Norilsk Nickel’s Polar Division, Norilsk, Russia:

D. S. Kupriyanov, Chief Specialist of Science and Technology Management, KupriyanovDS@nornik.ru

Norilskgeology, Norilsk, Russia:
A. N. Kovpiy, Chief Hydrogeologist of Department of the projects of engineering-geological works and geological environment monitoring

The tailings ponds constructed in the Norilsk Industrial District more than 30–50 years ago, without orderly acquisition and generalization of information on causes of instability of enclosing structures (in particular, seepage) represent actually sources of ecological hazard and can promote pollution of critical environment constituents such as soil, and surface and underground water. Inspection of waterworks facilities and equipment requires permanent monitoring by means of field studies, both visual and, as practical experience shows, instrumental, using measuring and control equipment to get higher quality structural and ecological assessment of enclosing structures. This article presents a case-study of an original design of filters in piezometric boreholes with a view to optimizing in-situ monitoring of man-made water-bearing stratum in the dam body and at the bottom of enclosing structures to the effect of reliable estimation of actual technical condition of the structures, detection of hazardous geotechnical processes in them, and prompt prevention of emergency situations. The experience of thawing of frozen pugs in piezometric boreholes using a steam-generating plant proves the efficiency, low cost and simplicity of the monitoring method, without end a magement of waterworks facilities and equipment.

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