A REVIEW OF METHODS FOR OPTIMIZING SURFACE AND GROUNDWATER MONITORING PROGRAMS GROUNDWATER MONITORING PROGRAMS AT MINE SITE

摘要

Monitoring of surface and groundwater quality in the vicinity of mine sites is typically required to demonstrate lack of impact by mining activities. The monitoring programs, often instigated as part of the mine permitting process, can continue indefinitely. In addition to being costly, the accumulated data may be difficult to interpret. Several defensible techniques, based on statistical and geochemical principles, are available to optimize monitoring programs so that equivalent or better data are collected at reduced cost. Application of these techniques requires clear definition of the monitoring requirements and goals, evaluation of accumulated data, and optimization of the monitoring network. Elements of the network available for optimization include spatial distribution of sampling points, sampling frequency, and analytical parameters. Surface and groundwater monitoring programs at two sites were evaluated to optimize sampling programs. Considerations for defining monitoring requirements and goals included removal of redundancy from sampling and clarify sampling results to enhance cost-effective monitoring. Data, often consisting of several thousand entries and spanning up to thirty years, were evaluated using parametric and nonparametric techniques to determine whether statistically dissimilar groups could be defined. Lack of dissimilar groups was used to reduce the number of sample locations. Geochemical relations and indicator parameters were considered when evaluating reduction of analytes. Optimization of the monitoring networks has resulted in reductions by 30 percent or more of groundwater and surface water monitoring points, as well as decreased monitoring frequency and analytes. Evaluations have also resulted in changing analytical techniques to fit monitoring goals.