Data as at 14 September 2026 · from the Queensland EP Act public register
EPML00443913 · TAROOM COAL PROPRIETARY LIMITED
Coal environmental authority EPML00443913 (TAROOM COAL PROPRIETARY LIMITED), Suspended. 123 conditions indexed. Holds PRC plan P-PRCP-100818609.
- Status
- Suspended
- Holders
- TAROOM COAL PROPRIETARY LIMITED
- Tenures
- ML50254; ML50270; ML50271
- PRC plan
- P-PRCP-100818609 · effective 2025-02-24
- How it was read
- Numbered conditions
- Register
- Register record · Instrument PDF
Conditions
123 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
This environmental authority authorises the mining of eight million two hundred thousand (8.2 million) tonnes run of mine (ROM) coal per annum.
- A3
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.
- A4
The holder of this environmental authority must comply with conditions of this environmental authority during all phases of the project including the construction and decommissioning phases.
- A5
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 five (5) years.
- A6
Risk Management The holder of this environmental authority must develop and implement a risk management system for mining activities which mirrors the content requirement of the Standard for Risk Management (ISO31000:2009), or the latest edition of an Australian standard for risk management, to the extent relevant to environmental management, at least three (3) months prior to the commencement of open cut coal mining activities (not including exploration activities).
- A7
Notification of emergencies, incidents and exceptions The holder of this environmental authority must notify the administering authority by written notification within twenty-four (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. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00443913 Elimatta Coal Mine
- A8
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.
- A9
Complaints The holder of this environmental authority must record all environmental complaints received about the mining activities including: (a) name, address and contact number 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.
- A10
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 ten (10) business days after the end of the timeframe nominated by the administering authority to undertake the investigation.
- A11
Third Party Reporting The holder of this environmental authority must: (a) within one year of the commencement of open cut coal mining activities (not including exploration activities) obtain from an appropriately qualified person a report on compliance with the conditions of this environmental authority; (b) obtain further such reports at regular intervals, not exceeding three-yearly intervals, from the completion of the report referred to above; and (c) provide each report to the administering authority within ninety (90) days of its completion. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00443913 Elimatta Coal Mine
- A12
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 two 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 conditions J1-J31 (inclusive), 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. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00443913 Elimatta Coal Mine Agency interest: Air Condition Condition number
- B1
The holder of this environmental authority shall ensure that all reasonable and feasible avoidance and mitigation measures are employed so that the dust and particulate matter emissions generated by the mining activities do not cause exceedances of the following levels when measured at any sensitive or commercial place: (a) Dust deposition of 120 milligrams per square metre per day, averaged over one month, when monitored in accordance with the most recent version of Australian Standard AS3580.10.1 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air--Determination of particulate matter--Deposited matter - Gravimetric method. (b) A concentration of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 micrometres (PM10) suspended in the atmosphere of 50 micrograms per cubic metre over a 24-hour averaging time, for no more than five exceedances recorded each year, when monitored in accordance with the most recent version of either: 1. Australian Standard AS3580.9.6 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air-- Determination of suspended particulate matter--PM10 high volume sampler with size- selective inlet - Gravimetric method, or 2. Australian Standard AS3580.9.9 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air-- Determination of suspended particulate matter--PM10 low volume sampler-- Gravimetric method. (c) A concentration of particulate matter suspended in the atmosphere of 90 micrograms per cubic metre over a 1 year averaging time, when monitored in accordance with the most recent version of AS/NZS3580.9.3:2003 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air--Determination of suspended particulate matter--Total suspended particulate matter (TSP)--High volume sampler gravimetric method.
- B2
Odour nuisance The holder of this environmental authority shall ensure that all reasonable and feasible avoidance and mitigation measures are employed so that the noxious or offensive odour(s) or any other noxious or offensive airborne contaminant(s) generated by the mining activities do not cause an environmental nuisance at any sensitive or commercial place.
- B3
Management Plans An Air Quality Management Plan must be developed and implemented by an appropriately qualified person during all stages of activities on the mining leases to which this environmental authority applies. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00443913 Elimatta Coal Mine Agency interest: Waste Condition Condition number
- C1
Waste Management Unless otherwise permitted by the conditions of this environmental authority or with prior approval from the administering authority and in accordance with a relevant standard operating procedure, waste must not be burnt.
- C2
The holder of this environmental authority may burn vegetation cleared in the course of carrying out extraction activities provided the activity does not cause environmental harm at any sensitive place or commercial place.
- C3
Tailings Disposal Tailings must be managed in accordance with document procedures, developed prior to the commencement of mining activities. These procedures must include provisions for: (a) containment of tailings; (b) the management of seepage and leachates during operation; (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; (e) maintaining records of the relative locations of any other waste stored within the tailings;
- C4
Storage of Tyres Tyres stored awaiting disposal or transport for take-back and recycling, or waste-to-energy options, should be stockpiled in volumes less than three (3) metres in height and two hundred (200) metres squared in area and at least ten (10) metres from any other tyre storage area.
- C5
All reasonable and practicable fire prevention measures must be implemented, including removal of grass and other materials within a ten (10) metre radius of the scrap tyre storage area.
- C6
Disposal of Tyres Disposing of scrap tyres resulting from the mining activities in spoil emplacements is acceptable, provided the material is placed as deep in the spoil as reasonably practicable, aids long-term dump stability and does not impede saturated aquifers.
- C7
Management Plans The holder of this environmental authority must ensure an appropriately qualified person develops and implements prior to commencement of the construction phase, a Waste Management Plan. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00443913 Elimatta Coal Mine Agency interest: Noise Condition Condition number
- D1
Noise Limits The holder of this environmental authority must ensure that noise generated by the mining activities does not cause the criteria in Table D1 - Noise limits to be exceeded at a sensitive place or commercial place. Table D1 - Noise limits Noise Limits for Activities on the Mining Leases Leq, adj, T (T= 15 minutes to 1 hour), dB(A)* Daytime 7am-6pm Evening 6pm-10pm Night-time 10pm-7am 35 40 40 Notes: *To be achieved under the majority of adverse meteorological conditions.
- D2
Airblast overpressure nuisance The holder of this environmental authority must ensure that blasting does not cause the limits for peak particle velocity and air blast overpressure in Table D2 - Blasting noise limits to be exceeded at a sensitive place or commercial place. Table D2 - Blasting noise limits Blasting noise Limits for sensitive or commercial limits receptors 7am - 6pm Airblast overpressure 115 dB (Linear) Peak for 9 out of 10 consecutive blasts initiated and not greater than 120 dB (Linear) Peak at any time Ground vibration 5mm/second peak particle velocity peak particle velocity for 9 out of 10 consecutive blasts and not greater than 10 mm/second peak particle velocity at any time Permit Environmental Authority EPML00443913 Elimatta Coal Mine
- D3
Monitoring and reporting Noise monitoring and recording must include the following descriptor characteristics and matters: (a) LAN,T (where N equals the statistical levels of 1, 10 and 90 and T = 15 mins); (b) background noise LA90; (c) the level and frequency of occurrence of impulsive or tonal noise and any adjustment and penalties to statistical levels; (d) atmospheric conditions including temperature, relative humidity and wind speed and directions; (e) effects due to any extraneous factors such as traffic noise; (f) location, date and time of monitoring; and (g) if the complaint concerns low frequency noise, Max LpLIN,T and one third octave band measurements in dB(LIN) for centre frequencies in the 10 - 200 Hz range.
- D4
The holder of this environmental authority must ensure an appropriately qualified person develops and implements a blast monitoring program to monitor compliance with Table D2 - Blasting noise limits prior to any blasting taking place on the mining leases this environmental authority applies to. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00443913 Elimatta Coal Mine Agency interest: Groundwater Condition Condition number
- E1
The holder of this environmental authority must not release contaminants to groundwater.
- E2
All determinations of groundwater quality monitoring must be performed by an appropriately qualified person.
- E3
The holder of the environmental authority must implement a groundwater monitoring program which has been developed by an appropriately qualified person. The program must be able to detect if there is, or there is potential for, a significant change to groundwater quality values or standing water levels (based on the current suitability of the groundwater for domestic and agricultural use) due to activities that are part of this mining project.
- E4
The holder of the environmental authority must report the results and analysis of groundwater monitoring to the administering authority on request.
- E5
Groundwater affected by the mining activities must be monitored at compliance bores within the nominated geologies and minimum frequencies defined in Table E1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency. Table E1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency Aquifer 1 and 2 Minimum number of Minimum Monitoring monitoring locations 1 and 2 Frequency1 and 2 TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA Note: 1 To be completed prior to commencement of construction activities. 2 Relevant aquifer/s, number of bores and monitoring frequencies to be determined by an appropriately qualified person.
- E6
If the groundwater contaminant trigger levels defined in Table E2 - Groundwater contaminant trigger levels are exceeded then the environmental authority holder must complete an investigation into the potential for environmental harm and notify the administering authority within twenty-eight (28) days of receiving the analysis results. An action plan to mitigate potential harm must be developed by an appropriately qualified person. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00443913 Elimatta Coal Mine Table E2 - Groundwater contaminant trigger levels* Parameter Unit Trigger Levels Limit Type Groundwater Level RL TBA Maximum pH pH Units 6.5 - 9.0 Minimum/Maximum Electrical Conductivity S/cm TBA Maximum Total Dissolved Solids mg/L TBA Maximum Calcium mg/L No limit Interpretative purposes only # Magnesium mg/L No limit Interpretative purposes only# Sodium mg/L No limit Interpretative purposes only# Potassium mg/L No limit Interpretative purposes only# Chloride mg/L No limit Interpretative purposes only#
- E7
Determining Contaminant Trigger Level and Limit Type The background groundwater quality for each geology must be determined from hydraulically isolated background bore(s) that have not been affected by any mining activities. The groundwater contaminant trigger levels and limit type as per Table E2 - Groundwater contaminant trigger levels must be determined and submitted to the administering authority prior to commencement of mine construction activities.
- E8
Bore construction and maintenance and decommissioning The construction, maintenance and management of groundwater bores (including background and compliance 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. For all bores constructed after February 2015, construction and decommissioning must be in accordance with the `Minimum Construction Standard for Water Bores in Australia'. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00443913 Elimatta Coal Mine Agency interest: Water Condition Condition number
- F1
Contaminant release 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
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 F1 - Mine affected water release points, sources and receiving waters* and depicted in Schedule K Figure 1 - Mine affected water release points. *Remaining information to populate Table F1 must be submitted to the administering authority prior to the commencement of mine construction activities. Table F1 - Mine affected water release points, sources and receiving waters Release Latitude Longitude Mine affected water Monitoring point Receiving waters point source and location description (RP) (decimal (decimal Dam spillway degree, degree, Dam EV1 Dam spillway Horse Creek GDA2020 GDA2020) Dam EV2 Dam spillway Horse Creek Dam EV3 Dam spillway Horse Creek ) Dam EV4 Horse Creek RP 1 TBD TBD RP 2 TBD TBD RP 3 TBD TBD RP 4 TBD TBD
- F3
The release of mine affected water to internal water management infrastructure installed and operated in accordance with a water management plan that complies with condition F29 is permitted.
- 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 listed in Table F2 - Mine affected water release limits. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00443913 Elimatta Coal Mine Table F2 - Mine affected water release limits Quality Release limits Monitoring characteristic frequency Electrical Release limits specified in Table F4 Daily during release (the first sample conductivity for variable flow criteria or condition must be taken within two hours of (-S/cm) F11. commencement of release) pH (pH Unit) 6.5 (minimum) Daily during release (the first sample 9.0 (maximum) must be taken within two hours of commencement of release) Sulphate (SO42-) (mg/L) 250 Daily during release (first sample within two hours of commencement of release)
- F5
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. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00443913 Elimatta Coal Mine Table F3 - Release contaminant trigger investigation levels, potential contaminants Quality Trigger Comment on trigger level Monitoring characteristic levels (-g/L) frequency Aluminium 55 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline Arsenic 13 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline Cadmium 0.2 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline Chromium 1 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline Copper 2 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on LOR for ICPMS Iron 300 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on low reliability guideline Lead 4 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline Mercury 0.2 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on LOR for CV FIMS Nickel 11 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline Zinc 8 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline Boron 370 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline Commencement of Cobalt 90 release and Manganese 1900 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on low reliability thereafter weekly Molybdenum 34 guideline during release Selenium 10 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on low reliability guideline For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on LOR for ICPMS Silver 1 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on LOR for ICPMS Uranium 1 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on LOR for ICPMS Vanadium 10 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on LOR for ICPMS Ammonia 900 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline Nitrate 1100 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on ambient Qld WQ
- F6
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 to the trigger values specified in Table F3 - Release contaminant trigger investigation levels, potential contaminants 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 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 and: (1) if the result is less than the background monitoring site data, then no action is to be taken; or (2) if the result is greater than the background monitoring site data, complete an investigation into the potential for environmental harm and provide a written report to the administering authority within ninety (90) days of receiving the result, outlining: (i) details of the investigations carried out; 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 F6(b)(2) of this condition, no further reporting is required for subsequent trigger events for that quality characteristic.
- F7
If an exceedance in accordance with condition F6(b)(2) is identified, the holder of the environmental authority must notify the administering authority in writing within twenty-four (24) hours of receiving the result.
- F8
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.
- F9
Notwithstanding any other condition of this environmental authority, 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.
- F10
The release of mine affected water to waters in accordance with condition F2 must not exceed the Maximum Release Rate (for all combined release point flows) for each receiving water flow criterion for discharge specified in Table F4 - Mine affected water release during flow events when measured at the monitoring points specified in Table F1 - Mine affected water release points, sources and receiving waters. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00443913 Elimatta Coal Mine Table F4 - Mine affected water release during flow events Receiving Release Gauging Gauging Gauging Receiving Receiving water Maximum Electrical waters/ point (RP) station station station water flow flow and quality release rate conductivity stream latitude longitude recording characteristics (for all release limits (decimal (decimal frequency criteria for combined degree, degree, discharge (m3/s) RP flows) GDA2020) GDA2020) Horse Dam EV1 SM1 -26.08193 149.59139 Continuous Low Flow <0.6 m3/s Electrical Creek RP1 (minimum conductivity daily) > 1.0m3/s for a Release <380 -S/cm Dam EV2 period of 28 days duration is
- F11
The daily quantity of mine affected water released from each release point must be measured and recorded.
- F12
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.
- F13
Notification of release event The environmental authority holder must notify the administering authority 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 the submission of written advice to the administering authority of the following information: (a) release commencement date/time; (b) details regarding the compliance of the release with the conditions of Agency interest: Water of this environmental authority (that is, contaminant limits, natural flow, discharge volume); (c) release point/s; (d) release rate; (e) release salinity; and (f) receiving water/s including the natural flow rate.
- F14
The environmental authority holder must notify the administering authority as soon as practicable and nominally no later than twenty-four (24) hours after cessation of a release event of the cessation of a release notified under condition F13 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 Agency interest; Water 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 with conditions F13 and F14, provided the relevant details of the release are included within the notification provided in accordance with conditions F13 and F14.
- F15
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 within twenty-four (24) hours of receiving the results. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00443913 Elimatta Coal Mine
- F16
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 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.
- F17
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 for each quality characteristic and at the monitoring frequency stated in Table F5 - Receiving waters contaminant trigger levels. Monitoring points are shown in Schedule K Figure 2. Table F5 - Receiving waters contaminant trigger levels Quality Characteristic Trigger Level Trigger Type Monitoring Frequency pH (pH units) 6.5 - 9.0 pH Range Electrical Conductivity 700 Maximum Daily during the (-S/cm) TBA (background figure to be provided) Maximum release Turbidity (NTU) Sulphate (SO42-) (mg/L) 250mg/L Maximum Note: 1. In-stream EC triggers based on Model Water Conditions for Coal Mines in the Fitzroy Basin (EHP 2013). 2. Trigger level based on EPP (Water) WQOs for Aquatic Ecosystems. 3. Trigger level based on ANZECC (2000) stock water quality guidelines. Table F6 - Receiving water upstream background sites and downstream monitoring points Monitoring points Receiving waters Latitude Longitude location description (decimal degree, (decimal degree, GDA2020) GDA2020) Upstream background monitoring points -26.081931 149.591391
- SM1
Horse Creek -26.041375 149.6
- SM2
Horse Creek -25.996375 149.641119
- SM4
Horse Creek -26.031930 149.629737 Downstream monitoring points -25.980544 149.651664 -25.974430 149.651115
- SM6
Nine Mile Creek Permit Environmental Authority EPML00443913 Elimatta Coal Mine
- F18
If quality characteristics of the receiving water at the 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 upstream results in the receiving waters and: (a) where the downstream result is the same or a lower value than the upstream value for the quality characteristic then no action is to be taken; or (b) where the downstream results exceed the upstream results complete an investigation into the potential for environmental harm and provide a written report to the administering authority in the next annual return, outlining: (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 condition F18 (b) of this condition, no further reporting is required for subsequent trigger events for that quality characteristic.
- F19
All determinations of water quality and biological monitoring must be performed by an appropriately qualified person.
- F20
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 Horse Creek to the confluence with Juandah Creek, approximately 20km downstream of the mining activity. 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, including but not limited to the referrable wetland of high ecological significance 1km downstream of mining site boundary.
- F21
The REMP required under condition F20 must be in accordance with the Receiving Environment Monitoring Program guideline published by the administering authority.
- F22
A REMP Design Document must be submitted prior to the commencement of mine affected water releases to receiving waters and describe how the REMP will address the criterion of condition F21. The REMP Design Document must be updated and resubmitted to the administering authority whenever the release activities change or the program is modified. Due consideration must be given to any comments made by the administering authority on the amended REMP Design Document and subsequent implementation of the program.
- F23
A report outlining the findings of the REMP, including all monitoring results and interpretations outlined in condition F21, must be prepared annually and made available on request to the administrating authority. The reports will be due at twelve (12) month intervals following the submission of the initial REMP design document. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00443913 Elimatta Coal Mine
- F24
Water reuse Mine affected water may be piped or trucked or transferred by some other means that does not contravene the conditions of this environmental authority and deposited into artificial water storage structures, such as farm dams or tanks, or used directly at properties owned by the environmental authority holder or a third party (with the consent of the third party).
- F25
Water Storage Monitoring The holder of this environmental authority must maintain a register of water storages and must be monitored for water quality characteristics specified in Table F7 - Water storage contaminant limits at the monitoring locations and at the specified frequency. Monitoring is required when the period of time in which any water storage, contains water for a period of time that is equal to or greater than the frequency of monitoring listed in Table F7 - Water storage contaminant limits.
- F26
In the event that water quality within water storages does not comply with the water quality characteristics specified in Table F7 - Water storage contaminant limits, the holder of this environmental authority must implement measures to prevent access by all livestock and minimise access by fauna to the water. Table F7 - Water storage contaminant limits Quality Test value Contaminant limit Frequency of monitoring characteristics Range 6-9 pH (pH units) EC(-S/cm) Maximum 4000 Sulphate (mg/L) Maximum 1,000 Fluoride (mg/L) Maximum 2.5 Aluminium (mg/L) Maximum 5 Arsenic (mg/L) Maximum 0.5 Boron (mg/L) Maximum 5 Cadmium (mg/L) Maximum 0.02 6 monthly Chromium (mg/L) Maximum 1 Cobalt (mg/L) Maximum 1 Copper (mg/L) Maximum 1 Lead (mg/L) Maximum 0.1 Molybdenum (mg/L) Maximum 0.15 Nickel (mg/L) Maximum 1 Selenium (mg/L) Maximum 0.02 Total Zinc (mg/L) Maximum 20 Note: Contaminant limits are based on ANZECC (2000) Livestock Drinking Water and are to be analysed as Total Metals (unfiltered). Permit Environmental Authority EPML00443913 Elimatta Coal Mine
- F27
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: (a) the date on which the sample was taken; (b) the time at which the sample was taken; (c) the monitoring point at which the sample was taken; (d) the measured or estimated daily quantity of mine affected water released from all release points; (e) the release flow rate at the time of sampling for each release point; (f) the results of all monitoring and details of any exceedances of the conditions of this environmental authority; and (g) water quality monitoring data must be provided to the administering authority in the specified electronic format upon request.
- F28
Temporary interference with waterways Destroying native vegetation, excavating, or placing fill in a watercourse, lake or spring necessary for and associated with mining operations must be undertaken in accordance with Department of Natural Resources and Mines (or its successor) Guideline - Activities in a Watercourse, Lake or Spring associated with Mining Activities.
- F29
Water Management Plan A Water Management Plan must be developed and implemented by an appropriately qualified person during all stages of activities on the mining leases to which this environmental authority applies.
- F30
Stormwater and Sediment Controls An Erosion and Sediment Control Plan must be developed by an appropriately qualified person and implemented for all stages of the mining activities on the site to minimise erosion and the release of sediment to receiving waters and contamination of stormwater.
- F31
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 F30; and (b) water management infrastructure that is installed and operated, in accordance with a Water Management Plan that complies with condition F29, for the purpose of ensuring water does not become mine affected water. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00443913 Elimatta Coal Mine Agency interest: Sewage Condition Condition number
- G1
The only contaminant permitted to be released to land is treated sewage effluent in compliance with the release limits stated in Table G1 - Contaminant release limits to land. Table G1 - Contaminant release limits to land Contaminant Unit Release Limit type Frequency limit 5 day Biochemical mg/L 20 Maximum Monthly oxygen demand (BOD)1 Total suspended solids mg/L 30 Maximum Monthly Nitrogen mg/L 30 Maximum Monthly Phosphorus mg/L 15 Maximum Monthly E-coli Organisms/100ml 1000 Maximum Monthly pH pH units 6.0 - 9.0 Range Monthly
- G2
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.
- G3
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.
- G4
All sewage effluent released to land must be monitored at the frequency and for the parameters specified in Table G1 - Contaminant release limits to land.
- G5
The daily volume of effluent release to land 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. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00443913 Elimatta Coal Mine Agency interest: Land Condition Condition number
- H1
PRCP schedule Progressive rehabilitation of the disturbed land must be carried out in accordance with the approved Progressive Rehabilitation and Closure Plan (PRCP) schedule (P-PRCP-100818609) for this environmental authority.
- H2
Surrender The holder must meet the conditions and the rehabilitation milestones under the PRCP schedule prior to the surrender of the environmental authority
- H3
Biodiversity Offset Impacts to prescribed environmental matters are not authorised unless the impacts are authorised in condition H4.
- H4
Notwithstanding condition H3, impacts to prescribed environmental matters, are only authorised to occur for the prescribed environmental matters specified in Table H1 - Authorised impacts to prescribed environmental matters, the impacts do not exceed the maximum extent of impact specified for that prescribed environmental matter.
- H5
An environmental offset must be delivered for each impact specified in Table H1 - Authorised impacts to prescribed environmental matters as requiring an environmental offset.
- H6
The authority holder may carry out the prescribed activity in stages and deliver an environment offset for each stage of the activity. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00443913 Elimatta Coal Mine Table H1 - Authorised impacts to prescribed environmental matters Matters of state environmental significance Maximum Environmenta extent of Significant Impact l offset impact required 18.9ha Regulated Vegetation Endangered RE RE 11.9.5 Yes Yes RE 11.9.10 12.7ha Yes Yes Of Concern RE RE 11.3.2 (10% of RE 16.9ha Yes 11.3.25 / 11.3.2) Yes RE 11.9.5 4.6ha Yes Yes 5.5ha RE 11.9.10 0.04ha Yes Yes RE occurring within RE 11.10.11 12.2ha No No defined distance of RE 11.3.2 (10% of RE defining banks of a 11.3.25 / 11.3.2) 113.9ha Yes Yes relevant watercourse Covered by RE 11.3.25 (plus 90% above Yes Yes of RE 11.3.25 / 11.3.2) residual impacts Protected Wildlife Habitat Special least concern Echidna Yes Yes species
- H7
Prior to the commencement of any impacts to a prescribed environmental matter for which an environmental offset is required by condition H5, an analysis of the anticipated maximum extent of impact for each stage to each prescribed environmental matter must be provided to the administering authority.
- H8
The analysis of impacts required by condition H7 must be approved by the administering authority before the notice of election is given to the administering authority.
- H9
The notice of election must be provided to the administering authority no less than three (3) months before the proposed commencement of the prescribed activities. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00443913 Elimatta Coal Mine Agency interest: Watercourse Diversions Condition Condition number
- I1
Permanent watercourse diversions Permanent watercourse diversions, or the re-establishment of a pre-existing watercourse where a temporary watercourse diversion is being replaced, must be designed and constructed to: (a) incorporate natural features (including geomorphic and vegetation) present at the location of the diversion; (b) maintain the pre-existing hydrologic characteristics of surface water and groundwater systems for the area in which the watercourse diversion is located; (c) maintain the hydraulic characteristics of the permanent watercourse diversion that are equivalent to other local watercourses and are suitable for the area in which the diversion is located without using artificial structures that require on-going maintenance; (d) maintain sediment transport and water quality regimes that allow the diversion to be self- sustaining, while minimising any impacts to upstream and downstream water quality, geomorphology or vegetation; and (e) maintain equilibrium and functionality in all substrate conditions at the location of the diversion.
- I2
Temporary watercourse diversions Temporary watercourse diversions must be designed and constructed to: (a) maintain the pre-existing hydrologic characteristics of surface water systems for the area in which the watercourse diversion is located; (b) maintain the hydraulic characteristics of the watercourse diversion that are equivalent to other local watercourses and are suitable for the area in which the diversion is located. Where structures that require on-going maintenance are used, they must not compromise the equilibrium and performance of the temporary watercourse diversion and adjoining watercourses; (c) maintain sediment transport and water quality regimes that minimise any impacts to upstream and downstream water quality, geomorphology or vegetation; (d) maintain equilibrium and functionality at all substrate conditions at the location of the diversion.
- I3
Design plan - All diversions A certified design plan (diversion) that achieves condition I1 for permanent watercourse diversions and condition I2 for temporary watercourse diversions must be submitted to the administering authority at least ten (10) business days before commencing construction of the diversion.
- I4
The certified design plan (diversion) for any temporary or permanent watercourse diversion must be consistent with the functional design/s that formed a part of the application documents for this authority. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00443913 Elimatta Coal Mine
- I5
Construction and operation - All diversions A certified set of `as constructed' drawings and specifications must be submitted to the administering authority within sixty (60) business days from the completion of construction of the temporary or permanent watercourse diversion, or re-establishment of the pre-existing watercourse. These drawings and specifications must state: (a) that the 'as constructed' drawings and specifications meet the original intent of the design plan (diversion) for the watercourse diversion; and (b) construction of the watercourse diversion is in accordance with the design plan (diversion).
- I6
Monitoring and inspections - All diversions The watercourse diversion must be inspected by a suitable qualified and experienced person who must prepare an inspection report in accordance with the operation and monitoring plan contained within the certified design plan (diversion). The timing and frequency of inspections must be in accordance with those specified in the operation and monitoring plan contained within the certified design plan (diversion). Note: Inspection requirements included in the operation and monitoring plan do not prevent the authority holder undertaking additional inspections.
- I7
The holder must, within twenty (20) business days of preparing an inspection report in accordance with the operation and monitoring plan, provide the administering authority: (a) The recommendations section of the inspection report; and (b) If applicable, a report on any actions being taken in response to those recommendations. If, following receipt of the recommendations and (if applicable) actions, the administering authority, requests a full copy of the inspection report from the holder, provide this to the administering authority within ten (10) business days of receipt of the request.
- I8
Register - All diversions The details of watercourse diversions planned and constructed under an environmental authority must be accurately recorded on the Register of Watercourse Diversions kept by the holder of the authority. An electronic copy must be provided to the administering authority on request. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00443913 Elimatta Coal Mine Agency interest: Regulated Structures Condition Condition number
- J1
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.
- J2
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.
- J3
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
- J4
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
- J5
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 for the design, design plan (regulated structure) and the associated operating procedures has been certified by a suitably qualified and experienced person in compliance with the relevant condition of this authority.
- J6
Certification must be provided by the suitably qualified and experienced person who oversees the preparation of the design plan (regulated structure) in the form set out in the Manual for and must be recorded in the Register of Regulated Structures. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00443913 Elimatta Coal Mine
- J7
Regulated structures must: (a) be designed and constructed in compliance with the Manual for assessing consequence (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. (c) 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.
- J8
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 (regulated structure) for that regulated structure (b) construction of the regulated structure is in accordance with the design plan (regulated structure).
- J9
Notification of affected persons All affected persons must be provided with a copy of the emergency action plan in place for each regulated structure (a) for existing structures that are regulated structures, within 10 business days of this condition taking effect; (b) prior to the operation of the new regulated structure; and (c) if the emergency action plan is amended, within 5 business days of it being amended. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00443913 Elimatta Coal Mine
- J10
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 in respect of regulated structure, all of the following: (a) one paper copy and one electronic copy of the design plan (regulated structure) and certification of the `design plan (regulated structure)' in accordance with condition J5; (b) a set of `as constructed' drawings and specifications; (c) certification of the `as constructed drawings and specifications' in accordance with condition J8; (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 (regulated structure); (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.
- J11
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 (regulated structure) and associated certified `as constructed' drawings.
- J12
Mandatory reporting level Conditions J13 to J16 inclusive only apply to Regulated Structures which have not been certified as low consequence category for `failure to contain - overtopping'.
- J13
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.
- J14
The holder must, as soon as practicable 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.
- J15
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.
- J16
The holder must record any changes to the MRL in the Register of Regulated Structures.
- J17
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. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00443913 Elimatta Coal Mine
- J18
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).
- J19
The holder must, as soon as practicable 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.
- J20
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.
- J21
Annual inspection report Each regulated structure must be inspected each calendar year by a suitably qualified and experienced person.
- J22
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 a recommendations section, with any recommended actions to ensure the integrity of the regulated structure or a positive statement that no recommendations are required.
- J23
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
- J24
The holder must within 20 business days of receipt of the annual inspection report, provide to the administering authority: (a) The recommendations section of the annual inspection report; and (b) If applicable, any actions being taken in response to those recommendations; and (c) If, following receipt of the recommendations and (if applicable) recommended actions, the administering authority requests a copy of the annual inspection report from the holder, provide this to the administering authority within 10 business days of receipt of the request.
- J25
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 (regulated structure) and other supporting documentation, to a new holder on transfer of this authority.
- J26
Register of Regulated Structures A Register of Regulated Structures must be established and maintained by the holder for each regulated structure: Permit Environmental Authority EPML00443913 Elimatta Coal Mine
- J27
The holder must provisionally enter the required information in the Register of Regulated Structures when a design plan (regulated structure) for a regulated dam is submitted to the administering authority.
- J28
The holder must make a final entry of the required information in the Register of Regulated Structures once compliance with condition J10 has been achieved.
- J29
The holder must ensure that the information contained in the Register of Regulated Structures is current and complete on any given day.
- J30
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.
- J31
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. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00443913 Elimatta Coal Mine Schedule K - Figures Figure 1 - Mine affected water release points To be provided prior to commencement of release of mine affected water. Figure 2 - Upstream and downstream monitoring points To be provided prior to commencement of release of mine affected water. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00443913 Elimatta Coal Mine Definitions Key terms and/or phrases used in this document are defined in this section. EA holders 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. Administering Authority is the agency that administers the environmental authority provisions under the Environmental Protection Act 1994. 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). 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 (regulated structure) (or system design plan): (a) against recommendations contained in previous annual inspections reports; (b) against recognised dam safety deficiency indicators; (c) for changes in circumstances potentially leading to a change in consequence category; (d) for conformance with the conditions of this authority; (e) for conformance with the `as constructed' drawings; (f) 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 (g) for evidence of conformance with the current operational plan. Annual exceedance probability or AEP the probability that at least one event in excess of a particular magnitude will occur in any given year. 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