Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Air
Identify and list existing sources of meteorological data for the project site, including loca-
tion, parameters, and period of record for each station. Provide information on meteorol-
ogy such as climatic type, temperature regime, rainfall and rainfall pattern, and prevailing
wind direction and speed. If available provide information on ambient air quality in the
project area, including noise. Identify existing sources of air emissions already operating in
project area, together with emissions they are producing (measured or estimated). Make
reference to the magnitudes and probabilities for geo-hazards in the project area, includ-
ing extreme temperatures and precipitation events, maximum wind speeds, or unusual
storms (such as cyclones).
Fauna and fl ora
Identify typical vegetation communities/associations and their functions as habitats.
Highlight recognized critical habitats, natural reserves, national parks, or other protected
areas in or close the project area. Evaluate common, characteristic, and economically
important fauna and fl ora in project area. Focus on threatened, endangered, protected,
special status, endemic or culturally signifi cant fauna and fl ora. Identify sensitive habitats
(wetlands, mangrove forest, coral reefs, and the like). Describe patterns of hunting, fi shing,
and trade in fl ora and fauna, including existing illegal logging activities.
Describe Social and Economic Systems
Land use
Provide inventory of land and other resources at time of project and likely future devel-
opments. Identify regional development plans, spatial plans, land use plans, and other
natural resource plans applicable to the project area that have been offi cially adopted or
are in preparation by the government at the local, provincial and national levels, together
with potential confl icts or limitations arising between the project and plans for land and
resource use. Provide inventory of aesthetic and natural beauty values together with
recreation areas in the project area.
Demography
Provide basic demographic data such settlements, population numbers, and age/gender
composition/structure. Consider seasonal workers and transmigrants. Comment on ease
of transportation/ movement between settlements.
Local economy
Gather information on local economy, such as existing public infrastructure, includ-
ing market centers, roads, transportation facilities, educational facilities. Detail existing
economic activities (including traditional economies, including agriculture, fi sheries, and
logging) and sources of livelihood. Estimate average household income. Do economic
activities exist that can support/ confl ict with the proposed mine?
Cultures and religious
beliefs
Provide information on cultures and religion, including ethnic groups, traditions and
beliefs, and traditional use and ownership of land and other natural resources. Identify
formal and informal leadership, and religious practices and places of worship. Appreciate
existing sources of confl icts, and education levels and trends. Discuss the role of women
in households.
Public health
Discuss public health aspects such as existing medical facilities, number and skill levels
of medical/paramedical personnel, and prevalent diseases including sexual transmitted
diseases. Identify environmental related health factors. Describe public sanitation. Make
reference to roles of traditional practitioners and treatments.
Identify Project Opportunities and Challenges
Project Defi nition
Provide a synopsis of the proposed mine. A methodological approach to the project
defi nition will help: First, what are the main project components and activities? Second,
what are the main mine inputs and outputs? The next question is: What characterizes
emissions? For each emission stream (that is, emissions to air, emissions to water and
waste emissions), list source, expected quantity, quality or characteristic, and discharge
point and/or management option (if available).
Community percep-
tion and confl ict
identifi cation
Describe if and how the development of the new mining project will compete or inter-
fere with existing land uses, even in those situations where the land is not occupied. Is
there a prevailing community perception towards the project? Are there outspoken
opponents?
(Continued)
 
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