Data as at 14 September 2026 · from the Queensland EP Act public register
EA0002046 · WILTON COKING COAL PTY LTD
Coal environmental authority EA0002046 (WILTON COKING COAL PTY LTD), Granted. 111 conditions indexed. No PRC plan.
- Status
- Granted
- Holders
- WILTON COKING COAL PTY LTD
- Tenures
- ML700028; ML700029
- PRC plan
- None
- How it was read
- Numbered conditions
- Register
- Register record · Instrument PDF
Conditions
111 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
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 and/or to minimise the likelihood of environmental harm being caused. Any environmentally relevant activity, that, if carried out incompetently, or negligently, may cause environmental harm, in a manner that could have been prevented, shall be carried out in a proper manner in accordance with the conditions of this environmental authority.
- A4
The holder is approved for an extraction rate of up to one point six five (1.65) million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of ROM.
- A5
Authorised Disturbance Surface disturbance by mining activities is authorised within areas marked "Authorised Surface Disturbance" in Figure 1 - (Authorised Disturbance Areas).
- A6
Sub-surface disturbance by mining activities is authorised within areas marked as "Authorised Sub- Surface Disturbance" in Figure 1 - (Authorised Disturbance Areas).
- A7
Disturbance by mining activities within areas marked as "Limited Disturbance Authorised" in Figure 1 - (Authorised Disturbance Areas): a) is only authorised to the extent reasonably necessary for the construction and installation the environmental monitoring equipment, and associated access tracks; and b) must not result in significant residual impact to prescribed environmental matters.
- 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. Permit Environmental authority Schedule A: General Condition Condition number
- 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 or an alternative timeframe agreed between the administering authority and the holder.
- 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: a) update the management plan or report to address the comment(s); and b) amend the management plan or report to adopt any recommendation(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, or an alternative timeframe agreed between the administering authority and the holder (whichever is the latter), 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.
- A16
Any further monitoring results related to information provided in accordance with condition A15 must be provided to the administering authority within fourteen (14) days after they are received by the holder. Permit Environmental authority Schedule A: General Condition Condition number
- 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; and 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 that is neither frivolous nor vexatious in the opinion of the authorised person, of nuisance or environmental harm, by: a) undertaking the monitoring specified by the administering authority; b) undertaking the monitoring in the timeframe nominated or agreed to by the administering authority; c) completing an analysis and interpretation of the monitoring results; and d) implementing abatement measures, where required.
- 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), or an alternative timeframe agreed to by the administering authority. Permit Environmental authority Schedule A: General Condition Condition number
- A21
If the monitoring undertaken in accordance with condition A19 indicates the occurrence of environmental harm or nuisance then the environmental authority holder must: a) address any complaint including the use of appropriate dispute resolution if required; and b) immediately implement abatement measures so that the environmental harm or nuisance to which the complaint relates ceases.
- A22
Third-party reporting The holder must: a) obtain from an appropriately qualified person 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).
- A23
Within ninety (90) days of completing the third party report in accordance with condition A22, provide the report to the administering authority that has been certified by the appropriately qualified independent third party auditor, detailing any non-compliance issues that were found (if no non- compliance issues were found this should be stated in the report). If non-compliance issues were found the report must also address: 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) 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; b) develop a risk management system, required by condition A24(a), prior to commencing mining activities; and c) implement a risk management system, required by condition A24(a), for the duration of the mining activities. Permit Environmental authority Schedule A: General Condition Condition number
- 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
The holder must notify the administering authority of the commencement date of the mining activities, in writing and at least fourteen (14) days prior to the commencement of the mining activities. Permit Environmental authority 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 do not cause exceedances of the following limits when measured at any sensitive or commercial place: a) Dust deposition of 120 milligrams per square metre per day, averaged over one month, when monitored 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, for no more than five exceedances recorded each year, when 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. d) A concentration of particulate matter suspended in the atmosphere of 90 micrograms per cubic metre over a 1 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 Schedule B: Air Condition Condition number
- B3
The Air Quality Management Plan required by condition B2 must: a) provide for the effective management of actual and potential environmental impacts to air resulting from the mining activities; b) identify all sources of air emissions that may occur as a result of the mining activity; c) identify all potential sensitive and commercial places that may be affected by air emissions from the mining activities; d) detail the collection of air quality and meteorological data in accordance with the administering authority's Air Quality Sampling Manual; e) develop and implement a real-time meteorological monitoring method which predicts and identifies adverse meteorological conditions likely to produce elevated levels of air quality parameters nominated in condition B1 at any sensitive place or commercial place, due to the mining activities; f) develop and implement a real time air quality monitoring network to measure air quality parameters nominated in condition B1; g) detail the protocols for regular maintenance of plant and equipment to minimise the potential for fugitive dust emissions; h) describe the procedures to be undertaken if any non-compliance is detected; i) detail the period of regular 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; j) include a preventative management system for air emissions; k) include a Trigger Action Response Program; and l) describe the procedures that will be used to manage dust emissions. Procedures must include the following measures committed to in the site-specific environmental authority application, or equivalent measures that at achieve the same level of dust and particulate matter deposition. Permit Environmental authority Schedule C: Waste Condition Condition number
- C1
Waste disposal Unless otherwise specified in the conditions of this environmental authority, waste, other than any spoil, tyres, overburden, 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.
- C2
Disposal of Tyres Scrap tyres resulting from the mining activities may be disposed in spoil emplacements within the mining leases listed on this environmental authority.
- C3
A record must be kept of the number, volume, and location for all scrap tyres disposed.
- C4
Waste management A Waste Management Plan must: a) be developed prior to commencing mining activities; and b) implemented for the duration of mining activities.
- C5
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 dealt with in accordance with the waste management hierarchy (that is, avoid, reuse, recycling, energy recovery, disposal); d) the hazardous characteristics of the wastes generated including disposal procedures for hazardous wastes; e) procedures for dealing with accidents, spills and other incidents; f) the indicators or other criteria on which the performance of the waste management program will be assessed; and g) staff training. Permit Environmental authority Schedule D: Acoustic Condition Condition number
- D1
Noise Noise generated by the mining activities must not exceed the limits identified in Table D1 - Noise Limits at any sensitive place or commercial place. Table D1 - 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 47 47 Noise measured at a commercial place LAeq, adj, 15mins 40 40 35 40 40 35
- D2
Noise monitoring must be: a) conducted in accordance with the administering authority's Noise Measurement Manual; b) noise measurement must be undertaken in a manner that: i) source noise levels must be expressed as component noise levels for the purposes of comparison with noise limits defined within Table D1 - Noise Limits; ii) all noise monitoring devices must be calibrated in accordance with AS IEC 61672.1- 2004; and iii) monitoring location must be relevant to the matter under investigation.
- D3
Blasting Blasting must not cause the limits in Table D2 - Airblast overpressure and vibration limits to be exceeded at any sensitive place or commercial place. Permit Environmental authority Schedule D: Acoustic Condition Condition number Table D2 - Airblast overpressure and vibration limits Airblast overpressure measured at a sensitive place or commercial place Parameter Monday to Friday Monday to Saturday, Sunday Friday and Public Holidays 9am to 4pm 4pm to Anytime 9am Airblast 115dB (Linear) Peak for 9 out of 10 consecutive No Blasting to occur overpressure (dB blasts initiated and not greater than 120 dB (Linear) Peak) (Linear) Peak at any time Ground vibration 5mm/second peak particle velocity for 9 out of 10 No Blasting to occur peak particle consecutive blasts and not greater than 10 velocity mm/second peak particle velocity at any time (mm/second)
- D4
The holder must develop and implement a blast monitoring program that is consistent with AS2187.2-2006 Explosives - Storage and use.
- D5
Blast monitoring must be conducted in accordance with the blast monitoring program required by condition D4. Permit Environmental authority Schedule E: Water (Surface Water) Condition Condition number
- E1
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 the authorised mining activities, except as permitted under the conditions of this environmental authority.
- E2
Unless otherwise permitted under the conditions of this environmental authority, the release of mine affected water to waters must only occur from the release points specified in Table E1 - Mine affected water release points, sources and receiving waters and depicted in Figure 2 - (Mine affected water release points). Table E1 - Mine affected water release points, sources and receiving waters Release Easting Northing Mine affected Monitoring Receiving waters description point (RP) (GDA94, (GDA94, water source point zone 55) zone 55) and location RP 1 660550 7417633 Waste rock WSW8 Un-named water course RP 2 661347 7416714 dump and pit WSW2a (tributary of Red Rock Creek) Waste rock Un-named water course dump and pit (tributary of Red Rock Creek)
- E3
Notwithstanding condition E2 of this environmental authority, the release of mine affected water to waters from RP1 and RP2 is not permitted until the holder amends this environmental authority to include: a) the installed location details for RP1 and RP2, and Monitoring Points in Table E1 - Mine affected water release points, sources and receiving waters; b) the release limit value for Turbidity (NTU) in Table E2 - Mine affected water release limits; c) the installed location details for gauging stations in Table E4 - Mine affected water release during flow events; d) the installed details for each of the monitoring points in Table E6 - Receiving water upstream background sites and downstream monitoring points; and e) the release limit value for EC (-S/cm) , Turbidity (NTU), Aluminium (mg/L), Barium (mg/L), Cobalt (mg/L), Uranium (mg/L), and Vanadium (mg/L) in Table E5 - Receiving waters contaminant trigger levels.
- E4
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 E30 to E32 inclusive is permitted. Permit Environmental authority Schedule E: Water (Surface Water) Condition Condition number Table E2 - Mine affected water release limits Quality characteristic Release limits Monitoring frequency Electrical conductivity Release limits specified in Table E4 - Mine Daily during a release (S/cm) affected water release during flow events and within 2 hours of for variable flow criteria commencing the release Dissolved Oxygen (%sat) 85 - 110 pH (pH units) 6.5 - 8.5 Turbidity (NTU) TBA
- E5
The release of mine affected water to waters in accordance with condition E2 must not exceed the release limits stated in Table E2 - Mine affected water release limits when measured at the monitoring points specified in Table E1 - Mine affected water release points, sources and receiving waters for each quality characteristic.
- E6
The release of mine affected water to waters from the release points must be monitored at the locations specified in Table E1 - Mine affected water release points, sources and receiving waters for each quality characteristic and at the frequency specified in Table E2 - Mine affected water release limits and Table E3 - Release contaminant trigger investigation levels. Permit Environmental authority Table E3 - Release contaminant trigger investigation levels Quality Trigger Comment on trigger level Monitoring characteristic Level frequency (ug/L) Within 2 Aluminium For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD hours of 55 commencing the release guideline. and thereafter Arsenic For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD daily during 13 release guideline. Cadmium For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD 0.2 guideline. Chromium For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD 1 guideline. Copper For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on LOR for 2 ICPMS Iron 300 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on low reliability guideline Lead For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD 4 guideline. Mercury For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on LOR for CV 0.2 FIMS Nickel For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD 11
- E7
If quality characteristics of the release exceed any of the trigger levels specified in Table E3 - 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 E3 - 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 E3 - 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 E7 2(b) of this condition, no further reporting is required for subsequent trigger events for that quality characteristic.
- E8
If an exceedance in accordance with condition E7 2(b) is identified, the holder must notify the administering authority within twenty-four (24) hours of receiving the result.
- E9
The report required by condition E7 2(b) must be provided to the administering authority within fourteen (14) days following the notification under condition conditions E8.
- E10
Mine Affected Water Release Events The holder must ensure a stream flow gauging station is installed, operated and maintained to determine and record stream flows at the locations and flow recording frequency specified in Table
- E4
- Mine affected water release during flow events
- E11
Notwithstanding any other condition of this environmental authority, the release of mine affected water to waters in accordance with condition E2 must only take place during periods of natural flow events in accordance with the receiving water flow criteria for discharge specified in Table E4 - Mine affected water release during flow events for the release points specified in Table E1 - Mine affected water release points, sources and receiving waters. Permit Environmental authority Schedule E: Water (Surface Water) Condition Condition number
- E12
The release of mine affected water to waters in accordance with condition E2 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 E4 - Mine affected water release during flow events when measured at the monitoring points specified in Table E1 - Mine affected water release points, sources and receiving waters. Table E4 - Mine affected water release during flow events Receiving Waters Gauging Gauging Receiving Receiving Maximum Electrical Release Point (RP) Station Station Water Flow Water Flow Permitted Conductivity Gauging Station Northing Easting recording criteria for Release Release (GDA94, (GDA94, frequency discharge Rate limits z55) z55) (m3/s) Dilution (Ratio of Electrical MAW to conductivity Natural (-S/cm): Flow) 1,470 Un- RP1 Gauging 662127 7418822 Continuous >0.1 (m3/s) 1:20 Electrical Station (minimum conductivity named 1 of 1 data (-S/cm): point every 1,470 water 1 hour) course (tributary of Red Rock Creek) Un- RP2 Gauging 663479 7418694 Continuous >0.1 (m3/s) 1:20 Station (minimum named 2 of 1 data point every water 1 hour) course (tributary of Red Rock Creek)
- E13
The daily quantity of mine affected water released from each release point must be measured and recorded.
- E14
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 Schedule E: Water (Surface Water) Condition Condition number
- E15
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.
- E16
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 E15. 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 E15, E16, and E17, provided the relevant details of the release are included within the notification provided in accordance with conditions E15, E16, and E17. Permit Environmental authority Schedule E: Water (Surface Water) Condition Condition number
- E17
Within twenty-eight (28) days of notification under condition E15, 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.
- E18
Notification of release event exceedance If the release limits defined in Table E2 - Mine affected water release limits are exceeded, the holder must notify the administering authority within twenty-four (24) hours of receiving the results.
- E19
Within twenty-eight (28) days of notification under condition E18, 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.
- E20
Receiving Environment Monitoring and Contaminant Trigger Levels The quality of the receiving waters must be monitored at the locations specified in Table E6 - Receiving water upstream background sites and downstream monitoring points for each quality characteristic and at the monitoring frequency stated in Table E5 - Receiving waters contaminant trigger levels and Table E3 - Release contaminant trigger investigation levels. Permit Environmental authority Table E5 - Receiving waters contaminant trigger levels. Quality characteristic Release limits Monitoring frequency pH (pH units) 6.5 (lower trigger); Within 6 hours of a release 8.5 (upper trigger) of MAW or first flow. EC (-S/cm) 1000 Turbidity (NTU) TBDB Subsequent monitoring must be conducted daily during the flow. Nitrate + Nitrite (mg/L) 0.7 Ammonia (mg/L) 0.9 Aluminium (mg/L) TBDB Arsenic (mg/L) 0.013 Barium (mg/L) TBDB Boron (mg/L) 0.37 Cadmium (mg/L) 0.0002 Chromium (mg/L) 0.001 Cobalt (mg/L) TBDB Copper (mg/L) 0.0014 Within 12 hours of a release Lead (mg/L) 0.0034 of MAW or first flow. Manganese (mg/L) 1.9 Mercury (mg/L) 0.00006 Subsequent monitoring Nickel (mg/L) 0.011 must be conducted weekly during the flow. Selenium (total; mg/L) 0.005 Uranium (mg/L) TBDB Vanadium (mg/L) TBDB Zinc (mg/L) 0.008 Total BTEX (-g/L) 10C Total Xylenes (-g/L) 5C TRH (C6-C10) (-g/L) 50C
- E21
If quality characteristics of the receiving water at the downstream monitoring points exceed any of the trigger levels specified in Table E5 - Receiving waters contaminant trigger levels and Table
- E3
- 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. Permit Environmental authority Schedule E: Water (Surface Water) Condition Condition number
- E22
Receiving Environmental Monitoring Program The holder must develop and implement a Receiving Environment Monitoring Program (REMP) to monitor, identify and describe any adverse impacts to surface water environmental values, quality and flows due to the authorised activity. This must include monitoring the effects of the mine on the receiving environment periodically (under natural flow conditions) and while mine affected water is being discharged from the site. For the purposes of the REMP, the receiving environment is the waters of the Red Rock Creek Catchment and connected or surrounding waterways within ten (10) km downstream of the release. The REMP should encompass any sensitive receiving waters or environmental values downstream of the authorised activity that will potentially be directly affected by an authorised release of mine affected water. Permit Environmental authority Schedule E: Water (Surface Water) Condition Condition number
- E23
The REMP required by condition E22 must: a) Meet the minimum content requirements of the administering authority 'Guideline- Receiving b) 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); c) be designed to facilitate assessment against water quality objectives for the relevant environmental values that need to be protected; d) 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 E6 - Receiving water upstream background sites and downstream monitoring points; e) 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; f) include monitoring and assessment of dissolved oxygen saturation, temperature and all water quality parameters listed in Table E2 - Mine affected water release limits and Table E3 - Release Contaminant Trigger Investigation Levels ; g) 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); h) include, where appropriate, monitoring of macroinvertebrates in accordance with the AusRivas methodology, i) apply procedures and/or guidelines from ANZECC & ARMCANZ 2000 and other relevant guideline documents; j) describe sampling and analysis methods and quality assurance and control; and k) incorporate stream flow and hydrological information in the interpretations of water quality and biological data.
- E24
A REMP Design Document that addresses each criterion presented in conditions E22 and E23 must: a) be developed prior to commencing mining activities; and b) implemented for the duration of mining activities. Due consideration must be given to any comments made by the administering authority on the REMP Design Document and subsequent implementation of the program. Permit Environmental authority Schedule E: Water (Surface Water) Condition Condition number
- E25
A report outlining the findings of the REMP, including all monitoring results and interpretations in accordance with condition E22 and E23 must be prepared annually. 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.
- E26
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, or used directly at properties owned by the environmental authority holder or a third party for the purpose of: a) supplying stock water subject to compliance with the quality release limits specified in Table
- E7
- Stock Water Release Limits; or b) supplying irrigation water subject to compliance with the quality release limits specified in Table E8 - Irrigation Release Limits. Table E7 - Stock Water Release Limits Quality Units Minimum Maximum Characteristic 8.5 5000 pH pH units 6.5 Maximum Electrical S/cm 0 8.5 Site specific value determined in accordance with Conductivity ANZECC & ARMCANZ (2000) Irrigation Guidelines Table E8 - Irrigation Release Limits Quality Units Minimum Characteristic pH pH units 6.5 Electrical S/cm 0 Conductivity
- E27
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 supplying water to any operation licensed for either ERA13 (mining black coal) or ERA31 (mineral processing). The volume, pH and electrical conductivity of water transferred must be monitored and recorded. Permit Environmental authority Schedule E: Water (Surface Water) Condition Condition number
- E28
If the responsibility for mine affected water is given or transferred to another person in accordance with conditions E26 or E27: a) the responsibility for the mine affected water must only be given or transferred in accordance with a written agreement (the third party agreement); and b) the third party agreement must 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 c) the third party agreement must be signed by both parties to the agreement.
- E29
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 via WaTERs: 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 must be provided to the administering authority in the specified electronic format upon request.
- E30
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 Schedule E: Water (Surface Water) Condition Condition number
- E31
The Water Management Plan required by condition E30 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 i) a study of the source of contaminants; ii) a water balance model for the site; iii) a water management system for the site; iv) measures to manage and prevent saline drainage; v) measures to manage and prevent acid rock drainage; vi) contingency procedures for emergencies; and vii) a program for monitoring and review of the effectiveness of the water management plan.
- E32
The Water Management Plan must be reviewed annually to assess the adequacy of the plan, ensure actual and potential environmental impacts are managed, identify any necessary amendments to the plan and submitted with the annual return.
- E33
Stormwater and water sediment controls An Erosion and Sediment Control Plan must be developed 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.
- E34
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 E33; and b) water management infrastructure that is installed and operated, in accordance with a Water Management Plan that complies with condition E30 to E32, for the purpose of ensuring water does not become mine affected water. Permit Environmental authority Schedule E: Water (Surface Water) Condition Condition number
- E35
All Dams The consequence category of each 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 E35 a).
- E36
The holder must only construct a dam of low consequence category. Permit Environmental authority Schedule F: Water (Groundwater) Condition Condition number
- F1
The holder must not release contaminants to groundwater.
- F2
The holder must notify the administering authority in writing within twenty-four (24) hours if the holder takes or interferes with underground water.
- F3
Groundwater quality and standing water levels must be monitored: a) at the location specified in Table F1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency; b) at the monitoring frequency specified in Table F1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency; and c) for the groundwater quality characteristics and standing water level identified in Table F2 - Groundwater quality triggers and limits. Table F1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency Location Screened interval Monitoring Point (GDA94, Zone 55) Surface RL (mBGL) Monitoring (m)[1] Frequency Easting Northing Monthly Monthly Burngrove/Emerald Formation Monthly Monthly Reference Bores Monthly RN89380 658695 7416879 TBC 42 - 54 Monthly Monthly Compliance Bores Monthly
- F4
Groundwater quality measured from any compliance bore specified in Table F1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency must not exceed: a) Trigger Value (Limit A) for any quality characteristic specified in Table F2 - 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 F2 - Groundwater quality triggers and limits on any three (3) consecutive sampling occasions.
- F5
Exceedance investigation If an exceedance is detected in accordance with condition F4, the holder must notify the administering authority via WaTERS within seven (7) days.
- F6
Within fourteen (14) days of the notification given under condition F5; commence an investigation into the cause of the exceedance including: a) a comparison of the compliance monitoring bore results to baseline data, observation and reference bores, and other relevant data; b) an investigation of the potential for environmental harm; and c) the actions taken or to be taken to ensure compliance with condition F1 of this environmental authority.
- F7
The exceedance investigation under condition F6 must be completed and submitted to the administering authority via WaTERS within three (3) months of notifying the administering authority under condition F5.
- F8
Where an investigation completed under condition F7 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 F7.
- F9
Groundwater Monitoring Program A Groundwater Monitoring Program must: Permit Environmental authority Schedule F: Water (Groundwater) Condition Condition number a) be developed prior to commencing mining activities; and b) implemented for the duration of mining activities.
- F10
The Groundwater Monitoring Program required by condition F9 must: a) identify potential sources of contamination to groundwater from mining activities; 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 sampling and monitoring methodology; e) ensure that adequate groundwater monitoring and data analysis is undertaken to achieve the following objectives: f) detect any impacts to groundwater levels due to the activity; g) detect any impacts to groundwater quality due to the activity; h) determine compliance with condition F1; i) determine trends in groundwater quality; j) include an appropriate quality assurance and quality control program; k) include a conceptual groundwater model; and l) include a review process to identify improvements to the program. .
- F11
The holder must: a) have the Groundwater Monitoring Program reviewed by an appropriately qualified person to determine if the Groundwater Monitoring Program continues to meet the requirements in condition F9 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 F11(a).
- F12
Annual Monitoring Report The holder must complete an Annual Monitoring Report and submit the report to the administering authority with the annual return. Permit Environmental authority Schedule F: Water (Groundwater) Condition Condition number
- F13
The Annual Monitoring Report required by condition F12 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 usable electronic format.
- F14
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.
- F15
A bore drill log must be kept for all groundwater monitoring bores that includes: 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 Schedule F: Water (Groundwater) Condition Condition number
- F16
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 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; and c) for subterranean aquatic fauna, the Guideline for the Environmental Assessment of Subterranean Aquatic Fauna. Permit Environmental authority Schedule G: Land Condition Condition number
- G1
Preventing contaminant release to land Contaminants must not be released to land unless otherwise authorised by a condition of this environmental authority.
- G2
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 Australian Standard where such is applicable. Where no relevant Australian Standard exists, store such materials within an effective on-site containment system.
- G3
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 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 and Table H1 - Residual Void Design; d) provide a schematic representation, which aligns with Figure 3 - (Cross Sections of Post Mining Landform), 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
- H2
- 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 6 reference sites and 6 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 shall be established within the first year of commencement of the action 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 Permit Environmental authority Schedule H: Rehabilitation Condition Condition number in a way that will not constrain the achievement of the defined rehabilitation completion criteria; 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 management actions to be implemented for when rehabilitation objectives are not progressing towards meeting the completion criteria. Table H1 - Residual Void Design Void Void high Void low Void Maximum Void Maximum Void Maximum Surface area (ha) depth (RL mAHD) volume (ML) identification wall - slope Wall - slope 6,449 Void < 30% < 30% 52 220
- 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 H2 - Progressive Rehabilitation Requirements must achieve the completion criteria as stated in Appendix A - Rehabilitation Completion Criteria. Table H2 - Progressive Rehabilitation Requirements. Year Progressive Rehabilitation (Minimum percentage (%) of disturbed area) Year 11 0 Year 2 16 Year 3 32 Year 4 48 Year 5 64 Year 6 80 Year 7 100 Notes 1 Means one (1) year from the commencement of mining activities. Permit Environmental authority Schedule H: Rehabilitation Condition Condition number
- H5
By 1 March in the year following the reporting period, 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 Schedule J: Offset Condition Condition number
- J1
Significant residual impacts on prescribed environmental matters are not authorised under this environmental authority or the Environmental Offsets Act 2014 unless the impact(s) is specified in Table J1 - Significant residual impacts on prescribed environmental matters. Table J1 - Significant residual impacts on prescribed environmental matters Prescribed Environmental Location of Impact Maximum Extent Environmental Offset Matter (PEM) of Impact (ha) Required Wetlands and Watercourses Prescribed Regional 4.54 Yes Ecosystem within a defined distance of a watercourse Figure 4 - (Location of identified on the vegetation Authorised Impact on management watercourse Prescribed and drainage feature map. Environmental Matters) The mapped watercourse is an unnamed watercourse (stream order 1)
- J2
A report that contains an analysis of the estimated maximum extent of impact on each prescribed environmental matter identified in Table J1 - Significant residual impacts on prescribed environmental matters must be completed by an appropriately qualified person.
- J3
The report required by condition J2 must be submitted to the administering authority prior to the commencement of any impacts on a prescribed environmental matter for which an environmental offset is required by condition J5.
- J4
The report required to be submitted to the administering authority under condition J3 must be approved by the administering authority before the notice of election, if applicable, is given to the administering authority.
- J5
An environmental offset made in accordance with the Environmental Offsets Act 2014 and the Queensland Environmental Offsets Policy, as amended from time to time, must be undertaken for the maximum extent of impact on each prescribed environmental matter authorised in Table J1 - Significant residual impacts on prescribed environmental matters.
- J6
The notice of election for the environmental offset required by condition J5, if applicable, must be provided to the administering authority no less than three (3) months (or a lesser timeframe agreed to by the administering authority) before the proposed commencement of the significant residual impacts for which the environmental offset is required. Permit Environmental authority Schedule J: Offset Condition Condition number
- J7
Records demonstrating that each impact on a prescribed environmental matter not listed in Table
- J1
- Significant residual impacts on prescribed environmental matters did not, or is not likely to, result in a significant residual impact on that matter must be: a) completed by an appropriately qualified person; and b) kept for the life of the environmental authority. END OF CONDITIONS Permit Environmental authority Definitions Key terms and/or phrases used in this document are defined in this section. Where a term is not defined, the definition in the Environmental Protection Act 1994, its regulations or environmental protection policies must be used. If a word remains undefined it has its ordinary meaning. `acid rock drainage' means any contaminated discharge emanating from a mining activity formed through a series of chemical and biological reactions, when geological strata is disturbed and exposed to oxygen and moisture. `administering authority' is the agency or department that administers the environmental authority provisions under the Environmental Protection Act 1994. `airblast overpressure' means energy transmitted from the blast site within the atmosphere in the form of pressure waves. The maximum excess pressure in this wave, above ambient pressure is the peak airblast overpressure measured in decibels linear (dBL). `appropriately qualified person' means a person who has professional qualifications, training, skills or experience relevant to the nominated subject matter and can give authoritative assessment, advice and analysis on performance relating to the subject matter using the relevant protocols, standards, methods or literature. `assessed' or `assessment' by a suitably qualified and experienced person in relation to a consequence assessment of a dam, means that a statutory declaration has been made by that person and, when taken together with any attached or appended documents referenced in that declaration, all of the following aspects are addressed and are sufficient to allow an independent audit of the assessment: a) exactly what has been assessed and the precise nature of that determination; b) the relevant legislative, regulatory and technical criteria on which the assessment has been based; c) the relevant data and facts on which the assessment has been based, the source of that material, and d) the efforts made to obtain all relevant data and facts; and e) the reasoning on which the assessment has been based using the relevant data and facts, and f) the relevant criteria `associated works' in relation to a dam, means: a) operations of any kind and all things constructed, erected or installed for that dam; and b) any land used for those operations. `authority' means this environmental authority. `background', with reference to the water schedule means the average of samples taken prior to the commencement of mining from the same waterway that the current sample has been taken. `blasting' means the use of explosive materials to fracture: a) rock, coal and other minerals for later recovery; or b) structural components or other items to facilitate removal from a site or for reuse. Permit Environmental authority `chemical' means: a) an agricultural chemical product or veterinary chemical product within the meaning of the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Act 1994 (Commonwealth); b) a dangerous good under the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail approved by the Australian Transport Council;