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Checklist for Dust Control Page 1 of 12 Australian Government Department of the Environment and Heritage Industry and business You are here: DEH Home > Human settlements > Industry and business > Minerals Checklists for Sustainable Minerals Environment Australia, 2003 Sustainable Minerals Program ISBN 0 642 546231 Contents > Previous > Next Checklist for Dust Control Issue Outputs Performance Measure Improvement Part 1: Information and Planning - refer chapters 1 -4 in Dust Control Sustainable Minerals booklet 1.1 Have you determined the sources of dust in your operation? Potential sources of Comprehensive list of dust identified in individual sources, Sources considered for each stage of the mine, ie Environmental Impact including land clearing, exploration, construction, Statement (EIS) or topsoil removal, blasting & operation, decommissioning, other report drilling, excavation, rehabilitation & closure. processing, crushing & screening equipment, materials transfer, haul trucks, stockpile/dump/tailings surfaces, roads. Comments Almost all forms of mining create dust, from the exploration stage, through bulk sampling, mine development, operation, & closure (decommissioning & rehabilitation). Bare surfaces may also be a dust source after mine closure. Visual inspection by an experienced operator is usually all that is Notes http://www.deh.gov.au/settlements/industry/minerals/booklets/checklists/dust.html 2005/12/10 Checklist for Dust Control Page 2 of 12 1.2 Have you attempted to characterise the types of dust & quantities that will be produced? Estimates of dust types & levels likely to be produced Dust emission inventory & determination of dust emission factors needed to readily identify & rank dust sources. Estimates based on Estimates, inventory & The information typical measured levels for emission factors made for all gathering stage is a mining plant, eg see Table potential sources for each major component of 2 in booklet. Dust stage of the mine, ie EIA, which is described inventory derived by exploration, construction, in the Environmental analysing the mine plan to operation, decommissioning, Impact Assessment establish potential dust rehabilitation & closure. Sustainable Minerals sources & estimating the booklet.Information level of dust-producing An example of the calculation needed to produce a activity associated with each source. Emission of an emission factor is given in dust inventory includes: section 2.3 of the booklet. factors derived by assessing the quantifiable activities or aspects which generate dust, such as vehicle size, speed & distance travelled on haul roads. Case Study 10 describes the application of emission factors in modelling of dust emissions for mine planning. length of haul routes, vehiclekm travelled & vehicle types quantities of material to be mined size & number of blasts, no of blast holes drilled area of exposed surfaces (pre stripping, waste dumps, stockpiles etc) physical properties of materials handled & of bare surfaces, including moisture, silt content, & http://www.deh.gov.au/settlements/industry/minerals/booklets/checklists/dust.html 2005/12/10 Checklist for Dust Control particle size distribution truck capacities, bucket sizes, drop distances wind speed, no of rain days. 1.3 Does your characterisation of the types & quantities of dust include diffuse dust sources? All types & locations of dust emissions can be ranked & controls planned in a systematic manner. Quantitative estimates of dust emission rates from different classes of mining activity & land surface types, eg blasting, haul road traffic & waste dump surfaces - ie including point & diffuse sources. Use of models to produce Models that predict estimates of dust types & levels ambient dust across a wide range of concentrations or operating & climatic conditions deposition rates are commonly used in mine planning. The models use source dust emission rates in conjunction with meteorological data to produce contour maps of dust concentrations. 1.4 Have you undertaken an impact assessment to identify possible impacts arising? Identification of Assessment identifies dust The potential health risk from sensitive receptors levels likely to be dust is related to the size of experienced by workers, & dust particles. Mine dust lies in assessment of maximum levels to avoid impacts, significant at key locations, ie closest the range 1 -100 microns; <10p residences, paddocks with is inhalable (ie PM10); <2.5p is domestic stock, & respirable, ie can lodge in the assesses possible lung (PM2.5). impacts. concerns or discomfort 1.5 Based upon the A draft management Initial planning should impact strategy which include development of a assessment, have incorporates input draft management you developed a from the community & strategy which: draft management regulatory authorities strategy? & addresses the full identifies all of the Consultation with key stakeholders during preparation of the draft management strategy Page 3 of 12 http://www.deh.gov.au/settlements/industry/minerals/booklets/checklists/dust.html 2005/12/10 Checklist for Dust Control Page 4 of 12 suite of environmental & social issues likely to arise from dust at the proposed project. potential sources & risks sets out objectives for environmental protection & risk minimisation provides a framework for evaluating different options & choosing a design which reflects site conditions & environmental sensitivities 1.6 Have you devised approaches to mitigate impacts to acceptable levels? Strategy incorporates "built in" design features to minimise generation of dust at source Strategy includes section addressing mitigation of dust. The EIS & mine plan for the project set out a framework based on: mine design to avoid generation of dust systems design & management to minimise generation of dust during operations treatment of dust problems through active monitoring & response, & redesign of strategies if required. 1.7 Have you considered the Level to which targets Dust strategy describes in the strategy relevant standards & probable regulatory conform to standards regulations. requirements? & regulations, taking into account Examples of guidelines used by regulatory bodies are given in Table 3 in the booklet. Dust exposure to http://www.deh.gov.au/settlements/industry/minerals/booklets/checklists/dust.html 2005/12/10 Checklist for Dust Control Page 5 of 12 estimates of inputs from all probable sources of dust. workers is covered in Occupational Health & Safety legislation. It normally applies a "duty of care" on the industry to reduce risk to workers. Standards & codes of practice from relevant State authorities provide information on acceptable levels for respirable dust for dangerous materials 1.8 Are the target levels developed in consultation with the community? Documented agreement on maximum permissible levels between company & key community group/s Maximum dust levels explained to & agreed with community Establish formal & frequent Meaningful consultation with the local consultation with the community early in the planning local community will process commonly smooth the assessment & approvals process for a new development - refer to the Community Consultation & Involvement Sustainable Minerals booklet. Community concerns extend beyond health impacts to amenity & aesthetics, such as dust clouds & deposition rates. Refer to Chapter 3 in the booklet. 1.9 Do the provisions of the operational dust management plan Smooth transition from operational to decommissioning stages, with low risk Decommissioning, rehabilitation & closure plans all include provisions for control of Plans incorporate provisions which reflect the specific activities involved at the end of mining Higher dust levels may be permissible following consultation with regulators & the http://www.deh.gov.au/settlements/industry/minerals/booklets/checklists/dust.html 2005/12/10 Checklist for Dust Control Page 6 of 12 also apply to the mine decommissioning, rehabilitation & closure stages? of exceedance of dust dust control targets community for high intensity, short-term activity such as relocation of overburden stockpiles & landforming. Part 2: Management and Operation - chapter 5 in Dust Control Sustainable Minerals booklet 2.1 Have you Dust management prepared an plan operational dust management plan? Management Plan The Environmental Operators can use & sets out targets & Management Systems seek certification to management Sustainable Minerals booklet published EMS strategies for all describes the components of a standards such as ISO issues identified in fully integrated EMS for all 14000. Software impact assessment environmental aspects of a obtainable from this & in community consultations minesite. Many companies seek certification to site includes complete prewritten procedures, Management Plan international standards such as record forms, & an integrated with other ISO 14001 to help demonstrate Environment Manual operational plans their environmental which can be into an overall EMS commitment to regulators & customised. An for the project other stakeholders. implementation guide is also included. 2.2 Is the Management Plan known & understood by all staff, including plant operators? Staff aware of the Management Plan & its contents Relevant documentation readily available to staff, regulators & auditors Management Plan available to staff; staff instructions on control of dust; regular checks on effectiveness of operational systems; dust included in environmental awareness training sessions The Workforce Environmental Awareness Sustainable Minerals booklet describes general approaches to raising awareness & commitment amongst the workforce, including contractors. 2.3 Have you Few significant issues selected related to dust at the appropriate options site to minimise the generation of dust? Evidence of good design to reduce dust generation through mine design, choice of equipment, & work Use computer modelling to investigate the control measures needed to achieve targets Primary measures to effectively minimise dust impacts include: plan operations (construction, establish waste dump final surfaces early progressive revegetation http://www.deh.gov.au/settlements/industry/minerals/booklets/checklists/dust.html 2005/12/10 Checklist for Dust Control Page 7 of 12 practices Consistent application of good design across all types of dust sources, including road transport outside the mine. topsoil stripping, blasting, rehabilitation) to integrate dust control plan work practices to integrate remedial measures (eg chemical additives in dust suppression, dust collection) 2.4 Have you incorporated design features to mitigate the potential impacts from the dust generated at your site? Few significant issues related to dust at the site Evidence of installation of engineering works, equipment modification etc to minimise dust Any significant dust sources identified via monitoring have been objectively evaluated & remedial action taken All reasonable measures taken to reduce dust from all fixed & mobile noisy equipment Examples of original & retrofit installations include negative pressure dust hoods at transfer point, moisture adjustment of materials, automatic sprinklers, & sealing or application of suppressants to haulage roads & other dusty bare surfaces. 2.5 Do you have Procedures described EMS & related manuals operational in the mine plan & set out procedures for systems to control EIS implemented dust in all areas correctly, & dust dust management in all relevant areas of the site with dust potential? control targets achieved Documented procedures to cover: land clearing & topsoil removal blasting & drilling transportation/haulage processing, crushing & Useful pointers are given in Case Studies: > case studies 1 & 6 > case study 8 > case study 7 > case study 3, & Tables 4, 5, & on page 16 > case studies 2, 4 & 7 http://www.deh.gov.au/settlements/industry/minerals/booklets/checklists/dust.html 2005/12/10 Checklist for Dust Control screening materials handling & stockpiles dust collection waste rock dump management tailings dam management residues decommissioning rehabilitation. > case study 6 2.6 Is there documentation to demonstrate that the Dust Management Plan is carried out properly? Assurance to managers that the dust control targets for the operation are being met Regular reports (monthly) of dust management activities & assessment against control targets & requirements of the management plan Standard operating procedures for staff working in dusty areas, operating dusty equipment, & involved in drilling & blasting activity, setting out responsibilities, & methods for limiting & reporting dust levels & incidents. 2.7 Do you have a system in place to incorporate improvement? Continual improvement, & reduced probability of recurrence of undesirable dust events Evidence of review & update of systems & equipment where unsatisfactory dust levels have been recorded Assessment of the adequacy of dust control should be incorporated in annual environmental audits of the project. Part 3: Monitoring arid Assessment - chapter 6 in Dust Control Sustainable Minerals booklet 3.1 Is there a The level of monitoring regime performance of dust in place which control & potential addresses all of the impacts on workers, possible areas for the public & environmental & environment is well social impact from known to managers dust identified at Comprehensive monitoring regime which includes measurement of levels in worker areas & areas of community sensitivity. Monitoring regime sets out: Reporting & record keeping includes: recording intervals location of attended & unattended monitoring instruments The Environmental Monitoring & Performance Sustainable Minerals booklet discusses design of monitoring programs. comparison of monitoring http://www.deh.gov.au/settlements/industry/minerals/booklets/checklists/dust.html Page 8 of 12 2005/12/10 Checklist for Dust Control Page 10 of 12 3.3 Is monitoring undertaken in accordance with appropriate standards? High level of assurance of reliability of dust monitoring results interest personal exposure samplers - worn by workers, especially those at particular risk from dusty operations Evidence that monitoring techniques accord with appropriate national standards Standards Australia has developed several standards for dust monitoring: AS 2724.3 Determination of Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) Examples of the application of several dust monitoring techniques are given in Case Studies 3 & 9. AS 2922 - Ambient Air Guide for the Siting of Sampling Units AS 2985 - Workplace Atmospheres - Methods of Sampling Respirable Dust AS 3542 - Use of Standard Ringelmann & A5 Miniature Smoke Charts AS 3580.9.6 -PM10 High Volume Sampler with Size Selective Inlet Gravimetric Method AS 3580.10.1 Deposited Matter Gravimetric Method AS 3640 - Workplace Atmospheres- Methods of Sampling Inspirable http://www.deh.gov.au/settlements/industry/minerals/booklets/checklists/dust.html 2005/12/10 Checklist for Dust Control Page 11 of 12 Dust. 3.4 Does monitoring include meteorological data? Proactive Routine collection of data management of site on predicted rainfall, activities can be temperature & wind undertaken to avoid velocity significant dust events in periods of bad weather, eg avoiding topsoil clearing in hot, dry & high wind conditions. Case Studies 5, 6 & 8 describe how weather forecasts are used to modify activities & avoid major dust production. 3.5 Are data Low risk of regulatory collected in non-compliance or of accordance with community concerns the requirements of re dust the monitoring regime? Monthly & annual reports of dust data, which crossrefer to monitoring regime requirements. 3.6 Are the data analysed & regularly reported to the regulatory authorities? Assurance that all regulatory requirements for dust are being met continuously Regular reports (eg monthly) provided to regulating authority/ies. In addition to reporting to regulatory authorities, dust control performance is reported against the community-agreed targets in public reports, including annual environmental report. 3.7 Are non compliance issues or abnormalities in the data routinely recorded? Management Register of non Regulatory authority advised aware of any compliance & unplanned immediately of all non areas of poor events, indicates time of compliance & significant performance event, time of action, type unplanned events. Management provides an of action, result, & interaction with authorities. ongoing measure of effectiveness of the current system & past improvements http://www.deh.gov.au/settlements/industry/minerals/booklets/checklists/dust.html 2005/12/10