Author: J. Arrueste
First International Conference on Environmental Issues in the Mining Industry ENVIROMINE2009 Santiago, Chile, September 30 - Ocotober 2, 2009
Abstract
For decades, mining projects worldwide have had an unfriendly environmental and social image for lack of proper consideration of the harmful effects of potential contamination during decision-making, thus creating undesired environmental externalities. Mining engineering projects include several Design Criteria documents involving Process, Mechanical, Hydraulic, Electrical, Instrumentation, Civil and Structural/Architectural disciplines. In recent years, due to the increasing complexity of environmental compliance regulations and key learning aspects on permitting commitments, projects are often including specific Environmental Design Criteria (EDC), requiring a specialized project deliverable that should be incorporated from the preliminary engineering design phases, being organized by following different coordinated Tables of Contents, depending on the project engineering phase and/or specialist experience. The author recommends herein a generic subdivision between Qualitative and Quantitative EDC, among other technical aspects. Qualitative Criteria correspond to general and specific criteria that cannot be measured, and whose aim is to prevent or lessen potential impacts on environmental components, such as: water, air, soil, flora, fauna, archeological. On the other hand, Quantitative Criteria represent defined allowable limit values, established in national and/or international regulations (Equator Principles) for specific emissions to the environment, and quality standards. Other criteria sources may also be considered, as required, such as enforced and/or voluntary commitments with stakeholders, inclusion in the Environmental Permit, and/or recommended by the engineering company as general best industrial practices.
Mainly focused on the Chilean environmental regulatory analysis, this paper explores the importance of definition and agreement of environmental criteria from different sources, starting during the early engineering stages of a project, being properly documented by environmental experts. Specific examples are discussed herein, as a guide for environmental specialists responsible for project environmental design compliance, permitting assurance and even project finance.
