DPI Update (Issue 29)
Noise/Dust ‘Blitz’
The noise/dust control ‘blitz’ carried out by officers of the Minerals and Petroleum Regulation group recently, is now complete. Officers made unannounced visits to thirty-one worksites (mines and quarries) across the State to investigate the effectiveness of controls in place to provide appropriate management of potential noise and/or dust problems arising from their operations.
Where necessary directions were issued – these will be followed up to ensure compliance.
A number of issues were identified that presented opportunities for improvement, including the control of off-site dust transmission, employee training (fugitive dust and noise), and community consultation and follow-up.
The histograms below provide a snapshot of the results of some elements of the ‘blitz’.
Focus on Progressive Rehabilitation
The next targeted audit programme will be focusing on progressive rehabilitation for mines and quarries across the state.
An audit tool has been developed for the project and the audits are scheduled to be carried out in October 2006 and November 2006.
Quarry and mine owners are required under the legislation to carry out progressive rehabilitation and as far as practical, complete the rehabilitation of the land before the expiry of the work authority/licence.
Progressive rehabilitation makes good sense, as it reduces the rehabilitation bond liability and any associated rehabilitation bond increases.
Progressive rehabilitation also reduces the visual impact of the site and demonstrates to the community that the resource sector is serious about minimising the impacts on the environment.
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