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DPI Update (Issue 47)

By on October 17, 2009

COLIN THORNTON, Acting Manager Minerals & Extractive Operations reports on DPI’s latest targeted audit program.

SITE SECURITY & BUFFER ZONE AUDITS 2009

During the second quarter of 2009, DPI inspected a total of 89 mine and quarry sites across Victoria as part of the Earth Resources Regulation Branch’s on-going program of targeted audits. These latest visits were to ensure compliance with site security and buffer zone requirements.

The audits comprised four main components:

  • identification of tenement boundaries;
  • signage;
  • fencing; and
  • buffer zones.

Each area of assessment was assigned one of three scores:

  • meets or exceeds requirements;
  • opportunity to improve; or
  • significant opportunity to improve

The inspection of sites revealed some notable issues. It was identified that only 40% of the 24 elements audited were found to meet or exceed all requirements.

In relation to Work Authorities, the primary issues identified were:

  • Tenement number not clearly displayed on post (58%);
  • Inadequate number of post or posts not clearly visible or identifiable (62%);
  • Required extraction limit posts were not in place (59%); and
  • Sites were generally poorly signed; with 60% of sites inspected requiring improvement.

Approximately half the site audited fully complied with fencing requirements. Unauthorised access gates in perimeter fencing were an issue for some tenements.

Overall, 14 tenement holders were required to submit work plan variations to rectify identified deficiencies or to apply for a modification of conditions. A number of notices and directions were also issued by the inspectors and will be followed up to ensure compliance.

This targeted audit identified that more work is required to ensure the critical controls targeted by the audit are in place and working effectively.

IMPACTS OF BLASTING AUDITS 2009

The next targeted audit program DPI is undertaking will focus on the impacts of blasting at mine and quarry sites. The audit is scheduled to take place during September to November 2009.

Blasting is necessary for the recovery of ore or stone in many quarries, open cut mines and at most underground mines. However, blasting can cause noise and vibration, which may impact neighbouring premises.

Good management and proper control of blasting practices includes ensuring the community is protected from adverse effects particularly in respect to the limits on blasting impacts at residential premises and other “sensitive sites”.

Ground vibration and air blast limit recommendations have been set to minimise annoyance to people as a result of blasting at mine and quarry sites. An audit tool has been developed for this project that will focus on management plans and systems at sites and is aimed at assessing site control programs and compliance with work plan conditions.

Good management practices and plans are considered important. By developing a plan operators find out important information that increases the chances of success. A Noise and Vibration Management Plan acts as a guide that contractors and staff must be aware of and adhere to in accordance with a site’s conditions of approval.

Noise mitigation relies on cooperation from staff and contractors in relation to timing of works, reporting of complaints and implementing best practices to minimise noise and vibration.

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