Waste Rock Cover System Monitoroing

Location

Nevada, USA

Client

MWH Global/Round Mountain Gold Corporation

Project Description

GSA designed and installed test plots and monitoring nests to evaluate the effectiveness of different evapotranspiration cover depths on reducing net percolation into a potentially acid-generating waste rock facility. Monitoring nests consist of sensor located in the cover and waste rock material that measure water content, matric potential, temperature, and water flux data. Hydraulic properties of test plot alluvial cover and waste rock materials were characterized using both in-situ and laboratory measurements and are applied in a flux model to estimate net percolation. Monitoring and model results are being used in support of waste rock dump closure requirements. Monitoring is ongoing.

Project Highlights