M37

June 2002

MINERAL EXPLORATION GUIDELINES FOR THE PREPARATION OF A DECLARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS (DEF)
INTRODUCTION
Environmental management should be consistently applied for all exploration activities throughout the State. A Declaration of Environmental Factors (DEF) is required by PIRSA in situations where field exploration involving the use of declared equipment (e.g. bulldozers, backhoes, excavators etc.) or drill rigs is proposed in areas deemed environmentally sensitive (e.g. parks, reserves, heritage sites and flora and fauna habitats which warrant protection). The requirement for a DEF may be incorporated into the Exploration Licence conditions or may be requested prior to approval of certain exploration programs. A DEF is required in order to identify elements of the environment which may be at risk from the proposed exploration activities and the ways in which potential impacts can be prevented or managed. These guidelines are aimed at helping mineral explorers prepare a DEF. The suggested format provides a method of describing the proposal and addressing relevant environmental considerations. are considered to be inadequate to protect the environment. Approval in writing from the Director of Mines (or delegate) must be obtained before any exploration work proposed in a DEF is undertaken. This approval may be conditional. Four copies of the DEF are required in support of an application to explore and should be forwarded to: Director Mineral Resources (Attention: MRG Records Officer) Post: PIRSA GPO Box 1671 ADELAIDE SA 5001

Courier:101 Grenfell St ADELAIDE SA 5000 Email: pirsa.mrgrecordsofficer@saugov.sa.gov.au Fax: (08) 8463 3101

WHAT SHOULD A DEF INCLUDE?

The DEF should include a statement of the proposed operation, the environment in which it is to be conducted, and the methods proposed to avoid, minimise and rehabilitate environmental impacts. The level of detail required will vary with the type of activity and nature of the environment and land-use status. For example, creating an access track in areas that have been identified as environmentally sensitive such as parks and reserves, heritage sites or sensitive flora and fauna habitats will require a detailed DEF (i.e. the type of vegetation to be cleared, its conservation status, the presence of any local endangered flora or fauna, etc.). Details required for exploration along existing access tracks with minimal to no vegetation or soil disturbance would in most cases be minor in comparison.

THE APPROVAL PROCESS

The approval process for a DEF will vary according to the location and potential impacts of the exploration program. The DEF must be submitted to PIRSA for approval prior to any exploration commencing. The approval process for a DEF involves consultation between PIRSA, the Department for Environment and Heritage (DEH), the licensee, and others where required. Applications for proposed exploration in environmentally sensitive areas may be refused, or approved with special conditions, if the management measures proposed

Mineral exploration guidelines for the preparation of a Declaration of Environmental Factors (DEF)

Site visits and reference to existing literature are expected to provide sufficient detail to enable an assessment to be made of potential impacts. If a DEF is prepared for a park or reserve, special attention should be paid to the requirements of the Park Management Plan, and discussions with officers of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (including the relevant park ranger) should be undertaken while planning the proposal to identify relevant information. In other words, the level of detail in a DEF should be proportional to the sensitivity of the environment and the nature of the activity. Not all of the following points will apply to the preparation of a DEF. They are a guide only, indicating what a proponent would need to consider when preparing a detailed DEF to undertake work in an environmentally sensitive location. The proponent should seek advice from PIRSA as to the degree of detail required if there is any uncertainty.

ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS
A description of environmental aspects should be concise and relevant to the potential impacts of exploration activity, i.e. there is no need to provide detailed information on the vegetation if all work is to be conducted along existing tracks and no vegetation will be disturbed. The extent of the potential impact of the proposed activity should be readily identifiable to enable mitigation measures to be developed. Air photographs and photos of the general area are very useful in helping with this, and should be provided where possible. The areas to be affected by the proposed exploration activity should be described under the following headings.

Physical environment
! Landform and topography susceptibility to erosion when disturbed and visual attributes (steep or undulating slopes, plains, rocks outcrops, dunes, salt pans, etc.). ! Soil and surface units susceptibility to compaction, erosion, dust, water infiltration and runoff, etc. ! Surface cover trafficability and erodability following disturbance (density and type of ground cover: gibber, rocky, grasses, etc.). ! Drainage potential interference with natural drainage (presence of drainage lines, creeks, floodplains, etc.). ! Hydrogeology of the area to be drilled. State if drilling operations are likely to intersect or otherwise interfere with groundwater, particularly artesian or sub-artesian.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Provide general details of the proposal, such as: ! EL number ! Licensee or operator name and address ! Contact person(s) (phone, fax, address, qualifications) responsible for preparation of the DEF. Describe the main aspects of the program including: ! Person responsible for environmental management of the project. ! Type of activity, machinery (type, number, contractor details) and methods to be used. ! Size and composition of field crews (operator, contractors, geologists). ! Person in charge of field supervision (including details of experience, qualifications, etc.). ! Timing, including start date and duration (make allowance for the DEF approval process, which requires up to a month for straight forward cases and up to three months for parks with joint proclamations. ! General locality plan indicating proposed activity in relation to tenement and landowner boundaries, and areas with environmental classifications or sensitivities.

Biological environment
If there is to be any vegetation clearance or removal of vegetation, the following information will be required to allow an accurate assessment of the possible impact of such clearance on the existing plant and animal communities. ! Vegetation cover describe the formation and structure of vegetation in the area (woodland, shrubland, grassland, etc.). ! list dominant species ! state the presence of any rare or endangered species located or reported to have been in the area ! state frequency and extent of these species. ! Fauna and habitat list significant native species and habitats reported to have been identified in the area.

Work undertaken in preparing the DEF

Summarise the research and field work undertaken in preparing the DEF including: ! Field visits (duration, timing, personnel) by operator and/or consultants. ! Liaison with relevant organisations or interested parties. ! Codes of environmental practice and/or guidelines that will be adopted. ! References and existing information used.

Environmentally sensitive locations

State the presence of any environmentally sensitive locations (areas having particular ecological, cultural or conservation value), for example: ! Protected flora and fauna (or faunal habitats). ! Special management zones of Park Management Plans (for Regional Reserves or parks with a joint proclamation). ! Outstanding landforms, geological monuments, etc. ! European sites of historical or cultural significance. ! Aboriginal sites of archaeological or mythological significance. Environmentally sensitive locations (except for Aboriginal sites) should be marked on the locality plan (with details

Previous exploration activity

Summarise previous work by the current operator or others in the area if available or applicable.

Mineral exploration guidelines for the preparation of a Declaration of Environmental Factors (DEF)

provided) to identify any areas of conflict so that access roads or other activities can be planned and located effectively. Any measures used to avoid these sites should be located in the section on the reduction of environmental impacts. To help identify sites, the licensee should consult DEH and liaise with the local Aboriginal communities. Where the proposed operation lies within a park or reserve the District Ranger, DEH should be consulted. Environmental sensitivity maps are also available from PIRSA.

construction. Indicate whether grading, borrow materials or clearance of vegetation is required. State methods of vegetation clearance and indicate species and status of vegetation to be cleared. ! Work sites indicate location and proposed preparation and maintenance of drill sites, excavations, camp sites and storage areas. State whether levelling or vegetation removal is required. Indicate camp type and layout, and maintenance facilities such as tents, caravans, transportables, waste disposal procedures etc. ! Drilling indicate drillhole locations, drilling method, hole depths, hole construction and abandonment details, sample disposal, requirements for drilling sumps and water carting, etc. Ensure drillhole construction and completion procedures when encountering groundwater complies with government requirements and specifications (consultation with the Department for Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation may be necessary). ! Water supply arrangements describe sources of drilling water, potable water, and the disposal of waste or runoff water from the drillsite or campsite. ! Completion state access track, camp, excavation and drill site clean up procedures, such as treatment of compacted areas and backfilling.

Human environment
Exploration activities can take place on land which is subject to joint uses. State: ! Land use utilisation i.e. grazing, cropping, tourism, existing tenure. ! Settlements using the locality plan, indicate name and distance of nearest town, and distance to houses and homesteads from the proposed exploration location. ! Roads and tracks indicate existing fencelines, roads and tracks, including those which are to be used in the program. Particular care needs to be taken during and after an exploration program to ensure minimal disruption to existing activities. The land should also be left in a condition compatible with the local land use.

Owner or occupiers comments and requirements

Land owners or occupiers (including DEH) should be consulted and kept informed of all aspects of the proposed activities relevant to their interests. Indicate results of the consultations. State any limitations or restrictions requested, any improvements to be left, or any potential conflicts with the landholder. For more information see Liaison Guidelines for Landholders and Mineral Explorers in SA (PIRSA Information Sheet M36).

POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

Potential impacts of exploration activity on the environment are indicated in Table 1. ! Identify and detail the separate potential impacts that could result from the proposed exploration program, indicating circumstances and reasons.

THE EXPLORATION PROGRAM

The proposal should describe what you intend to do and how and where you intend to do it. The following should be addressed: ! New access tracks indicate the route on a locality plan and distinguish between existing and new access track
Table 1 Potential impacts of activities on the environment.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS Access tracks Disturbance of native vegetation Soil disturbance Disturbance to scientific and cultural sites Fauna disturbance Visual disturbance Fire Groundwater contamination Surface drainage interference Introduced weeds Rubbish and waste & & & & & & & &

PROPOSED IMPACT REDUCTION, MITIGATION AND REHABILITATION METHODS

With respect to the potential impacts identified above, describe the methods to be used to avoid, minimise and rehabilitate these impacts. Suitable plans, photographs and airphotos should be included in you proposal to assist PIRSA and DEH in their assessment of potential impacts and the effectiveness of proposed mitigation methods.

ACTIVITIES Drill sites & & & & & & & & & & Camp site & & & & & & & & & & Excavations (costeans, trenches) & & & & & & & &

Mineral exploration guidelines for the preparation of a Declaration of Environmental Factors (DEF)

Reduction of potential environmental impacts

! Identify potential impacts that, where practicable, can be avoided, and describe the environmental management practices that will be employed to do this.

PIRSA Information Sheets

M17 A summary of the implications of the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. M21 Mineral exploration drillholes General specifications for construction and abandonment. M29 Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988 and Aboriginal site avoidance guidelines. M31 Guidelines for proposed activities on Native Title land Part 9B of the Mining Act 1971 M32 Mineral exploration within the Woomera Prohibited Area and Woomera Instrumented Range. M33 Environmental guidelines for mineral exploration activities in South Australia. M34 Statement of environmental objectives for mineral exploration in South Australia. M36 Liaison guidelines for landholders and mineral explorers in South Australia. M41 Submission of representative samples for mineral exploration drillholes. These and other Information Sheets and guidelines are available on our website or from the Mining Regulation and Rehabilitation Branch.

Proposed mitigation methods

! Discuss proposed methods for minimising unavoidable impacts during the exploration program. Address possible alternatives and indicate why a particular route, method or type of machinery has been chosen. For more information see Environmental Guidelines for Mineral Exploration Activities in SA (PIRSA Information Sheet M33).

Proposed rehabilitation methods

The final objective of rehabilitation is to restore the affected area as nearly as possible to its original condition, with all its environmental, heritage or conservation areas intact. The requirements of rehabilitation will vary from place to place. ! State proposed rehabilitation methods for any affected areas during and after the exploration program.

PHOTO-MONITORING OF EXPLORATION IMPACTS

Establishment of photo-monitoring sites and the collection of photographs before, during and after the program provides a useful record of the environmental management practices employed to minimise environmental impacts during the program, and the results of rehabilitation. This information is of benefit to the proponent both for its company records and for subsequent liaison with regulatory authorities, landowners and other stakeholders. The information collected is also of use to PIRSA and the minerals industry for the monitoring of long-term recovery rates, and the effectiveness of current rehabilitation techniques in different environments. ! Representative photographs of drillsites, campsites, departure points from existing tracks, and off-track access routes should be taken before, during and after activities. ! A GPS co-ordinate should be recorded for all photopoint locations. Contact should be made with PIRSA for advice regarding aspects relating to the proposed exploration program not covered by these guidelines. If required, additional guidance in the preparation of a DEF may be obtained from PIRSA.

FURTHER INFORMATION
Mining Regulation and Rehabilitation Office of Minerals and Energy Resources SA, PIRSA 101 Grenfell St, Adelaide GPO Box 1671, SA 5001 Phone (08) 8463 3129 Fax (08) 8463 3109

USEFUL REFERENCES AND INFORMATION SHEETS

Boomsma, C.D. and Lewis, N.B. The native forest and woodland vegetation of South Australia. South Australian. Department of Woods and Forests. Bulletin, 25. Laut, P., Heyligers, P.C., Keig, G., Loffler, E., Margules, D., Scott, R.M. and Sullivan, M.E., 1977. Environments of South Australia. Vol 18 CSIRO Division of Land Use Research, Canberra. Shepherd, R.G., 1978. Underground water resources of South Australia. South Australia. Geological Survey. Bulletin, 48. Specht, R.L., 1972. The vegetation of South Australia. Government Printer, Adelaide. PIRSA Environmental Sensitivity Maps. PIRSA Environmental Meta-Database.

EXAMPLE TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR A DECLARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

Page 1.0 GENERAL INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1.1 Background, Previous Exploration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1.2 Summary of Proposed Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1.3 Tenement Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1.4 Manager Contact. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 1.5 Timing and Notification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 1.6 Personnel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 1.7 Induction of Field Personnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 1.8 Work undertaken in preparing the DEF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 2.0 ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS 2.1 Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.2 Land Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.3 Physical Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.4 Biological Environment and Biological Information . . . . 2.5 Environmentally Sensitive Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.6 Human Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.6.1 Owner or Occupier Comments and Requirements . 2.6.2 Cultural . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 4 4 4 6 4 4 5

3.0 EXPLORATION METHODOLOGY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 4.0 POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 5.0 PROPOSED IMPACT REDUCTION, MITIGATION and REHABILITATION METHODS . . . . . . . 8 5.1 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 5.2 Disturbance to native vegetation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 5.3 Soil disturbance and track proliferation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 5.4 Disturbance to scientific and cultural sites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 5.5 Disturbance to fauna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 5.6 Visual Impacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 5.7 Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 5.8 Groundwater wastage/contamination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 5.9 Surface drainage interference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 5.10 Introduction of weeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 5.11 Rubbish and waste . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 6.0 MONITORING OF EXPLORATION IMPACTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 List of Figures 1. Tenement Location Map 2. Proposed access routes, campsites and drillhole/sample locations List of Appendices Company Environmental Policy
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Mineral exploration guidelines for the preparation of a Declaration of Environmental Factors (DEF)