Mining and smelting waste guidance documents

On this page

• General guidance
• Technical guidance
• Fact sheets

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General guidance

• Conceptual Site Model (CSM) Guidance (PDF, 1MB)
  • A Conceptual Site Model is an optional approach to support the Environmental Management Act (EMA) effluent permitting applications. A CSM is an approach that could enable the proponent to convey existing information requirements in a format that may be more easily understood by a range of stakeholders, including Indigenous groups and the public. A CSM does not replace other requirements under the EMA or its regulations, application process, the use of an Information Requirement Table or Technical Assessment Report
• Fugitive Dust Management Plans Guidance (PDF, 768KB)
  • Guidance for the development of fugitive dust management plans
• Joint Application Information Requirements (JAIR) Guidance (PDF, 934KB)
  • ​​Sets out the information that's required to support a joint application for a Mines Act permit and an effluent discharge permit under EMA issued by the B.C. government. It's intended for both new and existing major mines, including major expansions. The combined technical information requirements are intended to reduce overlap in the information required by the ministries responsible and enable one application, or bundled applications, to be submitted for review
  • Joint Application Information Requirements (JAIR) Table (PDF, 776KB)
    • Accompanies Information Requirements Table to support the Joint Application Information Requirements. Refer to the Joint Application Information Requirements and all other reference material and guidance in reviewing the Information Requirements Table. This table will be used in the pre-application discussions to help document the information requirements to support a Joint Mines Act and Environmental Management Act application
• Metal leaching and acid rock drainage (ML/ARD) guidance and policy
  • ML/ARD can be a significant environmental issue at mines in B.C. These documents guide proponents in assessing and mitigating ML/ARD issues within the B.C. regulatory framework
• Guidance to Preparing Effective Plans for Environmental Management Act Permits (PDF, 302KB)
  • Recommends best practices and serves as a general reference for Qualified Professionals who are responsible for preparing management plans in response to regulatory requirements. Provides advice on the types of language to include in a plan to ensure that when it's implemented, the actions stipulated are clear and effective
• Effluent Permitting Process Guidance (PDF, 514KB)
  • This guidance reflects the current direction of the ministry on the effluent permitting process for mining projects. The guidance addresses mine-related effluent discharges only. For other waste discharges related to mine activities, such as air emissions, solid waste or hazardous waste disposal, separate process steps may be required.

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Technical guidance

• Technical Guidance 1: Environmental Impact Assessment and Technical Assessment Terms of Reference (PDF, 859KB)
  • These Terms of Reference are intended for proponents of major mine projects applying for an effluent discharge permit under the EMA. This document outlines the information requirements of the Technical Assessment Report (TAR), with particular emphasis on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) normally required as part of the application
• Technical Guidance 2: Information Requirements Concordance Table (XLS, 12KB)
  • ​​The Information Requirements Concordance Table is intended as a guide to assist proponents and the ministry by identifying the information requirements for the TAR and EIA in support of an application for a permit under EMA using the Joint Application Information Requirements (JAIR) Table (PDF, 776KB) as a basis. The concordance table should be used by applicants to identify which sections of the JAIR Table should be considered for an ENV-only application. Once agreed to with the ministry, an abbreviated version of the JAIR Table will be used to screen applications to determine how well the information requirements are met in a TAR and EIA for an effluent permit application. For joint EMA/Mines Act application, please refer to the Joint  Application Information Requirements Guidance above
• Technical Guidance 3: Develop a Mining Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (PDF, 1MB)
  • This document has been prepared to help mining companies develop sound practices for erosion and sediment control. When they're implemented, they'll contribute to compliance and protection of the environment. The information provided in this document is intended to help users exercise their professional judgment in developing site-specific management strategies. The reader is encouraged to consult the various erosion and sediment control guidelines available for specific control methods to use when preparing the site-specific mine permit application
  • Companion document: User Guide for Developing a Mining Erosion and Sediment Control Plans (PDF, 360KB)
• Technical Guidance 4: Annual Reporting Under the Environmental Management Act (PDF, 2MB)
  • This guidance document summarizes the expectations for annual reports submitted by mining companies operating in B.C. It also recommends a reporting format that makes it easy for the reader to recognize both compliance issues and environmental concerns. Sections 3, 4, and 5 can be used as a guide for developing the table of contents in an annual report. Annual reports submitted from 2015 onward should follow this document. This guidance does not replace or alter the legal requirements of any permit, approval or regulation issued under provisions of the EMA
  • Companion document: User Guide to Annual Reporting Requirements for Mining Under the Environmental Management Act (PDF, 303KB)
• Technical Guidance 6: Water and Air Baseline Monitoring Guidance For Mine Proponents and Operators (PDF, 2.5MB)
  • This guidance document outlines and defines the baseline study requirements and information considerations necessary to propose a mineral development project in B.C. Information requirements for geology/geochemistry, meteorology and air quality, surficial hydrology, hydrogeology, water quality (physical and chemical parameters, aquatic sediments, tissue residues, and aquatic life), fish and fish habitat and initial environmental impact assessment are covered, focusing on the collection, analysis, interpretation and submission of baseline information as part of a proposal to develop a mining project in B.C. By providing these requirements early in the project evaluation stage, the province's goal is to ensure effective study design, information collection and data usage/interpretation that will assist in both the initial project evaluation and throughout the development, operation and closure of a mine
  • Companion document: User Guide to Water and Air Baseline Monitoring Requirements for Mining (PDF, 803KB)
• Technical Guidance 7: Assessing Design Size and Operation of Sediment Ponds (PDF, 319KB)
  • This document has been prepared to help mining companies to design sediment ponds for appropriate sediment removal as part of their Erosion and Sediment Control Plan so that when implemented, the plan will contribute to compliance with EMA and protection of the environment
  • Companion document: User Guide for Designing Sediment Ponds Used in Mining (PDF, 332KB)
• Technical Guidance 8: Framework for Development and Use of Freshwater Science-Based Environmental Benchmarks for Mines (PDF, 932KB)
  • In some circumstances, science-based environmental benchmarks (SBEBs) may be developed to support permitting or other regulatory decisions. SBEBs should only be considered after best achievable technologies and best management practices have been considered and incorporated into development plans. SBEBs must be protective of the most sensitive aquatic species and life stages at a site. This document details the circumstances where SBEBs may be used and the process for developing them
• Technical Guidance 9: Preparing Nitrogen Management Plans for Mines Using Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil Products for Blasting (PDF, 561KB)
  • This document has been prepared to provide guidance to proponents on what information to include in a site-specific nitrogen management plan, either as a proactive step by the mine owner/operator or to fulfill an EMA permit requirement
• Technical Guidance 10: Bioremediation and Discharge of Hydrocarbon Impacted Soils at Producing Mine Sites (PDF, 313KB)
  • This document has been prepared to assist proponents in determining appropriate handling of soils impacted with hydrocarbons at producing mine sites. The document details under what circumstances these soils may be treated on the site at which they were generated and when other treatment and handling options must be used
• Technical Guidance 11: Development and Use of Initial Dilution Zones for Effluent Discharges (PDF, 3MB)
  • An Initial Dilution Zone (IDZ) can allow an applicant to use part of the assimilative capacity of a water body if certain conditions are met, for dilution of an effluent stream to meet water quality benchmarks. This document provides clear, consistent, science-based guidance on how to determine an appropriate IDZ for effluent discharge. It's intended to be used as guidance for proponents developing proposals for IDZs and for staff reviewing those applications. It provides a robust, science-based approach on what to consider when developing a potential IDZ, and evaluating, on a site-specific basis, when and where using an IDZ for an effluent discharge may or may not be appropriate
• Technical Guidance 12: Trigger Response Plans (PDF, 287KB)
  • Trigger Response Plans (TRPs) are a proactive tool that can help facility operators manage and respond to changing conditions or situations before the situation becomes problematic or results in harm to the environment or human health or damage to infrastructure
• Technical Guidance 20: Development and Use of Adaptive Management Plans (PDF, 435KB)
  • Adaptive Management Plans (AMPs) allows for decisions to be made in the face of uncertainty and provides a means to systematically reduce uncertainties and improve management practices over time by learning from the outcomes of operational activities
• Technical Guidance 21: Interim Technical Guidance on Technology Readiness Assessment (PDF, 716KB)
  • This document outlines a systematic, evidence-based process and key considerations and components for assessing the readiness of emerging technologies proposed to control or treat effluent discharges from major mines. This document also includes interim guidance on Independent Peer Review (Appendix A) and Technology Readiness Levels (Appendix B).

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Fact sheets

• Parameters of Concern Fact Sheet (PDF, 269KB)
  • This fact sheet outlines the process that mining proponents must follow to identify parameters of concern (POCs) for mine-related effluent discharges to marine or freshwater aquatic environments. This is a process of identifying applicable parameters for a site that may have some level of risk.
• Authorizing Point and Non-Point Source Discharges to Ground Fact Sheet (PDF, 402KB) 
  • This fact sheet summarizes the ministry’s approach to authorizing point source and non-point source industrial effluent discharges to the ground under the Environmental Management Act (EMA). Proper assessment and management of these discharges will help ensure ongoing protection of the provincial groundwater resource.
• Mining Operations Fact Sheet (PDF, 246KB)
  • The purpose of this document is to provide an overview of the B.C. government's responsibilities regarding the regulation of mining operations, and a brief description of the roles and responsibilities of each provincial agency involved, and that of the proponent.
• Industrial Camps Fact Sheet (PDF, 490KB)
  • When camps are established to house workers within B.C. waste is generated. This document provides guidance on what should be done to manage waste from camps with an emphasis on authorizations required by the government. Information is also provided for best management practices when authorization is not required.
• Best Achievable Technology (BAT) Summary (PDF, 355KB)
  • A summary of the B.C. government's approach to determining the best achievable technology for controlling discharges to the environment
• Best Achievable Technology (BAT) Assessment Steps (PDF, 356KB)
  • The steps taken during an assessment of  waste control technology
• Long-Term Average Versus Short-Term Maximum Water Quality Guidelines Fact Sheet (PDF, 86KB)
  • An overview of when to use long-term average vs. short-term maximum water quality guidelines
• ​Water Quality Management Fact Sheet (PDF, 434KB)
  • An infographic showing how water quality guidelines, water quality objectives, and science-based environmental benchmarks are used
• Application of Water Quality Objectives in Impacted Waterbodies (PDF, 295KB)
  • This document describes the ministry's approach to applying approved B.C. Water Quality Objectives (WQO) in waterbodies where adverse changes to water quality have occurred. Specifically, this document explains how waste discharge authorizations under the Environmental Management Act (EMA) can be used along with WQOs to make desired improvements in water quality conditions to protect the values of the water.