Satellite remote sensing in assessing the environmental impact of large-scale surface mining operations

This dissertation examines the capability of advanced remote sensing as a technique for investigating the cumulative impacts of large-scale open pit mining and processing operations. Long-term satellite measurements at medium (1km) and fine (30m) spatial resolutions are employed for assessing land cover and land use change resulting from mining development. Particular emphasis is placed on extracting information from remote sensing measurements needed for an effective assessment approach. The developed methods were used for investigating the environmental impact of oil sand mining located north of Fort McMurray, Alberta, in the Athabasca Oil Sands region.; The outputs of the research contribute to the: (1) advance satellite data radiometric and geometric corrections, (2) methods for extracting geophysical parameters required for environmental monitoring and forecasting, and (3) use of remote sensing in assessing surface mining impacts on vegetation.; This dissertation is organized into eight chapters. Chapter 1 provides relevant background information, a short research overview and identifies gaps and objectives. Chapter 2 examines the role, presents the general terminology and concepts used in environmental assessment studies. Chapter 3 focuses on environmental impacts associated with surface mining. It is structured according to the development activities associated with the mine lifecycle. Each activity is elaborated from the environmental aspect on which it may have an impact. Satellite images are used to illustrate examples of the impacts and to demonstrate the capability of remote sensing to detect different aspects of environmental degradation. Chapter 4 evaluates the potential links between remote sensing and quantitative impact assessment methods. It evaluates the information extraction procedures, change detection and other remote sensing techniques that can be used in quantitative impact assessment studies. Chapter 5 captures the range of specialized knowledge required for processing remote sensing data before they can be used in an environmental impact assessment study. It is focused on evaluating and understanding sources of noise present in satellite measurements and on data quality improvement throughout appropriate systematic corrections. Chapter 5 also presents a historical archive of radiometrically consistent satellite data generated for studying the environmental consequences of mining development in the Athabasca Oil Sands region. Chapter 6 and 7 present an innovative methodology for remote sensing based quantitative impact assessment, demonstrate and evaluate its use in a case study carried out on the Athabasca Oil Sands region for the period 1990-2002. Chapter 8 provides concluding remarks and the recommendations for future research.