Effluent characterization, water quality monitoring and sediment monitoring in the metal mining EEM program

Abstract

The metal mining Environmental Effects Monitoring (EEM) program will require mines to conduct effluent characterization and water quality monitoring on an ongoing basis. Samples will be collected four times a year, and will be analyzed for a range of parameters. This information will be used to aid in the design and interpretation of fish surveys and benthic invertebrate community surveys. There are also a number of water quality monitoring methods that may be used to help determine the cause of any effects identified by the EEM program. Mines will also be required to collect sediment samples for determination of particle size distribution and total organic carbon. This information will be used in the design and interpretation of benthic invertebrate community surveys. A range of sediment monitoring techniques are available to aid in the determination of the causes of effects on the benthic invertebrate community.