Ecological problems of the Tyrnyauzsky tailings dam on the river Gizhgit

Introduction. In article the current state of the store of industrial wastes of the former Tyrnyauz tungsten-molybdenum combine - the Tyrnyauz tailing dump 168 m high which is the highest construction of this kind in our country is considered. The tailings dam is located in line with the mountain river Gizhgit which drain is taken away on a special by-pass tunnel. In the last decades in the basin of this river there is an active development erozionno-landslide processes with formation of mud streams on the bed of the river. Due to Tyrnyauz tungsten-molybdenum combine disorder the considered tailings dam was almost ownerless and the condition of its safety causes big fears now. Materials and methods. The description of the main hydraulic engineering constructions of object which analysis of a state shows susceptibility to their negative impact of water mud streams of the river Gizhgit is given. Results. Special danger is constituted by possible “obstruction” of a by-pass tunnel (an internal collapse of rocks, blockage by torrential carrying out, etc.) with the subsequent dumping of flood expenses of the river in the tailings dam that will create direct threat of its break with serious economic and ecological consequences not only for basins of the rivers Gizhgit and Baksan, but also the Terek River to the Caspian Sea. Conclusions. The scenario of possible development of accident of the tailings dam in the conditions of the admission of water and torrential expenses of this river, and also necessary organizational and technical recommendations about ensuring its safe operation is provided.