The purpose of the report is to provide an introduction for federal land managers, permit writers, and the general public to the subject of tailings dams and impoundments, particularly with regard to their engineering features and their ability to mitigate or minimize adverse effect to the environment. The report is based on the current literature on tailings impoundment engineering. The report provides an overview of the various methods used to dispose of mine tailings and the types of impoundments that are used; describes the basic concepts used in the design of impoundments, including a number of site-specific variables of concern; discusses tailings embankment and stability; treats water management in tailings impoundments; present a case study on a lined tailings impoundment; and lists all references cited in the text. An appendix includes comments received on the draft 'design and evaluation of tailings dams' document and EPA responses.

"August 1994." "EPA 530-R-94-038." "NTIS PB94-201845." Cover title. Includes bibliographical references.

For abstract, see accession number 208439.