The hazardous materials and substances found in and around mining operations can be prevented from spreading into aquatic habitats by containing the contaminants within containers lined with impermeable geomembranes. Geomembranes isolate hazardous substances when used to line containment facilities. You can often find them used in tailings ponds, waste storage areas, and leach pads.
Using geomembranes in these capacities prevents pollutants from infiltrating streams, rivers, and lakes. This protects aquatic habitats from pollution and harm. Geomembranes also prevent stormwater runoff from running across exposed mining sites where they pick up and carry away dangerous material.
