Mine Dewatering and Pump System Inspection Checklist

This comprehensive mine dewatering and pump system inspection checklist ensures regulatory compliance with MSHA, EPA, 30 CFR 75.380, State Water Authority. Inspection of underground and surface mine dewatering systems including sump pumps, main dewatering pumps, discharge lines, and water quality per MSHA and EPA requirements. Critical for preventing inundation incidents that have caused multiple fatalities in underground mines globally. Complete all sections to maintain compliance documentation

• Industry: Mining & Quarrying
• Frequency: Per Shift / Daily
• Estimated Time: 30 minutes
• Role: Mine Safety Officer / Site Manager
• Total Items: 21
• Compliance: MSHA, EPA, 30 CFR 75.380, State Water Authority

Main Pump Station Equipment

Inspect main dewatering pump station per 30 CFR 75.380.

• Is total pump station capacity capable of handling maximum anticipated inflow plus 25% safety factor?
• Is at least one fully functional standby pump available in case of primary pump failure?
• Are pumps operating within normal parameters (pressure, flow rate, amps)?
• Do pumps automatically start when water level reaches preset trigger elevation?
• Are discharge lines free of blockages with check valves preventing backflow?
• Is backup power supply (generator or alternative feed) available for pump station?

Sump and Inflow Monitoring

Monitor inflows and sump conditions.

• Is sump water level within normal operating range with adequate pump-down capacity?
• Has daily inflow rate been measured and compared against historical trends for anomalies?
• Has sudden unexpected increase in inflow rate been investigated for potential water source breakthrough?
• Is sump free of excessive sediment accumulation that reduces effective storage volume?
• Is high-water alarm set and functional to warn miners of rising water before critical level reached?

Inundation Prevention and Barrier Pillars

Verify inundation safeguards per 30 CFR 75.388.

• Are barrier pillars of adequate size maintained near water hazards per 30 CFR 75.388 requirements?
• Are advance boreholes drilled per 30 CFR 75.388 before mining within 200 feet of water hazard?
• Are mine maps current showing all water bodies, old workings, and impounded water within 1,000 feet?
• If inundation occurred, can miners reach safe egress within estimated inundation time?
• Are water hazard areas clearly marked on working maps and communicated to shift supervisors?

Discharge Water Quality

Verify compliance with NPDES permit discharge limits.

• Is mine water pH tested before discharge and within NPDES permit range (typically 6.0-9.0)?
• Are total suspended solids (TSS) within NPDES permit limit (typically 35-70 mg/L)?
• Are dissolved metals (iron, manganese) within effluent limits for the receiving watershed?
• Is discharge volume metered and logged for NPDES Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR)?
• Is mine water treatment system (lime neutralization, settling) operating effectively?

Related Mining Quarrying Checklists

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• Mine Atmospheric Testing and Monitoring Checklist

Why Use This Mine Dewatering and Pump System Inspection Checklist?

This mine dewatering and pump system inspection checklist helps mining & quarrying teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for mine safety officer / site manager professionals, this checklist covers 21 critical inspection points across 4 sections. Recommended frequency: per shift / daily.

Ensures compliance with MSHA, EPA, 30 CFR 75.380, State Water Authority. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

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