OWNER:
Atlas Corporation

ENGINEER:
Tensar Environmental Systems, Inc.

Tailings from the Atlas Uranium Mill are deposited into an approximate 90-acre disposal area by a perimeter spigot system. Construction of an approximate 2-foot thick interim cap over the disposal area was underway when progress was slowed by global stability failures near the center of the pond. Due to the method of depositing the tailings, the finer particles migrated toward the center of the pond and created a very soft foundation condition over about 17 acres. Biaxial geogrids were used to provide equipment support and stability of the cap fill and allowed the remaining portion of the project to be completed.