Monitoring
Environmental Monitoring
At Cadia we undertake environmental monitoring in accordance with the Cadia East Project Approval, the EPA Environmental Protection Licence 5590 and the Cadia East Environmental Assessment commitments. Where there are inconsistencies with the Project Approval and the Environmental Assessment commitments, the Project Approval has precedence.
Monitoring undertaken across site and in the vicinity of Cadia includes:
Noise monitoring
Air quality monitoring
Blast and vibration monitoring
Groundwater level quality monitoring
Spring monitoring
Surface water flows and quality
Aquatic ecosystem monitoring
Rehabilitation monitoring
Pollution discharge monitoring
Management plans and monitoring programs have been developed to describe the method, frequency and reporting format of the environmental aspects monitored. These management plans and programs have been developed in consultation with the community, government agencies and departments, and are updated as required.
Monitoring is carried out using a variety of scientific monitoring equipment specific to the aspect being measured and according to Australian Standards. Most remote locations utilise telemetry to transfer real-time data to a central data repository for analysis. Manual monitoring requires manual data entry into a central database.
Data analysis is undertaken by external independent consultants and internal technical experts. Results are reported regularly and can be viewed by selecting a category below.
Meteorology
We have two on-site weather stations, which provide meteorological and atmospheric data to aid in the analysis of our environmental monitoring.
Air Quality
We monitor air quality at key locations on and adjacent to our mine site. Our emphasis is on prevention, managing air quality through operational discipline and process improvement.
Blast and Vibration
Blast and vibration monitoring at Cadia is managed in accordance with the CVO Blast and Vibration Monitoring Program, which was approved by NSW Department of Planning in June 2014.
Noise
We conduct routine attended, unattended and traffic noise surveys at Cadia and the Cadia Dewatering Facility in accordance with the Cadia Noise Monitoring Program, approved by NSW Department of Planning and Environment July 2014.
Water Management
We are committed to the transparent, holistic and sustainable management of water across our operations.
Rehabilitation and Biodiversity
Our aim for rehabilitation is to generate enduring land value, including both ecological value (e.g. biological diversity and other environmental values) and agricultural value (i.e. the ability to produce agricultural goods).
EPL Monitoring Data
As part of our mining consent conditions, we are required to hold an environmental protection licence.