Assessment of Radiation Effects on Biota in Proximity to Uranium Mining and Milling Sites in Canada: Field Observations and Model Predictions

Abstract

Considerable effort has been devoted to identifying and evaluating potential impacts from uranium mining on people and the environment. This includes field and laboratory experiments as well as pathways modelling and ecological risk assessment. Studies to date generally indicate that unless biota reside within a tailings waste management area. there is little incremental ecological impact (observed or calculated). Furthermore. there are no significant population-level or community-level impacts on biota in the vicinity of uranium mining and milling operations. The practical experience gained from these studies shows that it is advantageous to exploit the complementary nature of data and models in designing monitoring plans for potential ecological impacts. In particular, the effectiveness of environmental monitoring can be enhanced by providing a feedback loop from the modelling results to the monitoring plan.