The Baseline - Mining and the Environment: From Ore to Metal - page 375

of public consultation during the EIA process for a mining project). Human behaviour
can also be observed indirectly, for example, through measurements of the width and
wear of footpaths, studying the extent of littering, obtaining data on purchases, or per-
forming trafi c surveys.

Baseline surveys as well as subsequent monitoring programmes should be carried out
according to a systematic schedule. Ideally, the operations stage monitoring programme
should be designed, at least conceptually, prior to conducting any baseline studies so that
pre- and post-mining sampling and analysis sites and methods will be strictly comparable.
The i eld survey plan should include a start date, the time of the year during which i eld
studies will take place, the frequency of i eld studies, and the end date for the baseline data
collection. Timing, frequency, and duration are dependent on the type of ecological sys-
tems, their complexity, and existing uncertainties. In addition, controversy over the project
can force a higher degree of scrutiny and may increase the level of monitoring effort.
Seasonality must be taken into consideration. Seasonality usually affects surface water dis-
charge and quality, groundwater levels, air quality, and fauna and l ora assemblages. Well
timed sampling minimizes the number of sampling efforts and thereby reduces the cost of
the programme. Because weather varies from year to year, it is wise to 'bracket' the season.
For example, tropical countries with distinct dry and wet seasons are generally surveyed
over two i eld surveys, one for the dry season and one for the wet season.
Baseline data collection can be performed in two ways: (1) by concentrating all tasks
during a single site visit, or (2) by carrying out one task or a similar set of tasks at several
sites in a single day. The latter strategy is often preferable, because it minimizes seasonal
effects and variability in conditions from day to day, and repeating the same task on the
same day may be more efi cient. However, it is not always practical if sampling sites are
distant or difi cult to access. Sampling of specii c parameters in control sites should take
place during the same time of year as sampling in the mine area.

Baseline surveys as well
as subsequent monitoring
programmes should be carried
out according to a systematic
schedule.

Seasonality must be taken into
consideration.

What Does It Take To Make Data Credible?

Ensuring credibility of data depends primarily on good documentation. Pre-prepared
i eld sheets are used to record sampling details and results of i eld tests and observations.
Standard forms are available from numerous manuals (USGS 1998; EQB 1994). Field
sheets typically include simple instructions and examples for calculation and provide
ample space for the following:
●

Ensuring credibility of data
depends primarily on good
documentation.

Site designation and exact location (including sample depth).

●

Time and date of sampling.

●

Data collector's name and phone number.

●

Weather conditions (recent as well as current).

●

Name and model number of equipment or test kits used.

●

Actual readings, including duplicate readings (not only the average or i nal reading).
For example, for dissolved oxygen titrations, the actual volume titrated should be
recorded as well as the i nal concentration of dissolved oxygen ( Case 8.8 ).

●

Site conditions, in particular unusual conditions at the site, and any factor that may
affect results.

●

Space for comments to record unusual observations (construction, land clearing, dead
animals, etc.) as well as any problems encountered during sampling. Field sheets
should also include observations on habitats, and i eld procedures, including calibra-
tion and documentation procedures.