Management of mine and tailings seepage water discharge in an intensively used watershed

摘要

Uranium mining and milling took place in the German Federal state of Thuringia between the early 1950's and 1990, causing a tremendous environmental impact in a very densely populated area. Following the end of mining a closure and remediation program has been initiated, which is financed by the German Government. The former Ronneburg uranium mine and Seelingstadt milling sites are both situated in the watershed of the Weisse Elster River. Water management of the Weisse Elster River has to ensure the competiting intensive industrial use by geochemical companies, active lignite mining and the uranium mining remediation as well as the recreational function and nature conservation in the frame of the European Water Directive.