Pests
Pest control starts with those bought in by contractors (Envirotech, 2013)
The control of pests can cause a significant disruption to the biodiversity of the site, including disruption to wildlife and harm to vegetation. Pests can be other naturally occurring, or as the result of the contractor’s on the site (Australian Centre for Sustainable Mining Practices, 2011).
Implementation
Ensuring that a strong pest prevention strategy is implemented and followed is the key to ensuring the pests are controlled. EMM Resources pest control strategy is centred around those pests which can be prevented, those that are introduced by humans.
The control of pests as a result of human behaviour, such as the contractors, is crucial. There are several ways in which these risks can be minimised:
The control of pests as a result of human behaviour, such as the contractors, is crucial. There are several ways in which these risks can be minimised:
- Before entering and exiting the site, all vehicles are to be thoroughly washed down in a designated area, ensuring that they are not unknowingly carrying any harmful seeds or insects which can damage the biodiversity of the area (Australian Centre for Sustainable Mining Practices, 2011). This is a compulsory requirement for vehicles to either enter or exit the site.
- Areas of highly significant ecological diversity should be avoided entirely, or if necessary, access should be restricted to only those absolutely necessary. By doing this, it unnecessary traffic is stopped through these areas, reducing the damage and potential for pests to become introduced.
- Finally, materials being used on the site should be thoroughly cleaned and inspected prior to use (Australian Centre for Sustainable Mining Practices, 2011). This follows along the lines of the cleaning of vehicles, as construction materials and equipment can transport pests into the site. Any materials entering the site should be thoroughly inspected prior to entering the site.
Evaluation
Weeds and other pests can damage an areas biodiversity (Heliway, 2013)
EMM Resources will monitor the effectiveness of this pest prevention strategy by strictly monitoring the process. In evaluating how effective the process has been, EMM Resources will look towards establishing benchmark figures with respect to pests identified in areas. This will include
ensuring that no pests are recorded from being in outside of the site, and that no pests are recorded within the areas identified as being of high ecological diversity.
References
Australian Centre for Sustainable Mining Practices. (2011). A Guide to Leading Practice Sustainable Development in Mining. Retrieved May 5, 2013, from http://www.ret.gov.au/resources/documents/lpsdp/guidelpsd.pdf
Envirotechnics. (n.d.). Mining Pest Control. Retrieved May 5, 2013, from
http://www.envirotechnics.com.au/mining-pest-control/
Heliway. (2013). Animal/Pest Control. Retrieved May 21, 2013, from
http://www.heliway.com.au/photo_gallery/animal___pest_control.php
Envirotechnics. (n.d.). Mining Pest Control. Retrieved May 5, 2013, from
http://www.envirotechnics.com.au/mining-pest-control/
Heliway. (2013). Animal/Pest Control. Retrieved May 21, 2013, from
http://www.heliway.com.au/photo_gallery/animal___pest_control.php