Sludge in pans

The evaporation pans with a total evaporation area of ±75000 m² was constructed during the late 70’s and early 80’s, for evaporation of effluent generated at the Pelindaba site. The effluent contained chemical salts in excess of the allowable limit for disposal to the Crocodile River.

One of the pans was set-aside for the evaporation of uranium contaminated effluent from the uranium conversion plant.

The pans were all operated under a permit granted by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry as well as a licence by the National Nuclear Regulator.

The use of the pans for the evaporation of effluent is being phased out, and decommissioning and rehabilitation of the area are now being investigated.

With the implementation of an effluent minimisation plan during the late 90’s as well as the closure of most of the uranium process plants the use of evaporation pans for effluent disposal is no longer required. 

A number of different options for the decommissioning and treatment/disposal are being investigated. Once a decision has been made on the appropriate option, the process of acquiring the necessary approvals from the authorities and the public will commence.