EPA developed these best practices to prevent and minimize the potential for sudden uncontrolled releases of fluid mine waste that could result from the Agencys Superfund response actions at tailings impoundments located on abandoned hardrock mine and mineral processing sites.
This report discusses general features of tailings dams and impoundments. The report provides an introduction for Federal land managers, permit writers, and the general public to the subject of tailings dams and impoundments, particularly with regard to their engineering features and their ability to mitigate or minimize adverse effects to the environment.