Environment

Bowdens Silver > Environment

LOOKING AFTER THE ENVIRONMENT

 

Environmental performance is critical to the success of any mining project. At Bowdens Silver we adhere to a strong environmental policy and environmental considerations are addressed at every stage of our activities.

Our environmental and geological teams have worked in consultation with a team of independent experts to prepare our Environmental Impact Statement and to ensure that all aspects of our operations conform to the highest levels of environmental requirements.

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MONITORING

WATER QUALITY
Surface water monitoring is done monthly at several pre-determined sites along water courses in the Bowdens Silver area to track surface water quality. Analytes tested include pH, electrical conductivity, suspended solids, metals, cations and anions, nitrogen and phosphorus. We also use V-notch flow monitors to measure in real time the water height and speed in streams. Groundwater monitoring is also conducted monthly for depth and bi-annually for the same analytes as surface waters.
AIR QUALITY
Dust monitoring is conducted to measure and assess the concentration of airborne particulates. We use dust deposition gauges to measure the amount of dust that settles from the air over a monthly period. Historically, and over extended periods, dust monitoring has been conducted to measure and assess the concentration of airborne particulates. High volume air samplers (HVASs) measure the suspended air particulates over a period of 24hrs every six days and tapered element oscillating microbalances (TEOMs) measure specific particle size of air particulates on a continuous basis.
NOISE MONITORING
Portable noise monitors are positioned to measure A-weighted decibels (dBa) and are currently being used to record 24hrs a day to gauge any influence Bowdens activities may have on noise levels in the area. Handheld noise monitoring has been done in the past and will continue to measure impacts at specifically identified receptors when needed.
VISUAL MONITORING
Visual monitoring points are located throughout the project and provide a permanent photographic record to support observational records. Monitoring consists of repeat photography of an area over regular intervals to monitor vegetation and ecosystem changes through seasons and over time. Photos are taken at the same location with the same camera direction angle and focus points providing a precise and reliable record.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

All proposed mine developments in New South Wales require a range of authorisations before approval is given for operations to commence. The Environmental Impact Statement is a key part of this approval process. Bowdens Silver has worked extensively with specialist environment consultants RW Corkery & Co to inform the Environmental Impact Statement which was submitted to the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment in June 2020. The EIS is a comprehensive document that covers issues such as air quality, noise, transport, flora and fauna, surface and ground water management and landscape management and rehabilitation. For more detailed information on the Bowdens Silver Environmental Impact Statement click here.

ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING MAP

To view a detailed map of our current and historical environmental monitoring stations and sites.

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Other Documents
A copy of the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) documents for exploration activities can be found below.

Review of Environmental Factors – Bowdens Stage 2

Review of Environmental Factors – Gumarooka

Review of Environmental Factors – WRE Sterilisation

Review of Environmental Factors – Exploration & Resource Drilling