The final cover and the waste mass would be monitored to ensure that the cover system is adequately limiting the movement of oxygen and water into the waste mass. Should problems develop, the final cover can be repaired or replaced as needed. Top of page 41. As part of potential for acid drainage, you stated that water, oxygen, and sulfides were required. Water, oxygen, and sulfides together are required to produce acid drainage.
Water is a very poor conductor for oxygen.
Therefore, by covering the tailings with water, there is little potential for oxygen to reach the tailings. Water alone is not enough to cause acid drainage. Although water contains small amounts of dissolved oxygen, the small amount of acid produced would be neutralized by the buffering components of the tailings. Top of page 42. As in a landfill, the tailings will be left exposed to the air and rain.