annual report 2004 - Severočeské doly a.s.

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tion plants based on the oxidation neutralization principle. Waste water is treated in highly effective
mechanical and biological purification plants. Besides the quality of discharge water, the company
also monitors the amount discharged. Monitored discharge water quality is guaranteed by the company’s
own laboratory, which is equipped with state-of-the-art analytical equipment. In 2004, the company
completed the first stage of a project to increase the capacity of the mine water treatment plant for Doly
Nástup Tušimice Březno, and this structure was put into trial operation.
Waste Management
The number-one priority for Severočeské doly is to minimize waste generation, especially with regard
to hazardous waste. The company organizes waste collection, sorting and reuse. Waste that cannot be
reused is liquidated by incineration or, if it cannot be incinerated, by landfill disposal.
Noise
Sources of noise at both mines are large machinery, conveyor belts, and supplementary mechanical
equipment. The distance of the source and the terrain are key factors determining how far noise
will spread. Noise levels are monitored on a regular monthly basis in all towns affected by the mining
operations. The monitoring is carried out by independent accredited laboratories and the relevant
municipalities receive results every month.
Outlook
In connection with an upcoming ecological audit, an agreement was concluded with the National
Property Fund of the Czech Republic in 2002 on the settlement of ecological liabilities occurring
prior to privatization. In 2004, intensive work continued in accordance with negotiated processes,
as set forth in the agreement.
The audit of results in the field of environmental protection suggests that the trend pursued by
the company is the right path to take. The approach to this issue will not change much in the upcoming
period, although the company will be subject to more stringent requirements as Czech law is
harmonized with EU legislation.
Environmental expenditure in 2004 (CZK millions)
water protection — 19.4
clean air and climate protection — 33.2
waste management — 3.5
Cleanup and Reclamation
0 100 200 300 400 500 600
reclamation — 312.4
other projects — 89.2
capital expenditure — 115.0
Thoroughly prepared and executed post-mining land reclamation and environmental stability is an integral
part of the company’s activities. Current reclamation practices, based on a landscaping concept,
do not just focus on reclaiming land for agricultural purposes; reclamation measures are being
introduced which correspond to the social and economic conditions throughout the region. The company
also takes into account non-mining industrialization, urbanization of the landscape, population
density, employment, and the agricultural and forest land resources. Reclaimed land must fulfil
basic functions – it must be ecologically balanced, free of health and hygiene defects, economically
exploitable, and, not least, aesthetically pleasing. The results achieved so far by the company reveal
that, with a knowledge of the nature of the excavation of relocated rock formations and all natural
relations in the area, solutions can be found which significantly reduce the negative impacts on the environment.
Thanks to its extensive research, differentiated approach to individual localities, and financial
power, Severočeské doly has all that is required for the organic re-incorporation of areas devastated
by mining into the landscape under the Krušné Hory mountain range.