METODOLOGÍA DE EVALUACIÓN DEL RIESGO AMBIENTAL DE LAS BALSAS QUE CONTIENEN LÍQUIDOS PELIGROSOS

Abstract

In this paper, a methodology for assessing the environmental risk of earth dams for toxic liquids is showed. The development of this methodology has been made according to the following procedure: (A) By means of a survey to experts, a study and identification of morphologic and geotechnic characteristics of the dams is made. They empathized that the parameters to be considered are: (1) geotechnical stability of the slope, (2) potential erosion of the downstream slope, (3) waterproofing system in the dam, (4) overtopping probability, (5) volume of liquid stored and (6) pollutant charge of the liquid. (B) Due to the fact that these parameters are measured in different units, they have to be homogeneized. For this purpose, a panel of experts is required to draw the rating curves which relate the parameters with environmental risk units. (C) Every measured parameter is combined toghether in order to make a function which provides a risk value. If the risk value surpasses a level, it would involve that the environmental risk would not be aceptable and, therefore, preventive or protecting measures should be applied in order to minimize this value. Keywords: Toxic liquid, environmental risk, earth dam, rating curve, pollutant charge.