RECLAMATION OF DISTURBED LAND AND ELIMINATION OF ACCUMULATED ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE ON THE TERRITORY OF THE KABARDINO-BALKARIA
The problem of environmental protection, degradation prevention and reclamation of disturbed lands is currently very relevant. The negative impact is cumulative and every decade becomes more destructive in environmental, economic and social aspects. Large-scale mining operations have led to land disturbance, changes in the parameters and elements of ecosystems over large areas. The consequences of such an insufficiently controlled impact are noticeably reflected in the functioning of landscapes, the balance of the local ecosystem, thereby reducing the quality of life of the population. Landfills are the most common way to dispose of waste worldwide. However, they pose a significant risk to the environment, leading to pollution of groundwater, atmospheric air and soil, disturbing the aesthetic appearance of the landscape and spreading fetid odors. In addition, there is an impact on human health through pollution of groundwater and emissions of gases into the atmosphere. Disturbed lands are subject to reclamation - a system of measures to eliminate land disturbances and restore soil fertility. In the literature, reclamation is understood as a set of engineering, biological and other measures aimed at restoring the productivity and economic value of areas affected by industry, as well as improving the state of the environment in accordance with the interests of society. The reclamation of damaged lands requires the solution of many non-standard issues in the field of geotechnics and engineering ecology. Lands that have lost their original value and are a source of negative environmental impact are called disturbed lands. Reclamation is obligatory for the further use of land for agricultural, forestry, water management, construction, recreational, environmental and sanitary purposes. The article presents some examples of reclamation work aimed at reducing the impact of solid waste landfills and tailings on the soil and water environment and ensuring environmental safety.