Data as at 14 September 2026 · from the Queensland EP Act public register
EPML00332013 · NC COAL COMPANY PTY LIMITED
Coal environmental authority EPML00332013 (NC COAL COMPANY PTY LIMITED), Granted. 193 conditions indexed. No PRC plan.
- Status
- Granted
- Holders
- NC COAL COMPANY PTY LIMITED
- Tenures
- ML1005; ML1006; ML1007; ML1008; ML1009; ML10111; ML1015; ML10250; ML10333; ML1037; ML1064
- PRC plan
- None
- How it was read
- Numbered conditions
- Register
- Register record · Instrument PDF
Conditions
193 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
Scope of Activity This environmental authority authorises the mining of 5.9 million tonnes of run of mine (ROM) coal per annum.
- A3
Monitoring and Records Record, compile and keep for a minimum of five (5) years all monitoring results required by this environmental authority and make available for inspection all or any of these records upon request by the administering authority.
- A4
All monitoring and sampling required by the conditions of this environmental authority must be carried out, interpreted, and recorded by an appropriately qualified person. .
- A5
All analyses and tests required to be conducted under this environmental authority must be carried out by a laboratory that has National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) certification for such analyses and tests, except as otherwise authorised by the administering authority.
- A6
All instruments, equipment and measuring devices used for measuring or monitoring in accordance with any condition of this authority must be: (a) appropriately and competently calibrated, operated and maintained; and (b) calibration reports must be supplied upon request to the administering authority in accordance with condition A7.
- A7
Upon request from the administering authority, copies of all records, plans and other documentation required by the conditions of this environmental authority must be made available and provided to the administering authority within: (a) ten (10) business days; or (b) an alternative timeframe agreed between the administering authority and the environmental authority holder.
- A8
Notification of Emergencies, Incidents and Exceptions As soon as practicable, but not later than forty-eight (48) hours, after becoming aware of any emergency, incident or information about circumstances which results or may result in environmental harm not in accordance with the conditions of this environmental authority, the administering authority must be notified by telephone or email. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00332013 - Collinsville Coal Mine
- A9
The notification of emergencies or incidents as required under condition A8 must include at a minimum, but not be limited to, the following: (a) the holder of the environmental authority; (b) the permit number of the environmental authority; (c) the name and telephone number of the designated contact person; (d) the location of the emergency or incident; (e) the time of the emergency or incident; (f) the time the holder of the environmental authority became aware of the emergency or incident; (g) the suspected cause of the emergency or incident; (h) the potential environmental harm caused, threatened, or suspected to be caused by the emergency or incident; and (i) actions taken to prevent any further environmental harm and mitigate any environmental harm caused by the emergency or incident.
- A10
Within ten (10) business days following the initial notification of an emergency or incident, or receipt of monitoring results, 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.
- A11
Storage and Handling of Hazardous Substances Storage of chemicals, flammable and combustible liquids, corrosive and toxic substances, gases and dangerous goods must be contained within an on-site containment system and controlled in a manner that prevents environmental harm in accordance with AS 1940 - Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids or another relevant Australian Standard.
- A12
Spillage of chemicals, flammable and combustible liquids, corrosive and toxic substances, gases and dangerous goods must be controlled in a manner that prevents unlawful environmental harm.
- A13
Appropriate control measures including spill kits, personal protective equipment, and relevant operator instructions/emergency procedure guides for the management of hydrocarbons, chemicals, flammable and combustible liquids, corrosive and toxic substances, gases and dangerous goods associated with the activity must be implemented at the site.
- A14
Any persons handling or managing hydrocarbons, chemicals, flammable and combustible liquids, corrosive and toxic substances, gases and dangerous goods under this approval must be trained by a competent person in the use of appropriate control measures referred to in condition A13.
- A15
Contaminant Release Contaminants that will or have the potential to cause environmental harm must not be released directly or indirectly as a result of the authorised mining activities, except as permitted under the conditions of this environmental authority. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00332013 - Collinsville Coal Mine
- A16
Standards and Guidelines Where a condition of this environmental authority requires compliance with a standard, guideline or manual published externally to this environmental authority and the standard, guideline or manual is amended or changed subsequent to the issue of this environmental authority the holder must: (a) comply with the amended or changed standard, guideline or manual: (i) within twelve (12) months of the amendment or change being made, unless a different period is specified in the amended standard, guideline, manual or relevant legislation; or (ii) within a timeframe otherwise agreed between the holder of this environmental authority and the administering authority. (b) until compliance with the amended or changed standard, guideline or manual is achieved, continue to remain in compliance with the standard, guideline or manual that was current immediately prior to the relevant amendment or change.
- A17
Management Plans and Programs Where this environmental authority requires the holder to develop a management plan or program, the holder may amend any such plan or program from time to time in accordance with any content requirements under this environmental authority without triggering an amendment to this environmental authority.
- A18
Complaints All complaints received must be recorded by the environmental authority holder and provided to the administering authority on request, including the following information: (a) name, address and contact number for complainant; (b) time and date of complaint; (c) reasons for the complaint; (d) investigations undertaken; (e) conclusions formed; (f) actions taken to resolve the complaint; (g) any abatement measures implemented; and (h) person responsible for resolving the complaint.
- A19
When requested by the administering authority, the environmental authority holder must undertake relevant specified monitoring within a reasonable and practicable timeframe nominated by the administering authority to investigate any complaint of environmental harm at any sensitive place or commercial place. The results of the investigation (including analysis and interpretation of the monitoring results) and abatement measures implemented must be provided to the administering authority within ten (10) business days of completion of the investigation.
- A20
Non-Sensitive Location Agreements The environmental authority holder may enter into non-sensitive location agreements with the owners of sensitive places identified in the relevant management plan.
- A21
The environmental authority holder must notify the administering authority of any non-sensitive location agreement upon commencement, amendment, transfer, continuation or conclusion of the agreement. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00332013 - Collinsville Coal Mine
- A22
Where the owner of a sensitive place enters into a non-sensitive location agreement, that place is not considered to be a sensitive place.
- A23
Environmental Legacy Identification Program The Environmental Legacy Identification Program must include the following as a minimum: (a) be developed by an appropriately qualified person; (b) identification of environmental legacy issues; (c) identify monitoring and management strategies for each environmental legacy issue; and (d) detail monitoring and review processes of the effectiveness of the monitoring and management strategies identified for each environmental legacy issue.
- A24
No circumstances in relation to an environmental legacy issue will constitute a breach of any other condition(s) of this environmental authority however the permit holder must complete an investigation to the satisfaction of the administering authority as requested in accordance with condition A19. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00332013 - Collinsville Coal Mine Schedule B: Air Condition Condition number
- B1
Air Quality Management Plan An Air Quality Management Plan must be developed by an appropriately qualified person and implemented for all stages of the mining activities on the site.
- B2
The Air Quality Management Plan required by condition B1 must provide for effective management of actual and potential impacts to air resulting from the mining activities carried out under this environmental authority and include the following as a minimum: (a) identification of all potential sensitive and commercial places which may be affected by air emissions1 from mining activities; (b) identification of all major sources of dust emissions that may occur as a result of mining activities; (c) procedures to manage air emissions from the sources identified in part (b); (d) collection of air quality and meteorological data at locations specified in Table B1 - Dust and particulate matter monitoring locations, and using the monitoring methods described in Table B2 - Air quality monitoring methods; (e) a system to identify adverse meteorological conditions likely to produce elevated levels of air emissions at a sensitive or commercial place due to mining activities; (f) integration with the meteorological monitoring system that would activate the timely implementation of control actions; (g) application of adequate environmental management control measures that comply with any relevant Standards; (h) description of procedures to be undertaken if any exceedance of air quality objectives, as stated in conditions B3 and B4 are, or likely to be detected; and (i) incorporate a two-yearly review of the Air Quality Management Plan for continuous improvement for the management of air emissions resulting from the mining activities. Note: 1 air emissions as per condition B4 include dust, particulate matter and Hydrogen sulfide.
- B3
Air Quality Objectives Air emissions generated by mining activities must not cause an environmental nuisance at any sensitive or commercial place.
- B4
The holder of this environmental authority must comply with the following limits at any sensitive or commercial place: (a) a level of deposited dust of 120 milligrams measured as insoluble solids, per square metre per day based on a monthly average; (b) a concentration of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 micrometre (-m) (PM10) suspended in the atmosphere of 50 micrograms per cubic metre over a 24-hour calendar day; and (c) a concentration of Hydrogen sulfide for the protection of human health and wellbeing - 164-g/m3 or 0.108ppm average over a 24-hour calendar day.
- B5
The monitoring of air emissions required by condition B4, must be carried out in accordance with the stated monitoring method for each relevant indicator stated in Table B2 - Air quality monitoring methods. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00332013 - Collinsville Coal Mine
- B6
Where monitoring identifies an exceedance of a concentration specified in condition B4, the environmental authority holder must: (a) immediately commence implementation of measures to reduce the concentrations to levels below those specified in condition B4; and (b) as soon as practicable, but not later than forty-eight (48) hours after becoming aware of the exceedance, notify the administering authority in writing, and include the following information: (i) the location/s and time/s of the exceedance/s; (ii) the type/s of air emission and contraction/s recorded; (iii) details of the measures implemented in accordance with condition B6(a); and (iv) If any compliant/s were received in association with the exceedance.
- B7
Within ten (10) business days of notifying the administering authority under condition B6, the environmental authority holder must submit a report to the administering authority that: (a) details the air quality data recorded; (b) describes the meteorological conditions recorded; (c) details the air quality data upwind of the mining activities (if known); and (d) details the measures taken to reduce the air emissions exceeded by the mining activities and assesses the effectiveness of those measures.
- B8
When requested by the administering authority monitoring must be carried out at a place or places relevant to the potentially affected sensitive or commercial place as agreed upon with the administering authority.
- B9
Odour Nuisance The release of noxious or offensive odour or any other noxious or offensive airborne contaminant resulting from the mining activities must not cause an environmental nuisance at any sensitive or commercial place.
- B10
Notwithstanding condition A18, if a complaint is received by the holder or the administering authority regarding odour nuisance, the environmental authority holder must immediately commence implementation of odour abatement measures so that emissions of odour from the activity do not result in further environmental nuisance. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00332013 - Collinsville Coal Mine Table B1 - Dust and particulate matter monitoring locations Monitoring Point Receiving Area Latitude Longitude Monitoring (decimal degree (decimal degree Description Thornley GDA2020) GDA2020) Kaylu Royle Depositional Garrick East Residential -20.535340 147.807650 Dust Gauge Kerale Depositional Colinta Residential -20.532795 147.828327 Dust Gauge Collinsville Depositional Hoffman Residential -20.559599 147.840457 Dust Gauge Scottville Depositional Emohruo Background -20.600288 147.711447 Dust Gauge PM10 Background -20.525572 147.753540 PM10, H2S Collinsville -20.549375 147.835492 Township PM10, H2S Residential -20.531175 147.799693 PM10, H2S Scottsville -20.571820 147.820283 Township PM10, H2S Residential -20.601383 147.740352 Table B2 - Air quality monitoring methods Air Quality Indicator Monitoring Method Dust Deposition Australian Standard 3580.10.1 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air- Determination of particulate matter- Deposited matter- Gravimetric method. Particulate matter with Real-time monitoring of the 24-hour average using the following method: an aerodynamic diameter of less than Australian Standard 3580.9.6 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air- 10 micrometres (PM10) Determination of suspended particulate matter- PM10 high volume sampler with size selective inlet - Gravimetric method; or Australian Standard 3580.9.8 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air - Determination of suspended particulate matter - PM10 continuous direct mass method using a tapered element oscillating microbalance analyser; or Australian Standard 3580.9.9 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air - Determination of suspended particulate matter - PM10 low volume sampler - Gravimetric method; or Hydrogen sulfide Australian Standard 3580.9.11 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air - Determination of suspended particulate matter - PM10 beta attenuation monitors. Meteorological data A method determined by an appropriately qualified person that permits comparison against (including but not the air quality objectives stated in condition B4(c). limited to wind speed Australian Standard AS3580.14 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air - and direction, Meteorological monitoring for ambient air quality monitoring applications; or humidity, temperature An alternative method approved by the administering authority. and precipitation)
- C1
The following waste types resulting from mining activities authorised under this permit can be disposed of on site: (a) scrap tyres; (b) tailings; (c) brine wastes that comply with Schedule G: Water Treatment Plan of this environmental authority; and (d) inert Waste.
- C2
The waste types authorised under condition C1 must: (a) be disposed in mining voids only; (b) not impede saturated aquifers (in the current or post mining environment) or compromise the stability of the consolidated landform; (c) notwithstanding part (b), be placed as deep in the pit voids as reasonably practicable; and (d) be effectively covered to ensure they do not rise to the surface.
- C3
Non-Mineral Waste Management Plan A Non-Mineral Waste Management Plan must be: (a) developed by an appropriately qualified person; and (b) implemented for the duration of the mining activities. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00332013 - Collinsville Coal Mine
- C4
The Non-mineral Waste Management Plan required by condition C3 must include: (a) description of how the environmental authority holder applies the waste management hierarchy; (b) safe disposal of all wastes including the maximisation or reusing and recycling of waste; (c) commitments with auditable targets to reduce, reuse and recycle; (d) management strategies that consider: (i) the type of wastes generated and disposed; (ii) the location of waste disposal areas. (iii) segregation of wastes; (iv) storage of wastes; (v) transport of wastes; (vi) monitoring and reporting matters concerning wastes; (vii) emergency response planning; and (viii) disposal, reuse and recycling options; (e) identification of the potential adverse and beneficial impacts of wastes generated; (f) details of the hazardous characteristics of wastes generated (if any); (g) outline of the process to be implemented to allow for continuous improvement of waste management systems; (h) identification of the responsible position(s) for implementing, managing and reporting the Non- Mineral Waste Management Plan; (i) a staff awareness and induction program that encourages minimisation of waste generation and maximisation of reuse and recycling; and (j) A survey record of the number/volume and location (using coordinates) of any waste disposed.
- C5
The Non-Mineral Waste Management Plan must be reviewed every two (2) calendar years and updated if deemed necessary.
- C6
Waste Handling and Disposal Designated areas must be set aside for the lay down and segregation of wastes.
- C7
An effective fire break must be provided and maintained around all waste lay down areas.
- C8
A record of all wastes disposed off-site must be kept for five (5) years detailing the following information: (a) date of pickup of waste; (b) description of waste; (c) quantity of waste; (d) origin of waste; and (e) destination of waste.
- C9
Scrap tyres must be stored and disposed of in accordance with the most recent version of the Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00332013 - Collinsville Coal Mine Schedule D: Noise and Vibration Condition Condition number
- D1
The holder of this environmental authority must conduct an inquiry into each noise related complaint to determine the circumstances behind the complaint and whether the noise: (a) does not cause the criteria in Table D1 - Noise objectives to be exceeded at a sensitive place or commercial place; and (b) was caused by mining activities.
- D2
If the inquiry determines that the noise the subject of the complaint was caused by its mining activities and amounts to a noise disturbance, the holder of the environmental authority must: (a) within fifteen (15) business days of completing the inquiry, devise and implement a management strategy (or strategies) to mitigate the noise disturbance (in the case of ongoing noise) or prevent the recurrence of the noise disturbance; and (b) within ten (10) business days of implementing the management strategy, report to the administering authority the results of the inquiry and the management strategies implemented.
- D3
The Noise and Vibration Management Plan The Noise and Vibration Management Plan must be implemented at the site and include the following as a minimum: (a) be developed by an appropriately qualified person; (b) identification of all potential sensitive and commercial locations which may be affected by noise and vibration impacts from the mining activities; (c) identification of all major sources of noise and vibration emissions that may occur as result of the operation of the project; (d) description of the procedures to manage the noise and vibration emissions from the sources identified; (e) collection of noise and vibration data using the methods described in the Noise and Vibration Monitoring Program; (f) identifying adverse meteorological conditions likely to produce elevated levels of noise and vibration at a sensitive or commercial place due to mining activities; (g) integration of noise and vibration control strategies as described in the Blast Management Program; (h) protocols for regular maintenance of plant and equipment, to minimise the potential for noise and vibration emissions; and (i) description of procedures to be undertaken if any exceedance is detected.
- D4
The Noise and Vibration Management Plan must be implemented and reviewed every two (2) calendar years and meet the requirements of condition D3. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00332013 - Collinsville Coal Mine
- D5
Blast Management Program A Blast Management Program must be developed by an appropriately qualified person and implemented at the site. The Blast Management Program must include the following as a minimum: (a) planning to activate the timely implementation of additional noise and vibration controls during adverse meteorological conditions; (b) consideration of best practice environmental management noise and vibration control measures; and (c) a program for monitoring and review of the effectiveness of the Blast Management Program.
- D6
Every explosive blast for the mining activity shall be designed by a competent person and all relevant information pertaining to the design of every explosive blast for the mining activity must be kept in written and diagrammatic form.
- D7
Blasting impacts generated by mining activities must not exceed the airblast overpressure and blast vibration objectives in Table D2 - Blasting objectives at any sensitive or commercial place. Table D1 - Noise objectives Sensitive Place Noise level dB(A) Monday to Sundays and public Holidays measured as: Day Evening Night 7am to 6pm 6pm to 10pm 10pm to 7am LAeq, adj, 1 hour B/g +3 B/g +3 B/g +3 Where B/g is defined as 90th Percentile Noise Contours in Figures 2,3,4 of this environmental authority. Table D2 - Blasting objectives Parameters Monday to Saturday Night time (7pm - 9am), 9am - 7pm Sundays and Public Holidays Air blast overpressure level (dB [Lin] Peak) 120dB No blasting Peak particle velocity (mm/s) 10mm/s No blasting Note: Table D2 - Blasting objectives does not purport to set operating hours for the mining activities. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00332013 - Collinsville Coal Mine Schedule E: Groundwater Condition Condition number
- E1
Contaminants from the activity must not be released to groundwater unless authorised under a condition of this environmental authority.
- E2
Groundwater Monitoring Program A Groundwater Monitoring Program must be developed and implemented for the duration of mining activities.
- E3
The Groundwater Monitoring Program required by condition E2 must at a minimum: (a) be in accordance with Table E1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency; (b) document the sampling and monitoring methodology; (c) identify potential sources of contamination to groundwater from the activity; (d) identify all environmental values that may be impacted; (e) ensure that all potential groundwater impacts due to the activity are identified, monitored and mitigated; (f) identify potential sources for groundwater surface water interactions, and expressions; (g) detail groundwater levels in all identified hydrogeological units present across and adjacent to the site to confirm existing groundwater flow paths; (h) include a trigger action response plan for groundwater level fluctuations; (i) include a conceptual numerical groundwater model; (j) ensure that adequate groundwater monitoring and data analysis is undertaken to achieve the following objectives: (i) detect any impacts to groundwater quality due to the mining activity; (ii) detect any impacts to groundwater level due to the mining activity; (iii) determine trends in groundwater quality; and (iv) determine trends in groundwater level; (k) include figures to show the spatial distribution of monitoring bores and aquifer in relation to site infrastructure and potential sources of contamination; (l) provide an appropriate quality assurance and quality control program; (m) be reviewed at least once every two (2) years; and (n) be updated to consider any findings of the review under part (m).
- E4
Groundwater Monitoring Groundwater quality and standing water levels must be monitored at the locations and frequency specified Table E1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency for the characteristics specified in Table E2 - Groundwater quality and level limits.
- E5
All groundwater sampling and monitoring methods must be in accordance with the latest version of the administering authority's Monitoring and Sampling Manual 2018 - Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009 unless otherwise approved by the administering authority.
- E6
Groundwater Quality Results of monitoring of groundwater from the bores listed in Table E2 - Groundwater quality and level limits must not exceed any of the groundwater quality limits specified in Table E2 - Groundwater quality and level limits on more than three (3) consecutive monitoring occasions.
- E7
If groundwater from the bores listed in Table E2 - Groundwater quality and level limits exceed the groundwater quality limits specified in Table E2 - Groundwater quality and level limits on three (3) consecutive occasions, the holder of the environmental authority must notify the administering authority via WaTERS within 24 hours of receiving the results. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00332013 - Collinsville Coal Mine
- E8
Trigger Investigation If monitoring results from bores listed in Table E2 - Groundwater quality and level limits, exceed any of the Contaminant Triggers specified in Table E2 - Groundwater quality and level limits on three (3) consecutive sampling occasions the approval holder must complete an investigation within fourteen (14) days or a longer timeframe as agreed with the administering authority, of receiving the results to determine if the exceedance is a result of: (a) activities authorised under this environmental authority; (b) natural variation; or (c) neighbouring land use resulting in groundwater impacts.
- E9
The holder of this environmental authority must provide a report of the investigation to the administering authority via WaTERS within fourteen (14) days, or a longer timeframe as agreed with the administering authority, upon completion of the investigation under condition E8.
- E10
If the investigation under condition E8 determines that the three (3) consecutive exceedances were the result of activities authorised under this environmental authority, then a further investigation must be completed within twenty-eight (28) days of provision of the report under E9.
- E11
Groundwater quality trigger review By 22 May 2026, the holder of this environmental authority must submit a report to the administering authority that reviews all groundwater quality limits in Table E2 - Groundwater quality and level limits based on all available groundwater quality monitoring data collected under condition E4.
- E12
Groundwater Standing Water Level (SWL) Groundwater SWL when measured at the compliance bores specified in Table E1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency must not exceed the Level Trigger Thresholds specified in Table E2 - Groundwater quality and level limits.
- E13
If the Level Trigger Thresholds of groundwater measured at water level bores specified in Table
- E2
- Groundwater quality and level limits exceeds any of the corresponding Level Trigger Thresholds specified in Table E2 - Groundwater quality and level limits, the holder of the environmental authority must: (a) notify the administering authority via WaTERS within 24 hours of becoming aware; (b) complete an investigation into the cause of the exceedance within ten (10) business days; and (c) if the investigation carried out under part (b) determines that the mining activities are a potential cause or contributor to the exceedance, (i) notify the administering authority via WaTERS within 24 hours of making the determination; and (ii) within ten (10) business days notify the administering authority of the actions taken to ensure compliance with condition E12 of this environmental authority.
- E14
Bore construction and maintenance and decommissioning The construction, maintenance, and management of groundwater bores (including groundwater monitoring bores) must be undertaken in a manner that: (a) prevents contaminants entering the groundwater; (b) ensures representative groundwater samples from the target hydrogeological unit; and (c) maintains the hydrogeological environment within the hydrogeological unit.
- E15
Where the removal of a bore listed in Table E1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency will occur as a direct result of mining activities, the impact on the monitoring program must be evaluated and, where required, a suitable replacement bore must be constructed prior to its removal to ensure the continuity of the groundwater monitoring program requirements in condition E3. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00332013 - Collinsville Coal Mine Table E1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency Bore Location Domain Monitored Monitoring (GDA2020) Hydrogeological Screen depth (m) Frequency Latitude Longitude Unit Early Warning1 Bores
- UG01
-20.593654 147.795979 SSaannddssttoonnee 9.3 - 15.3
- UG02
-20.590686 147.816450 8.4 - 14.4
- UG03
-20.581727 147.830775 Sandstone 8.4 - 14.4 Sandstone
- F1
Water Management Plan A Water Management Plan must be developed by an appropriately qualified person and implemented for all stages of the mining activities on the site.
- F2
The Water Management Plan required by condition F1 must include the following as a minimum: (a) provide for effective management of actual and potential environmental impacts resulting from water management associated with the mining activities carried out under this environmental authority; and (b) be developed in accordance with administering authority's current guideline for preparation of water management plans for mining activities, and include: (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 and/or minimise saline drainage; (v) measures to manage and prevent and/or minimise acid mine drainage; and (vi) contingency procedures for emergencies.
- F3
The Water Management Plan must be reviewed by 31 October each calendar year and meet the requirements of condition F2.
- F4
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 on or before 30 June each year for the previous period of 1 May to 30 April: (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 the seepage not captured as part of the seepage interception/pump back system; (e) the seepage flow rate at the time of sampling each monitoring point; (f) the results of all monitoring and details of any exceedance with the conditions of this environmental authority; and (g) water quality monitoring data must be provided to the administering authority in an electronic format specified by the administering authority.
- F5
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 authorized mining activities, except as permitted under the conditions of this environmental authority.
- F6
Transfer of mine affected water to internal water management infrastructure that is installed and operated in accordance with the Water Management Plan required under condition F1, is permitted.
- F7
Mine Affected Water Release and 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, 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 (with the consent of the third party).
- F8
The volume, pH and electrical conductivity of mine affected water that is transferred must meet the values in Table F1 - Mine affected water transfer limits and be monitored and recorded. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00332013 - Collinsville Coal Mine
- F9
Activities within a Watercourse Destroying native vegetation, excavating, or placing fill in a watercourse, lake or spring necessary for and associated with mining activities must be undertaken in accordance with Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water (or its successor's) guideline Riverine protection permit exemption requirements (WSS/2013/726).
- F10
Stormwater and Sediment Controls The Erosion and Sediment Control Plan must be developed by an appropriately qualified person and implemented for all stages of the mining activities on site to minimise erosion and the release of sediment to receiving waters and contamination of stormwater.
- F11
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 F10; and (b) water management infrastructure that is installed and operated in accordance with condition F1, for the purpose of ensuring water does not become mine affected water.
- F12
Seepage Management and Monitoring A Seepage Identification, Monitoring and Management Program must be developed and implemented.
- F13
By 6 January 2028, the environmental authority holder must submit a report to the administering authority that includes: (a) proposed seepage water quality objectives; and (b) a review of reliability and validity of water quality data and the suitability of the monitoring program.
- F14
The environmental authority holder must ensure flow measuring devices are installed, operated and maintained to measure and record all seepage flows into the devices at the locations specified in Table F2 - Location of seepage monitoring and seepage collection devices. Table F1 - Mine affected water transfer limits Characteristic Stock water Irrigation water* Another Mine pH minimum 6.5 6.5 No Limit pH maximum 8.5 8.5 No Limit Electrical Conductivity 5970 4700 No Limit Volume No Limit No Limit** No Limit * Site specific value determined in accordance with irrigating moderately tolerant crops on sandy soils (e.g. Lucerne) ANZECC & ARMCANZ (2000) Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality - Section 4.2 Water Quality for Irrigation and General Water Use. ** No prescribed volume but application must not result in widespread dieback. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00332013 - Collinsville Coal Mine Table F2 - Location of seepage monitoring and seepage collection devices Sites Location Latitude Longitude Receiving Waters Red Hill Rd Sump (decimal degree (decimal degree Carpet Snake Creek Kerale Dam Stream bed -G20D.A5528062408) 1G4D7A.8244445 Pelican Creek Strathmore Weir Weir -20.590791 147.723797 Strathmore Creek -20.523102 147.743888 Dacon Pond Sump -20.562429 147.817105 Dyke Creek Table F3 - Seepage monitoring water quality objectives Quality Characteristics Units Objectives Monitoring Frequency pH pH units 4-9 Electrical Conductivity -S/cm 3,000 Turbidity NTU * Suspended Solids mg/L * Sulfate mg/L 1,000 Dissolved Oxygen % saturation * Dissolved Aluminum -g/L * Dissolved Arsenic -g/L * Dissolved Cadmium -g/L * Dissolved Chromium -g/L *
- F15
Water quality must be monitored for the characteristics and at the frequency specified in Table F3 - Seepage monitoring water quality objectives and at the locations specified in Table F2 - Location of seepage monitoring and seepage collection devices.
- F16
When water quality characteristics in Table F3 - Seepage monitoring water quality objectives are within the corresponding water quality objectives at the monitoring locations identified in Table F2 - Location of seepage monitoring and seepage collection devices, seepage is allowed to pass into the receiving waters from the devices in Table F2 - Location of seepage monitoring and seepage collection devices.
- F17
Subject to condition F19, when water quality characteristics in Table F3 - Seepage monitoring water quality objectives exceed the corresponding water quality objectives at the monitoring locations identified in Table F2 - Location of seepage monitoring and seepage collection devices, seepage must be intercepted and transferred to a water storage listed in the Water Management Plan.
- F18
The holder must install the relevant seepage interception and transfer infrastructure to comply with Condition F17 within the timeframes specified in the Seepage Identification, Monitoring and Management Program required under condition F12.
- F19
Condition F17 applies from the date of installation of seepage interception and transfer infrastructure in accordance with condition F18.
- F20
If the water quality characteristics defined in Table F3 - Seepage monitoring water quality objectives exceed the corresponding water quality objectives at the monitoring locations specified in Table F2 - Location of seepage monitoring and seepage collection devices during flow event, the environmental authority holder: (a) must complete an investigation into the potential for environmental harm where the source of the contaminant exceedance is a result of seepage or other mining activities and provide a written report to the administering authority within twenty (20) business days of completing the investigation, outlining: (i) details of the investigation carried out; and (ii) actions taken to prevent environmental harm. (b) take no action if the water quality characteristics defined in Table F3 - Seepage monitoring water quality objectives were within the corresponding water quality objectives at the monitoring locations identified in Table F2 - Location of seepage monitoring and seepage collection devices.
- F21
Notification of Seepage Event The environmental authority holder must notify the administering authority as soon as practicable and no later than forty-eight (48) hours after allowing seepage to enter the receiving waters from the devices in Table F2 - Location of seepage monitoring and seepage collection devices in accordance with condition F16. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00332013 - Collinsville Coal Mine
- F22
Notification must include the submission of written advice to the administering authority of the following information: (a) seepage commencement date/time; (b) seepage point/s; (c) seepage volume (estimated); (d) receiving water/s including the natural flow rate; and (e) any details (including available data) regarding likely impacts on the receiving water(s).
- F23
The environmental authority holder must notify the administering authority as soon as practicable (nominally within twenty four (24) hours after cessation of allowing seepage to enter the receiving waters) of the cessation of the seepage notified under condition F21 and within twenty (20) business days provide the following information in writing: (a) seepage cessation date/time; (b) natural flow volume in receiving water; (c) estimate volume of seepage passed; (d) details regarding the compliance of the seepage with the conditions of environmental authority; (e) all related water quality monitoring results; and (f) any other matters pertinent to the seepage event.
- F24
Surface Water Monitoring A Surface Water Quality Monitoring Program, developed by an appropriately qualified person, must be implemented for all stages of the mining activities on the site and must include the following as a minimum: (a) review of the adequacy of the suite of contaminants monitored as per Table F4 - Surface water quality objectives; (b) review of surface water quality objectives and trigger values in Table F4 - Surface water quality objectives; (c) review suitability of upstream and downstream monitoring locations in Table F5 - Surface water quality monitoring locations; (d) identification and description of the extent of any adverse impacts to local environmental values; (e) monitoring of any changes in the receiving surface water; and (f) a program for two yearly review of the effectiveness of the Surface Water Quality Monitoring Program.
- F25
Surface Water Quality Objectives Surface water quality in the receiving environment must not, as a result of mining activities, exceed the surface water quality objectives in Table F4 - Surface water quality objectives at the monitoring locations defined in Table F5 - Surface water quality monitoring locations and frequency in Table F4 - Surface water quality objectives. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00332013 - Collinsville Coal Mine
- F26
Notification of Exceedance If the surface water quality in the receiving environment exceeds the surface water quality objectives in Table F4 - Surface water quality objectives at any of downstream the monitoring locations defined in Table F5 - Surface water quality monitoring locations the holder of this environmental authority must notify the administering authority within twenty-four (24) hours of receiving the results.
- F27
Investigation of an Exceedance If surface water quality in the receiving environment exceeds the surface water quality objectives in Table F4 - Surface water quality objectives at any of downstream the monitoring locations defined in Table F5 - Surface water quality monitoring locations the holder of this environmental authority must compare downstream results in the receiving waters to the water quality objectives specified in Table F4 - Surface water quality objectives, and: (a) compare the results of the downstream sites to the data from the upstream monitoring sites in Table F5 - Surface water quality monitoring locations and: (i) if the result is less than the upstream monitoring sites, then no action is to be taken; or (ii) if the result is greater than the background upstream monitoring data, complete an investigation into the potential for environmental harm and provide a written report to the administering authority within ninety (90) days of receiving the result, outlining: (1) Details of the investigations carried out; and (2) Actions taken to prevent environmental harm. Note: Where an exceedance of a trigger level has occurred and is being investigated, in accordance with F27 of this condition, no further reporting is required for subsequent trigger events for that quality characteristic.
- F28
Water Storage Monitoring Water storages stated in Table F6 - Water storage monitoring must be monitored for the water quality characteristics specified in Table F7 - Water storage contaminant limits at the monitoring locations and at the monitoring frequency specified in Table F6 - Water storage monitoring.
- F29
In the event that waters storages defined in Table F6 - Water storage monitoring exceed the contaminant limits defined in Table F7 - Water storage contaminant limits, the holder of the environmental authority must implement measures, where practicable, to prevent access to waters by all livestock. Table F4 - Surface water quality objectives Parameter Objectives Monitoring Frequency pH (pH units) 4-9 Daily in situ Electrical Conductivity (EC) (-S/cm) 3,000 Daily in situ Sulfate (mg/L) 1,000 Daily when EC>3000 -S/cm Note: Daily in situ sampling at Upstream Three Mile Creek (US1) and Downstream Three Mile Creek (DS1) (Table F5) will only be trigged by a release event from RP5 (Table G1) as authorised in Schedule G. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00332013 - Collinsville Coal Mine Table F5 - Surface water quality monitoring locations Monitoring Locations Latitude Longitude (decimal degree GDA2020) (decimal degree GDA2020) Upstream background monitoring points Confluence of Corduroy Creek and Pelican -20.603698 147.812136 Creek -20.555700 147.801700 Upstream Three Mile Creek (US1) Downstream monitoring points -20.577900 147.784400 Downstream Three Mile Creek (DS1) Confluence of drainage line from Ramp 11C -20.594135 147.703417 and Pelican Creek -20.604574 147.743797 Downstream from the confluence of 3 Mile Creek and Pelican Creek Table F6 - Water storage monitoring Water Storage Latitude Longitude Monitoring Location Frequency of Description (decimal degree (decimal degree At outflow Monitoring Kerale Dam GDA2020) GDA2020) Quarterly BUB Pit* Blake Central -20.590158 147.725145 -20.538589 147.786023 At Base of Ramp -20.553161 147.792438 Return water sump Pit 4 -20.547813 147.770012 At Base of Ramp Pit 6 -20.567485 147.753282 At Base of Ramp 147.744689 At Base of Ramp Pit 7 -20.585783 147.733290 At Base of Ramp
- F30
Sewage Effluent The operation of the sewage treatment plant must be carried out by a person with appropriate experience and/or qualifications to ensure the effective operation of that treatment system and control equipment
- F31
Effluent storage facilities, disposal areas, pipelines and fittings associated with the effluent discharge system must be clearly identified.
- F32
All effluent transferred from the treatment plant system for the purposes of dust suppression or irrigation must be monitored at the frequency and for the parameters specified in Table F8 - Effluent quality objectives for dust suppression and irrigation for dust suppression and irrigation.
- F33
Effluent used for dust suppression or irrigation must not exceed effluent release objectives defined in Table F8 - Effluent quality objectives for dust suppression and irrigation.
- F34
Effluent used for dust suppression or irrigation must not cause spray drift or over spray to any sensitive or commercial place.
- F35
Subject to conditions F30 to F34 inclusive, effluent from sewage treatment facilities must not be directly released to any watercourses.
- F36
The treated effluent irrigation areas must have a separation distance of at least thirty (30) m from any groundwater bores and surface waters.
- F37
The application of treated effluent to land must be carried out in a manner such that: (a) vegetation is not damaged; (b) there is no surface ponding of effluent; and (c) there is no run-off of effluent to the receiving environment.
- F38
If areas irrigated with effluent are accessible to employees or the general public, prominent signage must be provided advising that effluent is present, and care should be taken to avoid consuming or otherwise coming into unprotected contact with the effluent.
- F39
The volume of effluent released to land must be determined by an appropriate method and records kept of such determinations.
- F40
Screening, grit, sewage and wastewater treatment plant sludges and compost generated by any biosolids and sludges must be stored, managed and utilised such as not to cause environmental harm. Table F8 - Effluent quality objectives for dust suppression and irrigation Quality Characteristics Objectives Frequency 5 day Biological oxygen demand (mg/L) 20 Monthly during transfer for dust Suspended solids (mg/L) 30 suppression and irrigation Thermotolerant coliforms (Cfu/100mL) 10 Total Phosphorous 15 Total Nitrogen 30 pH 6.5 to 8.5 Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00332013 - Collinsville Coal Mine Schedule G: Surface Water Treatment and Release Condition Condition number
- G1
Water Treatment Plant Prior to operation of any Water Treatment Plant the environmental authority holder must submit a Water Treatment Plant Management Program (WTPMP) to the administering authority including the following as a minimum: (a) brine and sludge management protocols; (b) identification and characterisation of liquid and solid wastes generated by the Water Treatment Plant including volumes generated; (c) a program for safe disposal of all wastes generated, including details of water management control strategies and methods and identification of beneficial uses for waste products generated; (d) monitoring and reporting matters concerning the brine and waste, including groundwater monitoring in compliance with conditions E2 to E5 of this environmental authority; (e) emergency response planning, annual review and continuous improvement; (f) identification of responsible staff (positions) for implementing, managing and reporting the brine and sludge management; (g) details of proposed waste storage facility for brine disposal; (h) details of the proposed use and storage of permeate including determination of the permeate quality transfer limits; and (i) details of the proposed monitoring program.
- G2
Beneficial Use of Water Treatment Plant Permeate Permeate, from the treatment of mine affected water through a Water Treatment Plant, 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 irrigation water subject to compliance with quality transfer limits determined in the WTPMP; (b) supplying water for dust suppression, construction and/or road maintenance, mining process water in accordance with the conditions of this environmental authority; or (c) supplying water for industrial uses, livestock watering or other beneficial uses in accordance with the conditions of this environmental authority. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00332013 - Collinsville Coal Mine
- G3
The holder of this environmental authority, the permeate provider, may only transfer the resource to another person, where that person has stated in writing that the resource will be used in accordance with the conditions of this approval. Transfer of responsibility for the permeate resource is subject to the following conditions: (a) the responsibility for permeate resource must only be given or transferred in accordance with a written agreement (the third party agreement); (b) the third party agreement must include a commitment from the person utilising the permeate resource 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; (c) the third party agreement must be signed by both parties to the agreement; (d) a copy of the transfer agreement must be provided to the administering authority; and (e) notification of any transfer in accordance with the transfer agreement must be provided to the administering authority and include the following: (i) date of the transfer; (ii) volume and quality of permeate transferred; and (iii) records of any issues encountered during the transfer.
- G4
The permeate provider must conduct monitoring to determine the quality characteristics of the treated permeate to effectively demonstrate that at the time that the permeate resource is supplied to another party or used off-site that it meets the water quality objectives specified in the WTPMP.
- G5
Water Treatment Plant Brine Disposal Brine wastes produced by the operation of a Water Treatment Plant must be stored within the defined Tailings Storage Areas.
- G6
Water Release (RP5) and Treated Water Release (RP1 - RP4) Conditions 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 G1 - Mine affected water release points, sources and receiving waters and depicted in Figure 1 - Proposed water release points
- G7
The release of mine affected water to waters in accordance with condition G6 must not exceed the release limits stated in Table G2 - Release water quality criteria, when measured at the monitoring points specified in Table G1 - Mine affected water release points, sources and receiving waters and depicted in Figure 1 - Proposed water release points.
- G8
The release of mine affected waters (RP5) and treated waters (RP1 - 4) must be monitored at the locations specified in Table G1 - Mine affected water release points, sources and receiving waters for each of the quality characteristics and the frequency specified in Table G3 - Release water trigger investigation levels.
- G9
The holder must ensure stream flow gauging stations are installed, operated and maintained to determine and record stream flows at locations and flow recording frequency specified in Table
- G4
- Mine affected water release during flow events.
- G10
Notwithstanding any other condition of this environmental authority, the release of mine affected waters (RP5) and treated waters (RP1 - 4) in accordance with condition G6 must only take place during periods of natural flow in accordance with the receiving water flow criteria for mine affected water (RP5) and treated water (RP1 - 4) release specified in Table G4 - Mine affected water release during flow events for the release point(s) specified in Table G1 - Mine affected water release points, sources and receiving waters. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00332013 - Collinsville Coal Mine Table G1 - Mine affected water release points, sources and receiving waters Release Latitude Longitude Mine affected water Monitoring Receiving waters Point (decimal (decimal source and location point description (RP) degree, degree, GDA2020) GDA2020) End of pipe Three Mile Creek End of pipe Powerhouse Creek
- G11
The daily quantity of mine affected water (RP5) and treated water (RP1 - 4) releases from each release point must be measured and recorded at the monitoring points in Table G1 - Mine affected water release points, sources and receiving waters.
- G12
Notification of Release Event The environmental authority holder must notify the administering authority via WaTERS as soon as practicable and no later than twenty-four (24) hours after commencing to release mine affected water to the receiving environment. Notification must include submission of written advice to the administering authority of the following information; (a) release commencement date/time; (b) any details (including available data) regarding the likely impacts on the receiving water(s); (c) release point/s; (d) release rate; (e) release water quality; and receiving water/s including the natural flow rate. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00332013 - Collinsville Coal Mine
- G13
The environmental authority holder must notify the administering authority via WaTERS as soon as practicable and nominally no later than twenty-four (24) hours after cessation of a release event notified under condition G12, and within twenty-eight (28) days provide the following information in writing: (a) release cessation date/time; (b) natural flow rate in receiving water; (c) volume of water released; (d) details regarding the compliance of the release with the conditions of this environmental authority (i.e. contaminant limits, natural flow, discharge volume); (e) all in-situ water quality monitoring results; and (f) any other matters pertinent to the water release event. 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.
- G14
Notification of Release Event Exceedance If the release limits defined in Table G2 - Release water quality criteria are exceeded, the holder of the environmental authority must notify the administering authority within twenty-four (24) hours of receiving the results.
- G15
The environmental authority holder must, within twenty-eight (28) days of a release that is not compliant with the conditions of this environmental authority, provide a report to the administering authority via WaTERS detailing: (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-complaint; (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 matter pertinent to the water release event.
- G16
Receiving Environment Monitoring and Contaminant Trigger Levels Releases to waters 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.
- G17
The quality of the receiving waters must be monitored at the locations specified in Table G6 - Receiving water upstream background sites and downstream monitoring points for each quality characteristic and at the monitoring frequency stated in Table G3 - Release water trigger investigation levels and Table G5 - Receiving waters contaminant trigger levels. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00332013 - Collinsville Coal Mine
- G18
Investigation of an Exceedance If quality characteristics of the release exceed any of the trigger levels specified in Table G3 - Release water trigger investigation levels, the environmental authority holder must compare downstream results in the receiving waters to the trigger values specified in Table G3 - Release water trigger investigation levels, and: (a) where the trigger values are not exceeded then no action is to be taken; or (b) where the downstream results exceed the trigger values specified in Table G3 - Release water trigger investigation levels, compare the results of the downstream site to the data from background upstream monitoring sites and: (i) if the result is less than the upstream monitoring sites, then no action is to be taken; or (ii) if the result is greater than the background upstream monitoring data, complete an investigation into the potential for environmental harm and provide a written report to the administering authority within ninety (90) days of receiving the result, outlining: (1) Details of the investigations carried out; and (2) Actions taken to prevent environmental harm. Note: Where an exceedance of a trigger level has occurred and is being investigated, in accordance with G18(b)(ii) of this condition, no further reporting is required for subsequent trigger events for that quality characteristic.
- G19
If an exceedance in accordance with condition G18(b)(ii) is identified, the holder of the environmental authority must notify the administering authority via WaTERS within twenty-four (24) hours of receiving the result.
- G20
Receiving Environment Monitoring Program (REMP) The environmental authority 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 mining activity. This must include monitoring of the effects of the mine on the receiving environment periodically (under natural flow conditions) and while WTP product water is being discharged from the site. For the purposes of the REMP, the receiving environment is the waters of: (a) Powerhouse Creek; (b) Three Mile Creek; (c) Pelican Creek; (d) Strathmore Creek; and (e) the waters between the confluence of Pelican Creek and the Bowen River, downstream to DSMP2.
- G21
The REMP Design Document that addresses the requirements of the REMP must be prepared, implemented and made available to the administrating authority upon request.
- G22
A report outlining the findings of the REMP, including all monitoring results and interpretations must be prepared annually. This 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. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00332013 - Collinsville Coal Mine Table G5 - Receiving waters contaminant trigger levels Quality characteristic Release Limits Monitoring Frequency USMP1 (in the case of releases to Continuous data to be monitored during Electrical conductivity Pelican Creek system or USMP2 (in the release using in-situ instruments. (-S/cm) case of releases to Strathmore Creek Daily average of continuous data will be system) +200 used to determine compliance. Instrument readings or grab samples, if pH (pH Unit) 6.0 (minimum) continuous data is unavailable, when safe 9.0 (maximum) to do so and access permits. Grab samples - monthly when safe to do Suspended Solids 1000 so and access permits (first sample within (mg/L) 1000 two hours of commencement). Sulfate (mg/L) Table G6 - Receiving water upstream background sites and downstream monitoring points Monitoring Receiving Waters Location Latitude Longitude (decimal degree, (decimal degree, Points Description GDA2020) GDA2020) Upstream background monitoring points -20.562287 147.587807 USMP1 Bowen River Upstream of -20.549037 147.580407 Pelican Creek -20.555700 147.801700 USMP2* Bowen River Upstream of -20.549037 147.580407 Strathmore Creek -20.475397 147.540507 -20.577900 147.784400
- H1
Land and Biodiversity Management Plan A Land and Biodiversity Management Plan must be developed, by an appropriately qualified person and implemented for all stages of the mining activities on the site.
- H2
The Land and Biodiversity Management Plan required by condition H1 must include the following as a minimum: (a) provide for effective management of actual and potential environmental impacts resulting from land management associated with the mining activities carried out under this environmental authority; and (b) identify the environmental values within the footprint of the mining activities including: (i) geology; (ii) soil classification and land suitability; (iii) flora and fauna including regional ecosystems, vegetation communities and fauna survey results; (iv) rehabilitation planning, design, criteria and management objectives; and (v) post closure maintenance. Note: This environmental authority does not authorise the environmental authority holder to contravene the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002 and subsequent legislation.
- H3
The Land and Biodiversity Management Plan must be reviewed every two (2) calendar years. The report must: (a) assess the plan against the requirements under condition H2; (b) include recommended actions to ensure actual and potential environmental impacts are effectively managed for the coming year; and (c) identify any amendments made to the Land and Biodiversity Management Plan following the review.
- H4
Mining Materials Management Program Mining materials are to be managed according to the Mining Materials Management Program which must include the following as a minimum: (a) detail the mining materials inventory which identifies the different mining materials requirements for the mining activities and availability of suitable materials on site; (b) map all relevant mining materials prior to disturbance with volumes estimated and / or recorded; (c) assessment and characterisation of relevant mining materials by appropriately qualified persons; (d) recommendations of mining materials excavation depths and management requirements for each mining material type; (e) salvage methods for relevant mining materials; (f) design, operation and management of mining material stockpiles to ensure preservation of mining materials inventory and characteristics; and (g) a program for monitoring and review of the effectiveness of the Mining Materials Management Program. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00332013 - Collinsville Coal Mine
- H5
The Mining Materials Management Program required by condition H4 must be reviewed every two (2) calendar years.
- H6
Rehabilitation Management Plan A Rehabilitation Management Plan must be developed and implemented for all stages of the mining activities on the site.
- H7
The Rehabilitation Management Plan must include the following as a minimum: (a) be developed by an appropriately qualified person; (b) map existing areas of rehabilitation including classification of stage (i.e. time since establishment) and condition; (c) develop final land use and landform design criteria and objectives for rehabilitation of all areas disturbed by mining activities for sustainable mine closure; (d) identify a minimum of three (3) reference and three (3) rehabilitation sites to be used to develop rehabilitation acceptance criteria to allow valid comparison of self-sustaining rehabilitation vegetation communities to local reference sites; (e) description of monitoring of reference sites (rehab areas are already defined in (b)); (f) provide a plan/map of final landform inclusive: (i) drainage design and features; (ii) erosion controls proposed on reshaped land; and (iii) retained features and infrastructure. (g) specify future planned rehabilitation methods for disturbance areas; (h) investigate and consider integration of native vegetation rehabilitation area with identified buffer zones and wildlife corridors; (i) include a table describing the rehabilitation requirements applied to all mine domains with respect to rehabilitation goals, rehabilitation objectives, indicators and completion criteria; (j) a progressive rehabilitation schedule on a rolling three year term starting January 2018; and (k) describe a program for monitoring and review of the effectiveness of the Rehabilitation Management Plan.
- H8
Land disturbed by mining must be rehabilitated in accordance with Table H1 - Rehabilitation Requirements.
- H9
The Rehabilitation Management Plan must be provided to the administering authority for review when changes are made to the progressive rehabilitation schedule.
- H10
The environmental authority holder must prepare an annual report (for the previous calendar year) by 30 September each year, detailing the performance of rehabilitation established during the previous reporting period, and include at a minimum: (a) how the rehabilitation was progressing towards the defined objectives during the establishment period; (b) how the rehabilitation objectives will be achieved in the coming years; and (c) any proposed changes to rehabilitation methods. Note: This will include rehab monitoring data collected under the established site rehabilitation monitoring program described in condition H7(k).
- H11
Records describing the topsoil inventory, and identifying the current topsoil requirements for the project, must be maintained.
- H12
Inert material, with a net acid generating (NAG) pH of >4, must be used in rehabilitation to cover areas disturbed by mining with acid generating potential - to achieve the final rehabilitation objective of `non-polluting'.
- H13
Biodiversity Monitoring and Management Program A Biodiversity Monitoring and Management Program must be developed in accordance with condition H14 and implemented for all stages of the mining activities on the site. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00332013 - Collinsville Coal Mine
- H14
The Biodiversity Monitoring and Management Program must as a minimum: (a) identify vegetation communities and regional ecosystems; (b) plan for ongoing flora and fauna monitoring; (c) plan for management of bushfires; and (d) include a program to monitor and review the effectiveness of the Biodiversity Monitoring and Management Program.
- H15
Spontaneous Combustion Heatings The environmental authority holder must ensure that spontaneous combustion heatings management procedures are reviewed every two (2) calendar years and be made available to the administering authority upon request. The spontaneous combustion heatings management procedure must be implemented at the site and at a minimum consider the following: (a) identification of spontaneous combustion heating areas; and (b) remedial actions and inspections required for spontaneous combustion heating areas.
- H16
Post Closure Management Program A Post Closure Management Program for the site must be developed and submitted to the administering authority at least eighteen (18) months prior to final coal processing on site and implemented for a nominal period of: (a) at least thirty (30) years following final coal processing on site, or (b) a shorter period if the site is proven to be geotechnically and geochemically stable and it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the administering authority that no release of contaminants from the site will result in environmental harm.
- H17
The Post Closure Management Program as required under condition H16 must at a minimum include the following elements: (a) operation and maintenance of: (i) wastewater collection and reticulation systems; (ii) wastewater treatment systems; (iii) the groundwater monitoring networks; (iv) final cover systems of spoil dumps; and (v) vegetative cover; (b) monitoring of: (i) surface water quality; (ii) groundwater quality; (iii) seepage rates; (iv) erosion rates; (v) the integrity and stability all slopes, ramps and voids; (vi) the health and resilience of native vegetation cover; and (c) long term management of environmental legacy issues.
- H18
Residual Void Outcome Residual voids must comply with the following outcomes: (a) residual voids must not cause any serious environmental harm to land, surface waters or any recognised groundwater aquifer, other than the environmental harm constituted by the existence of the residual void itself and subject to any other condition within this environmental authority; and (b) residual voids must comply with Table H1 - Rehabilitation Requirements of this environmental authority. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00332013 - Collinsville Coal Mine
- H19
The environmental authority holder must complete an investigation into residual voids and submit this to the administering authority within an agreed timeframe in accordance with condition A19. The report must propose rehabilitation acceptance criteria to meet the outcomes in condition H18. The investigation must at a minimum include the following: (a) a study of options available for minimising final void area and volume; (b) develop design and success criteria for rehabilitation of final voids; (c) a void hydrology study in accordance with condition H20; (d) a pit wall stability study, considering the effects of long term erosion and weathering of the pit wall and the effects of significant hydrological events; and (e) a study of void capability to support native flora and fauna.
- H20
The void hydrology study required under condition H19 must include: (a) development of a detailed hydrological model that includes: (i) predicted storage capacity, dilution and evaporation rates during a series of AEP rainfall events for 1 in 10, 1 in 100, 1 in 500 and 1 in 1000; (ii) potential for discharge during AEP rainfall events for 1 in 10, 1 in 100, 1 in 500 and 1 in 1000; (iii) predicted quality of void water between cessation of mining and the post mining equilibrium; (iv) predicted quality of void water correlated with predicted evaporation rates; and (b) the catchment area for the void at the cessation of mining; (c) the predicted impact on the environment caused by the release of any void water; (d) modelling and assessment of practicable management measures to mitigate contaminant increases; and (e) develop a monitoring program to be undertaken both during and after mining, to assess the performance of any management measures required.
- H21
Exploration Disturbance due to exploration activities in areas not authorised or planned to be mined within two (2) years must be rehabilitated in accordance with provisions detailed in the Eligibility criteria
- H22
Subsidence The environmental authority holder must ensure that subsidence management procedures are implemented at the site and at a minimum consider the following: (a) identification and mapping of areas of potential subsidence; and (b) the proposed subsidence monitoring that is undertaken at the identified areas.
- H23
Progressive Certification Progressive certification of the application area depicted in Figure 5 - Certified area of ML10250 (total area 99.5ha) was approved on 15 October 2020. OFFICIAL Table H1 - Rehabilitation Requirements Mine Domain Mine Feature Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Objectives Indicators Completion Criteria Name Goal Overburden In and out of pit Safe Safe for humans and animals No exposed hazardous material. Risk assessment for slopes greater than 25% and greater than 10m vertical. dumps, roads, Structurally sound with no major slumping. Risk must be Moderate or Low or slopes re-engineered. Adequate safety open pit and protection devices are in place. ramps, stripped topsoil, cleared Minimal exposure for humans and fauna to toxic water or plants. area Stable Low probability of Subsidence, Structural and geo-technical adequacy. Up to 25% slopes for box cut and external batters. rock falls, slope slippage or No major erosion. Minimal slumping or gullying (<0.9m) after 5 years (<2% planimetric inert material loss. No hanging material which carries a moderate surface). risk of rock fall Engineered drop structures in place and functioning. Non-polluting Acid mine drainage will not Schedule F Table F8 stock drinking water Water quality within the objectives listed in Schedule F Table F5 at the cause serious environmental contaminant limits at localised catchment locations indicated in Schedule F Table F6 during all runoff events. harm. monitoring points Water quality solute concentrations met. Self-sustaining Either natural communities or Species diversity and multiple canopy layers Two key framework species present. Minimum of 10 (Ecosystem) or 6 low density grazing area (<15% - ground, middle and upper (Grazing) species present and evidence of recruitment (regrowth) during slope) past 5 years. >60% overall ground cover. Evidence collected during established rehab / IDC monitoring program. Effective weed control program in place. Rejects In and out of pit Safe Safe for humans and animals Structural and geotechnical adequacy. Fully capped with spontaneous combustion areas to be risk assessed - reject storage No exposed hazardous material. must achieve low risk rating. areas / dumps No contaminated mine drainage or discharges. Minimal slumping or gullying after 5 years (<2% planimetric surface). Minimal erosion. Minimal exposure for plants, humans and fauna to hazardous materials and toxic water. Stable Low probability of capping Structural and geo-technical adequacy. Up to 15% slopes for external batters. subsidence, rock falls, No major erosion. Minimal slumping or gullying (<0.9m) after 5 years (<2% planimetric slumping of batters or inert No hanging material which carries a moderate surface). material loss. risk of rock fall Engineered drop structures in place and functioning. Capping must free drain Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00332013 - Collinsville Coal Mine Non-polluting Acid mine drainage will not Schedule F Table F8 stock drinking water Water quality within the objectives listed in Schedule F Table F5 at the cause serious environmental contaminant limits at localised catchment locations indicated in Schedule F Table F6 during all runoff events harm. monitoring points Water quality solute
- I1
Assessment of consequence category The consequence category of any structure must be assessed by a suitably qualified and experienced person in accordance with the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and (a) prior to the design and construction of the structure, if it is not an existing structure; or (b) prior to any change in its purpose or the nature of its stored contents.
- I2
A consequence assessment report and certification must be prepared for each structure assessed and the report may include a consequence assessment for more than one structure.
- I3
Certification must be provided by the suitably qualified and experienced person who undertook the assessment, in the form set out in the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and
- I4
Design and construction1 of a regulated structure Conditions I5 to I9 inclusive do not apply to existing structures.
- I5
All regulated structures must be designed by, and constructed2 under the supervision of, a suitably qualified and experienced person in accordance with the requirements of the Manual for
- I6
Construction of a regulated structure is prohibited unless: (a) the holder has submitted a consequence category assessment report and certification to the administering authority; and (b) the design, design plan and the associated operating procedures have been certified by a suitably qualified and experienced person, in compliance with the relevant condition of this authority.
- I7
Certification must be provided by the suitably qualified and experienced person who oversees the preparation of the design plan in the form set out in the Manual for Assessing Consequence the Register of Regulated Structures.
- I8
Regulated structures must: (a) be designed and constructed in accordance with and conform to the requirements of the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Structures (b) be designed and constructed with due consideration given to ensuring that the design integrity would not be compromised on account of: (i) floodwaters from entering the regulated dam from any watercourse or drainage line; and (ii) wall failure due to erosion by floodwaters arising from any watercourse or drainage line. 1 Construction of a dam includes modification of an existing dam - refer to the definitions. 2 Certification of design and construction may be undertaken by different persons. and Innovation OFFICIAL
- I9
Certification by the suitably qualified and experienced person who supervises the construction must be submitted to the administering authority on the completion of construction of the regulated structure, and state that: (a) the 'as constructed' drawings and specifications meet the original intent of the design plan for that regulated structure; and (b) construction of the regulated structure is in accordance with the design plan.
- I10
Operation of a regulated structure Operation of a regulated structure, except for an existing structure, is prohibited unless the holder has submitted to the administering authority: (a) one paper copy and one electronic copy of the design plan and certification of the `design plan' in accordance with condition I6; (b) a set of `as constructed' drawings and specifications; (c) certification of those `as constructed drawings and specifications' in accordance with condition I9; (d) where the regulated structure is to be managed as part of an integrated containment system for the purpose of sharing the DSA volume across the system, a copy of the certified system design plan; (e) the requirements of this authority relating to the construction of the regulated structure have been met; (f) the holder has entered the details required under this authority, into a Register of Regulated Dams; and (g) there is a current operational plan for the regulated structure.
- I11
For existing structures that are regulated structures: (a) where the existing structure that is a regulated structure is to be managed as part of an integrated containment system for the purpose of sharing the DSA volume across the system, the holder must submit to the administering authority within twelve (12) months of the commencement of this condition a copy of the certified system design plan including that structure; and (b) there must be a current operational plan for the existing structures.
- I12
Each regulated structure must be maintained and operated, for the duration of its operational life until decommissioned and rehabilitated, in compliance with the current operational plan and, if applicable, the current design plan and associated certified `as constructed' drawings.
- I13
Mandatory reporting level Conditions I14 to I17 inclusive only apply to Regulated Structures which have not been certified as low consequence category for `failure to contain - overtopping'.
- I14
The Mandatory Reporting Level (the MRL) must be marked on a regulated dam in such a way that during routine inspections of that dam, it is clearly observable.
- I15
The holder must, as soon as practical but within forty-eight (48) hours of becoming aware, notify the administering authority when the level of the contents of a regulated dam reaches the MRL.
- I16
The holder must, immediately on becoming aware that the MRL has been reached, act to prevent the occurrence of any unauthorised discharge from the regulated dam.
- I17
The holder must record any changes to the MRL in the Register of Regulated Structures. and Innovation OFFICIAL
- I18
Design storage allowance The holder must assess the performance of each regulated dam or linked containment system over the preceding November to May period based on actual observations of the available storage in each regulated dam or linked containment system taken prior to 1 July of each year.
- I19
By 1 November of each year, storage capacity must be available in each regulated dam (or network of linked containment systems with a shared DSA volume), to meet the Design Storage Allowance (DSA) volume for the dam (or network of linked containment systems).
- I20
The holder must, as soon as possible but within forty-eight (48) hours of becoming aware that the regulated dam (or network of linked containment systems) will not have the available storage to meet the DSA volume on 1 November of any year, notify the administering authority.
- I21
The holder must, immediately on becoming aware that a regulated dam (or network of linked containment systems) will not have the available storage to meet the DSA volume on 1 November of any year, act to prevent the occurrence of any unauthorised discharge from the regulated dam or linked containment systems.
- I22
Annual Inspection Report Each regulated structure must be inspected each calendar year by a suitably qualified and experienced person.
- I23
At each annual inspection, the condition and adequacy of all components of the regulated structure must be assessed and a suitably qualified and experienced person must prepare an annual inspection report containing details of the assessment and include recommended actions to ensure the integrity of the regulated structure.
- I24
The suitably qualified and experienced person who prepared the annual inspection report must certify the report in accordance with the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and
- I25
The holder must: (a) within twenty (20) business days of receipt of the annual inspection report, provide to the administering authority: (i) the recommendations section of the annual inspection report; and (ii) if applicable, any actions being taken in response to those recommendations; and (b) if, following receipt of the recommendations and (if applicable) actions, the administering authority requests a full copy of the annual inspection report from the holder, provide this to the administering authority within ten (10) business days3 of receipt of the request.
- I26
Transfer arrangements The holder must provide a copy of any reports, documentation and certifications prepared under this authority, including but not limited to any Register of Regulated Structures, consequence assessment, design plan and other supporting documentation, to a new holder on transfer of this authority. 3 Please note that for some model conditions, such as model conditions for dams associated with a resource activity - non mining activity, the notification requirements may be located in a separate part of the conditions of an environmental authority (e.g. under notification requirement conditions). and Innovation OFFICIAL
- I27
Decommissioning and rehabilitation Dams must not be abandoned but be either: (a) decommissioned and rehabilitated to achieve compliance with condition I28; or (b) be left in-situ for a beneficial use(s) provided that: (i) it no longer contains contaminants that will migrate into the environment; (ii) it contains water of a quality that is demonstrated to be suitable for its intended beneficial use(s); and (iii) the administering authority, the holder of the environmental authority and the landholder agree in writing that the dam will be used by the landholder following the cessation of the environmentally relevant activity(ies).
- I28
After decommissioning, all significantly disturbed land caused by the carrying out of the environmentally relevant activity(ies) must be rehabilitated to meet the following final acceptance criteria: (a) the landform is safe for humans and fauna; (b) the landform is stable with no subsidence or erosion gullies for at least three (3) years; (c) any contaminated land (e.g. contaminated soils) is remediated and rehabilitated; (d) not allowing for acid mine drainage; (e) there is no ongoing contamination to waters (including groundwater); (f) rehabilitation is undertaken in a manner such that any actual or potential acid sulfate soils on the area of significant disturbance are treated to prevent or minimise environmental harm in accordance with the Instructions for the treatment and management of acid sulfate soils (2001); (g) all significantly disturbed land is reinstated to the pre-disturbed soil suitability class; (h) for land that is not being cultivated by the landholder: (i) groundcover, that is not a declared pest species is established and self-sustaining; (ii) vegetation of similar species richness and species diversity to pre-selected analogue sites is established and self-sustaining; and (iii) the maintenance requirements for rehabilitated land is no greater than that required for the land prior to its disturbance caused by carrying out the petroleum activity(ies). (i) for land that is to be cultivated by the landholder, cover crop is revegetated, unless the landholder will be preparing the site for cropping within three (3) months of petroleum activities being completed.
- I29
Register of Regulated Dams A Register of Regulated Dams must be established and maintained by the holder for each regulated dam.
- I30
The holder must provisionally enter the required information in the Register of Regulated Dams when a design plan for a regulated dam is submitted to the administering authority.
- I31
The holder must make a final entry of the required information in the Register of Regulated Dams once compliance with condition I10 and I11 has been achieved.
- I32
The holder must ensure that the information contained in the Register of Regulated Dams is current and complete on any given day.
- I33
All entries in the Register of Regulated Dams must be approved by the chief executive officer for the holder of this authority, or their delegate, as being accurate and correct. and Innovation OFFICIAL
- I34
The holder must, at the same time as providing the annual return, supply to the administering authority a copy of the records contained in the Register of Regulated Dams, in the electronic format required by the administering authority.
- I35
Transitional arrangements All existing structures that have not been assessed in accordance with either the Manual or the former Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Structures must be assessed and certified in accordance with the Manual within six (6) months of amendment of the authority adopting this schedule.
- I36
All existing structures must subsequently comply with the timetable for any further assessments in accordance with the Manual specified in Table I1 - Transitional hydraulic performance requirements for existing structures, depending on the consequence category for each existing structure assessed in the most recent previous certification for that structure.
- I37
Table I1 - Transitional hydraulic performance requirements for existing structures ceases to apply for a structure once any of the following events has occurred: (a) It has been brought into compliance with the hydraulic performance criteria applicable to the structure under the Manual; (b) It has been decommissioned; or (c) c) It has been certified as no longer being assessed as a regulated structure.
- I38
Certification of the transitional assessment required by I35 and I36 (as applicable) must be provided to the administering authority within six (6) months of amendment of the authority adopting this schedule. Table I1 - Transitional hydraulic performance requirements for existing structures Transition period required for existing structures to achieve the requirements of the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Dams Compliance with High Significant Low criteria >90% and a history of No transition required No transition required No transitional conditions good compliance apply. Review consequence performance in last 5 assessment every 7 years. years >70%-90% Within 7 years, unless Within 10 years, unless No transitional conditions otherwise agreed with the otherwise agreed with the apply. Review consequence administering authority, administering authority, assessment every 7 years. based on no history of based on no history of unauthorised releases. unauthorised releases. 50-70% Within 5 years unless Within 7 years unless Review consequence otherwise agreed with the otherwise agreed with the assessment every 7 years. administering authority, administering authority, based on no history of based on no history of unauthorised releases. unauthorised releases. 50% Within 5 years or as per Within 5 years or as per Review consequence compliance requirements compliance requirements assessment every 5 years. (e.g. TEP timing) (e.g. TEP timing) and Innovation OFFICIAL Definitions Key terms and/or phrases used in this document are defined in this section. Applicants should note that 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. accepted engineering standards in relation to structures, means those standards of design, construction,