Data as at 14 September 2026 · from the Queensland EP Act public register
BRID0071 · Fairhill Mine
Coal environmental authority BRID0071 (Fairhill Mine), Granted. 108 conditions indexed. Holds PRC plan P-PRCP-100665543.
- Status
- Granted
- Holders
- FAIRHILL COKING COAL PTY LTD
- Tenures
- ML700043
- PRC plan
- P-PRCP-100665543 · effective 2026-06-04
- How it was read
- Numbered conditions
- Register
- Register record · Instrument PDF
Conditions
108 numbered conditions read from the current instrument. Page numbers link into the register PDF.
- A1
This environmental authority authorises environmental harm referred to in the conditions. Where there is no condition or this environmental authority is silent on a matter, the lack of a condition or silence does not authorise environmental harm.
- A2
Schedule H: Rehabilitation Conditions of this environmental authority continue to apply in the event that this environmental authority is suspended.
- A3
Prevent and /or minimise likelihood of environmental harm In carrying out the environmentally relevant activities, the holder must take all reasonable and practicable measures to prevent the likelihood of environmental harm being caused.
- A4
The holder is approved for up to one point seven (1.7) million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of ROM Coal.
- A5
Authorised Disturbance Surface disturbance by mining activities is only authorised within areas marked "Authorised Surface Disturbance" in Figure 1 - Authorised Disturbance Areas and must not exceed the disturbance limits specified for each domain in Table A1 - Authorised disturbance areas. Table A1 - Authorised disturbance areas Authorised disturbance Closure domain Domain description Maximum disturbance limits (ha) Sub-surface disturbance Domain 1 Open cut depressions (including in-pit dumping) 311.01 Surface disturbance Domain 2 Overburden dump 53.57 Domain 3 On lease tracks and haul roads 16.07 Domain 4 Water storage infrastructure (to be retained) 2.07 Domain 5 Mine infrastructure (Site office, ROM pad, 82.46 Workshop buildings) and Water storage infrastructure - to be decommissioned Limited disturbance Domain 6 Limited disturbance 554.34 Total 1,019.52
- A6
Sub-surface disturbance by mining activities is only authorised within areas marked as "Authorised Sub-Surface Disturbance" in Figure 1 - Authorised Disturbance Areas and must not exceed the disturbance limit for domain 1 specified in Table A1 - Authorised disturbance areas. Permit Environmental authority BRID0071 - Fairhill Mine
- A7
Disturbance by mining activities within areas marked as "Limited Disturbance Authorised" in Figure 1 - Authorised Disturbance Areas must not exceed the disturbance limit for domain 6 as specified in Table A1 - Authorised disturbance areas, and: (a) is only authorised to the extent reasonably necessary for the construction and installation of the environmental monitoring equipment, and associated access tracks; and (b) must not result in significant residual impact to prescribed environmental matters. Note: A significant residual impact must take cumulative impacts, including historical impacts into consideration.
- A8
Maintenance of measures, plant and equipment The holder must: (a) install all measures, plant and equipment necessary to ensure compliance with the conditions of this environmental authority; (b) maintain such measures, plant and equipment in a proper and efficient condition; (c) operate such measures, plant and equipment in a proper and efficient manner; and (d) ensure all instruments and devices used for the measurement or monitoring of any parameter under any condition of this environmental authority are properly calibrated.
- A9
Monitoring All monitoring records or reports required by this environmental authority must be kept until surrender of this environmental authority.
- A10
Monitoring and determinations required under any condition of this environmental authority must be conducted by an appropriately qualified person.
- A11
Management Plans and Reports Management plans and reports required under any condition of this environmental authority must be developed by an appropriately qualified person.
- A12
Upon request from the administering authority, copies of monitoring results, records, registers, management plans, reports, and spatial information required by the conditions of this environmental authority must be made available and provided to the administering authority within fourteen (14) days.
- A13
Within thirty (30) days of receiving comments from the administering authority for a management plan or report required under any condition of this environmental authority, the holder must update the management plan or report to address the comment(s).
- A14
Notification of emergencies, incidents and exceptions The holder must notify the administering authority in writing within twenty-four (24) hours after becoming aware of any emergency; or incident that results in the release of contaminants not in accordance, or reasonably expected to be not in accordance with the conditions of this environmental authority.
- A15
Within fourteen (14) days following the notification in accordance with condition A14, further written advice must be provided to the administering authority, including the following: (a) results and interpretation of any samples taken and analysed; (b) outcomes of actions taken at the time to prevent or minimise unlawful environmental harm; and (c) proposed actions to prevent a recurrence of the emergency or incident. Permit Environmental authority BRID0071 - Fairhill Mine
- A16
Any further monitoring results related to information provided in accordance with condition A15 must be provided to the administering authority within five (5) days after they are received by the holder.
- A17
Complaints The holder must record in a register all complaints received about the mining activities.
- A18
The register required by condition A17 must include: (a) complainant details: (i) name; (ii) address; (iii) contact number; (b) time and date of complaint; (c) the complainant's observations (statement, photo and/ or video); (d) reasons for the complaint; (e) investigations undertaken by the holder; (f) conclusions formed by the holder; (g) actions taken to resolve the complaint by the holder; (h) any abatement measures implemented by the holder; and (i) person responsible for resolving the complaint.
- A19
When requested by the administering authority, the holder must investigate any complaint of nuisance or environmental harm that is neither frivolous nor vexatious in the opinion of the authorised person, , by: (a) undertaking monitoring specified by the administering authority; (b) undertaking the monitoring in the timeframe nominated by the administering authority; (c) completing an analysis and interpretation of the monitoring results; and (d) Implement abatement measures within a reasonable timeframe nominated by the administering authority so that the environmental harm or nuisance to which the complaint relates ceases.
- A20
The results of the investigation undertaken in accordance with condition A19 must be provided to the administering authority within thirty (30) days of completion of the monitoring timeframe in accordance with condition A19(b).
- A21
Third-party reporting The holder must: (a) obtain from an appropriately qualified independent third party auditor, a report on compliance with the conditions of this environmental authority within one (1) year of the commencement of mining activities; and (b) obtain further such reports at regular intervals, not exceeding two (2) years, from the completion of the report required by condition A22(a).
- A22
Within ninety (90) days of completing the third party report in accordance with condition A22, the holder must provide the report to the administering authority. Permit Environmental authority BRID0071 - Fairhill Mine
- A23
The report required by Condition A21 must be certified by the appropriately qualified independent third party auditor, detail any non-compliance issues that were found (if no non-compliance issues were found this should be stated in the report), and If non-compliance issues were found the report it must also state: (a) actions taken by the holder to ensure compliance with this environmental authority; and (b) actions taken to prevent a recurrence of the non-compliance(s).
- A24
Risk management The holder must: (a) Prior to commencing mining activities, develop a risk management system that mirrors the content requirement of the Standard for Risk Management (ISO31000:2009), or an Australian standard for risk management, to the extent relevant to environmental management; and (b) Implement the risk management system, required by condition A24(a), for the duration of the mining activities.
- A25
Where a condition of this environmental authority requires compliance with a standard, policy or guideline published externally to this environmental authority and the standard is amended or changed subsequent to the issue of this environmental authority, the holder must: (a) comply with the amended or changed standard, policy or guideline within two (2) years of the amendment or change being made, unless a different period is specified in the amended standard or relevant legislation, the time specified in that condition; and (b) until compliance with the amended or changed standard, policy or guideline is achieved, continue to remain in compliance with the corresponding provision that was current immediately prior to the relevant amendment or change.
- A26
At least fourteen (14) days prior to the commencement of the mining activities, the holder must notify the administering authority in writing of the commencement date of the mining activities. Permit Environmental authority BRID0071 - Fairhill Mine Schedule B: Air Condition Condition number
- B1
Air Quality The holder must ensure that dust deposition and particulate matter emissions generated by the mining activities are measures and do not cause exceedances of the following limits at any sensitive or commercial place: (a) Dust deposition of 120 milligrams per square metre per day, averaged over one month, in accordance with the most recent version of Australian Standard AS3580.10.1 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air--Determination of particulate matter--Deposited matter - Gravimetric method. (b) A concentration of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 micrometres (PM10) suspended in the atmosphere of 50 micrograms per cubic metre over a 24-hour averaging time, monitored in accordance with the most recent version of either: 1. Australian Standard AS3580.9.6 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air-- Determination of suspended particulate matter--PM10 high volume sampler with size- selective inlet - Gravimetric method, or 2. Australian Standard AS3580.9.9 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air Determination of suspended particulate matter--PM10 low volume sampler-- Gravimetric method. (c) A concentration of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres (PM2.5) suspended in the atmosphere of 25 micrograms per cubic metre over a 24-hour averaging time, when monitored in accordance with the most recent version of AS/NZS3580.9.10 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air--Determination of suspended particulate matter--PM2.5 low volume sampler--Gravimetric method. A concentration of particulate matter suspended in the atmosphere of 90 micrograms per cubic metre over a one year averaging time, when monitored in accordance with the most recent version of AS/NZS3580.9.3:2003 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air--Determination of suspended particulate matter--Total suspended particulate matter (TSP)--High volume sampler gravimetric method.
- B2
An Air Quality Management Plan must: (a) be developed prior to commencing mining activities; and (b) be implemented for the duration of mining activities. Permit Environmental authority BRID0071 - Fairhill Mine
- B3
The Air Quality Management Plan required by condition B2 must: (a) develop and implement air quality monitoring network to measure air quality parameters nominated in condition B1; (b) provide for the effective management of actual and potential environmental impacts to air resulting from the mining activities; (c) identify all sources of air emissions that may occur as a result of the mining activity; (d) identify all potential sensitive places and commercial places that may be affected by air emissions from the mining activities; (e) identify the adverse meteorological conditions likely to produce elevated levels of air emissions at any sensitive place or commercial place, due to the mining activities; (f) detail the collection of air quality and meteorological data in accordance with the administering authority's Air Quality Sampling Manual; (g) detail the protocols for regular maintenance of plant and equipment to minimise the potential for fugitive dust emissions; (h) describe the procedures that will be used to manage dust emissions. Procedures must include measures committed to in the site-specific environmental authority application, or equivalent measures that achieve the same level of dust and particulate matter deposition. (i) include a preventative management system for air emissions; (j) include a Trigger Action Response Program; (k) include a biennial review of the plan to determine the adequacy and effectiveness in avoiding and minimising air emissions and dust at a sensitive place or commercial place; and (l) describe the procedures to be undertaken if exceedance of the levels in condition B1 are detected. Permit Environmental authority BRID0071 - Fairhill Mine Schedule C: Surface Water Condition Condition number
- C1
Contaminants that will, or have the potential to cause environmental harm must not be released directly or indirectly to any waters as a result of activities authorised under this environmental authority, except as permitted under the conditions of this environmental authority.
- C2
The release of mine affected water to waters must only occur from the release points specified in Table C1 - Mine affected water release points, sources and receiving waters as depicted in Figure 2 - Mine affected water release and water monitoring points. Table C1 - Mine affected water release points, sources and receiving waters Release Longitude Latitude Mine affected water Monitoring Receiving waters description point (RP) (GDA94) (GDA94) source and location point RP 1 148.6470261 -23.22802603 Waste rock dump RP 1 Cooroora Creek and pit RP 2 148.6402952 -23.2401523 Waste rock dump RP 2 Sandy Creek and pit RP 3 148.6340502 -23.24493137 Waste rock dump RP 3 Sandy Creek and pit
- C3
The release of mine affected water to waters from the release points at the locations specified in Table C1 - Mine affected water release points, sources and receiving must not exceed the release limits specified in Table C2 - Mine affected water release limits.
- C4
Notwithstanding condition C2 of this environmental authority, the release of mine affected water to waters from RP1, RP2 and RP3 is not permitted until the environmental authority is amended to include: (a) a release limit in Table C2 - Mine affected water release limits for Turbidity; and (b) a Maximum Permitted Release Rate in Table C4 - Mine affected water release during flow events. Table C2 - Mine affected water release limits Quality characteristic Release limits Monitoring frequency Electrical conductivity (S/cm) Release limits specified in Table C4 - Mine affected Daily during a release and water release during flow events for variable flow within 2 hours of Dissolved Oxygen (%sat) criteria pH (pH units) commencing the release 85 - 110 6.5 - 8.5 Turbidity (NTU) TBD Notes: Turbidity must be determined once statistically valid number of surface water samples have been collected. Permit Environmental authority BRID0071 - Fairhill Mine
- C5
The release of mine affected water, to internal water management infrastructure installed and operated in accordance with a water management plan that complies with condition C31 to C33 inclusive is permitted.
- C6
The release of mine affected water to waters in accordance with condition C2, must be monitored for each quality characteristic and at the frequency specified in Table C2 - Mine affected water release limits and Table C3 - Release contaminant trigger investigation levels. Permit Environmental authority BRID0071 - Fairhill Mine Table C3 - Release contaminant trigger investigation levels Quality characteristic Trigger Comment on trigger level Monitoring frequency Level (-g/L) Aluminium 55 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline. Arsenic 13 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline. Cadmium 0.2 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline. Chromium 1 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline. Copper 2 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on LOR for ICPMS. Iron 300 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on low reliability guideline. Lead 4 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline. Mercury 0.2 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on LOR for CV FIMS. Nickel 11 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline. Zinc 8 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline. Boron 370 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline. Within 2 hours Cobalt 90 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on low reliability guideline. of commencing Manganese 1,900 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline. Molybdenum 34 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on low reliability guideline. the release Selenium 10 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on LOR for ICPMS. and thereafter daily during release Silver 1 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on LOR for ICPMS. Uranium 1 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on LOR for ICPMS. Vanadium 10 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on LOR for ICPMS. Ammonia 900 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline. Nitrate 1,100 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on ambient Qld WQ Guidelines (2006) for TotalN. Petroleum 20 hydrocarbons (C6-C9)
- C7
If quality characteristics of the release exceed any of the trigger levels specified in Table C3 - Release contaminant trigger investigation levels during a release event, the holder must compare the downstream results in the receiving waters to the trigger values specified in Table C3 - Release contaminant trigger investigation levels and: 1. where the trigger values are not exceeded then no action is to be taken; or 2. where the downstream results exceed the trigger values specified Table C3 - Release contaminant trigger investigation levels for any quality characteristic, compare the results of the downstream site to the data from background monitoring sites and; (a) if the result is less than the background monitoring site data, then no action is to be taken; or (b) if the result is greater than the background monitoring site data, complete an investigation into the potential for environmental harm and provide a written report to the administering authority outlining: (i) details of the investigations carried out; (ii) actions taken to prevent environmental harm; and (iii) proposed actions to prevent a recurrence of the exceedance. Note: Where an exceedance of a trigger level has occurred and is being investigated, in accordance with C7 2(b) of this condition, no further reporting is required for subsequent trigger events for that quality characteristic.
- C8
If an exceedance in accordance with condition C7 2(b) is identified, the holder must notify the administering authority within twenty-four (24) hours of receiving the result.
- C9
The report required by condition C7 2(b) must be provided to the administering authority within fourteen (14) days following the notification under condition conditions C8.
- C10
Mine Affected Water Release Events The holder must ensure that 2 stream flow gauging stations are installed, operated and maintained to determine and record stream flows at the locations and flow recording frequency specified in Table
- C4
- Mine affected water release during flow events and Figure 2 - Mine affected water release and water monitoring points.
- C11
Notwithstanding any other condition of this environmental authority, the release of mine affected water to waters in accordance with condition C2 must only take place during periods of natural flow events in accordance with the receiving water flow criteria for discharge specified in Table C4 - Mine affected water release during flow events for the release points specified in Table C1 - Mine affected water release points, sources and receiving waters. Permit Environmental authority BRID0071 - Fairhill Mine
- C12
The release of mine affected water to waters in accordance with condition C2 must not exceed the electrical conductivity and sulphate release limits or the maximum release rate (for all combined release point flows) for each receiving water flow criteria for discharge specified in Table C4 - Mine affected water release during flow events when measured at the monitoring points specified in Table C1 - Mine affected water release points, sources and receiving waters. Table C4 - Mine affected water release during flow events Longitude (GDA94) Latitude Receiving Receiving Maximum Electrical (GDA94) Water Flow Water Permitted Conductivity recording Flow Release Release frequency criteria Rate limits for Dilution Receiving Waters discharge (Ratio of Release Point (RP) (m3/s) MAW to Gauging Station Natural Flow) Cooroora RP 1 Gauging 148.646529 -23.227336- Continuous >0.1 TBD Electrical (minimum (m3/s) conductivity Creek Station 1 of 1 data (-S/cm): point every 1 hour) 1,470 Sandy RP 2 Gauging 148.63336 -23.245302 Continuous >0.1 TBD Electrical Creek RP 3 Station 2 (minimum (m3/s) conductivity of 1 data (-S/cm): point every 1 hour) 1,470 Notes: Maximum Permitted Release Rate must be determined once statistically valid number of surface water flow events have been monitored and mixing ratios determined.
- C13
The daily quantity of mine affected water released from each release point must be measured and recorded.
- C14
Releases to water must be undertaken so as not to cause erosion of the bed and banks of the receiving waters, or cause a material build-up of sediment in such waters. Permit Environmental authority BRID0071 - Fairhill Mine
- C15
Notification of release event The holder must notify the administering authority via WaTERS within twenty-four (24) hours after commencing a release of mine affected water to the receiving environment. Notification must include the submission of written advice to the administering authority of the following information: (a) release commencement date and time; (b) details regarding the compliance of the release with the conditions of Schedule: Water (Surface Water) of this environmental authority (that is, contaminant limits, natural flow, discharge volume); (c) release point(s); (d) release rate; (e) release salinity; and (f) receiving water including the natural flow rate.
- C16
The holder must notify the administering authority via WaTERS as soon as practicable and no later than twenty-four (24) hours after cessation of a release event notified under condition C15. The release cessation notification must include the submission of written advice to the administering authority of the following information: (a) release cessation date and time; (b) receiving water(s) including the natural flow rate; and (c) volume of water released. NOTE: Successive or intermittent releases occurring within twenty-four (24) hours of the cessation of any individual release can be considered part of a single release event and do not require individual notification for the purpose of compliance with conditions C15, C16, and C17, provided the relevant details of the release are included within the notification provided in accordance with conditions C15, C16, and C17.
- C17
Within twenty-eight (28) days of notification under condition C15, the holder must provide the administrating authority via WaTERS the following information in writing: (a) confirmation of: (i) the release commencement date and time; (ii) the release cessation date and time; (iii) receiving water(s) including the natural flow rate; and (iv) volume of water released; (b) all in-situ and laboratory water quality monitoring results; (c) details regarding the compliance of the release with the conditions of Schedule E: Water (Surface Water) of this environmental authority (i.e. contamination limits, natural flow, discharge volume); (d) whether the release of water resulted in any impacts to the receiving environment; and (e) any other matter(s) pertinent to the water release event.
- C18
Notification of release event exceedance If the release limits defined in Table C2 - Mine affected water release limits are exceeded, the holder must notify the administering authority within twenty-four (24) hours of receiving the results. Permit Environmental authority BRID0071 - Fairhill Mine
- C19
Within twenty-eight (28) days of notification under condition C18, the holder must provide the administrating authority via WaTERS the following information in writing: (a) the reason for the release; (b) the location of the release; (c) the total volume of the release and which (if any) part of this volume was non-compliant; (d) the total duration of the release and which (if any) part of this period was non-compliant; (e) all water quality monitoring results (including all laboratory analyses); (f) identification of any environmental harm as a result of the non-compliance; (g) all calculations; and (h) any other matters pertinent to the water release event.
- C20
Receiving Environment Monitoring and Contaminant Trigger Levels The quality of the receiving waters must be monitored at the locations specified in Table C6 - Receiving water upstream background sites and downstream monitoring points for each quality characteristic and at the monitoring frequency stated in Table C5 - Receiving waters contaminant trigger levels and Table C3 - Release contaminant trigger investigation levels. Permit Environmental authority BRID0071 - Fairhill Mine Table C5 - Receiving waters contaminant trigger levels. Quality characteristic Release limits Monitoring frequency pH (pH units) 6.5 (lower trigger) Within 6 hours of a release of MAW EC (-S/cm) 8.5 (upper trigger) or first flow. Turbidity (NTU) base flow: 310 A high flow: 210 A Subsequent monitoring must be <10% increase from upstream conducted daily during the flow. Nitrate (mg NO3-N /L) 0.7 Ammonia (mg/L) 0.9 Aluminium (mg/L) 0.055 Arsenic (AsV) (mg/L) 0.013 Barium (mg/L) TBD Boron (mg/L) 0.37 Cadmium (mg/L) 0.0002 Chromium (CrVI)(mg/L) 0.001 Cobalt (mg/L) 0.0028 Copper (mg/L) 0.0014 Within 12 hours of a release of Lead (mg/L) 0.0034 MAW or first flow. Manganese (mg/L) 1.9 Mercury (inorganic) (mg/L) 0.00006 C Subsequent monitoring must be Nickel (mg/L) 0.011 conducted weekly during the flow. Selenium (total; mg/L) 0.005 C Uranium (mg/L) 0.005B Vanadium (mg/L) 0.005B Zinc (mg/L) 0.008 Total BTEX (-g/L) 3B Total Xylenes (-g/L) 1.5B TRH (C6-C10) (-g/L) 50B Sulfate (mg/L) 250
- C21
If quality characteristics of the receiving water at the downstream monitoring points exceed any of the trigger levels specified in Table C5 - Receiving waters contaminant trigger levels and Table
- C3
- Release contaminant trigger investigation levels during a release event the holder must compare the downstream results to the upstream results in the receiving waters and: (a) where the downstream result is the same or a lower value than the upstream value for the quality characteristic then no action is to be taken; or (b) where the downstream results exceed the upstream results complete an investigation into the potential for environmental harm and provide a written report to the administering authority in the next annual return, outlining: (i) details of the investigations carried out; and (ii) actions taken to prevent environmental harm.
- C22
Receiving Environmental Monitoring Program The holder must develop and implement a Receiving Environment Monitoring Program (REMP). For the purposes of the REMP, the receiving environment is the waters of Cooroora Creek and Sandy Creek Catchment and connected or surrounding waterways within ten (10) km downstream of the release points (RP1, RP2 and RP3). The REMP must: (a) be developed prior to commencing mining activities; (b) be implemented for the duration of the mining activities; and (c) encompass any sensitive receiving waters or environmental values downstream of the mine that will potentially be affected by an authorised release of mine affected water.
- C23
The REMP required by condition C22 must: Permit Environmental authority BRID0071 - Fairhill Mine (a) identify and describe any adverse impacts to surface water environmental values quality and flows due to the activities authorised under this environmental authority; (b) Monitor the effects of the activities authorised under this environmental authority on the receiving environment periodically (under natural flow conditions) and while mine affected water is being discharged from the mine; (c) Meet the requirements of the administering authority 'Guideline- Receiving environment (d) assess the condition or state of receiving waters, including upstream conditions, spatially within the REMP area, considering background water quality characteristics based on accurate and reliable monitoring data that takes into consideration temporal variation (e.g. seasonality); (e) be designed to facilitate assessment against water quality objectives for the relevant environmental values that need to be protected ((i.e. as scheduled pursuant to the Environmental Protection (Water and Wetland Biodiversity) Policy 2019); (f) include monitoring from background reference sites (e.g. upstream or background) and downstream sites from the release (as a minimum, the locations specified in Table C6 - Receiving water upstream background sites and downstream monitoring points; (g) Specify the frequency and timing of sampling required in order to reliably assess ambient conditions and to provide sufficient data to derive site specific background reference values in accordance with the Queensland Water Quality Guidelines 2009. This should include monitoring during periods of natural flow irrespective of mine or other discharges; (h) include monitoring and assessment of dissolved oxygen saturation, temperature and all water quality parameters listed in Table C2 - Mine affected water release limits and Table C3 - Release Contaminant Trigger Investigation Levels; (i) include, where appropriate, monitoring of metals/metalloids in sediments (in accordance with ANZECC & ARMCANZ 2000, BATLEY and/or the most recent version of AS5667.1 Guidance on Sampling of Bottom Sediments); (j) include, where appropriate, monitoring of macroinvertebrates in accordance with the AusRivas methodology; (k) apply procedures and/or guidelines from ANZG 2018 and other relevant guideline documents; (l) describe sampling and analysis methods and quality assurance and control; and (m) incorporate stream flow and hydrological information in the interpretations of water quality and biological data.
- C24
A report outlining the findings of the REMP, including all monitoring results and interpretations in accordance with condition C22 and C23 must be prepared annually and submitted to the administering authority by no later than the 31 May each year. The report must include an assessment of background reference water quality, the condition of downstream water quality compared against water quality objectives, and the suitability of current discharge limits to protect downstream environmental values.
- C25
Water reuse Mine affected water may be piped or trucked or transferred by some other means that does not contravene the conditions of this environmental authority and deposited into artificial water storage structures, such as farm dams or tanks, for the purpose of supply to: (a) any operation licensed for ERA13 (mining black coal); (b) properties owned by the environmental authority holder; or (c) a third party. Permit Environmental authority BRID0071 - Fairhill Mine
- C26
The volume, pH and electrical conductivity of water transferred or given as per Condition C25 must be monitored and recorded and given in accordance with a written agreement (the third party agreement). The third party agreement must: (a) include a commitment from the person utilising the mine affected water to use it in such a way as to prevent environmental harm or public health incidents and specifically make the persons aware of the General Environmental Duty (GED) under section 319 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994, environmental sustainability of the water disposal and protection of environmental values of waters; and (b) be signed by both parties to the agreement.
- C27
Annual water monitoring reporting The following information must be recorded in relation to all water monitoring required under the conditions of this environmental authority and submitted to the administering authority in the specified format with each annual return: (a) the date on which the sample was taken; (b) the time at which the sample was taken; (c) the monitoring point at which the sample was taken; (d) the measured or estimated daily quantity of mine affected water released from all release points; (e) the release flow rate at the time of sampling for each release point; (f) the results of all monitoring and details of any exceedances of the conditions of this environmental authority; and (g) water quality monitoring data where required by the environmental authority (release, receiving environment, REMP, water storages, sewage treatment plants and groundwater) must be provided to the administering authority in the specified electronic format via WaTERS.
- C28
Water Management Plan A Water Management Plan must: (a) be developed prior to commencing mining activities; and (b) implemented for the duration of mining activities. Permit Environmental authority BRID0071 - Fairhill Mine
- C29
The Water Management Plan required by condition C28 must include: (a) provide for effective management of actual and potential environmental impacts resulting from water management associated with the mining activity carried out under this environmental authority; and (b) be developed in accordance with administering authority's guideline Preparation of Water Management Plans for Mining Activities (EM324) and include: (i) a study of the source of contaminants; (ii) a water balance model for the site; (iii) an updated flood model for the site; (iv) a water management system for the site; (v) measures to manage and prevent saline drainage; (vi) measures to manage and prevent acid rock drainage; (vii) contingency procedures for emergencies; and (viii) a program for monitoring and review of the effectiveness of the water management plan.
- C30
An annual review of the Water Management Plan must be undertaken by an appropriately qualified person, be completed by 30 November each calendar year, and be submitted with the next annual return.
- C31
The annual review of the water management plan must assess the adequacy of the plan, ensure actual and potential environmental impacts are managed and identify any necessary amendments to the plan.
- C32
Stormwater and water sediment controls An Erosion and Sediment Control Plan must be developed by an appropriately qualified person prior to commencing mining activities, and implemented for the duration of mining activities to: (a) minimise erosion and the release of sediment to receiving waters; and (b) minimise contamination of stormwater.
- C33
The Erosion and Sediment Control Plan must demonstrate how erosion and sediment control measures adequately minimise the release of sediment to receiving waters and must include at least the following: (a) assessment of all catchment areas; (b) assessment of soil types, including sodic dispersive soils; (c) specify design criteria for erosion and sediment control structures; (d) provide the location and description of all erosion and sediment control structures; (e) provide an audit schedule to ensure erosion and sediment control structures are being maintained.
- C34
Stormwater, other than mine affected water, is permitted to be released to waters from: (a) erosion and sediment control structures that are installed and operated in accordance with the Erosion and Sediment Control Plan required by condition C32; and (b) water management infrastructure that is installed and operated, in accordance with a Water Management Plan that complies with conditions C28 to C31, for the purpose of ensuring water does not become mine affected water. Permit Environmental authority BRID0071 - Fairhill Mine
- C35
All Dams The consequence category of any dam must be assessed by a suitably qualified and experienced person: (a) prior to the construction of the dam; and (b) at regular intervals not exceeding two (2) years, from the completion of the assessment required by condition C35(a).
- C36
The holder must only construct a dam of low consequence category. Permit Environmental authority BRID0071 - Fairhill Mine Schedule D: Groundwater Condition Condition number
- D1
The holder must not release contaminants to groundwater.
- D2
Groundwater dependent ecosystems The biocondition and extent of groundwater dependent ecosystems associated with the alluvium aquifer of Cooroora Creek and Sandy Creek must remain unchanged. Note: The biocondition must be determined by the methodology in BioCondition: a condition assessment framework for
- D3
The groundwater quality characteristics identified in Table D2 - Groundwater quality triggers and limits and standing water levels must be monitored by an appropriately qualified person at the locations and frequency specified in Table D1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency and as depicted in Figure 2 - Mine affected water release and water monitoring points. Table D1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency Monitoring Location Surface RL Screened Bores (m) interval (mBGL) Aquifer Monitoring Frequency Longitude (GDA94) Latitude (GDA94) Interpretation Bores FHMB07 148.6378685 -23.2040189 167.3 37-48 Sandstone, Monthly mudstone/coal 151 (Fairhill) 153.4 Compliance Bores (Water Quality & Water Levels) 158.9 168.3 FHMB01 148.6496123 -23.2325322 165.2 10 - 20 Alluvium Monthly 179.8 8 - 18.5 (Quaternary) 153.3 12 - 20 FHMB02 148.6214938 -23.2087581 18 - 29.5 Coal/siltstone Monthly 7.5 - 23.5 (Fairhill) 11 - 41 FHMB03 148.6370413 -23.2355354 Sandstone/siltstone 2.8 - 11 Monthly (Fairhill) FHMB04 148.6159283 -23.2146583 Tuffaceous siltstone -23.2406059 Monthly (Fairhill) FHMB05 148.6086543 Coal/tuff (Fairhill) Monthly FHMB06 148.5998478 -23.2527789 Sandstone, Monthly mudstone/coal (Fairhill) FHMB08 148.6316266 -23.2421586 Permian Sediments Monthly (Sandy Creek) Permit Environmental authority BRID0071 - Fairhill Mine FHMB09 148.6408149 -23.2221619 151.3 2.8 - 12.1 Permian Sediments Monthly (New) -23.2428885 TBC (Cooroora Creek) TBC FHMB010A 148.5848781 TBC TBC Nested/Adjacent: Monthly TBC Alluvium & Permian
- D4
Prior to 01 February 2026, the environmental authority must be amended to include: (a) The TBC's for Monitoring bores FHMB010A, FHMB010B, FHMB011A and FHMB11B; and (b) Updates to Table D1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency for TBC's that are locations.
- D5
Monitoring bores FHMB010A, FHMB010B, FHMB011A and FHMB11B must be installed and monitored in accordance with Condition D3 prior to 01 January 2026.
- D6
Groundwater quality measured from any compliance bore specified in Table D1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency must not exceed: (a) Trigger Value (Limit A) for any quality characteristic specified in Table D2 - Groundwater quality triggers and limits on any five (5) consecutive sampling occasions for the same characteristic; or (b) Contaminate Limit (Limit B) for any quality characteristic specified in Table D2 - Groundwater quality triggers and limits on any three (3) consecutive sampling occasions. Note: Consecutive sampling occasions means any number of sampling results obtained sequentially. Permit Environmental authority BRID0071 - Fairhill Mine Table 2 - Groundwater quality triggers and limits Groundwater quality parameter Bore Limit A Limit B B02, B03, B04, B05, B06 > 2m > 2m Drawdown B01, FHMB010, FHMB011, New 1 > 0.6 m > 0.6 m FHMB09 > 0.5m > 0.5m pH (pH Units)3 All bores 7.1 - 8.1 Electrical Conductivity (S/cm) 3 B01 47,000 B02, B03, B04, B05, B06 24,000 24,300 Major ions (Na, Ca, Mg, K, Cl, HCO3, CO3) All bores For interpretation only Total Hardness (as CaCO3) All bores For interpretation only Aluminium (mg/L)3 B01 0.194 0.207 B02, B03, B04, B05, B06 0.055 0.08 Ammonia (mg/L as N)3 All bores 1 1.6 Arsenic (mg/L)3 B01, B02, B04, B05 0.013 B03, B06 0.03 0.04 Boron (mg/L)3 All bores 0.6 0.7 Cadmium (mg/L)1 All bores 0.0002 Chromium (mg/L)1 All bores 0.001 B02, B03, B04, B05, B06 0.002 0.005 Cobalt (mg/L)3 B01 0.017 0.018 Copper (mg/L)2 All bores 0.003 0.004
- D7
Quality Exceedance If an exceedance is detected in accordance with condition D6, the holder must notify the administering authority via WaTERS within 24 hours of receiving analysis results.
- D8
Within fourteen (14) days of the notification given under condition D7; an investigation into the cause of the exceedance by an appropriately qualified person must be commenced, and include: (a) an investigation of the potential for environmental harm; and (b) the actions taken or to be taken to ensure compliance with condition D1 of this environmental authority.
- D9
The exceedance investigation under condition D8 must be completed and submitted to the administering authority via WaTERS within three (3) months of notifying the administering authority under condition D7.
- D10
Where an investigation completed under condition D8 identifies the potential for environmental harm, an action plan to mitigate potential environmental harm must be developed by an appropriately qualified person and implemented within one (1) month of the completion of the investigation under condition D8.
- D11
Standing Water Level Exceedance If the standing water level of underground water measured at any compliance bore specified in Table D1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency exceeds the drawdown of the trigger drawdown levels specified for the relevant bore in Table D2 - Groundwater quality triggers and limits: (a) the administering authority must be notified via WaTERS within twenty four (24) hours; and (b) an investigation into the cause of the exceedance must be conducted within ten (10) business days; and (c) if the activities are identified as a potential cause or contributor to the drawdown, take immediate action to ensure compliance with the conditions of this authority.
- D12
If a resource activity is identified as a potential cause or contributor to drawdown in excess of 2m, the EA holder must enter a make good agreement with the bore owner of any bore located within the affected area of an aquifer.
- D13
Groundwater Monitoring Program A Groundwater Monitoring Program must: (a) be developed prior to commencing mining activities; and (b) be Implemented for the duration of mining activities. Permit Environmental authority BRID0071 - Fairhill Mine
- D14
The Groundwater Monitoring Program required by condition D13 must: (a) identify potential sources of contamination to groundwater from the activities authorised under this environmental authority; (b) identify the environmental values that need to be protected; (c) ensure that all potential groundwater impacts due to the activity are identified, monitored and mitigated; (d) document the sampling and monitoring methodology; (e) ensure that adequate groundwater monitoring and data analysis is undertaken to achieve the following objectives: a. detect any impacts to groundwater levels due to the activity; b. detect any impacts to groundwater quality due to the activity; c. determine compliance with condition D1; d. determine trends in groundwater quality; (f) include an appropriate quality assurance and quality control program; (g) a numerical groundwater model; (h) include a conceptual groundwater model; and (i) include an annual review process to identify improvements to the program.
- D15
The holder must: (a) have the Groundwater Monitoring Program reviewed by an independent and appropriately qualified third party to determine if the Groundwater Monitoring Program meets the requirements in condition D14 within one (1) year of commencement of mining activities; and (b) complete such reviews at regular intervals, not exceeding one (1) year, from the completion of the report required by condition D15(a); and (c) submit the peer review reports via WaTERS at the same time as each annual return.
- D16
Annual Monitoring Report The holder must complete an Annual Monitoring Report and submit the report to the administering authority via WaTERS at the same time as each annual return.
- D17
The Annual Monitoring Report required by condition D16 must include (a) the standing water level in the compliance bores; (b) any changes in water quality in the compliance bores; (c) maps showing the actual water level drawdown contours caused by the take of underground water for each aquifer; (d) details of any review undertaken of the numerical groundwater model since the previous Annual Monitoring Report; (e) an assessment of any differences between the actual water level impact and the impact predicted for the same period in the most current numerical groundwater model; (f) details of any bores which are predicted by the most current numerical groundwater model to be located in the affected area; and (g) raw data within useable electronic format. Permit Environmental authority BRID0071 - Fairhill Mine
- D18
Numerical Groundwater Model An appropriately qualified person, must review the numerical underground water model within two years from the commencement of the activities authorised under this EA and at least 5 years thereafter. The review and revised model must include: (a) information about a revised numerical underground water model based on transient calibration; (b) incorporation of measured mine dewatering volumes and underground water monitoring data; (c) any revised hydrogeological conceptualisation and assumptions of the model, including: (i) any revised geological interpretation; (ii) any revised hydrogeological parameters or assumptions on recharge; and (iii) any assumptions of outflows from springs and other water users; (d) an update of predicted impacts including: (i) any revised predicted impacts on springs and watercourses dependent on underground water flow, and other users, including any changes to the affected area; (ii) any revised predicted underground water inflows into mine workings during mining operations and post closure; (iii) maps showing the revised prediction of the total water level impact from the commencement of underground extraction to post closure; (iv) maps showing the difference between these predicted water level impacts and the water level impacts as predicted at the time of application for this environmental authority; (v) sensitivity analysis; and (e) an evaluation of the accuracy of the predicted impacts from the model. The first review undertaken within two years of commencement of take must also include a peer review.
- D19
Monitoring and sampling of groundwater quality and standing water levels must be carried out in accordance with written procedures and must address the requirements of the latest version of the following documents: (a) for groundwater and aquatic environments, the Queensland Government's Monitoring and Sampling Manual 2009 - Environmental Protection (Water and Wetland Biodiversity) Policy 2019; and (b) for groundwater, Groundwater Sampling and Analysis - A Field Guide (2009:27 GeoCat#6890.1) and Australian Standard AS/NZS 5667.11:1998 Water Quality - Sampling - Guidance on sampling of groundwaters.
- D20
The construction, maintenance and decommissioning of groundwater monitoring bores must be undertaken in a manner that: (a) prevents contaminants entering the groundwater; (b) ensures the integrity of the bores to obtain representative groundwater samples from the target aquifer; and (c) maintains the hydrogeological environment within the aquifer.
- D21
A bore drill log must be kept for all groundwater monitoring bores that includes: Permit Environmental authority BRID0071 - Fairhill Mine (a) bore identification reference and geographic coordinate location; (b) specific construction information including but not limited to depth of bore, depth and length of casing, depth and length of screening and bore sealing details; (c) standing groundwater level and water quality parameters including physical parameters and results of laboratory analysis for the possible trigger parameters; (d) lithological data and stratigraphic interpretation by an appropriately qualified person to identify important features associated with groundwater monitoring; and (e) target aquifer formation of the bore. Permit Environmental authority BRID0071 - Fairhill Mine Schedule E: Acoustic Condition Condition number
- E1
Noise Noise generated by the mining activities must not exceed the limits identified in Table E1 - Noise Limits at any sensitive place or commercial place. Table E1 - Noise Limits. Noise level Monday to Saturday Sundays and public holidays dB(A) measured as 7am - 6pm 6pm - 9pm 9pm - 7am 7am - 6pm 6pm - 9pm 9pm - 7am Noise measured at a sensitive place LAeq, adj, 15mins 35 35 30 35 35 30 Max LpA,15mins 47 47 Noise measured at a commercial place LAeq, adj, 15mins 40 40 35 40 40 35
- E2
Noise monitoring must be conducted in accordance with the administering authority's Noise Measurement Manual and noise measurements must ensure: (a) source noise levels are expressed as component noise levels for the purposes of comparison with noise limits defined within Table E1 - Noise Limits; (b) all noise monitoring devices are calibrated in accordance with AS IEC 61672.1-2004; and (c) that monitoring locations are relevant to the matter under investigation.
- E3
Blasting Blasting must not cause the limits in Table E2 - Airblast overpressure and vibration limits to be exceeded at any sensitive place or commercial place. Table E2 - Airblast overpressure and vibration limits Airblast overpressure measured at a sensitive place or commercial place Parameter Monday to Friday Monday to Saturday, Sunday and Friday Public Holidays 9am to 4pm 4pm to 9am Anytime Airblast overpressure 115dB (Linear) Peak for 9 out of 10 consecutive blasts No Blasting to occur (dB (Linear) Peak) initiated and not greater than 120 dB (Linear) Peak at any time Ground vibration peak 5mm/second peak particle velocity for 9 out of 10 No Blasting to occur particle velocity consecutive blasts and not greater than 10 mm/second peak (mm/second) particle velocity at any time Permit Environmental authority BRID0071 - Fairhill Mine
- E4
The holder must develop and implement a blast monitoring program that is consistent with AS2187.2-2006 Explosives - Storage and use.
- E5
Blast monitoring must be conducted in accordance with the blast monitoring program required by condition E4. Permit Environmental authority BRID0071 - Fairhill Mine Schedule F: Land Condition Condition number
- F1
Preventing contaminant release to land Contaminants must not be released to land unless otherwise authorised by a condition of this environmental authority.
- F2
Storage and handling of chemicals and flammable or combustible liquids All chemicals and flammable or combustible liquids must be stored and handled in accordance with the latest edition of AS1940--The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids. Where no relevant Australian Standard exists, store such materials within an effective on-site containment system.
- F3
Topsoil Management Plan A Topsoil Management Plan must: (a) be developed prior to commencing mining activities; and (b) be implemented for the duration of mining activities. Permit Environmental authority BRID0071 - Fairhill Mine Schedule G: Waste Condition Condition number
- G1
Waste disposal Unless otherwise specified in the conditions of this environmental authority, waste, other than any spoil, tyres, or vegetation removed as part of the mining activity or permitted by another condition of the environmental authority, must not be disposed of within the mining leases.
- G2
Disposal of Tyres Scrap tyres resulting from the mining activities authorised under this environmental authority may be disposed in spoil emplacements within the mining leases listed on this environmental authority.
- G3
A record must be kept of the number, volume, and location for all scrap tyres disposed.
- G4
Waste management A Waste Management Plan must be: (a) developed prior to commencing mining activities; and (b) implemented for the duration of mining activities.
- G5
The Waste Management Plan required by condition C4 must include: (a) a description of the mining activities that may generate waste; (b) waste management control strategies, including: (i) the types and amounts of wastes generated by the mining activities; (ii) segregation of the wastes; (iii) storage of the wastes; (iv) transport of the wastes; and (v) monitoring and reporting matters concerning the wastes; (c) how the waste will be managed in accordance with the waste and resource management hierarchy; (d) the hazardous characteristics of the wastes generated; (e) procedures for addressing accidents, spills and other incidents; (f) the criteria on which the performance of the waste management program will be assessed; and (g) staff training. Permit Environmental authority BRID0071 - Fairhill Mine Schedule H: Rehabilitation Condition Condition number
- H1
A Rehabilitation Management Plan must: (a) be developed prior to commencing mining activities; and (b) implemented for the duration of mining activities.
- H2
The Rehabilitation Management Plan required by condition H1, must address all relevant requirements within this environmental authority, and at a minimum include the following items: (a) detail how all land disturbed by the mining activities will be rehabilitated to ensure that it is; (i) safe for humans and wildlife; (ii) non-polluting; (iii) stable; (iv) able to sustain an agreed post mining land use; and (b) specify mining material characteristics for specific rehabilitation strategies; (c) final completion criteria for all domains, which aligns with Appendix A - Rehabilitation Completion Criteria; (d) provide a schematic representation of final landform inclusive of; (i) drainage design and features; (ii) slope designs; (iii) cover design; (iv) erosion controls proposed on reshaped land; and (e) detail the progressive rehabilitation strategy to be implemented, which aligns with Table
- H1
- Progressive Rehabilitation Requirements; (f) map and tabulate the rehabilitation requirements applied to all mine domains with respect to rehabilitation goals, rehabilitation objectives, indicators and completion criteria; (g) details of how the final land uses will align with local planning scheme requirements; (h) identify a minimum of six reference sites and six rehabilitation sites to be used to develop rehabilitation acceptance criteria to allow valid comparison of self-sustaining rehabilitation vegetation communities to local reference sites; (i) a plan to demonstrate how the Landscape Function Analysis (LFA) reference sites must be established within the first year of commencement of the mining activities to provide suitable baseline reference for progressive rehabilitation; (j) a process to adequately strip, stockpile, and maintain any topsoil disturbed by the mining activities, to ensure its volume, and physical and chemical characteristics are maintained in a way that will not constrain the achievement of the defined rehabilitation completion criteria; Permit Environmental authority BRID0071 - Fairhill Mine (k) a compliance table that directs any reader of the plan to the relevant section/s which address all the relevant rehabilitation requirements of this environmental authority; (l) describe a program for monitoring and review of the effectiveness of the Rehabilitation Management Plan; and (m) management actions to be implemented for when rehabilitation objectives are not progressing towards meeting the completion criteria.
- H3
Land disturbed by mining activities must be progressively rehabilitated in accordance with the Rehabilitation Management Plan required by condition H1.
- H4
Rehabilitation activities carried out in accordance with Table H1 - Progressive Rehabilitation Requirements must achieve the completion criteria as stated in Appendix A - Rehabilitation Completion Criteria.
- H5
Table H1 - Progressive Rehabilitation Requirements. Year Progressive Rehabilitation (Minimum percentage (%) of disturbed area) Year 11 0 Year 2 2 Year 3 5 Year 4 10 Year 5 15 Year 6 25 Year 7 40 Year 8 50 Year 9 100 Notes 1 Means one (1) year from the commencement of mining activities.
- H6
By 1 March each calendar year immediately following commencement of mining, the holder must provide to the administering authority a rehabilitation progress report for the project. The report must include an analysis of the following (a) for the relevant Reporting Period - the actual amount of rehabilitation completed for that period; and (b) for the immediately preceding Reporting Period, if applicable - the estimated amount of rehabilitation to be completed in that period. Permit Environmental authority BRID0071 - Fairhill Mine Schedule I: Prescribed Environmental Matters Condition Condition number