Evaluating environmental impacts and conducting specialised studies to support sustainable project development
Environmental assessments and specialist studies are essential for evaluating the potential impacts of projects on the natural environment. These assessments help ensure compliance with environmental regulations, support sustainable development, and guide decision-making. Key components include Environmental Compliance Inspector (ECI) fieldwork and audits, environmental auditing and compliance monitoring, and public participation processes, which facilitate transparency and stakeholder engagement. Additional assessments, such as waste classification, contaminated land assessments, and water quality interpretations, provide critical insights into pollution risks and remediation strategies.
A wide range of studies contribute to understanding environmental conditions, including soil and land capability assessments, visual impact assessments, wetland delineations, hydrogeological investigations, and hydrological and surface water assessments. GIS mapping is frequently used to analyse spatial data, aiding in effective planning and environmental management.
classify waste materials using techniques like XRD (X-ray diffraction), XRF (X-ray fluorescence), and acid-base accounting. Additionally, hydrocensus surveys identify groundwater users and collect borehole data, while borehole drilling methods, including percussion, mud rotary, Odex, sonic, and diamond drilling, provide direct access to groundwater resources. Pump testing is conducted to determine aquifer parameters and assess groundwater availability.
Water quality sampling and analysis cover a broad range of factors, including inorganic and organic compounds, trace elements, radioactivity, stable isotopes, biological contaminants, and toxicity levels. This data helps determine groundwater contamination risks and the suitability of water resources for different uses.
Hydrogeological modelling plays a vital role in predicting groundwater behaviour and assessing the impacts of human activities, such as mine dewatering and post-closure filling. Additionally, 3D seepage modelling is often incorporated in the assessment of stability and flow assessment in mining waste piles. Various models are developed, including conceptual models, numerical flow models, geochemical models, and mass transport models, which help simulate water movement, contaminant transport, and the effectiveness of mitigation measures.
To address groundwater contamination and manage water-related risks, various mitigation measures can be implemented. These include source removal or isolation, cut-off systems, dewatering and treatment, reinjection, waste stabilisation, and natural attenuation. The design and implementation of these strategies, along with ongoing monitoring, ensure the long-term effectiveness of mitigation efforts and sustainable groundwater management.
