Mine Tailings Dam & Impoundment Safety Checklist [FREE PDF]

This mine tailings dam and impoundment safety inspection checklist ensures tailings storage facilities comply with MSHA 30 CFR 77.216 impoundment standards, MAC's Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management, and EPA National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System requirements. Dam safety engineers use this for routine surveillance inspections to prevent catastrophic tailings dam failures.

  • Industry: Mining
  • Frequency: Weekly
  • Estimated Time: 45-60 minutes
  • Role: Dam Safety Engineer / Environmental Manager
  • Total Items: 9
  • Compliance: MSHA 30 CFR 77.216 (water and sediment impoundments), MAC Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM), EPA NPDES stormwater permit requirements, ICOLD (International Commission on Large Dams) bulletin 139

Embankment Inspection

Inspect dam embankment for signs of distress.

  • No unexpected seepage on downstream face or toe area?
  • No slumping, cracking, or settlement on dam crest or slopes?
  • Freeboard (distance from water surface to crest) within design requirements?
  • Protective vegetation on downstream slope intact?

Instrumentation & Decant

Verify instrumentation readings and decant system.

  • Piezometer readings within expected range (no abnormal pore pressure)?
  • Decant structure operational and pond level within design range?
  • Settlement monuments surveyed on schedule?
  • Emergency Action Plan current and accessible?
  • Tailings dam inspection notes

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Why Use This Mine Tailings Dam & Impoundment Safety Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This mine tailings dam & impoundment safety checklist [free pdf] helps mining teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for dam safety engineer / environmental manager professionals, this checklist covers 9 critical inspection points across 2 sections. Recommended frequency: weekly.

Ensures compliance with MSHA 30 CFR 77.216 (water and sediment impoundments), MAC Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM), EPA NPDES stormwater permit requirements, ICOLD (International Commission on Large Dams) bulletin 139. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Mine Tailings Dam & Impoundment Safety Checklist [FREE PDF] cover?

This checklist covers 9 inspection items across 2 sections: Embankment Inspection, Instrumentation & Decant. It is designed for mining operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed weekly. Each completion takes approximately 45-60 minutes.

Who should use this Mine Tailings Dam & Impoundment Safety Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This checklist is designed for Dam Safety Engineer / Environmental Manager professionals in the mining industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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