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ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF MINING WASTE USAGE DURING A GRAVEL PIT RECLAMATION IN THE VISTULA VALLEY IN OSWIECIM (SOUTHERN POLAND)
Abstract
This article presents a case of reclamation of excavations after exploitation of gravel located in the Vistula River near Oswiecim. Gravel deposits are located there shallowly below the surface and they are associated with river accumulation. This area is characterized by a very high level of groundwater vulnerability. After depletion of the gravel field, the excavations are liquidated by backfilling with waste, usually mine waste. The material to be used underwent a formal assessment of its impact on the aquatic environment. In the opinion of the environmental protection authorities, this material is a natural aggregate, neutral to the environment. For the purposes of this article, the chemical composition of the water samples taken from a gravel pit backfilled with waste, an active gravel pit, and the Vistula river flowing nearby was analyzed. Using the PN-EN 12457 [1] standard, the load of pollutants that can be leached from the mining waste used for backfilling the excavation was determined. A hydrochemical analysis of water taken from the backfilled excavation indicated that significant loads of pollutants are leached from the mining waste. On the foregrounds of the deposited material, the water electrical conductivity (EC) in the reservoir residue exceeded 5.4 mS/cm. The typical value of EC of groundwater in an active neighboring excavation is about 1.5 mS/cm. The assessment of the quality of water taken from the excavations was referred to the quality of water from the Vistula River, which receives saline waters from coal mines. The procedures of granting formal permits for the liquidation of excavations were also examined. The analysis of the described case revealed that the procedure for accepting waste for use in engineering works requires a thorough verification and some legislative changes.
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References15
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