This invention relates to a method of constructing a tailings storage facility structure, and to a tailings facility structure. The structure comprises a network of sand channel arteries (10) and permeable capillaries extending through tailings (14). The sand channel arteries (10) are continuous in the vertical and one lateral dimension and connect to a decant point or points. The permeable capillaries (12) are connected at their lowest point to a sand channel artery, and are continuous in one lateral dimension. The capillaries (12) transport water from the tailings (14) to the sand channel arteries (10), and the sand channel arteries transport water from the capillaries (12) and the tailings (14), to the water decant point or points.