Summary
Novecom plays a pivotal role in ensuring dust monitoring compliance for mining operations across Australia by selecting, supplying, installing, and maintaining dust and particulate monitors. Given the potential health impacts of particulate emissions from mining activities, continuous monitoring is essential. Both mine sites and the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) rely on accurate data to safeguard the health of workers and nearby communities. So, it is crucial to maintain a high level of accuracy and integrity when recording this data.
In 2020, a formal validation process was mandated by legislation, requiring all data generated by mine sites to undergo rigorous validation to enhance quality. This led to the release of an Australian Standard specifically for ambient air quality data validation. In 2016, Novecom was approached by a Hunter Valley mine to provide validated data for six dust monitors. Based on guidelines from the US EPA and the Australian validation framework, Novecom developed validation and reporting templates. The process was further refined in 2020 to align with the new standards. Currently, Novecom conducts this validation activity monthly for over 15 mines, with the client base continuously expanding.
Challenge
Initially, mine sites faced several challenges, including:
- Daily dust averages from monitors were often inaccurate, influenced by known or unknown operational issues or environmental factors. This necessitated ad hoc reviews and corrections.
- Mine sites had an annual obligation to report to the EPA, often contacting Novecom at the last minute for a comprehensive review of a year’s worth of data. Such tight deadlines limited the scope of work and resulted in lost knowledge of past issues.
Solution
Key features and techniques employed during this project included advanced Excel programming and design skills, along with detailed operational histories of each dust monitor recorded in the MEX maintenance software used by Novecom.
Novecom’s monthly deliverables now provide clients with comprehensive reports that include a full year of daily results, detailing reasons for any non-compliance at each monitor. The project significantly benefits clients by enabling them to efficiently compile their annual EPA reports, thus saving time and reducing stress associated with compliance reporting.
Conclusion
Through our commitment to data validation and compliance reporting, Novecom has established itself as a leader in the mining sector, enhancing the integrity of dust monitoring data and supporting the health and safety of communities throughout Australia. As the demand for accurate data continues to grow, we remain dedicated to refining and expanding our services to meet the evolving needs of the industry.
Each mine site has unique requirements for data presentation and may need specific metrics included. Our analyses and reporting can be tailored to meet these diverse needs, ensuring each client receives the most relevant and useful information.
If your business is interested in discussing customisable environmental monitoring solutions, give us a call and we’ll explore how we can help.
