ABSTRACT
The effluents in a typical conventional processing operation for potassium chloride are (1) liquid effluents, (2) solid effluents (tails), and (3) air emissions. The major concern with these effluents is potential contamination of the environment with salt. To minimize the risk of such contamination, various waste management methods for fertilizer pollution control have been adopted or developed by the potash industry in Saskatchewan. The methods and equipment used for pollution control are discussed together with the characteristics of the effluents, their impact on the environment, relevant legislation and regulations, and some mine decommissioning plans currently being evaluated.
