Volume I
EIA Technical Review Guideline:
Non-Metal and Metal Mining
Regional Document prepared under CAFTA DR Environmental Cooperation
Program to Strengthen Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Review
Prepared by CAFTA DR and US Country EIA and Mining Experts with support from:
USAID
FROM THE AMIRION PEOPLE
USAID ENVIRONMENT AND LABOR
EXCELLENCE FOR CAFTA-DR PROGRAM
O CCAD
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This document is the result of a regional collaboration under the environmental cooperation
agreements undertaken as part of the Central America and Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreements
with the United States. Regional experts participating in the preparation of this document, however,
the guidelines do not necessarily represent the policies, practices or requirements of their governments
or organizations.
Reproduction of this document in whole or in part and in any form for educational or non-profit
purposes may be made without special permission from the United States Environmental Protection
Agency (U.S. EPA), Agency for International Development (U.S. AID), and/or the Central American
Commission on Environment and Development (CCAD) provided acknowledgement of the source is
included.
EPA/315R11002 May 2011
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EIA Technical Review Guidelines:
Non-Metal and Metal Mining
Volume I
The EIA Technical Review Guidelines for Non-Metal and Metal Mining were developed as part of a
regional collaboration to better ensure proposed mining projects undergoing review by government
officials, non-governmental organizations and the general public successfully identify, avoid, prevent
and/or mitigate potential adverse impacts and enhance potential beneficial impacts throughout the life
of the projects. The guidelines are part of a broader program to strengthen environmental impact
assessment (EIA) review under environmental cooperation agreements associated with the "CAFTA-DR"
free trade agreement between the United States and five countries in Central America and the
Dominican Republic.
The guidelines and example terms of reference were prepared by regional experts from the CAFTA-DR
countries and the United States in both the government organizations responsible for the environment
and mining and leading academics designated by the respective Ministers supported by the U.S. Agency
for International Development (U.S. AID) contract for the Environment and Labor Excellence Program
and grant with the Central America Commission for Environment and Development (CCAD). The
guidelines draw upon existing materials from within and outside these countries and from international
organizations and do not represent the policies, practices or requirements of any one country or
organization.
The guidelines are available in English and Spanish on the international websites of the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), the International Network for Environmental Compliance
and Enforcement (INECE), and the Central American Commission on Environment and Development
(CCAD): www.epa.gov/oita/ www.inece.org/ www.sica.int/ccad/ Volume 1 contains the guidelines
with a glossary and references which track with internationally recognized elements of environmental
impact assessment; Volume 2 contains Appendices with detailed information on mining, requirements
and standards, predictive tools, and international codes; and Volume 1, part 2 contains example Terms
of Reference cross-linked to Volumes 1 and 2 for exploration and exploitation for non-metal and metal
mining projects respectively for use by the countries as they prepare their own EIA program
requirements.
USAID ENVIRONMENT AND LABOR I
EXCELLENCE FOR CAFTA-DR PROGRAM
CCAD
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Volume I - EIA Technical Review Guideline: TABLE OF CONTENTS
Non-Metal and Metal Mining
TABLE OF CONTENTS /
LIST OF FIGURES v
LIST OF TA BLES v
VOLUME II - EIA MINING GUIDELINE APPENDICES vi
VOLUME I
A. INTRODUCTION 1
1 BACKGROUND 1
2 APPROACH 1
3 OBJECTIVES OF PRIORITY SECTOR EIA GUIDELINES 2
4 SCOPE AND CONTENTS OF MINING GUIDELINES 3
5 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 4
B. EIA PROCESS AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 7
1 EIA PROCEDURES 7
1.1 Project Proponents: From Project Initiation to the EIA Application 7
1.2 EIA Application, Screening and Categorization 9
1.3 Scoping of EIA and Terms of Reference 9
1.4 Public Participation Throughout the Process 9
1.5 Preparation and Submission of the EIA Document 10
1.6 EIA Document Review 10
1.7 Decision on Project 10
1.8 Commitment Language for Environmental Measures 10
1.9 Implementation of Environmental Measures 10
1.10 Auditing, Monitoring and Follow-up Enforcement of Commitments 10
2 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 11
2.1 Introduction 11
2.2 Requirements for Public Participation 11
2.3 Methods for Identifying and Engaging Affected and Interested Public 12
2.4 Reporting on and Responsiveness to Public Comments 14
C. PROJECT AND ALTERNATIVES DESCRIPTION 15
1 INTRODUCTION 15
2 DOCUMENTATION OF PURPOSE AND NEED 16
3 PROJECT AND ALTERNATIVES DESCRIPTION 16
3.1 Overall Project Description Information 17
3.2 Project Scope: All Project Phases and Related or Connected Actions 19
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4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
PROJECT ALTERNATIVES
4.1 Identification and Assessment
4.2 Alternative Methods of Mining
4.3 Dredging
4.4 In-situ Mining
PROCESSING
5.1 Beneficiation Facilities
5.2 Mineral Processing
STOCKPILES. DUMPS AND TAILINGS
TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES
7.1 Roads
7.2 Transportation by Rail
7.3 Conveyors
7.4 Barges and Waterways
WATER-CONTROL FACILITIES
8.1 Sediment and Water-Control Facility
8.2 Temporary Ponds and Permanent Impoundments
8.3 Culverts, Dikes and Diversions
8.4 Groundwater Management
MINE SUPPORT FACILITIES
RESTORATION AND CLOSURE PLAN
MANPOWER AND LOCAL PURCHASES
19
19
20
22
23
24
24
24
25
26
26
27
28
28
28
28
29
29
29
29
30
30
D. ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING 31
1 INTRODUCTION 31
3 WASTE ROCK, WALL ROCK AND ORE CHARACTERISTICS 32
4 SOILS 35
5 SURFACE WATER 35
6 GROUNDWATER 38
7 AIR QUALITY AND CLIMATIC CONDITIONS 39
8 ECOSYSTEMS 40
9 CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL RESOURCES 42
10 TRANSPORTATION 42
11 LAND USE 43
12 SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS 43
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Non-Metal and Metal Mining
E. POTENTIAL IMPACTS 45
1 INTRODUCTION 45
2 POTENTIAL IMPACTS 46
3 UNDERSTANDING THE PATHWAYS TO THE ENVIRONMENT 52
4 IMPACTS 53
4.1 Surface Water and Groundwater 53
4.2 Air and Noise 58
4.3 Soils 59
4.4 Ecosystems 59
4.5 Human Health 61
4.6 Socio-Economic Impacts 61
4.7 Cultural and Historic Resources 63
4.8 Land Use 63
4.9 Identifying Cumulative Impacts 63
f. ASSESSING IMPACTS 67
OVERVIEW OF USING PREDICTION TOOLS AN EIA
1.1 Ground Rules
1.2 Geographic Boundaries for Assessment of Impacts
1.3 Baseline
1.4 Identifying and applying predictive techniques
1.5 Evaluation of the significance of the impacts
APPROACHES THAT CAN BE USED IN PREDICTING IMPACTS
2.1 Air Resources
2.2 Surface Water
2.3 Groundwater
2.4 Solid Waste
2.5 Noise and Vibration
2.6 Soils and Geology
2.7 Biologic Resources (Fish and Wildlife, Vegetation and Habitat)
2.8 Socioeconomics
2.9 Cultural and Historical
2.10 Vulnerable Populations/Environmental Justice
2.11 Health and Safety
2.12 Cumulative Impacts Assessment Methods
67
67
68
69
69
70
71
72
73
79
81
81
81
83
84
86
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Volume I - EIA Technical Review Guideline: TABLE OF CONTENTS
Non-Metal and Metal Mining
G. MITIGATION AND MONITORING MEASURES 95
1 INTRODUCTION 95
2
3
4
EXPLORATION
THE MINING OPERATION
3.1 General
3.2 Water Resources Management
3.3 Air Pollution Control
3.4 Noise and Vibration Reduction
3.5 Waste Management
RESTORATION
96
100
101
112
113
114
115
121
5 POST-CLOSURE 123
6 MONITORING AND OVERSIGHT 124
7 FINANCIAL ASURANCE 126
7.1 Financial Guarantees for Restoration 126
7.2 Financial Guarantees for Long-Term Post-Closure Activities 127
8 AUDITABLE AND ENFORCEABLE COMMITMENT LANGUAGE 128
8.1 Financial Assurance Example 129
8.2 Water Quality Monitoring Example 129
8.3 Restoration Example 131
H. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 133
I. REFERENCES AND GLOSSARY 145
1 CITED REFERENCES 145
2 ADDITIONAL REFERENCES 153
3 GLOSSARY 168
J. EXAMPLE TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR) 181
1 EXAMPLE TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR) FOR NON-METAL MINING 181
2 EXAMPLE TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR) FOR METAL MINING 181
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Figure A-l: CAFTA-DR - Countries 1
Figure B-l: The Environmental Impact Assessment Process 8
Figure E-l: The Mining Cycle (Env. Canada, 2009) 46
Figure E-2: Conceptual Model of Sources, Pathways, Mitigation, and Receptors for a Mining Operation
(USEPA, 2008) 52
Figure G-l Mining Processes and Acid Generation Potential (INAP, 2009) 118
Table B-l: "Responsibility" in the EIA Process 8
Table C-l: Information included in the Proposed Engineering Design 20
Table D-l: Example of Recommended Minimum Number of Samples of Each Mineralogy Type for
Geochemical Characterization of Mined Materials for Potential Environmental Impact.
(Price and Errington, 1994) 33
Table D-2: Suggested Water Quality Parameter for Laboratory Analysis 37
Table E-l: Environmental Concerns from Mine Exploration 47
Table E-2: Environmental Concerns from Mine Development 48
Table E-3: Environmental Concerns from Mine Operation 49
Table E-4: Environmental Concerns due to Mine Closure 51
Table E-5: General Environmental Impacts of Mining (Based on USEPA, 1995) 54
Table E-6. Identifying Potential Cumulative Effects Issues Related to a Proposed Action 65
Table F-l: Air Pollution Models 72
Table F-2: Surface Water Computer Models 78
Table F-3: Groundwater and Geochemical Models 80
Table F-4: Primary and Special Methods for Analyzing Cumulative Impacts 91
Table G-l: Exploration Activities and Mitigation Measures 97
Table G-2: Mining Impact Mitigation Measures 102
Table G-3: Operational and Regulatory Based Measures for Water Resources 113
Table G-4: Operational and Regulatory Based Measures for Air Resources 114
Table G-5: International Cyanide Bans 119
Table G-6: Cyanide Plan for Operations 120
Table G-7: Management Practices for Erosion and Sediment Control on Mine Sites 122
Table G-8: Operational and Regulatory Based Measures Towards Financial Surety 127
Table G-9: Example of a Water Resource Monitoring Program 130
Table G-10: Example of Monitoring Analytics [Example only - Fill in standards] 131
Table H-l: Components of an Environment Management Plan 133
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Volume I - EIA Technical Review Guideline: TABLE OF CONTENTS
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VOLUME II - EIA MINING GUIDELINE APPENDICES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
APPENDIX A. WHAT IS MINING?
1
2
2.1
2.2
2.3
3
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
4
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
INTRODUCTION
EXTRACTION METHODS
Surface or Open-Pit
Underground
Solution Mining
BENEFICATION
Milling
Amalgamation
Flotation
Leaching
Other Processing
WASTE
Waste Geological Material
Mine Water
Concentration Wastes
Mineral Processing Wastes
APPENDIX B. OVERVIEW OF MINING INDUSTRY ACTIVITY IN CAFTA-DR COUNTRIES
1
2
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
REGIONAL OVERVIEW
CAFTA-DR COUNTRY OVERVIEWS
Costa Rica
Dominican Republic
El Salvador
Guatemala
Honduras
Nicaragua
i
1
1
1
1
2
3
4
4
4
5
5
6
6
6
7
7
7
9
9
15
15
17
20
22
25
28
APPENDIX C. REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS APPLICABLE WITHIN CAFTA-DR COUNTRIES,
OTHER
1
2
3
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
4
COUNTRIES AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS, STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS
AMBIENT STANDARDS FOR AIR AND WATER QUALITY
MINING SECTOR-SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
Water Discharge/ Effluent Limits for the Mining Sector
Supplemental U.S. Water Discharge/Effluent Limits for the Mining Sector
Stormwater Runoff Requirements for the Mining Sector
Air Emission Limits for the Mining Sector
Mining Sector Solid Waste
INTERNATIONAL TREATIES AND AGREEMENTS
31
31
34
40
43
43
47
52
54
55
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5
MINING SECTOR WEBSITE REFERENCE
APPENDIX D. EROSION AND SEDIMENTATION
1
2
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
3
4
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
5
6
6.1
6.2
7
8
8.1
8.2
GOALS AND PURPOSE OF THE APPENDIX
TYPES OF EROSION AND SEDIMENT TRANSPORT
Interrill and Rill Erosion
Gully Erosion
Stream Channel Erosion
Mass Wasting, Landslides and Debris Flows
MINING-RELATED SOURCES OF EROSION AND SEDIMENTATION
METHODS TO MEASURE AND PREDICT EROSION AND SEDIMENTATION
Gross Erosion
Sediment Yield
Suspended Load and Sedimentation
Software and Watershed Models for Prediction of Sediment Yield
REPRESENTATIVENESS OF DATA
METHODS TO MITIGATE EROSION AND SEDIMENTATION
Best Management Practices (BMPs) Categories
Innovative Control Practices
SUMMARY
REFERENCES
Cited References
Additional References
APPENDIX D-2. RULES OF THUMB FOR EROSION AND SEDIMENTATION
APPENDIX E. GARD GUIDE (ACID ROCK DRAINAGE)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
INTRODUCTION
FORMATION OF ACID ROCK DRAINAGE
FRAMEWORK FOR ACID ROCK DRAINAGE MANAGEMENT
CHARACTERIZATION
PREDICTION
PREVENTION AND MITIGATION
ACID ROCK DRAINAGE TREATMENT
ACID ROCK DRAINAGE MONITORING
ACID ROCK DRAINAGE MANAGEMENT AND PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT
ACID ROCK DRAINAGE COMMUNICATION AND CONSULTATION
SUMMARY
REFERENCES
57
57
57
57
58
58
58
59
59
60
60
62
62
63
67
67
68
74
75
75
75
76
81
93
93
95
97
98
101
104
107
108
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112
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APPENDIX F. SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS PLAN
1
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
2
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
3
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
4
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
5
5.1
5.2
6
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.6
6.7
INTRODUCTION
Site Name or Sampling Area
Responsible Organization
Project Organization
Statement of the Specific Problem
BACKGROUND
Site or Sampling Area Description [Fill in the blanks.]
Operational History
Previous Investigations/Regulatory Involvement
Geological Information
Environmental and/or Human Impact
PROJECT DATA QUALITY OBJECTIVES
Project Task and Problem Definition
Data Quality Objectives (DQOs)
Data Quality Indicators (DQIs)
Data Review and Validation
Data Management
Assessment Oversight
SAMPLING RATIONALE
Soil Sampling
Sediment Sampling
Water Sampling
Biological Sampling
REQUEST FOR ANALYSES
Analyses Narrative
Analytical Laboratory
FIELD METHODS AND PROCEDURES
Field Equipment
Field Screening
Soil
Sediment Sampling
Water Sampling
Biological Sampling
Decontamination Procedures
115
115
115
115
115
116
116
116
116
117
117
117
117
117
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119
119
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7 SAMPLE CONTAINERS, PRESERVATION AND STORAGE 130
7.1 Soil Samples 130
7.2 Sediment Samples 131
7.3 Water Samples 131
7.4 Biological Samples 133
8 DISPOSAL OF RESIDUAL MATERIALS 133
9 SAMPLE DOCUMENTATION AND SHIPMENT 134
9.1 Field Notes 134
9.2 Labeling 136
9.3 Sample Chain-Of-Custody Forms and Custody Seals 136
9.4 Packaging and Shipment 136
10 QUALITY CONTROL 137
10.1 Field Quality Control Samples 137
10.2 Background Samples 142
10.3 Field Screening and Confirmation Samples 142
10.4 Laboratory Quality Control Samples 143
11 FIELD VARIANCES 144
12 FIELD HEALTH AND SAFETY PROCEDURES 145
APPENDIX G. INTERNATIONAL CYANIDE CODE 146
1 SCOPE 147
2 CODE IMPLEMENTATION 147
3 PRINCIPLES AND STANDARDS OF PRACTICE 148
4 CODE MANAGEMENT 150
5 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 153
APPENDIX H. WORLD BANK FINANCIAL SURETY
1
2
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
INTRODUCTION
FINANCIAL SURETY INSTRUMENTS
Letter of Credit
Surety (Insurance) Bond
Trust Fund
Cash, Bank Draft or Certified Check
Company Guarantee
Insurance Scheme
Unit Levy
155
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160
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2.8
2.9
2.10
2.11
3
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
3.8
3.9
3.10
4
5
6
7
ANNEX
ANNEX
ANNEX
Sinking Fund
Pledge of Assets
Fund Pool
Transfer of Liability
CASE STUDIES
ONTARIO
NEVADA
QUEENSLAND
VICTORIA
BOTSWANA
GHANA
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
SOUTH AFRICA
SWEDEN
EUROPEAN UNION
DISCUSSION BASED ON CASE STUDIES
IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES
AFTERTHOUGHTS
REFERENCES
H-l WEB SITES
H-2 LETTER OF CREDIT TEMPLATE
H-3 SURETY BOND TEMPLATE
165
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165
165
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171
173
176
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Volume I - EIA Technical Review Guideline:
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A. INTRODUCTION
A. INTRODUCTION
onduras
Guatemala
El Salvador
Dominican Republic
Nicaragua
Costa Rica
This regional Environmental Impact Fl«ure A'1: «-"< - o»ntrl«
Assessment (EIA) Technical Review
Guideline and associated Terms of
Reference for Commercial Non-
Metal and Metal Mining was
developed as an outgrowth of the
Environmental Cooperation
Agreement developed in
conjunction with the free trade
agreements between the United
States, the Central American
countries of Costa Rica, El Salvador,
Guatemala, Honduras, and
Nicaragua (CAFTA) and the
Dominican Republic (DR).
Developed by designated experts
from all of the countries, it will be
used as a basis for country-specific
adaptation to their EIA programs.
1 BACKGROUND
The CAFTA-DR "Program to Strengthen Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Review" was initiated as
a priority for environmental cooperation undertaken and funded in conjunction with the free trade
agreements. Designed to build on related references developed for the region or for individual
countries, the Program included: a) sustainable training to build skills in the preparation and review of
EIA documents and processes for all participants in the process, including government officials,
consultants, industry project proponents, academic institutions, NGOs and the public, b) development of
EIA Technical Review Guidelines and Terms of Reference for priority sectors: mining and energy, c)
country-specific consultation to provide tools and reforms to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of
EIA, including deployment of EPA's GIS-based analytical tool to support EIA project screening and
administrative tracking systems, d) recommendations for strengthening EIA procedures, and where
necessary, regional and country EIA legal frameworks, and e) regional meetings among EIA Directors to
direct and support these activities and share experiences. Work programs developed by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Agency for International Development, were designed to
complement other work which had been undertaken with the Central American Commission for
Sustainable Development (CCAD) and the Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) under a grant
from the government of Sweden.
2 APPROACH
The guidelines were developed through a collaborative process consisting of three regional expert
meetings for discussion followed by several rounds of review and comment on draft documents, and
also benefitted from the overall guidance and active involvement of country EIA Directors. The work
was supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development and their consultants under the
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Volume I - EIA Technical Review Guideline: A. INTRODUCTION
Non-Metal and Metal Mining
Environment and Labor Excellence Program (ELE). The overall approach to the development of Mining
Sector EIA Review Guidelines and Terms of Reference was:
Creation of an expert team including the designation of senior experts by the Ministers of the
Environment and for the Mining Sector from each of the CAFTA-DR countries and the U.S. (drawn
from U.S. EPA's senior expert EIA Reviewers and sector experts from within EPA and the Department
of the Interior's Office of Surface Mining, Regulation and Enforcement), including the opportunity
for CAFTA-DR country officials also to include the designation of a key academic institution relied
upon by the countries for relevant expertise in the mining sector
Organization of three regional expert meetings to review and guide all work products drafted with
the assistance of a U.S. AID's Environment and Labor Excellence program, Chemonics International
Identification of existing resource materials, standards, practices, laws and guidelines related to
assessing the environmental impacts from commercial scale mining
Development of baseline information on current practice, anticipated growth, existing standards
and guidance, norms, permits and mitigation requirements related to commercial scale mining in
the CAFTA-DR countries and use this to assess the likely impact of adoption of the regional
guidelines
Development of information on alternatives for pollution control and environmental protection
drawn from benchmark organizations, development banks and countries including international
practices established by industry, the World Bank, the Inter American Development Bank, the U.S.,
the European Union and other countries identified by the team of experts as being most relevant
Development of options to achieve the benefits of requiring siting, design, construction, operation
and closure/reclamation and site reuse approaches which eliminate, reduce, mitigate and/or
compensate the adverse direct, indirect and/or cumulative adverse environmental impacts related
to mining based on best international practice through a EIA Review guideline and Terms of
Reference
Adaptation of these guidelines following country-specific training workshops to be held by CCAD and
the individual countries
3 OBJECTIVES OF PRIORITY SECTOR EIA GUIDELINES
Specific objectives of these guidelines included:
Improve environmental performance in the sector
Improve EIA document quality and quality of EIA Decision making for the Mining Sector
Improve efficiency and effectiveness of the EIA process for the mining sector by clarifying
expectations, providing detailed guidelines and aligning preparation and review
Tailor guidelines to needs of CAFTA-DR countries
Provide technical guidelines for the identification of environmental, social and economic impacts of
the mining sector activities
Identify potential for avoidance and mitigation for adverse environmental, social and economic
impacts from the mining sector in relation to established requirements of law and industry best
practice to empower options for consideration by industry and government officials
Encourage public participation throughout the process, a specific priority and request of CAFTA-DR
country officials
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Volume I - EIA Technical Review Guideline: A. INTRODUCTION
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4 SCOPE AND CONTENTS OF MINING GUIDELINES
The guidelines address:
Non-metal and metal mining on a commercial scale of materials relevant to minerals found in
CAFTA-DR countries (Note: EPA also supports the development of mining methods which reduce or
eliminate the use of mercury in artisanal gold mining activities through its participation in the
UNEP/UNIDO program ( http://www.globalmercuryproject.org/front_page.htm) and the World Bank's
Community and Small Scale Mining (CASM) program (see
http://www.artisanalmining.org/index.cfm).USEPA is developing and testing technology to recycle and
capture mercury, and hopes the high price of mercury will be an incentive to significantly reduce this
source of contamination.)
The full scope of mining activities, including exploration and exploitation, construction, operation,
closure/reclamation, and post-closure care
Documentation of the proposed project and its alternatives to support impact assessment and
improve decision making
Identifying and evaluating potential environmental social, cultural and economic impacts; and
Evaluating the full range of sustainable environmental measures to prevent, reduce and/or mitigate
impacts
The need for enforceable and auditable commitment language in an EIA to ensure that promised
actions will be taken by a project proponent and that their adequacy can be determined over time
Example terms of reference for development of non-metal and metal mining ElAs that are cross-
linked to the details provided in the guidelines
The guidelines are organized around each aspect of what is typically required in an EIA document. The
guidelines are divided into eight sections with accompanying appendices. These sections include:
A. Introduction
B. EIA Procedures and Public Participation
C. Project and Alternatives Description
D. Environmental Setting
E. Potential Impacts
F. Assessing Impacts
G. Mitigation and Monitoring Measures
H. Environmental Management Plans
I. References and Glossary of Terms
J. Example Terms of Reference for Non-Metal and Metal Mining
With appendices entitled:
1. What is Mining
2. Overview of Mining Activities in CAFTA-DR Countries
3. Requirements and Standards Applicable to Mining Internationally and Within CAFTA-DR
Countries, US And Other Countries and international organizations
4. Erosion And Sedimentation
5. GARD Guide (Guidelines for Acid Rain Discharges)
6. Sampling And Analysis Plan
7. International Cyanide Code
8. World Bank Financial Surety
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Non-Metal and Metal Mining
5 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The EIA Technical Review Guidelines for Metals and Non-Metals Mining and associated Terms of
Reference were developed by experts designated by their Ministers from the environmental and sector
agencies of the United States and countries in Central America and the Dominican Republic that are
parties to the CAFTA-DR Free Trade Agreements. Following development of the regional EIA mining
documents, the Central American Commission on Environment and Development (CCAD) will host
workshops in each of the CAFTA-DR countries and they will adopt these guidelines for their own use.
US EPA- US AID/ Program for Environment and Labor Excellence ELE -CCAD
CAFTA-DR Program Team to Strengthen EIA Review
U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
Ruben Aleman, EPA program coordinator, US AID Regional Program
Orlando Altamirano, Contracting Officers Technical Representative, Environment and Labor
Excellence Program (ELE)
Walter Jokisch, Coordinator for ELE/Chemonics International, Inc.
Phil Brown, Lead Mining Expert Consultant for ELE/Chemonics International, Inc.
Central American Commission for Sustainable Development (CCAD)
Ricardo Aguilar, CCAD, CAFTA-DR program coordinator
Judith Panameno, CCAD, CAFTA-DR, EPA program coordinator
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA)
Orlando Gonzalez, Coordinator, CAFTA DR, Office of International Activities
Cheryl Wasserman, Associate Director for Policy Analysis, Office of Federal Activities, Office
of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, Manager of the CAFTA DR Program to
Strengthen EIA Review
Marfa T. Malave, Technical Liaison for development of EIA Technical Review Guidelines
Daniel Gala, legal intern
Regional Expert Team
UNITED STATES
Cheryl Wasserman and Maria Malave of U.S. EPA CAFTA DR EIA program team
Stephen Hoffman, National Mining Expert, EPA's Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response
Jeanne Geselbracht, Senior EIA Reviewer, EPA Region 9, San Francisco
Carol Russell, Senior EIA Reviewer, EPA Region 8, Denver
Al Whitehouse, Chief, Reclamation Support Division, Office of Surface Mining, Regulation and
Enforcement, US Department of Interior
Elaine Suriano, Senior EIA Reviewer, EPA's Office of Federal Activities
COSTA RICA
Msc. Sonia Espinoza Valverde, Directora de EIA, SETENA
Marita Alvarado Velas, Geologo, ICE, SETENA
Marlene Salazar Alvarado, Sub/Directora de Geologfa y Minas, Ingeniera, MINAET
Esau Chavez Aguilar, Geografo, SETENA
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Volume I - EIA Technical Review Guideline: A. INTRODUCTION
Non-Metal and Metal Mining
DOMINCAN REPUBLIC
Lina del Carmen Beriguette Segura, Directora de EIA, MARN
Socrates E. Nivar, Especialista Geologo, MARN
El SALVADOR
Carlos Ernesto Varela Orrego, Ingeniero, MARN
Jose Francisco Garcfa Fuentes, Tecnico en Evaluacion Ambiental, MARN
Marfa Soledad Martfnez de Carranza, Tecnico Subdireccion de Minas, MINEC
GUATEMALA
Dra. Eugenia Castro, Directora de EIA, MARN
Hiram Perez, Ingeniero, MARN
Marleny Reyes de Colocho, Coordinadora Unidad de Gestion Socio Ambiental, MEM
Luisa Marfa Fernandez Lujan, Asesora Ambiental, MARN
Guillermo Scheell Alvarez, Ingeniero, MEM
HONDURAS
Aldo Santos, Director, Mineria, SERNA
NICARAGUA
Milton Francisco Medina Calero, Ingeniero, Gestion Ambiental, MARENA
Luis Daniel Espinosa Duarte, Unidad de Gestion Ambiental, MEM
COUNTRY EIA DIRECTORS
Msc. Sonia Espinoza Valverde, SETENA, Costa Rica
Lina del Carmen Beriguette Segura, MARN, Dominican Republic
Ing. Hernan Romero, MARN El Salvador
Dra. Eugenia Castro, MARN, Guatemala
Julio E. Eguigure, MARENA, Honduras
Hilda Espinoza, MARENA, Nicaragua
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Volume I-EIA Technical Review Guideline: B. EIA PROCESS AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
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B. EIA PROCESS AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
This section describes the general process and practices common to Environmental Impact Assessment
(EIA) procedures in CAFTA-DR countries, along with likely trends future directions of those programs as
part of the evolution of the EIA process that has been seen internationally. Because this guideline and
Terms of Reference were developed as regional products of designated experts from the CAFTA-DR
countries they can be adapted to the unique features in each country's EIA laws and procedures.
1 EIA PROCEDURES
No work may begin, that is no site clearing, site preparation or construction, before the Environmental
Impact Assessment (EIA) process is complete and government agencies have either approved or
provided conditioned approval of a proposed project.
1.1 Project Proponents: From Project Initiation to the EIA Application
As illustrated in Figure B-l, a project proponent initiates the idea for a project based on a purpose and
need for the action; in this instance some anticipated market for a particular mineral and expected
profits from the extraction and sale of product with assumed levels of refinement, transportation and
profit. Between the idea and the application for EIA to the government for approval as defined in Table
B-l ("Responsibility" in the EIA Process), the project proponent will be exploring alternatives to meet
the purpose and need of the project, as well as the economic and technical feasibility of the project and
securing property and/or mineral rights if it is not already in their possession. It is during this early stage
that environmental, social and economic impacts should be introduced, and alternatives developed -
even before an application is made for EIA. Many problems can be avoided through wise selection of
location, site and operations design, and anticipation of issues such as closure taking the whole of the
environmental setting into account early in the process. If environmental consultants or environmental
impact expertise are brought in late in the process, at the stage when the proponent needs to prepare
an application and an EIA document for approval, it limits the opportunities to build environmental,
social and economic considerations into the project proposal as an integral part of developing project
feasibility. This is universally considered to be a short sighted practice. Projects which require
substantial financing often will have fatal flaw analyses of all sorts performed, including environmental.
Some of the outcome of such analyses also feeds the narrative on Project Alternatives and why some of
the alternatives were rejected.
1.2 EIA Application, Screening and Categorization
Each CAFTA-DR country has established its own EIA regulations and guidelines defining different
circumstances and procedures for particular types of projects and situations. These regulations
distinguish the size and nature of proposed projects or the types of projected impacts for which the full
environmental impact assessment procedure and which types of projects or impacts might justify a
streamlined procedure based on potential lower level of impact and nature of the proposed activity.
Projects usually fall within one of three categories, some of which are further subdivided: A usually is
high impact, Bl and B2, medium impact and C low impact but this varies by country. Screening is the
process used by government officials to review an application for EIA to determine the appropriate
categorization. For the most part, commercial mining activities are usually considered among those
projects with potentially high or high medium impact.
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B. EIA PROCESS AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Figure B-l: The Environmental Impact Assessment Process
THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT PROCESS
Purpose and Need
(for project, plan,
. policy, program
EIA ANALYSIS AND DOCUMENTATION
Table B-l: "Responsibility" in the EIA Process
4 Public Participation throughout
Project Proponent
1 Initiate Project
2 Prepare EIA Application
3 Scope EIA Issues
5a Prepare and Submit EIA Document
5b Correct deficiencies and respond to
comment
9 Implementation of Project,
Environmental Measures and financial
assurance
10 Correct violation
Government
2 Screening: Review EIA
Application and Categorization
3 Prepare Terms of Reference and
Scope EIA issues
6 Review EIA Document
7 Decision on Project
8 Incorporate commitments into
legal agreements
10 Auditing, compliance
monitoring and enforcement
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1.3 Scoping of EIA and Terms of Reference
Scoping is a process used to identify the important issues on which the EIA analysis should focus and
those on which it would not be informative to focus. Although any preparer of an EIA would have to
engage in a scoping process, the term often is used to describe a process of consultation with interested
and affected stakeholders in the project, in the area and infrastructure potentially affected by the
project and in the potentially affected resources. In CAFTA-DR countries of Central America and the
Dominican Republic, government officials issue a Terms of Reference to help guide the preparation of an
EIA document, in essence a form of scoping which usually includes a requirement for the project
proponent to engage the public and stakeholders, including local governments and NGOs and tribal
leaders, before proceeding to prepare the EIA document just for this purpose. In guidelines issued by
the International Finance Corporation and as a practice in the U.S. and some CAFTA-DR countries, the
project proponent would carry out public scoping early in the process for the most significant types of
projects, presumably to be able to influence alternative project concept, design, operation and/or
closure and influence the Terms of Reference for undertaking the EIA. Section B2 in this section of the
guideline expands on public participation during the scoping process.
1.4 Public Participation Throughout the Process
EIA is intended to be a transparent process with the opportunity for public involvement from the
earliest stages of project development. It is customary for the Terms of Reference to include
requirements for the project proponent to engage the public and to document the results of this
outreach process in the EIA document. Countries will usually provide a formal opportunity for a public
hearing after the EIA document is reviewed by government staff and determined to be complete. The
Model Terms of Reference included in this guideline emphasizes the importance of involving the public
as early as possible to ensure that opportunities for reconciling economic, social and environmental
concerns can be considered. A special section on Public Participation is included in this guideline under
Section B2.
1.5 Preparation and Submission of the EIA Document
The structure of EIA documentation of analysis has been fairly standardized over the many years it has
been adopted as a practice. It includes:
Executive Summary
Project Description, purpose and need, alternatives
Environmental Setting
Assessment of Impacts, Mitigation and Monitoring
Commitment Document: Environmental Management Plan, which contains a facility-
wide monitoring plan and a facility-wide mitigation plan, which addresses mitigation for
environmental and socio-economic resources.
In countries in Central America and the Dominican Republic, deficiencies in an EIA document are usually
addressed through additional supplemental submissions of Annexes and correspondence. If deficiencies
are sufficiently significant an EIA document might be rejected and the project proponent would restart
the entire process. In the U.S. a draft EIA document is submitted for both government and public review
and a final document is then submitted which includes the response to comments and any additional
analysis that is needed.
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1.6 EIA Document Review
Government EIA Reviewers have an independent review function to determine if an EIA submitted by a
project proponent: a) complies with minimum requirements under country laws, regulations, and
procedures, b) is complete, c) is accurate, d) is adequate for decision makers to be able to make
informed decisions and choices, including alternatives that might serve to avoid adverse impacts, and
reasonable commitments to mitigation for adverse impacts that cannot be avoided, e) distinguishes
what may be a significant concern from those that are less significant, f) provides a sufficient basis for
assuring that commitments to environmental measures will be met, taking into account not only the EIA
but any additional supporting documents such as an Environmental Management Plan, including those
measures which are integrated in the project design, operations and closure, monitoring and reporting,
pollution control measures and their maintenance, infrastructure investment and the like.
1.7 Decision on Project
In the decision making process which is informed by the EIA analysis, the actual decision on the project
and its rationale are important, particularly if the EIA analysis is not just to be a paper exercise. It
therefore is very important that the consideration of alternatives, impacts and their mitigation be
written in a clear and accessible manner to the range of stakeholders who are making decisions related
to the project. Part of the decision process is engagement of stakeholders within and outside
government in a timely and constructive manner, allowing for the type of give and take needed to
address and find acceptable solutions to diverse interests.
1.8 Commitment Language for Environmental Measures
Countries differ on the vehicles they use to establish and hold project proponents accountable for
commitments made during the EIA process, ranging from reliance on the EIA document itself to a
document from the government establishing project environmental feasibility which highlights
commitments, the environmental management plan, a mitigation plan, an environmental permit,
concession and/or contract.
1.9 Implementation of Environmental Measures
The EIA process objectives can only be achieved if promises and assumptions made in an approved EIA
document are followed in practice. Commitments are usually secured with financial guarantees. The
commitment to implement environmental measures runs throughout the process from site preparation
to closure. It is the responsibility of the project proponent to implement measures unless the
commitments are assigned and agreed to by other parties such as might be the case in the provision of
adequate infrastructure to address needs to treat liquid and solid waste from a site, or to construct a
road.
1.10 Auditing, Monitoring and Follow-up Enforcement of Commitments
Countries employ a mix of mechanisms to ensure that commitments in the EIA document are followed,
including: including short and long term monitoring and reporting in the commitments by project
proponents; creating and certifying third party auditors and defining their roles in the process;
government inspection; and sometimes monitoring by the community or NGOs to assure compliance. It
is not sufficient to monitor compliance with commitments, and failure to meet commitments should be
followed by enforcement for failure to comply in order to compel actions needed to protect
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environmental, socio-economic and cultural interests. For this system to work, commitments in the EIA
should be written in a manner which clearly provides the basis for an independent audit and also clarity
for the project proponent to ensure it is clear what they will be undertaking and when.
2 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
2.1 Introduction
Public participation and stakeholder involvement is an essential and integral part of the EIA process and
CAFTA-DR countries have adopted policies, regulations and procedures to require that this occurs
throughout the EIA process. Reviewers should ensure that minimum requirements are met, that key
stakeholders and important issues have not
been ignored or under-represented, and that
opportunities for effectively resolving
underlying conflicts are provided. The process
for engaging the public and other stakeholders
fails if it is undertaken as an afterthought or
poorly implemented or viewed as a one-time
event. Opening up real opportunities for
engagement by the public, local governments,
and interested and affected institutions
requires a degree of openness and disclosure
which can be uncomfortable for some who
fear that it might open the door to
unnecessary complication, higher costs and
loss of control. However, the clear lessons from failed public participation processes are just the
reverse: if the public is engaged early, and in an open and transparent manner, the process can help to
avoid both unnecessary conflict and potential financial hardship due to project delays and occasionally
even permit denial. This chapter will refer to public and stakeholder involvement interchangeably, but
requirements for and the timing of participation for different subgroups may vary.
Section B2 addresses requirements for public
participation. Included in this chapter are:
1.
2.
3.
Requirements for participation;
Methods for identifying and engaging
affected and interested publics; and
Reporting on and responsiveness to public
comments.
2.2 Requirements for Public Participation
Public participation requirements of individual countries should be identified and followed. Because
there is no easy formula for describing what is required to be successful in a given situation, legal
requirements for public participation are formulated as minimum requirements of law, and generally do
not reflect best practices designed to meet the full goals of public participation as an ongoing process.
To address the need to tailor a public participation plan to the circumstances some CAFTA DR countries
require that the project proponent develop and implement such a plan. The EIA should document the
steps taken to meet requirements and overall goals of public participation including: when, who was
involved, what the comments were and how they were considered.
Reviewers should carefully examine:
Were requirements for public participation identified and complied with?
Was timing of public notice sufficient to allow meaningful comment?
What documents and information were disclosed and when?
Are there obvious concerned publics that were not involved and consulted?
Were opportunities to address public concerns and information overlooked?
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Public participation requirements may include:
General Requirements to include the public in the EIA process
Public Notification: Rules about the use of media to announce the EIA process and the points of
participation for the public and requirements for the Ministry or the owner/developer to announce
the public consultations in national and local media. Public participation and consultation ideally
should be initiated at the scoping stage of the EIA process, before steps are taken to prepare the
EIA document. This can be accomplished through a public notice of intent to prepare an EIA for a
specific action. Such a notice of intent should include a description of the proposal and describe
how the public may participate in the process
Public Consultation: Rules about the consultations and observations that the public presents
Public Disclosure: Requirements that the Ministry or the owner/developer publish the EIA for
review during the public consultations
Public Written Comment: Requirements for the public to have the opportunity to submit written
comments to the Ministry and the owner/developer in addition to the consultations.
Requirements may specify whether solicitation of comments from the public should take place in
formal public hearings, or may allow or encourage informal workshops or information sessions
Public Hearings: Most laws on public participation provide for the opportunity for a public hearing.
This is a formal legal process with little opportunity, if at all, for give and take discussion on
options, alternatives and assumptions. It is for that reason it is considered by most experts on
public participation to be the least effective means for actual public involvement
Consideration of Public Comments: Requirements for public comments to be considered in the
review by the government if they have a sound basis
Allocation of costs: Rules about who needs to pay, i.e. the owner/developer generally should pay
for the consultations with some exception where the Ministry pays.
2.3 Methods for Identifying and Engaging Affected and Interested Public
Successful public participation processes are
built upon plans developed and tailored to a
specific project or program. This section
addresses: (1) the identification of
stakeholders, taking into account the goals
and objectives of the specific project or
program that is being analyzed in the
assessment and the potential issues of
concern; and (2) methods, or the tools and
techniques to engage the identified
stakeholders, when those tools are
employed, including roles and
responsibilities.
2.3.1 Stakeholder Identification
Project proponents and their consultants
should make a diligent effort to identify and
engage individuals and groups both within
and outside of government who
Potential stakeholders to be considered:
persons living and working in the vicinity of the project
o individual citizens with specific interests
o local residents and property owners
o local businesses and schools
local, provincial, tribal, and national governmental
agencies, including regulators and those responsible for
infrastructure such as roads, water, solid waste
citizen, civic, or religious groups representing affected
communities
NGOs with specific interests
environmentalists and conservation groups interested in
protection and management of sensitive ecosystems and
protected areas
recreational users and organizations
farmers, fishermen, and others who utilize a potentially
affected resource
industry groups such as fisheries, forestry, and mining
technical experts
low income, minority, people who may be
disproportionately affected
indigenous peoples
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might either be affected by or interested in a proposed project and its potential impacts. The
geographic scope should include the areas in and around the project, from the perspective of both
political and natural resource boundaries, in other words, the full geographic scope of each of the
natural and human resources potentially affected by the proposed action. Identifying the specific issues
presented by a proposed project or program will help to reveal the key stakeholders, and the
stakeholders also will help to identify issues for analysis. Additional stakeholders will be discovered
throughout the entire assessment process and should be included in subsequent public participation
activities.
2.3.2 Engagement Methods and Timing
A variety of tools and techniques can be utilized during the public process depending upon the level of
public participation sought, which can range from merely providing information to working in a
collaborative relationship. Although laws and regulations might only require a formal public hearing,
"talking at the public" is not a substitute for active listening. That is why public hearings are historically
poor ways to engage the public, and it is best to augment formal procedures with other processes to
enable the give and take of dialogue and discussion. Cultural nuances may make other types of
outreach helpful and informative, such as home visits with elders or people who do not trust public
meetings.
Three consistent lessons learned for effective public participation process are to:
Adapt the process to meet the needs of the circumstances
Reach out to and understand the audience
Start early in the EIA process
To be effective, public participation should be tailored to the particular audiences and meet the goals of
the specific public engagement or communication, and those goals should be clear. Communications
which are early, clear and responsive both to information provided and concerns raised are essential to
build trust. The selection and timing of methods used to engage stakeholders and the broader public
should result in: a) encouragement to offer information important to assessing impacts and developing
alternatives, b) transparency about what is proposed, its potential impacts and means of addressing
them, and c) a clear message to all members of the public that their input is important and useful
throughout the EIA process.
Scoping occurs early in the EIA process to identify key issues, and to focus and bound the assessment.
Many of the CAFTA-DR countries require project proponents and their consultants to engage the public
during this phase, before beginning work on the EIA. Scoping typically is conducted in a meeting or
series of meetings involving the project proponent, the public, and the responsible government
agencies. The structure of the meetings may vary depending on the nature and complexity of the
proposed action and on the number of interested participants. Small-scale scoping meetings might be
conducted like business conferences, with participants contributing in informal discussions of the issues.
Large-scale scoping meetings might require a more formal atmosphere, like that of a public hearing,
where interested parties are afforded the opportunity to present testimony.
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Other types of scoping meetings could
include "workshops," with participants in
small work groups exploring different
alternatives and designs. Meetings may
need to include interpreters to translate
information for people who do not speak
the language in which the meeting is being
conducted, as is the case with all
procedural and analytical stages of the EIA
process.
2.4 Reporting on and
Responsiveness to Public
Comments
Public input should be reflected in changes
in the assessment, the project or program,
or to commitments for mitigation. Project
proponents should document specific
steps taken to engage the public and other
stakeholders, and the timing of those
engagements, both before preparing the
EIA and during its development. Included
in the annexes of the EIA should be a
summary of public outreach activities,
audience, number of persons,
organizations involved, concerns raised,
responses to comments and, if required, actual copies of written comments received. Reporting on
comments obtained through any of the methods identified above should be sufficiently clear to enable
an EIA reviewer and the public to assess responsiveness to comments, including whether they were
understood, whether they were found to be appropriate or not and why, and if appropriate, what
actions were taken to respond to them and whether those actions are sufficient to fully address the
concerns. Several approaches might be acceptable to summarize or include actual transcripts and
copies of oral and written comments and to demonstrate responsiveness through narrative, tables and
cross-references to specific changes.
Public participation tools often used in an EIA process:
public meetings
public hearings
small group meetings or workshops
community advisory panels
news releases, newsletters with public comment forms, fact
sheet, flyers
media - feature stories, interviews, public service
announcements
project/program Web sites
public comment periods soliciting written comment letters
information repositories or clearinghouses
speakers bureaus
surveys
mailing lists
briefings by and for public officials
use of social networking such as facebook, twitter, etc.
There are several guidelines that have been developed by the
CAFTA DR countries (e.g. Guatemala) and international
organizations concerning the planning and implementation of
public participation which are noted in the reference list. Public
Participation Tool Kits are available from EPA in different
languages at http://www.epa.gov/international/toolkit and
from the International Association for Public Participation at
http://iap2.affiniscape.com/associations/4748/files/06Dec T
oolbox.pdf Also see
http://www.epa.gov/care/library/community culture.pdf
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C. PROJECT AND ALTERNATIVES DESCRIPTION
C. PROJECT AND ALTERNATIVES DESCRIPTION
1 INTRODUCTION
Environmental Impact Assessment starts with the
description of the project to provide the context
and sufficient detail about all the components of
the project to support a credible assessment of
impacts for both the proposed actions and
reasonable and feasible alternatives. This section
contains some of the most important information
of the EIA since it provides the core data for
forecasting potential environmental impacts, and
for reducing, eliminating or mitigating those
impacts.
The main elements of the description of the
proposed project and alternatives should include:
Purpose and need: A clear and concise
statement with supporting information
on the justification and objectives of the
project
Description of the proposed project
detailing:
o how it meets the purpose and need
o facility and engineering design
details in sufficient detail to support
an accurate identification and
assessment of impacts
o coverage of all phases of the project
both in chronological time from site
preparation to construction to
operation to closure and also phases
if there are plans to increase the
capacity at later points in time
o expected physical releases into the
environment
Description of project alternatives: an
identification of alternatives for meeting
the purpose and need, which are
economically and technically feasible,
and sufficient detail for the most
ENGINEERING DESIGN
Whether a sand and gravel operation or a major gold mine,
appropriate environmental practices for a mining operation
begin with an appropriate engineering design. This design
should take into account:
The mining method - albeit surface, underground,
in-situ or dredging
Processing
The disposal of waste rock and tailings
Transportation facilities
Water control - surface and groundwater
Mine support facilities
The final restoration plan
Post-closure facilities and activities
Manpower needs
The ultimate goal of the design is to provide a blueprint for the
mine to operate in an environmentally and economically
appropriate fashion while restoring the land to its intended land
use.
Engineering design in an EIA should present a clear
understanding as to how the mine is going to operate from start
to finish. Flow charts should show the path of the ore from
removal through collection, transportation, and beneficiation
and other processing, and load-out and delivery. Maps and
plan views should be developed to show the layout of the mine
and processing facilities. The design should show year by year
activities as the mine expands and restoration takes place.
Activities to take place during the first five years should be
presented in detail as well as a general approach for various
activities for the "life of mine."
Metal Mine Design
Mine layout
Pit wall stability
Processing
Water control and
treatment (ARD)
Chemical
management
Haul roads
Heap leach, waste
rock and tailings
dam design
Noise reduction
Final restoration-
pit lake, grading
post-closure
Non-metal Mine
Design
Pit wall stability
River conditions
for dredging
operations
Erosion and
sediment control
Spill prevention
and control
Access roads
Topsoil and
Overburden
handling
Noise reduction
Final restoration
appropriate and representative alternatives to permit comparative assessment of impacts.
This can include modifications to the proposed project or entirely different projects to meet
the purpose and need.
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Documentation of the economic viability of the proposed project.
The proposed engineering design would already include information describing the design and
operation of a proposed mining project and its alternatives. Usually, by the time an EIA is being
prepared, much of the preliminary planning and engineering design have been completed by the
proponent to prove economic feasibility. The designs and construction plans may not be detailed
enough for actual construction and implementation, but all aspects of the plan will have been
contemplated and preliminary power generation or transmission system designs will have been
prepared and compiled. The plan likely will also contain information on support facilities and labor
needs.
2 DOCUMENTATION OF PURPOSE AND NEED
In describing the underlying purpose and need, the EIA should be more specific than assertions that
more mined minerals might be needed. The assessment of impacts will be different based on the
responses to several questions that need to be made clear in the EIA:
Who needs the materials and for what purpose?
Where is the mined material needed and what form(s) must it take to meet the need?
How much mined material is needed and when are different quantities and quality
needed?
What are the levels of uncertainty in the assessment of needs?
The purpose and need description also should help to explain whether the proposed project is a new
project, an expansion or a replacement/maintenance of an existing project, and whether and why the
project might be phased in overtime and this information is an important aspect of the project
description. It will also help to clarify for the project description who the intended audience is for the
mined material being generated and/or distributed, i.e. will it be for local use or for users at a distance?
Will it be used domestically or exported to other countries?
3 PROJECT AND ALTERNATIVES DESCRIPTION
This section of the EIA should provide Information on the proposed project and alternatives sufficient
not only to describe how they meet the purpose and need but as a basis for identifying and assessing
their impact(s). This project description should include the nature, size and type of project and all
related facilities and activities, its design, construction, operation, site design and land area, subsequent
anticipated expansion and closure as well as the profile of direct releases into the environment,
employment, resource and waste streams, related transportation and the like, which are elaborated
below. Additional detail on mining technology is provided in Appendix A.
The Project Description section of the EIA should begin with an overview of the proposed activities and a
general description of background information to place the proposed mining activities in context.
Overview information includes a general description of the overall mining activity including
identification of each component, mining activity layout, schematic of the mining operation, ore and
waste flowcharts, initial construction sequencing, life of the mining operation, general location, and
access. Background information includes pre-mining land uses, land ownership, ore body geologic
information, and applicable laws, regulations and best practices. In addition, other alternatives should
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also be identified to the proposed actions. These could include "Do Nothing/' an alternative location, or
other actions as appropriate.
The general location and access should be presented on an overview map, which places the activity in its
geographic context. The mining activity layout should show the various locations of the mining
operation components such as the mine, processing sites/facilities, disposal sites, transportation,
ancillary facilities, etc. This information should be presented in a scale that allows the reviewer to
understand each component in relationship to the other components, including natural features such as
topography, existing structures and communities, water bodies, wetlands, and flood plains. This context
helps in assessing appropriate placement of proposed facilities. A simple summary table showing the
type, quantity and size of each component can also be useful for understanding the general context of
the operation.
Flow charts should show the path of the ore from removal through collection, transportation,
beneficiation and other processing, and load-out and delivery. The flow charts should include the flow
of waste material from generation through treatment and disposal. Applicable mining and
environmental regulations and Best Available Practices should be cited in this section.
Initial construction sequencing should be presented, including the scheduling of construction for the
various components of the mining operation including roads, repair shops, warehouses and other
support facilities, power sources and transmission lines, water sources and conveyances, material
handling systems, processing facilities, mine development, etc.
Information on the geology of the ore body provides necessary background for understanding the
proposed mining and processing. Information on the local and regional geological setting should be
included in the "Environmental Setting" section of the EIA, but information on the ore body, as it relates
to the design and sequencing or phasing of the mine, should be presented in this section. This
information includes:
Geology of mine area
Cross-sections of the geology of the mine area including soil horizons
Spatial delineation of the mineralized area (ore body) including depth to the top of the
ore body.
Isopach maps of reserves
Types of rock, mineralization and any structural deformation by local folding and faulting
Grade of ore by region within the ore body
Types and quantities of ore that will be extracted and processed during different phases
of the project
Estimated quantities of final products to be produced, by product type and in ounces,
pounds or tons (as appropriate to the mineral)
Estimated quantities of waste rock and overburden to be disposed during different
phases of the project
3.1 Overall Project Description Information
Typically by the time an EIA is started much of the preliminary design work has been completed by the
project proponent to prove economic feasibility and support bankability of the project. The designs and
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construction plans may not be entirely complete but most if not all of the details required for
environmental impact assessment as noted above should be available.
Project Facilities should describe:
o Size
o Type of project
o Buildings to be constructed, their dimensions and building materials
o How will it be built, manpower, sources of materials, storage on or off site
o Employment for the project, where it will be coming from, level of skills
o Access rights
o Dimensions and land area affected
o Design on the site with maps and geospatial information (longitude and latitude)
Project Operations: The description should elaborate:
o Energy (fuel and renewable) sources
o Processing of energy sources to produce electricity as appropriate
o Technologies employed and their profile of air and water releases and waste streams
o Infrastructure plans to manage water, air and waste and resulting levels of release into
the environment
o Emissions, effluents, wastes and other physical factors resulting from construction and
operation of the power plant or transmission line
Initial construction sequencing should be presented, including the scheduling of construction
for the various components of the power generation or transmission line component. This
should include:
o Roads
o Repair shops
o Warehouses and other support facilities
o Power sources
o Pollution reduction and control systems
o Transmission lines to be accessed or built
o Water sources and conveyances
o Material handling systems
o Processing facilities, etc.
o Quantitative and qualitative information on the degree of site clearing and vegetation
removed from the site at any point in time, plans for sequencing site clearing and
resulting changes in plant cover and non-permeable surfaces for all phases
The project and its geographic, ecological, social, and temporal context includes any offsite
investments that may be required, for example:
o Dedicated and shared pipelines
o Access roads
o Sources of power for the operation
o Water supply
o Housing
o Raw material and product storage facilities
o The need for any plans for wastewater treatment
o The need for and any plans waste management
o Storage of fuels and hazardous materials
o Resettlement plan or indigenous peoples development plan
Detailed maps with site design and detailed topographical and special mapping relating the
proposed project to the geology of the project area: This will of course be an important
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element of the "Environmental Setting" section of the EIA. Information presented should
include, but not necessarily be limited to:
o Local and regional geology
o Soil characterizations
o Geotechnical zone
This information will be critical for superimposing on the baseline environment later to
estimate or predict the net environmental and socio-economic impact, which may ultimately
be positive, negative or neutral.
Transportation Information including the mode of transport location and the intensity of
transport from trucks, pipelines, ships, etc., including
o Transport of raw materials
o Transport of the mined materials, the intended users of the mined materials, and how
the minerals generated from a project will get to its intended users
Details on Engineering Design: The Project Description section of the EIA should use
engineering design plans to present detailed information about the proposed project.
3.2 Project Scope: All Project Phases and Related or Connected Actions
All mining projects include the following phases:
Design engineering
Environmental impact assessment and permitting
Site Preparation
Construction
Operation and maintenance
Possible expansions
Reclamation and Closure
All phases and details about them should be provided.
All related or connected actions should be addressed in the EIA. There may be different entities and
project proponents responsible for different aspects of proposed projects and alternatives. Even if there
are different entities involved the test is whether the proposed project X would still_be proposed if
another project Y were not also proposed. So, for example, if a mine project is proposed to provide
building materials for the building of a new road or a new hydroelectric dam the two projects should be
assessed at the same time either by cross referencing in separate EIA documents or within a single,
integrated document.
4 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES
4.1 Identification and Assessment
Consideration of alternatives is the "heart" of the EIA process and is a requirement of country EIA laws
and procedures to foster sustainable development and improved decision making to reconcile
economic, environmental and social concerns. This requirement to consider alternatives only pertains
to economically and technically feasible alternatives and usually only a subset of alternatives considered
would be taken to full analysis of impacts. Project evaluation should, at a minimum, include those as
well as a no-action alternative that provides a baseline for assessing the consequences of not taking the
proposed action. It does not mean that nothing will happen as a result of the project not moving
forward. Project alternatives offer opportunities to avoid or reduce adverse environmental, social and
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C. PROJECT AND ALTERNATIVES DESCRIPTION
economic impacts of the project. Given the public participation requirements of the EIA process, it
would also be important for the project proponent to solicit public comment on the proposed
alternatives analysis.
There are several issues to consider in determining the scope of alternatives that will need to be
addressed. All ElAs for mining should include:
Alternatives
Analyzing alternatives is important to exploring opportunities to avoid
environmental, social and economic concerns rather than just mitigate
them for a specific proposal. Alternatives are particularly important
given the significant potential impacts of mining projects. Alternatives
should include:
No action alternative: what happens in absence of the proposed
actions
Modified project
a) No Action Alternative: the
analysis of the no-action
alternative, which represents
the reasonable impacts,
projected into the future, of
not taking the proposed action.
What would happen in the
future if the proposed project
or action is not approved or
withdrawn?
b) Reasonable technically and
economically feasible project
options that would reduce
potential adverse
environmental and
socioeconomic impacts such as
alternative designs,
technology, site design and facility design options for the project location including proposals
by stakeholders, for modifications or new project options posing lower impact.
4.2 Alternative Methods of Mining
The mining method may be surface or open-pit, underground, or in-situ. The mining method will be
determined largely by the physical characteristics of the ore body and geology such as depth to the ore
body, surface topography, geologic structure and location. The mining method should be substantiated
by the project proponent in terms of these characteristics.
alternative size and sequencing of the project
alternative location/sites
alternative site design/facility design or use
alternative site access, storage
alternative and combined energy mix
Alternative Project
o alternative technologies
o alternative energy source or fuel mix
o alternative connections to related infrastructure
o alternative project at alternative location or site
Detailed design information, including site plans, should be provided. The type of information that
should be included for surface or open-pit and underground mining is summarized in Table C-l.
Table C-l: Information included in the Proposed Engineering Design
Component
Surface or Open-pit Mining
Underground Mining
Mine Design
Benches (sizes by year)
Slopes (stability, angles and lengths)
Area and depth by year (table and map)
Map showing mining sequence
Typical pit cross-section (showing
stripping/benching)
Transport/access ramps and in-mine roads
Pit backfilling sequences
Detailed descriptions of method
Sloping
Cut and fill
Room and pillar
Slock caving
Location of the shafts (primary and secondary)
Map showing tunnel extensions by year
Roof support
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C. PROJECT AND ALTERNATIVES DESCRIPTION
Table C-l: Information included in the Proposed Engineering Design
Component
Clearing and
Grubbing
Excavation
Hauling
Water and
Dewatering
Equipment
Onsite Support
Facilities
Operations
Other
Associated
Appendices
Surface or Open-pit Mining
Area by year
Methods
Topsoil stockpiling
Disposal or salvaging of debris
Methods
Blasting program and schedule
Haul road construction map and specifications
Estimated quantities by year:
Ore
Overburden
Waste Rock
Water supply (needs, quantity, source,
treatment, storage and transport)
Dewatering (how, quantity, predicted cone of
depression, transport, treatment, and disposal)
See Water Facilities section below for other
water components
Roster, specifying type and quantity by: size,
motor size, and fuel requirements for each
activity:
Clearing and grubbing
Excavation
Hauling
o Vehicles (plus average trips per day)
o In-pit conveyors
Personnel transport
Dewatering
Dust control
Power generation
Offices, storage, machinery housing, repair
shops, fuel stations, etc. (Design specifics in
Mining Facility section)
Designs of facilities (including containment and
emergency response provisions)
. Fuel
Explosives
Hazardous materials
Hours per day
Shifts per day
Lighting if nighttime operations are proposed
(including source of energy)
Health and Safety
Dust control measures
Water and air quality monitoring
Slope Stability Analysis
Underground Mining
Area by year
Methods
Topsoil stockpiling
Disposal or salvaging of debris
Methods
Blasting program and schedule
Haul road construction map and specifications
Estimated quantities by year:
Ore
Waste Rock
Water supply (needs, quantity, source,
treatment, storage and transport)
Dewatering (how, quantity, predicted cone of
depression, transport, treatment, and disposal)
See Water Facilities section below for other
water components
Roster, specifying type, size, quantity and fuel
requirements (type and quantity) for each
activity:
Clearing and grubbing
Excavation
Hauling
oVehicles (plus average trips per day)
oln-mine conveyors
o Lifts
Personnel transport
To mine entrance
Inside mine
Dewatering
Dust control
Ventilation
Power generation
Compressed air
Offices, storage, repair shops, fuel stations,
machinery housing, lifts, etc. (may be elaborated
in Mining Facility section)
Designs of facilities (including containment and
emergency response provisions)
. Fuel
Explosives
Hazardous materials
Hours per day
Shifts per day
Lighting (including source of energy)
Mine communications
Health and Safety
Dust control
Subsidence monitoring
Water and air quality monitoring
Roof Stability Analysis
Subsidence Prediction Study
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The engineering design for a quarry is much the same as for an open-pit mine but usually on a
smaller scale. Basic facets for design include:
Site preparation - top soil removal, runoff control, erosion and sediment control, etc.
Haul and access road construction - grade control, runoff control, erosion and sediment
control, and dust control.
Blasting and excavation - pit design, erosion and sediment, dust, fumes and exhaust, and
accidental spills.
Crushing and sizing - dust and noise control.
Closure - grading and revegetation.
BLAST VIBRATION REDUCTION
(For noise, dust and debris control)
Blasting generates both ground and air vibrations. A blasting plan for each mine should be based on site-specific conditions to reduce
noise and vibrations that may cause disturbances potentially harmful to structures, humans and wildlife. Steps that should be taken
include:
Provide safety protocols and ensure their use during blasting operations such as safety zones to prevent unauthorized entry, warning
signals to alarm nearby workers and residents of impending blasts and all clear signals to note when the area is safe to reenter.
Conduct blasting only during hours agreed to in consultation with local communities.
Limit the size of explosive charges to minimize vibrations.
* Confine explosive charges to allow for natural attenuation to reduce-noise and dust or debris at the source and impacts to nearby
residents.
Enclose or shield sources of noise from blasting, including measures such as the construction of berms around the site.
Ensure that blasts do not exceed acceptable national or international vibration criteria -by way of example limit ground vibrations to
below 12.5 mm/s (peak particle velocity) and limit air vibrations to 133 dB.
Implement a monitoring program to assess the effectiveness of these measures against national or International standards so that the
need for improvements in noise and vibration reduction can be identified and implemented. Use monitoring equipment compliant
with the International Society of Explosives Engineers standard "Performance Specifications for Blasting Seismographs."
Additional information on blasting rules, regulation and research is available at the United States Office of Surface Mining Reclamation
and Enforcement web site at http://www.arblast.osmre.gov/
4.3 Dredging
When sand and gravel is excavated using dredging, other factors should be considered in the
engineering design. These include:
1. Operational plan - including areas to be dredged, operational hours, procedures to be used
when woody debris and fallen trees are encountered, daily and weekly operating
frequencies, average upstream dredge movement, and time necessary to dredge the entire
area
2. Equipment roster
3. River or shoreline access - including stream bank disturbance; erosion control; timing and
extent of clearing, grubbing and other disturbance to the riparian vegetation; and
temporary stream crossings (design and materials). Stream beds should not be used as
transportation routes for construction equipment.
4. River diversions and flood control - including instream berms
5. Transportation plan
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6. Off loading and storage areas - Often barges are used to transport the sand and gravel to a
port-these port facilities need to be designed properly.
7. Waste disposal - Certain fractions of the sand may be difficult to market and may have to
be treated as waste. Material should not be placed in a location or manner so as to impair
surface water flow into or out of any wetland area. Dredged material should not be stored
or stockpiled on the gravel bed, streambed or stream banks. In addition, litter,
construction debris, and construction chemicals exposed to stormwater should be
managed and picked up prior to potential storm events (e.g., forecasted by local weather
reports), or otherwise prevented from becoming a pollutant source for stormwater
discharges (e.g., screening outfalls, daily pick-up, etc.).
8. Sediment control plan - Sediment should be prevented from entering the stream. Erosion
and sediment controls should be designed according to the size and slope of disturbed or
drainage areas to detain runoff and trap sediment and should be properly selected,
installed, and maintained in accordance with good engineering practices. Erosion and
sediment control measures should be place and functional before earth moving operations
begin, and should be constructed and maintained throughout the construction period.
This includes temporary measures, which could be removed at the beginning of the work
day, but should be replaced at the end of the work day.
9. Material Management and Spill Prevention plans - including measures to ensure that all
materials used are free of contaminants, petroleum products or other chemical pollutants
are prevented from entering water, and spills are immediately addressed and prevented
from polluting of water
10. Restoration Plan - including timing and plans for removal of structures, removal of
materials used for the temporary crossing, recontouring, and restoration and stabilization
of stream banks
4.4 In-situ Mining
Solution or in-situ mining entails pumping a chemical solution via a system of injection wells into intact
rock to dissolve the metals from the ore body, and then pumping the pregnant solution out through a
system of extraction wells. The product is then recovered through further processing. The process
varies with the type of host rock and ore. In-situ mining can be used to extract water-soluble salts (using
water), uranium (using acid or a carbonate such as sodium bicarbonate), and copper (using acid). In-situ
mining is not particularly relevant to CAFTA DR countries and so is generally not covered in this
guideline. Some of the information that should be included in the Proposed Engineering Design for in-
situ mining is the same as for other mining methods, including clearing and grubbing, equipment
rosters, onsite support facilities, power needs, operating needs and health and safety programs. Other
design components, however, are unique to in-situ mining. These include injection and pumping rates,
recovery and monitoring well locations and designs, chemical specifications, injection and recovery
program, etc.
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5 PROCESSING
5.1 Beneficiation Facilities
Beneficiation facilities and processes are dependent on the type of ore being mined. Typical
beneficiation includes one or a combination of the following processes: crushing; milling; washing;
filtration; sorting; sizing; magnetic separation; pressure oxidation; flotation; leaching; gravity
concentration; and agglomeration (pelletizing, sintering, briquetting, or nodulizing).
The Engineering Design should identify each type of beneficiation that will be used for the proposed
project and alternatives. It should present a schematic of the beneficiation processes including means
of transport between steps and an elaboration of the flow charts presented in the overview, with more
details for ore, other inputs and waste flows through the processing facilities. For each type of
processing and means of transport, detailed designs should be presented including individual facility
schematics (showing locations and sizes of component parts) and design and operational details. The
design and operational details for each unit should include:
Area to be temporarily disturbed during construction and occupied by the facility,
Clearing and grubbing, including disposal of debris,
Construction activities, including timing,
Volumes of ore to be treated per unit of time (e.g., tons per day),
Volumes of waste (solid and liquid) to be generated per unit of time (e.g., tons per day),
Equipment roster specifying type and quantity by: size, motor size, and fuel requirements
for each type of equipment (including power generation equipment),
Chemical additives (types, volumes/time, recovery, etc.),
Chemical composition of aqueous solutions,
Containment structures for processes using aqueous solutions,
Water use requirements,
Wastewater treatment facilities,
Air emission controls,
Health and safety,
Dust control plan (construction and operation),
Water and air quality monitoring programs.
Leaching methods include tank or vat, dump, and heap operations. For dump and heap
leaching operations, in addition to the information listed above, detailed design
information is required for the containment provisions for the dumps and heaps,
including liner design, stability analysis of each structure, construction and design details
of each structure (dimensions, volume, slopes) by year, and conveyance of leaching
solutions to and recovery of pregnant solutions from these containments.
This section should also identify all onsite support facilities (offices, laboratories, warehouses, etc.) in
the beneficiation area, although the details of those facilities can be described in the Mining Facilities
section.
5.2 Mineral Processing
Mineral processing may occur onsite and is specific to the metal being mined. For example for copper
processing, there may be smelters or solvent extraction and electrowinning (SX-EW) plants. Designs,
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operating program, construction, waste stream analysis and basically the same type of information
required for beneficiation facilities should be included in the Proposed Engineering Design for these
facilities. For smelters, the design should include controls for stack and fugitive air emissions.
6 STOCKPILES, DUMPS AND TAILINGS
Disturbed rock and earth from mines are major sources of dust, erosion, sedimentation and
contamination, especially acid rock drainage, which is widely associated with metals mining. This
section of the Engineering Design should include information describing ore stockpiles, tailings (reagent
residue), dumps and piles, waste rock dumps, and any heap leach areas that are part of the mine design.
The design details should include:
Location of all stockpiles, dumps, and tailings structures
Clearing and grubbing, including disposal of debris
Engineering design of structures, including dump foundations and drainage structures,
and justification for the design
Transport ramps onto structures
Stability analysis of each structure
Construction and design details of structure (dimensions, volume, slopes) by year
Chemical and physical characterization of materials in tailings, dumps and piles
Potential for pollutants and contaminants
Design to prevent pollution and contamination (water, air, and direct contact)
Equipment roster specifying type and quantity by: size, motor size, and fuel requirements
for each type of equipment
Water and air quality monitoring programs
Location and design of monitoring wells and air monitors
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TAILINGS MANAGEMENT DESIGN
There are several components to be included in an engineering design for tailings. These include:
Physical and chemical characteristics of the tailings material, including metal leaching and acidic drainage
potential, as well as the potential for liquefaction; hydrology and hydrogeology, including local climatic
conditions and extreme weather events (projections of increased extreme weather events as a result of global
climate change should also be included);
Foundation geology and geotechnical considerations, as well as seismic data and earthquake risk;
Viability and characteristics of construction materials;
Topography of the tailings management facility and adjacent areas;
Maximize retention time of waste water to allow for settling of suspended solids and the natural degradation
of contaminants such as ammonia and cyanide;
Long-term monitoring and inspection of containment structures for tailings management facilities;
Long-term stability even during adverse climatic conditions (hurricanes, etc.). Stringent engineering standards
should be employed including having structure withstand a probable maximum flood (PMF) event and being
designed to remain structurally stable in the event of a maximum credible earthquake (MCE).
Measures to prevent wildlife exposure to contaminated tailings ponds and seepage;
A discussion on whether wet tailings or dry tailing disposal is best method to be used for the particular site
(for information of these two methods of tailings disposal please see the following webpages:
> Dry Tailings
http://www.rosemontcopper.com/assets/docs/reports/Tailings Dry Stacks White Paper.pdf
http://www.bape.gouv.qc.ca/sections/mandats/Mines Malartic/documents/PRS.l annexe7K-l.pdf
> Wet tailings
http://www.epa.gov/osw/nonhaz/industrial/special/mining/techdocs/tailings.pdf
> Thickened Tailings
http://findarticles.eom/p/articles/mi qa5382/is 200712/ai n21302540/
Additional tailings management can be found on the GARD webpage:
http://www.gardguide.com/index.php/Chapter 6
7 TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES
In-mine transport and dump/pile access ramps should be addressed in the Mining Methods and
Stockpiles, Dumps and Tailings sections of the Engineering Design, but other onsite transport facilities
should be addressed in this section, including onsite roads, train, tram, conveyors, and waterways. If
the mine will require new access routes, these should also be included in this section. This section
should contain a map of transportation routes that will be constructed and maintained by the mining
operation, indicating the type and size of each route as well as the timing of its construction.
7.1 Roads
There are several types of onsite roads used in mining: primary and secondary roads used forhaul roads
and mine and facility access and smaller roads used for accessing remote sites for monitoring. For each
of these roads, the Engineering Design should include maps and specific design information including:
Timing of construction
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Road surface and shoulder width and barriers
Grade specifications
Construction methods including clearing and grubbing
Construction materials (if waste rock will be used, include geochemical specifications it
should meet, e.g., net neutralizing potential to acid generating potential should be at
least 3:1)
Compaction specifications
Stream crossings and associated designs
Sedimentation and erosion prevention structures and practices
Stabilization methods for cuts and fills
Operations program with traffic volume, operating speeds and trip times
Typical elevations should be provided for each type and situation of road displaying construction
materials, levels of compaction and erosion and sedimentation features. This section should also
include the following general information about the road system:
Dust control measures for construction and operation
Maintenance measures
Roster for construction and maintenance equipment, specifying type and quantity by:
size, motor size, and fuel requirements for each type of equipment
7.2 Transportation by Rail
If a railroad is to be constructed, information will need to be provided concerning its construction and
alignment, including a map of its location. Necessary design criteria include:
Timing of construction
Roadbed width
Roadbed construction method including clearing and grubbing
Roadbed materials
Grade and maximum grade
Tightest curves
Track construction materials
Turnouts and sidings
Railroad communications and signaling
Designs, including typical elevations of:
o Road crossings
o Stream crossings and associated designs
o Sedimentation and erosion prevention structures and practices
Stabilization methods for cuts and fills
Maintenance
Dust control measures during construction
Borrow pits
o Location and size (area and volume of material)
o Operation
o Sedimentation and erosion controls
o Closure plan
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Construction equipment roster specifying type and quantity by: size, motor size, and fuel
requirements for each type of equipment
An operations program should address traffic volume, operating speeds and trip times. The train itself
should be described in terms of the type and amount of cars and locomotives, the overall length, the
average tons per car and per train, the number of trips per week it would be operated.
If an existing railroad is to be used, improvements and changes to the existing operations will need to be
indicated in terms of the aspects outlined in the above paragraphs.
7.3 Conveyors
Conveyors play an important role in mining for transporting materials. In-mine and in-pit conveyors
should be addressed in the Mining Methods section. Some mines, however, use overland conveyors
moving materials from the mine to the beneficiation facility or even to a load-out facility for
transportation from the mine to its destination. Maps showing the locations of these conveyors and
complete design details, including source of energy for operation and dust control measures, should be
included in this section. Where conveyors cross water bodies, conveyors should be covered to prevent
water contamination.
7.4 Barges and Waterways
Ore may be shipped by barges which will require a complete description of design, construction, and
operation of loading docks as well as rosters of boats used to move barges, specifying type and quantity
by: size, motor size, and fuel requirements.
8 WATER-CONTROL FACILITIES
Water control is a cross-cutting issue for mining and thus warrants its own section in the Engineering
Design. This section should include information on design, construction and maintenance of
appropriate water-control measures including stream relocations, collection ditches and sedimentation
ponds, diversions, culverts and activities that would minimize erosion and sedimentation. The design
should address run-on, runoff and seepage. The type of information that should be provided for each
type of facility is detailed in each subsection.
8.1 Sediment and Water-Control Facility
Location of all facilities
An analysis showing that the smallest amount of land as possible will be disturbed at one
time
Methods to reduce runoff, run-on, sedimentation and erosion
Method of retaining sediment
Method for diverting runoff from the disturbed areas
Method for diverting surface water, including stormwater, around the disturbed area
Method for preventing seepage
Method for treating and maintaining roads for reducing runoff, erosion, and dust
All supporting engineering designs, methodology and justification for methodology
Methods for closure and restoration
Monitoring and maintenance plans
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8.2 Temporary Ponds and Permanent Impoundments
Number of each type of impoundment
Location, size and capacity of each structure
Material to be used, and its source
Use of each structure
Design, design criteria and justification
Engineering drawings
Water discharge treatment facilities
Methods for closure and restoration
Monitoring and maintenance programs
8.3 Culverts, Dikes and Diversions
Number of each type of structure
Location and size of each structure
Methodology for design
Typical construction: cuts, fills, materials and their sources, compaction
Timing of construction
Typical elevations
Grades for diversions
Methods for closure and restoration
Monitoring and maintenance programs
8.4 Groundwater Management
Dewatering requirements-volume
Dewatering well locations, pumping requirements for each well, electricity requirements,
staging of activities, and discharge pipeline design
Water chemistry and water treatment requirements
Discharge location for dewater systems
Methodology for design - groundwater model and projected drawdowns
Monitoring and maintenance programs
9 MINE SUPPORT FACILITIES
Mining operations will have many ancillary structures such as office, toilet facilities, bath houses,
laboratories, shops, vehicle maintenance areas, warehouses, storage buildings, storage areas, power
generation and transmission facilities, and fueling facilities. These may be located at the mine,
processing facilities, and loading and unloading areas, or in a separate area. The mine may also have
employee housing and support facilities (stores, restaurants, recreational facilities, etc.). Many of these
facilities will require water systems, sewage treatment facilities and solid waste collection and disposal.
Some of them, such as vehicle maintenance, storage areas, power generation, and fueling facilities, may
generate hazardous wastes including solvents, lubricants, hydraulic fluids, anti-freeze, spent tires and
wash water. Others, such as warehouses, storage buildings and fueling stations may store hazardous
products (fuels, chemicals and explosives) that will require containment and emergency procedures.
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Non-Metal and Metal Mining
The Engineering Design should include a description of each type of facility including its location, design,
and associated services (water, sewage, solid waste disposal, etc.). It should include a description of
areas that will be temporarily disturbed during construction as well as those areas that will be occupied
by the facilities. It should detail how wastes from these facilities will be managed and disposed. It
should also include containment designs and emergency response provisions for all facilities in which
hazardous substances will be stored and handled as well as those that may generate hazardous wastes.
This section should also contain the mine:
Hazardous Waste Management Program
Solid Waste Management Program
Spill Prevention Program
10 RESTORATION AND CLOSURE PLAN
The Engineering Design should include a restoration plan describing the size of the area to be restored
and the plans and schedule for restoration. The restoration plan should include, but not be limited to,
the following types of structures:
Pits and quarries
Waste rock dumps
Stockpiles
Tailings impoundments
Heap leach pads
Solid waste disposal facilities
Facilities
Roads
Electrical structures
Water conveyance and treatment structures
The EIA should also discuss the restoration costs for each restoration activity and describe financial
assurance for the project to ensure funds will be available to close and restore the site by a third party if
the mine company cannot complete the job.
11 MANPOWER AND LOCAL PURCHASES
The Engineering Design should present information on the number and type of employees that will be
hired by the mine, during all phases of mine life, and the level at which the mine will be relying upon
local businesses to provide goods and services. This information is necessary for assessing the social
impacts of the proposed mine.
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D. ENVIRONMENTALSETTING
D. ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
1 INTRODUCTION
A detailed description of the "Environmental
Setting" for a mining project is an important
aspect of an Environmental Impact Assessment
(EIA). The information presented in the
Environmental Setting should not be
encyclopedic, but rather the specific, detailed
information that is necessary to predict impacts
and ultimately against which to monitor
impacts. Towards this end, this section should
include an environmental baseline for geology,
soils, surface water, groundwater, air quality,
climatic conditions, ecosystems, cultural and
historical resources, transportation, land use,
and socio-economic conditions that could be
affected by the alternatives under
consideration. This baseline aids in focusing
attention on critical environmental and
socioeconomic factors, understanding how the
mine might affect the environment, and
determining how best to avoid or mitigate
potential problems. In addition, description of
the current environment, adjusted by expected
changes in the absence of the proposed project,
aids in the determination of potential
cumulative environmental impacts that might
occur should there be other impact causing
activities to those same resources and how to
minimize these cumulative impacts.
2 GEOLOGY
Understanding the geology of a mine site is not
only important in development of the ore body
but also in understanding the environmental
setting for the EIA. The geology section should
provide information about the geologic
formations in which the mine will be located
and in the immediate vicinity of the mine. The
regional geology should be presented on a
topographic map on which the mine plan is
overlaid, to provide the geologic context of the
activities. Other geologic information for the
EIA includes:
ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
In order to predict potential impacts of a mining operation it
is important to have detailed information on the
environmental setting to provide conditions for:
Physical Environment
Geology and Soils
Surface and ground water
Air and climate
Noise and Vibration
Biological Environment
Vegetation/Flora
Fish and Wildlife/Fauna
Ecosystems (Terrestrial/Wetlands/Aquatic/Marine)
Endangered species and habitats
Protected Areas
Socio-Economic-Cultural Environment
Socioeconomic conditions
Socioeconomic Resources (including Tourism)
Social Infrastructure
Transportation
Land use
Cultural and historical resources
The details on how each of these is addressed in the EIA is
dependent on the complexity of the area, the nature of the
mining operation (small or large, in an urban environment or
rural, etc.), social issues and regulatory requirements. The
period of baseline data collection for water resources, air,
climate, and ecosystems (flora, fauna, wildlife, etc.) should
be significant enough so that determination of long-term
impacts can be made and may require data to be collected
over a period of one to five years.
Metal Mining
Special emphasis should be
given in the development of
baseline studies at metal
mines to provide
information needed to
assess the potential of
mining wastes to leach trace
metals into the environment
under acidic or non-acidic
conditions. Because of the
long-term implications of
acid rock drainage it is
especially important for the
mining company to follow
internationally recognized
procedures such as those
presented in the CARD
guide as attached to this
guideline.
SPECIAL CASE - River
Mining or Dredging
River mining or dredging can
have a profound effect on
rivers including downstream
water users, bridges, and
aquatic life. Baseline data
should include:
Base flow, peak flows,
and extent of flooding.
Bed load and suspended
sediment load
Flood plain delineation
Wetlands delineation
Water users-quantity
and quality of water
required for irrigation,
domestic, municipal, and
industrial use
Aquatic life-species and
diversification
Other pertinent
information
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A delineation of the geomorphology of the mine site and surrounding areas including the
topography, flood plains, and other features
A description of the regional geology - lithology and structure
Cross sections and descriptions of the formations, major geologic structures and
aquifers;
Descriptions of the stratagraphic sections that will be mined
Descriptions of all lithologic units to be encountered during mining including depositional
history, stratigraphy, and geomechanical properties
Description of the geochemistry of the various rock units (This information will be used
in the assessment of the potential for acid rock drainage (ARD) and acid mine drainage
(AMD), discussed in the following section.)
QUARRIES FOR SAND, GRAVEL, AND
OTHER CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
As with metallic ore mining, an understanding of the environmental setting for sand and gravel or other construction materials is
very important towards evaluating the potential environmental impact of the operation. Surface water, groundwater, and soil
resources should be understood thoroughly as well as the ecological, climatic, and socio-economic conditions. The two major
differences are that sand and gravel operations are often located near population centers and dredging operations can have more
impact on rivers and shorelines. In an urban setting, usually the two major concerns for a sand and gravel operation are dust and
noise. It is therefore important to develop the following information:
Baseline dust and noise levels
Wind direction and wind speed
Maps showing the locations of schools, businesses, churches, parks, historic and cultural places, etc.
For dredging operations, it is important to understand:
The flow and water quality characteristics of the river or stream, including sediment transport characteristics
The average time required to fill the dredge hole and how it could be affected by periods of low rainfall or low sediment
The length of stream permitted to dredge
Ocean currents if dredging operation is in the coastal zone
The type of materials in the sediments to be dredge including grain size and chemical nature
The geomorphology of the river, stream or coastal zone
Locations of wetlands
The nature of the aquatic ecosystem
Fish production and market
The geology, hydrology, soil, air quality, and ecology of dredge spoil sites
3 WASTE ROCK, WALL ROCK AND ORE CHARACTERISTICS
An important part of baseline studies is to characterize the geochemistry of the waste rock, wall rock
and ore in order to determine the potential for leaching of metals and other contaminants at the mine.
This includes the potential for acid rock drainage (ARD) and acid mine drainage (AMD) as well as the
potential for leaching under non-acidic conditions. This takes a thorough understanding of the geology
of the mine site including all stratigraphic layers to be encountered during the mining operation.
Waste rock, wall rock and ore should be analyzed for acid-base potential so that adequate systems can
be designed to manage runoff and seepage for waste dumps, stockpiles and tailings. Different types of
rock require different types of testing. For instance prediction of ARD for low-sulphide, low-
neutralization potential mine wastes is methodologically different from that for normal sulphidic mining
wastes and appropriate analytical methods should be chosen based on representative samples.
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In order for this evaluation to be meaningful, the sample material should be representative of the entire
range of material deposited in a waste disposal facility. To develop a representative sampling program,
the following factors should be considered within the mine area:
Lithological variation
Mineralogical variation
Extent of "sulfide" mineralization
Color variation
Degree of fracturing
Degree of oxidation
Extent of secondary mineralization
Drill core samples collected during initial ore body definition may be used for initial material
characterization. During exploration, a portion of the samples collected from those materials that have
been sent to the assay lab should be saved. In addition, samples should be saved from those materials
known to be waste. These materials should be composited based on those factors outlined above.
The number of representative samples is dependent on the size of the proposed mine and the spatial
variation and number of different lithologic units throughout the mine area of the waste material, and
based on the characterization of both waste and non-waste material. Table D-l is the minimum number
of samples for each lithologic unit that should be sampled to characterize rock that will be mined, as
suggested by Price and Errington (1994). Samples should be representative of each different type of
mineralogy (for example, addressing the range of hydrothermal and supergene alteration for each
lithology) (Maest,et al, 2005). It should be noted that this is considered a guideline and that any operation
should depend on professional judgment to ultimately determine the right number of samples.
Furthermore, sample compositing is not recommended unless the mined material is homogeneous in
size and composition (e.g., sulfides and carbonate homogeneously disseminated), and from a single
process (e.g., autoclaved and non-autoclaved tailings should not be composited) (Price and Errington,
1994; Maestetal, 2005).
Table D-l: Example of Recommended Minimum Number of Samples of Each Mineralogy Type for
Geochemical Characterization of Mined Materials for Potential Environmental Impact. (Price and
Errington, 1994).
Mass of Each Separate Mineralogy Type (tonnes)
< 10,000
< 100,000
< 1,000,000
10,000,000
Minimum number of samples
3
8
26
80
Several static and kinetic models have been developed to analyze the representative samples to
determine the potential for acid drainage. These include:
Static Acid Rock Drainage Tests
o Modified acid-base accounting (Lawrence, 1989)
o USEPA Standard acid-base accounting (Sobek et, 1978)
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o Net acid production test (Steffen, Robertson and Kirsten (B.C.) Inc. and B.C. Research
and Development, 1992)
o Net acid generation test (Steffen, Robertson and Kirsten (B.C.) Inc. and B.C. Research
and Development, 1992)
o Diagnostic mineralogy to identify: sulphur mineral speciation, non-iron bearing
sulphides, and the reactivity of sulphide minerals (Yager et al, 2008)
o BC Research Inc. Initial Test (chemical) Procedure for evaluating acid production
potential of ore and waste rock (Mills, undated)
o BC Research Inc. Confirmation Test Procedure (Mills, undated)
o Coastech Research Modified Biological Oxidation Test Procedure (Coastech)
o Lapakko Neutralization Potential Test Procedure (Mills, undated)
Kinetic Acid Rock Drainage Tests
o Controlled tests in the laboratory including:
Standard humidity cell testing (ASTM D5744-96)
Column leach testing (sub-aqueous, sub-aerial)
o Large Scale on-site weathering tests using test plots
The selection of the appropriate method is dependent of the nature of the material and should be based
on professional judgment. Although these tests should be conducted to provide information on the
Environmental Setting, it is important to note that these analyses are not a one time effort. Acid
generation potential models are not fully reliable, and life of mine ARD testing should be conducted to
be sure that ARD does not begin.
Mining waste streams such as tailings piles and phosphor gypsum stacks can also contain appreciable
quantities of radionuclides. The radioactivity of a representative sample of the waste rock, wall rock and
ore, measured as total radiation of a particular type, such as gross alpha or gross beta and the activities
of individual nuclides, should be tested and the results reported in this section of the EIA.
RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL
The potential for radiological contamination of air and water is usually at a minimum for most mining projects including
mining for precious metals and construction material. Even for uranium mining, whether open-pit or in-situ, environmental
concerns are much the same as any other type of mine. Uranium, itself, is not strongly radioactive. However, precautions
should be made to prevent release of radioactive substances into the environment. In initial baseline monitoring for any
type of mining, the operator should evaluate the potential for radiological substances at the mine sites. If necessary,
measurement of concentrations of radioactive materials occurring in biota, in soil and rocks, in air and in surface and ground
waters should be determined. If present, it may to necessary to "special handle" materials to minimize release of
contaminants into the environment. "Special materials "plans may have to be developed to control dust and sediment from
leaving the site as well as to provide monitoring programs to detect any releases. In addition, to ensure the health and
safety of workers, all workers would be required to wear radiological emission detection badges, and radiological detection
devices should be placed on all air monitoring equipment. For additional information see
http://www.epa.gov/rpdwebOO/tenorm/uranium.html.
For the EIA the following questions should be answered:
Is there a potential for ARD from the waste rock and stockpiled material?
o How was this determined?
o Were the tests appropriate and representative?
o How much rock is potentially acid-generating? How much is acid neutralizing?
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Will the wall rock produce ARD?
If there will be a post-mining pit lake, what will the water quality be during different
post-mining periods?
How erosive is the waste rock and stockpiles material?
Have leachability tests been performed on wastes for metals, metalloids, sulfates, and
other potential pollutants?
What are the likely contaminants and their concentrations from each rock type?
Have radionuclide levels been determined?
4 SOILS
A mining operation exposes soils to erosion (wind and water) and can be a source of contamination to
air and can be deposited on exposed soil and plant surfaces and in water bodies. During baseline data
collection it is important to collect information on the erosion potential of the soils, the chemical
composition of each soil type, and the availability and suitability of soils for use during restoration and
revegetation. If soil maps are available for the mine site, these should be presented and evaluated. If
not, a soil survey should be completed showing soil type, grain size distribution, engineering properties,
depth of various horizons, erosion potential, vegetative growth potential, etc. Particular care should be
given to studying tropical soil structure and chemistry since such soils are very sensitive to degradation.
Because metals naturally occur in all soils, background samples for total metals should be obtained for
later comparison for all metal mining proposals. Organic contaminants and certain inorganics such as
cyanide, are presumed not to be naturally occurring, and background sampling for these constituents is
seldom performed unless another source of contamination is suspected.
Basic questions that should be answered in the EIA process include:
Have soils in the mine project area been adequately characterized (location, uses,
classification, etc.)?
How much soil will be needed for restoration and revegetation, and will there be enough
suitable soil for these activities?
If not, where will soil be borrowed from?
If soil will not be suitable for successful restoration and revegetation, what amendments
will be needed and where/how will they be obtained?
Has the erosion potential for these soils been determined?
Is there enough soil information for runoff models and sediment transport models?
For metal mining, what are baseline concentrations of metals and other constituents?
5 SURFACE WATER
The Environmental Setting section should include an evaluation of surface water resources in the direct
vicinity of the mine. This should include the analysis of the watershed characteristics including water
quality, flow characteristics, soils, vegetation, and impervious cover. This information should be
included on topographic maps which should include all surface water resources and floodplains in the
cumulative impact area overlaid with the proposed mine facilities including all monitoring stations and
discharge points.
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All nearby rivers, streams, wetlands and other water bodies should be identified as well as the current
uses of the water. In addition, regional data and appropriate models should be used to determine
baseline rainfall, runoff and erosion characteristics as well as flooding characteristics of rivers and
streams nearby and adjacent to the mine. This information is important for siting of facilities out of the
floodplain and the design of diversion ditches, sediment ponds, and for water supply potential.
Watershed Approach
It is important to evaluate impacts of a mining operation in relation to the entire watershed.
Watershed management involves both the quantity of water (surface and ground water) available and
the quality of these waters. Understanding the impact of mining on both the quantity and quality of
water should take into account the cumulative impacts of other mines, different land uses, industry, etc.,
located in the same watershed.
A watershed-based mine discharge impact assessment approach would be similar to that related to
permitting a discharge using a watershed approach and consists of the following eight steps:
Determine the boundaries of the watershed
Determine the nature and extent of pollutants discharged throughout the watershed
Determine the potential additional pollutants discharge from the proposed mine
Identify stakeholders involved in and encourage their participation
Collect and analyze data for permit development
Develop permit conditions and documentation
Issue the discharge permit
Measure and report progress
For additional information of the watershed approach to discharge permitting please see:
http://www.nesc.wvu.edu/pdf/WW/publications/pipline/PL FA06.pdf
An important aspect of an EIA is the development and presentation of baseline surface water
monitoring data, which should be collected prior to disturbance. All existing historic water quality and
flow data for the project impact area (including the cumulative impact area) should be collected and
compiled to help define the baseline. These data should be augmented by the results of a surface water
monitoring program conducted at specific sites in the project area. Monitoring of baseline conditions
should take place for at least a year so that seasonal fluctuations in flow and water quality can be
determined.
Prior to implementing the baseline monitoring program, a "Sampling and Analysis Plan" should be
developed. This plan would define sample locations, sampling techniques, chemical parameters, and
analytical methods. Sample locations should be located upstream and immediately downstream of
potential pollutant sources (including controlled and uncontrolled discharges and potentially
seeps/groundwater recharge). The selection of chemical parameters to be monitored is dependent on
the nature of the material to be mined and its potential to be discharged to surface water either directly
or in stormwater runoff. Monitored parameters should include: field parameters (pH, specific
conductance, temperature, etc.) and laboratory analyzed parameters (total dissolved solids, total
suspended solids, selected trace metals, major cations/ anions), and perhaps other parameters
depending on the nature of the operation (see Table D-l and Appendix F). If the waste rock analyses
indicate the presence of radioactive materials, the water should also be sampled for gross beta, gross
alpha, Radium 226, and total Uranium.
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D. ENVIRONMENTALSETTING
Table D-2: Suggested Water Quality Parameter for Laboratory Analysis
Parameter
Antimony
Arsenic
Barium
Beryllium
Boron
Cadmium
Calcium
Chromium
Cobalt
Copper
Iron
Lead
Magnesium
Manganese
Mercury
Molybdenum
Nickel
Potassium
Selenium
Silver
Sodium
Thallium
Tin
Vanadium
Zinc
Alkalinity,
Bicarbonate
Carbonate
Chloride
Conductance,
Cyanide,
Cyanide,
Fluoride
Hardness,
Ammonia as
Nitrite +
TKN
pH
Phosphorus,
TDS
Silica
Sulfate
Sulfide
Turbidity
EPA Method
204.2
206.2
208. 1/
210.1 /
200.7
213.1 /
215.1 /
218.1 /
219.1 /
220.1 /
236.1 /
239.2 /
242.1 /
243.1
245.2
246.2 /
249.1
258.1 /
270.3
272.2 /
273.1 /
279.2
282.1 /
286.1 /
289.1 /
305.1
(305.1)
(305.1)
300.0
120.1
335.3
(ASTM
340.2
130.2
350.1
353.2
351.3
150.1
365.1
160.1
370. 1/
300.0
376.1
180.1
Detection Limit
0.01 mg/l
0.001 mg/l
0.1 mg/l
0.001 mg/l
0.1 mg/l
0.0001
lmg/1
0.001 mg/l
0.01 mg/l
0.001 mg/l
0.03 mg/l
0.002 mg/l
lmg/1
0.005 mg/l
0.0001
0.005 mg/l
0.005 mg/l
lmg/1
0.001 mg/l
0.0005
lmg/1
0.002 mg/l
0.1 mg/l
0.1 mg/l
0.0001
lmg/1
lmg/1
lmg/1
lmg/1
1
0.005 mg/l
0.005 mg/l
0.1 mg/l
lmg/1
0.1 mg/l
0.05 mg/l
0.1 mg/l
0.1 S.U.
0.01 mg/l
lmg/1
0.1 mg/l
lmg/1
lmg/1
0.01 NTU
Preservative
HNOSto
HNOSto
HNOSto
HNOSto
HNOSto
HNOSto
None
HNOSto
HNOSto
HNOSto
HNOSto
HNOSto
None
HNOSto
HNOSto
HNOSto
HNOSto
None
HNOSto
HNOSto
None
HNOSto
HNOSto
HNOSto
HNOSto
None
None
None
None
None
NaOHto
NaOHto
None
HNOSto
H2SO4 to
H2SO4 to
H2SO4 to
None
H2SO4 to
None
None
None
2 ml Zinc
None
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The environmental setting section for surface water should answer the following questions:
Have sufficient baseline data been collected to establish the surface water flow rates
(including seasonal variability) and water quality (including sediments) prior to
disturbance?
Has the water balance been calculated?
Has the physical condition of rivers, streams and other water bodies within the project
area been determined?
What are the designated and actual uses of surface water in the project area and
downstream?
6 GROUNDWATER
Characterization of the baseline groundwater resources in the mine project area requires descriptions of
aquifers (bedrock and alluvial) including their geology, aquifer characteristics (hydraulic characteristics),
and the flow regime/direction for each aquifer. The influences of geologic structures (faults, contacts,
bedrock fracturing, etc) and surface water bodies should also be mapped or determined.
Modeling of aquifers and vadose zones is required to predict groundwater impacts. To that end, the
Environmental Setting section of the EIA should contain the necessary information on the aquifer and
vadose zone parameters that will be needed for modeling. The necessary parameters will depend on
the type modeling that will be required, which should be selected based on the nature of the mine and
potential impacts. For instance, for an open pit mine that extends below the water table, a
groundwater flow model (analytical or numeric) should be selected to determine the potential impacts
to nearby wells as well as predict water inflow into the mine and discharge requirements. In addition, a
hydrochemistry model should be employed to predict final pit lake quality, as well as pit lake quality at
various intervals during the period (decades or even hundreds of years) before the lake reaches
equilibrium. Any model used requires good data to make realistic predictions.
All wells and springs in the area should be mapped and information provided on their flows, water levels
and uses. These maps should be overlayed with the topography and should cover the defined
cumulative impact area. For wells, depth and construction information should be presented. The EIA
should also indicate which ones have been monitored and which ones will be monitored during and
after operations. This information can then be used, along with the locations of potential contaminant
sources, to determine potential impacts as well as the location of up-gradient and down-gradient
monitoring wells, which should be included in the monitoring plan for the mining operation.
As with surface water, an important aspect of the EIA is the development and presentation of baseline
water monitoring data, collected prior to disturbance. All existing data on quantity and quality of water
from springs and wells in the vicinity of the proposed mine should be collected and reported in the EIA
to help define the baseline. Water quality in all springs and nearby wells should be reported at least
quarterly for at least one year (and preferably two years) to determine baseline quality and chemistry.
In addition, maps showing variations on a seasonal basis of water quality and groundwater levels should
be included.
If data for existing wells and springs are not available, a "Sampling and Analysis Plan" should be
prepared and a sampling program implemented. The sampling should include water levels and flow
rates as well as chemical parameters such as pH, temperature, specific conductance, selected trace
metals, sulfides, major cations and anions, TSS, etc. (see Table D-l). The selection of chemical
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parameters to be monitored is dependent on the nature of the mining activity and the material to be
mined and its potential to contaminate the aquifer. For instance, for a gold mine operation, sampling of
trace metals and metalloids such as arsenic and antimony may be required. For a limestone mine,
alkalinity and total dissolved solids may be the primary concerns.
In the EIA, the following questions should be answered:
Has a well and spring survey been completed in the cumulative impact area?
What are the locations of all wells and springs in the area and what are their designated
and actual uses (particularly those down gradient from the mining operation)?
Has groundwater flow and consumptive use been quantified?
Has the hydrogeology of the site been mapped and clearly delineated?
Has baseline groundwater quality been determined?
What are the uses of groundwater, particularly down gradient from the mining
operation?
7 AIR QUALITY AND CLIMATIC CONDITIONS
Understanding climatic conditions at a mine site is important for the design of a long-term air
monitoring program, developing a water balance for the site, and designing water/erosion control
structures. During the baseline data collection period, climatic data for local weather stations should be
gathered and analyzed. These data should include at least historic rainfall data (total precipitation,
rainfall intensity, and duration), wind direction and speed, solar radiation, evaporation rates, barometric
pressure, and temperature variations. For large mining proposals, if no data are available near the mine
site, a weather station should be established and baseline data should be collected for at least one year
to reflect the seasonal changes at the site. All sampling site and weather station locations should be
depicted on a map in the EIA.
Air monitoring should be conducted, both upwind and downwind of the mining operation. Monitoring
should include the use of high volume samplers and/or other methods to collect samples of air borne
particulates and gases that may be emitted from the mining operations. Sampling may be either
continuous or by grab or composite samples. Selection of monitoring locations requires an
understanding of site-specific meteorological conditions that can affect pollutant fate and transport.
The following questions about baseline air quality and climatic conditions should be answered in the
EIA:
Are there sufficient climatic data available for the design of a long-term air monitoring
program?
Are historic rainfall data sufficient to develop runoff models for surface water control
and structure design?
Are data available to develop water balances for the various features at the mine site?
Are there enough data to develop air models to evaluate the transport and fate of
potential air pollutants?
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8 ECOSYSTEMS
The Environmental Setting information for ecosystems should include information on aquatic, terrestrial
and wetland ecosystems in the vicinity of the mine. The challenge for development of an EIA for a
mining operation is to qualitatively evaluate and record the local ecosystems and their biodiversity,
often in the absence of clear protective designations. This involves looking at a range of criteria to
determine whether the site is of local, regional, national or international importance. According the
International Council on Mining and Metals (2006), in evaluating baseline conditions of ecosystems,
where aquatic, terrestrial or wetlands systems are present, the following steps should be taken:
Obtain readily available information on biodiversity through review of maps and
publications available online.
Identify whether the site or surrounding area falls within a protected area - that is,
whether it is an area designated for biodiversity protection at a local, national, regional
or international level.
Identify whether the site or surrounding area is not currently protected but has been
identified by governments or other stakeholders as having a high biodiversity
conservation priority.
Identify whether the site or surrounding area has particular species that may be under
threat (although the area may not currently be officially protected).
Review legal provisions relating to biodiversity.
Elicit the views of stakeholders on whether the site or surrounding area has rare,
threatened, or culturally important species.
Include maps of all habitats and key species locations, protected areas, migration
corridors, seasonal use areas (mating, nesting, etc.)
Describe timing of important seasonal activities (nesting, breeding, migration, etc.) for
species that could be affected by mining activities.
Determine the following ecological characteristics of the project area (including the
cumulative impact area for each resource):
o Species/habitat richness
o Vegetation communities
o Animal populations
o Species endemism
o Keystone species (i.e. species that play a critical role in maintaining the structure of
an ecological community and whose impact on the community is greater than would
be expected based on its relative abundance or total biomass)
o Rarity of any species or habitat
o Size of each habitat
o Population size for important species or species of concern
o Fragility of the ecosystem
o Existing condition of each habitat and its value
The evaluation of any ecosystem whether aquatic, terrestrial, or wetland is dependent upon
professional judgment and requires the involvement of trained ecologists. In areas where there is little
or no information available, considerable field work is required to collect the information listed above.
The field collection efforts may require multi-year efforts.
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The ecosystem section of the environmental setting should answer the following questions:
Have baseline studies been conducted to characterize aquatic, terrestrial and
wetland species and habitats?
Are there any threatened, endangered, or rare species and/or critical habitats in the
area?
Beyond looking at these components individually, an EIA needs to be integrated, i.e. to address the
relationships between biophysical, social and economic aspects in assessing project impacts (IAIA 1999).
Addressing these relationships relies on an integrated description of the environmental setting as well as
integrated impact assessment (see box on the ecosystem services approach).
ECOSYSTEM SERVICES APPROACH: PULLING IT ALL TOGETHER
In the context of environmental impact assessments, the ecosystem services approach helps EIA practitioners
to go beyond biodiversity and ecosystems to identify and understand the ways natural and human
environment interrelate by providing a more systematic and integrated assessment of project impacts and
dependencies on ecosystem services and the consequence for the people who benefit from these services. It
integrates these aspects by explicitly linking ecosystem services (the benefits people derive from ecosystems),
their contribution to human well-being, and the ways in which people impact ecosystems' capacity to provide
those services. The approach relies on a suite of tools such as a conceptual framework linking drivers of
change, ecosystems and biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human well-being (MA 2005); guidelines for
private sector companies to assess risks and opportunities related to ecosystem services (Hanson et al. 2008),
and manual for conducting ecosystem services assessments (UNEP to be published).
From description of the environmental setting to the impact assessment, the ecosystem services approach
can lead the EIA practitioner through a new set of questions organized around the conceptual framework
shown below:
* What are the ecosystem services important for local communities? Which services will the project
potentially impact in a significant way? How does the impact on one ecosystem service affect the
supply and use of other ecosystem services?
What is the underlying level of biodiversity and the current capacity of the ecosystems to continue to
provide ecosystem services?
What are the consequences of these ecosystem service impacts on human well-being, for example
what are the effects on livelihoods, income, and security?
What are the direct and indirect drivers of ecosystem change affecting the supply and use of
ecosystem services? How will the project contribute to these direct and indirect drivers of change?
^ Enisling relations between natural and human environment
> Project impacts and dependencies on ecosystem services
HUMAN WELL-BEING
Basic material for good life
Health
Good social relations
Security
Freedom of choice
Contribution of project to
drivers of ecosyslem
change
INDIRECT DRIVERS OF
ECOSYSTEM CHANGE
Demographic
^Economic
Sociopolitical
Cultural and religious
Science and technology
ECOSYSTEM SERVICES
Cultural services
Supporting services
Dependency of project
DIRECT DRIVERS OF
ECOSYSTEM CHANGE
Change in local land use' Dover
Invasive species
Overuse
ECOSYSTEMS AND BIODIVERSITY
Ecosystem type and extent
Species diversity and numbers
Conceptual framework to assess ecosystem services
(adapted from the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, MA 2005)
Since ecosystem services by definition are linked to different beneficiaries, any ecosystem service changes
can then be explicitly translated into a gain or loss of human well-being.
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9 CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL RESOURCES
Aspects of the physical environment that relate to human culture and society along with the social
institutions that form communities constitute cultural and historic resources (King and Rafuse 1994).
The cultural and historic resources that should be included in the Environmental Setting are
archeological and historical sites and structures and traditional cultural lifestyles and resources
associated with those lifestyles.
All cultural or historical resources in the vicinity of the mine should be identified, mapped and described.
These may be structures or sites, including:
Archeological sites
Historic buildings
Burial grounds
Sacred or ceremonial sites
Sites used for the collection of materials used in ceremonies or traditional lifestyles
Sites that are important because of their roles in traditional stories
During the preparation of the EIA, views should be solicited from stakeholders on whether the site or
surrounding area has important traditional or cultural value.
10 TRANSPORTATION
The Environmental Setting section of the EIA should present basic information on the existing
transportation system in the area of the mine, including roads, railroads, air strips, airports and
pipelines. Each existing transportation system component should be described in terms of its location,
name, type and intensity of use, and communities it connects. The baseline should also include
information on conditions including sediment control or erosion problems. The location of the system
components should be shown on a map. If the project is anticipated to generate a significant amount of
additional traffic or to signficantly disrupt traffic an analysis of existing traffic patterns may also be
necessary.
If there are improvements scheduled for any of the system components, which are not part of the
mining proposal, these improvements should be described in this section. The description should
include the nature and location of the improvements and the entity who will be doing the
improvements. If there is on-going maintenance to any component of the existing transportation
system, this should also be described in terms of the type and frequency and the entity doing the
maintenance.
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11 LAND USE
The site of the mine and the surrounding vicinity support a variety of existing land uses. These land uses
should be inventoried, mapped and described in the EIA. Existing land uses in the area that may be
affected by mining include:
Parks
Wildlife refuges
Forest reserves
Hunting areas
Farms
Grazing land
Utility corridors
Roads
Human settlements
Industrial facilities
The productivity of natural areas and agricultural land that could be affected by the mine should be
assessed as part of the existing conditions, to create a baseline for determining the direct, indirect, and
cumulative impacts, and for developing mitigation measures and restoring the post-mining
environment.
12 SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS
The EIA should describe the existing social and economic conditions in the vicinity of the mine. This
should include:
Population characteristics (size, gender and age distribution)
Cultural characteristics (religion, ethnic composition, etc.)
Economic activities (employers, employment and incomes)
o Regional/local
o On the proposed mining site
Tax base
Crime rates
Public services in nearby communities (schools, water and sewer systems, health
facilities, etc.)
Community organizations in the mining vicinity
Skills, services and goods availability in the communities
Distribution of relevant skills and professions in the local workforce
Housing
Epidemiological study (for large projects)
Historic and current data on these aspects should be presented, to identify any trends in the socio-
economic situation.
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1 INTRODUCTION
Mining, particularly surface mining has impacts similar to any activity that disturbs the land surface such
as erosion and associated turbidity and sedimentation in streams and water bodies, dust, and
vehicle/machinery air emissions. The mining industry, however, also has unique environmental impacts
such as the potential for acid rock drainage, releases from cyanide leaching units, structural failure, etc.
With some exceptions, the environmental impacts may last for years or decades after mining ends or
are irreversible, permanent features of the environment. These impacts are site-specific and
determined by the geology, hydrology, hydrogeology, climate, and human and wildlife populations in
the vicinity of the mine.
This chapter reviews potential impacts from mining, the important pathways of pollution which affect
natural resources, and humans in terms of social/economic/cultural resources.
ANALYZING AND PREPARING FOR POTENTIAL RISK: USE OF BOUNDING AND SCENARIOS
ElAs for mining projects should include an analysis of risks. The analysis should represent the range of potential impacts of
potential accidents and destructive natural events, including those from likely scenarios as well as those from low-probability,
high-consequence scenarios. (The latter are sometimes referred to as "worst case scenarios" but this term can be misleading.)
The analysis of risk should be considered in the design of all structures as well as in the development of spill and catastrophic
failure contingency plans. Modern mining projects utilize state-of-the-art models to predict the potential environmental
impacts to water, air, and other resources as well as potential exposures to populations at risk. To avoid under-predicting
impacts, models use conservative assumptions and analyze potential accidents or natural disasters with the most severe
consequences reasonably foreseeable to occur. These analyses enable the identification of controls to protect human health
and the environment even under these unlikely but foreseeable situations. This analytical approach ensures that the risk
analyses in the EIA "bound" the potential risks. That is, the analysis represents the full range of risks and will not under-predict
the most severe consequences. Policy decisions are inherent in carrying out this type of analysis as to the threshold for defining
a reasonable set of assumptions in developing these scenarios.
This approach has been used to design control technologies, tailings basins, stockpiles, processing plants, emission controls, and
closure activities. In the case of accidental spills, dam failure, fires, hurricanes, unforeseen weather events, earthquakes,
volcanic eruptions and other events, contingency plans should be applied to:
Emergency notification and evacuation
Fire control
Spill cleanup - it is recommended that spill kits are kept at strategic locations throughout the mine site
Warning systems
Medical support
Other items dealing with the health and safety of the mine workers and the local community
In addition, a program should be developed to train mine personnel how to react to emergency situations.
In evaluating these scenarios, the regulator should be aware of the environmental and socio-economic setting of the mine to
ensure that the conservative assumptions made to develop the scenarios are reasonable. For instance, water management
experts reviewing an EIA risk analysis for a mine often require that impoundments are designed to handle runoff from a
maximum probable rainfall event. The calculation of such an event is based on many years of data. These data may not be
available for a particular drainage and information should be gathered from other similar areas if available. In addition, "climate
change" may increase the frequency of large storm events possibly making historic data less reliable for predictive purposes. It
takes professional judgment to ensure that the right approach is taken. It is also important for the reviewers to ensure that in
case of a disaster or emergency that contingency plans are in place.
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2 POTENTIAL IMPACTS
Mining operations have impacts on the natural and human environments in each phase of the process
which should be taken into account. The impact assessment should account for all of the activities
involved in the project, including the specific technologies in the project description for the proposed
project and the alternatives. Many of the impacts of mining operations are well documented. The EIA
should define direct, indirect and cumulative impacts as defined as:
Direct impacts are due to a specific project-related activity in the same place and time as
the project
Indirect impacts are due to actions resulting from direct impacts, but occur outside the
time and space for the project including impacts whose cause may be several times
removed from project actions
Cumulative impacts are the incremental impacts of the proposed project when added to
past, present and future activities and their impacts on a particular resource
This should be done for the proposed project and alternatives, and for every phase of the mining cycle
as presented in Figure E-l, including exploration, site development, construction, operation, closure
,and post-closure with direct, indirect and cumulative impacts. Tables E-l through E-4 summarize some
of the potential impacts of industrial mining on the natural and human environments.
Figure E-l: The Mining Cycle (Env. Canada, 2009)
^
^
^
J
Exploration &
Feasibility
NX
Planning &
Construction
NX
Operations
NX
Clcuure
NX
r
r
7
,
Exploration:
reconnaissance; locate mineral
anomalies
discovery, sampling
Feasibility:
decision about economic feasibility
of mining
Planning:
mine planning
environmental/social planning
closure plan
environments] assessment
environmental and other permits
Construction:
clearing, stripping, Masting;
Infrastructure
ore eAUdiliuii
crushing, grinding, concentrating
waste rock and tailings management
wastewater management
progressive reclamation
site clean-up; reclamation;
rehabilitation
maintenance; environmental
iriQfiitQnnff
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Table E-l: Environmental Concerns from Mine Exploration
Action
Affected
Environment
Environmental Concerns
CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES
Camp, road, airstrip, drill pad
and staging area construction
Line cutting
Topsoil removal
Soils and Geology
Water Quality
Vegetation
Fish and Wildlife
Land Use
Air Quality
Cultural
Noise and Vibration
Aesthetics
Health and Safety
Erosion and Sedimentation
Modification of streams and rivers due to crossings
Spills
Deforestation and loss or disturbance of habitat
Fire
Equipment emissions and fugitive dust
Cultural and heritage site disturbance
Noise and vibration from construction activities
Aesthetic/visual impacts
Health and safety of workers transported to the site, using
equipment and working in inhospitable environments
EXPLORATORY PROGRAMS
Geophysical surveys
Reconnaissance mapping and
sampling
Aerial photography
Trenching, tunneling, pitting
and drilling to collect samples
Experimental mine
Transportation
Water Quality
Vegetation
Fish and Wildlife
Soils and Geology
Water Quality
Vegetation
Fish and Wildlife
Land Use
Air Quality
Cultural
Noise and Vibration
Aesthetics
Health and Safety
Same as for a large mine
accept on a smaller scale
(see Table G. 2)
Water Quality
Air Quality
Health and Safety
Erosion and sedimentation from off-road vehicle use
Impacts on vegetation from off-road vehicle use
Disturbance of wildlife from surface and airborne surveys
Acid generation from exposed sulfide materials
Erosion and sedimentation
Metals leaching into surface water and groundwater
Spills or leaks from mud pits
Groundwater contamination from drilling fluids
Deforestation and loss or disturbance of habitat
Scarring of land in remote locations
Equipment emissions and fugitive dust
Cultural and heritage site disturbance
Traditional uses disrupted
Noise and vibration from drilling and blasting
Health and safety of workers using equipment and working in
inhospitable environments
Same as for a large mine accept on a smaller scale (see Table G.2)
Spills
Emissions from vehicles and fugitive dust
Transportation accidents
CAMP ACTIVITIES
Camp operation
Solid and human waste
disposal
Fuel storage and handling
Water supply
Energy production
Transportation
Fish and Wildlife
Water Quality
Aquatic Biota
Water Quality
Aquatic Biota
Water Quantity
Air Quality
Water Quality
Air Quality
Health and Safety
Animals attracted to garbage and food waste
Migratory patterns, breeding/nesting behavior affected by
presence of humans and noise from helicopters, planes and drill
rigs
Increased hunting and fishing (food for workers)
Water quality degradation
Depletion of aquatic biota from spills
Water quality degradation from spills
Depletion of aquatic biota
Depletion of nearby water sources
Emissions from generators
Spills
Emissions from vehicles and fugitive dust
Transportation accidents
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Table E-2: Environmental Concerns from Mine Development
Action
Affected
Environment
Environmental Concerns
CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES
Construction of buildings,
workshops, processing plant,
and permanent camp
Construction of site access
roads and power lines
Soils and Geology
Water Quality
Vegetation
Fish and Wildlife
Land Use
Air Quality
Cultural
Noise and Vibration
Aesthetics
Health and Safety
Soils and Geology
Water Quality
Vegetation
Fish and Wildlife
Land Use
Air Quality
Cultural
Noise and Vibration
Aesthetics
Erosion and sedimentation
Spills
Deforestation and loss of habitat
Fire
Equipment emissions and fugitive dust
Cultural and heritage site disturbance
Noise and vibration from construction activities
Aesthetic/visual impacts
Health and safety of workers transported to the site, using
equipment and working in inhospitable environments
Erosion and sedimentation
Modification of streams and rivers due to crossings
Acid generation from exposed sulfide materials
Spills
Deforestation and loss or disturbance of habitat
Increased road access in remote areas may lead to:
Increased fishing/hunting, stressing populations
Human invasion of previously inaccessible areas
Fire
Equipment emissions and fugitive dust
Cultural and heritage site disturbance
Noise and vibration from construction activities
Aesthetic/visual impacts
Health and safety of workers transported to the site, using
equipment and working in inhospitable environments
TRANSPORTATION
Operation of vehicles and
equipment
Fuel and chemical
transportation, handling, and
storage
Water Quality
Air Quality
Health and Safety
Water Quality
Air Quality
Health and Safety
Stream crossings
Vehicle emissions and fugitive dust
Transportation accidents
Spills and stream crossings
Potential releases of volatile organic compounds and hazardous
substances
Transportation accidents
MINE PREPARATION
Site preparation (topsoil and
overburden removal)
Drainage control
Initial dewatering
Blasting
Soils and Geology
Water Quality
Vegetation
Fish and Wildlife
Water Quality
Water Quantity
Water Quality
Water Quantity
Fish and Wildlife
Air Quality
Noise and Vibration
Erosion and sediment from site as well as waste dump areas
Acid generation from exposed sulfide materials at site and at
waste dump areas and metals leaching into surface water and
ground water
Modification of drainage patterns, streams and rivers
Deforestation and loss or disturbance of habitat
Disruption and dislocation local wildlife and migratory wildlife
Erosion and sedimentation
Modification of drainage patterns, streams and rivers
Changes in flood patterns
Increased total dissolved solids and potentially trace metals
Increased volumes of water to surface streams
Downstream erosion and changes in stream morphology and
floodplains due to increased volume
Drawdown of water table and depletion of springs, seeps, wells
and streams
Noise and vibration from blasting disturbing human settlements
and wildlife
Fugitive dust
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CAMPACTIVITES
Camp operation
Solid and human waste
disposal
Fuel storage
Water supply
Energy production
Transportation
Fish and Wildlife
Water Quality
Aquatic Biota
Water Quality
Aquatic Biota
Water Quantity
Air Quality
Water Quality
Air Quality
Health and Safety
Animals attracted to garbage and food waste
Migratory patterns, breeding/nesting behavior affected by presence
of humans and noise from helicopters, planes and drill rigs
Increased hunting and fishing (food for workers)
Water quality degradation
Depletion of aquatic biota
Water quality degradation from spills
Depletion of aquatic biota from spills
Depletion of nearby water sources
Emissions from generators
Spills
Emissions from vehicles and fugitive dust
Transportation accidents
Table E-3: Environmental Concerns from Mine Operation
Action
Affected
Environment
Environmental Concerns
MINING ACTIVITES
Land disturbance from any
type of mine involving
excavation or dredging
Land disturbance from
waste disposal from hard
rock mining activities
including heap leach,
waste rock and tailings
dam facilities
Soils and Geology
Water Quality
Water Quantity
Vegetation
Fish and Wildlife
Land Use
Air Quality
Cultural
Noise and Vibration
Aesthetics
Health and Safety
Soils and Geology
Water Quality
Water Quantity
Vegetation
Fish and Wildlife
Land Use
Cultural
Aesthetics
Health and Safety
Erosion and sedimentation including increased streambed
erosion
Spills/overflows from ponds during storm events or
electricity failures
Degradation of groundwater and surface water quality
Lowering of water table, reduced well production,
decreased stream, seep and spring flows
Deforestation and loss of habitat
Disruption of migration routes and nesting/breeding
activities
Areas made unproductive for non-mine uses, including
fishing in the case of dredging
Increased landslide and dam failure potential
Equipment emissions and fugitive dust
Cultural and heritage sites destruction
Traditional uses disrupted
Noise and vibration from blasting and other mining
activities
Open pits, in-stream dredging and other unsightly
facilities
Health and safety of workers transported to the site,
using equipment and working in inhospitable
environments
Erosion and sedimentation
Spills/overflows from ponds during storm events or
electricity failures
Containment failures (e.g. dam breaches)
Acid rock drainage potential (metal and coal mining)
Cyanide contamination of groundwater and surface water
(Metal Mining)
Increased potential for trace metals/other contaminants
Deforestation and loss of habitat
Poisoning of birds and other wildlife
Disruption of migration routes/nesting/breeding activities
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Table E-3: Environmental Concerns from Mine Operation
Action
Mining, power generation,
processing, and transport
Drainage and dewatering
Affected
Environment
Air quality
Water Quality
Water Quantity
Aquatic Biota
Environmental Concerns
Areas made unproductive for non-mine uses
Disturbance or destruction of cultural and heritage sites
Traditional uses disrupted
Tailings dams and rock waste disposal sites are unsightly
Health and safety of workers transported to the site,
using equipment and working in inhospitable
environments
Emissions from vehicles and machinery
Fugitive dust
Odors
Increased total dissolve solids and potentially trace metals
Increased volumes of water to surface streams
Saltwater intrusion
Downstream erosion and changes in stream morphology
and floodplains due to increased volume
Disturbance of spawning grounds and wetlands
Lower of water table, reduced well production, decreased
stream, seep and spring flows
TRANSPORTATION
Operation of vehicles and
equipment
Fuel and chemical
transportation, handling,
and storage
Water Quality
Air Quality
Health and Safety
Water Quality
Air Quality
Health and Safety
Disturbance (erosion and sedimentation) at stream
crossings
Vehicle emissions and fugitive dust
Transportation accidents
Spills at stream crossings and in other sensitive areas
Potential releases of volatile organic compounds and
hazardous substances.
Transportation accidents
CAMP ACTIVITIES
Camp and mine operation
Solid and human waste
disposal
Fuel storage and handling
Water supply
Energy production
Transportation
Fish and Wildlife
Socioeconomic
Land Use
Water Quality
Aquatic Biota
Water Quality
Aquatic Biota
Water Quantity
Air Quality
Water Quality
Air Quality
Health and Safety
Animals attracted to garbage and food waste
Migratory patterns, breeding/nesting behavior affected
by presence of humans and noise from helicopters, planes
and drill rigs
Increased hunting and fishing (food for workers)
Increased employment opportunities at mine
Increased indirect employment
Land use pressures
Pressure on agricultural and forest resources
In-migration causing pressure on local community
infrastructure and social/cultural changes
Water quality degradation
Depletion of aquatic biota
Water quality degradation from spills
Depletion of aquatic biota from spills
Depletion of nearby water sources
Emissions from generators
Spills
Emissions from vehicles and fugitive dust
Transportation accidents
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Table E-4: Environmental Concerns due to Mine Closure
Action
Affected
Environment
Environmental Concerns
REMOVAL, BACKFILLING AND SEALING
Sealing of shafts, inclines
and declines, or ventilation
raises to prevent
unauthorized access
Backfilling of pits with
waste rock
Removal of buildings and
foundations
Clean-up of workshops, fuel
and reagents
Disposal of scrap and waste
materials
Rehabilitation of waste rock
facilities
Rehabilitation of tailings
dam and heap leach
facilities
Restoration of surface
drainage
Removal of water
treatment facilities
Removal of infrastructure
Soils and Geology
Water Quality
Air Quality
Soils and Geology
Water Quality
Wildlife
Air Quality
Soils and Geology
Water Quality
Air Quality
Soils and Geology
Water Quality
Air Quality
Soils and Geology
Water Quality
Air Quality
Soils and Geology
Water Quality
Air Quality
Soils and Geology
Water Quality
Air Quality
Soils and Geology
Water Quality
Air Quality
Soils and Geology
Soils and Geology
Effects of seepage from backfill
Formation of potentially unstable plugs
Contaminated mine water drainage
Emissions from equipment, and fugitive dust
Health and safety of workers
Slope and bench stability
Groundwater and rainwater contamination
Concern about unauthorized access
Wildlife entrapment
Contamination of groundwater or surface water by
backfilled waste rock
Health and safety of workers
Emissions from equipment, and fugitive dust
Health and safety of workers
Emissions from equipment, and fugitive dust
Health and safety of workers
Potential for hazardous spills
Emissions from equipment and fugitive dust
Health and safety of workers
Potential for hazardous spills
Slope stability
Erosion and sedimentation
Effects of contaminant leaching on surface water and
groundwater
Dust generation
Visual impacts
Dam stability
Changes in tailings geochemistry
Effects of seepage past the dam and from the base of the
facility to groundwater and surface water
Discharge of contaminated water to groundwater and
surface water
Dust generation
Potential for wildlife entrapment and poisoning and
unauthorized human entry
Long term stability of restored drainage, especially around
mine facilities such as pits, waste rock, tailings, and heap
leach pads
Erosion and sedimentation
Emissions from equipment, and fugitive dust
Health and safety of workers
Erosion and sedimentation
Emissions from equipment, and fugitive dust
Health and safety of workers
Erosion and sedimentation
Emissions from equipment, and fugitive dust
Health and safety of workers
RESTORATION ACTIVITIES
Rehabilitation
Soils and Geology
Water Quality
Water Quantity
Vegetation and Wildlife
Land Use
Air Quality
Noise and Vibration
Subsidence of underground workings
Long-term stability of waste rock piles and mining slopes
Erosion and Sedimentation
Interim and final pit lake water quality, effects on wildlife
(e.g. poisoning) and on groundwater or surface water
from flow-through pit waste
Trace metals
Acid rock drainage potential (metal and coal mines)
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Table E-4: Environmental Concerns due to Mine Closure
Action
Affected
Environment
Socioeconomic
Environmental Concerns
Containment failures
Disposal/discharge of heap leach and tailings drain down
solutions
Degradation of surface water and groundwater (ARD and
trace metals)
Long-term changes to groundwater balance (loss through
pit lake evaporation)
Failure of vegetation to properly reestablish
Failure to meet final land use requirements
Emissions from vehicles and machinery
Fugitive dust
Odors
Noise from restoration activities
Change in labor force requirements
Stress on community to recover
Risk of abandonment of towns and infrastructure
POST CLOSURE
Long-term maintenance of
water treatment facilities
Long-term maintenance of
slopes, drainage control
and vegetation
Water Quality
Water Quality
Air Quality
Potential for facilities to contaminate surface water and
groundwater with ARD, suspended solids, trace metals,
and other contaminants
Maintenance sometimes increases erosion
Emission from vehicles
Fugitive dust
Source: Environment Canada 2009
3 UNDERSTANDING THE PATHWAYS TO THE ENVIRONMENT
Each mining process outlined in Tables E-l through E-4 provides a potential source for pollution, which is
transported to the environment and to potential receptors. As illustrated in Figure E-l, these potential
pollution sources include tailings, waste rock, heap leach pads, pit areas, and underground workings.
Pathways are water (surface water and groundwater), air, and direct contact with contaminated soils.
Receptors include people, wildlife, domestic animals, and vegetation. The following sections describe
how pollution from mining sources is transported via these pathways to potential receptors.
Figure E-2: Conceptual Model of Sources, Pathways, Mitigation, and Receptors for a Mining
Operation (USEPA, 2008)
Site Preparation
Extraction-Mine Areas
Extraction-Waste Rock
Extraction Low grade
Ore Stock piles
Beneficiation -Leaching
Facilities
Beneficiation -Tailing Dams
Reclamation-Final pit lakes
Reclamation-Barren lands
Pathwa
Surface Water
Ground Water
Air
Soil
M
anagement
Mine Design
Runoff Controls
Liners
Water
Treatment
Soil
Treatment
Aquatic Life
Terrestrial resources
Riparian/wetlands
Human Population
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4 IMPACTS
4.1 Surface Water and Groundwater
There are numerous types of pollutants that can be released into surface water and groundwater from a
mining operation. These include suspended solids and toxic pollutants including metals, cyanide,
nitrates, and other contaminants. There are three basic processes in which these contaminants can be
released into surface water and groundwater from a mining operation:
1. Erosion and Sedimentation - For most industrial mining operations, a large area of land is often
disturbed exposing large quantities of barren soil and rocks to erosion. Water erosion can either
be caused by the direct impact of rain drops (splash erosion), by concentrated flow forming rills
and gullies, or by sheet flows. The end result is sediment enters streams and lakes impacting
fish and aquatic plant life and clogging waterways. Erosion also can be caused by wind, which
can blow dust directly into surface water or deposit it on land from which it is subsequently
moved into surface water during runoff events. Sediment and dust may also be laden with
metals and other pollutants which may be released during transport or deposition.
2. Acidic and Non-acidic Drainage - Acid Rock Drainage and Acid Mine Drainage occur when
sulfide-containing minerals such as pyrite, which is common to many mine sites, are exposed to
air and water and form acids. When this process occurs within a mine it is called Acid Mine
Drainage (AMD). When it occurs in waste rock and tailings piles it is known as Acid Rock
Drainage (ARD). In general, sulfide-containing minerals, which may be naturally-occurring in the
ore, waste rock and wall rock, may react with water and oxygen to create ferrous ions and
sulfuric acid. With bacteria acting as a catalyst, the ferrous ions react further with oxygen,
producing hydrated iron oxide. This combination of iron oxide and sulfuric acid can contaminate
surface water producing a low pH level and a high concentration of sulfate, iron, and heavy
metals. Some metals and metalloids and other contaminants may also be released under non-
acid conditions. The resulting contamination of surrounding water sources with acids, dissolved
metals, metalloids and other contaminants can kill plants and fish and, in serious cases, poison
humans who drink contaminated water or eat fish and plants from polluted rivers and streams.
3. Spillage Due to Accidents - On a mine site, potentially hazardous materials are transported to
mine sites and stored in tanks or ponds, or within tailings ponds. A spill or loss of containment
can release potential contaminants to the environment. This can happen as a result of a
transportation accident, pipeline failure, tailings dam failure, a leaky tank or impoundment. As a
result of a spill or loss of containment, contaminants such a cyanide, sulfuric acid, pregnant
solution, petrochemicals, or solvents could saturate soils or runoff into nearby surface waters.
As presented in Table E-5, during each phase of mining there is a potential to impact surface water and
groundwater as described in more detail below.
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Table E-5: General Environmental Impacts of Mining (Based on USEPA, 1995)
Mining
Process
Site Preparation
Blasting/
Excavation
Crushing/
Concentration
Leaching
Water
Pollution
Increased turbidity
from erosion due
to removal of
vegetation
Acid Mine
Drainage (AMD)
Mineral and
chemical
contamination
Increased turbidity
from erosion of
soils
Petroleum wastes
from trucks
Surface water and
ground water
contamination
from blasting
chemicals, runoff
and waste water
discharges
Leachate and acid
waste water
discharges from
waste rock dumps
and tailings
Surface water and
ground water
pollution from
ruptures in pipes
or ponds holding
leach solution
Air Pollution
Exhaust and dust
from construction
vehicles
Dust blown to
surrounding area
Exhaust from
heavy machinery
Exhaust and dust
created during
transportation
Heavy metals in
dust (i.e. dry or
wet-deposited)
and run off into
surface water and
leaches into
ground water
Soil
Exposure to
erosion and
compaction
Loss of soil profile
Loss of soil profile
Overburden if not
reused
Increase in soil
erosion
Loss of soil profile
Sludges from
neutralization of
contaminated
water
Land, Habitat,
Wildlife
Deforestation and
habitat loss from road
and site construction
Loss of soil profile
Landscape changes
Loss of habitat or
migration routes
Increase in soil erosion
Loss of plant
population from dust
and water pollution
Reduction in
groundwater and
surface water resulting
from pumping for
dewatering or for use
in processing
Loss of drinking water,
stock water, or
irrigation resources
Loss offish population
from water pollution
Nearby structural
damages from
vibration and settling
Competition for land
use
Landscape changes
Loss of habitat or
migration corridors
Loss of plant, fish, or
wildlife populations
from water pollution
Loss of plant
population from water
pollution
Loss offish and water
fowl population from
water pollution
Loss of terrestrial
habitat through soil
contamination and
destruction of
cover/food.
4.1.1 Site Preparation
Site preparation involves many factors that could have a negative impact on surface water and
groundwater. These include:
Deforestation - the removal of trees and other vegetation makes soil more susceptible
to erosion and subsequent sedimentation in streams
Exposing soil - the removal of topsoil and overburden exposes barren materials to
erosion and subsequent sedimentation. Acid rock drainage may also be a problem if
certain conditions exist
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Dewatering - in large open pit mines, wells are often drilled up to a year before mining
begins These wells are pumped lowering the water table, and the water is often
discharged into surface water drainages and may increase erosion of the banks and
stream bed, increase sediment loadings, or change stream constituent concentrations or
temperature. Such pumping can also have an impact on water quantity in wells and
springs in the mine vicinity.
4.1.2 Extraction - Mine Workings
When mining occurs below the water table, mine water is pumped from underground and
surface operations and often discharged after treatment to surface water. When operations
cease, mine workings may overflow and untreated mine water and runoff from mined areas may
be discharged. In pits excavated below the water table, post-mining pit lakes can form as the
water table recovers. If the waters in the workings were subject to acid formation, the
occurrence of AMD may cause acidic conditions and enhance pollutant mobility; however, toxic
loadings can also occur under neutral conditions. In addition, residues from blasting within the
workings can elevate nitrate concentrations.
These contaminated waters can also seep into the groundwater system via fractures or seepage
from above or if pit lake water moves through the pit into adjacent groundwater. Mine waters
may infiltrate and contaminate aquifers and associated wells. On the converse, aquifers may
infiltrate mine workings, causing drawdown to the aquifer and affecting the water level in some
wells. The aquifer may experience drawdown from years of mine dewatering practices also
affecting water levels in wells.
4.1.3 Extraction - Dredging
The activity of dredging can create the following principal impacts to the environment:
Release of toxic chemicals (including heavy metals and PCB) from bottom sediments into
the water column
Short term increases in turbidity, which can affect aquatic species metabolism and
interfere with spawning
Secondary effects from water column contamination of uptake of heavy metals, DDT and
other persistent organic toxins, via food chain uptake and subsequent concentrations of
these toxins in higher organisms including humans
Secondary impacts to marsh productivity from sedimentation
Tertiary impacts to avifauna which may prey upon contaminated aquatic organisms
Secondary impacts to aquatic and benthic organisms' metabolism and mortality
Possible contamination of dredge spoils sites
Siltation caused by dredging can affect fresh water intakes
To evaluate potential impacts and given that many sand and gravel locations are in urban areas,
it is important to ask the following questions:
1. Will the project increase the risk of erosion resulting in water sources becoming turbid or
muddy and affect fresh water intakes?
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2. Have plans been established to reduce the discharges to water and are these measures
considered sufficient?
3. Have the impacts on drinking water or water sources for agriculture and aquaculture
been considered?
4.1.4 Extraction - Waste Rock/Overburden Piles/Low Grade Ore Stock Piles
Waste rock and overburden are usually placed in storage piles or fill structures adjacent to or
near the mine workings or open pit. Materials in many cases are end-dumped into angle-of-
repose waste rock dumps that are often located on the slopes of natural drainages. These units
are generally unlined. Potential pollutant loadings in runoff and seepage from waste rock piles
can include sediment as well as metals and sulfates and are dependent on the site-specific
mineralogy and erosion potential of the material. Where sulfur mineralization is present, ARD
can occur increasing the likelihood of polluted surface water and groundwater.
The location of waste rock areas and low grade ore stock piles and the provision of containment
structures will determine if these facilities can result in surface water and groundwater
contamination. If erosion from the structures goes unchecked and the area drains into streams,
lakes, or wetlands then surface water contamination (sedimentation and chemical) can occur
with resulting water quality degradation and possible impacts on flooding.
4.1.5 Beneficiation - Leach Sites
Leach sites, including dump and heap leach pads, have the potential to release highly
concentrated levels of acids and heavy metals into water sources. The leaching process mimics
acid drainage although it is conducted under much more aggressive conditions, using high
concentrations of acid, base, or cyanide to extract metals from ore. Modern day leaching
facilities are designed with synthetic liners and recycle the cyanide or other leaching agent.
However, failures can occur due to improper liner placement, climatic events such as
catastrophic rainfall and seismic events. Since leaching produces large volumes of contaminated
water, the failure of a leaching facility could cause considerable environmental impact. However,
most of the environmental problems associated with leaching are caused by leakage, spillage, or
seepage of the leaching solution at various stages of the process. Potential problems include:
Seepage of solutions through soils and liners beneath leach piles
Leakage from solution-holding ponds and transfer channels
Spills from ruptured pipes and recovery equipment
Pond overflow caused by excessive runoff
Ruptures of dams or liners in solution holding ponds
In addition, unless effective detoxification procedures are used, spent ore piles can cause
releases of residual acids, bases, or cyanide. In addition to the leaching agents, other pollutants
(including heavy metals) can be mobilized in the leaching process and may be released to surface
water or ground water through spills or leaks (during operations) and through seepage/runoff
from spent ore (after closure). Where sulfide mineralization occurs, there is potential for ARD.
Cyanide degradation can also lead to nitrate contamination.
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4.1.6 Beneficiation - Tailings Dams
Tailings are pollutant laden slurries from the beneficiation processes and should not be disposed
of in rivers or water bodies. Usually they are retained in impoundments that are often
constructed in natural drainages. Alternatives to tailings disposal in drainages should be
explored. Impoundment designs usually include under drains and controlled discharges
(especially in high precipitation areas). However, tailings impoundments are nearly always
accompanied by unavoidable seepage through or beneath the dam structure, with resulting
contamination of surface water and groundwater. Fine tailings can be more susceptible to
leaching and entrainment of particulates, and thus can be a greater source of contamination
than coarser waste rock materials.
Contaminants associated with tailings include heavy metals, arsenic, and radionuclides. ARD can
occur if sulfide mineralization is encountered and may enhance metals mobility. Residual mill
reagents may also be present in the tailings; however, they typically do not contribute significant
pollutant loadings. When the outside slopes of dams are constructed of tailings or other mining
wastes, discharges and runoff from these areas can also affect water quality.
Finally, tailings are typically transported to impoundments by pipeline. The supernatant solution
in tailings ponds is collected, reclaimed and returned to the mill by pipeline. If the supernatant
solution remains in the tailings ponds, it can poison waterfowl and other wildlife that come in
contact with it. Pipe failures may lead to surface water impacts if pipelines are located in
drainages or if the spilled material comes in contact with runoff. Pipe failures can also lead to
groundwater contamination via seepage. Therefore, as a result, dewatered or paste tailing
disposal may be a less environmentally damaging alternative.
4.1.7 Thermal Processes
Thermal processes used in some gold mining can release significant amounts of mercury in air
emissions, which can then be deposited locally or regionally into surface water or onto land
where it can eventually be transported into surface waters. Bioaccumulation of mercury in fish
can adversely affect humans who eat the fish.
4.1.8 Transportation
Impacts from transportation of materials and people and transportation facilities associated with
a mining project are two-fold. The existing transportation routes and methods may be affected
by increased use of the existing facilities and impacts associated with increased use. In addition,
the creation and use of new transportation facilities have the potential to affect most aspects of
the existing environment. Many types of transportation facilities may be associated with a
mining project, and some of the more common facilities include: roads, ramps, railroads,
pipelines, slurry lines, conveyors, airstrips, helicopter pads, and the use of waterways.
Construction of new transportation facilities for most of the methods of transportation at mines
would affect landforms and the general topography by creating cuts and fills. Vegetation and
soils would be impacted from disturbance and removal during construction and the life of the
facility. Impacts could include the degradation of surface water quality from erosion and
sedimentation caused by the construction and use of transportation facilities. Spills from use of
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the roads, pipelines, or railways could also
contribute to surface water and groundwater
degradation.
4.2 Air and Noise
As presented in Table E-5 air pollution can occur at
mining sites during excavation, beneficiation, and
transportation. The main air and noise concerns
include:
Dust - Dust is created at all stages of the
mining process, including land clearing, road
construction, excavation, blasting, crushing
grinding, dumping and transportation.
Despite the best attempts to control dust,
there are areas in any mining operation
where there are elevated dust
concentrations. A large portion of dust is
made up of large particles, with diameters
greater than 10 microns. This coarse dust
usually settles gravitationally within a few
hundred meters of the source. The smaller
7
AIR EMISSIONS AT MINES
Description of the problem: Particulate material,
gaseous emissions, and fugitive dust which is spread
by prevailing winds. The emissions may contain heavy
metals such as zinc, lead, mercury and other
substances which pose a health risk to nearby
residents.
Source of the Problems: Exposed soils and rock faces,
vehicles, generators, and other emitters.
Environmental Impacts: Elevated levels of lead and
other trace metals are found downwind in soils and
desposited dusts in school yards, class room, and
other locations where direct contact occurs with
inhabitants, particularly children, posing a health risk.
Key Issues:
1. What are the potential contaminants that
might be found in the dust and exhaust fumes
at the site?
2. Is there enough air monitoring data - wind
direction, velocity, etc - to predict downwind
impacts of the mining operations?
3. Which dispersion model(s) is most appropriate
to be use to make long term projections?
4. How many people live directly downwind from
the site who might be at risk?
particle size fractions (PM10), however, can be carried by wind in dust clouds for great distances
and may be deposited on or near populated areas. The dust may contain heavy metals. As a
result, human health and/or environmental problems may arise through direct inhalation, soil
deposition, deposition on plants or accumulation within a water body.
Emissions from Vehicles and Mining Equipment - Particulate and gaseous air pollutant emissions
are associated with vehicle and equipment exhaust. Particulate emissions (including PM10
emissions), carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons (volatile organic compounds), nitrogen
oxides and sulfur dioxide result from fuel combustion in vehicles, heavy equipment (including
crushers and grinders), and generators associated with mining. For underground operations, a
serious hazard results from exhaust gases released by vehicles and mining equipment as well as
from fumes produced during blasting. These exhausts produce carbon monoxide and nitrogen
oxide gas that can collect in underground cavities. Workers exposed to high concentrations of
these gases risk serious illness and death.
PM10 emission rates may be modeled for the various parts of the mining process: dust
generated during overburden, waste rock and ore removal as well as operation of vehicles on
unpaved roads; emissions from operation of vehicles, heavy equipment, mining shovels or
excavators, conveyors, crushers and grinders, and generators.
Organic and Chemical Fumes and Gases - Hydrometallurgical beneficiation processes may create
large quantities of sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide and organic and chemical fume emissions.
Gold and silver leaching operations can produce hydrogen cyanide gas. In addition, modern
mining techniques require the use of a variety of hazardous chemicals for ore processing such as
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acids and cyanide, which, in the event of an accidental spill can result in fumes which can impact
mine employees and nearby residents. Thermal processes such as autoclaves, roasters, and
carbon regeneration kilns can release mercury and other hazardous air pollutants.
Smelter Emissions - Smelting, without controls, can produce a large amount of particulate
matter and heavy metals. Thermal processes also can release significant amounts of mercury,
which can then be deposited locally or regionally, or can contribute to global atmospheric
mercury.
Noise - Explosives and heavy machinery are used regularly at mining sites, resulting in
potentially harmful amounts of noise pollution. Miners subject to high noise levels for extended
periods of time may become permanently deaf. Noise also can affect wildlife by causing stress
and disrupting behavior.
Vibration - The use of explosives for excavation is common in surface mining and causes
significant vibration. Control of vibration damage to natural formations and manmade
structures is therefore an important environmental consideration. Damage to natural
formations has been observed up to 500 meters away from blasting sites. Many mines limit the
number of explosions, using millisecond delays between blasts to minimize concussion and
noise, especially near population centers, natural scenic formations, wells, and stream channels.
4.3 Soils
Soils can be impacted by surface and underground mining operations (see Table E-5). They can be
eroded by wind and water and contaminated by leaching solutions, solvents, fuels, and mine water. Soil
erosion due to wind and water occurs on surface disturbances associated with surface mining
operations and underground operations (such as mine portals) and by runoff associated with the
discharges of mine water. When mine water, runoff, and drainage from waste rock, tailings piles and
beneficiation facilities come in contact with soils, toxic metals and other hazardous materials in these
waste streams can be transferred to the soils. Emissions from stacks may contribute to contamination
of soils, even off of the mine site. Common contaminants include heavy metals (cadmium, lead, etc.),
arsenic, and radionuclides. Contact of ARD with soils can lower both the pH and the cation exchange
capacity of the soils. Contaminated soil can affect restoration of mine lands and can cause illness if
directly handled or ingested by humans. Soil should be stockpiled for use in restoration, but profile and
structure are destroyed when soil is removed for mine pits and facilities.
4.4 Ecosystems
As presented in Table E-5, mining operations can impact aquatic, terrestrial and wetland ecosystems.
The primary pathways of such impacts, as shown in Figure 1, are contamination of water, air and soil.
However, habitat can also be impacted by resource modifications, increased human activity in the
vicinity of the mine and increased pressure on natural resources in the habitat, due to human
population increases associated with the mine.
4.4.1 Aquatic Life
In general terms, aquatic life is defined as some mammals, reptiles, fish and benthic macro
invertebrates that live in an aquatic environment. Phytoplankton and other life forms can also
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be considered, depending on the aquatic habitat. Changes in water quality affect aquatic
resources by increasing the loading of sediment or toxic/hazardous materials (metals) to streams
and water bodies , decreasing the oxygen in the water, and/or changing the temperature.
Physical modifications in the resources can also impact aquatic habitats, such as modifying
shade, pool and riffle sequences, flow of ephemeral, intermittent, or perennial streams due to
discharges or mine dewatering and disrupting flows into or the size of wetlands or other water
bodies. Impacts may result in changes to relative abundance of species or biological diversity. If
post-mining pit lakes become contaminated, fish, birds, and other animals could be adversely
affected by pH, metals, and other contaminants.
Cyanide, widely used in silver and gold leaching operations, can significantly impact aquatic
ecosystems. When released to the soil, surface water or groundwater, cyanide may mobilize
heavy metals. Thus cyanide in ponds and ditches as well as cyanide spills that contaminate soil
and get into runoff presents a hazard to aquatic plant and animal life.
Aquatic ecosystems can also be impacted if the mining operation increases resource demands
(such as overfishing) or introduces other secondary impacts (such as clothing washing or
recreational use) that displaces species or disrupts habitats.
4.4.2 Terrestrial Resources
Terrestrial resources mainly consist of vegetation and wildlife. The distribution of vegetation is
dependent on the local climatic regime, soils, slope, and aspect. Impacts to vegetation are
mainly associated with the land-clearing activities conducted in advance of mining operations but
dust can also affect vegetation by covering leaves and preventing carbon dioxide/oxygen
exchange. Impacts to wildlife include:
Habitat loss, degradation and alteration associated with the destruction of vegetation
Disturbance of migration corridors by mining activities and transport (roads, rails,
pipelines, conveyers, etc.)
General displacement from surrounding, otherwise undisturbed areas and disruption
during mating or nesting seasons due to increased noise and human activity
Increased mortality associated with contamination of soil, vegetation and water, direct
contact with solution ponds and tailings impoundments, and direct animal hits by mining
or commuting vehicles
Construction of poles for power transmission lines can provide perches for predatory
birds, which can affect prey populations
In addition, increased human activities for recreation or hunting in surrounding, otherwise
undisturbed areas can result in reduction of wildlife habitat. Plant communities can be impacted
if they are gathered for food, construction, fuel or medicinal uses. Development of new roads to
access mines also may open previously inaccessible areas to human development, thus having
even wider impact on terrestrial ecosystems.
4.4.3 Riparian/Wetlands
Native vegetation can be divided into upland and lowland communities. Upland communities
consist of forests, shrublands and grasslands. Lowland vegetation occurring within drainages
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forms riparian (streamside) communities, including wetlands. Wetlands and riparian areas are
usually the most productive and diverse vegetation types within an ecosystem. Impacts to
wetlands due to mining operations may occur directly or indirectly.
Direct impacts can include wetland destruction through removal for development of surface
mining, draining as a result of mine dewatering or changes in stream flow or aquifer conditions,
or filling as a result of construction of a tailings impoundment or waste rock dumps.
Sedimentation can also impact wetland resources as a result of uncontrolled runoff and erosion
from the mining site or scouring and head cutting from poorly designed stream diversions or
discharge outfalls.
Indirect impacts on riparian and wetland resources can occur from increased human activities in
those habitats, including recreation and gathering of plant materials for food, construction, fuel
or medicinal uses.
4.5 Human Health
The pathway for human health impacts are the contamination of water, air and soil as presented above.
The people most susceptible to the environmental impacts of mining are the workers. Dust, fumes,
exhaust, noise, direct contact with contaminated soils, and explosives all pose a human health risk to
workers. Nearby communities may also be affected by dust, releases of toxic chemicals in water
supplies, bioaccumulation of toxics in fish eaten by residents, and toxic chemical spills due to
transportation accidents.
4.6 Socio-Economic Impacts
The social and economic impacts of a mining project can be both positive and negative. Socio-economic
impacts can vary by location and size of the mine, length of the project from construction to closure,
manpower requirements, the opportunities the mining company has for the local community
employment and involvement, and the existing character and structure of the community.
Positive impacts can include:
Increased individual incomes
o Direct employment at the mine
o Increased purchases from local businesses
o Other economic activities stimulated in the community as a result of the mine.
Employment opportunities (short- and long-term for local residents)
Workers need to be trained and provided with health and safety equipment
Increased tax base
Resource royalties
Opportunity for a community development agreement with the mining company
Negative impacts can include:
Displacement and relocation of current residents or community resources
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Displacement or disruption of people's livelihoods (e.g., fishing, hunting, grazing,
farming, forestry)
Strain on existing houses, infrastructure, and services as a result of increased population
Public finance requirements -more infrastructure may need to be built and maintained
to meet the demands of increased population for public education and public services
(water, sanitation, roads, etc.)
Increased traffic and truck trips (safety, noise, exhaust)
Reduction in quality of life for residents from visual and noise impacts
Increased crime (drugs, alcohol, prostitution, etc.)
Creation of a mining camp may breakup family units
Some impacts can be both a positive and negative such as:
Potential for population increase
o Increased tax base (positive)
o Change in character of community (negative)
Housing availability
o Improved housing market in the short-run (positive)
o Abandoned housing after mine closure (negative)
Change in religious, ethnic or cultural makeup of community
o Diversity (positive)
o Conflicts (negative)
Impact analysis and policy considerations that may be valid for the general population may not
adequately capture important impacts on subsets of society. For these vulnerable populations, efforts
to protect their environmental health and wellbeing requires further investigation into their special
relationship to the environment to assess whether predicted impacts may fall disproportionately
heavily. Impacts that may not be considered significant for the general population may overlook
potentially significant impacts on these populations without this special focus. (In the context of the
United States, the populations which may be disproportionately affected are referred to as
" environmental justice communities". Whether these impacts can be anticipated from proposed
mining projects depends upon the area of influence of the impacts of the proposed project and the use
of the affected resources by populations which may be disproportionately affected typically indigenous
peoples, minority or low-income groups.
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4.7 Cultural and Historic Resources
Impacts on cultural, ceremonial and historic resources include any direct or indirect alteration of
archeological and historical sites or structures or traditional cultural lifestyles and resources associated
with those lifestyles. Cultural and historic resources include: archeological sites, historic buildings,
burial grounds, sacred or ceremonial sites, areas used for the collection of materials used in ceremonies
or traditional lifestyles, and sites that are important because of their roles in traditional stories.
Examples of adverse effects to cultural and historical resources from mining include:
Damage and alteration
Removal from historic location
Introduction of visual or audible elements that diminish integrity
Neglect that causes deterioration
4.8 Land Use
Mining may impact local land use. Clearly, land use on the mining site itself will be modified for the life
of the mine, and in many cases, for years after mine closure. Some impacts may only occur during the
life of the mine, and can be reestablished after mine closure, such as livestock grazing, wildlife habitat,
hunting, and agriculture. However, in some areas of the mine (for instance on waste piles and in open-
pit excavations) even some of these uses may not be reestablished for many years after mine closure.
These impacts become long-term impacts. Other long-term impacts can include those associated with
roads, rails and other ancillary facilities that may stay in place and be used after restoration.
Mining can impact land use on properties adjacent to the mine as well as properties through which
mining roads, rails, or other conveyances may pass. Land use in these areas can be impacted by
visibility, noise, odor, air pollution, and water contamination.
Mining can also result in indirect impacts on land use, caused by increased pressure on natural
resources. A mining operation needs employees and those employees need support facilities, all of
which in turn increase the population in the area, with associated increased pressures on natural
resources and land uses in the vicinity of the mine. The development of new roads also may open up
previously inaccessible areas to development.
4.9 Identifying Cumulative Impacts
Cumulative effects are those effects on the environment that result from the incremental effect of the
action when added to other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions regardless of what
a project proponent undertakes. Cumulative effects can result from individually minor, but collectively
significant actions, taking place over a period of time.
Mining projects can contribute to cumulative effects when their effects overlap with those of other
activities in space, or time, or both. Effects can be either direct or indirect. Direct effects are those that
occur in the same place and at the same time and are a direct result of the proposed action. For
example, water flows downstream of a mining operation might be affected by reduced by increased
water usage at the mine, in concert with reduced spillage at a dam and irrigation withdrawals. Indirect
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effects can occur at a distance from the proposed action, or the effects may appear some time after the
proposed action occurs. For example, an upstream timber harvest area and upstream water sewage
treatment plant may affect water quality, in addition to the effects on water quality from the proposed
mine. A series of mining and hydropower projects on the same water body can have a significant effect
on the quantity and flow of water downstream potentially contributing to increased risk of flooding,
erosion and sedimentation, loss offish habitat and the like.
4.9.1 Identifying resources that have potential for cumulative impacts
Resources which may require the analysis of cumulative effects described in Chapter F may be identified
through the results of any scoping meetings, site visits, and public interest in a particular resource; and
through consultation with the agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) familiar with or
responsible for those resources. Table E-6
provides a set of factors to consider in identifying
potential cumulative impacts.
Additional guidance on defining cumulative
analysis resources can be found in Considering
Cumulative Effects under the National
Environmental Policy Act (Council on
Environmental Quality, 1997). This document is
available on the web at
http://ceq.eh.doe.gov/nepa/ccenepa/ccenepa
An example of the affected environment, or a
resource, where mining operations may cause a
cumulative and additive impact would be
groundwater usage. In the project area there
already may exist wells that the mining project
proposes to use, which are tapping the same
aquifer already being used for irrigation,
industrial, and municipal uses. Pumping of that
same aquifer for mine dewatering, processing,
and workforce use may produce a cumulative impact. These uses, when evaluated separately, may not
produce a noticeable or measurable decline in the groundwater elevation. However, if these usages are
modeled together with the estimated volumes per year of each use and over the time period of planned
use, the model may show a cumulative impact of widespread and significant decline in groundwater
elevation. A cumulative impact for groundwater, widespread and significant decline in water elevation,
then may produce an impact to surface water elevation by lowering stream levels and base flows in
nearby streams and springs if there is a hydrologic connection between the aquifer and streams or
springs. Declines in groundwater elevations, causing declines in base flows in neighboring streams may
produce an impact to habitat critical to fish and wildlife or vegetation, thereby impacting certain species
offish, wildlife and vegetation.
Examples of cumulative effects:
incremental loss of wetlands
degradation of rangeland from multiple grazing
allotments and the invasion of exotic weeds
population declines in nesting birds from multiple
tree harvests within the same land unit
increased regional acidic deposition from
emissions and changing climate patterns
blocking of fish passage by multiple hydropower
dams and reservoirs in the same river basin
cumulative commercial and residential
development and highway construction associated
with encroaching development outside of urban
areas
increased soil erosion and stream sedimentation
from multiple logging operations in the same
watershed
change in neighborhood socio-cultural character
resulting from ongoing local development
including construction
degraded recreational experience from
overcrowding and reduced visibility
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Table E-6. Identifying Potential Cumulative Effects Issues Related to a Proposed Action
1. What is the value of the affected resource or ecosystem? Is it:
protected by legislation or planning goals?
ecologically important?
culturally important?
economically important?
important to the well-being of a human community?
2. Is the proposed action one of several similar past, present, or future actions in the same geographic area?
3. Do other activities (whether governmental or private) in the region have environmental effects similar to those of the proposed
action?
4. Will the proposed action (in combination with other planned activities) affect any natural resources; cultural
resources; social or economic units; or ecosystems of regional, national, or global public concern? Examples:
release of chlorofluorocarbons to the atmosphere; conversion of wetland habitat to farmland located in a migratory waterfowl
flyway.
5. Have any recent or ongoing EIA analyses of similar actions or nearby actions identified important adverse or
beneficial cumulative effect issues?
6. Has the impact been historically significant, such that the importance of the resource is defined by past loss, past gain, or
investments to restore resources?
7. Might the proposed action involve any of the following cumulative effects issues?
long range transport of air pollutants resulting in ecosystem acidification or eutrophication
air emissions resulting in degradation of regional air quality
release of greenhouse gases resulting in climate modification
loading large water bodies or watersheds with discharges of sediment, thermal, and toxic pollutants
reduction or contamination of groundwater supplies
changes in hydrological regimes of major rivers or estuaries
long-term containment and disposal of hazardous wastes
mobilization of persistent or bioaccumulated substances through the food chain
decreases in the quantity and quality of soils
loss of natural habitats or historic character through residential, commercial, and industrial development
social, economic, or cultural effects on low-income or minority communities resulting from ongoing
development
habitat fragmentation from infrastructure construction or changes in land use
habitat degradation from grazing, timber harvesting, and other consumptive uses
disruption of migrating fish and wildlife populations
loss of biological diversity
Source: Edited from Table 2.1, Council on Environmental Quality, Considering Cumulative Effects under the NEPA Policy Act,
January 1997
4.9.2 Geographic Scope of Cumulative Analysis
For each resource identified the EIA will need to identify the appropriate geographic and
temporal scope of analysis for those resources. Without spatial boundaries (geographic), a
cumulative effects assessment would be global, and while this may be appropriate for some
issues such as global climate change, it is not appropriate for most other issues. The EIA should
briefly describe how those resources might be cumulatively affected and explain the geographic
scope of analysis.
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To determine spatial boundaries, consideration should be given to the distance the effect can
travel in the context of resource effects from other activities that might affect a wide area.
Specifically, the EIA should:
describe how the area(s) that may be affected by the proposed action (impact
zone) was determined
list the cumulative effects resources within that area that could be affected by
the proposed action
determine the geographic area outside of the impact zone that is occupied by
those resources
consider the management plans and jurisdictions of other agencies for the
cumulatively affected resource
The EIA should:
discuss the location of other mining projects and other major developmental
activities within the area
include a schematic diagram of these developments and/or list them in a table
briefly describe how the proposed project interacts, affects, or is affected by,
these other resource developments
The length of discussion should reflect the significance of the interaction. Details of the effects of
these interactions should be included in the Environmental Effects section.
4.9.3 Regional, Sector or Strategic Assessment
Regional, sector, or strategic social and environmental assessment may be available to provide
the additional perspective in addition to the social and environmental impact assessment.
Regional assessment is conducted when a project or series of projects are expected to have a
significant regional impact or influence regional development (e.g., an urban area, a watershed,
or a coastal zone), and is also appropriate where the region of influence spans two or more
countries or where impacts are likely to occur beyond the host country. Sector assessment is
useful where several projects are proposed in the same or related sector (e.g., power, transport,
or agriculture) in the same country, either by the client alone or by the client and others.
Strategic assessment examines impacts and risks associated with a particular strategy, policy,
plan, or program, often involving both the public and private sectors. Regional, sector, or
strategic assessment may be necessary to evaluate and compare the impact of alternative
development options, assess legal and institutional aspects relevant to the impacts and risks, and
recommend broad measures for future social and environmental management. Particular
attention is paid to potential cumulative impacts of multiple activities. These assessments are
typically carried out by the public sector, though they may be called for in some complex and
high risks private sector projects.
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F. ASSESSING IMPACTS
F. ASSESSING IMPACTS
ASSESSING THE IMPACTS OF COMMERCIAL MINING
Impact assessment employs predictive tools to determine
the magnitude, duration, extent and significance of potential
impacts on the natural and human environment. These
tools can be quantitative - as in the case of analytical or
numeric air and water models, semi-quantitative based on
the results of surveys used to evaluate socio-economic
impacts, or qualitative based on professional judgment.
Metal Mines
For large scale metal
mines, numeric and
analytical models as well
as semi-quantitative/
qualitative approaches
are used to assess:
The effects of pit
dewateringon the
water table.
Solute transport of
pollutants in surface
and ground water.
Extent of air pollution
due to fugitive dust
and emissions from
vehicles.
Potential for acid and
non-acid mine
drainage
Soil loss
Sediment transport
Socio-economic
impacts
Noise impacts
Non-Metal Mines
Depending on the kind
and size of operation,
many approaches used
for metal mines to
assess impacts are
relevant. Because
many of these
operations are in
urban or near or within
rivers emphasis is
placed on:
Air pollution
modeling
Surface water and
sediment transport
modeling
Noise modeling
Socio-economic
impacts
1 OVERVIEW OF USING PREDICTION
TOOLS AN EIA
Impact assessment employs predictive tools to
determine the magnitude, duration, extent and
significance of potential impacts on the natural
and human environment.
Impact assessment for mining activities differs
from impact assessment carried out for other
activities because of the sheer extent and
duration of mining activities and the fact that
many of its impacts are irreversible. Therefore,
it is important to get it right.
1.1 Ground Rules
The EIA should assess as appropriate the direct,
indirect and cumulative impacts for the
proposed project including alternatives and for
every phase of the project: exploration, site
development, construction, operation, closure
and post-closure.
Ground Rules for predicting impacts:
1. Greater detail and analysis should be
included for those impacts that are
potentially significant.
2. It will be important to identify
uncertainties to lay the groundwork
for decisions about the project, proposed mitigation, monitoring and contingency measures.
3. The assessment of impacts builds on and indeed depends on a complete and accurate
description of the project, alternatives and the information on the environmental setting. The
assessment may take into account proposed mitigation incorporated into the siting, design
and processes and procedures, but to the extent that this is done in the assessment of
impacts, those actions should be included as well in the Environmental Management Plan
and/or section of the EIA which describes the commitments of the project manager to
mitigation activities. In other words, you cannot assume for purposes of analysis that the
impact is half of what it would otherwise be because of a control device and fail to include
that control device in the mitigation that is committed to for the project. Control technologies
proposed also are often part of the project alternatives addressed, which should balance cost
against benefits.
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4. Key assumptions should be explicit in the EIA. Because prediction is only as good as the
assumptions and the appropriateness of the tools, all of this information should be explicitly
spelled out in the EIA for the reviewer and decision maker. Although a range of predictive
tools may be available; however, the user should justify and validate or qualify the tools and
data used. There is a range of environmental features that may be unique to the project site
which should also be considered. The tools selected should be justified and appropriate to the
site location and situation.
5. Cumulative impacts should be considered.
To employ predictive tools it usually is necessary to calculate intermediary factors such as the resulting
direct emissions or releases into the environment from a given set of activities, or, the area and type of
land disturbance, number of employees that may be required during construction phases, and other
factors. By applying these intermediary factors to what is known about the environmental setting,
predictive tools provide quantitative and qualitative information on the impacts based upon known or
anticipated relationships.
1.2 Geographic Boundaries for Assessment of Impacts
Determining the geographic boundaries and time periods depends on the characteristics of the
resources affected, the magnitude and scale of the project's impacts, and the environmental setting. In
practice, a combination of natural and institutional boundaries may be required to adequately consider
both potential impacts and possible mitigation measures. Ultimately, the scope of the analysis will
depend on an understanding of how the effects are occurring in the assessment area.
Development of process flow diagrams (PFDs) and associated plot plans is essential to understanding
the "footprint" of a project, and potential impacts. Sources, pollutant transport mechanisms and
potential impacts within the project boundary and within the area of influence can be more easily
understood and addressed if the assessment starts with such graphic overviews of the project. Outputs
of numerical predictive models can also be overlaid on plot plans and maps of surrounding areas.
Generally, the scope of analysis for assessing cumulative impacts will be broader than the scope of
analysis used in assessing direct or indirect effects. To avoid extending data and analytical
requirements beyond those relevant to decision making, a practical delineation of the spatial and
temporal scales is needed. The selection of geographic boundaries and time period should be,
whenever possible, based on the natural boundaries of resources of concern and the period of time
that the proposed action's impacts may persist, even beyond the project life. The EIA document should
delineate appropriate geographic areas including natural ecological boundaries, whenever possible,
and should evaluate the time period of the project's effects.
Spatial and temporal boundaries should not be overly restricted in cumulative impact analysis. The EIA
reviewer can determine an appropriate spatial scope of the cumulative impact analysis by considering
how the resources are being affected. This determination involves two basic steps:
1. Identifying a geographic area that includes resources potentially affected by the proposed
project and
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2. Extending that area, when necessary, to include the same and other resources affected by
the combined impacts of the project and other actions
In practice, the areas for several target species or components of the ecosystem can often be captured
by a single eco-region or watershed. For example, an impact assessment for a forest plan modification
may have to be expanded beyond its administrative forest management unit. Instead, the scope of the
assessment might consider the entire watershed for the area covering portions of wilderness areas,
national or state parks, other federal lands, and private holdings. Boundaries would be based on the
resources of concern and the characteristics of the specific area to be assessed. EIA reviewers should
recommend that the proper spatial scope of the analysis include geographic areas that sustain the
resources of concern. Importantly, the geographical boundaries should not be extended to the point
that the analysis becomes unwieldy and useless for decision-making. In many cases, the analysis should
use an ecological region boundary that focuses on the natural units that constitute the resources of
concern. The area of influence may differ among the resources being analyzed. Determining the
temporal scope requires estimating the length of time the effects of the proposed action may last.
More specifically, this length of time extends as long as the effects may singly, or in combination with
other potential effects, be significant on the resources of concern. At the point where the contribution
of effects of the action, or combination of all actions, to the cumulative impact is not significant the
analysis should stop. Because the important factor in determining cumulative impact is the condition of
the resource (i.e., to what extent it is degraded), analysis should extend until the resource has recovered
from the impact of the proposed action.
1.3 Baseline
Impacts are always assessed against a baseline. The baseline is a "no action" baseline, in the absence of
the proposed project, and considering other changes predicted to take place in the absence of the
proposal. The baseline for assessing impacts is different from the existing environmental setting in that
it does consider other changes that may occur in the future but independent of the project, e.g., other
project start-ups, closures or major modifications. The geographic and political boundaries for assessing
project impacts will depend upon the affected resource and the nature of the potential impacts and may
also be influenced by the distances specified by the organization responsible for EIA review, likely
specified in the Terms of Reference and/or EIA application form.
Section D, "ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING," goes into considerable detail on baseline data requirements.
Information for these items is extremely important in assessing the environmental impacts of a mining
project. By way of an example, a comparison of predicted and actual water quality at hardrock mines in
the United States by Maest et al (2006) indicates that the reliability of predictions in Environmental
Impact Statements is largely dependent on the quality of the baseline data. Failure to predict water
quality problems, particularly acid rock drainage, was due to a lack of hydrologic and geologic
characterization for both surface water and groundwater causing an overestimation of dilution and
inaccurate determination of the size of design precipitation events. To make suitable predictions in
terms of the impacts on air, noise levels, ecology, and potential land use, it is also important to have
sufficient data.
1.4 Identifying and applying predictive techniques
Assessment of impacts is accomplished by using a variety of predictive techniques, with results
compared to accepted criterion, to evaluate the significance of an impact. There are a range of
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predictive techniques that can be used including experts, extrapolation from past trends/statistical
models, and modeling of the resource. This guideline identifies where it is imperative to use models for
assessing impacts and if appropriate, which models should be used to predict impacts because of the
specific nature of mining. This is elaborated on in Section 3.
1.5 Evaluation of the significance of the impacts
In assessing impacts of a mining operation to any resource, it is important to determine the magnitude
and significance of the impact.
If regulatory criteria exist (e.g., air quality criteria, water quality criteria, radiation exposure
criteria), these can serve as benchmarks against which impacts can be measured. Exceeding the
criteria would be considered significant. Impacts may or may not be considered significant if no
exceedence occurred. Many of the CAFTA DR countries lack standards that might be used for
criteria. This guideline provides a range of standards used internationally, and for a range of
countries that may be used for this purpose in lieu of country standards in the absence of
regulatory criteria. Information relating to this is presented on the CD-ROM, which has been
provided with this guideline.
If adequate data and analytical procedures are available, specific thresholds that indicate
degradation of the resources of concern should be included in the EIA analysis. The thresholds
should be practical, scientifically defensible, and fit the scale of the analysis. Thresholds may be
set as specific numerical standards (e.g., dissolved oxygen content to assess water quality),
qualitative standards that consider biological components of an ecosystem (e.g., riparian
condition and presence of particular biophysical attributes), and/or desired management goals
(e.g., open space or unaltered habitat). Thresholds should be represented by a measurement
that can report the change in resource condition in meaningful units. This change is then
evaluated in terms of both the total threshold beyond which the resource degrades to
unacceptable levels and the incremental contribution of the proposed action to reaching that
threshold. The measurement should be scientifically based.
Establishing criteria for insignificant and significant impacts may also rely on professional
judgment, but these should be well defined in the assessment. Criteria often need to be
established separately for each resource. Some agencies have established significance criteria
that are applied to all resource areas. Some examples include:
o Area of Influence: This could be based on the area of disturbance, proximity to local
communities, proximity to surface water bodies or other factors such as the estimated
decline in the water table or the aerial extent of an air pollution plume based on model
projections. In general, for mining operations, any impact that causes offsite damage is
considered a serious impact. This could include flyrock that passes the permit/mine
boundaries, or impacts on water wells or cultural resources outside the mine area. This
could also include the entire length of roads used to transport material including their
construction if needed.
o Percentage of Resource Affected: This can include habitat, land use, and water resources.
o Persistence of Impacts: Permanent or long-term changes are usually more significant than
temporary ones. The ability of the resource to recover after the activities are complete is
related to this effect.
o Sensitivity of Resources: Impacts to sensitive resources are usually more significant than
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impacts to those that are relatively resilient to impacts.
o Status of Resources: Impacts to rare or limited resources are usually considered more
significant than impacts to common or abundant resources.
o Regulatory Status: Impacts to resources that are protected (e.g., endangered species,
wetlands, air quality, cultural resources, water quality) typically are considered more
significant than impacts to those without regulatory status. Note that many resources with
regulatory status are rare or limited.
o Societal Value: Some resources have societal value, such as sacred sites, traditional
subsistence resources, and recreational areas.
For some purposes qualitative assessment criteria may be used such as:
None: No discernable or measurable impacts.
Small: Environmental effects are at the lower limits of detection or are so minor that they will
neither destabilize nor noticeably alter any important attribute of the resource.
Moderate: Environmental effects are sufficient to noticeably alter important attributes of the
resource but not to destabilize them.
Large: Environmental effects are clearly noticeable and are sufficient to destabilize the
resource.
For wildlife, a similar set of criteria was used by a USA regulatory authority, the Bureau of Land
Management, in assessing the significance of impacts resulting from oil shale and tar sands mine
development:
Small Impact: This is an impact that is limited to the immediate project area, affects a relatively
small proportion of the local population (less than 10%), and does not result in a measurable
change in carrying capacity or population size in the affected area.
Moderate Impact: This is an impact that extends beyond the immediate project area, affects
an intermediate proportion of the local population (10 to 30%), and results in a measurable but
moderate (not destabilizing) change in carrying capacity or population size in the affected area.
Large Impact: This is an impact that extends beyond the immediate project area, could affect
more than 30% of a local population, and could result in a large, measurable, and destabilizing
change in carrying capacity or population size in the affected area.
2 APPROACHES THAT CAN BE USED IN PREDICTING IMPACTS
Prediction of impacts due to mining on ecological, socioeconomic, cultural, land use, geologic, and visual
resources is usually based on professional judgment as well as on existing literature, field studies,
surveys, trend analysis or measured resource responses in other geographic areas. Accurate prediction
is the key to determining the response to a mining operation, and may require professional judgment.
Tools such as GIS and graphics generated from comprehensive databases are useful toward visualization
and determination of the magnitude of potential impacts. However, to assess impacts to air and water
resources as well as potential risks to humans and biota, analytical and numeric modeling approaches
are used. The following presents a brief overview of how analytical methods can be used in assessing
impacts to the air and water resources.
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2.1 Air Resources
In evaluating the potential impacts of a mining operation to air quality, prediction should made to
determine the extent to where the ambient air quality standards are not compromised. The predictions
should identify the areas of maximum pollution impact and assess the likelihood of air pollution from
the plant, dumps, materials handling facilities, vehicles or blasting and the impacts this could have on
the potential impact sites. Although analytical approaches can be used, international experience
indicates that numeric modeling is the most appropriate method to evaluate the impacts of a mining
operation on air resources. Quantitative models can be used to calculate the dispersion of fugitive dust
or other contaminants in air and to compare the results to numerical air quality standards. As a point of
reference, international accepted standards for various pollutants are presented on the CD-ROM
included with this guideline.
Initially, the Gaussian analytical model was developed in the 1930's
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air pollution dispersion terminology - cite note-2 and still is the most
commonly used model type. It assumes that the air pollutant dispersion has a Gaussian distribution,
meaning that the pollutant distribution has a normal probability distribution. Gaussian models are most
often used for predicting the dispersion of continuous, buoyant air pollution plumes originating from
ground-level or elevated sources. Gaussian models may also be used for predicting the dispersion of
non-continuous air pollution plumes (called puff models). The primary algorithm used in Gaussian
modeling is the Generalized Dispersion Equation for A Continuous Point-Source Plume and can be found
in Turner (1994). Over time, other numeric air dispersion models have been developed. Table F-l
presents a list of commonly used models. Most of these models are free and available on the US EPA
website and can be down loaded following the links on the table.
Table F-l: Air Pollution Models
Model
AERMOD
CALPUFF
BLP
CALINE3
CAL3QHC/C
AL3QHCR
CTDMPLUS
ISC3
Link
http://www.epa.gov/scram001/disp
ersion prefrec.htmffrec
http://www.epa.gov/scram001/disp
ersion prefrec.htmffrec
http://www.epa.gov/scram001/disp
ersion prefrec.htmffrec
http://www.epa.gov/scram001/disp
ersion prefrec.htmffrec
http://www.epa.gov/scram001/disp
ersion prefrec.htmffrec
http://www.epa.gov/scram001/disp
ersion prefrec.htmffrec
http://www.epa.gOV/ttncatcl/cica/9
904e.html (In Spanish)
Description
A steady-state plume model that incorporates air dispersion based on planetary
boundary layer turbulence structure and scaling concepts, including treatment of
both surface and elevated sources, and both simple and complex terrain.
A non-steady-state puff dispersion model that simulates the effects of time- and
space-varying meteorological conditions on pollution transport, transformation,
and removal. CALPUFF can be applied for long-range transport and for complex
terrain.
A Gaussian plume dispersion model designed to handle unique modeling
problems associated with aluminum reduction plants, and other industrial
sources where plume rise and downwash effects from stationary line sources are
important.
A steady-state Gaussian dispersion model designed to determine air pollution
concentrations at receptor locations downwind of highways located in relatively
uncomplicated terrain.
CAL3QHC is a CALINE3 based CO model with queuing and hot spot calculations
and with a traffic model to calculate delays and queues that occur at signalized
intersections; CAL3QHCR is a more refined version based on CAL3QHC that
requires local meteorological data.
Complex Terrain Dispersion Model Plus Algorithms for Unstable Situations
(CTDMPLUS) is a refined point source Gaussian air quality model for use in all
stability conditions for complex terrain. The model contains, in its entirety, the
technology of CTDM for stable and neutral conditions.
The Industrial Source Complex Model (ISC3) is a steady-state Gaussian plume
model which can be used to assess pollutant concentrations from a wide variety
of sources associated with an industrial complex. ISC3 operates in both long-
term and short-term modes.
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Model
SCREENS
PCRAMMET
Link
http://www.epa.gOV/ttncatcl/cica/9
904e.html (in Spanish)
http://www.epa.gOV/ttncatcl/cica/9
904e.html (in Spanish)
Description
SCREENS is a single source Gaussian plume model which provides maximum
ground-level concentrations for point, area, flare, and volume sources.
PCRAMMET is a preprocessor for meteorological data that is used with the
Industrial Source Complex 3 (ISC3) regulatory model and other EPA models.
Note: Other models used for vehicle emissions ,e.g. MODAL, and complex pollutant interactions and photochemical reactions.
If numerical modeling is used, it is recommended that model selection be based on:
Off-the-shelf - The model would not require any development programming
Easy to use - Containing a good pre-processor to make data input easy, and a good post-
processor that allows output to be placed on maps or in understandable data tables
Post-processing for presentations - Clear presentations are key to getting decision
maker's attention
Capable of being coupled to GIS - As mention earlier, GIS applications in mining are
becoming more popular
PC-based -The model should be able to run on IBM-compatible computers
It is important in the development of an EIA that models are used wisely and that the results are not
accepted without strenuous review. Needless to say, the advantage of using models is that sensitivity
analyses can be performed and "what-if" scenarios can be modeled to identify the nature and extent of
impacts and identify which variables contribute the most uncertainty to the results. When limited
baseline data are available or the exact nature of the mining operation is not known, impact
determinations using models should be based on a number of assumptions. Each of the assumptions
has some uncertainty associated with it. To compensate for these uncertainties, conservative
assumptions are usually made to ensure that impacts are not underestimated. Even with conservative
assumptions, impacts that are poorly understood (e.g., the response of resources to the environmental
changes brought about by the project is not known) can be underestimated or improperly characterized.
Conservative assumptions can result in greatly overestimating impacts and unnecessary costs for a
project if mitigations are not properly directed and scaled to the impact.
Different countries may also require or accept certain models. It is imperative that such requirements
or preferences be determined well in advance of performance of modeling. This will assure that
adequate time is allowed to collect input data required by the model(s) and that results are accepted by
organizations that the EIA.
2.2 Surface Water
When assessing surface water impacts, three overriding questions should be asked:
1. Will the mining project alter surface water flow in the catchment?
2. Will the mining project affect surface water quality in the catchment?
3. Is there a less damaging alternative?
If the answer to question #1 or #2 is yes, an effort should be made to determine the magnitude and
nature of the impact. This includes but is not limited to:
An estimate of all dewatering volumes and discharges of polluted water and the impact
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of these on the receiving water body
Estimates should be made on the long and the short-term effects of diversions and
water treatment facilities (impoundments) on the river or streams including its flood
plain characteristics and its structural stability as well as affects on the water table
Changes in quality and quantity of surface water in receiving streams
Affects of flood characteristics of the watershed
Estimates of sediment yield and potential impacts downstream This is particularly true
for dredging operations during which extraction of sand and gravel in the river bed
basically changes the regimen of the river or stream and unless controlled increases the
suspended sediment loading in a stream.
Based on the results of these analyses, indicators of water
quality and quantity should be used to set thresholds. For
water quality, specific concentrations and levels of pH,
nitrogen, phosphorous, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and
temperature can be used. Thresholds for a decline in water
quality can take the form of size and amount of riparian
buffer zones. Condition of riparian zones and changes in
percent of buffer areas can indicate a decline in water
quality due to soil erosion, sediment loading, and
contaminant runoff. Numerical standards for dissolved
oxygen and water temperature could be used to determine
significance of impacts to coldwater fisheries. Narrative
standards of stream condition would be used to determine
thresholds for successful fish spawning or other defined
uses. This information can also be used to determine
potential impacts to downstream water supplies.
The assessment of impacts to surface water can be done
either analytically or using numerical models. Analytical
approaches include the development of water balance or
using accepted formulas. More sophisticated numerical
models can also be used within the constraints as outlined above for air pollution models.
Water Balance: An accurate understanding of the site water balance is necessary to successfully
manage storm runoff, stream flows, and point and non-point source pollutant discharges from a mine
site. The water balance for typical mining operations will address natural system and process waters.
Natural system waters are fed to the site through rainfall, seeps and springs, groundwater and surface
water. Water is lost from the system through surface water runoff, infiltration, and evaporation. Each of
these factors is quite variable and difficult to predict. Process water on the other hand is reasonably
constant and predictable. For hard rock mines, process system waters include make-up water, chemical
reagent water, operational start-up water, water stored in waste piles, water retained in tailings, and
mine waters (miscellaneous inflows). An overall site water balance superimposes these two systems to
account for all waters at the site. A mine site water balance should recognize that water may be stored
in various facilities during mine operations. For example, in a heap leach operation, water is stored in
the process ponds, the heap leach, and the ore itself. Water is lost from the system water through
evaporation; facilities such as spray systems and process ponds may result in significant evaporative
losses. Natural precipitation that falls on facilities such as heap leach pads or process ponds increases
CYANIDE
Predicting the potential impacts of a
cyanide release to the environment
involves complex water balance, mass
loading studies, solute transport models,
and air dispersion modeling. The
determination of the best analytical
method(s) that should be used is
dependent on the design of the process
(heap or batch) and the baseline
conditions of the site in terms of geology,
hydrogeology, surface water, and climatic
condition. To help ensure that cyanide is
managed properly to reduce potential
impacts, a voluntary organization entitled
the "International Cyanide Management
Code For The Manufacture, Transport
and Use of Cyanide In The Production of
Gold" has developed a "Code of
Practice." Information on this code can
be found at http://www.cyanidecode.org.
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the total amount of water in the system as do any liquid chemical additives that are used in the
processing of ore. During temporary or permanent shutdowns, water collected in the facilities,
including the ore itself, will drain and should be stored in the process ponds. In heap leach operations,
the ore should be rinsed with water or chemical solutions to neutralize the environmental impacts of
chemical reagents remaining in the ore. For a tailings basin/milling type operation, inflows include
tailings water, runoff, and other types of waters such as mine water that are often co-managed with
tailings. Losses include water retained in tailings, seepage (to groundwater beneath the tailings dam),
pond evaporation, and recirculation waters. Spreadsheets are a common way to evaluate water
balances on the site. What-if scenarios can be easily run based on probabilities of rainfall events
occurring and changeable weather patterns such as those associated with climate change.
Analytical Approach: The following methods are used to determine changes in runoff characteristics
and sediment yield due to mining. The method described by the SCS (1972) is the most common
technique for estimating the volume of excess precipitation (i.e., runoff) after losses to infiltration and
surface storage. The method involves estimating soil-types within a watershed and applying an
appropriate runoff curve number to calculate the volume of excess precipitation for that soil and
vegetation cover type. This method was developed for agricultural uses and can be used for mine
properties if enough data are available to estimate curve numbers. Curve numbers are approximate
values that do not adequately distinguish the hydrologic conditions that occur on different range and
forest sites and across different land uses for these sites.
A more appropriate technique for developing and analyzing runoff at mine sites utilizes the unit
hydrograph approach. A unit hydrograph is a hydrograph of runoff resulting from a unit of rainfall
excess that is distributed uniformly over a watershed or sub-basin in a specified duration of time
(Barfield et al., 1981). Unit hydrographs are used to represent the runoff characteristics for particular
basins. They are identified by the duration of precipitation excess that was used to generate them; for
example, a 1-hour or a 20-minute unit hydrograph. The duration of excess precipitation, calculated
from actual precipitation events or from design storms, is applied to a unit hydrograph to produce a
runoff hydrograph representing a storm of that duration. For example, 2 hours of precipitation excess
could be applied to a 2-hour unit hydrograph to produce an actual runoff hydrograph. This runoff
volume can be used as input to route flows down a channel and through an outlet or for direct input to
the design of a structure.
Common methods to develop and use unit hydrographs are described by Snyder (1938), Clark (1945),
and SCS (1972). Unit hydrographs or average hydrographs can also be developed from actual stream
flow runoff records for basins or sub-basins. The SCS (1972) method is perhaps the most commonly
applied method to develop unit hydrographs and produce runoff hydrographs. The SCS (1972)
publication recommended using the SCS Type I, Type I-A or Type II curves for creating design storms and
using the curve number method to determine precipitation excess. Most mine site designs will require
use of more rigorous techniques for determining precipitation excess than those proposed by SCS
(1972).
Another technique to determine runoff from basins or sub-basins is the Kinematic Wave Method. This
method applies the kinematic wave interpretation of the equations for motion (Linsley et al., 1975) to
provide estimates of runoff from basins. If applied correctly, the method can provide more accurate
estimates of runoff than many of the unit hydrograph procedures described above, depending on the
data available for the site. The method, however, requires detailed site knowledge and the use of
several assumptions and good professional judgment in its application.
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As previously indicated, only peak runoff rates for a given frequency of occurrence are used to design
many smaller hydrologic facilities, such as conveyance features, road culverts, or diversion ditches
around a mine operation. The hydrograph methods listed above can be used to obtain peak runoff
rates, but other methods are often employed to provide quick, simple estimates of these values.
A common method to estimate peak runoff rates is the Rational Method. This method uses a formula to
estimate peak runoff from a basin or watershed:
Q = C / A (A-l)
where Q is the peak runoff rate as cubic feet per second, C is the run-off coefficient, / is the rainfall
intensity as inches per hour, and A is the drainage area of the basin expressed as acres.
A comprehensive description of the method is given by the Water Pollution Control Federation (1969).
The coefficient C is termed the runoff coefficient and is designed to represent factors such as
interception, infiltration, surface detention, and antecedent soil moisture conditions. Use of a single
coefficient to represent all of these dynamic and interrelated processes produces a result that can only
be used as an approximation. Importantly, the method makes several inappropriate assumptions that
do not apply to large basins or watersheds, including: (1) rainfall occurs uniformly over a drainage area,
(2) the peak rate of runoff can be determined by averaging rainfall intensity over a time period equal to
the time of concentration (tc), where tc is the time required for precipitation excess from the most
remote point of the watershed to contribute to runoff at the measured point, and (3) the frequency of
runoff is the same as the frequency of the rainfall used in the equation (i.e., no consideration is made for
storage considerations or flow routing through a watershed) (Barfield et al., 1981). A detailed discussion
of the potential problems and assumptions made by using this method has been outlined by McPherson
(1969).
Other methods commonly used to estimate peak runoff are the SCS TR-20 (SCS, 1972) and SCS TR-55
methods (SCS, 1975). Like the Rational Method, these techniques are commonly used because of their
simplicity. The SCS TR-55 method was primarily derived for use in urban situations and for the design of
small detention basins. A major assumption of the method is that only runoff curve numbers are used
to calculate excess precipitation. In effect, the watershed or sub-basin is represented by a uniform land
use, soil type, and cover, which generally may not be true for most watersheds or sub-basins.
The Rational Method and the SCS methods generally lack the level of accuracy required to design most
structures and compute a water balance at mine sites. This is because they employ a number of
assumptions that are not well suited to large watersheds with variable conditions. However, these
methods are commonly used because they are simple to apply and both Barfield et al. (1981) and Van
Zyl et al. (1988) suggest that they are suitable for the design of small road culverts or non-critical
catchments at mines. Van Zyl et al. (1988) suggested that the Rational Method can be used to design
catchments of less than 5 to 10 acres. It is important that the design engineer and the hydrologist
exercise good professional judgment when choosing a method for determining runoff as discussed
above. Techniques should be sufficiently robust to match the particular design criteria. It is particularly
important that critical structures not be designed using runoff input estimates made by extrapolating an
approximation, such as that produced by the Rational Method, to areas or situations where it is not
appropriate. Robust methods that employ a site specific unit hydrograph or the Kinematic Wave
Method will produce more accurate hydrological designs, but will take more time.
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As for water quality, baseline studies as described in Section D (Environmental Setting) determining the
potential acid rock drainage and metal release can be used to make predictions on water quality
characteristics from operations. For potential sedimentation, the rill, interiill, erosion, and
sedimentation can be estimated analytically using Revised Universal Soil Loss equation (RUSLE)
developed by the US Soil conservation Service. The use of this method is described in detail on the CD-
ROM presented with this guideline.
SOIL LOSS
Predicting soil loss and sediment due to rainfall erosion is an important aspect in accessing the impacts of mining.
The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) is an empirical equation developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture
(USDA, 1997) that predicts annual erosion (tons/acre/yr) resulting from sheet and rill erosion in croplands. The RUSLE
employs a series of factors, each quantifying one or more of the important soil loss processes and their interactions,
combined to yield an overall estimate of soil loss. The equation is (USDA, 1997):
where
A = R * K * (LS ) * C * P
A = Annual soil loss (tons/acre) resulting from sheet and rill erosion;
R = Rainfall-runoff erosivity factor measuring the effect of rainfall on erosion. The R factor is computed using
the rainfall energy and the maximum 30 minutes intensity (EI30);
K= Soil erodibility factor measuring the resistance of the soil to detachment and transportation by raindrop
impact and surface runoff. Soil erodibility is a function of the inherent soil properties, including organic
matter content, particle size, permeability, etc. In the USDA soils data sets, two K factors are given, Kw
and Kf. Soil erodibility factors (Kw) and (Kf) quantify soil detachment by runoff and raindrop impact.
These erodibility factors are indexes used to predict the long-term average soil loss, from sheet and rill
erosion under crop systems and conservation techniques. Factor Kw applies to the whole soil, and Kf
applies only the fine-earth fraction, which is the <2.0 mm fraction (USDA, 1997).
L = Slope length factor accounting for the effects of slope length on the rate of erosion;
S = Slope steepness factor accounting for the effects of slope angle on erosion rates.
C= Cover management factor accounting for the influence of soil and cover management, such as tillage
practices, cropping types, crop rotation, fallow, etc., on soil erosion rates. The C-factor is derived from
land-use/land-cover types.
P = Erosion control factor accounting for the influence of support practices such as contouring, strip cropping,
terracing, etc.
Numeric Models. There are several numeric and analytical computer models that are available both in
the public domain and commercially that can be used to estimate impacts to surface water from mining
operations. These models have been used to assess impacts of mining to aquatic biology based on
changes to chemistry, environmental effects of trace metal loading, contaminant transport,
sedimentation and deposition, changes to flood plains, flooding characteristic, and others. Table F-2
presents a list of models that are commonly used. Most of these models are available for down load on
the web pages indicated on the table.
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Table F-2: Surface Water Computer Models
Model
EXAMS
HSCTM2D
HSPF
HSPF Toolkit
PRZM3
QUAL2K
RUSLE2
SERAFM
Visual Plumes
WASP
HEC-RAS
SMS (Surface Water
Modeling System)
Watershed
Modeling Software
(WMS)
BASINS
Link
www.epa.gov/
ceampubl/swa
ter/exams
www.epa.gov/ceampubl/swater/hsc
tm2d
www.epa.gov/ceampubl/swater/hspf
www.epa.gov/athens/research/mod
eling/ftable
www.epa.gov/ceampubl/gwater/prz
m3
www.epa.gov/athens/wwqtsc/html/
qual2k.html
www.ars.gov/research/docs/htmPdo
cid=6010
www.epa.gov/ceampubl/swater/sera
fm
www.epa.gov/ceampubl/swater/vplu
me
www.epa.gov/athens/wwqtsc/html/
wasp.html
http://www.hec.usace.army.mil/software
www.ems-i.com. (available in
Spanish)
www. ems-i.com. (available in Spanish)
http ;//water.epa .gov/scitech/data it/mo
dels/basins/index.cfm
Description
Aquatic biology, assessment, biology, chemistry,
compliance, environmental effects, metals, NPS related,
permits, pesticides, point source(s), rivers, streams,
surface water, test/analysis
Hydrology, sediment, contaminant, transport, finite
element model, river, estuary
Assessment, biology, compliance, deposition, discharge,
environmental effects, estuaries, hydrology, lakes,
metals, monitoring, NPS related, NPDES, nutrients,
permits, pesticides, point source(s), rivers, sediment,
streams, surface water, test/analysis, TMDL related,
toxicity
Assessment, compliance, discharge, environmental
effects, hydrology, permits, rivers, sediment, streams,
surface water, TMDL related, toxicity
Assessment, discharge, environmental effects, hydrology,
land use management, metals, pesticides, surface water,
test/analysis
Aquatic biology, assessment, compliance, discharge,
environmental effects, hydrology, NPS related, point
source(s), surface water, test/analysis, TMDL related
Rill, interrill, erosion, sediment, overland flow, climate,
soil, topography, land use
Exposure, assessment, mercury, hg, surface water, pond,
stream, river
Surface, water, jet, plume, model, quality, contaminant,
TMDL
Aquatic biology, assessment, compliance, discharge,
environmental effects, hydrology, metals, NPS related,
point source(s), surface water, test/analysis, TMDL
related
HEC-RAS is a computer program models the hydraulics of water
flow through natural rivers and other channels. The program is
one-dimensional, meaning that there is no direct modeling of
the hydraulic effect of cross section shape changes, bends, and
other two- and three-dimensional aspects of flow.
The Surface Water Modeling System (SMS) is a comprehensive
environment for one-, two-, and three-dimensional
hydrodynamic modeling. A pre- and post-processor for surface
water modeling and design, SMS includes 2D finite element, 2D
finite difference, 3D finite element and ID backwater modeling
tools. The model allows for flood analysis, wave analysis, and
hurricane analysis. SMS also includes a generic model interface,
which can be used to support other models which have not
been officially incorporated into the system.
The Watershed Modeling System software is a comprehensive
graphical modeling environment for all phases of watershed
hydrology and hydraulics. The WMS software includes powerful
tools to automate modeling processes such as automated basin
delineation, geometric parameter calculations, CIS overlay
computations (CN, rainfall depth, roughness coefficients, etc.),
cross-section extraction from terrain data, and other. Hydraulic
models supported in the WMS software include HEC-RAS and CE
QUAL W2.
The Watershed Model System software is comprehensive for
both point and non-point sources, a multi-purpose
environmental analysis system that integrates a geographical
information system (CIS), national watershed data, and state-of-
the-art environmental assessment and modeling tools into one
convenient package
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2.3 Groundwater
As described in Section D (Environmental Setting), most mine sites are located in regions with complex
hydrogeologic conditions. A thorough understanding of the site hydrogeology is required to adequately
characterize and evaluate potential impacts. Aquifer pump tests and drawdown tests of wells need to
be conducted under steady-state or transient conditions to determine aquifer characteristics. If
possible, it is important that these tests be performed at the pumping rates that would be used by a
mining operation and for durations adequate to determine regional impacts from drawdown and
potential changes in flow direction. These tests require prior installation of an appropriate network of
observation wells. Transmissivities, storage coefficients and vertical and horizontal hydraulic
conductivities can be calculated from properly designed pump tests. These measurements are
necessary to determine the volume and rate of groundwater discharge expected during mining
operations and to evaluate environmental impacts. Tests should be performed for all aquifers that
could be affected by the mining operation at a mine site to ensure adequate characterization of the
relationships between hydrostratigraphic units (US EPA, 2003).
Characterization studies should define the relationships between groundwater and surface water,
including identifying springs and seeps. Significant sources or sinks to the surface water system also
need to be identified. Hydrogeological characterizations should include geologic descriptions of the site
and the region. Descriptions of rock types, intensity and depth of weathering, and the abundance and
orientation of faults, fractures, and joints provide a basis for impact analysis and monitoring. Although
difficult to evaluate, the hydrological effects of fractures, joints, and faults are especially important to
distinguish. Water moves more easily through faults, fractures and dissolution zones, collectively
termed secondary permeability, than through rock matrices. Secondary permeability can present
significant problems for mining facility designs because it can result in a greater amount of groundwater
discharge than originally predicted. For example, faults that juxtapose rocks with greatly different
hydrogeological properties can cause abrupt changes in flow characteristics that need to be
incorporated into facility designs.
As with air and surface water resources, analytical and numerical approaches can be used in assessing
groundwater.
Analytical Approach. A common method to analyze groundwater in relation to a mine relies on a simple
analytical solution in which the mine pit is approximated as a well. This method uses the constant-head
Jacob-Lowman (1952) equation to calculate flow rates. Although not as sophisticated as a numerical
(modeling) solution, this method gives a good approximation of the rate of water inflow to a proposed
mine. It generally yields a conservative overestimate of the pumping rates required to dewater a mine
(Hanna et al., 1994). A second method uses the technique of interfering wells, where each drift face of
the proposed mine is considered to be a well. The cumulative production of the simulated wells is used
to estimate the total influx into the mine and the extent of drawdown. In addition, an understanding of
groundwater can be gained by developing a water balance for the site as described above. Finally,
implications of the effects of groundwater quality can be gained based on field studies as described in
Section D (Environmental Setting) using methods such as acid rock drainage and leaching tests.
Numerical Approach: The use of computer models has increased the accuracy of hydrogeological
analyses and impact predictions and speeded solution of the complex mathematical relations through
use of numerical solution methods. However, computer modeling has not changed the fundamental
analytical equations used to characterize aquifers and determine groundwater quantities. Models are
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used to determine drawdown in the aquifer, contaminate transport, final pit lake water quality, and
other factors. Table F-3 presents a brief description of groundwater models used to assess impacts of
mining that are available through the public domain and commercially. More detailed description of
these modes is given on the CD-ROM included with this guideline.
Table F-3: Groundwater and Geochemical Models
Model
Link
Description
MODFLOW
http://water.usgs.gov/software/li
sts/groundwater
MODFLOW is a finite-difference code developed by the United States
Geological Survey (McDonald and Harbaugh, 1988). MODFLOW is a
widely accepted numerical flow modeling code and has been used
around the world to evaluate the impacts of mining. MODFLOW
translates conceptual model(s) of the site into numerical models
using discretization of space and time. Discretization of the spatial
domain is done by constructing a grid designating cells of specified
width, length, and thickness.
MT3D
http://water.usgs.gov/software/li
sts/groundwater
MT3D is a solute transport code also linked to the MODFLOW base
model. The flow domain using MODFLOW is linked to MT3D, which
then simulates contaminant transport using dispersion and chemical
reactions.
Visual
MODFLOW
www.visual-modflow.com.
(available in Spanish)
Allows for applications in 3D groundwater flow and contaminant
transport modeling utilizing an easy to use graphical user interface.
Information is available for this package through Scientific Software
Group.
GW Vistas
www.esinternational.com/groun
dwater-vistas.html (classes are
available in Spanish)
This software is for 3D groundwater flow and contaminant transport
modeling, calibration and optimization using the MODFLOW suite of
codes. The advanced version of Groundwater Vistas provides the
ideal groundwater risk assessment tool. Information of this software
is available through ESI Lt.
CMS
(Groundwat
er Modeling
System) -
www.ems-i.com
GMS provides software tools for every phase of a groundwater
simulation including site characterization, model development,
calibration, post-processing, and visualization. GMS supports both
finite-difference and finite-element models in 2D and 3D including
MODFLOW 2000, MODPATH, MT3DMS/RT3D, SEAM3D, ART3D,
UTCHEM, FEMWATER, PEST, UCODE, MODAEM and SEEP2D.
Information is available through Environmental Monitoring Systems,
Inc.
PHEEQE
http://toxics.usgs.gov/highlights/
treatise contributions.html
PHREEQE is a USGS computer program designed to model
geochemical reactions. Based on an ion pairing aqueous model,
PHREEQE can calculate pH, redox potential, and mass transfer as a
function of the reaction process. The composition of solutions in
equilibrium with multiple phases can also be calculated in PHREEQE.
The aqueous model, including elements, aqueous species, and
mineral phases is exterior to the computer code and is completely
user-definable.
PYROX
http://www.science.uwaterloo.ca
/research/ggr/ReactiveTransport
Modelling/PYROX/PYROX.html
PYROX is a numerical model that simulates one-dimensional,
kinetically controlled diffusion of oxygen into the vadose zone of
mine tailings and the subsequent oxidation of sulfide minerals, such
as pyrite.
HYDROGEOC
HEM
http://www.scisoftware.com/pro
ducts/hydrogeochem overview/
hvdrogeochem overview.html
HYDROGEOCHEM is a coupled model of hydrologic transport and
geochemical reaction in saturated-unsaturated media media.
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2.4 Solid Waste
The principal solid wastes from mining are waste rock and tailings. The environmental impacts from
these two wastes are principally impacts to surface and groundwater, and possibly to air. See those
subsections on how to model those impacts.
2.5 Noise and Vibration
According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Healthy Administration OSHA (2006) exposure to high
levels of noise for long durations may lead to hearing loss, create physical and psychological stress,
reduce productivity, interfere with communication, and contribute to accidents and injuries by making it
difficult to hear warning signals. Noise can also adversely affect wildlife. To analyze noise from a mining
site, baseline monitoring and operational monitoring is necessary. This information can be analyzed
using empirical or numerical modeling technique. Point source propagation can be analyzed using basic
analytical equations; however, numerical modeling techniques have been developed for multi-sources.
The results of the models are then compared to the appropriate standards. For instance, the maximum
permissible occupational noise exposure limit is in the range of 90-85 dB(A) Leq for 8 hour per day (40
hour per week). The A-weighted decibel scale approximates the sensitivity of the human ear to various
frequencies from 32 to 20,000 Hertz (Hz).
Most advanced models provide graphic outputs of noise impacts (isophons), which can then be overlaid
on maps of critical receptors. Noise standards are typically expressed as dB(A); however, it is advisable
to produce impacts based on octave bands as well, as dB(A) are based on a weighted summation of all
bands, and knowledge of the octave band analysis for specific sources is useful in devising the proper
noise control strategy. Octave band sound power level data are typically available from manufacturers
of most power plant equipment, e.g., turbines (gas, oil, steam, water and wind), generators, fans and
blowers, and transformers.
Just as there are many types and sources of noise, there are many noise models. The most broadly
applicable noise model is the Computer Aided Noise Abatement (CadnaA) model.
http://www.datakustik.com/en/products/cadnaa. There are also simpler models based on the sound
pressure levels (SPL) measured at known distances and at known directions from a noise source, with
subsequent calculation of attenuation as a function of distance from the noise source. Traffic-specific
models are also available, for example the US Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Traffic Noise
Model (TNM) http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/noise/tnm/index.htm.
2.6 Soils and Geology
Evaluation of impacts due to mining on soils and geology is usually based on professional judgment as
well as on existing literature, field studies, surveys, trend analysis or measured resource responses in
other geographic areas. Tools such as GIS and graphics generated from comprehensive databases are
useful toward visualization and determination of the magnitude of potential impacts.
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Soil: For soils, it is important to understand the potential for soil loss due to wind and water
erosion as well as the potential for loss of productivity. For wind erosion, the equation (WEQ)
expressed in function form is:
E = f(l, K, C, L, V)
Where: E is the potential average annual soil loss, I is the soil erodibility index, K is the soil ridge
roughness factor, C is the climate factor, L is unsheltered distance across a field, and V is the
equivalent vegetative cover (NRCS-ARC, undated).
Because field erodibility varies with field conditions, a procedure to solve WEQ for periods of less
than one year was devised. In this procedure, a series of factor values are selected to describe
successive management periods in which both management factors and vegetative covers are
nearly constant. Erosive wind energy distribution is used to derive a weighted soil loss for each
period. Soil losses for the management periods over a year are added to estimate annual
erosion. Soil loss from the periods also can be added for a multi-year rotation, and the loss
divided by the number of years to obtain an average annual estimate.
The US Natural Resources Conservation Service has also developed the Wind Erosion Prediction
System (WEPS), which is designed to be a replacement for WEQ. Unlike WEQ WEPS is a process-
based, continuous, daily time-step model that
simulates weather, field conditions, and
erosion. It is a user friendly program that has
the capability of simulating spatial and temporal
variability of field conditions and soil
loss/deposition within a field. WEPS can also
simulate complex field shapes, barriers not on
the field boundaries, and complex
topographies. The saltation, creep, suspension,
and PM10 components of eroding materials can
also be reported separately by direction in
WEPS. WEPS is designed to be used under a
wide range of conditions in the U.S. and easily
adapted to other parts of the world. For soil loss
due to erosion due to water, estimation can be
done using RUSLE described above.
Geochemistry: Studies for the EIA should be
concerned with chemical elements and gases in
the mining environment and their sources,
dispersion and distribution; chemical forms and
pathways into water, agricultural crops and
animals; and their possible impacts to plants,
animals and humans. Geochemical data may be
used to identify and locate sources of
contaminants to the environment from mining
and past and current industrial activities and
modeled to predict impacts. Geochemical data
ACID ROCK DRAINAGE
Predicting the impact of acid rock drainage involves
leaching and analyzing samples and using field
studies and complex solute transport and
hydrochemical modeling (Tables H-2 and H-l). The
development of such a program is described in detail
in Chapter 5 of the GARD Guide (INAP, 2009), which
can be found on the CD-ROM made available with
this guideline.
In general terms, hydrogeochemical modeling is
conducted using site-specific information to the
maximum extent possible. This hydrogeochemical
modeling results in prediction of contaminant
concentrations at the point of discharge and is
combined with groundwater solute transport
modeling to determine concentrations at a number
of predetermined locations (e.g., compliance points)
or receptors, which are in turn compared to
appropriate standards. Through the use of multiple
input values, sensitivity analyses, and "what-if"
scenarios, a range of outcomes can be generated,
bracketing the likely extent of water quality
compositions and potential impacts.
If predicted concentrations meet standards,
additional mitigation measures will likely not be
required. If, however, predicted concentrations
exceed standards, mitigation measures will be
necessary and their effectiveness should be
evaluated using predictive modeling and active
monitoring during and after mine operation.
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may be used to predict contaminant bioavailablity. To determine the source and extent of the
impact, geochemical mapping of soils, streams, aquifers, and agricultural products may be
performed. It is important to inventory possible contaminants and study the mechanisms of
mobilization.
Geochemical studies would consider mine rock chemistry and minor and trace element
geochemistry, mine tailings, waste streams, dust from processes such as smelters and in pit
crushers, and water interactions. It is important to study the mechanisms of mobilization of toxic
metals. Models that may be used for analysis are listed in Tables G-l, G-2, and G-3.
Geology : Toward the evaluation of potential impacts to geologic resources it important to have
a thorough understanding of the geologic hazards that are or could be at the site. These include:
Landslide hazards: Types of movements and depths, such as shallow or deep-seated,
translational or rotational landslides, slumps, debris flows, earth flows, mass wasting, etc. It is
important that the mining does not increase the potential the hazards on and off site. Analytical
and numerical approaches should be used to analyze this potential problem.
Seismic hazard: Potential for strong ground shaking, surface rupture, fault creep, and/or
liquefaction. Deterministic seismic hazard analysis methods should be used to estimate most
expected seismic hazards.
Volcanic hazards: Potential for molten rock, rock fragments being propelled great distances,
dust, gases, ashfall, fumeroles, landslides and mudflows. Potential for volcanic activity in the
area should be assessed by a literature search.
Other geologic hazards (e.g., subsidence, rock fall): Hazard areas may have been identified in the
process of developing local critical or sensitive area ordinances, and the most current
information should be obtained. In some localities, hazard areas are not delineated on maps, but
are defined in terms of landscape characteristics (e.g., slope, geologic unit, field indicators); in
these instances, hazard areas should be mapped by identifying where the defining characteristics
apply to the project area.
Economic Resources/mineral hazards: It is important potential resources are not excluded due
to improper mining techniques, placement of facilities, or due to landslides caused by the mining
operation.
2.7 Biologic Resources (Wildlife, Vegetation and Habitat)
As with soils and geology, biological impact assessments are based on studies, literature review and
professional judgment. As described in Section D (Environmental Setting), baseline studies generally
include listing of plants and animals present in core and buffer areas of the proposed project site. The
identified species are then checked for their status according to the IUCN list of threat categories:
endemic, endangered, vulnerable, rare, indeterminate and insufficiently known. In certain cases it is also
considered desirable to conduct vegetation analysis using standard phytosociological methods.
Frequency, density, dominance, importance value index and life form are the most commonly used
vegetation study parameters. Computations of dominance indices provide information about the
structure and stability of the vegetation. In case of aquatic ecosystems the measurement of primary
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productivity is also included in EIA. Vicinity of the site to protected areas and forests and existence of
wildlife corridors, etc., are also recorded. Data on these parameters provide a broad understanding of
the status of the vegetation and wildlife of the area.
Though desirable, diversity of habitats, ecosystems, distribution of species in various trophic levels,
regeneration status of trees, viability of populations, and identification of keystone species are not
studied in most ElAs. These parameters may provide vital clues for assessment of the value of the
ecosystem to be modified after the activity is put in place. The functional attributes of the ecosystems,
such as rates of primary productivity, respiration, export and import of materials, nutrient turn over
rates, ratio of productivity and biomass, pyramids of biomass, energy, population, etc., are also not
included in most ElAs. Another generally ignored but quite important aspect of EIA is extent of
dependency of the local people on the bioresources of the project site, such as collection of firewood,
non-wood forest products (NWFPs), medicinal plants, etc.
Assessment of the impacts of policy changes and legislation often needs a different methodology of data
collection and interpretation as their impacts are generally on a much larger geographical area. Remote
sensing and GIS technique can be more useful in assessment of policy impacts. Baseline data on the
biological components likely to be impacted by the policy change can be compared with the same set of
data collected on later dates. Satellite imageries can come in handy for such works. In this case
interviews with knowledgeable persons and group discussions may also help in finding out the impact
on biodiversity of the region, particularly forest area and status and abundance of wildlife. Similar to
policy changes, changes in tax regime, incentives for export and promotion of commercial farming, etc.,
also deserve to be included in EIA. Exemption of EIA based on size of the activity of the project needs to
be reviewed particularly when several small units are established in a compact area.
2.8 Socioeconomics
When an activity, such as mining, is expected to accelerate social change at the local level, it is necessary
to have detailed (sometimes household level) socio-economic and cultural data from the directly
affected communities for the baseline, and to develop trend data to assess whether the potential
mining impacts may continue or alter those trends in a significant way.
Social impacts cannot usually be assessed through secondary data on infrastructure and social services.
The results from detailed family level surveys, focus group discussions and key informant interviews,
participant observation, stakeholder consultations, secondary data, and other direct data collection
methods should be analyzed carefully (Joyce, 2001).
As data are collected, trends based on gender, age groups, economic status, and proximity to the project
should be analyzed. This analysis can be accomplished using statistical models or, as what has been
found more recently to be effective, the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS). According to
Joyce et al (2001), the problem with using a strictly qualitative approach has issues:
Greater difficulty of predicting social behavior and response as compared to impacts on the
biophysical elements, such as water or animals
The fact that social impacts are as much to do with the perceptions people or groups have
about an activity as they are to do with the actual facts and substantive reality of a situation
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The fabric of social interactions and social well-being (today being recognized and labeled as
"social capital") which are in the end where many social impacts take place, can only be
measured or evaluated through qualitative and participatory processes
As the causation gets more distant, it is less clear how directly responsible a given project or activity is
for that impact and its mitigation, and less clear how effective mitigation measures taken by one player
would be (Joyce, et. al. 2001).
Again, according to Joyce et al (2001), the measure of significance is the most difficult/critical part of
socioeconomic impact assessment. Impacts should be described in terms of the level of intensity of an
impact, the directionality (positive or negative), the duration, and its geographic extension. Significance
is necessarily defined using professional judgment. Towards this end, categories of impacts are defined
and a determination can be made as to what constitutes a short, medium and long term impact, and the
reasons for the designation. This is where participation by locals becomes important in determining
what is significant to them. Based on the significance of the impact(s) conclusions can be drawn and
mitigation measures can be designed.
Other socioeconomic impacts that should be assessed include:
Land use - A mining project, whether a small sand and gravel pit or a large open pit mine, if not
restored properly can abruptly change the land use of an area forever. To understand the
impacts of mining on land use, it is important to be able to visualize and calculate potential
changes that may occur. This can be done by developing maps that show pre-mining, mining,
and post-mining land use. In many countries, geographic information system (GIS) is used
extensively for this purpose. GIS captures, stores, analyzes, manages, and presents data that is
linked to location. GIS applications are tools that allow users to create interactive queries (user
created searches), analyze spatial information, edit data, maps, and present the results of all
these operations. A GIS includes mapping software and its application with remote sensing, land
surveying, aerial photography, mathematics, photogrammetry, geography, and other tools.
Population and Housing - The key to understanding the potential impact to the local population
and housing is having a good understanding of the work force required for the operation. Simple
calculations can then be made to determine changes in demographics over the life of the mine.
Infrastructure Capacity- Simple calculations can be done to compare demands on roads,
hospitals, wastewater treatment, water supply and waste management against capacity.
However, these calculations should take into account direct demands from the project for every
phase of the project including construction, operation and closure, as well as demands from
anticipated induced growth as an indirect impact of the proposed mine and demands into the
future in the absence of the project.
Employment- Having a good understanding of the workforce required for each phase of mining
is required to determine what additional labor may be required for schools, hospitals, support
industries, etc.
Transportation -Transportation studies are required to determine impacts on traffic and roads
due to commuting, the hauling of materials to and from the mine, and indirect impacts such as
population growth.
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2.9 Cultural and Historical
Effects are usually defined as direct or indirect alterations to characteristics of an historical or
archeological site or cultural resource. Effects are adverse when the integrity is affected or the quality
diminished. For the impact evaluation of cultural resources, information may be obtained during the
scoping and public process, by interviewing community leaders and indigenous populations, and by
conducting literature review. Impacts to historical and archeological sites and cultural resources are
evaluated with respect to their magnitude and significance according to Section 3.2 of Section G. For
cultural resources, it is important to consider impacts that may affect the transmission and retention of
local values. These potential impacts to the transmission and retention of local values may be caused by
impacts to plants, animals, geology and water resources that may be used for traditional cultural
purposes by certain populations.
2.10 Vulnerable Populations (Environmental Justice)
Vulnerable populations (environmental justice) concerns are introduced in Chapter E section 4.5 as the
potential of disproportionate high and adverse effects on certain populations, typically indigenous,
minority and/or low income populations. Economic effects and cultural impacts are analyzed as part of
the socioeconomic assessment and would include topics such as employment, revenue, economic
development, etc. Environmental impacts are addressed in the environmental sections of the EIA. In
the Environmental Justice section of an EIA, the impacts that would most affect this population are
acknowledged. Generally, adverse impacts are more intense to the environmental justice population,
and the economic effects are usually greater.
There are two types of sources of what is considered environmental justice impacts. The first type of
impact derives from the differences in life style that might typically be found among indigenous peoples
and minority groups. For example, these groups might rely more heavily on the affected environment
for sustenance or have greater access to the environment which may increase their exposure to harmful
substances where those are identified in the environmental impact assessment. Another context in
which the environmental justice analysis may be appropriate is to address minority and low income
populations whose life styles or low income status may make them more vulnerable to adverse impacts.
If they start with poor health or poor access to medical care, the impacts of adverse environmental
impacts may fall more heavily on them. Often these populations live in locations in which many
polluting sources may be co-located. They may lack the language or political access to represent their
interests before the government. These populations are generally less resilient than the larger
population's in the surrounding environment because of their economic circumstances in their ability to
mitigate adverse impacts using their own resources.
2.11 Health and Safety
Mining and mineral processing operations always pose an inherent risk to health and safety. Analysis of
the impacts is accomplished by inventorying:
The opportunity for exposure to dust, noise, and chemicals
The opportunity for accidents from working with large equipment and from labor routine
This assessment takes into account proposed measures to reduce these risks, but if that is done, then
the measures used to reduce or prevent impacts SHOULD be included in the mitigation section in terms
which reflect commitment of the mine proponent to carry them out effectively.
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Impacts to health and safety are identified in regulations that are in place to minimize the effects to
workers and people in surrounding areas. Laws and regulations are a large factor in determining the
policies and procedures that may need to be implemented to ensure that risk is minimized.
Other aspects associated with mining may produce impacts. These include:
Blasting - Impacts from blasting should be inventoried and addressed. Some of the potential
impacts result from noise, vibration, dust, and explosives handling and storage. Mitigation by
announcing blasting schedules, proper storage and locating seismographs for recording will go
toward reducing the impacts. Impacts from transportation may be traffic accidents or aircraft
accidents.
Natural Hazards - There are natural hazards that should be addressed such as working in extreme
temperatures, flash flooding and dangerous wildlife such as poisonous snakes.
Solid, Liquid and Hazardous Waste - Solid, liquid and hazardous waste also pose hazards to
Health and Safety and should be addressed.
Even with regulations, policies, procedures, reporting, training and monitoring in place, accidents
happen. Having measures in place that address accidents and emergencies will go toward reducing the
scope of an impact.
2.12 Cumulative Impacts Assessment Methods
In summary:
Predictive tools and methods used for cumulative impact assessment are similar to those
used to predict impacts generally, but the input parameters are different in that they
include all past, present and predicted future actions affecting the resource.
The analysis is focused and applied where it is most useful through a process of
identifying which resources may be significantly affected and applying more detailed
assessments to those resources for which cumulative impact assessment is most
important.
Three general steps are recommended to ensure the proper assessment of cumulative impacts.
Step 1. Determination of the extent of
cumulative impacts
a. Identify potentially significant cumulative impacts
associated with the proposed activity;
b. Establish the geographic scope of the assessment;
c. Identify other activities affecting the environmental
resources of the area; and
d. Define the goals of the assessment.
Step 3. Assessment of cumulative impacts
a. Identify the important cause-and-impact relationships
between proposed activity and the environmental
resources;
b. Determine the magnitude and significance of cumulative
impacts; and
c. Modify or add alternatives to avoid, minimize or mitigate
significant cumulative impacts.
Step 2. Description of the affected
environment
a. Characterize the identified environmental resources
in terms of their response to change and capacity to
withstand stress;
b. Characterize the stresses affecting these
environmental resources and their relation to
regulatory thresholds; and
c. Define a baseline condition that provides a measuring
point for the impacts to the environmental resources.
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In reviewing cumulative impacts analysis, the United States EPA reviewers focus on the specific
resources and ecological components that can be affected by the incremental effects of the proposed
mine project and other actions in the same geographic area (USEPA, 1999). In general, reviewers focus
on four main aspects. These include:
Resource and Ecosystem Components
Geographic Boundaries and Time Period
Past, Present, And Reasonably Foreseeable Actions
Using Thresholds to Assess Resource Degradation
The following presents a brief description of these.
2.12.1 Resource and
Ecosystem Components
An EIA analysis should identify the
resources and ecosystem components
cumulatively impacted by the proposed
action and other actions. In general,
the reviewer determines which
resources are cumulatively affected by
considering:
The following alterations would likely initiate cumulative
effects in wetlands or watersheds:
Changes in sediment transport
Alteration of discharge and retention rates of water
Changes in velocity of water moving through the
system
Disposal of organic pollutants where uptake is
controlled by biological processes
Disposal of chemicals that easily separate from
sediment and other materials to which they are
attached
Filling of wetlands that result in increased pollutant
loadings
Resources of concern may also be identified by
considering actions related to mining that alter
ecological processes and therefore can be expected to
produce cumulative effects. Changing hydrologic
patterns, for example, is likely to elicit cumulative
effects.
1. Is the resource especially vulnerable
to incremental effects?
2. Is the proposed action one of
several similar actions in the same
geographic area?
3. Do other activities in the area have
similar effects on the resource?
4. Have these effects been historically
significant for this resource?
5. Have other analyses in the area
identified a cumulative effects concern?
The analysis should be expanded for only those resources that are significantly affected. In similar
fashion, ecosystem components should be considered when they are significantly affected by
cumulative impacts. The measure of cumulative effects is any change to the function of these
ecosystem components. To ensure the inclusion of the resources that may be most susceptible,
cumulative impacts can be anticipated by considering where cumulative effects are likely to occur and
what actions would most likely produce cumulative effects.
The EIA document should identify which resources or ecosystem components of concern might be
affected by the proposed action or its alternatives within the project area. Once these resources have
been identified, consideration should be given to the ecological requirements needed to sustain the
resources. It is important that the EIA document consider these broader ecological requirements when
assessing how the project and other actions may cumulatively affect the resources of concern. Often
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these ecological requirements may extend beyond the boundaries of the project area, but reasonable
limits should be made to the scope of the analysis.
2.12.2 Geographic Boundaries and Time Period
Geographic boundaries and time periods also used in cumulative impact analysis should be based on all
resources of concern and all of the actions that may contribute, along with the project effects, to
cumulative impacts. There are no set or required formulas for determining the appropriate scope of the
cumulative impact analysis. Both geographic boundaries and time periods need to be defined on a case-
by-case basis.
2.12.3 Describing the Condition of the Environment
The EIA analysis should establish the magnitude and significance of cumulative impacts by comparing
the environment in its naturally occurring state with the expected impacts of the proposed action when
combined with the impacts of other actions. Use of a "benchmark" or "baseline" for purposes of
comparing conditions is an essential part of any environmental analysis. If it is not possible to establish
the "naturally occurring" condition, a description of a modified but ecologically sustainable condition
can be used in the analysis. In this context, ecologically sustainable means the system supports
biological processes, maintains its level of biological productivity, functions with minimal external
management, and repairs itself when stressed.
While a description of past environmental conditions is usually included in EIA documents, it is seldom
used to fully assess how the system has changed from previous conditions. The comparison of the
environmental condition and expected environmental impacts can be incorporated into the
environmental consequences or affected environment sections of EIA documents. EIA reviewers should
determine whether the EIA analysis accurately depicts the condition of the environment used to assess
cumulative impacts. In addition, reviewers should determine whether EIA documents incorporate the
cumulative effects of all relevant past activities into the affected environment section. For the
evaluation of the environmental consequences to be useful, it is important that the analysis also
incorporate the degree that the existing ecosystem will change over time under each alternative.
Different methods of depicting the environmental condition are acceptable. The condition of the
environment should, however, address one or more of the following:
How the affected environment functions naturally and whether it has been significantly
degraded
The specific characteristics of the affected environment and the extent of change, if any,
that has occurred in that environment
A description of the natural condition of the environment or, if that is not available,
some modified, but ecologically sustainable, condition to serve as a benchmark
Two practical methods for depicting the environmental condition include use of the no-action
alternative and an environmental reference point. Historically, the no-action alternative (as reflecting
existing conditions) has usually been used as a benchmark for comparing the proposed action and
alternatives to existing conditions. The no-action alternative can be an effective benchmark if it
incorporates the cumulative effects of past activities and accurately depicts the condition of the
environment.
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Another approach for describing the environmental condition is to use an environmental reference
point that would be incorporated into the environmental consequences and affected environment
sections of the document. The natural condition of the ecosystem, or some modified but sustainable
ecosystem condition, can be described as the environmental reference point. In analyzing
environmental impacts, this environmental reference point would not necessarily be an alternative.
Instead, it would serve as a benchmark in assessing the environmental impacts associated with each of
the alternatives. Specifically, the analysis would evaluate the degree of degradation from the
environmental reference point (i.e., natural ecosystem condition) that has resulted from past actions.
Then the relative difference among alternatives would be determined for not only changes compared to
the existing condition but also changes critical to maintaining or restoring the desired, sustainable
condition.
Determining what environmental condition to use in the assessment may not be immediately clear.
Choosing and describing a condition should be based on the specific characteristics of the area. In
addition, the choice of condition can be constrained by limited resources and information. For these
reasons, the environmental condition described by the environmental reference point or no-action
alternative should be constructed on a case-by-case basis so that it represents an ecosystem able to
sustain itself in the larger context of activities in the region. In this respect, there is no predetermined
point in time that automatically should represent the environmental condition. In addition, it may not
be practical to use a pristine condition in many situations.
Depending on whether the information is reasonably obtainable, the environmental condition chosen
may be a pristine environment, or at the very least, a minimally functioning ecosystem that will not
further degrade. The use of the environmental condition to compare alternatives is not an academic
exercise, but one that can most effectively modify alternatives and help decision making. Examples of
conditions might include before project, before "substantial" development, or a reference ecosystem
that is comparable to the project area. Selecting the best environmental condition for comparative
purposes can be based on the following:
Consider what the environment would look like or how it would behave without serious
human alteration
Factor in the dynamic nature of the environment
Define the distinct characteristics and attributes of the environment that best represent
that particular type of environment (focus on characteristics and attributes that have to
do with function)
Use available or reasonably obtainable information
2.12.4 Using Thresholds to Assess Resource Degradation
Qualitative and quantitative thresholds can be used to indicate whether a resource(s) of concern has
been degraded and whether the combination of the action's impacts with other impacts may result in a
serious deterioration of environmental functions. In the context of EIA reviews, thresholds can be used
to determine if the cumulative impacts of an action can be significant and if the resource can be
degraded to unacceptable levels. EIA reviewers should determine whether the analysis included specific
thresholds required under law or by agency regulations or otherwise used by the agency. In the absence
of specific thresholds, the analysis should include a description of whether or not the resource is
significantly affected and how that determination was made.
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Since cumulative impacts often occur at the landscape or regional level, thresholds should be developed
at similar scales whenever possible. Indicators at a landscape level can be used to develop thresholds as
well as assess the condition of the environment. Using the following landscape indicators, thresholds
can be crafted by determining the levels, percentages, or amount of each that indicate a significant
impact for a particular area. Examples of thresholds include:
The total change in land cover is a simple indicator of biotic integrity; thresholds for areas with
high alterations would generally be lower than areas that are not as degraded; if open space or
pristine areas are a management goal then the threshold would be a small percentage change in
land cover.
Patch size distribution and distances between patches are important indicators of species
change and level of disturbance. Thresholds would be set to determine the characteristics of an
area needed to support a given plant or animal species.
Estimates of fragmentation and connectivity can reveal the magnitude of disturbance, ability of
species to survive in an area, and ecological integrity. Thresholds would indicate a decrease in
cover pattern, loss of connectivity, or amount of fragmentation that would significantly degrade
an area.
Determining a threshold beyond which cumulative effects significantly degrade a resource, ecosystem,
or human community is sometimes very difficult because of a lack of data. Without a definitive
threshold, the EIA practitioner should compare the cumulative effects of multiple actions with
appropriate national, regional, state, or community goals to determine whether the total effect is
significant. These desired conditions can best be defined by the cooperative efforts of agency officials,
project proponents, environmental analysts, non-governmental organizations, and the public through
the EIA process. The cumulative impact of small scale mining operations on the integrity of a river
segment is an example of a threshold that is goal related. Viewed in isolation as an individual action,
such small scale mining which dredges non-metal rocks and gravel from a river bed may not individually
significantly diminish the flow, spawning, and other characteristics of the water body and indeed may be
beneficial to the overall flow of the river. But the cumulative effect of a whole series of such small scale
mining actions can significantly erode the stream bed, speed the flow of water, increase erosion and
sedimentation downstream and result in significant increased risk of flooding and mud slides not to
mention the effect on fish spawning in the river.
Table F-4: Primary and Special Methods for Analyzing Cumulative Impacts
Primary
Methods
1 Questionnaires,
interviews, and panels
Description
Questionnaires, interviews and
panels are useful for gathering
the wide range of information
on multiple actions and
resources needed to address
cumulative effects.
Brainstorming sessions,
interviews with knowledgeable
individuals, and group
Strengths
Flexible
Can deal with
subjective
information
Weaknesses
Cannot quantify
Comparison of
alternatives is
subjective
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Primary
Methods
2 Checklists
3 Matrices
4 Networks and System
Diagrams
5 Modeling
Description
consensus building activities
can help identify the important
cumulative effects issues in the
region.
Checklists help identify
potential cumulative effects by
providing a list of common or
likely effects and juxtaposing
multiple actions and
resources...
Matrices use the familiar tabular
format to organize and quantify
the interactions between
human activities and resources
of concern. Once even relatively
complex numerical data are
obtained, matrices are well-
suited to combining the values
in individual cells of the matrix
(through matrix algebra) to
evaluate the cumulative effects
of multiple actions on individual
resources, ecosystems, and
human communities.
Networks and system diagrams
are an excellent method for
delineating the cause-and-effect
relationships resulting in
cumulative effects; they allow
the user to analyze the multiple,
subsidiary effects of various
actions and trace indirect effects
to resources that accumulate
from direct effects on other
resources.
Modeling is a powerful
technique for quantifying the
cause-and-effect relationships
leading to cumulative effects,
can take the form of
mathematical equations
describing cumulative processes
such as soil erosion, or may
constitute an expert system that
Strengths
Systematic
Concise
Comprehensive
presentation
Comparison of
alternatives
Address multiple
projects
Facilitate-
conceptualization
Address cause -effect
relationships
Identify indirect
effects
Can give unequivocal
results
Addresses cause -
effect relationships
Quantification
Can integrate time
and space
Weaknesses
Can be inflexible
Do not address-
interactions or cause-
effect relationships
Potentially
dangerous for the
analyst that uses
them as a shortcut to
thorough scoping and
conceptualization of
cumulative effects
problems
Do not oddress
space or time
Can be cumbersome
Do not address
cause-effect
relationships
No likelihood for
secondary effects
Problem of
comparable units
Do not address
space or time
Need a lot of data
Can be expensive
Intractable with many
interactions
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Primary
Methods
Description
Strengths
Weaknesses
computes the effect of various
project scenarios based on a
program of logical decisions.
6 Trends Analysis
Trends analysis assesses the
status of a resource, ecosystem,
and human community over
time and usually results in a
graphical projection of past or
future conditions. Changes in
the occurrence or intensity of
stressors over the same time
period can also be determined.
Trends can help the analyst
identify cumulative effects
problems, establish appropriate
environmental baselines, or
project future cumulative
effects.
Addresses
accumulation over
time
Problem identification
Baseline
determination
Need a lot of data in
relevant system
Extrapolation of
system thresholds is
still largely subjective
7 Overlay Mapping
Overlay mapping and
geographic information systems
(GIS) incorporate locational
information into cumulative
effects analysis and help set the
boundaries of the analysis,
analyze landscape parameters,
and identify areas where effects
will be greatest. Map overlays
can be based on either the
accumulation of stresses in
certain areas or on the
suitability of each land unit for
development.
Addresses spatial
pattern and proximity
of effects
Effective visual
presentation
Can optimize
development options
1 Limited to effects
based on location
1 Do not explicitly
address indirect
effects
1 Difficult to address
magnitude of effects
8 Carrying Capacity
Carrying capacity analysis
identifies thresholds (as
constraints on development)
and provides mechanisms to
monitor the incremental use of
unused capacity. Carrying
capacity in the ecological
context is defined as the
threshold of stress below which
populations and ecosystem
functions can be sustained. In
the social context, the carrying
capacity of a region is measured
by the level of services
(including ecological services)
desired by the populace.
True measure of
cumulative effects
against threshold
Addresses effects
in system context
Addresses time
factors
Rarely can measure
capacity directly
May be multiple
thresholds
Requisite regional
data are often
absent
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Primary
Methods
Description
Strengths
Weaknesses
9 Ecosystem Analysis
Ecosystem analysis explicitly
addresses biodiversity and
ecosystem sustainability. The
ecosystem approach uses
natural boundaries (such as
watersheds and ecoregions) and
applies new ecological
indicators (such as indices of
biotic integrity and landscape
pattern). Ecosystem analysis
entails the broad regional
perspective and holistic thinking
that are required for successful
cumulative effects analysis.
Uses regional scale
and full range of
components and
interactions
Addresses space
and time
Addresses
ecosystem
sustainability
Limited to natural
systems
Often requires
species surrogates
for system
Data intensive
Landscape
ecosystem
indicators still under
development
10 Economic Impact
Analysis
Economic impact analysis is an
important component of
analyzing cumulative effects
because the economic well-
being of a local community
depends on many different
actions. The three primary steps
in conducting an economic
impact analysis are (1)
establishing the region of
influence, (2) modeling the
economic effects, and (3)
determining the significance of
the effects. Economic models
play an important role in these
impact assessments and range
from simple to sophisticated.
Addresses
economic issues
Models provide
definitive
quantified results
Utility and accuracy
of results dependent
on data quality and
model assumptions
Usually do not
address nonmarket
values
11 Social Impact
Analysis
Social impact analysis addresses
cumulative effects related to the
sustainability of human
communities by (1) focusing on
key social variables such as
population characteristics,
community and institutional
structures, political and social
resources, individual and family
changes, and community
resources; and (2) projecting
future effects using social
analysis techniques such as
linear trend projections,
population multiplier methods,
scenarios, expert testimony, and
simulation modeling.
Addresses social
issues
Models provide
definitive,
quantified results
Utility and accuracy
of results dependent
on data quality and
model assumptions
Social values are
highly variable
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G. MITIGATION AND MONITORING MEASURES
G. MITIGATION AND MONITORING MEASURES
Mitigation Measures for
Commercial Mining
This section addresses actions to be taken to
minimize impacts to the affected environment
from sand and gravel, metals and non-metals
mines. Addressed in this section are:
-Mitigation measures for:
Exploration
Construction and Operations
Restoration
Post-Closure
- Monitoring and oversight
- Financial assurance
1 INTRODUCTION
Mitigation measures, in simple terms, are actions
that can be taken to avoid, minimize, control
and/or compensate the impact of a mine or
quarry to people, places and the environment.
The International Association for Impact
Assessment (IAIA) defines an environmental
impact assessment as "the process of identifying,
predicting, evaluating and mitigating the
biophysical, social, and other relevant effects of
development proposals prior to major decisions
being taken and commitments made." It is the
final approved EIA that is the basis for the future
inspection and enforcement actions. The
commitments to mitigation and assuring they
are carried out effectively is one of the outcomes
of the EIA process. The particular language
defining proposed mitigation and anticipated
effectiveness and timing is critical to successful
outcomes, as is accompanying requirements for
monitoring, reporting and record keeping.
Project proponents should always be encouraged
to avoid adverse impacts through good siting and
project design. These practices should be spelled
out clearly in the EIA through operational
programs with monitoring plans in place should
unavoidable impacts occur. Unavoidable
impacts require mitigation. The mitigation of the
impacts is necessary in all phases of mine
development, operation and closure. It is
important that the EIA identify and define all
mitigation measures for a specific mine project.
A mitigation measure could be the selection of
an environmentally preferred alternative, the
incorporation of specific design modifications or actions in the mine permit, or actions carried out
during the mining operation based on mining conditions or regulatory decisions. Results of monitoring
may trigger further action if these results indicate there are problems that were not anticipated in the
EIA.
Metal Mines
Emphasis is placed
on mitigation
activities in
managing acid and
non-acid mine
drainage and, when
cyanide is used,
abiding by
international
standards. Because
of the potential long-
term effects of metal
leaching under acid
and non-acid
conditions, long-
term monitoring and
financial assurance
are considered very
important.
Non-metal Mines
Emphasis is placed
on mitigation with
main concerns being
dust control, erosion
and sediment
control, and noise
reduction.
In the development of an EIA, it is important that, wherever possible, performance standards are
established. These standards can be based on domestic or international norms and should be provided
by the proponent. Examples of performance standards for the protection of water, air and other
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resources are provided in the CD accompanying this guideline. To assess compliance with the
performance expectations, monitoring should take place. Towards this end, monitoring plans should be
developed by the proponent and approved by the government agency, so that mitigation measures are
set in force by the EIA and an appropriate level of financial surety can be established. The scope of
monitoring depends upon aspects of the operations and the resources of the affected environment.
Monitoring plans include an outline of objectives, a plan to meet the stated objectives, criteria for
evaluation, a procedure to respond to monitoring results that do not meet the accepted criteria, and
financial assurance. Monitoring and monitoring plans are addressed in detail in sub-section G-6,
Monitoring and Oversight.
The following sub-sections present how mitigation measures and financial assurance can be established
to minimize environmental impacts for each phase of a mining operation and is based on protocols
developed by the USEPA, the World Bank and the International Council on Mining and Minerals. The
sections are organized to address:
Exploration
The Mining Operation including management of water, hazardous materials, air resources etc.
Restoration
Post-closure
Monitoring and oversight
Financial assurance
Auditable/Enforceable commitment language: The final subsection, G-7, addresses the level
of detail of mitigation descriptions in the EIA document and, depending upon whether this EIA
will be used directly as a basis for follow up audits and inspection for enforcement of
monitoring and mitigation measures, it provides additional guidance as to what is needed to
make these commitments auditable and enforceable.
2 EXPLORATION
In general, mining exploration receives the least amount of scrutiny from government agencies, NGOs
and the public. However, exploration is increasingly competing with other land uses, human
development and ecological resources. Many exploration projects are developed by companies with
little government oversight and few formal corporate environmental and social policies. This situation,
in some cases, has led to significant negative environmental impacts.
Mineral exploration for metals, non-metals and sand and gravel mines begins with geological
reconnaissance. Mapping and hand sampling are accomplished during this phase of exploration. For
various types of mineral deposits geophysical applications are used to assess the potential presence of
an ore body. To better define the mineral deposit the reconnaissance phase is often followed by taking
larger, bulk samples of the material using various drilling techniques, tunneling and test pits.
The early stages of exploration are relatively benign with regard to surface disturbance but may
generate transportation-related issues. Significant surface disturbance can occur in the final stages of
exploration, where drill rigs, trenches and/or tunnels may be used to sample the material that may be
mined. If mineral exploration reaches the drilling or tunneling stage, regulatory agencies should require
oversight and financial assurance to mitigate potential environmental damage.
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To avoid significant environmental damage (e.g., from drilling, road building, trenching, test pits and
tunneling), it is important that accepted methods are used to mitigate negative impacts and protect the
environment. Such practices include proper construction and restoration of exploration roads; recycling
of drilling muds and fluids; and full environmental assessment of projects with significant environmental
disturbance, such as exploration trenches, tunnels and test pits.
In general, the following steps should be implemented prior to and during exploration activities
(Miranda etal 2005):
Experience dictates that the number one impact of exploration activities is the production of
sediment from the erosion of exploration roads and drill pads. Roads and pads are often built
without regard to the erosion and sediment control. Mitigation measures such as the use of silt
fencing, straw bales, grade control, avoidance of introduction of noxious weed and other
appropriate management practices should be planned for and in place from the beginning of the
construction activity. Steps which can be taken to mitigate the impacts of exploration are
presented in Table G-l.
To cover the lasting environmental impacts of exploration, companies should provide adequate
financial guarantees to pay for prompt cleanup, restoration, and long-term monitoring and
maintenance. Without financial guarantees for exploration, there is no practical way to
accomplish the desired cleanup, should it be required. The financial guarantees could consist of
bonds that apply to a specific project area. Bonds can be posted for multiple exploration
projects, but should be tracked to ensure that the total amount needed does not exceed the
total financial bond obligation. Even when financial guarantees for exploration are required,
regulators should monitor exploration projects to detect damage.
Table G-l: Exploration Activities and Mitigation Measures
Activity
(Description)
Reconnaissance
mapping and
sampling: (Use of
light vehicles for
on- and off-road
travel to map and
area and obtain
small, hand-sized
rock samples.)
Aerial photography:
(Detailed maps may
require aerial
photography which
may require the use
of helicopters and
light vehicles for
placing degradable
General Impacts
Negligible amounts
of emissions, dust
and noise from
vehicles. Slight
disturbance to
vegetation and
wildlife, and
possibility of slight
erosion and
sedimentation from
off-road vehicle
use.
Negligible amounts
of emissions, dust
and noise from
helicopters and
light vehicles. Slight
disturbance to
vegetation and
wildlife, and
Affected
Resource
Vegetation
Wildlife
Surface
Water
Vegetation
Wildlife
Mitigation Measures
Avoid disturbance of sensitive
vegetation and minimize overall
disturbance by staying on roads,
especially during wet periods and
rainy seasons.
Stay away from specific areas
during breeding season for species
of interest.
Erosion and Sedimentation control
measures which address staying on
roads to the extent possible.
Avoid disturbance of sensitive
vegetation and minimize overall
disturbance by staying on roads,
especially during wet periods and
rainy seasons.
Stay away from specific areas
during breeding season for species
of interest.
Notes
Impacts during
this phase of
exploration are
expected to be
negligible to small
, but should be
acknowledged in
the EIA
Impacts during
this phase of
exploration are
expected to be
negligible to
small, but should
be described in
the EIA.
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Table G-l: Exploration Activities and Mitigation Measures
Activity
(Description)
or removable panels
on the ground to
mark locations.
Airplanes are used
to photograph area.)
Construction of
access roads, drills
pads and staging
areas for bulk
sampling from drill
holes, test pits or
test tunnels, and
labor camps:
(Construction
requires use of
heavy equipment
including dozers and
backhoes and
possibly some
drilling and blasting.
Labor camps may
require temporary
housing, sewage
treatment and solid
waste disposal.)
Drilling to collect
samples (Requires
rigs, water trucks,
mud trucks,
geophysical testing
trucks, and mud
pits.
General Impacts
possibility of slight
erosion and
sedimentation from
off-road vehicle
use. No impacts
from panels
because they will
be removed.
Exhaust emissions,
dust, and noise
during construction.
Erosion and
sedimentation.
Noise and vibration
levels associated
with blasting.
Disturbance to
vegetation and
wildlife. Possible
impacts to cultural
sites and traditional
uses. Impacts to
ground and surface
water from
temporary living
arrangements and
excavations and
drilling.
Exhaust emissions,
dust, and noise.
Disturbance to
vegetation and
wildlife. Possible
impacts to
groundwater and
surface water
associated with
drilling fluids and
mud disposal.
Possible impacts to
traditional uses.
Affected
Resource
Surface
Water
Vegetation
Wildlife
Surface
Water
Groundwater
Air Quality
Noise and
Vibration
Cultural and
Historical
Vegetation
Wildlife
Surface Water
Groundwater
Air Quality
Noise and
Vibration
Cultural and
Historical
Mitigation Measures
Erosion and sedimentation control
measures which address staying on
roads to the extent possible.
Pre-disturbance surveys,
revegetation and monitoring.
Protection of sensitive species or
species of interest.
Erosion and sedimentation controls
such as silt fencing, straw bales,
and grade control, with appropriate
management practices as outlined
in Table 1-6.
Sewage treatment and solid waste
management at labor camps.
Sewage treatment and solid waste
management at labor camps.
Dust control measures.
Restricted hours of operation of
heavy equipment and blasting if
exploration is in a populated area.
May include seismic monitoring.
Pre-disturbance surveys of pads,
roads and camp locations and
mitigation by avoidance of sites.
When avoidance is not possible,
excavation of sites.
Pre-disturbance surveys,
revegetation and monitoring.
Protection of sensitive species or
species of interest.
Treatment/disposal of mud and
fluid.
Management of drilling fluids. Drill
hole plugging.
Dust control measures.
Restricted hours of operation if
exploration is in a populated area.
A program may be required
to address operational
impacts on indigenous
people in the immediate
area.
Notes
Impacts from this
phase are greater
than geological
reconnaissance
and aerial
photography and
should be
addressed in the
EIA.
Financial
Assurance would
be required.
Restoration would
be required.
Measures for
these activities
should be
included in the
EIA.
Financial
Assurance would
be required.
Monitoring
revegetation
would be
required.
Monitoring
groundwater and
surface water
may be required
depending upon
the proximity of
the drill holes to
resources.
Measures for
these activities
should be
included in the
EIA.
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Table G-l: Exploration Activities and Mitigation Measures
Activity
(Description)
Tunneling and test
pits for collecting
samples
(Usually requires
drilling and blasting.
Use of excavation
equipment creates
waste piles.
Sometimes crushers
and conveyors are
used for sample
preparation.)
Test mine and
restoration of test
mine: (Creation of a
small mine with on-
site crushing and
sometimes smaller
scale metallurgical
processes for
crushing, grinding
and extraction.
Extensive use of
heavy equipment
during test mining.
Use of heavy
equipment to
restore land to
postmining land use.
Removal of
facilities.)
General Impacts
Exhaust emissions,
dust, and noise.
Disturbance to
vegetation and
wildlife. Possible
impacts to
groundwaterand
surface water
associated with
drilling, blasting and
excavation. Possible
seismic impacts and
subsidence. Possible
impacts to cultural
sites and traditional
uses.
Impacts are
approximately
those of a mine
only on a much
smaller scale. (See
Table E-2)
Affected
Resource
Vegetation
Wildlife
Surface Water
Groundwater
Air Quality
Noise and
Vibration
Cultural and
Historical
Mitigation Measures
Pre-disturbance surveys,
revegetation and monitoring.
Protection of sensitive species or
species of interest.
Erosion and sedimentation controls
such as silt fencing, straw bales, and
grade control, with appropriate best
management practices as outlined in
Table G-2.
Control of acid and other drainage
from waste rock.
Control of acid and other drainage
from waste rock.
Dust control measures for
construction equipment, crushers
and conveyors.
Restricted hours of operation if
exploration is in a populated area.
Pre-disturbance surveys of pads,
roads and camp locations and
mitigation by avoidance of sites.
When avoidance is not possible,
excavation of sites.
A program may be required to
address operational impacts on
indigenous people in the immediate
area.
Mitigation measures are
approximately those of a mine only
on a much smaller scale. (See Table
G-2)
Notes
Financial
Assurance would
be required.
Monitoring
revegetation
would be
required.
Monitoring of
dust emissions,
surface water,
groundwater,
noise and
seismic activity
may all be
required.
Measures for
these activities
should be
included in the
EIA.
Financial
Assurance
required.
Detailed
monitoring
plans for all
resources of the
affected
environment
would be
required and
included in the
EIA.
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Table G-l: Exploration Activities and Mitigation Measures
Activity
(Description)
Restoration of
roads drill pads, test
pits, tunnel sites
and labor camps:
(Use of heavy
equipment to
reclaim sites.)
Monitoring: (Use of
light-use vehicles on
and off road to take
samples and
complete surveys.)
General Impacts
Impacts from dust,
emissions,
sedimentation,
erosion, noise,
wildlife.
Negligible amounts
of emissions, dust
and noise from
vehicles. Slight
disturbance to
vegetation and
wildlife, and
possibility of slight
erosion and
sedimentation from
off-road vehicle use.
Affected
Resource
Vegetation
Wildlife
Surface Water
Groundwater
Air Quality
Noise and
Vibration
Cultural and
Historical
Vegetation
Wildlife
Surface Water
Mitigation Measures
Revegetation of disturbed areas
(roads, pads, camps, etc.) and
monitoring.
Restoration of disturbed habitats.
Control sedimentation and erosion
during restoration. Replacement of
temporary structure (silt fencing,
straw bales, etc.) with permanent
structures where necessary.
Possible restoration of natural
contours and drainage patterns at
disturbed sites. Acid and other
drainage from metals waste rock
may need to be monitored and
controlled.
Removal of sewage
treatment and solid waste
disposal facilities at labor
camps. Restoration of waste
to avoid contamination to
groundwater.
Dust control measures.
Restricted hours of
operation if exploration is in
a populated area.
Restoration of access to
cultural sites and traditional
uses.
Avoid disturbance of
sensitive vegetation and
minimize overall
disturbance by staying on
roads, especially during wet
periods and rainy seasons.
Stay away from specific
areas during breeding
season for species of
interest.
Erosion and sedimentation
control program which
addresses staying on roads
to the extent possible.
Notes
Financial
Assurance
continues to be in
place during this
phase.
Monitoring
resources would
be necessary in
this phase.
Monitoring plans
are an integral
part of the EIA
and should be
included in the
document.
Financial
Assurance
continues to be in
place during this
phase.
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G. MITIGATION AND MONITORING MEASURES
3 THE MINING OPERATION
3.1 General
Mitigation measures are required for a mining operation
to reduce impacts of the mine to the affected
environment: water, air, land, soil and geologic, biologic,
land, cultural, visual and human resources. A
comprehensive table of mitigation measures that can be
taken throughout the mining process is presented in
Table G-2. This table is general and can be applied to any
type of mining operation (aggregate, non-metal and
metal). In addition to these measures, mitigation can be
achieved through regulatory and corporate action. These
actions can include using "appropriate management
practices" in managing water, air pollution control, noise
reduction, waste, cyanide and acid rock drainage. In
addition, mitigation efforts can be greatly enhanced if
companies practice "prior informed consent" which
according the Environmental Law Institute (2003) refers
"to the right of a local community to be informed about
mining operations on a full and timely basis and to
approve a mining operation prior to the commencement
of operation. This includes participation in setting the
terms and conditions addressing the economic, social,
and environmental impacts of all phases of mining and
post-mining operations."
BEST PRACTICES
Environment Canada has established an
Environmental Code of Practice for
Metal Mines. This Code was published
under the Canadian Environmental
Protection Act (CEPA) in June, 2009 and
complements the Metal Mining Effluent
Regulations. The Code addresses all
phases of the mining life cycle from
exploration through closure and covers
a broad spectrum of environmental
aspects ranging from water, waste and
air management to climate change and
biodiversity. The Code includes a
comprehensive set of recommendations
to facilitate and encourage continual
improvement in environmental
performance of mining facilities. The
Code's recommendations collectively
represent Environment Canada's
position on critical steps to address the
environmental impacts of mining
activities across Canada and
internationally (Environment Canada,
2009, European Commission, 2009).
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G. MITIGATION AND MONITORING MEASURES
Table G-2: Mining Impact Mitigation Measures
Affected
Environment
Potential Siting and Design Measures
Potential Follow up Monitoring, Best Practices and
Mitigation Measures
Air
Dust Control
Surface access roads and on-site roads with aggregate
materials, wherever appropriate.
Minimize disturbed areas
Dust Control Measures
At a minimum the dust control measures would require these mitigation measures:
Use dust abatement techniques on unpaved, unvegetated surfaces to minimize
airborne dust and during earthmoving activities, prior to clearing, before excavating,
backfilling, compacting, or grading, and during blasting.
Post and enforce speed limits to reduce airborne fugitive dust from vehicular traffic.
Reestablish vegetation of disturbed areas as soon as possible after disturbance with
timeframes set in the EIA.
Keep soil moist while loading into dump trucks.
Keep soil loads below the freeboard of the truck.
Tighten gate seals on dump trucks.
Cover dump trucks before traveling on public roads.
Cover construction materials and stockpiled soils if they are a source of fugitive
dust.
Train workers to handle construction materials and debris to reduce fugitive
emissions.
Employ water injection or rotoclones on all drills.
Use chutes, drapes, or other means to enclose conveyor transfer points, screens,
and crushers.
Cover all conveyors.
Develop a long-term monitoring program that ensures the above steps meet
regulatory requirements
Emissions Control
Fuel efficiency, types of fuels, types of equipment,
emissions controls, and equipment maintenance
programs.
Emissions Control Program
At a minimum the program would address methods for reduction of greenhouse gas
emissions and pollutants such as CO, CO2, NOx, SOx, and VOC.
Develop a monitoring program that ensures greenhouse gas emission are
minimized.
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G. MITIGATION AND MONITORING MEASURES
Table G-2: Mining Impact Mitigation Measures
Affected
Environment
Water
Potential Siting and Design Measures
Sediment and Erosion Control
Identify and avoid unstable slopes and local factors
that can cause slope instability (groundwater
conditions, precipitation, seismic activity, slope
angles, and geologic structure).
Minimize the planned amount of land to be
disturbed as much as possible.
Use special construction techniques in areas of
steep slopes, erodible soils, and stream crossings.
Identify and employ slope stabilization practices for
use during mining.
Construct drainage ditches only where necessary.
Use appropriate structures at culvert outlets to
prevent erosion.
Do not alter existing drainage systems, especially in
sensitive areas such as erodible soils or steep
slopes.
Permanent impoundments, including seep
discharges, should meet the performance
standards including having water quality suitable
for the intended post-mining use.
Construct sedimentation structures near the
disturbed area to impound surface water runoff
and sediment.
Potential Follow up Monitoring, Best Practices and
Mitigation Measures
Sediment and Erosion Management program:
At a minimum the program should include best management practices, such as:
Best Management Practices will be implemented to control erosion from vehicular
traffic; roads and pads will be sited to minimize impacts; construction will avoid cut/fill
to the extent possible, minimizing area disturbed by roads and drill pads; roads and pads
will be located away from surface waters where possible; buffer zones will be
maintained near surface waters [Ministry specify how many meters from surface
waters buffers will extend]; construction will be limited to dry periods; slopes will be
stabilized; appropriate management practices for stream crossing will be used [Ministry
specify].
Topsoil will be removed during mining and decommissioning activities and used to
reclaim disturbed areas.
Side slopes and benches of heap leach pads, waste rock piles, stockpiles, and tailings
impoundments will be designed to be stable and minimize erosion.
Disposal areas for excess excavation materials will be sited in approved areas to control
erosion and minimize leaching of hazardous materials.
Disturbed soils will be restored as soon as possible after disturbance.
Catch basins, drainage ditches, and culverts will be cleaned and maintained regularly.
Strip-mined or contour-mined areas will be backfilled or recontoured with excess
excavation material generated during construction.
Borrow material will be obtained only from authorized and permitted sites. All wetlands
will be delineated and clearly marked throughout project construction and operation in
order to remain undisturbed.
Wetlands will not be disturbed and a [X meter] buffer shall be maintained between all
wetlands and surface disturbance.
All aquatic/riparian/wetland habitat disturbed or destroyed by mining activities will be
fully restored or fully compensated for by the mining company.
The quality and quantity of mine effluent streams discharged to the environment,
including stormwater, and overall mine works drainage will be managed and treated to
meet the applicable water quality standards specified in the Monitoring Plan.
Discharges to surface water will not result in contaminant concentrations in excess of
water quality standards specified in the Monitoring Plan outside a scientifically
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G. MITIGATION AND MONITORING MEASURES
Table G-2: Mining Impact Mitigation Measures
Affected
Environment
Potential Siting and Design Measures
Potential Follow up Monitoring, Best Practices and
Mitigation Measures
established mixing zone.
Mining company will closely monitor activities near aquifer recharge areas to reduce
potential contamination of the aquifer.
Oil and grease traps or sumps will be installed and maintained in proper working order
at refueling facilities, workshops, fuel storage depots, and containment areas, and spill
kits shall be kept on site and available with emergency response plans.
Sanitary wastewater will be managed via reuse or routing into septic or surface
treatment.
All pesticides used for the project will meet international standards for nonpersistent,
immobile pesticides.
Water
(cont.)
Water Quality Control Measures
Minimize effects to wells and stream or spring flow
from draw down of groundwater table due to pit
dewatering, groundwater use, reduction in
groundwater recharge area, and direct or indirect
blockage/ diversion of upstream source water
flow.
Water Quality Management
Identify minimum flow requirements for streams and springs based upon
comprehensive analysis and designation of the flow necessary to sustain a healthy
aquatic and riparian environment for each of these water bodies.
If a reduction in the flow of a stream or spring below the designated threshold flow is
determined to be the result of mining operations, the mining company will enhance or
repair the affected water resources in an amount equal to or greater than the
designated threshold flow.
The mining company will monitor and report its mitigation activities to ensure the
effectiveness of the implemented measures. If initial measures are deemed
inadequate by the Ministry, the mining company will implement additional measures
until mitigation meets the designated threshold flow.
Mitigation measures may include, but are not limited to:
o Acquisition of necessary water for the mining process from an alternate
source/aquifer, thus allowing natural recharge to occur.
o Import of water from an alternate source to supplement the impacted flow.
o Implementation of stormwater best management practices that reduce
impervious surface area and encourage the infiltration of stormwater to allow
restoration of the location's natural hydrology (only to be implemented in
those areas where either the stormwater is not contaminated by acid/heavy
metals/other toxins, or where these contaminants can be sufficiently and
consistently filtered from the water).
The potentiometric surface of the groundwater in the cumulative impact area will be
monitored throughout mine operations and for as long after closure as the water table
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Table G-2: Mining Impact Mitigation Measures
Affected
Environment
Potential Siting and Design Measures
Potential Follow up Monitoring, Best Practices and
Mitigation Measures
elevation continues to decrease. If groundwater wells or water rights are adversely
affected by mining activities, the mining company will improve the existing well or
install a new well such that the flow and value of the resource are completely
compensated for.
Acid Rock Drainage and Leachate Measures (metal and
coal mines)
Determine potential for acid rock drainage
Handle earth materials and runoff in a manner that
minimizes the formation of acid mine drainage.
Acid Rock Drainage, tailings and leachate management
At a minimum:
No sample will exceed any water quality standard specified in [Table X] of the Monitoring
Plan.
If sample results indicate actual or potential for contamination of groundwater or surface
water from the project facilities, Mining Company will verbally report such evidence to
the Ministry within [three working davsl of determining that the monitoring data
indicate such impact.
Within [10 working davsl of notifying the Ministry of the water quality impacts and/or
trends, Mining Company will implement prevention, treatment and/or control measures
to ensure cessation of water quality degradation and restoration of water quality to
water quality standards specified in [Table XI of the Monitoring Plan.
Contaminant prevention, treatment and control technologies may include, but are not
limited to:
o A groundwater or surface water extraction and treatment operation.
o A cap or cover system to preclude meteoric water from infiltrating into waste rock,
spent ore, or tailings.
o Rehandling of waste rock in order to move it to a location where it does not pose a
threat to water quality.
o Construction of a man-made wetland system to filter acidified or toxic runoff.
Monitoring of representative samples of substrate will be conducted annually to
determine the concentrations of heavy metals and persistent bioaccumulative toxins.
Monitoring results will be submitted to the Ministry. If contaminant concentrations
pose a threat to the wetland ecosystem, the mining company will implement measures
to destroy, recover, recycle, or dispose of the contaminants, if determined necessary
by the Ministry.
o Further monitoring will be implemented to demonstrate contaminant prevention
methods are effective and that affected water has been fully captured and controlled.
The Mining Company will present a contaminant control and monitoring plan to the
Ministry for approval prior to implementation. The approved plan will continue to be
implemented until the risk of further contamination has been shown to be negligible
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Table G-2: Mining Impact Mitigation Measures
Affected
Environment
Potential Siting and Design Measures
Potential Follow up Monitoring, Best Practices and
Mitigation Measures
and approved by the Ministry [or other Ministry standard]. If contaminants are
predicted to be released to surface water or groundwater after mine closure, the
mining company will establish a long-term trust fund to ensure funds are available as
long as needed to manage the control and monitoring plan to prevent degradation of
water quality.
If mine will result in the development of a pit-lake, the mining company will control
pit-lake water quality such that water quality standards in [Table X in Monitoring Plan]
are not exceeded. If the pit lake model predicts pit lake water quality would not meet
applicable standards, the mining company will include the pit lake contaminant control
and monitoring plan in the EIA. The pit lake contaminant control and monitoring plan
will ensure that there is no flow of contaminated water from the pit lake into the
surrounding environment (groundwater aquifer or surface water. The mining
company will manage the pit lake water quality control and monitoring plan and
establish a long-term trust fund to ensure pit lake water quality meets the applicable
standards in perpetuity.
Acoustic
Acoustic
Proponents of a mine project should take
measurements to assess the existing background
noise levels at a given site and compare them with
the potential noise levels associated with the
proposed project. Nearby residences and likely
sensitive receptors should be identified at this
time.
Locate all stationary construction or mining
equipment (i.e., compressors and generators) as
far as practicable from nearby residences and
other sensitive receptors.
Noise Control program
Noise control program should:
Limit noisy activities (including blasting) to the least noise-sensitive times of day
(weekdays only between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.).
All equipment should have sound-control devices no less effective than those
provided on the original equipment. Muffle and maintain all construction equipment
used.
Notify nearby residents in advance when blasting or other noisy activities are
required.
Whenever feasible, schedule different noisy activities (e.g., blasting and earthmoving)
to occur at the same time, since additional sources of noise generally do not add a
significant amount of noise. That is, less-frequent noisy activities would be less
annoying than frequent less-noisy activities.
To the extent feasible, route heavy truck and rail traffic supporting mining activities
as far as possible away from residences and their sensitive receptors.
Cultural and
Historic
Cultural and Historic
Conduct a records search to determine the presence of
known archaeological sites and historic structures
within the area of potential effect. Identify the
need for an archaeological and/or architectural
Cultural and Historic Program
Cultural/historic resources program should address the following:
Plan mine development to avoid significant cultural resources. If avoidance is not
possible, conduct appropriate cultural resource recovery operations or alternate
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Table G-2: Mining Impact Mitigation Measures
Affected
Environment
Soils/
Geologic
Potential Siting and Design Measures
survey. Conduct a survey, if needed.
Determine whether sites and structures within the
area of potential effect are significant historic
places.
Consult with local government and indigence
peoples early in the planning process to identify
traditional cultural properties, sacred landscapes,
and other issues and concerns regarding the
proposed mine.
Prepare a cultural resources management plan, if
cultural resources are present at the mine site or
along access routes or if areas with a high potential
to contain cultural material have been identified.
Use existing roads to the maximum extent feasible
to avoid additional surface disturbance.
Soils
Minimize vegetation removal.
Design runoff control features to minimize soil
erosion.
Use special construction techniques in areas of
steep slopes, erodible soils, and stream crossings.
Geology
Identify unstable slopes and local factors that can
cause slope instability (groundwater conditions,
precipitation, seismic activity, slope angles, and
geologic structure).
Minimize the planned amount of land to be
disturbed as much as possible. Existing roads and
borrow pits and quarries should be used to obtain
aggregate materials for surfacing roads and
equipment staging areas. Minimize vegetation
Potential Follow up Monitoring, Best Practices and
Mitigation Measures
mitigations.
Periodic monitoring of significant cultural resources in the vicinity of the mine
(including areas where new road access has been provided) may be required to
reduce the potential for looting and vandalism. Should loss or damage be detected,
consult with the appropriate authorities.
An unexpected discovery of cultural resources during any phase of the project will
result in a work stoppage in the vicinity of the find until the resources can be
evaluated by a professional archaeologist. Educate workers and the public on the
consequences of unauthorized collection of artifacts.
During all phases of the project, keep equipment and vehicles within the limits of
the initially disturbed areas.
Topsoil Management
Soil management program should include the following provisions:
Save topsoil removed at the start of the project and use it to reclaim disturbed areas
upon completion of mining activities.
Restore or apply protective covering on disturbed soils as quickly as possible.
Apply erosion controls to reduce soil erosion from vehicular traffic and other mining
activities (e.g., jute netting, silt fences, and check dams).
Stabilize all areas of disturbed soil using weed-free native shrubs, grasses, and forbs.
Geologic Mitigation
Mitigation for geologic resource includes:
Avoid creating excessive slopes during excavation and blasting operations.
Dispose of excess excavation materials in approved areas to control erosion and
minimize leaching of hazardous materials.
Clean and maintain catch basins, drainage ditches, and culverts regularly.
Reestablish the original grade and drainage pattern to the extent practicable.
Backfill or recontour strip-mined or contour-mined areas, any foundations, and
trenches, preferably with excess excavation material generated during
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Table G-2: Mining Impact Mitigation Measures
Affected
Environment
Potential Siting and Design Measures
Potential Follow up Monitoring, Best Practices and
Mitigation Measures
removal.
Place access roads to follow natural topography,
and avoid or minimize side hill cuts. New roads
should avoid going straight up grades in excess of
10%. Design roads with eventual restoration in
mind.
Do not locate leach pads, tailings, waste rock or
process facilities near adverse geologic conditions
such as landslides and active faults.
construction.
Obtain borrow material from authorized and permitted sites.
Biologic/
Ecologic
Wildlife, Ecology and Vegetation
Use existing facilities (e.g., access roads, parking
lots, graded areas) to the extent possible to
minimize new disturbance.
Use existing information on species and habitats
and contacts with appropriate agencies to identify
potentially sensitive ecological resources in the
project area.
Conduct pre-disturbance surveys and site facilities
away from important ecological resources (e.g.,
wetlands, water bodies, important upland habitats,
sensitive species populations).
Establish protective buffers to exclude
unintentional disturbance of important resources.
Minimize the amount of land disturbance.
Prevent water contamination (see Water section
above), so as to prevent impact on aquatic
systems.
Bury electrical supply lines in a manner that
minimizes additional surface disturbance. Use
overhead lines in cases where the burial of lines
would result in further habitat disturbance.
Minimize or reduce habitat fragmentation and
interruption of wildlife corridors.
Wildlife, Ecology and Vegetation Management
Wildlife, ecologic, vegetation management program should:
Educate workers regarding the occurrence of important resources in the area and
the importance of protection.
Schedule activities to avoid disturbance of resources during critical periods of the
day (e.g., night) or year (e.g., breeding or nesting season).
Include a program to instruct employees, contractors, and site visitors to avoid
harassment and disturbance of wildlife, especially during reproductive (e.g.
courtship, nesting) seasons. In addition, control pets to avoid harassment and
disturbance of wildlife.
Limit pesticide use to nonpersistent, immobile pesticides and apply in accordance
with label and application permit directions and stipulations for terrestrial and
aquatic applications.
Apply spill prevention practices and response actions in refueling and vehicle-use
areas to minimize accidental contamination of habitats.
Include a site restoration plan that addresses both interim and final restoration
requirements and that identifies revegetation, soil stabilization and erosion
reduction measures. Revegetation plan should specify location, types and densities
of species (with a preference towards native species), mulching requirements,
success criteria with monitoring requirements, and contingency measures if criteria
are not met. It should also identify responsible parties for implementation and
monitoring. Ensure that interim restoration of disturbed areas is conducted as soon
as possible following facility construction.
Include a program for control of noxious weeds and invasive plants, which could
occur as a result of new surface disturbance activities at the site. The program
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Table G-2: Mining Impact Mitigation Measures
Affected
Environment
Potential Siting and Design Measures
Potential Follow up Monitoring, Best Practices and
Mitigation Measures
should address requirements for cleaning all vehicles before entering the project
area, monitoring, and methods for treating infestations. Require the use of certified
weed-free mulching. Prohibit the use of fill materials from areas with known
invasive vegetation problems.
Reforest riparian zones with species appropriate to the native habitats and species.
Establish or maintain functional wildlife corridors.
Land
Land Use
Contact local stakeholders early in the process to
identify sensitive land uses, issues and local plans
and ordinances.
Minimize the amount of land disturbance and
develop and implement stringent erosion and dust
control practices.
Consolidate infrastructure requirements (e.g.,
roads) for efficient use of land.
Evaluate current transportation systems and access
routes.
Establish a restoration plan to ensure that all
impact areas are restored.
Land Program requirements:
Land program should:
Implement a restoration plan.
Compensate farmers and ranchers for crop or forage losses and restore lost
agricultural lands at the end of the project.
Compensate property owners for relocation of their homes in the event the
relocation is unavoidable.
If underground mining occurs beneath developed areas on the surface, measures
may be needed in the project design to reduce or avoid unacceptable surface
impacts caused by subsidence.
Visual
Visual
Involve the public in decision making regarding
visual site design elements for proposed mine
project and future restoration plans. Possible
approaches include conducting public forums;
offering tours; using computer simulation and
visualization techniques in public presentations;
and conducting surveys regarding public
perceptions and attitudes about mining.
Integrate the site design with the surrounding
landscape.
To the extent practicable, avoid placing large
operations buildings on high land features and
along "skylines" that are visible from nearby
sensitive viewpoints. Design and construct
Visual Program
Visual program should:
Minimize ground disturbance and control erosion by avoiding steep slopes and by
minimizing the amount of surface disturbance needed for infrastructure (e.g.,
roads, electrical lines). Keep equipment and vehicles within the limits of the
initially disturbed areas.
Restore disturbed surfaces as closely as possible to their original contour and
revegetate them immediately after or contemporaneously with disturbance
activities.
Use dust suppression techniques to minimize impacts of vehicular traffic and wind
on roads and exposed soils.
Maintain the right-of-way with low-growing natural vegetation that requires
minimal maintenance and that is consistent with local vegetation.
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Affected
Environment
Potential Siting and Design Measures
Potential Follow up Monitoring, Best Practices and
Mitigation Measures
conspicuous components of the project to
harmonize with desirable or acceptable
characteristics of the surrounding environment.
Bury electrical lines on the site in a manner that
minimizes additional surface disturbance.
Consider aesthetic offsets as a mitigation option in
situations where visual impacts are unavoidable, or
where alternative mitigation options are only
partially effective or uneconomical.
Maintain the site during operation of the mine. Inoperative equipment and poor
housekeeping, in general, creates a poor image of the activity in the eyes of the
public.
Depending on the situation, consider minimizing the amount of vehicular traffic
and human activity.
Develop and implement a decommissioning program that includes the removal of
all aboveground facilities and full restoration of the site.
Return access roads and the mine site to as near natural contours as feasible.
Revegetate all disturbed areas with plant species appropriate to the site.
Transporta-
tion
Transportation
Prepare an access road siting study and
management program incorporating road design,
construction, and maintenance standards.
Plan to use existing roads to the extent possible.
Develop a transportation program, particularly for
the oversized and overweight components specific
to a mine. The program should consider
component sizes, weights, origin, destination, and
unique handling requirements. It should also
evaluate alternate transportation approaches
(barge, rail).
Develop a traffic management program for site
access roads and for use of main public roads. The
program should incorporate consultation with local
planning authorities regarding traffic, in general,
and specific issues (such as school bus routes).
Transportation Program
Transportation program should:
Limit traffic to roads indicated specifically for the project. Limit use of unimproved
roads to emergency use only.
Instruct and require all personnel and contractors to adhere to speed limits to
ensure safe and efficient traffic flow.
Limit mine-related vehicle traffic on public roadways to off-peak commuting times
to minimize impacts on local commuters.
Hazardous
Materials
Hazardous Materials
Prepare a comprehensive list of all hazardous
materials to be used, stored, transported, or
disposed of during all phases of activity.
Develop a hazardous materials program providing
for adequate storage, use, transportation and
disposal (interim and final) for each item in the
comprehensive list.
Hazard Materials Management
Hazardous Materials Management should:
Describe procedures and responsibilities for hazardous materials determination,
inspection and waste minimization.
Identify specifics regarding local and national emergency response requirements.
Include a spill prevention and response plan for storage, use and transfer of fuel
and hazardous materials , including spill prevention measures, training
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Affected
Environment
Potential Siting and Design Measures
Potential Follow up Monitoring, Best Practices and
Mitigation Measures
Identify potential solid and liquid waste streams
and develop determination, inspection and waste
minimization procedures.
Provide secondary containment for all on-site
hazardous materials and waste storage, including
fuel.
Develop waste-specific management and disposal
requirements.
requirements, material -specific spill response actions, spill response kits, and
notifications to authorities.
Develop a stormwater management plan to ensure compliance with regulations
and prevent off-site migration of contaminated stormwater or increased soil
erosion.
Include a pesticide management plan with a recycling strategy to be practiced by
workers during all project phases.
Containerize and periodically remove wastes for disposal at appropriate off-site
permitted disposal facilities, if available.
Document accidental releases as to cause, corrective actions taken, and resulting
environmental or health and safety impacts.
Human
Health and
Safety
Health and Safety
Conduct a safety assessment to describe potential
safety issues (site access, construction, work
practices, security, transportation of heavy
equipment, traffic management, emergency
procedures, and fire control and management.
Consult with local planning authorities regarding
traffic. Address specific issues (e.g., school bus
routes and stops) in a traffic management plan.
Identify issues specific to underground mines (e.g.,
potential for flooding, subsidence, oxygen
deficiency) and design mitigation.
Health and Safety Program
Health and Safety program should address:
All of the safety issues identified in the assessment and all applicable safety
standards set forth by local governments and the relevant mine, safety and health
administration.
Based on (USDI -TEEIC found in http://teeic.anl.gov) and IFC (2007)
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3.2 Water Resources Management
As mentioned in previous
sections, it has long been
recognized by regulators
and mining companies
that impacts of mining-
related contamination of
water resources are a
major concern. In
general, most mining
operations try to contain
contamination within the
mine site and minimize
impact to water
resources. However,
water contamination is
the most common
environmental impact
from mining. Basic impact
concerns include:
Water is the principal
pathway that
contamination due to
mining can be transferred to the environment. Sediment generated by erosion of cleared areas is a
primary concern of aggregate mines, non-metallic mines, and hard rock mines. Metals that have
been relatively immobile in unexposed rocks can leach into surface water and ground waters in
large quantities through the formation of acid rock drainage when mined rock is exposed to air and
water.
Water consumption is a concern, especially in water-scarce regions. Large mines typically consume
significant amounts of water in processing mined ore. Some mining operations consume an excess
amount of water than what is necessary, which in turn has the potential to be contaminated.
Table G-2 presents several mitigation measures that could be implemented to reduce impacts to water
resources. In addition, Table G-3 presents mitigation measures that are more related to regulatory and
operational commitments than to protecting waters in the direct vicinities of the mine, and these should
be addressed in the EIA.
WATER MANAGEMENT AT MINES (IFC, 2007)
Establish a water balance (including probable climatic events) for
the mine and related process plant circuit and use this to inform
infrastructure design;
Develop a Sustainable Water Supply Management Plan to
minimize impact to natural systems by managing water use,
avoiding depletion of aquifers, and minimizing impacts to water
users;
Minimize the amount of make-up water;
Consider reuse, recycling, and treatment of process water where
feasible (e.g. return of supernatant from tailings pond to process
plant);
Consider the potential impact to the water balance prior to
commencing any dewatering activities;
Consult with key stakeholders (e.g. government, civil society, and
potentially affected communities) to understand any conflicting
water use demands and the communities' dependency on water
resources and/or conservation requirements that may exist in the
area.
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Table G-3: Operational and Regulatory Based Measures for Water Resources
Potential
Operational and
Regulatory
Measure
Description
Certification
The upper management of the mine should certify that water treatment, or
groundwater pumping, will not be required in perpetuity to meet surface water or
groundwater quality standards beyond the boundary of the mine and that
predictive models are sound.
Minimization of
Water Usage
Minimizing water consumption should be a stated goal of development plans for
proposed mines, and for the operating plans of existing mines. NGOs, the general
public, local and regional government are concerned with water conservation and
sustainability, and minimizing water consumption leads to cost savings and greater
operational reliability.
Minimization of Mine
De watering
Alternative approaches should be evaluated to minimize mine dewatering to
prevent undesirable impacts on ground and surface water. Dewatering to
facilitate the development of large open pits can deplete groundwater resources,
decrease discharge from nearby springs, and form pit lakes after mine
abandonment. Although this may result in additional water resources for present
surface water users, it can come at the cost of a significant loss in groundwater
available for future uses. How excess dewatered water is handled (e.g.,
discharged to surface stream, recharged to groundwater through percolation
basins, etc.) should be carefully considered to minimize negative impacts. In
addition, contamination may make the water unsuitable for non-mining uses.
Prediction of Acid
Rock Drainage and
Other Contaminated
Leachate
Accurate prediction of the quality of leachate, including acid and non-acid
drainage, is the key to prevention and mitigation of contaminated water resources
at mining operations. Adequate geochemical sampling and testing for the
potential generation of acid rock drainage and other contaminants is critical.
General information regarding the evaluation of acid rock drainage was presented
in Chapter F of this Guideline. In addition, the International Network for Acid
Prevention (INAP) and the Global Alliance have developed a draft Global Acid Rock
Drainage (GARD) Guide that consolidates current best practice in the management
of contaminants produced by sulphide mineral oxidation. The Guide is a practical
"how to" summary and the "state-of-the art" reference for the mining industry,
regulators, NGO's and the public. At this time, the GARD Guide (INAP, 2009) is in
draft stage and is available for review and comment on
http://www.gardguide.com. In addition, special attention should be given to
mineralization of leacheate under neutral or alkaline conditions.
Source: www.frameworkforresponsiblemining.org
3.3 Air Pollution Control
The primary air contaminants at modern mines are fugitive dust, greenhouse gases and mercury. It has
been shown that:
Dust can pose human health problems in surface mining operations, although not to the same
extent as in underground mining. At most surface mines road watering is done to suppress dust
during warm weather. Excessive dust can create a nuisance for communities located near some
mines, especially in areas where roads are unpaved. Monitoring of air emissions is generally
poor. While companies employ sophisticated modeling techniques to predict air emissions,
detailed monitoring data are often lacking. In addition, what is available is not readily accessible
by the public, making verification of compliance with regulations difficult.
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Silica dust poses problems in underground mining. Problems with dust pollution in underground
mining are often related to the lack of, or inadequate enforcement of, health and safety
regulations.
A sizable share of the energy used in extraction, refining, and processing metals comes from
burning fossil fuels such as coal and oil, which contributes to global climate change. World Bank
guidelines recommend that companies seek to reduce greenhouse gas emissions such as CO,
CO2, NOx, NxO, SOx, VOCx as presented in www.UNEP.org.
The metal mining industry in the United States is responsible for approximately 9 percent of the
mercury air emissions by U.S. industry, according to reports submitted to the U.S. Toxic Release
Inventory. Much of this is due to mercury emitted from high temperature ore processing
methods.
Table G-2 presents several mitigation measures which could be implemented to reduce impacts to air
quality. In addition, Table G-4 presents mitigation measures that are more related to regulatory and
corporate commitments to protecting the air pathway in the direct vicinity of the mine. These types of
commitments should be addressed in the EIA.
Table G-4: Operational and Regulatory Based Measures for Air Resources
Potential Operational
and Regulatory
Measure
Description
Monitoring
Airborne emissions should be monitored and reported, and these reports
should include metals as well as particulates and greenhouse gases. Some
companies already report greenhouse gas emissions as a part of their annual
sustainability reports. Monitoring and reporting would assist in the mitigation
of impacts if they occur.
Reduce Energy
Consumption of Use
Renewable Energy
Resources
Greenhouse gas reduction is associated with a reduction in energy use,
resulting in potentially significant cost savings. Energy conservation rather
than substitution from renewable sources would provide the greatest
opportunity for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Some opportunities
for substitution with renewable energy sources exist (e.g., hydro- and wind
power), but these are site specific. Because companies stand to gain
financially from energy conservation measures, energy and greenhouse gas
reduction should be an explicit management goal for each mine site.
Source: www.frameworkforresponsiblemining.org
3.4 Noise and Vibration Reduction
Because many mines are located in remote areas, noise pollution is generally not a major issue.
However, aggregate mines and an increasing number of metallic mines are posing noise problems
because they are encroaching on populated areas. Noise, especially from blasting and the movement of
large vehicles, is recognized as a potential problem when the mine is near populated areas. Therefore,
noise levels should be recognized as a mine management issue. Where mines are near populated areas,
companies should adopt quantitative noise guidelines. There are no universally accepted noise
standards, and noise regulations can be applied at the local level. Regulatory action to implement
maximum noise level limits at the project boundaries should be considered to mitigate noise from
mining operations.
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MINE WASTE MANAGEMENT
Mines generate large volumes of waste. Structures
such as waste rock dumps, tailing impoundments/
dams, and containment facilities should be
planned, designed, and operated such that
geotechnical risks and environmental impacts are
appropriately assessed and managed throughout
the entire mine cycle. Solid wastes may be
generated in any phase of the mine cycle. The most
significant waste generating mining activities will
likely occur during the operational phases, which
require the movement of large amounts
overburden. Creation of waste rock facilities should
be planned with appropriate terrace and lift height
specifications based on the nature of the material
and local geotechnical considerations to minimize
erosion and reduce safety risks. This includes the
management of Potentially Acid Generating wastes
(IFC, 2007).
3.5 Waste Management
Mine operators generally seek to provide safe
containment for tailings and waste rock, to
minimize off-site contamination due to this waste,
and to have hazardous materials spill emergency
response measures in place. Issues on waste
management fall into two categories (Miranda et
al, 2005):
1. The timing, degree of public participation,
and methodology involved with safe
containment of mining wastes and
emergency planning; and
2. Contentious waste disposal practices,
particularly surface water and marine
disposal.
All mines have waste management issues. These issues involve not only waste rock, tailings, and spent
ore, but also solid waste such as garbage and unwanted machinery, and human waste generated by
workers. Mitigation measures for these waste management issues are presented in Table G-2.
3.5.1 Metals Mines
Metals mines may pose significant issues different from non-metals mines and quarries resulting from
the waste rock and processes used in metals mining. For metals mines, it has been recognized by mining
companies, international financial institutions, and NGO's that tailings impoundments and waste rock
dumps should be constructed to minimize threats to public and worker safety, and to decrease the costs
of long-term maintenance. According to the International Finance Corporation (IFC) (2007),
management of mine tailings and waste dumps include the following actions:
Design, operation, and maintenance of structures according to internationally recognized
standards based on a risk assessment strategy. Appropriate independent review should
be undertaken at design and construction stages with ongoing monitoring of both the
physical structure and water quality, during operation and decommissioning.
Where structures are located in areas with a risk of high seismic loadings, the
independent review should include a check on the maximum design earthquake
assumptions and the stability of the structure to ensure that during seismic events there
will be no uncontrolled release of tailings.
Design of tailings storage and waste rock facilities should take into account the specific
risks and hazards associated with geotechnical stability or hydraulic failure and the
associated risks to downstream economic assets, ecosystems and human health and
safety. Environmental considerations should thus also consider emergency preparedness
and response planning and containment/mitigation measures in case of catastrophic
release of tailings or supernatant waters.
Any diversion drains, ditches and stream channels to divert water from surrounding
catchment areas away from the tailings and waste rock structures should be built to the
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flood event recurrence interval standards. Usually, these diversions are designed for
100-year runoff event but could vary by country.
Design specifications should take into consideration the probable maximum flood event
and the required freeboard to safely contain it (depending on site specific risks) across
the planned life of the tailings dam, including its decommissioned phase.
Where potential liquefaction risks exist, including risks associated with seismic behavior,
the design specification should take into consideration the maximum design earthquake.
On-land disposal should be in a system that can isolate acid-generating material from
oxidation or percolating water, such as a tailings impoundment with dam and
subsequent dewatering and capping. On-land disposal alternatives should be designed,
constructed and operated according to internationally recognized geotechnical safety
standards.
In addition, tailings impoundments and waste rock dumps should be constructed in a manner that
minimizes the release of contaminants by including liners if seepage would result in groundwater or
surface water contamination. Waste facilities should have adequate monitoring and seepage collection
systems to detect and collect any contaminants released in the immediate vicinity. According to the IFC
(2007), this would include:
Consideration of seepage management and related stability analysis in design and
operation of tailings storage facilities. This is likely to require a piezometer based
monitoring system for seepage water levels within the structure wall and downstream of
it, which should be maintained throughout its life cycle.
Consideration of zero discharge tailings facilities and completion of a full water balance
and risk assessment for the mine process circuit including storage reservoirs and tailings
dams.
Consideration of use of natural or synthetic liners to minimize risks.
Consideration of thickening or formation of paste to be backfilled into pits or
underground workings during mine progression.
Utilization at decommissioned leach pads of a combination of surface management
systems, seepage collection and active or passive treatment systems to ensure that post-
closure water quality is maintained.
As illustrated in Figure G-l, there is a potential for acid rock and acid mine drainage during several
phases on the mining and beneficiation process. If at all possible, net acid-generating material should
be segregated and/or isolated in waste facilities. However, implementing this goal still poses challenges.
For example, some mines still rely solely on the neutralization of potentially acid-generating material by
mixing it with acid-consuming material. This approach often fails because dissolution rates of the acid-
generating minerals and the neutralizing minerals differ, and there is insufficient neutralizing capacity
within the waste rock to neutralize the acidic drainage that is generated. Because there is often no
backup program for halting contamination if the mixing approach fails, acid rock drainage continues to
pose problems in many mines. Some mines choose to backfill open pits with acid generating waste rock
to an elevation below the recovered water table, thereby depriving the waste rock of oxygen and
preventing acid generation. Many mines are also deficient in identifying and keeping records on the
placement of potentially acid-generating material in waste dumps, which can make mitigating problems
that arise after mine closure more difficult, costly, and less effective. Planning, testing and record
keeping for potentially acid-generating material should be a transparent part of the mine operating
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process. The GARD Guide (INAP, 2009), referenced in Table G-3, addresses the mitigation of these
issues.
In addition, there is a potential for contaminated leachate to be produced by mine waste and wall rock
under non-acidic conditions. Some measures implemented to prevent acid mine drainage may not be
effective at preventing contaminated leachate under non-acidic conditions. Therefore, design solutions
to prevent al[ contaminated leachate (acidic or non-acidic) should be considered. Such solutions may
include:
Relocation of facilities to take advantage of, or avoid, certain geologic or hydrologic features
Appropriate cover to prevent or minimize infiltration of meteoric water into, and contaminant
leaching from, waste material
Bottom liners and leachate capture systems to preclude, to the extent practicable, the
transmission of any contamination to groundwater or surface water. The evaluation should
discuss whether any leachate recovered by this alternative would be treated, discharged, or
used in mine operations
Groundwater capture systems (e.g., slurry walls, French drains, groundwater wells).
Hydrological characterization (e.g., geologic structures, flow preferences, etc.) would be needed
to properly design and determine the effectiveness of a capture system
Treatment systems (passive and/or active) targeted for each contaminant of concern. If long-
term or perpetual pumping or treatment would be necessary, this design solution should not be
permitted
Finally, according to Miranda et al (2005), the following should be included in the mitigation programs of
the mining project:
Hazardous material minimization, disposal, and emergency response programs should be
made publicly available. Spill response programs should be publicly available, and such
programs should be regularly tested in direct coordination with local communities to ensure
that critical communication links are operational.
Rivers or lakes should not be used for the disposal of mine waste. Disposal of mine waste,
tailings and/or waste rock, into rivers and lakes has been extremely controversial for many
years. While there has been significant pressure for an industry-wide ban on surface waste
disposal, there is no clear commitment by industry and governments to avoid this practice in
future projects. Financial institutions have adopted an approach of not categorically eliminating
surface water waste disposal as an option, but endorsing it only when justified by an
environmental analysis.
Companies should not engage in shallow-water marine waste disposal. Marine waste disposal
should not be used unless an independent assessment can demonstrate minimal environmental
and social risks. Marine waste disposal involves dumping tailings or waste rock into the marine
environment. The debate is based on the distinction between shallow and deep marine
disposal, where "shallow" is usually described as the depth at which light still penetrates
(approximately 100 meters below the surface) and "deep" is defined as the zone below which
light cannot penetrate. Disposal of waste at shallow depths has been shown to significantly
affect marine life. Given that shallow marine environments are among the most biologically
diverse ecosystems, shallow-water marine dumping should not be permitted. The impact of
tailings and waste rock dumped at deeper depths is largely unknown, particularly because the
deep sea is more difficult to access, and the relationship between deep sea organisms and other
aquatic organisms is poorly understood. The World Bank has stated that marine dumping is
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acceptable when justified by an environmental analysis and, therefore, may be permitted under
some circumstances when justified.
Figure G-l Mining Processes and Acid Generation Potential (INAP, 2009)
Chemical
Procauing
Leaching
(Au. U)
| Red boxes identify potential ARD,MMD and SD sources. |
3.5.2 Gold Mines, Cyanide Management
The use of cyanide, primarily in gold processing, has been a focal point for highlighting mining related
contamination because many jurisdictions have experienced significant water pollution problems
associated with cyanide spills, and because the public is familiar with the acute toxicity associated with
its use. Notwithstanding the toxicity of cyanide, heavy metal contamination is much more prevalent in
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mining operations and is of greater concern, owing to its persistence and impact on the environment.
However, the public has tended to focus less on the impacts of heavy metal contamination than on
cyanide.
As presented in Table G-5, International Cyanide Bans, some
states of the USA and some countries have prohibited the use
of cyanide. If this were to be adopted, gold processing would
have to be done by:
Another chemical lixiviant equivalent to cyanide to
dissolve gold from host rock - all of which have
greater potential environmental impacts than cyanide
Using only gravity methods, which are only viable for
separating larger gold particles from host rock
Shipping all ore to a smelter for pyro-metallurgical
separation (used only when base metals such as
copper are also present in the ore)
Table G-5: International Cyanide Bans
State or Country
Montana
Colorado
Wisconsin
Turkey
Czech Republic
Argentina
Germany
Costa Rica
Philippines
Argentina
Comment
Banned in 1998 for open
pit and leaching at new
mines and for mine
expansion
Banned in 5 counties
Banned in 2001 at all
mines
Banned in 1994 for gold
production
Banned in 2002 for
leaching
2003 moratorium in
Chubut Province
Banned in 2002 for
leaching
Banned in 2002 for
leaching
2002, 25 year
moratorium
2007, Lower House of
Representatives issued a
ban
These processing approaches would be significantly more
costly for miners, either because they are more expensive than
cyanide processing or, in the case of gravity methods, they are
cheaper but would result in recovering less gold. As a result,
their use would raise the market price of gold.
Most commercial mine operators recognize that cyanide levels
should be reduced from processed material before waste is
discharged into tailings ponds. They are aware that measures
such as netting or floating covers should be used to protect
wildlife on open processing ponds. They are also aware that
mines should utilize sound cyanide storage, safety and
transportation management.
A number of significant efforts to develop guidelines for cyanide management have been launched in
recent years. The most notable is the International Cyanide Management Code (International Cyanide
Institute, 2008) prepared under the direction of a multi-stakeholder Steering Committee, whose
members were chosen by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the International
Council on Metals and the Environment (ICME), the predecessor organization to the ICMM. The Code is
a voluntary program for gold mining companies developed with strong industry participation. The IFC
has recommended that companies abide by the Code.
The Code contains standards of practice for cyanide management covering Production (purchasing),
Transportation, Handling and Storage, Operations Decommissioning, Worker Safety, Emergency
Response, Training and Public Consultation and Discussion. Mines that adopt the code are required to
develop policies, procedures and plans with the amount of detail necessary to implement the Code's
standards of practice and be able to pass a third-party audit as required by the Code. The policy
statement should state that the company intends to comply with the Code; identify the method with
which the policy is to be implemented; state under whose authority and reasons the policy and method
can be altered; list the responsible department heads for purchasing, transporting, training, etc.; and
identify how often the policy will be reviewed. Detailed plans for cyanide handling, construction of
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facilities and processes should be created by management to address the Code. Detailed operations
measures should be developed to ensure that each standard is met.
The Code focuses exclusively on the safe management of cyanide and cyanidation mill tailings and leach
solutions. Companies that adopt the Code should have their mining operations that use cyanide to
recover gold audited by an independent third party to determine the status of Code implementation,
although auditors are selected and paid for by the company. Those operations that meet the Code
requirements can be certified. A unique trademark symbol can then be utilized by the certified
operation. Audit results are made public to inform stakeholders of the status of cyanide management
practices at the certified operation. Adoption of the Cyanide Code will help in reducing the number of
cyanide transportation accidents, which itself will be a significant improvement. In some instances
augmentation of the Code may be warranted, for example, several major species of cyanide byproducts
(e.g., cyanate and thiocyanate) that pose significant contamination risks are not included in
the monitoring; and there are no comprehensive guidelines for cyanide waste disposal facility closure.
In addition to the Code, Environment Australia and the South African Chamber of Mines have also
published cyanide management guideline documents. Table G-6 presents the minimum components of
a cyanide management plan.
Table G-6: Cyanide Plan for Operations
Requirement for Cyanide Plan
Description of the mine
Description of the mill
Description of impoundments
Description of Facilities (tanks, pipes, liners,
concrete)
Description of Transportation
Protection of Human Health Plan
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Decommissioning and Restoration Plan
Description
Includes historical mining in the area; recent and past mining methods
and time frame; and current mine plan.
Descriptions of all milling and processing such as:
a. Circuits: course recovery, flotation, carbon-in-leach, carbon-in-
pulp
b. Crushing: tons per day, water use, primary crushing, semi
autonomous grinding (SAG)
c. SAG: underflow, slurry, tailings, loaded carbon, pregnant
solution.
Includes location, historical use, design criteria, construction, and
measures to protect ground water, surface water, soils and wildlife.
Develop Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) procedures for the
suitability of construction materials and adequacy of construction.
Provide Engineering designs. Remediation plan description in case of spill.
Explanation of site selection to minimize potential impacts to the
environment in case of an accident.
Detailed plan of method cyanide is moved to and around mine and mill.
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for transporting and handling
cyanide that would include contingency planning; inspections;
preventable maintenance; list of all cyanide related tasks; description of
cyanide processes and systems; destruction in tailings and disposal.
SOPs need to address normal and abnormal conditions of operations at
mill and mine that may lead to an emergency release. SOPs should
include:
a. Inspections, check lists, and restriction of access for people
and wildlife
b. Zero discharge design
c. QA/QC for leaching and tailings storage
d. Monitoring program for wildlife
e. Worker safety plan with fans, eyewashes, extinguishers, maps
signage, showers
f. Emergency Response plan with First Responder plan, periodic
trainings and drills
g. Internal reporting procedures with management, regulatory
agency and outside responders' contact information
h. Training personnel and keeping records of training.
Procedures, schedule, detoxification plan, cleaning of equipment, pond
removal and financial surety to cover estimates of decommissioning.
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3.5.3 Non-metals Mines
Generally, plans for management of cyanide, ARD and other leachates are not required for sand and
gravel mines and non-metal mines. Waste rock disposal areas for these mines would be designed and
sited according to minimize sedimentation to existing bodies of water and waterways and for stability
for safety. Hazardous waste, solid waste, spill prevention programs and emergency response programs
would still be required to address wastes associated with garbage, human waste, fuels and other
chemicals associated with non-metals mining.
4 RESTORATION
Restoration of mined sites is a generally accepted activity, although universal restoration standards do
not exist. Discussions over the adequacy of restoration often include:
The post-mining land use that is selected for restored mine lands
Whether re-contoured mine lands should be revegetated
The timing of the restoration process - at what interval it should occur after ore removal.
Best practice is to do this concurrent with operations for surface mining
Whether open pits should be backfilled with waste in a way that does not degrade the
environment
How much money should be set aside to guarantee that restoration is accomplished, and
what form of financial surety is required for this guarantee
What the acceptable slopes will be for re-contouring the land to prevent erosion and
mudslides.
What the acceptable vegetation will be, the number, types (species) and density of
plants; how they will be maintained and a determination of whether this effort has been
successful or needs to be repeated or revised
A mine restoration plan should be included in the EIA so that all impacts of the project, including
impacts to the post-mining environment, and all measures and costs to mitigate those impacts are
disclosed before the project is approved. A financial guarantee to ensure that the plan can be executed
if the mine operator becomes insolvent, or abandons the site, should also be posted before mining is
allowed to begin. The restoration plan, including costs, should be updated frequently throughout the
mining period. Restoration planning typically includes re-contouring the slopes of waste dumps and
backfills to stable angles; however, the angle at which a slope is considered stable is sometimes an issue
and should be determined based on geotechnical studies and agreed to prior to restoration.
Reestablishing vegetation to approximate pre-mining conditions is a generally accepted goal, but this
practice is often planned only when it is clear that erosion of regraded slopes will occur. Backfilling of
mined out underground areas and open pits is done only when it is economically competitive with waste
storage options in other mine areas. Consultation with stakeholders is a common goal for all sectors,
but there are different opinions on the timing and means by which this should occur.
As presented in Table H-l, mitigation for the restoration phase begins during the restoration planning
process, particularly with respect to the timing for developing a restoration plan, ensuring appropriate
post-mine land uses, and backfilling mine sites with mined out material. Basic steps include:
Development of a restoration plan before operations begin, including detailed cost
estimates (Miranda et al, 2005). The plan should be periodically revised to update
restoration practices and costs. Early drafting of the plan is important because the mine
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operator, regulators and the public need to know what the area will look like after
restoration, whether the proposed restoration scheme is technically feasible and
affordable, and whether there are sufficient funds to carry out the restoration tasks if the
operator were to go bankrupt. Because a pre-mining restoration plan is largely
conceptual, it is important to periodically update the plan goals, technical
implementation details, and projected costs. At a minimum, formal restoration updates
should occur on a three- to five-year timeframe, or any time when significant changes
are made to the mine plan.
Re-contouring and stabilizing disturbed areas using acceptable management practices for
erosion and sediment control, as presented in Table G-7. In addition, restoration should
include the salvage, storage and replacement of topsoil or other acceptable growth
medium. Quantitative standards should be established for revegetation in the
restoration plan, including success criteria, and clear measures, to be implemented if
these standards are not met, should be specified.
Table G-7: Management Practices for Erosion and Sediment Control on Mine Sites
Category
Surface Stabilization Dust control
Runoff Control and Conveyance
Outlet Protection
Sediment Traps and Barriers
Stream Protection
Potential Management Practices
Mulching
Riprap
Sodding
Surface roughening
Temporary gravel construction access
Temporary and permanent seeding
Topsoiling
Grass-lined channel
Hardened channel
Paved flume (chute)
Runoff diversion
Temporary slope drain
Level spreader
Outlet stabilization structure
Brush barrier
Check dam
Grade stabilization structure
Sediment basin/rock dam
Sediment trap
Temporary block and gravel drop inlet protection
Temporary fabric drop inlet protection
Temporary sod drop inlet protection
Vegetated filter strip
Check dam
Grade stabilization structure
Stream bank stabilization
Stablized stream crossings
If a post-mining pit lake may form, an ecological risk assessment should be conducted for
the EIA to predict impacts to aquatic resources and wildlife. Where wall rock could
generate contaminated leachate, companies should backfill the mine pit if this would
minimize the likelihood and environmental impact of contaminated leachate.
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Assess and mitigate danger of land subsidence associated with underground mining.
Subsidence due to the collapse of abandoned mine workings can cause significant long-
term environmental damage by allowing water to flow unimpeded into mine workings,
leaching contaminants as water travels through the mine site. In some cases, collapse
can cause safety problems and property damage. From both an environmental and
physical risk management standpoint, backfilling mined-out areas that are likely to cause
surface subsidence constitutes good practice for underground mines.
Backfilling of pits and underground working should be evaluated as alternative to
minimize size of waste facilities. In some cases, this action may be more economic than
creating a new waste rock facility. At this time, the World Bank and some NGO's support
this approach. Backfilling options should be evaluated to ensure that contaminated or
acid-generating materials are not disposed of in a manner that will degrade surface
water or groundwater.
5 POST-CLOSURE
Post-closure issues have often been ignored in mine closure planning, especially at the pre-mine
planning stage. Post-closure issues are generally categorized as monitoring and maintenance, water
treatment and catastrophic events. Monitoring and maintenance issues include long-term water quality
sampling, geotechnical inspections of tailings dams and waste rock facilities and minor repair work such
as regrading the slopes of dams and waste dumps and revegetation where primary seeding or planting
have failed. If water treatment is required, significant financing will be necessary after the mine has
closed. Long-term water treatment may more than double the cost of mine closure, which is why some
people advocate not allowing the development of mines requiring perpetual water treatment. If the
company were to abandon the site without providing sufficient funds for perpetual water treatment,
governments and taxpayers would be forced to pay these costs in perpetuity.
Financial sureties are not generally required for catastrophic events such as earthquakes, floods, tailings
dam failures or the unanticipated onset of acid mine drainage after mine closure. Where such incidents
have occurred the public has generally been responsible for a large part of the cleanup costs. One
response to this situation would be the creation of a national fund or financial pool to pay for
catastrophic events.
Companies do not consistently address post-closure monitoring and maintenance issues as part of
restoration planning, and a financial surety is not consistently provided to address potential post-closure
problems. Now, many ElAs have begun including post-closure plans and costs in their analyses but still
some companies assume that if post-mining water treatment is not required closing a mine will result in
no corporate financial or legal obligation for post-closure activities.
The ICMM (2006) considers that two types of integration need to take place in planning for post-closure.
These include:
1. The integration of social and environmental considerations into the closure approach
2. The integration of closure considerations into an operation's lifecycle planning and
engineering processes
Restoration plans should include plans for post-closure monitoring and maintenance of all mine
facilities, including surface and underground mine workings, tailings, leach pads, and waste disposal
facilities and should include planning for and financing of long-term monitoring and maintenance.
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Consideration should be also given to the impact of closure on the local community. To ensure this, it is
important to have strong local community and other stakeholder involvement in closure planning.
Consulting with and involving local stakeholders from an early stage is very important in producing a
closed site that is supported by all parties.
According the ICMM (2006), the length of time allowed in closure plans for the continuation of post-
closure monitoring is an important related issue. To consider a program as "sustainable" implies that it
should be durable and this can only be measured over time. Most companies plan ahead for monitoring
for about five to ten years. This timeframe is established by operations and determined by considering
when enough time has passed to achieve a reasonable post-closure situation. However, in some
jurisdictions, for example in the United States, there is an expectation that companies will be
responsible in perpetuity for environmental impacts associated with mining. It is, therefore, important
to determine how long environmental impacts may take to manifest themselves and develop
monitoring criteria and financial assurance for monitoring activities accordingly.
For further information, the ICMM (2008) developed an integrated approach to mine closure. This is
available in Spanish and is included on the CD distributed with these guidelines.
6 MONITORING AND OVERSIGHT
Controversy surrounding monitoring is usually related to several issues:
1. Monitoring data are almost always collected by the mining company.
2. Mining companies consider some monitoring data to be confidential, especially those
data that are not explicitly required by regulatory authorities.
3. The public is not normally allowed access to the mine site to collect its own samples.
With respect to oversight, mines should comply with all monitoring requirements specified by regulatory
agencies, and companies should provide timely reports to regulatory agencies. All stakeholders consider
compliance with monitoring requirements to be important, and the plans for conducting, recording and
reporting monitoring results should take into account who will receive this information and when. Table
H-l presents commitments that could be made by mining companies and regulatory agencies for
mitigation in response to monitoring.
Governments will use one of three mechanisms either separately or in combination to hold a mining
operation accountable for the results of monitoring performance against established criteria:
Enforceable requirements: These are monitoring results which are directly enforceable by a
government through inspection and prosecution. They may be subject to civil or criminal
penalties. The monitoring should conform to the requirements.
Audits: Many countries use requirements for independent third party audits.
Citizen suits: If the mining operation is to be held accountable for performance through
citizen suits, it may be helpful to provide citizens with access to monitoring results.
Monitoring measures for the affected resources are necessary for the EIA so that the results can be used
to determine if the criteria for the potential results of the mitigation measures are being met. The
measures should address all phases of the mining proposal: exploration, operations, restoration, and
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post-restoration. The scope of monitoring depends on the location and complexity of the operation and
the severity of the potential impacts. Monitoring results will determine if:
Mitigation measures are performing as predicted, thus triggering release of financial
assurance by the regulatory authority.
Mitigation measures need to be adjusted to reach the criteria goals.
Enforcement is needed.
As such, the monitoring plans should be designed to meet the following objectives:
To demonstrate compliance with the approved exploration, operations, and reclamation and
other national or local environmental laws and regulations
To provide early detection of potential problems
To supply information that will assist in directing corrective actions should they become
necessary, including after the mine is closed
Information about the monitoring that will be carried out should be detailed to ensure it will be useful,
timely and accurate. Monitoring can be detailed for specific mitigation measures or can be pulled
together into an integrated "Monitoring Plan". Where applicable, commitments to conduct monitoring
should include:
Details on type and location of monitoring devices
Sampling parameters and frequency
Analytical methods and detection limits
Quality assurance and quality control procedures
Reporting procedures (to whom, how often, etc.)
Who will conduct and pay for monitoring
Procedures to respond to adverse monitoring results. Actionable levels, i.e. performance
criteria that will be used to interpret and act upon the results of monitoring within a specified
timeframe. For example, if contamination levels will be used to trigger the implementation
of prevention/treatment and control measures, they should be specified along with the
nature of expected follow up action.
One of the values of monitoring is the early detection of potential problems. A good way to mitigate
water quality impacts, for example, is to detect trends in samples and take early corrective action before
violations of the performance standards occur. The monitoring plans should be tied to the specific
mitigation measures so that, if monitoring indicates problems (e.g., if water quality standards are
violated or are about to be violated), specific corrective action procedures will be implemented by the
owner/operator. It should not be left vague (e.g, "the company will work with the ministry to resolve
the problem" is too vague).
The plans for monitoring should also include the standards and criteria that should be met. Examples of
monitoring programs which may be necessary include:
Surface water and groundwater quality and quantity
Air quality
Revegetation success
Stability
Vibration levels from blasting
Noise levels
Wildlife mortality and other wildlife impacts
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Financial assurances should be provided to ensure adequate funds will be available to implement the
monitoring plan and mitigate for detected problems both during and after the mining operations. Some
problems may not show up for many years (e.g., groundwater contamination), so in some cases
monitoring may need to be conducted for many years after mine closure. How long the funds are held
can vary based on the type of operation and the modeling predictions. The need for a contingency fund
for long-term mitigation measures should also be seriously considered if there is possibility for impacts
such as acid rock drainage, which can last in perpetuity.
7 FINANCIAL ASURANCE
A financial guarantee is a critical component of the restoration and post-closure process because it can
be used to cover the costs of closure should the mine operator be unable to do so. The mining sector is
vulnerable to significant fluctuations in prices, particularly for metal mining, and many companies have
gone bankrupt, sometimes before mine closure or restoration is complete. Because closing a mine can
typically cost tens of millions of dollars, regulators need a dependable source of funds to pay for the
physical restoration of the mine site as well as the necessary oversight by government officials. Since
mine closure is the responsibility of the mine operator, these costs are not included in the budgets of
regulatory agencies. In addition, if monitoring, maintenance, and/or treatment activities will be
required after mine closure over a long-term (decades or even in perpetuity), a long-term trust fund
should be established at the start of the mining project to ensure funds will be available as long as they
are needed to conduct this work. (Miranda et. al. (2009))
7.1 Financial Guarantees for Restoration
Government agencies need financial sureties that are readily available to ensure that mine restoration
occurs. Should a mining company default on its closure commitments, funds may be required
immediately for an outside contractor to operate and maintain mine facilities, such as water treatment
plants. Restoration and post-closure activities conducted by an outside contractor cost more than
activities conducted by the mining company because the contractor or the government itself will have
mobilization and other costs that the mining company did not have while it was operating the mine.
Therefore, the restoration cost estimate upon which the surety is based should be calculated to include
the costs of a third party conducting the work. It should also be accurate and up to date. Unfortunately,
errors in these calculations have required millions of dollars of taxpayer subsidy to close bankrupt
mines.
Requiring financial sureties for large mines is an accepted practice in the CAFTA-DR countries, although
opinions differ regarding the form of surety. Governments have employed a number of financial
vehicles to meet surety requirements. These vehicles generally take two forms: independently
guaranteed sureties and sureties guaranteed by mining companies. Because mining companies can and
do go bankrupt, NGOs and governments favor sureties that are independent of the company operating
the mine, usually in the form of a bond, letter of credit, cash deposit or some combination of these
instruments. In circumstances in which the mining industry has found it difficult to obtain bonds for
mining operations, some companies are seeking approval of corporate guarantees - i.e., a financial
surety guaranteed by the mine operator and in such cases governments should assess the additional
risks posed by relying on these instruments since they would be unavailable should the company go
bankrupt.
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The financial sector has not developed specific requirements for mine sureties, although banks risk
significant loss of capital if a mining company were to declare bankruptcy while still holding outstanding
loans. Finally, considerable information is available on the calculation of the financial surety for any
mine project. Basic information on this is presented on presented on a CD accompanying these
guidelines. Because of problems encountered with financial sureties some academics and leading NGOs
have urged for more government and public scrutiny, some of which are presented in Table G-8.
Table G-8: NGO Recommendations for Financial Surety
Potential
Operational and
Regulatory
Measure
Review
Public
Awareness
Guarantees
Release
Description
Financial sureties should be reviewed and upgraded on a regular basis by the
permitting agency, and the results of the review should be publicly disclosed. The
mining industry and governments should work more closely with NGOs to
implement realistic review schedules and procedures for reviewing financial
sureties.
The public should have the right to comment on the adequacy of the restoration
and closure plan and the long-term post-closure plan, the adequacy of the financial
surety, and completion of restoration activities prior to release of the financial
surety.
Financial surety instruments should be independently guaranteed, reliable, and
readily liquid. Sureties should be regularly evaluated by independent analysts using
accepted accounting methods. Self-bonding or corporate guarantees should not be
permitted.
Financial sureties should not be released until restoration and closure are complete,
all impacts have been mitigated, and cleanup has been shown to be effective for a
sufficient period of time after mine closure.
Source: www.frameworkforresponsiblemining.org
7.2 Financial Guarantees for Long-Term Post-Closure Activities
Long-term trust funds should be required if post-closure monitoring, operations and maintenance are
needed over the long term or in perpetuity. These are separate mechanisms from restoration bonds.
Whereas restoration bonds are released after the restoration requirements have been completed by the
mining company, a long-term trust fund is established so that the corpus and its earnings are available
for as long as needed (decades or even in perpetuity). Specific details of the long-term trust fund are
critical to determining whether sufficient funds will be available to implement the post-closure plan over
the long term or in perpetuity. These include:
(a) requirements for timing of payments into the trust fund
(b) how the government agency ensures that the trust fund is bankruptcy remote
(c) acceptable financial instruments
(d) legal structure of the trust for tax purposes
(e) who will pay the taxes on trust earnings and trust fees and expenses
(f) how taxes and trust fees will be paid on the trust if the mining company goes out of
business
(g) who will make investment decisions if the operator is no longer viable
(h) if the government controls the investment decisions, what legal and ethical issues arise
from the agency controlling investment decisions about investments in private
companies, voting stock and similar issues if the trust owns stock
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(i) the identity of the trust fund beneficiaries
(j) the identity and corporate structure of the operator with responsibility/ liability for
financial assurance at this site
8 AUDITABLE AND ENFORCEABLE COMMITMENT LANGUAGE
An acceptable EIA document should not merely repeat the list of generic mitigation measures listed in
the tables above. The accompanying text should describe the level of detail necessary for a reviewer to
assure that the proposed mitigation meets its intended purpose, that the mitigation will be adequate to
address the underlying environmental, economic or social issues. Nor will this generic language provide
the kind of information needed by an auditor to confirm that obligations have been met, or an inspector
to determine whether the project proponent is fulfilling its responsibility and commitments.
The wording and detail in the EIA document becomes even more critical in the absence of a connected
permit or other means for government to independently craft and/or negotiate commitment language
for proposed mitigation. Therefore, understanding the extent to which a country will rely on the EIA
document itself to hold project proponents accountable for mitigation is important.
This section provides examples of the kinds of detail a reviewer should look for in determining whether
commitment language will be sufficient to ensure that promised actions will be taken by a project
proponent and that their adequacy can be determined over time.
The proposed mitigation should be clear about:
Who: The party responsible for taking action should be clearly assigned.
Is the project proponent relying on the community to take certain actions?
What is to happen when the project proponent is gone, after closure?
When: Timing issues are very important. Without a timeframe nothing will happen and
whatever does happen may not be adequate:
How long after mine closure would the project proponent monitor effluent of acid
mine drainage? X years following closure? Until effluent is proven to be negligible?
When would revegetation and regrading take place? Concurrently as the ore is
extracted from a specific location? At the end of the mining operation? This could
make a big difference in environmental impact, as concurrent restoration is much
preferred and more effective.
When would remedial action be taken if monitoring indicates there is a problem?
Would it be within days? Weeks? Months? Would the operation need to shut down
in the interim? Who would decide this?
What: Effectiveness will depend largely on what is being proposed:
What performance standards will be used to interpret monitoring results?
What level of treatment/control will be purchased and installed?
What technology will be used and will it be sufficient to prevent, treat, or control
the kind of contaminants that will be found in the effluent? Or emissions?
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What size wastewater treatment plant or drinking water treatment plant will be
built and will it be sufficient for the expected flow?
Are the species being used for revegetation indigenous to the area?
How: What resource commitments will be made to ensure that measures will be undertaken
at the levels indicated?
What financial commitments are made? What financial instrument is being used to
guarantee adequate funds will be available to implement all commitments? How
will financial guarantees be increased if they need to be adjusted during or after
operations?
Specify the staffing, management and oversight commitments.
Specify all equipment commitments.
The following subsections present examples of language for financial assurance, water quality
monitoring, restoration and revegetation, which could be used to ensure that the commitment language
in the EIA is reviewable, auditable and enforceable.
8.1 Financial Assurance Example
The EIA shall include an estimate of the financial assurance needed to environmentally close and restore
the site assuming a third party would undertake this effort should a sudden bankruptcy occur. Prior to
the opening of the mine, the mine owner/operator shall prepare and submit to the government a
financial assurance document that includes a financial assurance mechanism to which the government
shall have direct access for the full value of the financial assurance costs to environmentally close and
restore the site. Based on the performance of the financial assurance mechanism or new information
indicating necessary revisions to the long-tern management plan, the government may update the
amount needed in the financial assurance mechanism.
Key aspects of what makes this commitment language auditable/enforceable:
Submittal of a financial assurance cost estimate which is part of the EIA process
Review by the public and government of the financial assurance cost estimate
Commitment of the mine owner/operator to fully fund the financial assurance at the
opening of the mine
Based on environmental performance the financial assurance may be increased or decreased over the
life of the mine to reflect improvements or degradation of environmental management.
8.1.1 Water Quality Monitoring Example
Table G-9 is an example of the location, type, sampling depth, purpose, and monitoring frequency for
each monitoring site, as required in a mine-specific sampling and analysis plan. Also see Appendix F of
this Guidance for further detail on what the plan should address. The plan should specify requirements
such as:
Groundwater monitoring wells shall be installed at A, B, C, D, etc. [specify locations].
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Surface waters (streams, lakes, springs, and seeps) shall be monitored at E, F, G, H, etc.
[specify locations].
Piezometers shall be installed at I, J, K, etc. [specify locations].
Table G-9: Example of a Water Resource Monitoring Program
Site
A
B
E
G
H
1
Type
Well
Well
Maria Spring
Jose Creek
Jose Creek
Piezometer
Sampling
Depth
300-400 feet
250-350 feet
Ofeet
(surface)
0-2 feet
0-2 feet
300-400 feet
Monitoring
Purpose
Downgradient of
leach pad
Downgradient of
waste rock pile
Adjacent to waste
rock pile
Upgradient of
mine (baseline)
Downgradient of
tailings
impoundment
Water table
change resulting
from pit
dewatering
Monitoring
Frequency
Quarterly
Quarterly
Semi-annually
Annually
Annually
Quarterly
Mining Company shall conduct all sampling as specified in the [mine-specific sampling
and analysis plan - See Appendix F of this Guidance].
Mining Company shall implement the [mine-specific sampling and analysis plan]
throughout exploitation [or exploration if this is an exploration plan] and
closure/restoration, and up to [X years] after mine closure, as determined by the
Ministry.
Mining Company shall conduct sampling at all sampling sites specified in Table X at the
frequencies specified in Table G-9, and analyze all samples for the constituents in Table
G-10, as required in the [mine-specific sampling and analysis plan]. [Example only -
Ministry may wish to add or delete constituents, and will need to assign applicable
water quality standards for each constituent].
All protocols in the [mine-specific sampling and analysis plan] shall be followed during
sampling and analysis.
Mining Company shall submit all sampling results to the Ministry within [10 working
davsl of receipt of sampling results from the analytical laboratory.
Mining Company shall summarize the monitoring data and conduct trend analyses for all
constituents in an annual report and submit it to the Ministry by [date] of each year.
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Table G-10: Example of Monitoring Analytics [Example only - Fill in standards as appropriate.
Ministry may wish to add or delete constituents, or revise water quality standards]
Constituent
Alkalinity (as CaCO3)
Total Suspended Solids
Antimony
Barium
Boron
Calcium
Chromium
Fluoride
Lead
Manganese
Nickel
pH (+ or - 0.1 standard units)
Standard Units
Selenium
Sodium
Thallium
Weak Acid Dissociable (WAD)
Cyanide
Bicarbonate
Aluminum
Arsenic
Beryllium
Cadmium
Chloride
Copper
Iron
Magnesium
Mercury
Nitrate (NO3+NO2 as N)
Potassium
Silver
Sulfate
Total Dissolved Solids
Zinc
Turbidity
Water Quality Standard (units)
Fill in standards as appropriate
8.1.2 Restoration Example
8.1.2.1 Stabilization of surface areas
(a) All exposed surface areas will be protected and stabilized to effectively control erosion and
air pollution attendant to erosion.
(b) Rills and gullies, which form in areas that have been regraded and topsoiled and which either
(1) disrupt the approved post-mining land use or the reestablishment of the vegetative cover,
or (2) cause or contribute to a violation of water quality standards for receiving streams will
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be filled, regraded, or otherwise stabilized; topsoil will be replaced; and the areas will be
reseeded or replanted.
8.1.2.2 Landslides and other damage
(a) An undisturbed natural barrier will be provided beginning at the elevation of the lowest
bench to be mined and extending from the outslope for [X distance - determined by the
Ministry] to assure stability. The barrier will be retained in place to prevent slides and
erosion.
(b) At any time a slide occurs which may have a potential adverse affect on public property,
health, safety, or the environment, the person who conducts the surface mining activities will
notify the Ministry by the fastest available means and comply with any remedial measures
required by the Ministry.
8.1.2.3 Contemporaneous restoration
Restoration efforts, including but not limited to backfilling, grading, topsoil replacement, and
revegetation, on all land that is disturbed by surface mining activities shall occur as
contemporaneously as practicable with mining operations
8.1.2.4 Backfilling and grading: timing
Rough backfilling and grading for surface mining activities should be completed within [X period
of time] after the ore has been removed from the pit.
8.1.2.5 Backfilling and grading
Disturbed areas will be backfilled and graded to: (a) Achieve the approximate original contour;
(b) Eliminate depressions except if they are needed to retain moisture, minimize erosion, create
and enhance wildlife habitat, or assist revegetation in small depressions or (previously mined
highwalls) of this section; (c) Achieve a post-mining slope to prevent slides; (d) Minimize
erosion and water pollution both on and off the site; and (e) Support the approved post-mining
land use.
8.1.2.6 Revegetation
Following backfilling and regrading, the slopes shall be prepared for an appropriate seed mixture
designed for the mine site and final land use. The seed mixture if possible shall consist of native species
without noxious weeds. Weed-free straw or other type of mulching material shall be placed over
seeded areas to retain moisture and reduce erosion, if appropriate. Seeding shall be done at the
appropriate time of time of year to ensure rapid growth.
Long-term revegetation monitoring of reclaimed areas will be done annually over the life of the project
and up to [five years] after closure to ensure revegetation meets project specific performance
standards. Long-term revegetation monitoring will consist of the following: collecting annual data over
the life of the project and for [five years after closure] on existing and newly restored areas;
documenting trends in vegetation parameters over time; identifying areas where revegetation may be
failing; and providing recommendations for maintaining revegetated areas. Monitoring reports will
contain:
Monitoring locations and justification
Area-wide monitoring and cover sampling data will be recorded on field forms
Cover sampling method using either the Point-Quadrat Method, 35mm Slide Method,
Bitterlich's Variable Radius Method, or other method approved by the Ministry. Each
method will use transects that will be established in reclaimed and undisturbed areas. In
restored areas, sample transects and sample locations will be located to represent a one-
dimensional "square grid" pattern
Quality assurance and control measures including field duplicates, error limits, and
statistical validity
Measures to be taken if results do not meet expectations
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H. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
H. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
An Environmental Management Plan (BMP), might be required as part of the submission of the EIA, may
be required to accompany it, or may even be called something different. As presented in the Table H-l,
an BMP consists of a series of components or plans. These include plans for water management,
vegetation removal, blasting, mitigation, monitoring, and others. The BMP serves to combine elements
of environmental management that might be built into the actual design of the mine and its
infrastructure, monitoring and mitigation as adopted by the project proponent. As described in Table H-
1, each of these plans requires certain inputs. Throughout these guidelines, approaches are presented
to assist reviewers of these plans to ensure that each of these plans meets the goals of the overall EIA.
Table H-l in particular presents mitigation approaches that should be considered in these plans. Finally,
it is recognized that each CAFTA-DR country has its own basic requirements for an BMP which may vary
somewhat from what is presented below. However, the basic concepts presented in this table should
be considered when developing environmental management components for various types of mines.
It is important that any financial assurance measures, which are usually separate from the BMP, be
reviewed for consistency with the elements of the BMP, particularly that financing will support
commitments to long term monitoring and maintenance, which may need to continue even post-
closure.
Table H-l: Components of an Environment Management Plan
PLAN
INPUT
General
Describe measures to be implemented to manage water; and
Identify and assess how to divert natural runoff away from the mine site
to prevent pollution of this water.
Water Use and Recycling
Describe methods to be used to minimize the volume of fresh water
that is used for ore processing and to maximize the recycling of water;
and
Describe how to avoid or minimize the use of reagents that require
treatment prior to effluent discharge.
Water quality
<
<
§
Predict metal leaching and acidic drainage potential based on the
identification and description of all geological materials (including wall
rock, waste rock, and overburden) to be excavated, exposed or
otherwise disturbed by mining;
Present timing and conditions during which metal leaching and acidic
drainage are expected to occur; and
Determine other potentially harmful components in mine wastewater,
including processing reagents, ammonia, algae-promoting substances,
thiosalts, chlorides and elevated pH.
Monitoring
Provide a water monitoring program indicating the locations on site
maps of potential mine water and seepage sampling stations and mine
waste areas;
Develop a Sampling and Analysis Plan for water sampling, handling and
analyses protocols (where analyses are completed by outside
laboratories, metal mines should have copies of the protocols used);
Develop a database that is updated as sampling is undertaken including
hydro-climatological data including but not limited to rainfall, air
temperature, solar radiation, relative humidity, wind direction and
speed, evaporation, water levels in wells, stream flow and water quality
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Provide a methodology to calibrate hydrological models that were used
in planning the water management system.
Diversion and Wastewater
Stream Consolidation
Define how best to consolidate treatment for all wastewater sources;
Describe methodologies such as the use of ditches or dikes to divert all
clean streams and drainage runoff away from areas of possible
contamination, and locate these structures on maps;
Define and locate on maps effluent discharge points and their
relationship to environmentally sensitive areas; and
Show typical ditches and water holding facilities designed for extreme
runoff events (100-year or maximum probable runoff events).
Wastewater
Develop a wastewater treatment plan based on:
The water management plan;
The results of prediction of wastewater quality;
The waste rock and tailings disposal plans;
Relevant regulatory requirements for effluent quality; and
Relevant environmental performance indicators, including any water
quality objectives.
Domestic Wastewater and
Sewage Disposal
Develop a plan for sewage or domestic wastewater treatment with the
objective that these facilities are to prevent the contamination of
surface water and groundwater, including drinking water supplies, and
meet all applicable regulatory standards. Sludge from the treatment of
sewage and domestic wastewater should be disposed of in an
acceptable manner.
Define a program for sludge disposal on site or in a landfill. If
acceptable, it may be used as cover material for tailings or waste rock,
or it may be disposed of off site.
Long-term Wastewater
Treatment
At sites where it is determined that long-term treatment of wastewater
will be necessary during post-closure, a long-term wastewater treatment
plan should be developed and implemented. This plan should include the
following elements:
Identification of roles and responsibilities of persons to be involved in
operation and maintenance of the treatment system;
Identification of the type of treatment system to be used;
Identification of any by-products from the treatment system, such as
treatment sludge, and management plans for the disposal of those by-
products;
Identification of routine maintenance activities to be conducted on the
treatment system and the frequency;
Identification of monitoring to assess ongoing performance of the
treatment system and the frequency;
Identification of reporting requirements for internal management and
regulatory agencies; and
Description of contingency plans to address any problems associated
with the treatment system.
Consideration should be given to the implementation of a passive
treatment system. In some cases, these systems may have lower
maintenance requirements than traditional treatment systems, although
all systems do require some degree of ongoing maintenance.
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Soil and Overburden
Management
Provide site-specific procedures to ensure that overburden (non-acid),
particularly organic soils, excavated from the mine site during
construction is preserved and stockpiled for future reuse in site
rehabilitation.
Show stockpiles on map.
Describe how erosion and sedimentation will be limited.
Define measures to be put in place to ensure that stockpiled material
is not contaminated during mine operations.
Erosion and Sediment Control
Determine site erosion potential and identify water bodies at risk;
Develop a recontouring plan designed to reduce the susceptibility of
soil to erosion;
Define a program for revegetation and maintenance of buffer zones
adjacent to water bodies for erosion control;
Develop a plan to divert site drainage away from cleared, graded, or
excavated areas;
Define how the mine will use and maintain sediment barriers or
sediment traps to prevent or control sedimentation and direct surface
runoff from erodible areas to a settling pond prior to discharge to the
environment; and
Present a monitoring and maintenance program to ensure that erosion
and sediment control measures are effective.
Geologic Materials
Develop a site-specific program for the identification and description of
rock and other geological materials that will be or have been moved or
exposed as a result of mining activity. This should include, for each
material:
Spatial distribution of the material, as well as the estimated mass of
material present; geological characterization of the material, including
its mineral and chemical composition; physical characterization of the
material, including grain size, particle size and structural characteristics
including fracturing, faulting and material strength;
Hydraulic conductivity of the material; and
The degree of any oxidation of the material that has taken place.
All rock units and other geological materials that will be or have been
moved or exposed as a result of mining activity should be tested for
their metal leaching and acid generation potential. The testing
program should be designed to meet site-specific needs, using a
combination of static and kinetic test methods, as appropriate.
Solid Waste
Develop a plan for the disposal of solid waste generated by the mine
operation. This would include:
The location and design of a solid waste landfill and the separation of
potentially hazardous wastes from the disposed of solid waste;
Wastes from on-site kitchen and dining facilities should be disposed of
in a manner that does not attract wildlife.
Develop measures that should be put in place to ensure that all food
wastes and food containers are properly disposed of, including those
used away from kitchen and dining facilities.
Define training programs to ensure that all employees and on-site
contractors are aware of the importance of proper disposal of food
wastes and the importance of not feeding wildlife on site.
Tailings (metal mines) and
Waste Rock Disposal
Based on the results of site-specific programs for the prediction of water
quality, develop a plan for waste rock and tailings disposal management
that includes limiting the production of waste rock with acid generation
or metal leaching potential. Design alternatives to accomplish this should
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be assessed, including:
Preventing or limiting the availability of oxygen to the acid-generating
material by disposing of potentially acid generating waste rock or
tailings under a water cover;
Using composite covers with a saturated layer to limit infiltration of
oxygen;
Blending or layering potentially acid generating material with
neutralizing materials;
Segregating or encapsulating potentially acid generating or metal
leaching material from other material to facilitate efficient
management of material;
Appropriate engineered design of capture and treatment system for
drainage from waste rock and tailings (e.g., underliners, toe drains,
etc.);
Designing facilities to prevent exposure of wildlife to contaminated
water in ponds, ditches, toe drains, etc.;
Diverting surface water away from storage areas to minimize flushing
and volumes of effluent.
Develop and present site plans for waste rock piles and tailings
management facilities with locations based on:
Local and regional surface water and groundwater flow and potential
surface water and groundwater contamination;
Water management scheme and preliminary water balance;
Topography;
Sites of existing (open or closed) waste rock piles;
Existing and possible future land and resource uses, including use of
the receiving watershed and distance from habitation and areas of
human activity;
Baseline environmental conditions, including natural flora and fauna;
Potential impacts on vegetation, wildlife, aquatic life and any
downstream communities;
Condition of basin and dam foundations; deposition plane and
storage volume/capacity; preliminary design of containment and
water management structures; potential impact area;
Potential releases of airborne particulate matter;
Aesthetic considerations;
Mine closure considerations.
The rationale for the selection of the site should be clearly documented,
including discussion of alternate sites that were considered and rejected.
Present designs of tailings and waste rock facilities based on:
Physical and chemical characteristics of the tailings and waste rock
material, including metal leaching and acidic drainage potential, as
well as the potential for liquefaction; hydrology and hydrogeology,
including local climatic conditions and extreme weather events
(projections of increased extreme weather events as a result of global
climate change should also be included);
Foundation geology and geotechnical considerations, as well as
seismic data and earthquake risk; availability and characteristics of
construction materials;
Topography of the tailings management facility and adjacent areas;
Maximize retention time of waste water to allow for settling of
suspended solids and the natural degradation of contaminants such as
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ammonia and cyanide;
Long-term monitoring and inspection of containment structures for
tailings and waste rock management facilities; and
Long-term stability even during adverse climatic conditions
(hurricanes, etc.). Stringent engineering standards should be employed
including having structure withstand a probable maximum flood (PMF)
event and being designed to remain structurally stable in the event of
a maximum credible earthquake (MCE).
Restoration
Develop a plan showing that progressive rehabilitation of waste rock
piles and tailings management facilities is carried out during the mine
operations phase, to the extent feasible. Progressive restoration
activities should be carried out in a manner consistent with the site-
specific objectives for mine closure and the intended post-closure land
use for the site, as identified in the closure plan. The planning and
implementation of progressive restoration measures should include
consideration of:
The final contouring of waste rock piles, tailings, leach pads, and
borrow pits;
The establishment of a final drainage system;
The establishment of wet covers or dry covers, where these cover
systems are to be used to prevent or control acidic drainage;
The revegetation of exposed areas;
Progressive restoration of mine site infrastructure should be carried
out during the mine operations phase, to the extent feasible. This
may include roads that are no longer used and areas affected during
earlier activities, such as drill pads or campsites established during
the exploration or construction phases.
Vegetation Clearing
Develop a plan to minimize areas to be cleared;
Define on maps buffer zones of natural vegetative cover showing that
at least 100 m of natural buffer zones are retained wherever possible
between cleared areas and adjacent bodies of water; and
Present a plan to show that the time between clearing of an area and
subsequent development is minimized.
Environmentally Sensitive
Areas
Show on plan view and use of typical drawings that all mine facilities are
located and designed to avoid environmentally sensitive areas. The
determination of environmentally sensitive areas should be undertaken
in consultation with appropriate stakeholders, local communities and
government officials.
Revegetation
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A revegetation plan should be developed for the mine, with
consideration of the following:
Re-establishing soil cover on the site with consideration being given
to the characteristics of the soil that will be used as well as the soil
requirements of the vegetation to be established on the site.
Species used in revegetation and the resulting plant community
should be consistent with the goals of mine closure and the intended
post-closure use of the site. Species native to the area around the
mine site should be used for this purpose, and invasive species should
never be used.
Monitoring programs should be designed and implemented during
mine closure to ensure that closure activities and any associated
environmental effects are consistent with those predicted in the
closure plan and to ensure that the objectives of mine closure are
being met.
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Cyanide Management (metal
mines)
Define cyanide management practices based on the International
Cyanide Management Code (International Cyanide Management
Institute, 2008) taking into account:
Measures to minimize the amount of cyanide required, thereby
reducing reagent use and limiting concentrations in tailings;
Design and implementation of measures to manage seepage from
cyanide facilities to protect surface water and groundwater;
Design and operation of cyanide treatment systems to reduce
cyanide concentrations in effluent discharged to the environment;
Design and implementation of spill prevention and containment
measures for process tanks and pipelines;
Measures to prevent exposure of wildlife to cyanide in ponds and
ditches.
If natural degradation of cyanide is to be used as a treatment method
for cyanide, the tailings management facility should be designed to
ensure that the retention time of the liquid phase is adequate for
natural degradation to occur during high flow conditions.
Spill Prevention and Control
Develop a plan to design and construct chemical storage and
containment facilities to meet the appropriate standards, regulations
and guidelines of pertinent regulatory agencies and the
owner/operator's environmental policy, objectives and targets. Site-
specific chemical management procedures should be developed and
implemented for the safe transportation, storage, handling, use and
disposal of chemicals, fuels and lubricants. As a minimum, chemical
storage and containment facilities should:
Be managed to minimize the potential for spills;
Provide containment in the event of spillage and be managed to
minimize opportunities for spillage;
Comply with international standards;
Ensure that incompatible materials are stored in ways to prevent
accidental contact and chemical reactions with other materials; and
Minimize the probability that a spill could have a significant impact
on the environment.
Ensure for maintenance shops that potential contaminants, such as
used lubricants, batteries and other wastes, are properly managed
with appropriate disposal mechanisms for these materials. Stores
should be managed such that potentially hazardous materials are
handled in accordance with procedures detailed in the
environmental management system for the mine.
The Spill Prevention and Control plan should be evaluated
periodically to determine possibilities to reduce the quantities of
potentially harmful chemicals used.
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Access Roads
Define measures that will be designed and implemented to prevent and
control erosion from roads associated with mining facilities. These
measures should include:
Providing buffer zones of at least 100 m between roads and water
bodies to the extent practicable;
Designing road grades and ditches to limit the potential for erosion,
including avoiding road grades exceeding 12% (5% near water
bodies).
Designing and constructing stream crossings for roads in a manner
that protects fish and fish habitat preventing sedimentation of the
streams and not obstructing movement offish.
Pipelines
Provide the routes of pipelines on maps. Routes should be selected
so as to limit risk of harm to aquatic, terrestrial ecosystems and
animal migration routes in the event of a failure.
Show that pipelines will be designed to minimize the risk of failure;
Define measures to limit impacts in the event of a failure;
Develop an inspection plan for pipelines with inspections taking
place on a regular basis to ensure they are in good condition; and
Define monitoring systems to alert operators in the event of a
potential problem.
Conveyor Belts
Provide a map showing the routes of conveyor systems. Routes
should be selected so as to limit risk of harm to aquatic, terrestrial
ecosystems and animal migration routes, including in the event of a
failure;
Describe how these routes were chosen to limit risks to the
environment or human health from airborne particulate matter
associated with the systems;
Define how conveyor systems will be constructed to prevent
discharge of material into water bodies, and prevent or limit the
release of airborne particulate matter;
Define how loading and off-loading facilities for conveyor systems
will be constructed to prevent or limit the release of airborne
particulate matter from loading and off-loading operations.
Facilities Monitoring
Develop a monitoring program to check and report on the
performance, status and safety of water management facilities;
Define a pipeline inspection program to evaluate flow and hydraulic
integrity;
Describe a water quality and level monitoring program for retention
facilities, such as tailings management facilities, sedimentation
ponds and polishing ponds;
Describe inspection measures for drainage ditches and dikes to
evaluate sediment accumulation and bank erosion and damage;
Develop an inspection program for tailings and waste rock
management facilities with regard to performance monitoring,
instability indicators, stability monitoring, tailings deposition, water
management and control, and quality of effluent;
Provide construction controls, including the use of a construction
management program;
Provide quality assurance and quality control measures for all
aspects of operations, monitoring and inspections;
Ensure that the potential of waste rock and tailings for metal
leaching and acidic drainage is continually assessed;
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Develop a plan to collect data required for modeling; assess the
level of acid generation when oxidizing reactions are occurring, and
assess acidity and reaction products that are potentially available to
migrate;
Describe how to evaluate the effectiveness of measures that have
been implemented to prevent and control metal leaching and acidic
drainage;
Describe how to continually characterize treatment sludge to
determine whether there are potential leaching concerns;
Describe disposal and monitoring of sludge from treatment of acid
generating wastes;
Develop a plan to identify potential sources of ammonia, including
explosives and cyanate hydrolysis and monitor accordingly;
Provide a monitoring program to ensure the mine meets the
International Cyanide Code;
Provide a monitoring program for thiosalts;
Climate Change (Carbon reduction)
Develop strategies for reducing carbon releases to the atmosphere and
describe how they will be implemented. The carbon reduction plan
should address the use of heavy equipment, including vehicles that are
fuel efficient and/or use alternative fuel. Define methods to reduce
greenhouse emission as described below under the Emission Control
Plan.
Emissions Control
Develop site-specific plans to be implemented to minimize releases of
air borne emissions, including greenhouse gases. Plans should describe:
Potential sources of releases of airborne emissions, including
greenhouse gases;
Factors that may influence releases of airborne emissions, including
greenhouse gases;
Measures to minimize releases of airborne emissions, including
greenhouse gases. Engines in vehicles and stationary equipment
should be maintained and operated in a manner that minimizes
emissions of air contaminants, particularly: total particulate matter
(TPM); particulate matter less than or equal to 10 microns (PM
10); particulate matter less than or equal to 2.5 microns (PM 2.5);
sulphur oxides (SO x); nitrogen oxides (NO x); volatile organic
compounds (VOCs); carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (C02)
and other greenhouse gases;
The applicable standard for each air contaminant, consistent with
national or international standard. For example, in Canada the
concentration of particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in size
(PM2.5) should not exceed 15 ig/m3 (24-hour averaging time)
outside the boundary of a mining facility;
Monitoring and reporting programs for releases of airborne
emissions, including greenhouse gases;
Mechanisms to incorporate the results of monitoring programs into
further improvements to measures to minimize releases; and
Mechanisms to periodically update the plans.
Particulates
Develop site-specific plans to be implemented to minimize releases of
airborne particulate matter. These plans should describe:
Potential sources of releases of airborne particulate matter,
including specific activities and specific components of mine
infrastructure;
Factors that may influence releases of airborne particulate matter,
including climate and wind;
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Potential risks to the environment and human health from releases
of airborne particulate matter;
Measures to minimize releases of airborne particulate matter from
the sources identified;
Monitoring programs for local weather, for consideration in the
ongoing management of releases of airborne particulate matter;
Monitoring and reporting programs for releases of airborne
particulate matter and for environmental impacts of releases;
Mechanisms to incorporate the results of monitoring programs into
further improvements to measures to minimize releases; and
Mechanisms to periodically update the plans..
Noise
Define site-specific assessments to be conducted to identify sources, or
potential sources, of noise; and measures should be implemented to
reduce noise levels from these sources. Such measures should include
consideration of:
Elimination of noise sources;
The purchase of equipment with improved noise characteristics;
Proper maintenance of equipment;
Enclosure or shielding of sources of noise;
Suppression of the noise at source; locating noise sources to allow
natural attenuation to reduce levels to potential recipients; and
The operation of noise sources only during hours agreed to in
consultation with local communities. Monitoring should be conducted
to assess the effectiveness of these measures and, if national or
related international standards are exceeded, so that improvements in
noise reduction can be made.
For mines in areas where ground vibration and noise from blasting are not
regulated, ensure that blasts do not exceed acceptable criteria. For
example, ground vibration of 12.5 mm/sec peak particle velocity
measured below grade or less than 1 metre above grade; and concussion
noise of a maximum of 128 dB.
Blasting Plan
Provide safety protocols that ensure their use during blasting operations
such as safety zones to prevent unauthorized entry, warning signals to
alarm nearby workers and residents of impending blasts and all clear
signals to note when the area is safe to reenter
Define blasting times during hours agreed to in consultation with local
communities.
Define the size of explosive charges to minimize vibrations.
Allow for natural attenuation of explosive charges to reduce-noise and
dust or debris at the source and impacts to nearby residents.
Provide for the enclosure or shield sources of noise from blasting
including the construction of berms around the site.
Ensure that blasts do not exceed acceptable national or international
vibration criteria. For example limit ground vibrations to below 12.5
mm/s peak particle velocity, and limit air vibrations to 133 dB.
Provide a monitoring program to assess the effectiveness of these
measures against national or international standards so that the need
for improvements in noise and vibration reduction can be identified and
implemented. Use monitoring equipment compliant with the
International Society of Explosives Engineers standard "Performance
Specifications for Blasting Seismographs."
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Temporary and Long-term Mine Closure
Develop a program that requires that the anticipated costs of mine
closure are re-evaluated regularly throughout the mine life cycle. The
mine owner/operator should ensure that adequate funds are available
to cover all closure costs, and the amounts of any security deposits
should be adjusted accordingly.
For mines where it is determined that long-term monitoring,
maintenance or effluent treatment will be necessary post closure,
mechanisms should be identified and implemented that will ensure that
adequate and stable long-term funding is available for these activities.
In determining funding levels required, consideration should be given to
contingency requirements in the event of changes in economic
conditions, system failures, or major repair work post closure.
Develop a plan for the care and maintenance of the mine site in the
event that mine operations are suspended or the mine otherwise
becomes inactive. The plan should include continued monitoring
and assessment of the environmental performance of the site, as
well as the maintenance of all environmental controls necessary to
ensure continued compliance with relevant regulatory
requirements.
The final mine closure plan should address the following
environmental aspects: underground and open pit mine workings;
ore processing facilities and site infrastructure; waste rock piles and
tailings management facilities; sludge disposal areas as well as
ongoing and post-closure sludge disposal requirements; water
management facilities; landfill and waste disposal facilities; and
exploration areas.
Decommissioning
Describe a decommissioning program for underground and open pit
mines showing that any contamination associated with vehicle and
equipment operations and maintenance will be remediated.
Describe how underground mine workings will be secured with signs
being posted warning the public of potential dangers associated
with the facility and how excess will be limited.
Describe the risk of subsidence in underground mines and what
measures will be taken to limit this from occurring (e.g. the
backfilling of underground voids.)
Develop a plan for closing open pits to prevent unauthorized access
and to protect public safety. Consider backfilling , installing fencing
and berms, and other design measures to protect the public.
State how signs will be posted warning the public of potential
dangers associated with the site.
Describe the potential for mine water discharges, where mine water
discharge is predicted, flow rates, predicted water quality, and plans
for long-term prevention or treatment.
Develop a plan that shows how on-site facilities and equipment that
are no longer needed will be removed and disposed of in a safe
manner.
Develop a plan for the rehabilitation of roads, runways or railways
that will not be preserved for post-closure use with bridges, culverts
and pipes being removed so that natural stream flow is restored,
and stream banks are stabilized with vegetation or by using rip-rap.
In addition, the plan should show that surfaces, shoulders,
escarpments, steep slopes, regular and irregular benches, etc., are
to be rehabilitated to prevent erosion with surfaces and shoulders
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being scarified, graded into natural contours, and revegetated.
Define a program that shows how electrical infrastructure, including
pylons, electrical cables and transformers, will be dismantled and
removed, except in cases where this infrastructure is to be
preserved for post-closure land use or will be needed for post-
closure monitoring, inspection and maintenance. If polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCBs) were used on site, any equipment and soils
contaminated with PCBs should be disposed of in accordance with
relevant regulatory requirements.
Describe a program that shows how waste from the decommissioning
of ore processing facilities and site infrastructure, such as waste from
the demolition of buildings and the removal of equipment, will be
removed from the site and stored in an appropriate waste disposal
site or disposed of on site in an appropriate manner in accordance
with relevant regulatory requirements. If material is disposed of on
site, the location and contents of the disposal site should be
documented.
Long-term Monitoring and Maintenance
At sites where long-term risks are identified a long-term monitoring and
maintenance plan for waste rock piles, leach pads, open pits, and tailings
management facilities should be developed and implemented, as
appropriate, to ensure post-closure monitoring and maintenance of
these facilities. This plan should include the following elements:
Identification of roles and responsibilities of persons to be involved in
monitoring and maintenance;
Identification of aspects to be monitored and the frequency;
Identification of routine maintenance activities to be conducted and
the frequency;
Description of contingency plans to address any problems identified
during routine maintenance and monitoring;
Description of financial assurance to ensure funds will be available as
long as needed (e.g., in perpetuity) to cover the cost of full
implementation of the long-term monitoring and maintenance plan.
The plan should show that at the end of the mine operations phase, plans
for management of waste rock and tailings to prevent, control and treat
metal leaching and acidic drainage should be re-evaluated and revised as
necessary, to ensure that they are consistent with the objectives and
plans for mine closure and post closure. This evaluation should consider:
The results of the re-evaluation of the performance of these facilities;
The performance of progressive reclamation to date; and
Possible alternative technologies for closure.
At sites where there is an identified long-term risk of metal leaching or
acidic drainage, the site-specific monitoring program should be revised
and updated to ensure that monitoring will be consistent with objectives
and plans of mine closure and post closure. The revised plans should
include the following elements:
Identification of roles and responsibilities of persons to be involved in
monitoring;
Identification of parameters to be monitored and the frequency; and
Description of contingency plans to address any problems identified
during routine monitoring.
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Contingency plans are those put in place to address predicted risks should other mitigation measures in the
environmental management plan fail to be adequate. It assumes that risk identification and risk reduction have
been addressed in other parts of the EIA.
Performance-related
Contingency Plans
Plans to describe the steps that will be taken to respond to failure to
Environmental Standards are not being met
Impacts are greater than predicted
The mitigation measures and/or rehabilitation are not
performing as predicted.
Contingency Plans should include steps to ensure:
Persons responsible and accountable for response, their roles,
contact information
Steps to be taken to minimize adverse environmental and socio-
economic-cultural harm
Timely response
Commitment of staff and resources such as equipment on hand
or accessible as needed for response
Appropriate notification of officials
Appropriate notification of the public
Risks from Natural Disasters
For risks identified within the impact assessment, including risks from:
Hurricaines
Flooding
Mudslides
Seismic activity-earthquakes
Tsunamis
Volcanic Activity
Contingency plans should include:
Persons responsible and accountable for response, their roles,
contact information and alternates
Steps to be taken to minimize adverse environmental and socio-
economic-cultural harm
Coordination with national and local response efforts
Equipment on hand and needed for response
Relevant training programs
Relevant notification requirements for government and the
public
Other risks
These might include risks from storage and management of hazardous or
toxic chemicals, leaching into groundwater, dam or impoundment
breaches etc. that may not be adequately covered in the other elements
of the Environmental Management Plan
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I. REFERENCES AND GLOSSARY
This chapter includes cited references, additional references and a glossary.
1 CITED REFERENCES
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Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama, U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY MINERALS YEARBOOK2005
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Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama, U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY MINERALS YEARBOOK2006
CENTRAL AMERICA, U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey, December 2008.
AustralAsian Resource Consultants P/L, 2004, Roseby Copper Project, Initial Advice Statement,
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millones de colones: Banco Central de Costa Rica. (Accessed February 26, 2008, at:
http://indicadoreseconomicos.bccr.fi.cr/indicadoreseconomicos/Cuadros/frmVerCatCuadro.aspx7idiom
a=l&CodCuadro=229
Banco Central de Reserva de El Salvador, undated, Producto interne bruto anualPrincipals sectores
economicos and Producto interne bruto trimestralA precios constants: Banco Central de Reserva de El
Salvador. (Accessed February, 2009, at http://www.bcr.gob.sv/estadisticas/sr produccion.html).
Barrick Gold Corp., 2007, Barrick now2006 annual review: Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Barrick Gold
Corp., 140 p.
Bermudez-Lugo, Omayra, 2008, The Mineral Industries of the Islands of the Caribbean Aruba, The
Bahamas, Barbados, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Others.
Islands, U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY MINERALS YEARBOOK2006 CENTRAL AMERICA, U.S. Department of
the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey, December 2008.
Britton, Scott G., 1992, Mine Plant Layout, SME Engineering Handbook 2nd Edition, Volume2 Society for
Mining and Metallurgy and Exploration Inc. Littleton Colorado.
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Coastech Research, 1991, Acid Rock Drainage Prediction Manual, MEND Project Report 1.16.1b, MEND,
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CAFTA-DR AND US COUNTRY EXPERTS SUPPORTED BY USAID-ENVIRONMENTAND LABOR EXCELLENCE-CCAD-USEPA PROGRAM 145
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Volume I - EIA Technical Review Guideline: I. REFERENCES AND GLOSSARY
Non-Metal and Metal Mining
Council on Environmental Quality, 2007, Collaboration in NEPA-A Handbook for NEPA Practitioners,
October, 2007.
Council on Environmental Quality, Considering Cumulative Effects under the NEPA Policy Act, January
1997. http://nepa.energy.gov/part-4-ceq-guidance.htm
Doan, David B., 1999, Mineral Resources of El Salvador, as presented in U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
MINERALS YEARBOOK1999.
Dyer, Zach, 2009, El Salvador Faces CAFTA Suit Over Mine Project, posted Feb 6 2009, North American
Congress on Latin America, as presented in http://nacla.org/node/5499. (accessed February, 2009).
Environmental Law Institute, 2003, Prior Informed Consent and Mining: Promoting the Sustainable
Development of Local Communities.
Earthworks, 2007, Earthworks Fact Sheet- Bellavista Mine Background, as presented in
http://74.125.95.132/search?q=cache:PTyCV5kMIHoJ:www.earthworksaction.org/pubs/FS bellavista.pd
f+Bellavista+mine&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=l&gl=us&ie=UTF-8. (Accessed 2 March 2009).
Environment Canada, 2009, Environmental Code of Practice for Metal Mines 2009, l/MM/17 Mining
Section Mining and Processing Division Public and Resources Sectors Directorate Environmental
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2009).
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ESRI, Inc., undated, presented in http://www.esri.com (accessed on August 7, 2009).
ESI Ltd., undated, presented in www.esinternational.com/groundwater-vistas.html (accessed on August
7, 2009).
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Gentry. D.W. and M.K. McCarter, 1992, Surface Mining: Mechanical Extraction Methods: in SME Mining
Engineering Handbook, 2nd Edition (H.L. Hartman, ed.), Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration,
Inc. Littleton, CO.
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64 p.
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Non-Metal and Metal Mining
Global InfoMine, undated, San Sebastian Gold Mine,
http://www.infomine.com/index/properties/SAN SEBASTIAN GOLD MINE.html (accessed February,
2009).
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GlobeStar Mining Corp., 2005, GlobeStar issues Behre Dolbear's technical report for their fully
permitted, 100% controlled Cerro de Maimon copper/gold projectDominican Republic: Toronto,
Ontario, Canada, GlobeStar Mining Corp. press release, May 17, 6 p.
GlobeStar Mining Corp., 2006a, GlobeStar consolidates 198 km2 of nickel laterite concessions in the
Dominican Republic: Toronto, Ontario, Canada, GlobeStar Mining Corp. press release, May 12, 3 p.
GlobeStar Mining Corp., 2006b, GlobeStar discovers nickel in the Dominican RepublicInitial results
include 16.7m at 2.0% nickel: Toronto, Ontario, Canada, GlobeStar Mining Corp. press release, May 15, 5
P-
GlobeStar Mining Corp., 2008, Cerro de Maimon metallurgy: Toronto, Ontario, Canada, GlobeStar
Mining Corp. presented in http://www.globestarmining.com/content/cerromaimon.php?name=met
(accessed 4 March 2009).
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presented in an Environmental Law Institute PowerPoint, May 2008.
Hartman Sr., Howard L, 1992, SME Engineering Handbook 2nd Edition, Volume2, Society for Mining and
Metallurgy and Exploration Inc., Littleton, Colorado.
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America Submitted to: Infinite Gold Limited, (previously Vannessa Ventures Limited) Canada, July 10,
2008 as presented in http://www.infinitogold.eom/s/Crucitas.asp (accessed 2 March 2009).
Hoffman, Steve, 2008, Hallazgos clave: Dos Pobres/Proyecto San Juan EIA Final y Registro de Decision as
presented in a USEPA PowerPoint, May 2008.
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Non-Metal and Metal Mining
PLANIFICACION DEL CIERRE INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL ON MINES AND METALS, International Council on
Mines and Metals, 2008.
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in www.cyanidecode.org, August 2008.
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Environmental, Health And Safety Guidelines for Mining, December 10, 2007.
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Principles for Social Impact Assessment, U.S. Department Commerce. Reprinted in Burdge, 1998.
International Finance Corporation (IFC), 2007, Environmental, Health, And Safety Guidelines Mining
Environmental, Health And Safety Guidelines for Mining, December 10, 2007.
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Cincinnati, Ohio. (OSHA), (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/98-
126.html accessed September 2009).
Joyce, Susan and MacFarlane Magnus, 2001, Social Impact Assessment in the Mining Industry: Current
Situation and Future Directions, Mining Minerals and Sustainable Development of International Institute
for Environment and Development cofounded by World Business Council for Sustainable Development.
Lawrence, R.W., G.W. Poling, and P.B. Marchant, 1989, Investigation Of Prediction Techniques For Acid
Mine Drainage, DSS Contract No.23440-7-9178/01-SQ, Final Report.
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Society for Mining and Metallurgy and Exploration Inc., Littleton, Colorado.
Maest, A.S., J.R. Kuipers, C.L Travers, and D.A. Atkins, 2005, Predicting Water Quality at Hardrock Mines:
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Mine and Quarry Data, undated, as presented in
http://www.mqdata.com/data/show country.asp?id=Dominican+Republic.
Mine and Quarry Data, undated, as presented in
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Mine and Quarry Data, undated, as presented in
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Mine and Quarry Data, undated, as presented in
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Guide to Evolving Standards - October 19, 2005, as presented in English and Spanish
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Nations Encyclopedia, undated, as presented in
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Scientific Software Group, undated, as presented in www.visual-modflow.com (accessed on August 7,
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Non-Metal and Metal Mining
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Federal Activities, 1994, EIA Guidelines for Mining:
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U.S. State Department, 2008, Honduras - Investment Climate Statement 2009, as presented in
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2 ADDITIONAL REFERENCES
Absan, M.Q., et al., 1989, Detoxification of Cyanide in Heap Leach Piles Using Hydrogen Peroxide, World
Gold, proceedings of the First Joint SME/Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy Meeting. R.
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Precious Metals Solutions, Proceedings of the Symposium on Environmental Management for the
1990s, Denver, Colorado, February 25-28.
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Queensland, Australia.
Beard, R.R. 1987 (March), Treating Ores by Amalgamation, Circular No. 27. Phoenix, AZ: Department of
Mines and Mineral Resources.
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USBOM Special Publication, SP 06A-94.
Bennett, J.W. and G. Pantelis 1991, Construction of a Waste Rock Dump to Minimize Acid Mine
Drainage: A Case Study, Proceedings of the Second International Conference on the Abatement of Acidic
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and Pollution Loads in Drainage: Correlation of Measurements in a Pyritic Waste Rock Dump,
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Non-Metal and Metal Mining
Proceedings from the International Land Restoration and Mine Drainage Conference and Third
International Conference on the Abatement of Acidic Drainage, Volume 1 of 4: Mine Drainage, USBOM
Special Publication, SP 06A-94.
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association with Steffen Robertson and Kirsten (B.C.) Inc. Bitech Publishing, Richmond, British Columbia.
Britton, S.G., and G.T. Lineberry, 1992, Underground Mine Development, in SME Mining Engineering
Handbook, 2nd Edition (H.L. Hartman, ed.), Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration, Inc. Littleton,
CO.
Brodie, M. J., L M. Broughton, and Dr. A. MacG. Robertson, 1991, A Conceptual Rock Classification
System for Waste Management and a Laboratory Method for ARD Prediction From Rock Piles, Second
International Conference on the Abatement of Acidic Drainage. Conference Proceedings, Volumes 1-4,
September 16, 17, and 18, 1991, Montreal, Quebec.
Broughton. L. M. and Dr. A. MacG. Robertson, 1991, Modeling of Leachate Quality From Acid Generation
Waste Dumps, Second International Conference on the Abatement of Acidic Drainage Conference
Proceedings, Volumes 1-4, September 16, 17, and 18, 1991, Montreal, Quebec.
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Blight, G., 1985, Failure Mode, Design of Non-Impounding Mine Waste Dumps, M.K. McCarter, editor.
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Inc.
Bohnet, E.L., 1985, Optimum Dump Planning in Rugged Terrain, Design of Non-Impounding Mine Waste
Dumps, M.K. McCarter, editor. Society of Mining Engineers of the American Institute of Mining,
Metallurgical and Petroleum Engineers, Inc.
Britton, Scott G., 1992, Mine Plant Layout, SME Engineering Handbook 2nd Edition, Volume2 Society for
Mining and Metallurgy and Exploration Inc., Littleton, CO.
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Ferguson, K. D., and K. A. Morin, 1991, The Prediction of Acid Rock Drainage - Lessons From the
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Hellier, William W., 1994, Best Professional Judgment Analysis for Constructed Wetland as a Best
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Conference and Third International Conference on the Abatement of Acidic Drainage, Volume 1 of 4:
Mine Drainage, USBOM Special Publication, SP 06A-94.
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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1994, Office of Solid Waste, Acid Mine Drainage Prediction, EPA
Document Number 530-R-94-036, NTIS PB94-201829, December 1994.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1994, EIA Guidelines for Mining Environmental Impact
Assessment Guidelines for New Source NPDES Permits Ore Mining and Dressing and Coal Mining and
Preparation Plants Point Source Categories, September 1994.
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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1994, Technical Document Background for NEPA Reviewers: Non-
Coal Mining Operations, December 1994, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Solid Waste
Special Waste Branch.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency USEPA, 1995, MINING: Metallic Ores and Minerals -Technical
Support Document International training Workshop - Principles of Environment Enforcement, US EPA,
WWF, UNEP, SEDESOL, and Ministry of Housing Spatial Planning and the Environment (VROM), the
Netherlands.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1995, The Design and Operation of Waste Rock Piles at Noncoal
Mines, Office of Solid Waste, May, 1995. Prepared by: Science Applications International Corporation.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1995, Office of Compliance Sector Notebook Project, Profile of
the Metal Mining Industry.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1997, Guide to Tailings Dams and Impoundments.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1999, Publications on Mining Waste Management in Indian
Country.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1999, Consideration of Cumulative Impacts in EPA Review of
NEPA Documents EPA 315-R-99-002/May 1999.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1999, Office of Federal Activities, Considering Ecological
Processes in Environmental Impact Assessments, July 1999.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2006, Carta de intencion para la elaboracion de un estudio de
impacto ambiental del proyecto de expansion del proyecto Cortez Hills.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2008, Phoenix Mine Final EIS Power Point Presentation.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2008, Case Studies, Restoration Plans and Cost Estimates, Power
Point presentations for Tyrone Mine, New Mexico, Phoenix Mine, Nevada and Golden Sunlight Mine,
Montana.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2008, Introduction to the Environmental Impacts of Mining,
Santiago, Chile, May 2008.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2008, Abandoned Mine Site Characterization and Cleanup
Handbook Chapter 3 Excerpt, March 14, 2008.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2008, Teaching Manual for EPA Environmental Impact
Statements for Mining.
U.S. Environmental Projection Agency, no date, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Basic
Information, http://epa.gov/enforcemnt/basics/nepa.html. Environmental and Health Sciences Group,
EPA Contract 68-W4-0030, Work Assignment 7.
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U.S. Forest Service (USFS), 1997, Final Environmental Impact Statement for Carlota Copper Project, U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Tonto National Forest.
U.S. Soil Conservation Service, 1975, Procedure for Computing Sheet and Rill Erosion on Project,Area,
Technical Release No. 5 1.
University of California at Berkeley, 1988, Mining Waste Study, Final Report, prepared for the California
State Legislature, Berkeley, CA.
van Zyl, D.J.A., I.P.G. Hutchinson, and J.E. Kiel, (editors), 1988, Introduction to Evaluation Design and
Operation of Precious Metal Heap Leaching Projects, Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration,
Inc., Littleton, CO.
Weiss, N.L. (editor), 1985, SME Mineral Processing Handbook, Volume 2, New York: Society of Mining
Engineers.
Wells, J.D., 1986, Long-term Planning for the Rehabilitation of Opencast Workings, presented at the
Colloquium on Mining and the Environment, organized by the South African Institute of Mining and
Metallurgy on May 8, 1995.
Welsh, J.D., 1985, Geotechnical Site Investigation, Design of Non-Impounding Mine Waste Dumps. M.K.
McCarter, editor, Society of Mining Engineers of the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical and
Petroleum Engineers, Inc.
White, William W., 1994. Chemical Predicative Modeling of Acid Mine Drainage from Waste Rock: Model
Development and Comparison of Modeled Output to Experimental Data, Proceedings of the
International Land Restoration and Mine Drainage Conference and Third International Conference on
the Abatement of Acidic Drainage, April 24-29.
Whiteway, P. (editor), 1990, Mining Explained: A Guide To Prospecting and Mining, The Northern Miner.
Whiting, D.L., 1985, Surface and Groundwater Pollution Potential, Design of Non-Impounding Mine
Waste Dumps, M.K. McCarter, editor, Society of Mining Engineers of the American Institute of Mining,
Metallurgical and Petroleum Engineers, Inc.
Whyte, James, and John Cumming, 2007, Mining Explained - A Layman's Guide, published by The
Northern Miner. 154 p.
World Bank, 2004, Striking A Better Balance-The World Bank Group And Extractive Industries: The Final
Report Of The Extractive Industries Review World Bank Group Management Response September 17,
2004.
World Bank, 1998, Environmental Assessment of Mining Projects Environmental Assessment Update
Sourcebook, World Bank Environment Department, The World Bank, Number 22 March 1998.
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Wright, S.G., 1985, Limit Equilibrium Slope Analysis. In: Design of Non-Impounding Mine Waste Dumps.
M.K. McCarter, editor, Society of Mining Engineers of the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical
and Petroleum Engineers, Inc.
Yager, Douglas B., LaDonna Choate, and MarkStanton, 2008, Net Acid Production, Acid Neutralizing
Capacity, and Associated Mineralogical and Geochemical Characteristics of Animas River Watershed
Igneous Rocks Near Silverton, Colorado, United States Department of the Interior - U.S. Geological
Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2008-5063.
Yanful, E.K., M.D. Riley, M.R. Woyshner, and J. Duncan, 1993, Construction and Monitoring of a
Composite Soil cover on an experimental Waste-Rock Pile near Newcastle, New Brunswick, Canada.
Canadian Geotechnical Journal, Vol. 30 pp. 588-599.
Yanful, E.K., A.V. Bell, and M.R. Woyshner, 1993, Design of a Composite Soil Cover for an Experimental
Waste Rock Pile near Newcastle, New Brunswick, Canada.
Yanful, E.K. and S.C. Payant, 1993, Evaluation of Techniques for Preventing Acidic Rock Drainage: First
Milestone Report, prepared for MEND, Report 2.35.2a, October 1993.
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3 GLOSSARY
Action: Activity to meet a specific purpose and need, which may have effects on the environment and
may potentially be subject to governmental control or responsibility. For this document, the term action
applies to a specific project.
Adit (drift): A horizontal, or nearly horizontal, passage driven from the surface for a working of a mine.
If driven through the hill or mountainside to the surface on the opposite side, it would be a tunnel.
Aesthetic quality: A perception of beauty of natural or cultural landscape.
Affected environment: The existing conditions of the human and natural environments in the areas that
could potentially have impacts.
Agglomeration: An ore concentration process based on the adhesion of pulp particles to water.
Aggradation: The deposition of sediment by running water as in the channel of a stream.
Air quality: A measure of health-related and visual characteristics of the air often derived from
quantitative measurements of concentrations of specific substances.
Alluvium: Sand, gravel, silt or similar material deposited during comparatively recent geologic time by
running water in the bed of a stream, river, floodplain or at the base of a mountain slope.
Alternatives: In an EIA this term refers to options for the project.
Alternative energy: Renewable energy sources such as wind, water, solar, biomass as an alternative to
nonrenewable resources such as oil, gas, and coal.
Amalgamation: The process by which mercury is alloyed with some other metal to produce an
amalgam. It was a widely used practice at one time for the extraction of gold and silver from pulverized
ores, which has been more recently been superseded by the cyanide process.
Ambient: The environment surrounding a body but undisturbed or unaffected by it. For example,
ambient air is the air surrounding the site.
Anion: A negatively charged ion.
Aquatic: Growing or living in or near the water.
Aquifer: A water-bearing rock unit that yields water in a usable quality to a well or spring.
Archeological site: A discrete location that provides physical evidence of past human use.
Ash fall: A rain of airborne volcanic ash falling from an eruption cloud; a deposit of volcanic ash
resulting from such a fall and lying on the surface.
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Backfill: Mine waste or rock that replaces the void left from where the ore or rock as been removed.
Base flow: The contribution of the stream discharge from groundwater seeping into the stream.
Baseline: Existing conditions against which impacts of the proposed action and its alternatives can be
compared.
Bedrock: Any solid rock exposed at the surface of the earth or overlain by unconsolidated material.
Benches: A name applied to ledges of all kinds of rock that are shaped like steps or terraces. They can
be developed by natural processes or artificial processes such as excavation in mines or quarries.
Bench mark: A fixed point of reference.
Beneficiation: The dressing or processing of ores for the purpose of regulating the size; removing
unwanted constituents; or improving the quality, purity or assay grade.
Best management practices: A suite of techniques that guide or may be applied to management actions
to aid in achieving desired outcomes and help to protect the environmental resources by avoiding or
minimizing impacts of an action.
Bioaccumulation: Refers to the accumulation of substances, such as pesticides, or other organic
chemicals in an organism. Bioaccumulation occurs when an organism absorbs a toxic substance at a rate
greater than that at which the substance is lost.
Bioavailability: Bioavailability refers to the difference between the amount of a substance or chemical,
to which a plant or animal is exposed and the actual dose of the substance the entity receives.
Biodiversity: Refers to the variation of life forms within a given ecosystem. Biodiversity is often used as
a measure of the health of the biological system.
Block caving: An underground mining method where a thick block of ore is cut off from the surrounding
ore blocks by various methods so that it breaks off and caves under its own weight.
CAFTA-DR countries: Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.
Catchment: A reservoir to catch and retain surface water.
Cation: An ion having a positive charge.
Commercial mining: Extraction of ore for sale for a profit by a company or organization as opposed to
an individual prospector removing materials for a subsistence livelihood.
Concentrates: Enriched ore after the removal of waste.
Concentration: Separation and accumulation of economic minerals from waste rock; increasing the
strength of aqueous solutions by evaporating part of their water.
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Contact: The place or surface where two different types of rock meet.
Creep: A slow movement of rock debris or soil due to gravity down a slope. It is usually imperceptible
except for observations over a long period of time.
Crosscut: A small passageway driven in an underground mine at right angles to the main entry to
connect it with a parallel entry or an air course. In general it is a passageway driven across two openings
for any mining purpose.
Crushing: The reducing of ore or materials by stamps, crushers, or rolls.
Cultural resources: Remains of human activity, occupation or endeavor as reflected in districts, sites,
buildings, objects, artifacts, ruins, works of art, architecture and natural features important in human
events.
Cumulative impact: The impact on the environment that results from the incremental impact of the
action when added to other past, present and reasonably foreseeable actions.
Cut and fill: In earthen structures in the construction of roads or railroads on undulating ground, the
sections along the road or railroad that are partly excavated and then partly filled.
Deforestation: The clearance of naturally occurring forests by the processes of logging and/or burning
of trees in a forested area.
Degradation: Wearing away and generally lowering the earth's surface by the process of weathering or
erosion.
Dewatering: Removing water from a mine by pumping, drainage or evaporation.
Direct impact (or effect): This impact is caused by an action that occurs at the same time and same
place as the activity.
Discharge: Outflow of surface water in a stream or canal. Discharge may come from an industrial facility
and may contain pollutants.
Diversion: A channel, embankment or other manmade structure used to divert water.
Drainage: Artificial or natural removal of surface water or groundwater from a certain area.
Drawdown: The decrease in the elevation of the water surface in a well, or local water table or the
pressure head of an artesian well due to the removal of groundwater or decrease in the aquifer's
recharge.
Drift (adit): A horizontal, or nearly horizontal, passage driven from the surface for a working of a mine.
If driven through the hill or mountainside to the surface on the opposite side, it would be a tunnel.
Dump: A spoil heap at the surface of a mine. A pile or heap of waste rock material or other non-ore
refuse near a mine.
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Ecology: The relationship between the environment and living organisms.
Ecoregion: An area that is defined by its ecology and covers relatively large areas of land or water, and
contains characteristic, geographically distinct assemblages of communities and species.
Ecosystem: A complex system of a community of plants, animals and the system's chemical and
physical environment.
Effect (or impact): A modification of the existing environment caused by an action of the project. The
effect, or impact, may be direct, indirect or cumulative.
Emission: Matter discharged into the atmosphere and used as a measure of air quality.
Endangered species: A plant or animal that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant
portion of its range.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): A document prepared to analyze the impacts of a proposed
action and released to the public for review and comment.
Environmental Justice: Fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race,
color, national origin, or income with respect to the enforcement of environmental laws and policies.
Fair treatment means that no group should bear a disproportionate share of negative environmental
consequences.
Ephemeral stream: A stream that flows only in direct response to precipitation.
Erosion: Wearing away of land by water, wind, ice or other geologic agents.
Fault: A fracture, or fracture zone, along which there has been displacement of the two sides relative to
another parallel to the factures. Displacement may be centimeters or thousands of meters. In geology
there are many varieties of faults.
Filtration: A process for separating liquids from solids by allowing the liquid to pass through a finely
woven cloth.
Fines: A very small material produced in the breaking up of large lumps of ore. In metallurgy it is a size
of particle that is smaller than a specified size.
Fines tailings: Refuse from mineral preparation of a smaller than specified size.
Flotation: A method of mineral separation in which a froth, created in water by a variety of reagents,
floats some fine particles of crushed minerals whereas other minerals sink.
Floodplain: The part of a stream or river valley adjacent to the channel that is built of sediments and
becomes inundated when the stream or river tops its banks.
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Folding: The bending of strata. Folds usually result from compression that causes the formation of
geologic structures known as anticlines, synclines, monoclines, and isoclines. Folds range in size from
centimeters to thousands of meters.
Fracturing: A fracture is the character or appearance of a freshly broken surface of rock or a mineral. It
is a break in the continuity of a body of rock not attended by movement on one side or the other.
Fumarole: A hole in a volcanic region from which gases and vapors issue at high temperature.
Geochemistry: The study of the chemical components of the earth's crust and mantle. It is applied to
mining exploration to detect sites that indicate concentrations of the elements being sought.
Geochemical exploration samples soils, rock and lake and stream sediments.
Geographic information system: A system of computer software, hardware, data and applications that
capture, store, edit and analyze and has the capability to graphically display a wide array of geospatial
information.
Geologic formation: A distinct rock unit that is distinguished from adjacent rock by a common
characteristic such as its composition, origin, or fossils associated with the unit.
Geologic structure: Refers to the disposition of the rock formations, that is, the broad dips, folds, faults
and unconformities at depth.
Geomechanical properties: Physical behaviors of soils and rock defined by the study of rock mechanics
or soil mechanics which are applied to mine design, tunnel design, rock breakage, and rock drilling,etc.
Geophysical survey: In exploration, properties of the subsurface rock formations such as electrical,
magnetic, seismic, thermal, etc., are measured and mapped.
Grade: The classification of an ore according to the desired or worthless material in it or according to
the value. An ore which carries a great or comparatively small amount of valuable metal is called a high-
or low-grade ore. In road construction the meaning is used to designate slope.
Gradient (up and down): The inclination of the rate of a regular or graded ascent or descent. A part
(such as a road or pipeline) that slopes upward or downward; a rate of change of a quantity with
distance.
Grassland community: An area where the vegetation is dominated by grasses and other non-woody
plants. In temperate latitudes, grasslands are dominated by perennial species, whereas in warmer
climates annual species form a greater component of the vegetation.
Greenhouse gas: A component of the atmosphere that contributes to the warming of the planet.
Greenhouses gases may include water vapor, carbon dioxide, ozone, methane, nitrous oxide, sulfur
hexafluoride and chlorofluorocarbons.
Gross alpha and beta: Gross alpha is more of a concern than gross beta for natural radioactivity in
water as it refers to the radioactivity of thorium, uranium, radium and radon and descendants, while
gross beta refers to screening for fission products in accidental reactor releases.
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Groundwater: Subsurface water that fills available pores and openings in soils and rock to the extent
that they are considered water saturated.
Grubbing: Removing all plants including the roots, stems and trunks in order to clear the land.
Habitat: A set of physical conditions in a geographical area that surrounds a species or group of species
or a large community. With respect to wildlife management, major components of habitat are food,
water, cover and living space.
Hard rock mining: Loosely used to distinguish excavation of ore generally from metamorphic and
igneous rock as opposed to sedimentary rock.
Head cutting: Erosion where the stream or rill erodes away at the rock and soil at its headwaters in the
opposite direction that it flows.
Heap leaching: A process used for recovering copper, gold, and silver from ore.
High volume samplers: Equipment used to collect particulate samples.
Historic property: A historical district, site, building or structure or prehistoric site of historical
significance. It could include properties of traditional religious or cultural importance.
Hydrochemistry (chemical hydrology): The discipline of hydrology that addresses the chemical
characteristics of water.
Hydrograph: In surface water hydrology a hydrograph is a time record of the amount of discharge of a
stream, river or watershed outlet. Rainfall is typically the main input to a watershed and the stream
flow is often considered the output of the watershed; a hydrograph is a representation of how a
watershed responds to rainfall overtime.
Hydrology: The science of water, standing or flowing on or beneath the surface of the earth.
Hydrometallurgy: A process involving the use of aqueous chemistry for the recovery of metals from
ores, concentrates, and recycled or residual materials. Hydrometallurgy is typically divided into three
general areas: leaching, solution concentration and purification, metal recovery.
Hydrophilic: Of, relating to, or having a strong affiliation for water.
Hydrostratigraphic unit: Body of rock with considerable lateral extent that acts as a reasonably distinct
hydrologic system. Hydrostratigraphic units are hydraulically continuous and mappable (that is, the
subsurface geology can be subdivided according to permeability). A single hydrostratigraphic unit may
include a formation, part of a formation, or a group of formations.
Impact (or effect): A modification of the existing environment caused by an action of the project. The
effect, or impact, may be direct, indirect or cumulative.
Impervious cover: Applied to a bed or stratum or artificial material through which water will not move
under ordinary hydrostatic pressure. In hydrology it is applied to a rock that does not admit the passage
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of water or any other liquid under the pressures and conditions usually found in the subsurface water.
Impervious rock may be of two kinds: porous like clay, or nonporous such has massive unbroken
granite.
Impoundment: A naturally formed or artificially created basin that is closed or dammed to retain water,
sediment or waste.
In-situ leaching: Extracting a soluble metallic compound by dissolving it from an ore that is in place in its
natural and original position.
Indirect impact (or effect): An impact caused by the initial action later time or father removed in
distance, but still reasonably foreseeable.
Industrial minerals: Geologic materials mined for their commercial value, which are not fuel (coal, peat)
and are not sources of metals (gold, copper, lead, etc.). They are used as raw materials or as additives in
a wide range of applications. Industrial minerals include minerals and rocks such as limestone, clay, talc,
gypsum, barite and others.
Infrastructure: The services, equipment and facilities needed for a community or project to function
such as roads, sewers, water and electrical lines.
Intermittent stream: A stream or river that flows seasonally during rainy periods and stops during dry
periods.
Interill: Area on a hillside in between rills (small natural channels of water flow) that experiences sheet
flow in response to rainfall.
Invasive species: Nonnative plants whose introduction may cause economic or environmental harm.
Isopach map: A map indicating, usually by the means of contour lines, the varying thickness of a
designated stratigraphic unit.
Joint: A divisional plane or surface that divides rock and along which there has been no visible
movement parallel to the plane or surface.
Keystone species: Species that plays a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecological
community and whose impact on the community is greater than would be expected based on its relative
abundance or total biomass.
Leaching: Extracting a soluble metallic compound from an ore by selectively dissolving it in a suitable
solvent such as water, sulfuric acid, cyanide, hydrochloric acid, etc. The solvent is usually recovered by
precipitation of the metal or by other methods.
Life of mine: The estimated time period for operation of the mine.
Lithologic units: Beds of rocks that are described in terms of structure, color, mineral composition,
grain size and other visible features. Lithologic units are used to correlate rocks over a distance of
thousands of meters.
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Load-out: A facility where ore is taken to be shipped from the mine.
Long-term impacts: Effects that substantially remain beyond short-term ground-disturbing activities.
Metalloid: An element, such as boron, silicon, arsenic, antimony, or tellurium, intermediate in
properties between metals and nonmetals.
Milling: The grinding or crushing of ore. The term may include the operation of removing valueless or
harmful constituents and preparation for market.
Mineralization: The process that takes place in the earth's crust resulting in the formation of valuable
minerals or ore bodies.
Mitigation: The reduction or abatement of an impact to the environment by (a) avoiding actions or
parts of actions, (b) using construction methods to limit the degree of impacts, (c) restoring an area ^
its pre-disturbance condition, (d) preserving or maintaining an area throughout the life of a project, (e)
replacing or providing substitute resources, (f) gathering data on an archeological or paleontological site
prior to disturbance.
NPDES: National Pollution Discharge Elimination System. As authorized by the Clean Water Act, the
NPDES permit program controls water pollution by regulating the discharge of pollutants into waters of
the United States.
Nodulizing: In metallurgy, the creating of knotted, rounded or other similar shapes.
Open pit mining: A form of operation designed to extract minerals that lie near the surface and usually
referring to metals.
Ore: A natural compound of minerals of which at least one is a metal; a mineral of sufficient value as to
quality and quantity that may be mined at a profit.
Ore body: A mineral deposit that is a solid and continuous mass of ore that is distinguished from the
surrounding rock and which may be worked at a profit.
Overburden: Layer of soil and rock containing no minerals, which overlies the ore.
pH: Denotes logarithmically the concentration of hydrogen ions in solution.
PM10: Particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than 10 micrometers The designation
is useful because the size may outstrip the body's ability to keep them out of cells.
Particulates (particulate matter, PM): Tiny particles of solids suspended in the air. Sources of
particulate matter can be man made or natural.
Pelletization: The method in which finely divided material is rolled in a drum or inclined disk so that the
particles cling together and roll up into small, rounded spherical shapes.
Perennial stream: Parts of a stream or an entire stream that flows continuously and year round.
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Physicochemical (physical chemistry): Scientific discipline for the explanation of macroscopic,
microscopic, atomic, subatomic, and particulate phenomena in chemical systems in terms of physical
concepts. Most physicochemical properties, such as boiling point, critical point, surface tension, vapor
pressure, etc. (more than 20 in all), can be precisely calculated from chemical structure.
Phytoplankton: An aquatic microorganism that serves as the base of the aquatic food web providing an
essential ecological function for all aquatic life. When present in high enough numbers, they may
appear as a green discoloration of the water due to the presence of chlorophyll within their cells.
Pregnant solution: A metal-laden solution.
Preliminary mine planning: A step in mine development, which comes after the exploration step that
shows that there is enough ore to warrant further investigation. It is generally part of the feasibility
study that determines if the mineral deposit is economical based on the ore volumes and grades,
construction and equipment costs, timeframe for extraction financing, etc. This step precedes final
mine design, in which specific construction details and methods are determined.
Pressure oxidation: Processing technique for gold ore prior to cyanidation.
Pyrometallurgy: The thermal treatment of ore, such as in a smelter where it is melted to create a final
metal product.
Quarry: An open or surface working usually for the extraction of building materials such as slate and
limestone or sand and gravel.
Radionuclide (radioisotope): An unstable isotope of an element that decays spontaneously, emitting
radiation.
Rare species: Plants or animals that are restricted in distribution. The species may be locally abundant
in a limited area or few in number over a wide area.
Reagent: A chemical or solution used to produce a desired reaction; a substance used in assaying or in
flotation.
Recharge: Replenishment of an aquifer by the addition of water through natural or artificial means.
Restoration: After mining ceases, bringing the disturbed land back to its original use or condition or to
alternative uses. Restoration activities include removing structures; grading and restabilizing slopes,
roads, and other disturbed areas; covering disturbed areas with growth medium or soil; and
revegetating disturbed areas.
Reserves: The quantity of a mineral calculated to lie within given boundaries.
Revegetation: Establishment of a self-sustaining plant cover.
Rill: A very small channel that changes location with each flow event.
Riparian: Usually used to refer to plants of all types that grow around or in bodies of water.
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Rock bolt (roof bolt): A bar, usually constructed of steel, which is inserted into a pre-drilled hole for the
purpose of ground control.
Roof: The ceiling of any underground excavation.
Room and pillar: An underground mining method where the ore is mined in rooms separated by ribs
(pillars). The rooms are mined when equipment is advancing and the pillars are mined while retreating.
Rooms and pillars are generally parallel to each other. This method lends itself to flat, bedded deposits
such as coal, iron, lead, zinc, potash, etc.
Run-on: A hydrologic term that refers both to the process whereby surface runoff infiltrates the ground
as it flows, and to the portion of runoff that infiltrates. Run-on is common in arid and semi-arid areas
with patchy vegetation cover and short but intense thunderstorms.
Runoff: The portion of the rainfall that is not absorbed and that may find its way to bodies of water as
surface flow.
Saltation: The jumping motion of sand particles transported by air or water.
Scoping: A part of the process, which is open to the public early in the preparation of an EIA for
determining the range of issues related to the proposed action and identifying significant issues to be
addressed in the EIA.
Secondary mineralization: Minerals forming later than the rock in which they are found.
Sedimentation: The result when material is transported by water, wind, gravity or other means and
deposited in bodies of water or on land. It is also a method of settling solids out of wastewater during
treatment.
Seepage: The movement or quantity of a fluid that has moved through a porous material without the
formation of definite channels.
Seep: A small spring.
Seismicity: Historical and geographic distribution of earthquakes.
Separation: Treatment of ore to make separate values (concentrates) from nonvalues (gangue, barrens,
tails).
Sets: Timber frames for supporting the sides of an excavation, shaft or tunnel in an underground mine.
Shaft: An excavation of limited area compared with its depth and made for finding or mining ore,
hoisting or lowering personnel and materials, or ventilating underground workings.
Shrubland community: Characterized by vegetation composed largely of shrubs, often including
grasses, herbs, and geophytes (tubers).
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Siding: For railroads, a low-speed track section distinct from a through route and used for auxiliary
purposes.
Sintering: A metallurgical term for the bonding of adjacent surfaces of particles in a mass of metal
powders by heating.
Sizing: The process of separating mixed particles into groups of particles of all the same size or into
ranges of sizes.
Slag: A substance formed in any one of several ways by chemical action and fusion at furnace operating
temperatures. In smelting it contains the gangue (waste) minerals and the flux (such as added
limestone).
Slurry: Fine particles concentrated in a portion of the circulating water and waterborne to a treatment
plant of any kind.
Smelter: A furnace in which ore is placed and metals are separated by fusion from their impurities to
produce a molten metal and a molten slag.
Solvent extraction - electrowinning (SX/EW): A two-stage process that first extracts and upgrades
copper ions from low-grade leach solutions into a concentrated electrolyte, and then deposits pure
copper onto cathodes using an electrolytic procedure.
Sorting: The separation and segregation of rock fragments according to size or specific gravity. A
method of separating mixtures of minerals into two or more products on the basis of velocity at which
the grains will fall through a fluid medium.
Specific conductance (conductivity): The measurement of a solution's ability to conduct electricity.
Stability analysis (slope stability analysis): The resistance of a structure, bank, or heap from sliding,
overturning, collapsing or failing. These studies are performed to assess the safe and economic design
of manmade or natural slopes such as embankments, roadway cuts and fills, surface mines, excavations,
etc., and the equilibrium conditions.
Stakeholders: Persons, groups, and organizations, who affect or can be affected by the project's
actions.
Stockpile: An accumulation, or heap, of ore or mineral formed to create a reserve for loading or other
purposes. A soil stockpile is an accumulation or heap of soil that has been salvaged during initial
disturbance of a surface so that it can be used in site restoration.
Stope: An excavation in an underground mine usually used in highly inclined veins. Stopes are
excavations of ore in a vein created by driving horizontally upon the vein in a series of workings, one
above the next, or one below the next. Ore is excavated in a series of steps and each horizontal working
is called a stope.
Stratigraphic section: Representation of the composition, sequence and correlation of layers of rocks.
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Volume I - EIA Technical Review Guideline: I. REFERENCES AND GLOSSARY
Non-Metal and Metal Mining
Stripping ratio: The ratio of waste rock to ore.
Subsidence: The lowering of the surface from changes that occur underground. Common causes from
human activity are pumping water, oil and gas or from the collapse of underground mines. Natural
causes include dissolution of limestone (sinkholes).
Sulfide ore deposit: A mineral deposit which is a solid and continuous mass of ore that is distinguished
from the surrounding rock and that may be worked at a profit and the minerals are a compound of
sulfur with one ore more elements.
Supernatant solution (supernate): After mixtures are separated by centrifigal force and the more dense
liquid is removed, the remaining liquid is called the supernatant solution.
Surface mine: An excavation at the surface for extraction of ore. The term includes placer, open- pit,
glory-hole and strip mines.
Surface water: All bodies of water on the surface of the earth and exposed to the atmosphere such as
lakes, rivers, ponds, estuaries, and seas.
Suspension: A cloudy mixture of two or more substances, usually small solid particles in a liquid
medium. A suspension will generally settle on standing with the suspended matter forming a layer at
the bottom of a container.
Tailings: Those portions of washed ore that are regarded as too poor in value to be treated further.
Tectonic: Pertaining to rock structures and topographic features resulting from deformation of the
earth's crust.
Terrestrial ecosystem: A system of interdependent organisms which live on land and share the same
habitat, functioning together with all of the physical factors of the environment.
Threshold: A value that is used as a benchmark for data. Thresholds may be set by laws, regulations or
policies for water quality, air quality, noise, etc.
Topsoil: A general term applied to the surface portion of the soil. It is not defined precisely to depth
and productivity except in reference to a particular soil type.
Total dissolved solids: A measurement that describes the quantity of dissolved material in a sample of
water.
Total suspended solids: A water quality measurement. It is measured by pouring a determined volume
of water through a filter and weighing the filter before and after to determine the amount of solids.
Trace metals: Metals in extremely small quantities, which are needed by plants and animals for survival
but which, if ingested in large quantities, may be toxic. Examples of trace metals are: selenium, arsenic,
iron, molybdenum, etc.
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Volume I - EIA Technical Review Guideline: I. REFERENCES AND GLOSSARY
Non-Metal and Metal Mining
Transmissivity: The rate at which water is transmitted through a unit width of the aquifer under a unit
of hydraulic gradient.
Tunnel: A long, narrow subterranean passage way. The term is loosely applied to an adit; a horizontal
or inclined stone excavation for development; or to connect mine workings, seams, or shafts. It may be
open to the surface at one end and used for drainage, ventilation, haulage or egress and ingress into an
underground mine working.
Turbidity: The state or condition of having the transparence or translucence disturbed as when
sediment in water is stirred up or when dust, haze and clouds appear in the atmosphere because of
wind or vertical currents.
Underground mining: All various mining methods used below the earth's surface used to excavate ore.
Vadose zone: The unsaturated zone between the land surface and the saturated zone, extending from
the top of the ground surface to the water table.
Visibility: The distance to which an observer can distinguish objects from their background.
Watershed: The land and water within the confines of a drainage divide.
Waste rock: A layer of rock containing low concentrations of ore. Depending on the ore content it is
either processed or disposed.
Wetlands: Vegetation that is adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Examples of wetlands are
marshes, swamps, lakeshores, bogs, wet meadows, estuaries and riparian areas.
Working(s): A working, or workings, in mining may be a shaft, quarry, level, open cut, stope, etc.
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Volume I - EIA Technical Review Guideline: J. EXAMPLE TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR)
Non-Metal and Metal Mining
). EXAMPLE TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR)
Terms of Reference are used by countries to describe both general and specific requirements for the
preparation of an environmental impact assessment, in this instance tailored to proposed projects for
commercial mining. Volume 1, Part 2 contains example Terms of Reference (TORs) cross-referenced to
Volumes 1 and 2 of the "EIA Technical Review Guideline for Non-Metal and Metal Mining". The Example
Terms of Reference are printed separately to facilitate use by countries as they prepare their own EIA
program requirements for mining projects.
Two sets of example Terms of Reference (TORs) are provided, one set of TORs for Non-Metal Mining and
one set of TORs for Metal Mining. In both sets there are three sections to the TOR: PART A is an
overview describing general expectations for the preparation of the environmental impact assessment.
PART B addresses detail for mining related to exploration and PART C addresses exploitation. The
details in the example TORs address each element of the EIA analysis and documentation including what
should be included in the description of the proposed project and alternatives; environmental setting;
assessment of impacts; mitigation and monitoring measures; an environmental management plan; a
signed commitment statement; and key supporting materials.
See Volume 1, Part 2:
1 EXAMPLE TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR) FOR NON-METAL MINING
A. OVERVIEW
B. EXPLORATION
C. EXPLOITATION
2 EXAMPLE TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR) FOR METAL MINING
A. OVERVIEW
B. EXPLORATION
C. EXPLOITATION
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