GUIDELINES FOR MINIMISING IMPACTS OF SAND MINING

ON QUALITY OF SPECIFIC RIVERS IN SABAH

Published by

Environment Protection Department

Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Preparation and printing of the guidelines is funded by the Federal Government
through Sabah Economy Development and Industry Authority

First Edition: August 2011

ISBN: 978 – 983 – 40149 – 4 – 0

FOREWORD

The 'Guidelines for Minimising Impacts of Sand Mining on Quality of Specific

Rivers in Sabah' has been produced by the Environment Protection Department,
Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Sabah, as part of the project on
'Impact Study of Palm Oil Mills, Oil Palm Plantations and Other Pollutants on the
Quality of Selected Rivers in Sabah', which focused on five rivers in Eastern
Sabah.

These guidelines aim to provide guidance to government agencies, the sand

mining operators and relevant stakeholders on how to minimize impacts on rivers
by the sand mining activities and subsequently enhance the water quality of
rivers in Sabah. These guidelines take a multi-pronged approach and tackle
issues like regulatory/institutional requirements, development planning/site
selection, Best Management Practices (BMPs) for sand mining operators,
appropriate extraction methods, monitoring and community engagement as well
as undertaking closing plans and rehabilitation works. The best management
practices promoted are based on industry experience throughout Malaysia and
elsewhere. We believe that the implementation of best management practices
will not only minimise pollution but will also enhance performance and
productivity of the sand mining operators – resulting in a win-win situation.

I would like to record my gratitude and appreciation to all agencies and

individuals for their invaluable contribution and continued support.

Yabi Yangkat
Director of Environment Protection Department,
Sabah
TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS i
LIST OF FIGURES ii
LIST OF TABLES ii
LIST OF PLATES iii
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS iv

INTRODUCTION
1.1 PURPOSE ............................................................................................... 1-1
1.2 BACKGROUND ......................................................................................... 1-1
1.3 ISSUES ................................................................................................... 1-2

REGULATORY AND INSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENTS

2.1 SABAH LAND ORDINANCE 68 ................................................................... 2-1
2.2 ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION ENACTMENT 2002 BY STATE OF SABAH ......... 2-2
2.3 ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION (PRESCRIBED ACTIVITIES) (EIA) ORDER
2005 BY EPD ......................................................................................... 2-3
2.4 SABAH W ATER ENACTMENT RESOURCES, 1998 ....................................... 2-3

SITE SELECTION AND ASSESSMENT

3.1 INTRODUCTION........................................................................................ 3-1
3.2 SAND MINING POLICY AND GUIDELINE ...................................................... 3-2
3.3 SETBACKS AND MINING ENVELOPE LEVELS FOR IN-STREAM MINING
BY THE DID MALAYSIA (FEDERAL) ............................................................ 3-5

3.4 SETBACKS AND MINING ENVELOPE LEVELS FOR IN-STREAM MINING

BY THE DID SABAH (STATE) .................................................................... 3-6

RECOMMENDED MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

4.1 INTRODUCTION........................................................................................ 4-1
4.2 OPERATIONAL PRACTICES ....................................................................... 4-3
4.3 STOCKPILING MANAGEMENT .................................................................... 4-3
4.4 PROCESSING SITE AND MAINTENANCE YARD ........................................... 4-5
4.5 CONTROLLING RUN-OFF AND DISCHARGE ................................................. 4-6
4.5.1 CONSTRUCTION OF SEDIMENT POND ............................................ 4-6
4.5.2 CONSTRUCTION OF DRAINAGE W AYS ............................................ 4-9
4.6 APPROPRIATE TRANSPORTATION METHODS ........................................... 4-11
4.7 MODIFYING OPERATIONAL PRACTICES W ORKING TIME ............................ 4-12

i
MONITORING AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
5.1 INTRODUCTION........................................................................................ 5-1
5.2 MONITORING PLAN .................................................................................. 5-1
5.2.1 SAND REPLENISHMENT, GEOMORPHOLOGY AND HYDROLOGY ........ 5-2
5.2.2 RIPARIAN HABITAT ....................................................................... 5-5

CLOSING PLAN/ REHABILITATION

6.1 SAND W ASHING AREA ............................................................................. 6-1
6.2 STOCKPILE AREA .................................................................................... 6-1
6.3 REVEGETATION ....................................................................................... 6-2
6.4 IMPROVEMENT OF RIVERBANKS................................................................ 6-2

REFERENCES....................................................................................... R-1

ANNEX................................................................................................... A-1

GLOSSARY ........................................................................................... G-1

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 2.1: Procedure for River Sand Mining Licence Application................ 2-4

Figure 3.1: Volume Extraction Determination Using Sediment Rating

Curve ......................................................................................... 3-4

Figure 3.2: Setback, ―redline‖ and Maximum Allowable Mining Depth

for In-Stream Mining by the National DID, Malaysia ................... 3-5

Figure 4.1: Cross-Section of Sediment Pond ............................................... 4-7

LIST OF TABLES

Table 3.1: Allowable Depth of Sand Extraction ........................................... 3-6

Table 4.1: Pond Measurement and Number of proposed Ponds ................ 4-9

ii
LIST OF PLATES

Plate 4.1: Suction dredging is a common practice for river sand

mining in the Eastern Sabah. ..................................................... 4-2

Plate 4.2: Dredged material is pumped into a pit for washing. ................... 4-2

Plate 4.3: Sand is washed using water from river, segregating sand
from pebbles, organic matter and debris. Silted run-off
may pass through a pond prior to discharge into the river. ......... 4-2

Plate 4.4: Good practice with sand stockpile more than 30m from the
river bank................................................................................... 4-4

Plate 4.5: Sand is dredged and piled up on the riverbank. ......................... 4-4

Plate 4.6: Poor practice with sand stockpiled too close to the edge of
the river. .................................................................................... 4-4

Plate 4.7: Skid tank properly bunded and with concrete flooring. ............... 4-5

Plate 4.8: Workshop/maintenance yard is concreted with perimeter

drainage to collect oil residue. ................................................... 4-5

Plate 4.9: Illustration of sediment pond with silt trap. ................................. 4-8

Plate 4.10: Poor practice without Holding or Sediment Pond. Note the
silted water discharges immediately back to the river. ............... 4-8

Plate 4.11: Provision for check dam to reduce velocity of the water and
to retain sediment flow. ............................................................ 4-10

Plate 4.12: Placement of riprap rock under the outfall to prevent

scouring on the riverbank. ....................................................... 4-10

Plate 4.13: Washout water is drained using concrete drain, but in

some cases utilising earthen drainage. .................................... 4-10

Plate 4.14: Discharge of washout water using PVC pipe straight back
into the river. ............................................................................ 4-10

Plate 4.15: Plastic sheet is used to cover sand material to prevent

sand fall out and fugitive dust. ................................................. 4-11

Plate 4.16: Barge with containment and raised wall to prevent sand
fallout. ...................................................................................... 4-12

Plate 6.1: Planting of Vetiver grass on riverbank. ...................................... 6-2

iii
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

ACLR Assistant Collector Land Revenue

BMP Best Management Practices

DID Department of Irrigation and Drainage

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment

EPD Environment Protection Department (State of Sabah)

GIS Geographic Information System

HQ Headquarters

JMG Mineral and Geosciences Department (Jabatan Mineral dan

Geosains)

JUPEM Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia (Jabatan Ukur dan

Pemetaan Malaysia)

LSD Lands and Surveys Department

MASMA Manual Baru Saliran Mesra Alam

OSC One Stop Centre

PMM Proposal for Mitigation Measures

PVC Polyvinyl Chloride

TOL Temporary Occupation License

iv
1
INTRODUCTION

1.1 PURPOSE
The purpose of this guideline is:

 To guide government agencies and local authorities in minimizing and

monitoring impacts of river sand mining on the quality of specific rivers
in Sabah; and

 To guide sand mining operators in implementing Best Management

Practices (BMPs) and appropriate extraction methods, carrying out
monitoring and community engagement as well as undertaking closing
plans and rehabilitation work.

The geographic scope is focused on the middle reaches of the Segama River in
Eastern of Sabah.

1.2 BACKGROUND
The study on the impact of polluting activities on water quality of specific rivers in
Sabah has identified sand mining as one of the important pollution sources
contributing to the degradation of the water quality of the Sg. Segama one of the
specific rivers studied. Most of the sand mining activities were located in the
middle stretch of the river at the time of the study.

In Sabah, river sand mining is carried out mainly for two purposes, namely,
development requirements for road construction, building materials as well as
channel deepening for flood control and ensuring adequate flow for water intake

1-1
points. In-stream sand mining is the only method used in the targeted rivers.
However, this practice has become an environmental issue as the demand for
sand has increased for industry and construction activities in recent years.

In-stream sand mining can adversely impact water quality of the particular river
extraction point as well as causing indirect adverse impacts to the aquatic
habitats. Excessive removal of sand may significantly distort the natural
equilibrium of a stream channel. By removing sediment from the active channel
bed, in-stream mining interrupts the continuity of sediment transport through the
river system, disrupting the sediment mass balance in the river downstream and
inducing channel adjustments (usually incision) extending considerable distances
(commonly 1 km or more) beyond the extraction site itself.

1.3 ISSUES
Several common issues derived from the sand mining activities are as follows:

Channel erosion – In-stream mining has been known to alter the geometry of
the river channel thus promoting scouring and erosion. Although erosion of
riverbanks is naturally occurring phenomena, it is known that sand mining
activities accelerate the problem. Extraction of bed material in excess of
replenishment by transport from upstream causes the bed to lower (degrade)
upstream and downstream of the site of removal. Bed degradation can also
undermine bridge supports, pipelines or other structures. Degradation may
change the morphology of the riverbed, which constitutes one aspect of the
aquatic habitat.

Water quality – Mining activities impact water quality through increased turbidity
by re-suspension of sediment as well as through oil spills due to leakages from
machinery used in the activities. Thus water quality may be adversely impacted
particularly for downstream beneficial users. Loss of areas to be used as fishing,
navigation, eco-tourism and leisure can also an issue.

Ecological impact – Mining activities can alter the ecology of a stream by

disrupting the food chain or by destroying habitats of affected areas. The
photosynthetic abilities of benthic organisms may also affected when turbidity due
to the mining increases. If a floodplain aquifer drains to the stream, groundwater
levels can be lowered as a result of bed degradation. Lowering of the water table
can destroy riparian vegetation.

1-2
Nuisance factors – Mining activities are also associated with problems related to
transportation of materials from site resulting in dust dispersion, noise, increased
traffic density and damage to roads.

1-3
2
REGULATORY AND
INSTITUTIONAL
REQUIREMENTS

Although the sand mining activity is governed by the State Enactments as listed
below, up till now there have been problems with implementation, partly driven by
the increasing demand for sand and river stone used for construction activities.
In Sabah, water quality protection is exercised by a combination of Federal, State
and local Government authorities. However, the Federal agencies only focus on
selected point sources of pollution while the state agencies focus on land
management and non-point sources. The applicable State legislations are
described in the following sections:

2.1 SABAH LAND ORDINANCE 68

The Sabah Land Ordinance (Section 23) and Sabah Land Rule 3, has
highlighted that any extraction activities (to occupy and extract any timber or
other forest produce or any earth, gravel, stones, coral, shell, guano, sand, loam
or clay, or any bricks, lime, cement or other commodities manufactured from the
materials aforesaid) need to obtain license(s) from the State Government. The
relevant State agencies which are involved in the issuance of approvals and
licenses are the EPD, DID and LSD respectively. The LSD issues a license
through the Assistant Collector Land Resources (ACLR) to an applicant for the
removal of stone, earth and river sand from State land and alienated land under
Section 23 (A) of Land Ordinance 1930 and land rule 3 (2). The EPD requires an
EIA approval prior to project commencement as it falls under the Second
Schedule of the Environment Protection (Prescribed Activities) (Environmental

2-1
Impact Assessment) Order 2005. The Director of DID may issue a written
approval for the removal of materials from a river or river reserve under Section
41 of the Water Resources Enactment 1998.

2.2 ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION ENACTMENT 2002

This Enactment makes provisions relating to the protection of the environment. It
allows for the State to impose the need to prepare and obtain approval for an
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report or a Proposal for Mitigation
Measures (PMM) for any activity (non-prescribed) that has or likely to have an
adverse impact on the environment. Any Government authority can also insist on
an EIA to be carried out for an activity under their jurisdiction for the same
purpose. The control of pollution-causing activity or one likely to cause pollution
can also be controlled via the issuance of a license. Thus, the State is able to
impose any measure or condition necessary for the protection of the environment
in connection with any activity including:

‘Item 20 (d): excavation or dredging in water courses or altering the source and
course of banks or streams’.

Item 32 of the Enactment also adds that ‘no person shall discharge any pollutant
into the water or any pollutant onto or into any land that can result in pollutant
entering the water in a manner that has or is likely to have a significant adverse
impact on the environment’.

The Enactment also provides for the State to provide rules for an activity such as
sand mining in the State, thus, making such an activity able to be governed
effectively by law. Penalties can range from prohibition notices to fines to
imprisonment to compounds.

2-2
2.3 ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION (PRESCRIBED
ACTIVITIES) (EIA) ORDER 2005
Under the Second Schedule of the Environment Protection (Prescribed
Activities) (Environmental Impact Assessment) Order 2005, this activity is
listed as a prescribed activity under ‗item 9 (iii): Excavation or dredging of sand or
rock materials from water courses, streams, rivers, coastal area or sea for
commercial or construction purposes’, whereby an EIA study should be carried
out by the applicants and approval from the Department is required prior to the
commencement of the proposed Project.

2.4 SABAH WATER ENACTMENT RESOURCES, 1998

This Enactment provides for the sustainable management of water resources in
the State of Sabah to promote orderly, equitable and efficient use of water and to
maximize its economic, social and environmental benefits for the future. The
establishment of river reserves is provided for in Section 40 of this Enactment
which states that ‘river reserves are to be established on land which is within 20m
of the top of the bank of every river, including its estuary, where the channel is
not less than 3m wide’. River reserves can also be established in river channels
less than 3m wide for the purpose of protection of volume and flow of water in
water bodies which prevents the degradation of the quality of the water
resources. Section 41 of the Enactment then states that ‘it is an offence to
undertake any activity that involves the removal of natural vegetation or the
removal or deposition of materials and the carrying out of commercial or
agricultural activity without the approval of the State‘. This is directly applicable in
governing the operations of sand mining activities in the State and also allows the
State to cease or relocate such activities if it degrades the water quality of the
water body. Penalties imposed on the person carrying out such activity include
fines, imprisonment and prohibition orders.

Recognising the need to better govern the activity, the LSD has recently
formulated new application procedures (Figure 2.1) incorporating the
requirements of EPD and JMG for application of sand mining in Sabah. The
application procedures clearly state the processes for sand mining under TOL or
Short Term Lease on State Land and application for sand mining on titled land.
Both the procedures are similar, whereby applications shall be made in writing to
the LSD for a license to remove stone, earth and sand from State land or
alienated land through the ACLR in accordance to Section 23 of Land Ordinance

2-3
and Sabah Land Rule 3(2). For sand mining within State land, draft approval of
the land application is given to the applicants as the right to occupy. However,
for the issuance of the TOL, the applicants must meet the aforesaid
requirements. The Temporary Occupation License (T.O.L.) shall only be granted
when applicants meet the requirement to conduct an EIA study and obtain the
approval from the EPD.

(Source: Lands and Surveys Department, Sabah)

Figure 2.1: Procedure for River Sand Mining Licence Application

With the new procedures, it is anticipated that the TOL can be issued within 6 –
12 months. The duration is to provide sufficient time for the applicants to meet
the EIA requirements for approval. A One Stop Centre (OSC) meeting conducted
at the Headquarters (HQ) level weekly will help to expedite the approval process.

2-4
3
SITE SELECTION AND
ASSESSMENT

3.1 INTRODUCTION
In determining suitable sites for sand mining extraction the following factors
should be considered:

 The site must be at least 500 m away from the nearest sensitive
receptor such as water intake points, fish breeding areas, irrigation
areas and river sections used for navigation, recreational areas or
riverine settlement including the following:

 High risk channel erosion area;

 Sites known to be important fish breeding grounds;
 Gazetted environmentally-sensitive areas;
 Water supply intake-points for potable or irrigation water; and
 Proximity to burial reserves.

 The extraction rate of the sand must not exceed the replacement rate of
the accreting channel and may not be more than the determined
maximum extractable depth.

 Shallow and fast flowing river sections with steep channel slopes should
be avoided.

 Avoid interference with human activities.

 Avoid sections of the river used for navigation, recreation or fishing.

3-1
 Avoid any areas with settlements along riverbanks (within 500 m of the
bank or assessed as high erosion risk areas).

 Extraction should not be carried out in fast flowing river sections and
must be confined to the designated and demarcated areas.

 The Processing areas must be away from the river reserve.

3.2 SAND MINING POLICY AND GUIDELINE

The following policies should be taken into consideration before approving sand
mining permits:

 Ensure conservation of the river equilibrium and its natural environment.

 Avoid inducing erosion at the downstream reaches especially in areas

with hydraulic structures such as jetties, water intakes etc.

 Ensure the rivers are protected from bank and bed erosion beyond its
stable profile.

 Avoid interference with the river maintenance work by Department of

Irrigation and Drainage (DID) or other agencies.

 No obstruction to the river flow and water transport.

 Avoid pollution of river water leading to water quality deterioration.

The general guidelines for sand and gravel mining are as follows:

 Parts of the river reaches that experience deposition or aggradation

shall be identified first. Operators may be allowed to extract the sand
deposits in these locations to lessen siltation or aggradation problems.

 The distance between sites for sand mining shall depend on the
replenishment rate of the river. Sediment rating curve for the potential
sites shall be developed and checked against the extracted volumes of
sand.

 Sand may be extracted across the entire active channel during the dry
season (June to November).

3-2
 Layers of sand which could be removed from the river bed shall depend
on the width of the river and replenishment rate of the river (refer Figure
3.1).

 Sand shall not be allowed to be extracted where erosion may occur,

such as at the concave bank.

 Sand and gravel shall not be extracted within 1,000 meter from any
crucial hydraulic structure such as pumping station, water intakes,
bridges, buildings and such structures.

 Sand mining could be extracted from the downstream of the sand bar at
river bends. Retaining the upstream one to two thirds of the bar and
riparian vegetation is accepted as a method to promote channel
stability.

 Flood discharge capacity of the river could be maintained in areas

where there are significant flood hazards to existing structures or
infrastructure. Sand mining may be allowed to maintain the natural flow
capacity based on surveyed cross-section history.

3-3
Figure 3.1 outlines the process required in determining the locations, periods and
quantity for sand and gravel mining.

(Source: River Sand Mining Guidelines, DID)

Figure 3.1: Volume Extraction Determination Using Sediment Rating

Curve

3-4
3.3 SETBACKS AND MINING ENVELOPE LEVELS FOR IN-
STREAM MINING BY THE DID MALAYSIA (FEDERAL)
Guidelines issues by The Federal Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID)
specify setbacks and mining envelopes for in-stream mining.

The excavation must be setback for distance with a minimum of 10 m from the
main channel bank toward the flow channel. The stockpile must be located
beyond 30 m from the main channel bank.

The minimum depth of the excavation or the maximum allowable mining depth is
1.5 m from the sand surface and may not be deeper that the specified redline
which must be at least 1 m above the natural channel thalweg or base level
elevation as determined by the survey approved by DID as shown in Figure 3.2.

(Source: River Sand Mining Guidelines, DID)

Figure 3.2: Setback, “redline” and Maximum Allowable Mining Depth for In-
Stream Mining by the National DID, Malaysia

3-5
3.4 SETBACKS AND MINING ENVELOPE LEVELS FOR IN-
STREAM MINING BY THE DID SABAH (STATE)
Sabah State DID in its guidelines for river sand mining has mentioned that
extraction of sand can only be carried out on 1/3 of the river and the allowable
portion of extraction is the middle third of the river (refer Table 3.1 and Figure
3.2).

The depth of extraction from the base of the river is dependent on the width of the
river and the amount to be extracted as well as the replenishment rate of the
sand. Figure 3.3 illustrates the width of river in relation to its allowable depth of
extraction.

Table 3.1: Allowable Depth of Sand Extraction

Width of River Allowable Depth of Sand Extraction

Less than 10 metres Not Allowed
Between 10 and 20 metres 0.5 metres
Between 20 and 50 metres 1.0 metres
More than 50 metres 1.5 metres
(Source: Sabah State DID, Guidelines for River Sand Mining)

(Source: Sabah State DID, Guidelines for River Sand Mining)

Figure 3.3: Setback, Allowable Mining Portion for In-Stream Mining by

the State DID, Sabah

3-6
It should be noted that the State DID Sand Mining guidelines are more stringent
that those of the Federal DID and so should generally take precedence over the
federal guidelines.

The following Figure 3.4 illustrates the typical layout of river sand mining
operation.

(Source: EIA for proposed Sand Mining at Sg. Segama, Envsolve, 2011)

Figure 3.4: Typical Layout Plan of River Sand Mining Operations

3-7
4
RECOMMENDED
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

4.1 INTRODUCTION
This chapter outlines best management practices and addresses good
operational elements to minimise impacts for the following aspects in sand mining
operations:

 Operational practices;

 Stockpiling management;

 Processing Site/Maintenance yards;

 Appropriate Transportation Methods;

 Fuel storage/solid waste; and

 Practical BMPs and their effective implementation.

The most common method of river sand mining in the east coast region of Sabah
is the suction dredging method. Other methods, i.e. dredger, excavators or
manual removal may not be appropriate due to the dynamic of the river flow,
current and size of the river itself. Methods with high capital investment may not
be popular amongst the operators.

Suction dredging is commonly used due to its operation size, and the life span of
the activities, which is rather short and periodical depending on the demand of
sand. The sand extracted is normally for supply within the east coast region,

4-1
where development is not as robust as the west coast therefore sand extraction
is relatively active when there is demand. This method however promotes
environmental degradation; generally polluting the river by increasing the total
suspended solids and in some cases oil contamination.

A typical illustration of River Sand Mining Operation in East Coast Region of

Sabah is shown in Plate 4.1 – Plate 4.3.

Plate 4.1: Suction dredging is a Plate 4.2: Dredged material is

common practice for river sand pumped into a pit for washing.
mining in the Eastern Sabah.

Plate 4.3: Sand is washed using

water from river, segregating sand
from pebbles, organic matter and
debris. Silted run-off may pass
through a pond prior to discharge
into the river.

The following subsections illustrate the best management practices that can be
adhered to in order to minimise the impacts.

4-2
4.2 OPERATIONAL PRACTICES
 Mining must be confined to one side of the river and should avoid the
concave (i.e. erosion prone) side of the river;

 The use of river reserve as dumping area must be prohibited; the river
itself should not be used as dumping area;

 Machinery and transportation vehicles used in the operations must be

maintained well and be free of any leakages;

 Mining activities should be avoided after heavy rain events and at night
times;

 Impacts on river water quality must be minimised by construction of

sedimentation ponds with adequate peak run off control;

 De-silted materials must be placed away from the riverbank;

 Dry stockpiles must be covered;

 Vehicles transporting washed sand must maintain speed to not more

than 30km/hr, be covered to avoid spilling on public roads and should
travel on non-peak hours;

 Site office and workers quarters must be equipped with proper

sanitation facilities. No direct discharge of sewage or sullage must be
allowed into the river course;

 Proper waste collection bins must be provided; and

 Working areas must be made good after operations.

4.3 STOCKPILING MANAGEMENT

 Sand stockpiles must be located more than 30m away from the river
bank to prevent the sand stockpile from being washed away if the river
water level rises or during heavy rain;

 Organic matter, debris, pebbles stockpile must be located more than

30m away from the river bank, to prevent it from being washed away
when the river rises;

4-3
 The Stockpile area should be screened with zinc hoarding or any other
appropriate materials, with an approximate height of 2-2.5 m; and

 Sand should be washed using water from river, segregating sand from
pebbles, organic matter, and debris. The washing water should be
stored in a pond prior to discharge into the river.

Case 1: During the project period - assessments of sand mining along the
Segama River observed that in most cases stockpiles of both sand and waste
material (pebbles, debris, and organic matter) are normally placed near to the
edge of the river. There is a danger that such stockpiles will be washed away
during floods or heavy rainfall periods.

Plate 4.4: Good practice with sand

stockpile more than 30m from the
river bank.

Plate 4.5: Sand is dredged and Plate 4.6: Poor practice with sand
piled up on the riverbank. stockpiled too close to the edge of
the river.

4-4
4.4 PROCESSING SITE AND MAINTENANCE YARD
 No discharge of oily wastewater directly into the river;

 Wherever skid tank is used for fuel storage, it should be surrounded by

a bund and underlain with concrete flooring to prevent any spillages
reaching the river;

 Equipment, machinery and transportation leaving the site should always

be clean and if applicable, provision made for a wheel washing facility to
clean tyres prior to entering public roads;

 A maintenance yard should be concreted with perimeter drainage to

collect oily waste; and

 Overburden from mining activities is not allowed to be dumped on the

riverbank or riverine reserve (not less than 30m from the bank of the
river).

Plate 4.7: Skid tank properly Plate 4.8: Workshop/maintenance

bunded and with concrete yard is concreted with perimeter
flooring. drainage to collect oil residue.

4-5
4.5 CONTROLLING RUN-OFF AND DISCHARGE
River sand mining activities currently result in silt run-off and discharge into the
river. This silted run-off water contributes to higher total suspended particulates
in the river thereby increasing its turbidity. In the Eastern of Sabah, most of the
sand mining operators do not have ponds to contain their wash-out water or
proper drainage to channel their run-off.

4.5.1 Construction of Sediment Pond

The impacts on water quality can be mitigated by means of appropriate working

procedures such as provision for sediment pond and proper drainage ways.
Construction of sediment ponds at the processing site will be able to regulate run-
off and trap sediments prior to discharge via drainage ways (network of perimeter
and feeder drains).

Sedimentation ponds and siltation structures are used to minimise sediment

contributions to surface waters. Sedimentation ponds retain water and slow the
velocity so that sediment can settle to the bottom of the structure. They can be
excavated or may be constructed with an embankment of earthen materials.

It is recommended the ponds be located outside of natural drainages but if the

site is located in a drainage area, the water-produced up-gradient from the site
should be routed through an adequately sized culvert under the disturbed area
and sedimentation pond or around the disturbed area. One of the primary
concerns in developing a sediment pond is to create it so that required future
maintenance can be done effectively and economically.

4-6
(Source: MASMA Guidelines, DID 2000)

Figure 4.1: Cross-Section of Sediment Pond

4-7
Typical illustration of sediment pond with silt trap.

Plate 4.9: Illustration of sediment

pond with silt trap.

Case 2: Typical scenario along Sg. Segama where silt run-off from sand washing
goes into a shallow pit and then is immediately discharge into the river. The
small pit is to enable some settlement of sand which is then extracted by an
excavator. It is not able to retain any of the washing water because it is too
small.

Plate 4.10: Poor practice without

Holding or Sediment Pond. Note the
silted water discharges immediately
back to the river.

For effective sediment ponds, the following criteria are applicable:-

 Ponds should be maintained by removing sludge at the bottom of the

pond at regular interval;

 Sludge removed from the ponds should not be disposed near the ponds
or any waterways;

 Two ponds should be built in parallel to allow cleaning operations;

 Ponds should not be constructed on top of natural waterways or

streams.

4-8
Effective sediment ponds to control silted run-off depend largely on the size of the
operation and the amount of water used for sand washing. The ponds should be
able to hold sufficient amount of wastewater and run-off, with appropriate
retention time prior to final discharge point. The following Table 4.1 provides
guidance on pond specifications.

Table 4.1: Pond Measurement and Number of proposed Ponds

Holding Proposed No.

Category Capacity Pond size
volume of ponds
Small < 1,000 mt/month 40m3 6m x 2.5m x 1.5m 2
1,000 – 5,000
Medium 40 – 200m3 6m x 2.5m x 1.5m 3
mt/month
Large > 5,000 mt/month 200m3 10m x 3.5m x 2.0m 3
(Source: EIA Guideline for River Sand and Stone Mining by EPD)

4.5.2 Construction of Drainage Ways

Provision for good drainage systems as part of the mining operation ensures that
silted run-off will be controlled prior to discharge into river. In the east coast of
Sabah, most of the operations discharge their sand washout water straight into
the river, contributing to increased level of turbidity.

The following are applicable for provisions of drainage at the processing site:

 Outfall of the drainage should be placed with riprap to prevent scouring

of river bank;

 Perimeter drainage should be lined with geotextile and sand bag, and
with check dam to slow the sediment transport;

 Periodic maintenance of the drainage ways is needed to remove

deposited silt therefore deepening and widening the channel; and

 Design of drainage has to take into account the topography of the

processing site and the drainage ability to accommodate peak surface
run-off.

4-9
Plate 4.11: Provision for check dam Plate 4.12: Placement of riprap rock
to reduce velocity of the water and under the outfall to prevent scouring
to retain sediment flow. on the riverbank.

Case 3: Examples of sand washout from river sand mining operation in east
coast of Sabah. In the absence of a holding pond, which holds silted water prior
to discharge, washout water is discharged into a drain and channel directly into
the river.

Plate 4.13: Washout water is drained Plate 4.14: Discharge of washout

using concrete drain, but in some water using PVC pipe straight back
cases utilising earthen drainage. into the river.

4-10
4.6 APPROPRIATE TRANSPORTATION METHODS
Sand from the project site will be transported mainly via land and possibly by river
transportation. Land transportation involves lorries of various sizes. Impact of
this type of transportation will be fugitive dust from the sand itself and the gravel
road on which the lorries travel. Appropriate measures such as covering the
lorries with canvas or plastic sheets can prevent dust nuisance to road users and
local residents. Provision for wheel washing facilities can reduce earth from
soiling public roads.

Transportation of sand via river may be by barges. This method of transportation

is normally utilized for projects which have no road access or only accessible via
river. Impact from this method of transportation will be oily wastes due to
leakages, boat traffic hazards and disturbance to the riverbed. Regular
maintenance on barges is recommended to prevent oil leakages, which may
contaminate the river. Safety of other river users should also be a priority to sand
mining operators, therefore employment of personnel to regulate traffic flow is
recommended. Disturbance on the riverbed on the other hand can be minimised
by only allowing barge movement during periods of high water levels.

Land Transportation using Vehicles

Plate 4.15: Plastic sheet is used to

cover sand material to prevent sand
fall out and fugitive dust.

4-11
River Water Transportation via Barge

Plate 4.16: Barge with containment

and raised wall to prevent sand
fallout.

4.7 MODIFYING OPERATIONAL PRACTICES WORKING

TIME
Environmental impacts can be minimised by improvement and improvisation in
the working time. By operating at certain particular times, impact on the
environment can be minimised. The following can be used as guidelines for
mining operations.

There should not be any mining activities on the following periods:

 Where there is a water intake point is downstream of the mining site, no

operations should be carried out when the plant is taking in water.

 During breeding periods of fish and other aquatic inhabitants (the

operator should verify with the Fisheries Department).

 During low water level due to dry season or low tide (data from DID).

4-12
5
MONITORING AND
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

5.1 INTRODUCTION
This chapter outlines monitoring programs and due processes for continuous
community engagement as well as awareness programs with operators and
includes the following issues:

 Monitoring parameters, frequency and locations;

 Impact monitoring;

 Reporting Mechanism;

 Periodic sediment transport and hydrology assessment; and

 Affected communities and modes of effective engagement.

5.2 MONITORING PLAN

Monitoring will provide data to evaluate the upstream and downstream effects of
sand and gravel extraction activities, and long-term changes. A brief report
summarizing the annual results of the physical and biological monitoring should
document the evolution of the sites over time, and the cumulative effects of sand
and gravel extraction. The summary should also recommend any maintenance
or modification of extraction rates needed to minimise impacts of extraction
(PWA, 1996).

5-1
5.2.1 Sand Replenishment, Geomorphology and Hydrology

Physical monitoring requirements of sand extraction activities should include

surveyed channel cross-sections, longitudinal profiles, bed material
measurements, geomorphic maps, and discharge and sediment transport
measurements. The physical data will illustrate bar replenishment and any
changes in channel morphology, bank erosion, or particle size. In addition to
local monitoring for replenishment at specific mining sites, monitoring of the entire
reach to the estuary will provide information on the cumulative response of the
system to sand extraction. For example, it is important for downstream bars and
the estuary to receive sufficient sand to maintain estuarine structure and function.
Because the elevation of the bed of the channel is variable from year to year, a
reach-based approach to monitoring will provide a larger context for site-specific
changes.

If long-term monitoring data show that there is a reach-scale trend of bed

lowering (on bars or in the thalweg), the extraction should be limited.

a) Cross-sections

Surveyed channel cross-sections should be located at permanently monitored

sites upstream, downstream and within the extraction area. Cross-sections
intended to show reach-scale changes should be consistently located over
geomorphic features such as at the head of riffles, across the deepest part of
pools, or across particular types of channel bars. Cross-section spacing should
be close enough to define the morphology of the river channel. Cross-section
data should be surveyed after the flood season to evaluate changes that may
have occured. Cross-section data should be collected over the reach to the
estuary, and locally upstream, downstream, and within each mining site.

b) Reach Scale Cross-sections

 One long-term monitoring set to include the existing cross-sections to

illustrate long-term changes over the scale of the reach to the estuary.

 Cross-sections surveyed by other government agencies should be

incorporated into this programme.

 Additional cross-sections could be added to the set to aid in answering

specific questions that arise.

5-2
 Cross-section spacing should range from about 100 m to 250 m
depending on the local channel morphology.

 At least 10 survey points to be measured for each cross-section.

 It is advantageous to locate new cross-sections at the head (upstream

end) of riffles, where changes in bed elevation are most likely
representative of larger scale trends.

 This long-term monitoring data should be collected and analyzed even if

no mining occurs in order to understand the trends of the river.

c) Mining Site Cross-sections

 One set of cross-sections at each extraction site to illustrate local

changes related to specific in-stream extraction activities.

 At least 10 survey points to be measured for each cross-section at 20 to

30 m interval.

 Cross-sections should illustrate the upstream, mid-, and downstream

portion of the site being excavated, and at least one cross-section
upstream and one cross section downstream of the bar.

 Thus, at least five (5) cross-sections should be located at every

extraction site to illustrate local changes. Cross-sections should be
oriented perpendicular to the channel, extend from the top of bank to
the opposite top of bank, and show the morphology of the channel
(including the portion below the water surface).

 Survey notes should describe geomorphic features including top and

base of bank, edges of bars, thalweg (the deepest part of the channel)
and sediment characteristics.

 All cross-section elevations should be tied into a benchmark referenced

to Department Survey and Mapping Malaysia (JUPEM)‘s benchmark.

 By standardizing the horizontal and vertical reference datum, data can

be used in a watershed data base, or GIS which could be used to
address issues related to river stability, flood control, bed load transport,
and the cumulative effects of sand and gravel extraction.

5-3
 A standard format for recording cross-section data should be provided
to operators by DID to ensure that cross-section data is repeatable, and
usable as part of the long-term record.

d) Longitudinal Profile

A longitudinal profile should extend through a reach extending from upstream of

the project area to downstream of the project area. Profile points should be
surveyed in the thalweg and be detailed enough to illustrate the channel
morphology (riffle-pool sequences). Profile elevations should reference to
JUPEM‘s benchmark.

e) Geomorphic Maps

Geomorphic maps may be constructed using a tape and compass for the project
to illustrate channel morphology. Maps should illustrate bed and bank
characteristics of the channel and particle size.

f) Photo-documentation

Photographs of the project sites should be taken prior to excavation to document

the baseline conditions, and again during each monitoring session. Local field
photographic station locations should be mapped on the geomorphic map and
staked in the field in order to establish permanent photo stations.

g) Hydrology and Sediment Transport

Discharge and bed material measurements including suspended and bed load
transport measurements taken by DID should continue in order to provide a
statistically significant data base. Long-term data taken over a range of flows will
add to our knowledge of river processes and aid in objectively evaluating the
long-term trends in the river.

h) Groundwater Level

Monitoring wells should be established adjacent to any off-channel floodplain

excavation to record changes in ground water levels. Measurements should be
taken monthly.

5-4
5.2.2 Riparian Habitat

a) Extent and Quality of Riparian Vegetation

Document the extent and quality of riparian vegetation, including successional

status, and any increase in disturbance indicators (non-native plants). The extent
of riparian habitat can be determined utilizing aerial photos or satellite images.
Habitat quality data, i.e., successional status and species composition, must be
determined through field reconnaissance.

b) Riparian Vegetation Maps

Develop yearly maps of the sensitive habitat areas and document their aerial
extent over time. These maps may be combined with the geomorphic maps.
Monitor sites identified as sensitive for disturbance in excess of expected
geomorphic trends - i.e., massive bank wasting up or downstream from an active
mine site. Monitor sand mining impacts which may translate up and downstream,
causing accelerated erosion of sensitive zones and impacting the ability of new
habitat to form due to excessive scour or sedimentation.

5-5
6
CLOSING PLAN/
REHABILITATION

A closing plan or a rehabilitation programme should be undertaken by the sand

mining operators at the end of their project operation. The rehabilitation checklist
is appended in Annex A.1. The following measures can be undertaken to
rehabilitate the site:

6.1 SAND WASHING AREA

 Any pit/holes/ponds should be back-filled and compacted.

 The site should be cleared of any machinery, equipment and structures.

 Any access routes, especially if they are not beneficial to the local
community would need to be ploughed and replanted with native
species.

 River bank should be stabilized by means of compaction and then

planting with vegetation.

 Close and restore river bank where access ramps have been restored.
Ensure river channel is not obstructed and that repaired banks are
adequately fortified.

6.2 STOCKPILE AREA

Any sand and organic stockpiles be taken out of the mining site to enable the
rehabilitation process to take place.

The stockpile area should be re-vegetated with indigenous plant species.

6-1
6.3 REVEGETATION
 Tree species endemic to the area should be planted.

 Re-vegetate with indigenous plants which were removed from areas for
the mining of sand as far as is reasonably practical.

 Plant trees along the riverbanks with no or minimal vegetation,

irrespective of signs of erosion or not (ensure that species selected are
indigenous species).

6.4 IMPROVEMENT OF RIVERBANKS

Channel erosion often occurs on riverbanks with no or minimum vegetation
cover. Secondary rehabilitation measures could include:

 Plant trees along the riverbanks with no or minimal vegetation,

irrespective of signs of erosion or not. However, careful selection of
species is required to ensure that trees are suitable for banks
improvement as well as not interfering with the existing species.

 Construction of artificial walls such as sheet piling or gabions to protect

riverbanks with vegetation and with signs of erosion. Approval from DID
is required for the design and construction of this engineering works.

Plate 6.1: Planting of Vetiver grass

on riverbank.

6-2
REFERENCES

Collins, B. & Dunne, T. (1990). Fluvial Geomorphology and River-Gravel Mining:

A Guide for Planners, Case Studies Included. Special Publication 98,
California Department of Conservation, Division of Mines and Geology.

Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID). (2008). Garis Panduan untuk

Memproses Permohonan dan Menetapkan Syarat-Syarat Pengambilan
Pasir Sungai.

Department of Irrigation and Drainage. (2009). River Sand Mining Management

Guideline.

Environment Protection Department (EPD). (2000). EIA guidelines for River Sand
and Stone Mining.

Envsolve, (2011). EIA for proposed Sand Mining at Sg. Segama.

Kondolf, G.M., Smeltzer, M. & Kimball, L. (2001). Freshwater Gravel Mining and
Dredging Issues. Washington Departments of Fish and Wildlife, Ecology,
and Transportation, Olympia.

Philip Williams & Associates, Ltd (PWA). (1996). Garcia River Gravel
Management Plan. San Francisco.

R-1
ANNEX

Annex A.1

Rehabilitation Inspection Checklist

Lease Number: Date: Inspector:

Required
Objective Indicators Improvements
comments
Mining proceeded Rehabilitation Plan
in line with approved before
rehabilitation mining
plan? commences.
Surface reshaped Land stability
to obtain stability restored
Surface reshaped Drainage restored
to provide for Surface not prone
adequate to erosion
drainage
Surface reshaped Surface suitable
to give suitable for future intended
slopes for use
targeted land use.
Long term visual Surface blends
impacts into surrounding
Minimised environment

All waste removed Lease area free of

to licensed landfill waste
Reclaim Access i) Roads reclaimed
and haul roads where not needed
for future access.
ii) Access ramps
removed
Site restored to a Site safe to
safe condition humans and
animals

A-1
Required
Objective Indicators Improvements
comments

Overburden and Overburden and

spoil restored to spoil restored
pit

Fences removed, Fences removed,

and in such a way and in such a way
as to permit as to permit
revegetation revegetation

Signed: Inspector: ……………………….

Holder: Name: ……………………….

Designation: ……………………….

Signature: ……………………….

A-2
GLOSSARY
―Prescribed Any of the activities specified in the Schedule of the
activity‖ Environmental Protection (Prescribed Activities) Order
2005.

Environmental A report or series of reports which provides a detailed

impact assessment in quantitative and qualitative terms the
assessment likely impact of the activity on the environment, the
report measures on mitigation and the monitoring programme
needed to ensure compliance.

―Bank ― in relation Any bank, whether naturally or artificially formed.

to water body

―Bed‖ in relation The land under the water body bounded by the banks
to a water body closest to the water body subject to tidal influence,
means the land under the water body extending to the
highwater mark of ordinary spring tides.

Dredge Is a device for scraping or sucking the river/seabed,

used for dredging. A dredger is a barge or ship or boat
equipped with a dredge. The terms are sometimes
interchanged.

Floodplain The area of a river valley which is covered with water

when the river overflows during floods.

In-stream Refers to water use taking place within a stream or river

channel.

G-1
Material Includes sand soil, gravel, stones, vegetation whether
alive or dead, roots and other matter.

Pebble A class of rock with a particle size of 4 to 64 millimetres

based on the Krumbein phi scale of sedimentology.
Pebbles are generally considered to be larger than
granules and smaller than cobbles.

Riprap Also known as rip rap, rubble, shot rock or rock armour
— is rock or other material used to armour shorelines,
streambeds, bridge abutments, pilings and other
shoreline structures against scour, water or ice erosion.

River A continually or intermittently flowing body of water, and

includes a stream or modified watercourse but does not
include any artificial watercourse unless it is a declared
channel.

River reserve or A reserve established along the banks of a river to

shore reserve maintain natural vegetation or control development
activities.

Water body A river, estuary, lake, lagoon, swamp, marsh or other

wetland.

Water body An activity which involves or is likely to have the effect

alteration activity of-

 Excavating material from the bed, bank or

shore of a water body, or from a river or shore
reserve;

 Obstructing, diverting or detrimentally affecting

the flow or movement of water in a water body;

G-2
 Changing the course of a water body;

 Reducing the capacity of a water body to

contain water by filing or other means; or

 Reclaiming land within a water body.

Sediment Is naturally-occurring material that is broken down by

processes of weathering and erosion, and is
subsequently transported by the action of fluids such as
water.

Stockpile Is a pile or storage location for bulk materials, forming

part of the bulk material handling process.

Thalweg In hydrological and fluvial landforms, the thalweg is a

line drawn to join the lowest points along the entire
length of a stream bed or valley in its downward slope,
defining its deepest channel.

G-3