While it is not strictly factual to state that evaporation ponds really remove toxic chemicals from liquid as the water evaporates, it is correct to say a waste pond or holding pond contributes to the decomposition of toxic waste and permits it to be transported to a safe storage or disposal location. The purpose of an evaporation pond is to prevent liquids that may contain contaminated or toxic substances from leaching into surrounding soils or water supplies where they may pose a threat to human, animal and plant life and to the environment over the long term.
The practice of utilizing constructed evaporation ponds with safe, strong and impermeable liners supplanted the previous practice of using open ponds as discharge pits for the disposal of liquids containing unwanted mineral deposits, toxic chemicals and pollutant materials. Waste ponds were used primarily between the years of 1955 to 1985, when the risks were not yet thoroughly recognized or understood. Since that time, cleanup at some of those previous toxic waste disposal sites has been mandated. Today, commercial polluters face severe sanctions and/or legal action and financial or criminal penalties for ignoring or sidestepping recommended toxic waste disposal guidelines.
