An investigation into selected ecological aspects of the aquatic and terrestrial environment of an abandoned uranium mill tailings pond : Bancroft, Ontario

Abstract

In many areas of Canada, uranium mill tailings are produced or have been produced in the past. Abandoned areas which received the tailings material contain hazardous materials such as heavy metals, radioactive isotopes and sometimes acid-generating materials. The long term fate of theses materials is largely unknown. Sites are open to the natural processes of invasion by biota and exposed to weathering and leaching processes. It was the aim of the Experience '79 project to identify and delineate invading biota by studying abandoned uranium mill tailings sites in the Bancroft area, with the ultimate aim of compiling information on the potential hazards associated with these sites.