This section provides guidance on how to develop a monitoring program to effectively identify impacts occurring during all phases of project implementation, to ensure that impacts stay below predefined impact thresholds.
Objectives
Develop a monitoring program to determine impacts during the life of a project
Develop a response strategy based on an adaptive management approach
Determining the impact of a project and the effectiveness of mitigation strategies ensures that project impacts are as anticipated and do not exceed acceptable levels. This module provides guidance on developing monitoring programs for all phases of project implementation. The focus is on cost-effective, targeted approaches that can be used to effectively and quickly identify impacts occurring during all phases of project implementation, to ensure that impacts stay below predefined impact thresholds. Monitoring programs should be developed using the concepts of adaptive management.
Follow the links below for guidance on how to identify resources to be monitored, determine project effects and remedial responses, and monitor reclamation success.
Identifying Resources to Be Monitored
This section provides guidance on identifying the resources to be monitored. Because all resources cannot be monitored, guidance will be provided on identifying resources that are representative or that can serve as indicators of broader effects.
Determining Project Effects and Remedial Responses
This section provides guidance on determining the significance of impacts. Significant impacts will be the focus of mitigation measures and possible adjustment of project features.
Monitoring Reclamation Success
Monitoring reclamation success will be an important part of any project and will be needed to mitigate project impacts after a project is complete. This section provides guidance on how to develop and implement a scientifically defensible monitoring plan for reclamation.
