standardization of environmental data and information - International ...

Chapter 21
Standardization Strategies
Dr. Rahul Sharma, Scientist, National Institute of Oceanography,
Dona Paula, Goa, India
1. Summary
Environmental data collection is gaining momentum as a
prerequisite for commercial mining of marine mineral resources. Various
research groups are attempting to assess and predict the impact on the
marine environment from small-scale disturbance experiments, as well as
modelling studies. However, due to differences in scale of operation and
design of future mining systems, it is necessary to adopt standard
procedures and protocols to enable intercomparison of data and to
formulate guidelines for conducting impact-assessment studies as well as
monitoring the marine environment.
The procedures include those for sample collection, preservation,
preparation and analysis. This involves data from navigation systems,
evaluation of topography and seabed features, analyses for chemical, grainsize,
stratigraphic and geotechnical properties of sediment, studies of
benthic fauna (mega-, macro-, meio- and micro-), suspended particles from
sediment plume, as well as physical and chemical characteristics of the
entire water column.
Besides the standardization of procedures, there is a requirement
to identify indicator parameters and to set up acceptable limits of
environmental impacts, which will act as guidelines for a potential
contractor to design and operate a mining system in future.
2. Introduction
Assessment of environmental impact resulting from any commercial
venture has become a prerequisite for successful implementation of a
project, due to an increasing concern for conservation of the environment.
It is essential not only to be able to predict the potential impact on the
environment but also to provide measures to restrict and counter that
impact. Thus, it is becoming mandatory for a contractor to ensure the
safety of the environment before launching any new venture. Similar
concern for conservation of the marine environment has led to concerted
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