Tailings Storage Facility Daily Monitoring Checklist
This comprehensive tailings storage facility daily monitoring checklist ensures regulatory compliance with EPA, MSHA, MAC, ICMM, State Dam Safety Authority. Daily inspection and monitoring of tailings storage facilities (TSF) covering embankment stability, seepage, piezometer readings, and instrumentation per MAC Guide to the Management of Tailings Facilities and ANCOLD Guidelines. Addresses dam safety risks highlighted by global TSF failures at Brumadinho and Mount Polley. Complete all sections
- Industry: Mining & Quarrying
- Frequency: Per Shift / Daily
- Estimated Time: 45 minutes
- Role: Mine Safety Officer / Site Manager
- Total Items: 22
- Compliance: EPA, MSHA, MAC, ICMM, State Dam Safety Authority
Embankment Visual Inspection
Daily visual inspection of embankment per MAC Guide Chapter 3.
- Are upstream and downstream slopes free of slumping, cracking, or heaving indicating instability?
- Is phreatic surface (seepage emergence) absent from downstream slope face?
- Are there no new wet spots, springs, or boils on downstream slope or toe?
- Is dam crest clear of depressions, cracks, or differential settlement?
- Does current freeboard exceed minimum required per dam design (typically 1.0-1.5 m minimum)?
- Are spillways, ditches, and slope surfaces free of erosion rills or gullies?
Piezometer and Instrumentation Readings
Record and trend piezometer data per dam safety monitoring plan.
- Have all required piezometers been read and recorded per monitoring schedule?
- Are pore pressures within trigger action response plan (TARP) Level 1 thresholds?
- Have settlement pins and survey monuments been read per quarterly schedule?
- Are inclinometer readings within alert levels established in dam safety review?
- Is monitoring data uploaded to TSF monitoring database within 24 hours of reading?
- If any TARP trigger levels exceeded, have required notifications been made to responsible engineer?
Decant System and Pond Management
Inspect decant and water management per facility operating plan.
- Is decant tower or spillway structure free of damage, blockage, or structural distress?
- Is tailings pond positioned to maintain minimum beach width and setback from embankment per design?
- Is decant water quality tested per monitoring plan before discharge to receiving environment?
- Is pond freeboard adequate to contain design storm event without overtopping?
- Are tailings pipeline and spigot systems functioning without blockages or leaks?
Emergency Preparedness and Response
Verify emergency response readiness per ICMM Good Practice Guide.
- Is Emergency Action Plan (EAP) current within past 12 months and filed with downstream emergency managers?
- Has EAP tabletop or full-scale drill been conducted within past year?
- Is dam break inundation map current and distributed to downstream emergency responders?
- Is emergency notification list current with regulatory authority, downstream residents, and responsible engineer contacts?
- Is tailings closure and reclamation plan in place and bonded per regulatory requirements?
Related Mining Quarrying Checklists
- Underground Mine Electrical Systems Inspection Checklist
- Underground Mine Ground Control and Support Systems Checklist
- Mineral Processing Plant Safety Inspection Checklist
- Mine Dewatering and Pump System Inspection Checklist
Why Use This Tailings Storage Facility Daily Monitoring Checklist?
This tailings storage facility daily monitoring checklist helps mining & quarrying teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for mine safety officer / site manager professionals, this checklist covers 22 critical inspection points across 4 sections. Recommended frequency: per shift / daily.
Ensures compliance with EPA, MSHA, MAC, ICMM, State Dam Safety Authority. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Tailings Storage Facility Daily Monitoring Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 22 inspection items across 4 sections: Embankment Visual Inspection, Piezometer and Instrumentation Readings, Decant System and Pond Management, Emergency Preparedness and Response. It is designed for mining & quarrying operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed per shift / daily. Each completion takes approximately 45 minutes.
Who should use this Tailings Storage Facility Daily Monitoring Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Mine Safety Officer / Site Manager professionals in the mining & quarrying industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.