at the Tailings Pond. 1965, No. A-4-01187 (in Russian). 2. Report on Geotechnical Studies at the Tailings Pond of Plant PO Box 22. 1965, No. 64691 (in Russian). 3. Report on Topographic-Geodetic and Geotechnical Studies at the Thennal Power Plant's Ash Impoundment. 1976, No. 15740 (in Russian). 4. Technical Report on Topographic Planning of the Thennal Power Plant's Ash Impoundment. 1979, No.

About this title

Synopsis

The Sillamae Metallurgy Plant in Estonia was managed by the USSR Ministry of Medium-Scale Engineering and was built in 1946 to produce uranium metal from local shales. After these were found to be unsatisfactory, uranium ores were imported. Part of the plant was converted in the 1980s to produce rare earth oxides and niobium and tantalum from imported ores and concentrates. Uranium production on the site ceased in 1990. Environmental liabilities at Sillamae include a large pond, located on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, containing tailings from the metals processing and oil shale ash from power production. The pond's dike must be stabilised, and dust emissions, uranium and nitrate leaching must be addressed to bring the site into compliance with environmental regulations. Wastes from current processing are still being discharged to the pond, and this must cease by the end of 2002. Remediation is estimated to cost USD 22.5 million.The present volume collects information on the current situation at Sillamae and potential solutions to its problems, based on similar experience elsewhere.

A great deal of oil shale ash is present at the site and solutions to this problem may well be applicable to other sites in surrounding areas. The plant itself was closed to ethnic Estonians during the USSR's management, being populated predominantly by ethnic Russians. The technical problems are thus also addressed in broad context, meaning that the volume will also be useful to urban planners, economists and others.

Edition details

• Publisher: Springer
• Publication date: 2000
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0792361873
• ISBN 13: 9780792361879
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 293
• Editor: Rofer Cheryl K., Kaasik Tönis