Rationale for alternative water sources for mining regions with high environmental footprint on the example of Levikha village of the Sverdlovsk region

Abstract

Introduction. Mine drainage has always been one of the main threats to the hydrosphere of mining areas, both during and after active mining. The most common method of mine water neutralization is associated with the slaked lime. On the abandoned Levikha copper-sulphide mine territory (Sverdlovsk region), acid mine drainage discharge reaches 3,000 m³/day. To neutralize acid waters, more than 400 m³/day of water with a neutral pH is required (to produce the slaked lime). Due to the worn out state of water pipe from the river Tagil, heavy losses, and frequent accidents, the neutralization station receives no more than half of the required amount of water. As a result, the neutralization technology is violated, acid mine drainage is not properly cleaned, the regulatory requirements for wastewater are not achieved, and sulfate waters with increased mineralization and metal concentrations are discharged into the river Tagil. Research objective is to substantiate the possibility of finding sources of drinking, household and process water supply for Levikha village and acid mine drainage neutralization stations by applying groundwater. Methods of research include a comprehensive approach containing research results analysis and field and laboratory research data processing. Results and discussion. Promising areas have been identified representing private catchment areas of potential water intakes with the most favorable conditions for underground runoff. A combination of the following factors was the criterion for promising areas and load points: favorable geological and tectonic conditions (the presence of tectonic faults); groundwater inflow testing results (relatively high specific flow rates of wells); geomorphological position (confinement to low relief areas, location near surface sources of groundwater recharge); hydrochemical sampling data (satisfactory chemical composition of groundwater); sanitary and hygienic situation (absence of potential sources of pollution in the local catchment area). Conclusions. The total resources of the five promising sites are 1,340 m3 /day, including 282 m3 /day for drinking purposes. Exploration and development of promising areas no. II (favorable geological and tectonic conditions within it are confirmed by the groundwater inflow testing results) and no. III (favorable sanitary and hygienic conditions) seem to be the most reasonable. These sites might cover half of the village water needs for drinking and household purposes.