Course Introduction

Surface Water Management at Mines

Version: 23 August 2007

Jack Caldwell P.E., MS.(Eng.), LLB

Start the Course with an Orientation Session	Review the Course at the Summary Level	Start the Course at the Detailed Text Level	Course Certification Entry or Registration
(first time viewers)	(reviewers)	(serious viewers)	(certification)

Introduction

This course discusses the principles and practice of surface water management at mines. It describes best management practices for surface water management at a mine in order to achieve these objectives:

• Control surface water in order to prevent pollution of on-site and off-site water resources.

• Divert excess runoff that may otherwise flood or interfere with mine workings.

• Limit infiltration to mine waste disposal facilities to control potential pollution of surface water and underground waters resulting from excessive infiltration.

• Control erosion of the site to limit sediment runoff that may negatively affect receiving waters.

• Control erosion that may otherwise cause excessive damage to mine closure works.

Objectives

All mines disturb the surface. All mines change the features of the mine site that affect precipitation runoff, evaporation, streamflow, and erosion. All mines involve grading of the site, diversion of runoff, and placement of wastes that increase or decrease infiltration of surface water to the groundwater. Inevitably at a mine it is necessary to capture and control sediments and other pollutants in surface water, and build and operate the works needed to comply with regulations regarding off-site impact by surface waters running from the mine.

Accordingly, this course is intended for all those people at a mine or associated with a mine who may be involved with or responsible for the hydrologic, hydraulic, environmental, civil, and mining engineering works required to manage surface water at a mine.

Content

The course comprises 15 viewing sessions, each of 30 - 60 minutes duration, plus supporting figures, tables, worked examples and references, and interactive reviews that confirm your achievement of the learning objectives. The total duration of the course is approximately 12 hours.

Learning Outcomes

Participants who successfully complete this course and the certification requirements will be able to perform the following.

• Understand the basic principles of site characterization for surface water management and apply these to typical mine facilities.

• Apply the principles of channel design, stream and reservoir routing, erosion control, infiltration control and runoff control to surface water management at a mine site.

• Evaluate practical engineering methods to control surface water flow to make mining safer, more cost-effective, and more environmentally friendly.

Course Requirements

Basic requirements for successful completion of this course include the following.

• A basic knowledge and understanding of mathematics, physics, and chemistry.

• A basic understanding of the fundamentals of mining and the nature, purpose, and function of mine facilities.

• Perspective and understanding of environmental, engineering, and technical procedures and practice.

• A desire to know more and a willingness to apply interest and curiosity.

Course Certification

This course qualifies for EduMine Certification. A certificate will be issued to an EduMine enrollee who registers for certification and successfully completes the certification requirements. The total certification fee for this course is Can$172.

1.2 CEUs  (Continuing Education Units) will be awarded for successful completion of certification requirements for this course. EduMine meets the Criteria for Certification established by the Authorized Provider Commission of The International Association for Continuing Education and Training, 1620 Eye Street, N.W., Suite 615, Washington, DC 20006.

To register for certification for this course use the "Course Certification Entry or Registration" link above or below on the right.

UBC Certificate in Mining Studies

This course qualifies as online learning for the University of British Columbia - Certificate in Mining Studies in the Geotechnical and Rock Mechanics stream. Students who complete the certification requirements for this course may optionally register for the Certificate in Mining Studies program and complete the associated classroom component. For further information click UBC Certificate in Mining Studies

[Note: Participation in the UBC Certificate in Mining Studies program is optional. For EduMine certification proceed as described under Course Certification above.]

Start the Course with an Orientation Session	Review the Course at the Summary Level	Start the Course at the Detailed Text Level	Course Certification Entry or Registration
(first time viewers)	(reviewers)	(serious viewers)	(certification)