Use of risk-based standards for restoration of ground water at in situ uranium mines

Ground water constituent concentrations typical of pre-mining conditions are compared with post-mining ground water concentrations in order to evaluate the potential for use of site-specific risk-based concentrations as the goal for ground water restoration at in situ mining facilities. A risk-based approach will identify the constituents in ground water most likely to contribute significantly to health impacts, so that restoration activities can be undertaken with risk reduction as the goal, keeping in mind the pre-existing risk level. This approach will consider the protection of human health and, at the same time, prevent unnecessary economic impact.