Sustainable Development
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10: Environment, Biodiversity and Landscape Functions
Intent
All significant potential and actual impacts of our activities and operations on the environment, biodiversity and landscape functions are identified, analysed, evaluated and eliminated or otherwise treated, with the aim of preserving the long-term health, function and viability of the natural environments affected by our operations. Scientifically sound technologies and procedures are developed and implemented for the effective management and conservation of biodiversity and landscape functions in the areas affected by our operations.
Requirements and Expectations
10.1
Systems and procedures are established and implemented to:
- Identify and document all aspects of site and project operations and activities that impact, or could potentially impact, the natural environment including air, surface and groundwater, land, habitats, biodiversity and landscape functions (e.g. watershed management, control of soil erosion and the creation of microclimates)
- Conduct environmental baseline surveys and environmental impact assessments at appropriate points in the project or operating life cycle
- Assess the aspects and identify significant and potential impacts that require priority attention and management and establish plans, programmes and targets as appropriate
- Routinely review and update identified aspects when there have been significant changes or new developments to site or project operations and activities.
10.2
Using the highest reasonably practicable level of control from a recognised hierarchy of hazard controls, actions are taken to eliminate or minimise the environmental hazards, risks and impacts of site or project activities and operations. This includes systems and procedures that address:
- Point source, fugitive and accidental harmful emissions to the atmosphere, surface waters, ground waters, soil and surface sediments
- Tailings management
- Hazardous wastes
- Hazardous chemicals and materials
- Nuisance noise and vibration
- Activities that cause physical damage to the environment (e.g. clearance of vegetation and disturbance of natural habitats due to road construction or exploration drilling).
10.3
With respect to the conservation of scarce natural resources:
- Systems and procedures are established and implemented to identify and document significant natural resource conservation issues, such as the use of water, energy and raw materials
- Objectives and targets are set and programme systems and procedures are established and implemented that address the priority natural resource conservation issues
- The identified natural resource conservation issues are routinely reviewed and updated, in particular in light of any proposed new or modified activities and operations.
10.4
Baseline biodiversity and landscape function studies are conducted at the feasibility or exploration phase of projects, or as soon as practicable for acquired operations without an appropriate baseline study, to:
- Establish existing conditions of biodiversity and landscape function (e.g. watershed management, control of soil erosion and microclimate creation)
- Identify the potential impacts of proposed activities and operations that create risks to biodiversity and landscape functions
- Identify relevant standards to be applied or used as benchmarks
- Identify opportunities for improvements.
10.5
Environmental risk assessments associated with impacts on biodiversity and landscape functions are undertaken for new operations or major changes to existing operations.
10.6
Information acquired from 10.4 and 10.5 is used, in consultation with affected and concerned external stakeholders, for the development and implementation of biodiversity and landscape function management systems and programmes.
10.7
During the life cycle of a project including post-closure, the status of biodiversity shall be monitored and reviewed in terms of:
- Species and habitat loss or gains
- Factors that impact on biodiversity
- Security of protected areas
- Management of biological resources
- Ongoing rehabilitation and restoration of ecosystems
- Resilience of the ecosystem.
