Work has begun on one of the largest remediation projects within the management plan for the Beaverlodge Decommissioned Properties. Cameco has engaged engineering company SRK to design and manage the construction of a channel that will re-establish a more natural creek flow from Zora Lake to Verna Lake.
The purpose of the project is to prevent, as much as possible, having water be in contact with the waste rock pile that was placed between Zora and Verna lakes during development of the Bolger pit. As part of the process in assessing potential remedial options for the Beaverlodge properties ahead of the 2013 relicensing process, re-establishment of the Zora Creek channel was considered a cost-effective remedial project. Modelling predicts a significant improvement to the lake water quality in Verna Lake.
The modelling predicts levels of selenium and radium-226 within Verna Lake would be at or below guideline levels following re-establishment of Zora Creek. The project is also expected to improve the recovery timelines for uranium in Verna Lake.
At a meeting in Uranium City June 16, 2014, Cameco’s reclamation co-ordinator Mike Webster and SRK officials outlined the work plan. The original plan was to complete the project in 2014; however limited availability of heavy equipment in Uranium City will extend the project beyond 2014. As a precaution, the road into the area will be closed to general traffic at the Ace Lake turnoff, warning signs will be placed and the gate will be locked at all times to prevent access to the worksite.
Beyond the gate, access to the road will be further blocked by large boulders across the road to prevent traffic from inadvertently accessing the Bolger waste rock pile which may contain unmarked hazards.
