Real-time Data Management to Facilitate Environmental Remediation

The most important lesson is for environmental remediation firms pursuing digital integration to enhance process efficiency.

FREMONT, CA: Mine remediation is the process of limiting the human and environmental effects of mining to restore the land to a state of reuse that will positively affect the area's environmental, social, and economic aspects. Mine remediation may involve collecting and treating surface and groundwater, capping mine waste such as tailings and waste rock, and restoring the landscape to its pre-mining beneficial usage. After cleanup, the site can be utilized as a wildlife refuge, residential, recreational, or commercial development.

Geographic information systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS), databases, visualization software, and reporting tools are typically used to collect remediation data. In addition, mobile data-collecting technologies, such as cell phones, tablets, and field telemetry, enable the efficient capture of vast quantities of high-quality data. Including quality control checks in the data gathering system ensures that the data is of a higher standard than paper-based solutions. Data can be transmitted to management while the team is in the field, allowing managers to be advised of problems while technicians are still at treatment facilities.

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Collecting vast amounts of data for large-scale remediation initiatives can create numerous issues. Large-scale cleanup activities necessitate the collection and analysis of data in real-time to facilitate quick decision-making. In a distant area with terrible weather conditions or rugged terrain, poor cell coverage and an inconsistent internet connection may render digital technologies ineffective, necessitating paper-based manual data collection. Manual data collection causes a delay between the gathering of data and its use by mine managers, as well as a less efficient workflow, especially when several individuals require access to vital data.

Data handling in real-time at the Faro Mine

The Faro Mine was previously the world's largest open-pit lead-zinc mine, and the Faro Mine Remediation Project is one of Canada's largest and most challenging mine cleaning initiatives. Digital solution providers, for instance, Parsons, will provide site management services, such as occupational health and safety, environmental and geotechnical management, project management, construction management, and procurement services, for the remediation plan work.

Initially, however, Faro Mine needed a significant number of conventional data collection and networking instruments. The distant location is located in the far north. Poor cellular reception and intermittent internet connectivity are present. The widespread occurrence of temperatures below -20° C challenges the use of digital technology in the field, as many instruments meant for data collecting do not function at these levels. Harsh site conditions and poor Internet connectivity have hampered the move from analog to digital data collecting at the facility.

Fortunately, digital solution providers overcame some of the difficulties associated with operating in such remote and severe environments, allowing the team to collect data digitally and communicate information to decision-makers in a timely and meaningful format.

Wi-Fi amplifiers are distributed throughout the site's water treatment facilities, and digital data collection in the field using a dashboard. Additionally, using project management information systems and computerized maintenance management systems facilitates the automation of treatment system alarms and the performance of administrative activities, including preserving vital spare parts inventory. In addition, a database was utilized to link field data parameter values to an on-site laboratory information management system (LIMS). A LIMS was implemented for the on-site laboratory to update the online maps automatically as samples are processed. This expedites reporting water quality sample results and enables the team to respond to changes more quickly than in the past.

As a result, the speed and accuracy of reporting improved, while the amount of human data entering decreased dramatically. This provides decision-makers with the data required to oversee site operations and guarantee that remediation efforts are carried out efficiently and correctly.

Gathering precise data ensures the safety of employees and the environment by measuring treatment system performance, evaluating work conditions, and, in some instances, finding chances for distance control and the proper equipment required for jobs. In addition, emphasizing the most pertinent data immediately, regardless of the dataset size, keeps the project schedule on track, reduces project costs and time, and enables the assessment of treatment trends before the occurrence of a problem.