Settling Pond Water Quality Management Project

Project Highlights

KWL supported the design of a water management system to intercept low quality mine influences water to reduce environmental risk at a mine site. The project focused on intercepting low quality water seeps, directing to an existing lined cell and upgrading existing pond pumping infrastructure to redirect water for process use.

Challenges

Water from hillside seepage and surface runoff was entering a series of ponds before ultimately discharging downstream, creating challenges in managing water quality and reducing environmental loading. Existing infrastructure relied on a single pumping system with limited control, and seepage pathways were not fully captured or directed, reducing overall system efficiency.

In addition, variable inflows and seasonal groundwater conditions made it difficult to consistently manage water levels and maintain target pumping rates.

Approach

KWL completed a feasibility-level engineering design to improve water collection and conveyance across the site. The approach focused on two key components:

• Upgrading the pumping system to improve operational control and reliability
• Developing a seepage collection system to intercept and redirect low quality groundwater flows

The design maintained existing system performance targets while introducing flexibility to adapt to changing inflow conditions.

Solution

KWL delivered an integrated water management solution that included:

• Pumping system upgrades to prioritize water withdrawal from upstream ponds, including relocation of existing pumps, installation of a supplemental transfer pump, and improved controls for automated operation
• New conveyance infrastructure, including pipelines to transfer water between ponds and maintain consistent supply to downstream processes
• Seepage collection system, featuring an infiltration gallery and piping network to intercept groundwater and direct flows to a controlled storage pond
• Monitoring and control systems, including level sensors, flow meters, and variable frequency drives to optimize system performance

These upgrades enable continuous, controlled pumping while improving the capture and management of seepage flows.

Outcome

The project improves overall water management by increasing control over seepage and surface water flows and reducing environmental risk. By integrating upgraded pumping systems with targeted seepage collection infrastructure, the solution enhances water quality management, supports regulatory compliance, and provides a more resilient and adaptable system for long-term operations.