Environmental Baseline Monitoring

The Tampakan baseline environmental monitoring program continued to develop throughout 2008 with a significant focus on:

• Surface water and groundwater quality
• Surface water flows
• Surface water biology
• Surface water sediment quality
• Meteorological data collection
• Training and capacity building
• Investigative studies to inform water management

To date, a network of five meteorological stations, 13 rainfall pluviographs (logging tipping bucket rain gauges) and 12 stream gauging stations (logging water level) across the Project area have been established.

Quality control is a core component of the baseline monitoring program. It is recognized that the establishment of a rigorous and defendable baseline data-set is dependent upon traceable and transparent quality control measures.  Quality control results for field filtered samples were generally excellent during the reporting period and can be taken as a direct reflection of the training and capabilities of the SMI Environment personnel conducting the sampling. Most of the planned sampling during the reporting period for most sites was achieved.

In 2009, SMI continues its baseline environmental monitoring program and expands studies to include other aspects such as coastal marine surveys, air quality, noise, soils and flora and fauna assessments and visual surveys.

In August 2009, international experts conducted the soil and land capability study to determine the properties of the soil within the Project area, and its suitability for use in post-mining rehabilitation. Another group of experts conducted the survey of flora and fauna to determine the ecological importance of the proposed mine area, and develop appropriate conservation programs for these plant and animal species.

Extensive studies of water (hydrology) and aquatic biology have been ongoing for the past two years, collecting high quality data through international experts.

Upcoming studies will be on air, noise, rehabilitation, waste management, terrestrial biology, water, health and visual impacts.