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A guide to leading practice sustainable development in mining

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Figure 3.7 – Morwell River after diversion<br />

Diversions are similar <strong>to</strong> dra<strong>in</strong>age structures <strong>in</strong> that their functional aim is <strong>to</strong> route<br />

flow around and away from the operation <strong>in</strong> a safe, predictable and efficient manner.<br />

Natural watercourses are dynamic (prone <strong>to</strong> flood<strong>in</strong>g and channel <strong>in</strong>stability),<br />

whereas diversions must be stable, conta<strong>in</strong> flows and not affect flood levels <strong>to</strong> an<br />

unacceptable degree. The diversion must also not act as a physical barrier <strong>to</strong> the<br />

migration of aquatic organisms. Operational diversions are, therefore, a tradeoff<br />

between environmental requirements (values, processes and variability) and<br />

certa<strong>in</strong>ty <strong>in</strong> hydraulic and geo-mechanical performance. Economic considerations<br />

provide some constra<strong>in</strong>ts on the extent <strong>to</strong> which environmental conditions can be<br />

realised compared with theoretical outcomes.<br />

86 LEADING PRACTICE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR THE MINING INDUSTRY

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