Real-Time Water Quality Monitoring as a Regulatory Tool for Mining Sites — The Newfoundland and Labrador Experience

Abstract

In order to assess the impact of natural resources development projects such as mines on water bodies, it is crucial to have an appropriate water quality-monitoring program in place. Real-time water quality (RTWQ) monitoring is suited to monitoring the impact of mining projects especially those situated in remote locations. To illustrate the successful use of RTWQ monitoring as a regulatory performance tool, case studies are presented of two real time water quality networks that were established as a part of the environmental permitting process for the Voisey's Bay Nickel Mine project site in Labrador and the Aur Resources Copper Zinc Mine site in Newfoundland. The case studies detail the need for the establishment of the networks, the installation of the networks, the details of the networks, the Quality Assurance program, the RTWQ public web page and the experience encountered since the networks were established. Also discussed is the use of the data collected by the RTWQ network by various stakeholders. The challenges of using RTWQ for mining sites are also discussed.