Establishing stygofauna monitoring
CDM Smith established groundwater monitoring infrastructure for subterranean groundwater dependent ecosystems (GDEs) (stygofauna).
Client
BHP
Location
West Musgrave, Western Australia
Practices
Markets
Managing water and environmental impacts for BHP in Western Australia
Since 2017, CDM Smith has supported BHP, and previously OZ Minerals, on the West Musgrave nickel-copper project, providing groundwater and surface water support for water supplies, mine water management and water-related environmental issues. The work includes a groundwater conceptual model, baseline reports, effects assessments, water infrastructure cost estimates and numerical contaminant transport modelling.
Contaminant transport modelling
The team used numerical modelling to understand the transport of contaminants of concern associated with pit lake water.
Assessing environmental effects
Groundwater and surface water effects assessments considered potentially impacted receptors, including local groundwater-dependent ecosystems.
Engineering design and cost estimation
CDM Smith provided engineering design and capital and operating cost estimates for water-related infrastructure servicing the mine.
The extensive working relationship between CDM Smith and OZ Minerals/BHP project teams has provided a strong basis for delivering exceptional technical outcomes for this project. CDM Smith brings together hydrogeology, geochemistry, groundwater modelling, groundwater-surface water interaction, engineering design and GDE expertise to support complex, multifaceted project needs. Our knowledge of local environmental legislation and regulatory processes helps us tailor our approach to meet project objectives.
Client
BHP
Location
West Musgrave, Western Australia