The following provides a checklist of the data that are collected within this chapter, and identifies where these fit in the step-by-step guide. The following checklist refers only to water quality issues associated with pH and dissolved contaminants; suspended solids are discussed in Appendix B.
| Step 1. Collate background and baseline information (Chapter 2) |
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| Step 2. Collect rock samples for geochecmical testing |
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| Step 3. Geochemical testing to determine acid-forming or neutralising capacity of rock samples |
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| Step 4. Predict mine drainage chemistry from flow chart |
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| Step 5. Predict stream water chemistry |
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Identify downstream point of interest
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Predicted mine drainage chemistry from step 4
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Site hydrogeology
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Background water quality
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Historic mine drainage
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Reactive transport modelling
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| Step 6. Determine the potential ecological impact on the stream |
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Determined from flow chart
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| Step 7. Consider whether impacts are acceptable |
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| This step may taken internally by a mining company, during consultation with regulatory agencies, or wider consultation processes, depending on the stage of the mine proposal |
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If unacceptable go to step 7a
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If acceptable go to step 8
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| Step 7a. If unacceptable, decide on treatment and management strategies to create acceptable stream water chemistry and thus achieve an acceptable level of impact |
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Consider what on-site waste rock management techniques are relevant for your specific site
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Consider options for tailings management
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Consider active or passive treatment options
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| Step 8. If acceptable, design monitoring programmes |
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