Data as at 14 September 2026 · from the Queensland EP Act public register
EPML00393013 · NORTHERN HUB (DRAKE) PTY LTD
Coal environmental authority EPML00393013 (NORTHERN HUB (DRAKE) PTY LTD), Granted. 138 conditions indexed. Holds PRC plan P-PRCP-101090291.
- Status
- Granted
- Holders
- NORTHERN HUB (DRAKE) PTY LTD; DRAKE COAL PTY LTD
- Tenures
- ML10349; ML10350; ML10351
- PRC plan
- P-PRCP-101090291 · effective 2026-05-22
- How it was read
- Numbered conditions
- Register
- Register record · Instrument PDF
Conditions
138 numbered conditions read from the current instrument. Page numbers link into the register PDF.
- A1
Coal extraction The environmental authority holder is approved for an extraction rate of up to 10 Mtpa (million tonnes per annum) of ROM (run-of-mine) coal.
- A2
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.
- A3
In carrying out the mining activity authorised by this environmental authority, disturbance of land on Figure 1- Site map, domains and groundwater monitoring locations: (a) may occur in the areas marked `A'; (b) must not occur in the areas marked `B'; and (c) may occur in the areas marked `C', but only in accordance with condition A4.
- A4
Any disturbance within the areas marked `C' on Figure 1- Site map, domains and groundwater monitoring locations: (a) is only authorised to the extent reasonably necessary for exploration activities roads, fences, underground services, low-impact telecommunications facilities, electrical sub-stations, transmission grid works and supply network works, storage depots, similar minor infrastructure and ancillary facilities for any of the above; and (b) any disturbance within areas marked `A' or `C' is not to impact adversely on areas marked `B'.
- A5
The holder of this environmental authority must: (a) install all measures, plant and equipment necessary to ensure compliance with the conditions of this environmental authority; (b) maintain such measures, plant and equipment in a proper and efficient condition; (c) operate such measures, plant and equipment in a proper and efficient manner; and (d) ensure all instruments and devices used for the measurement or monitoring of any parameter under any condition of this environmental authority are properly calibrated.
- A6
Monitoring Except where specified otherwise in another condition of this environmental authority, all monitoring records or reports required by this environmental authority must be kept for a period of not less than 5 years. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- A7
Risk management The holder of this environmental authority must develop and implement a risk management system for mining activities which mirrors the content requirements of the Standard for Risk Management (ISO31000:2009), or the latest edition of an Australian Standard for risk management, to the extent relevant to the environmental management, prior to the commencement of mining activities.
- A8
Notification of emergencies, incidents and exceptions The holder of this environmental authority must notify the administering authority by written notification within 24 hours, after becoming aware of any emergency or incident which results in the release of contaminants not in accordance, or reasonably expected to be not in accordance with, the conditions of this environmental authority.
- A9
Within 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.
- A10
Complaints The holder of this environmental authority must record all environmental complaints received about the mining activities including the following details: (a) name, address and contact number for/of the 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.
- A11
The holder of this environmental authority must, when requested by the administering authority, undertake relevant specified monitoring within a reasonable timeframe nominated or agreed to by the administering authority to investigate any complaint of environmental harm. The results of the investigation (including an analysis and interpretation of the monitoring results) and abatement measures, where implemented, must be provided to the administering authority within ten 10 business days of completion of the investigation, or no later than 10 business days after the end of the timeframe nominated by the administering authority to undertake the investigation. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- A12
Third Party Reporting The holder of this environmental authority must: (a) within one year of the commencement of this authority, obtain from an appropriately qualified third party a report on compliance with the conditions of this environmental authority; (b) obtain further such reports at regular intervals not exceeding three years from the completion of the report referred to above; and (c) provide each report to the administering authority within 90 days of its completion.
- A13
Where a condition of this environmental authority requires compliance with a standard, policy or guideline published externally to this environmental authority and the standard is amended or changed subsequent to the issue of this environmental authority, the holder of this environmental authority must: (a) comply with the amended or changed standard, policy or guideline within 2 years of the amendment or change being made, unless a different period is specified in the amended standard or relevant legislation, or where the amendment or change relates specifically to regulated structures referred to in Schedule I: Dams and Levees the time specified in that condition; and (b) until compliance with the amended or changed standard, policy or guideline is achieved; continue to remain in compliance with the corresponding provision that was current immediately prior to the relevant amendment or change.
- A14
Alternative Arrangements The environmental authority holder may enter into alternative arrangements with the owners of sensitive or commercial places identified in a relevant management plan. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Schedule B: Air Condition Condition number
- B1
Dust Nuisance The release of dust or particulate matter or (both) resulting from the mining activity must not cause an environmental nuisance at any sensitive or commercial place.
- B2
When requested by the administering authority or as a result of a complaint (which is neither frivolous nor vexatious nor based on mistaken belief in the opinion of the authorised officer), dust /or particulate monitoring must be undertaken, and the results thereof notified to the administering authority within 14 days following completion of monitoring. Monitoring must be carried out at a place or places relevant to the potentially affected dust sensitive place as agreed upon with the administering authority. Dust and particulate matter must not exceed the following levels when measured at the agreed locations: (a) Dust deposition of 120 milligrams per square metre per day, averaged over one month, when monitored in accordance with the most recent version of Australian Standard AS3580.10.1 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air--Determination of particulate matter--Deposited matter - Gravimetric method; (b) A concentration of total particulate matter suspended in the atmosphere of 90 micrograms per cubic metre over a one year averaging time, when monitored in accordance with the most recent version of AS/NZS3580.9.3:2003 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air--Determination of suspended particulate matter--Total suspended particulate matter (TSP)--High volume sampler gravimetric method; (c) A concentration of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 micrometres (PM10) suspended in the atmosphere of 50 micrograms per cubic metre over a 24-hour averaging time, when monitored in accordance with the most recent version of either: i) Australian Standard AS3580.9.6 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air-- Determination of suspended particulate matter-- PM10 high volume sampler with size- selective inlet - Gravimetric method; or ii) Australian Standard AS3580.9.9 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air-- Determination of suspended particulate matter-- PM10 low volume sampler-- Gravimetric method; or iii) Any alternative method of monitoring PM10 which may be permitted by the 'Air Quality Sampling Manual' as published from time to time by the administering authority. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- B3
If the monitoring undertaken as per condition B2 indicates an exceedance of the relevant limits in condition B2, then the environmental authority holder must 1) investigate whether the exceedance is due to emissions from the mining activities and if the exceedance is due to mining activities the environmental authority holder must immediately implement dust abatement measures so that emissions of dust from the activity do not result in further environmental nuisance; and 2) submit to the administering authority a report detailing the investigation undertaken as per condition B3(1) within 40 days following completion of monitoring. As a minimum, the report must: (a) provide details of the investigation; and (b) detail whether the result is directly associated with mining activities and if so; i) any dust abatement measures implemented as per condition B3(1) ii) whether any environmental harm has occurred iii) outline any actions required to mitigate environmental harm.
- B4
Dust Management Plan A Dust Management Plan must be developed and implemented by an appropriately qualified person for all stages of the authorised mining activities.
- B5
The Dust Management Plan required by condition B4 must include: (a) a preventative management system for dust control; (b) Trigger Action Response Program; (c) Site background (contextual information); (d) Proposed works and potential impacts & impact analysis; (e) Site risk assessment; (f) Design of an internal operational monitoring program including objectives, separate from any compliance monitoring or limits/levels required by condition B2; (g) Performance criteria and monitoring methods; (h) Number and location of monitoring sites; (i) Quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) requirements; (j) Stakeholder consultation; (k) Roles and responsibilities; and (l) Reporting
- B6
The dust management plan required by condition B4 must be reviewed annually and submitted to the administering authority upon request. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Schedule C: Waste Management Condition Condition number
- C2
Unless otherwise permitted by the conditions of this environmental authority or with prior approval
- C3
from the administering authority and in accordance with a relevant standard operating procedure, waste must not be burnt. C4
- C5
The holder of this environmental authority may burn vegetation cleared in the course of carrying out
- C6
extraction activities provided that the activity does not cause environmental harm at any sensitive
- C7
place or commercial place. C8 Tailings disposal Procedures for managing tailings disposal must be in place and should include: (a) containment of tailings; (b) the management of seepage and leachates both during operation and the foreseeable future; (c) the control of fugitive emissions to air; (d) a program of progressive sampling and characterisation to identify acid producing potential and metal concentrations of tailings; and (e) maintaining records of the relative locations of any other waste stored within the tailings. Disposing of scrap tyres generated from the mining activities undertaken in spoil emplacements located on ML10349, ML10350 and ML10351 is acceptable, provided tyres are placed as deep in spoil located on ML10349, ML10350 and ML10351 as reasonably practicable. The holder of the environmental authority must keep a record of the number and location of scrap tyres disposed of in accordance with condition C4. Scrap tyres resulting from the mining activities disposed within the operational land must not impede saturated aquifers or compromise the stability of the consolidated landform. Storage of Tyres Scrap tyres stored awaiting disposal or transport for take-back and recycling, or waste-to-energy options must be stored in stable stacks and at least 10 metres from any other scrap tyre storage area, or combustible or flammable material, including vegetation. All reasonable and practicable fire prevention measures must be implemented, including removal of grass and other materials within a 10m radius of the scrap tyre storage area. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- C9
Waste Management A Waste Management Plan, in accordance with the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011, must be implemented and must cover: (a) describe how Drake Coal Mine recognise and apply the waste and resource management hierarchy; (b) identify the waste streams from the project; (c) a program for safe recycling or disposal of all wastes- reusing and recycling where possible; (d) the waste management control strategies must consider: 1. the type of wastes; 2. segregation of the wastes; 3. storage of the wastes; 4. transport of the wastes; 5. monitoring and reporting matters concerning the waste; 6. emergency response planning; 7. disposal, reused and recycling options; (e) detail the hazardous characteristics of the waste generated (if any); (f) cover a disposal procedure for hazardous wastes; (g) outline the process to be implemented to allow for continuous improvement of the waste management systems; (h) identify responsible staff (positions) for implementing, managing and reporting the Waste Management Plan; and (i) cover a staff awareness and induction program that encourages re-use and recycling.
- C10
Regulated waste records must be kept for 5 years, and must include the following information: (a) date of pickup of waste; (b) description of waste; (c) cross reference to relevant waste transport documentation; (d) quantity of waste; (e) origin of the waste; (f) destination of the waste; and (g) intended fate of the waste, for example, type of waste treatment, reprocessing or disposal. Note: Records of documents maintained in compliance with a waste tracking system established under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 or any other law for regulated waste will be deemed to satisfy this condition.
- C11
Records of trade and regulated wastes or material leaving the mining lease for recycling or disposal, including the final destination and method of treatment, must be in accordance with the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- C12
All regulated waste received at and removed from the site must be transported by a person who holds a current authority to transport such waste under the provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1994.
- C13
Except as otherwise provided by the conditions of this authority, all waste removed from the site must be taken to a facility that is lawfully allowed to accept such waste under the provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1994. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Schedule D: Noise and Vibration Condition Condition number
- D2
Noise resulting from the authorised mining activities must not cause an environmental nuisance at
- D3
any sensitive or commercial place.
- D4
When requested by the administering authority, or as a result of a complaint noise monitoring must be undertaken and the results must be notified within 14 days to the administering authority following
- D5
completion of monitoring. Monitoring must be carried out at a place or places relevant to the potentially affected noise sensitive
- D6
place as agreed upon with the administering authority. Low Frequency Noise Noise emissions from the activity, when including substantial low frequency noise, must not cause an overall sound pressure level at a noise sensitive place exceeding 55 dB(Z). NOTE: "Substantial low frequency noise" means a noise emission that has an unbalanced frequency spectrum shown in a one-third octave band measurements, with a predominant component located within the frequency range 10 to 200 Hz. All noise monitoring which is conducted as per condition D2 must be completed in accordance with the following noise monitoring requirements: (a) All noise monitoring must be conducted in accordance with the administering authority's most recent version of the Noise Measurement Manual. (b) Source noise levels must be expressed as component noise levels for the purposes of comparison with noise limits. (c) All noise monitoring devices must be calibrated in accordance with AS IEC 61672.1-2004. (d) Monitoring location(s) must be relevant to the matter(s) under investigation. If the administering authority request for noise monitoring is in relation to a complaint and results exceed the limits in Table D1 - Noise limits, then the environmental authority holder must: (a) address the complaint including the use of appropriate dispute resolution if required; and (b) implement noise abatement measures so that emissions of noise from the activity do not result in further environmental nuisance. Blasting Peak particle velocity and/or air blast overpressure resulting from blasting must not cause an environmental nuisance at any sensitive or commercial place. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- D7
The holder of this environmental authority must develop and implement a blast monitoring program to monitor compliance with Table D2 - Blasting noise limits for: (a) at least 50% of all blasts undertaken on this site in each month at the nearest and most affected sensitive place(s) or commercial place(s). (b) all blasts conducted during any time period specified by the administering authority at the nearest and most affected sensitive place(s) or commercial place(s) or another such place to investigate an allegation of environmental nuisance caused by blasting.
- D8
If the results of blast monitoring undertaken as per condition D7 exceed the limits in Table D2 - Blasting noise limits, then the environmental authority holder must investigate and report to the administering authority within 14 days following completion of monitoring. Table D1 - Noise limits Noise measured at a nuisance sensitive place Noise level Monday to Saturday Sunday and Public Holidays measured in 7am-6pm 6pm-10pm 10pm-7am 9am-6pm 6pm-10pm 10pm-9am dB(A) CV = 50 CV = 45 CV = 40 CV = 45 CV = 40 CV = 35 LAeq adj,10min AV = 5 AV = 5 AV = 0 AV = 5 AV = 5 AV = 5 CV = 55 CV = 50 LA1adj,10min AV = 10 AV = 10 CV = 45 CV = 50 CV = 45 CV = 40 AV = 5 AV = 10 AV = 10 AV = 5 Noise measured at a commercial place Noise level Monday to Saturday Sunday and Public Holidays measured in 7am-6pm 6pm-10pm 10pm-7am 7am-6pm 6pm-10pm 10pm-7am dB(A) LAeq adj,10min CV = 55 CV = 50 CV = 45 CV = 50 CV = 45 CV = 40 AV = 10 AV = 10 AV = 5 AV = 10 AV = 10 AV = 5 NOTE - Associated notes and requirements: a) "Background" means background noise level, measured in the absence of the noise under investigation, as LA90,T being the A-weighted sound pressure level exceeded for ninety (90) per cent of the time period of 15 minutes, using Fast response. b) "LAeq adj,T" means the equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level, adjusted for noise character, measured in the presence of the noise under investigation over a time period of 10 minutes, using Fast response. c) "LA1 adj,T" means the A-weighted sound pressure level, adjusted for noise character, measured in the presence of the noise under investigation and exceeded for one (1) per cent of the time period of 10 minutes, using Fast response. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Table D2 - Blasting noise limits Sensitive or commercial Blasting noise limits place limits Blasting noise limits Daytime Other times and public Airblast overpressure 9am to 7pm holidays Ground vibration peak 115 dB (Linear) Peak for nine (9) out of ten (10) No blasting is allowed during particle velocity consecutive blasts initiated and not greater than these times 120 dB (Linear) Peak at any time
- E1
The holder of this environmental authority must not release contaminants to groundwater. E2 Groundwater Monitoring
- E3
All determinations of groundwater quality and biological monitoring must be performed by an
- E4
appropriately qualified person.
- 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, unless otherwise approved by the administering authority. Groundwater quality Groundwater must be monitored at the locations and frequencies described in Table E1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency and Figure 1- Site map, domains and groundwater monitoring locations for quality characteristics identified in Table E2 - Groundwater quality triggers. Exceedance Investigation If groundwater quality results from compliance bores identified in Table E1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency exceed any of the trigger levels stated in Table E2 - Groundwater quality triggers on 3 consecutive monitoring occasions, the holder of this environmental authority must: (a) Notify the administering authority via WaTERS within 2 business days of receiving the results; and (b) Undertake an investigation to determine if the exceedance is the result of: i) activities authorised under this environmental authority; or ii) natural variation; or iii) neighbouring land use resulting in groundwater impacts; and (c) submit a report to the administering authority within 14 days of completion of the investigation. Note: Where 3 consecutive exceedances of a trigger level have occurred and are being investigated in accordance with E5b) of this condition, no further reporting under E5a) is required for subsequent trigger events for that quality characteristic during the investigation period. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- E6
If the investigation under condition E5(b) determines that the exceedance was the result of activities authorised under this environmental authority, then a further investigation must be completed, and a report must be submitted to the administering authority via WaTERS within 56 days after submission of the exceedance investigation report under condition E5(c). The investigation report must include: (a) the likely source, cause and extent of contamination and other investigation outcomes; and (b) must detail the appropriate mitigation and management measures (where applicable) undertaken, with evidence upon request to address any groundwater contamination and prevent recurrence of groundwater contamination.
- E7
Groundwater Standing Water Level (SWL) Groundwater SWL must be monitored at the locations and frequencies described in Table E1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency and Figure 1- Site map, domains and groundwater monitoring locations.
- E8
The SWL monitoring results from groundwater bores identified in Table E1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency (with exception of dry bores) must be reviewed against the previous 12 months of SWL monitoring data by 1 April of each calendar year.
- E9
When a bore listed in Table E1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency (with the exception of dry bores) exceeds a fluctuation of 2 meters per year, the holder of this environmental authority must: (a) notify the administering authority via WaTERS within 24 hours of becoming aware; (b) complete an investigation into the cause of exceedance within 10 business days of becoming aware; and (c) if the investigation carried out under condition E9b) determines that the mining activities authorised by this environmental authority are a potential cause or contributor to the exceedance: i) notify the administering authority within 24 hours of making the determination; ii) identify whether any actual environmental harm has occurred; and iii) identify and implement mitigations to minimise the harm.
- E10
Bore Specific SWL Thresholds By 30 November 2026, the environmental authority holder must provide to the administering authority a report: (a) proposing groundwater SWL triggers to replace all TBCs in Table E3 - Groundwater standing water level triggers; and (b) providing justification as to those proposed triggers and values (such as modelling, monitoring data, risk assessments). Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- E11
Annual Groundwater Monitoring Review The groundwater monitoring data must be reviewed on an annual basis. The review must include the assessment of groundwater levels and quality data, long term trends of the data, the suitability of the monitoring network, identify monitoring bores that are likely to be impacted by advancing mining activities and propose replacement monitoring bores where required. The review report must be submitted to the administering authority within 28 days of the environmental authority holder receiving the report. The annual groundwater monitoring data subject to the review in condition E11 must be uploaded to WaTERS in the specified electronic format.
- E12
Replacement bores If any of the monitoring bores listed in Table E1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency, are scheduled to be decommissioned due to planned authorised activities, the holder must: (a) replace the bore(s) at least 12 months prior to decommissioning; with groundwater monitoring bores that target the same hydrogeological unit in a suitable location; and (b) provide the administering authority with the location of the replacement bores for inclusion in Table E1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency.
- E13
Within 6 months after installation of new/replacement bores the holder of this environmental authority must submit a report to the administering authority that details the aquifer type, screen depth (m), and surface RL (m) for each bore.
- E14
Within 27 months after installation of the replacement bores as per Condition E12, the environmental authority holder must submit a report to the administering authority that includes: (a) groundwater quality triggers based on at least 8 monitoring events for inclusion in Table
- E2
- Groundwater quality trigger limits; and (b) groundwater SWL triggers for inclusion in Table E3 - Groundwater standing water level triggers.
- E15
Bore construction and maintenance and decommissioning The construction, maintenance and management and decommissioning of groundwater bores (including groundwater monitoring bores) must be undertaken in a manner that prevents or minimises impacts to the environment and ensures the integrity of the bores to obtain accurate monitoring. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Table E1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency Monitoring Location (GDA2020) Aquifer Screen depth Surface RL Monitoring Point Frequency1 Latitude Longitude (m) (m)2 PZ 12 Quarterly PZ 22B Reference3 Bores PZ 10 Quarterly -20.705000 147.854600 Moranbah Coal 34.45-43.35 164.7 PZ 13 -20.750500 147.820400 measures 137.2 PZ 16A -20.744400 147.825000 137.9 PZ 16B Alluvium 4.25-8.9 PZ 23 159.5 PZ 24 Moranbah Coal Unknown 137.3 measures Compliance Bores -20.688500 147.815900 Moranbah Coal 32.5-52.6 measures -20.748400 147.829200 -20.744300 147.824900 Alluvium 8.0-17.0 -20.750300 147.812700 -20.751500 147.800100 Alluvium 5.65-8.53 137.8 Alluvium 15.0-21.0 137.2 Alluvium 5.0-11.0 134.7 NOTE: 1Monitoring is not required where a bore has been removed as a direct result of the mining activity. 2RL must be calculated from the nearest 5cm from the top of the bore casing. 3Reference sites must: (a) have a similar flow regime; (b) be from the same bio-geographic and climatic region; (c) have similar geology, soil types and topography; and (d) not be so close to the test sites that any disturbance at the test site also results in a change at the reference site. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Table E2 - Groundwater quality trigger limits Quality Parameter1 Unit Investigation Trigger Level pH pH Units Alluvium Moranbah coal measures
- F1
Contaminants that will, or have the potential to cause environmental harm, must not be released directly or indirectly to any waters as a result of the authorised mining activities, except as permitted under the conditions of this environmental authority.
- F2
The release of mine affected water to waters must only occur from the release points specified in Table F1 - Mine affected water release points, sources and receiving waters and depicted in Figure 2 - Mine affected water release points, sources and receiving waters attached to this environmental authority.
- F3
The release of mine affected water to waters from the release points must be monitored at the locations specified in Table F1 - Mine affected water release points, sources and receiving waters for each quality characteristic and at the frequency specified in Table F2 - Mine affected water release limits and Table F3 - Release contaminant trigger investigation levels, potential contaminants. NOTE: The administering authority will take into consideration any extenuating circumstances prior to determining an appropriate enforcement response in the event condition F3 is contravened due to a temporary lack of safe or practical access. The administering authority expects the environmental authority holder to take all reasonable and practicable measures to maintain safe and practical access to designated monitoring locations.
- F4
The release of mine affected water to waters in accordance with condition F2 must not exceed the release limits stated in Table F2 - Mine affected water release limits when measured at the monitoring points specified in Table F1- Mine affected water release points, sources and receiving waters for each quality characteristic. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- F5
If quality characteristics of the release exceed any of the trigger levels specified in Table F3 - Release contaminant trigger investigation levels, potential contaminants during a release event, the environmental authority holder must compare the downstream results in the receiving waters (Table F6 - Receiving water upstream background sites and downstream monitoring points) to the trigger values specified in Table F3 - Release contaminant trigger investigation levels, potential contaminants and: 1) where the trigger values are not exceeded then no action is to be taken; or 2) where the downstream results exceed the trigger values specified in Table F3 - Release contaminant trigger investigation levels, potential contaminants for any quality characteristic, compare the results of the downstream site to the data from background monitoring sites (Table F6 - Receiving water upstream background sites and downstream monitoring points); and (a) if the result is less than the background monitoring site data, then no action is to be taken; or (b) if the result is greater than the background monitoring site data, notify the administering authority via WaTERS within 2 business days of receiving the result, and complete an investigation and provide a written report to the administering authority via WaTERS within 28 days of receiving the result, outlining i) details of the investigations carried out; and ii) whether the result is directly associated with mining activities, and, if so: 1. whether environmental harm has occurred, 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 F5(2)(b) of this condition, no further reporting is required for subsequent trigger events for that quality characteristic.
- F6
Mine Affected Water Release Events The holder must ensure a stream flow gauging station/s is installed, operated and maintained to determine and record stream flows at the locations and flow recording frequency specified in Table F4 - Mine affected water release during flow events.
- F7
The release of mine affected water to waters in accordance with condition F2 must only take place during periods of natural flow in accordance with the receiving water flow criteria for discharge specified in Table F4 - Mine affected water release during flow events for the release point(s) specified in Table F1 - Mine affected water release points, sources and receiving waters. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Table F1 - Mine Affected Water Release Points, Sources and Receiving Waters Releas Location Mine Affected Water Monitoring Receiving waters description e Point GDA2020 (RP)1 Source and Location Point Latitude Latitude
- F8
The daily quantity of mine affected water released from each release point must be measured and recorded.
- F9
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.
- F10
Notification of Release Event The environmental authority holder must notify the administering authority via WaTERS as soon as practicable and no later than 24 hours after commencing to release mine affected water to the receiving environment. Notification must include the submission of written advice to the administering authority of the following information: (a) release commencement date/time; (b) release point/s; (c) release rate; (d) release salinity and/or electrical conductivity; (e) receiving water/s including the natural flow rate; and (f) details regarding the compliance of the release with the conditions of Schedule F - Water.
- F11
The environmental authority holder must notify the administering authority via WaTERS as soon as practicable, and no later than 24 hours after cessation of a release notified under condition F10. The cessation notification must include the following information: (a) release cessation date and time; (b) release point/s; (c) release rate; (d) water quality of release; (e) total volume of water released; (f) natural flow rate in the receiving water; and (g) details regarding the compliance of the release with the conditions of this environmental authority. Note: Successive or intermittent releases from a Release Point occurring within 24 hours of the cessation of any individual release can be considered part of a single release event and do not require individual notification for the purpose of compliance with conditions F10, F11 and F12, provided the relevant details of the release are included within the notification provided in accordance with conditions F10, F11 and F12.
- F12
The environmental authority holder must within 28 days after cessation of a release event notified under condition F10 provide a report to the administering authority via WaTERS, which must include the following information: (a) all continuous and in-situ water quality monitoring results (including laboratory analyses); and (b) any further matters pertinent to the water release event. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- F13
Notification of Release Event Exceedance If the release limits defined in Table F2 - Mine affected water release limits are exceeded, the holder of the environmental authority must notify the administering authority via WaTERS within 24 hours of receiving the results.
- F14
The environmental authority holder must, within 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-compliant; (e) all water quality monitoring results (including all laboratory analyses); (f) identification of any environmental harm as a result of the non-compliance; (g) all calculations; and (h) any other matters pertinent to the water release event.
- F15
Receiving Environment Monitoring and Contaminant Trigger Levels The quality of the receiving waters must be monitored at the locations specified in Table F6 - Receiving water upstream background sites and downstream monitoring points and Figure 2 - Mine affected water release points, sources and receiving waters for each quality characteristic and at the monitoring frequency stated in Table F5 - Receiving waters contaminant trigger levels.
- F16
If quality characteristics of the receiving water at the downstream monitoring points (Table F6 - Receiving water upstream background sites and downstream monitoring points) exceed any of the trigger levels specified in Table F5 - Receiving waters contaminant trigger levels during a release event, the environmental authority holder must compare the downstream results to the results from the upstream monitoring points (Table F6 - Receiving water upstream background sites and downstream monitoring points) in the receiving waters and: 1) if the result is less than the upstream monitoring data, then no action is to be taken; or 2) if the result is greater than the upstream monitoring data, notify the administering authority via WaTERS within 2 business days of receiving the result, and complete an investigation and provide a written report to the administering authority via WaTERS within 28 days of receiving the result, outlining (a) details of the investigations carried out; and (b) whether the result is directly associated with the release, and, if so: i) whether environmental harm has occurred, and ii) actions taken to prevent environmental harm. NOTE: Where an exceedance of a trigger level has occurred and is being investigated, in accordance with condition F16(2) of this condition, no further reporting is required for subsequent trigger events for that quality characteristic. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- F17
All determinations of water quality and biological monitoring must be performed by an appropriately qualified person. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Table F2 - Mine Affected Water Release Limits Quality Release Limits Monitoring frequency1 Parameter^ Electrical Release limits specified Daily during release (the first sample must be taken conductivity (-S/cm) in Table F4 within 2 hours of commencement of release) pH (pH Unit) 6.5 (minimum) Daily during release (the first sample must be taken 9.0 (maximum) within 2 hours of commencement of release) Turbidity (NTU) At commencement and prior to cessation of release 300 (at a minimum) and weekly during a release NOTE: 1The determination of suitability for release of water should be informed by monitoring undertaken prior to release. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Table F3 - Release contaminant trigger investigation levels, potential contaminants Quality Trigger Levels Comment on Trigger Level Monitoring Parameter (g/L) Frequency Aluminium 82 80th percentile of background. 13 Aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline. Commencement of release and thereafter weekly during release Arsenic 0.2 Aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline. Cadmium 1 Aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline. Chromium 1.4 Aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline. 280 Aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline. Copper 3.4 Aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline. Iron 0.06 Aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline. Lead 11 Aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline. 8 Aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline. Mercury 940 Aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline. Nickel 1.4 Aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline. Zinc 1,900 Aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline. Boron 34 Aquatic ecosystem protection, based on low reliability guideline. Cobalt Aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline and Manganese 5 Molybdenum bioaccumulation risk 0.05 Aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline. Selenium 0.5 Aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline. 6 Aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline. Silver 900 Aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline. Uranium 2,600 Aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline. Vanadium Ammonia 20 Aquatic ecosystem protection, based on LOR for GCMS. Nitrate
- F18
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 the effects of the mine on the receiving environment periodically (under natural flow conditions) and while mine affected water is being discharged from the site. For the purposes of the REMP, the receiving environment is the waters of the Bowen River and connected or surrounding waterways within 5km downstream of the release. The REMP should encompass any sensitive receiving waters or environmental values downstream of the authorised mining activity that will potentially be directly affected by an authorised release of mine affected water. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- F19
The REMP must address (but not necessarily be limited to) the following: (a) description of potentially affected receiving waters including key communities and background water quality characteristics based on accurate and reliable monitoring data that takes into consideration any temporal variation (e.g. seasonality); and (b) description of applicable environmental values and water quality objectives to be achieved (i.e. as scheduled pursuant to the Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009); and (c) any relevant reports prepared by other governmental or professional research organisations that relate to the receiving environment within which the REMP is proposed; and (d) water quality targets within the receiving environment to be achieved, and clarification of contaminant concentrations or levels indicating adverse environmental impacts during the REMP. (e) monitoring for any potential adverse environmental impacts caused by the release (f) monitoring of stream flow and hydrology; (g) monitoring of toxicants should consider the indicators specified in Table F3 - Release contaminant trigger investigation levels, potential contaminants to assess the extent of the compliance of concentrations with water quality objectives and/or the ANZG 2018 guidelines for slightly to moderately disturbed ecosystems; (h) monitoring of physico-chemical parameters as a minimum those specified in Table F2 - Mine affected water release limits (in addition to dissolved oxygen saturation and temperature); (i) monitoring biological indicators (for macroinvertebrates in accordance with the AusRivas methodology) and metals/metalloids in sediments (in accordance with ANZECC and ARMCANZ 2000, BATLEY and/or the most recent version of AS5667.1 Guidance on Sampling of Bottom Sediments) for permanent, semi- permanent water holes and water storages; (j) the locations of monitoring points (including the locations specified in Table F6 - Receiving water upstream background sites and downstream monitoring points which are background and downstream impacted sites for each release point); (k) the frequency or scheduling of sampling and analysis sufficient to determine water quality objectives and to derive site specific reference values within 2 years (depending on wet season flows) in accordance with the Queensland Water Quality Guidelines 2006. For ephemeral streams, this should include periods of flow irrespective of mine or other discharges; (l) specify sampling and analysis methods and quality assurance and control; (m) any historical datasets to be relied upon; (n) description of the statistical basis on which conclusions are drawn, and (o) any spatial and temporal controls to exclude potential confounding factors.
- F20
A REMP Design Document that addresses the requirements of conditions F18 and F19 must be prepared and made available to the administrating authority upon request. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- F21
A report outlining the findings of the REMP, including all monitoring results and interpretations in accordance with condition F19 must be prepared for each year during which a release from a release point occurs and submitted to the administering authority on request. This should include an assessment of background water quality, any assimilative capacity for those contaminants monitored and the suitability of current discharge limits to protect downstream environment values. All REMP water quality data associated with the relevant report must be submitted to the administering authority via WaTERS. Where no releases are made from the release points in any given year (1 November to 31 October), a summary report of the findings of the REMP must be prepared and submitted to the administering authority on request. The summary report must include the following: (a) Introduction; (b) Rainfall data; and (c) Water course flow data. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Table F4 - Mine affected water release during flow events Receiving Release Gauging Latitude Longitude Receiving Receiving Maximum Electrical waters/stream Point (RP) station water flow water flow release rate conductivity -20.752450 147.881850 recording criteria for Bowen River DRP1 Bowen frequency discharge (for all release
- F22
Water Re-use Mine affected water may be piped or trucked or transferred by some other means that does not contravene the conditions of this environmental authority and deposited into artificial water storage structures, such as farm dams or tanks, or used directly at properties owned by the environmental authority holder or a third party (with the consent of the third party).
- F23
If the responsibility of the water contaminated by mining activities (the water) is given or transferred to another person in accordance with condition F22, then: (a) the responsibility of the water must only be given or transferred in accordance with a written agreement (the third party agreement); and (b) include in the third party agreement a commitment from the person utilising the water to use water in such a way as to prevent environmental harm or public health incidences and specifically make the persons aware of the General Environmental Duty (GED) under section 319 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994, environmental sustainability of the water disposal and protection of environmental values of waters.
- F24
Annual Water Monitoring Data Submission The following information must be recorded in relation to all mine affected surface water release monitoring required under the conditions of this environmental authority and submitted to the administering authority via WaTERS with each annual return: (a) the date on which the sample was taken; (b) the time at which the sample was taken; (c) the monitoring point at which the sample was taken; (d) the measured or estimated daily quantity of mine affected water released from all release points; (e) the release flow rate at the time of sampling for each release point; and (f) the results of all monitoring and details of any exceedances of the conditions of this environmental authority
- F25
Water Management Plan A Water Management Plan must be developed by an appropriately qualified person and implemented for all stages of mining activities. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- F26
The Water Management Plan must: (a) provide for effective water 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 the administering authority's most recent version of the any updates that become available from time to time and must include at least the following components: i) a study of the source on contaminants; ii) a water balance model for the site; iii) a map showing the water management system for the site; iv) measures to manage and prevent saline drainage; v) measures to manage and prevent acid rock drainage; and vi) contingency procedures for incidents and emergencies.
- F27
On an annual basis the Water Management Plan must be updated and re-issued (in accordance with the requirements of conditions F25 and F26) or reviewed. The update or review must be commenced by 30 November each calendar year. Where a review is undertaken, the review must: (a) include a statement that the review has been undertaken by an appropriately qualified person; (b) assess the plan against the requirements under condition F25 and F26; (c) identify any actual or potential environmental impacts which are not effectively managed by the Water Management Plan; i) if required make recommendations to ensure actual or potential environmental impacts are effectively managed ii) if required provide details and timelines to implement the recommendations; and (d) make recommendations to amend the Water Management Plan, where required..
- F28
Stormwater and Water Sediment Controls An Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) Plan must be developed by an appropriately qualified person and implemented for all stages of the mining activities.
- F29
The ESC Plan must: (a) demonstrate how ESC control measures adequately minimise the release of sediment to receiving waters and must include at least the following: (b) assessment of all catchment areas; (c) assessment of soil types, including sodic dispersive soils; (d) specify design criteria for ESC structures; (e) detail the locations and descriptions of all ESC measures; and (f) provide an audit schedule to ensure ESC controls are being maintained. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- F30
A revision or review of the Erosion and Sediment Control Plan must be undertaken by 30 November for each calendar year. The revision must: (a) include a statement that the Erosion and Sediment Control Plan has been prepared by an appropriately qualified person; (b) assess the plan against the requirements under condition F29; (c) include recommended actions to ensure actual and potential environmental impacts are effectively managed; (d) provide details and timelines of the actions to be taken; and (e) identify any amendments made to the Erosion and Sediment Control Plan.
- F31
A copy of the Erosion and Sediment Control Plan must be provided to the administering authority on request.
- F32
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 F28; and (b) water management infrastructure that is installed and operated, in accordance with a water management plan that complies with condition F25, for the purpose of ensuring water does not become mine affected water. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Table F6 - Receiving water upstream background sites and downstream monitoring points Monitoring Receiving Waters Location Description Latitude Longitude Points Upstream Monitoring Points -20.711500 147.855900
- SW4
Upstream of Twelve Mile Gully tributaries and -20.743400 147.852300
- SW16
mining operations -20.697700 147.828300
- SW11
Upstream of un-named tributary of Bowen River -20.731400 147.784900
- SW5
Upstream of mining operations at Bowen River -20.691800 147.801800
- SW6
Upstream of un-named tributary of Twelve Mile -20.753400 147.827700
- SW12
Gully -20.706600 147.784500
- SW13
Downstream Monitoring Points Downstream of mining operations at Twelve Mile Gully Downstream of mining operations at Sandy Hollow Downstream of mining operations at Bowen River Upstream of un-named tributary of Twelve Mile Gully Downstream of mining operations at un-named tributary of Twelve Mile Gully NOTE: a) The upstream monitoring point should be within 5 km of the release point. b) The downstream point should not be greater than 5 km from the release point. c) The data from background monitoring points must not be used where they are affected by releases from other mines. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Schedule G: Sewage Treatment Condition Condition number
- G1
Treated sewage effluent may only be released to land in accordance with the conditions of this environmental authority at the following locations: (a) within a suitable irrigation area to be selected based on the location of mine infrastructure areas and associated sewage treatment plant(s); (b) haul roads and areas of mining activity for the purpose of dust suppression; (c) re-use in coal processing; and (d) firefighting.
- G2
All effluent released from the treatment plant into the nominated irrigation area identified in Condition
- G1
must be monitored at the frequency and for all the parameters specified in Table G1 - Contaminant release limits to land.
- G3
Irrigation with treated effluent 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.
- G4
If irrigation areas 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.
- G5
The daily volume of treated effluent used for irrigation must be measured and records kept of the volumes of effluent released.
- G6
When circumstances prevent the irrigation or beneficial reuse of treated sewage effluent such as during or following rain events, waters must be directed to a wet weather storage or alternative measures must be taken to store/lawfully dispose of effluent.
- G7
Water or stormwater contaminated by irrigation activities must not be released to any waters or the bed and banks of any waters.
- G8
A minimum area of one ha of land, excluding any necessary buffer zones, must be utilised for the irrigation of treated sewage effluent.
- G9
Treated sewage effluent must only be supplied to another person or organisation that has a written plan detailing how the user of the treated sewage effluent will comply with their general environmental duty under section 319 of the Act whilst using the treated sewage effluent. NOTE: The supply of treated wastewater for re-use is regulated under the Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Table G1 - Contaminant release limits to land Contaminant Unit Release limit Limit type Monitoring Frequency 5-day Biochemical oxygen mg/L 20 Maximum Monthly demand (BOD) Total suspended solids mg/L 30 Maximum Monthly mg/L 30 Maximum Monthly Nitrogen mg/L 15 Maximum Monthly Phosphorus Organisms/100ml 1000 Maximum Monthly pH units 6.0 - 9.0 Monthly E-coli Range pH Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Schedule H: Land Condition Condition number
- H1
Mining waste management A waste rock and spoil disposal plan must be developed and include, where relevant, at least: (a) effective characterisation of the waste rock and spoil to predict under the proposed placement and disposal strategy the quality of runoff and seepage generated concerning potentially environmentally significant effects including salinity, acidity, alkalinity and dissolved metals, metalloids and non-metallic inorganic substances; (b) a program of progressive sampling and characterisation to identify dispersive and non- dispersive spoil and the salinity, acid and alkali producing potential and metal concentrations of waste rock; (c) a materials balance and disposal plan demonstrating how potentially acid forming and acid forming waste rock will be selectively placed and/or encapsulated to minimise the potential generation of acid mine drainage; (d) where relevant, a sampling program to verify encapsulation and/or placement of potentially acid-forming and acid-forming waste rock; (e) how often the performance of the plan will be assessed; (f) the indicators or other criteria on which the performance of the plan will be assessed; (g) identification of areas proposed to contain tailings; and (h) Monitoring or rehabilitation, research and/or trials to verify the requirements and methods for decommissioning and final rehabilitation of the placed materials, including the prevention and management of acid mine drainage, erosion minimisation and establishment of vegetation cover.
- H2
Minimise the potential for contamination of land by hazardous contaminants.
- H3
Chemicals and Flammable or Combustible Liquids All flammable and combustible liquids must be contained within an on-site containment system and controlled in a manner that prevents environmental harm and maintained in accordance with the current edition of AS 1940 - Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids.
- H4
All chemicals and flammable or combustible liquids stored on site that have the potential to cause environmental harm must be stored in or serviced by an effective containment system that is impervious to the materials stored and managed to prevent the release of liquids to waters or land. Where no relevant Australian standard exists store such materials within an effective on-site containment system, the environmental authority holder must, at a minimum: (a) minimise the potential for contamination of land and waters by diverting stormwater around contaminated areas and facilities used for the storage of chemicals and flammable or combustible liquids.
- H5
Weed Management A weed management plan must be developed and implemented for this site outlining: (a) areas of control priority and the methods used to determine such areas: Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority (b) strategies to promote dense grass growth (which out-competes weeds) through reduced disturbance; (c) monitoring methodologies that document the spread of weeds and any new outbreaks; (d) methods for the control of weeds. These methods should include best practice management; (e) stringent wash-down and inspection procedures for both machinery involved in clearing/construction activities and those operating outside of designated roads during mine operation; and (f) promotion of the awareness of weed management issues at the site.
- H6
Biodiversity Offsets The holder of this environmental authority must provide an offset for impacts on applicable state significant biodiversity values, in accordance with Queensland Biodiversity Offset Policy. The biodiversity offset must be consistent with the requirements for an offset as identified in the Biodiversity Offset Strategy (as per condition H7) and must be provided: (a) prior to impacting on state significant biodiversity values; or (b) where a land based offset is to be provided, within 12 months of the later of either of the following: 1. the date of issue of this environmental authority; or 2. the relevant stage identified in the Biodiversity Offset Strategy submitted under condition H7; or 3. where an offset payment is to be provided, within 4 months of the later of either of the following: i) the date of issue of this environmental authority; or ii) the relevant stage identified in the Biodiversity Offset Strategy submitted under condition H7.
- H7
A Biodiversity Offset Strategy must be developed and submitted to the administering authority at least 30 business days, or a lesser period agreed to by the administering authority, prior to impacting on the applicable state significant biodiversity values. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Schedule I: Dams and Levees Condition Condition number
- I1
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 Hydraulic (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 Hydraulic
- I4
Design and Construction of a Regulated Structure All regulated structures must be designed by, and constructed under the supervision of, a suitably qualified and experienced person in accordance with the requirements of the Manual for Assessing
- I5
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) certification of the design plan and operating procedures (except where the structure does not require operating procedures such as for levees) has been certified by a suitably qualified and experienced person for compliance with the relevant condition of this authority.
- I6
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 Categories Regulated Structures. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- I7
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 entering the regulated dam from any watercourse or drainage line; and wall failure due to erosion by floodwaters arising from any watercourse or drainage line (c) for dams associated with a failure to contain; have the floor and sides of the dam designed and constructed to prevent or minimise the passage of the wetting front and any entrained contaminants through either the floor or sides of the dam during the operational life of the dam and for any period of decommissioning and rehabilitation of the dam.
- I8
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.
- I9
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 conditions I4 to I6; (b) a set of `as constructed' drawings and specifications; (c) certification of those `as constructed drawings and specifications' in accordance with condition I8; (d) where the regulated structure is to be managed as part of an integrated containment system for the purpose of sharing the Design Storage Allowance (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 Structures; and (g) there is a current operational plan for the regulated structure (except where the structure does not require operating procedures such as for levees).
- I10
Each regulated structure must be maintained and operated, for the duration of its operational life until decommissioned and rehabilitated, in a manner that is consistent with the current operational plan and, if applicable, the current design plan and associated certified `as constructed' drawings. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- I11
Mandatory Reporting Level Conditions I12 to I15 inclusive only apply to Regulated Structures which have not been certified as low consequence category for `failure to contain - overtopping'.
- I12
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.
- I13
The holder must, as soon as practical and within 48 hours of becoming aware, notify the administering authority when the level of the contents of a regulated dam reaches the MRL.
- I14
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.
- I15
The holder must record any changes to the MRL in the Register of Regulated Structures.
- I16
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.
- I17
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 DSA volume for the dam (or network of linked containment systems).
- I18
The holder must, as soon as possible and within 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.
- I19
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.
- I20
Annual Inspection Each regulated structure must be inspected each calendar year by a suitably qualified and experienced person.
- I21
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. Regulated structures must be assessed: (a) against the most recent hazard assessment report and design plan (or system design plan); (b) against recommendations contained in previous annual inspections reports; (c) against recognised dam safety deficiency indicators; (d) for changes in circumstances potentially leading to a change in hazard category; (e) for conformance with the conditions of this authority; Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority (f) for conformance with the `as constructed' drawings; (g) for the adequacy of the available storage in each regulated dam, based on an actual observation or observations taken after 31 May each year but prior to 1 November of that year, of accumulated sediment, state of the containment barrier and the level of liquids in the dam (or network of linked containment systems); and (h) for evidence of conformance with the current operational plan.
- I22
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 Hydraulic
- I23
The environmental authority holder must: a) within 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 10 business days of receipt of the request.
- I24
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.
- I25
Register of Regulated Structures A Register of Regulated Structures must be established and maintained by the holder for each regulated dam.
- I26
The holder must provisionally enter the required information in the Register of Regulated Structures when a design plan for a regulated dam is submitted to the administering authority.
- I27
The holder must make a final entry of the required information in the Register of Regulated Structures once compliance with conditions I9 and I10 has been achieved.
- I28
The holder must ensure that the information contained in the Register of Regulated Structures is current and complete on any given day.
- I29
All entries in the Register of Regulated Structures must be approved by the chief executive officer for the holder of this authority, or their delegate, as being accurate and correct.
- I30
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 Structures, in the electronic format required by the administering authority. END OF CONDITIONS Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Definitions Words and phrases used throughout this environmental authority are defined below. Where a definition for a term used in this environmental authority is not provided within this environmental authority but is provided in the EP Act 1994 or subordinate legislation, the definition in the EP Act or subordinate legislation must be used. `acid mine drainage' means any contaminated discharge emanating from a mining activity formed through a series of chemical and biological reactions, when geological strata is disturbed and exposed to oxygen and moisture. `affected person' is someone whose drinking water can potentially be impacted as a result of discharges from a dam or their life can be put at risk due to dwellings or workplaces being in the path of a dam break flood. `airblast overpressure' means energy transmitted from the blast site within the atmosphere in the form of pressure waves. The maximum excess pressure in this wave, above ambient pressure is the peak airblast overpressure measured in decibels linear (dBL). `alternative arrangement' means a mutual agreement between a landholder and the EA holder that changes how the landholder (including their property and residence) is treated for the purposes of being considered a sensitive or commercial receptor to the mining operation. `annual exceedance probability or AEP' the probability that at least one event in excess of a particular magnitude will occur in any given year. `annual inspection report' means an assessment prepared by a suitably qualified and experienced person containing details of the assessment against the most recent consequence assessment report and design plan (or system design plan); - against recommendations contained in previous annual inspections reports; - against recognised dam safety deficiency indicators; - for changes in circumstances potentially leading to a change in consequence category; - for conformance with the conditions of this authority; - for conformance with the `as constructed' drawings; - for the adequacy of the available storage in each regulated dam, based on an actual observation or observations taken after 31 May each year but prior to 1 November of that year, of accumulated sediment, state of the containment barrier and the level of liquids in the dam (or network of linked containment systems); - for evidence of conformance with the current operational plan. `appropriately qualified person' means a person who has professional qualifications, training, skills or experience relevant to the nominated subject matter and can give authoritative assessment, advice and analysis on performance relating to the subject matter using the relevant protocols, standards, methods or literature. `assessed or assessment' by a suitably qualified and experienced person in relation to a consequence assessment of a dam, means that a statutory declaration has been made by that person and, when taken together with any attached