British Columbia Mine Reclamation Symposium

Marine reclamation: recovery of the sea floor community following mine tailing discharge Taylor, Laura

Abstract

Information on benthic colonization will further improve our understanding of the long-term impacts of mine tailing discharge upon benthic communities. Such knowledge is required to determine the recovery rate of benthic communities, and in establishing whether they eventually return to their predischarge state, or if a new and different community results. Further, benthic colonization studies may be useful in ascertaining if, and how, to diminish impacts by providing necessary background information for the development of reclamation and mitigation procedures. Thus, through implementation of sound resource management practices, it may be possible to substantially improve benthic habitat. Environmental regulatory agencies and industry may also refer to benthic colonization research when designing monitoring procedures, and establishing regulations for future marine tailing disposal systems.

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Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International