When the pipeline to the Yarwun red mud dam broke, I heard that it caused terrible environmental damage. What happened and why?
On Tuesday 29 July 2008 blockages of built up scale residue were found inside the pipeline which continuously removes red mud residue from the alumina refining process to the residue management area (RMA) for storage. A plan to clean the line of blockages by cutting the pipeline, cleaning and re-welding sections was developed in consultation and co-ordination with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). During this time residue mud was transported by truck to the RMA via the main public road. The work was a highly controlled activity with stringent environmental and safety requirements to ensure there were no long term environmental impacts resulting from the work. Remediation of the area was completed and a remediation assessment was compiled by an external consultant. The resulting report was provided to the EPA for review.
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- When the pipeline to the Yarwun red mud dam broke, I heard that it caused terrible environmental damage. What happened and why?
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