Monitoring is a quantitative means of determining an emitter’s impact on receptors. If implemented effectively, the benefits of monitoring can go beyond the identification and quantification of pollution. A practical and site-specific monitoring network is a valuable tool to assist in the identification of problem areas, and to evaluate the effectiveness of management actions that have been implemented. An effective network can also assist in building and improving relationships with neighbours, Interested and Affected Parties and authorities.
Umhlaba can assist in this regard. We design, manage and operate environmental monitoring networks for the aggregate industry. We specialise in dust fallout and water quality monitoring and can offer assistance and guidance where more specialised monitoring is required, such as PM10 or sound level monitoring.
OUR APPROACH:
Our approach to a monitoring network is holistic, guided by the purpose or objectives of the monitoring exercise. We believe that monitoring is more than samples and laboratory certificates, or to tick a legal compliance requirement. Monitoring results should provide insight into events that have transpired. This can only be achieved if results are evaluated, not in isolation, but with input from various sources. During sample collection, our technicians (who all have tertiary qualifications) communicate with mine personnel to understand what activities have taken place during the period prior to sample collection. They also take note of activities happening around the site and are involved in the drafting of reports. The professionals drafting the reports (who all have post graduate tertiary qualifications) interpret the results using this information in combinations with weather data, known sources of potential pollution and historic data.
As Umhlaba believes that monitoring is a tool to guide environmental management, our reports will identify problem areas / activities (where applicable), and propose management actions in consultation with mine personnel. We believe that Umhlaba can add value to your environmental management platform through our extensive experience in the mining industry. If you would like to discuss our services and how we can assist you, please contact us. A list of our monitoring services is given below, with other consulting services listed on the relevant pages on our web site.
OUR MONITORING SERVICES:
- Identification of monitoring needs; considering the nature of the mining activity, pollution sources and legal requirements.
- Development of the network; considering sources & receptors, and the purpose / objective of monitoring.
- Collection the samples from the field and management of the laboratory appointed to undertake analysis [1].
- Routine reporting on the results which includes,
- Presenting the monitoring results graphically,
- Comparison with performance indicators (standards / licence requirements / targets / guidelines) and historic data (where available),
- Linking results to activities on- or off-site, and
- Notification to the client when there are exceedances that require reporting to the authorities.
- Submission of notification of exceedances to the authorities.
Umhlaba specialises in the following, we can offer assistance and guidance where more specialised monitoring is required, such as PM10 or sound level monitoring:
- Dust Fallout Monitoring, which is undertaken as per the methods described in GNR 827 [1]. [Required in terms of GNR 827 of the NEM:AQA [2] ]
- Water Quality Monitoring, which is undertaken as per industry best practice and guided a client’s Environmental Authorisation and by SAWQG [1]. [Required to ensure compliance with Section 19 of the NWA [2], GNR 704 [3] and the conditions of the Water Use Licence]
1. Unless otherwise specified, SANAS certified laboratories will be used.
2. National Dust Control Regulations, 2013
3. National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, Act No. 39 of 2004 as amended [specifically Section 32 and 53(o)]
4. South African Water Quality Guidelines
5. National Water Act, Act No. 36 of 1998
6. Regulations on use of Water for Mining and Related Activities aimed at the Protection of Water Resources, 1999