Rehabilitation of uranium mining waste and restoration of the plohnbach valley (Germany): Design principles, ecological requirements and construction in a fauna-flora-habitat area

Abstract

The Plohnbach river downstream the Lengenfeld tailings pond was polluted by radioactive tailings caused from a tailings dam break in 1954. The area in its original condition was a popular excursion and recreational area. The option analysis for the rehabilitation concluded as preferable option the relocation of the polluted tailings material from the river floodplain and the Lenkteich pond to the waste heap dump Lengenfeld. Beside the fact of the realization of the remediation there is the requirement to allow for a later re-use of the area for recreational and touristic purposes. Due to the sensitive location in the FFH area “Göltzschtal” it was needed to consider special nature conservation requirements during the rehabilitation works, with emphasis on species conservation and the achievement of long–term development objectives of the FFH area.