Scholarly record

METHODOLOGY FOR ASSESSING THE OPPORTUNITIES OF FLOODING OF THE REMAINING GAPS OF LIGNITE OPEN-PITS

Izabela-Maria Nyari Apostu, Maria Lazar, Florin Faur

Abstract

Water filling of remaining gaps of lignite open-pits are used frequently worldwide, is economically acceptable, having long-term benefits, regardless of the use of pit lakes. Choosing this type of use leads to appearance of a water surface, which may increase, for example, the ecological, productive, cultural value of both the landscapes and terrains. However, not every remaining gap can be flooded for extremely diverse reasons (slope stability issues, climate, regional development strategy, etc.). The paper proposes a methodology for assessing the opportunities of flooding of the remaining gaps, based on a set of specific criteria. Also, for the remaining gaps that are suitable for water filling, are analyzed the optimal use possibilities of open-pit lakes. Early planning and rational reuse of remaining gaps creates the possibility of sustainable development of the region. In addition, it has a positive impact on the environment through ecosystem restoration and reunification, restoration of groundwater resources, reintegration of degraded land in the surrounding landscape, improvement of the environmental quality.

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