Data as at 14 September 2026 · from the Queensland EP Act public register
EPML00579213 · PEABODY COPPABELLA PTY LTD
Coal environmental authority EPML00579213 (PEABODY COPPABELLA PTY LTD), Granted. 123 conditions indexed. No PRC plan.
- Status
- Granted
- Holders
- PEABODY COPPABELLA PTY LTD; CITIC AUSTRALIA COPPABELLA PTY LTD; KC RESOURCES PTY. LTD.; NS COAL PTY LTD; WINCHESTER COAL OPERATIONS PTY LTD
- Tenures
- ML70161; ML70163; ML70164; ML70236; ML70237
- PRC plan
- None
- 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
Maintenance of measures, plant and equipment The holder must: 1. Install all measures, plant and equipment necessary to ensure compliance with the conditions of this environmental authority; and 2. Maintain such measures, plant and equipment in a proper conditions; and 3. Operate such measures, plant and equipment in a proper manner.
- A2
Spillage of all flammable and combustible liquids must be contained within an on- site containment system and controlled in a manner that prevents environmental harm (other than trivial harm) and maintained in accordance with Section 5.9 of AS 1940 - Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids.
- A3
Monitoring and recording Record, compile and keep for a minimum of five (5) years all monitoring results required by this environmental authority and make available for inspection all or any of these records upon request by the administering authority.
- A4
Where monitoring is a requirement of this environmental authority, ensure that a competent person(s) conducts all monitoring.
- A5
All complaints received must be recorded including details of complainant, reasons for the complaint, investigations undertaken, conclusions formed and actions taken; This information must be made available for inspection by the administering authority on request.
- A6
Coal from South Walker Creek Mine (EPML00712313) is permitted to be received, stored temporarily and processed at the Coppabella Coal Handling and Processing Plant (CHPP).
- A7
The activities outlined in Condition A6 may be conducted for a maximum duration of two (2) years from commencement of the activities.
- A8
The environmental authority holder must notify the administering authority in writing on the day that activities authorised under Condition A6 commence. Permit Environmental authority EPML00579213
- A9
The maximum total volume of coal permitted to be received, stored temporarily and processed in accordance with Condition A6 is one (1) million tonnes.
- A10
Rejects and tailings generated in accordance with Condition A6 must be managed in compliance with the Co-disposal Area Operational Plan, developed in accordance with the Regulated Structure Schedule in this EA.
- A11
Definitions Words and phrases used throughout this environmental authority are defined in the definitions section at the end of this document. Where a definition for a term used in this environmental authority is sought and the term is not defined within this environmental authority, the definitions in the Environmental Protection Act 1994, its Regulations, and Environmental Protection Policy must be used. Air Condition Condition Number Dust nuisance
- B1
Subject to conditions B2 and B3 the release of dust or particulate matter or both resulting from the mining activity must not cause an environmental nuisance, at
- B2
any sensitive or commercial place. If monitoring indicates exceedance of the relevant limits in condition B3, then the environmental authority holder must: 1. address the complaint including the use of appropriate dispute resolution if required; and 2. immediately implement dust abatement measures so that emissions of dust from the activity do not result in further environmental nuisance. Permit Environmental authority EPML00579213
- B3
If the environmental authority holder can provide evidence through monitoring that the following limits are not being exceeded then the holder is not in breach of B1: 1. dust deposition of 120 milligrams per square metre per day, averaged over one month, when monitored in accordance with AS 3580.10.1 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air - Determination of particulates - Deposited matter - Gravimetric method of 1991 (or more recent editions), or 2. a concentration of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 micrometre (m) (PM10) suspended in the atmosphere of 50 micrograms per cubic metre over a 24 hour averaging time, at a sensitive or commercial place downwind of the operational land, when monitored in accordance with: a) particulate matter - Determination of suspended particulate PM10 high-volume sampler with size-selective inlet - Gravimetric method, when monitored in accordance with AS 3580.9.6 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air - Determination of suspended particulate matter - PM (sub) 10 high volume sampler with size-selective inlet - Gravimetric method of 1990 (or more recent editions), and b) b. any alternative method of sampling PM10, which may be permitted by the Air Quality Sampling Manual as published from time to time by the administering authority.
- B4
If monitoring indicates exceedance of the relevant limits in condition B3, then the environmental authority holder must: 1. address the complaint including the use of appropriate dispute resolution if required; and 2. immediately implement dust abatement measures so that emissions of dust from the activity do not result in further environmental nuisance. Land Condition Condition Number Rehabilitation landform criteria
- C1
All areas significantly disturbed by mining activities must be progressively rehabilitated to the final land description as defined in Table C1 - Final land use
- C2
and rehabilitation approval schedule. Progressive rehabilitation must commence when areas become available within the operational land. Permit Environmental authority EPML00579213
- C3
Areas which are to be progressively rehabilitated to native ecosystem must comply with the following outcomes: 1. achievement of a self-sustaining native ecosystem with a species composition and distribution consisting of at least three Acacia species, one Eucalypt species and either a Melaleuca or Grevillea species as an upper story and three understorey species. An exotic groundcover initially established to control erosion will be replaced gradually in a plant succession with either native or naturalised species. Projective vegetative cover will be seventy percent (70%). 2. all areas significantly disturbed by mining activities must be rehabilitated to the landform design criteria defined in Table C2 - Landform design; and 3. landforms are stable and comply with the design criteria defined in Table
- C4
Residual Voids Residual voids must comply with the following outcomes: 1. residual voids must not cause any serious environmental harm to land, surface waters or any recognised ground water aquifer, other than the environmental harm constituted by the existence of the residual void itself, and subject to any other condition within this environmental authority; and 2. residual voids must comply with Table C3 - Residual void design.
- C5
Manage topsoil in accordance with site specific procedures and management plans.
- C6
All infrastructure constructed by or for the environmental authority holder during the mining activities including water storage structures, must be removed from the site prior to mining lease surrender, except where agreed in writing by the post- mining land owner/holder and the administering authority.
- C7
Procedures for managing emergency spills and uncontrolled discharge events must be detailed in the Plan of Operations.
- C7
The environmental authority holder is authorised to carry out exploration activities in or within five hundred (500) metres of Endangered Regional Ecosystems located within ML70164, ML70236 & ML70237. Permit Environmental authority EPML00579213 Table C1 - Final land use and rehabilitation approval schedule Projective Post-mine land description Post mine land Disturbance type surface area suitability (ha) classification Elevated Establish a landform and revegetate with native landform (overburden) 700 species with input from Aboriginal people, the Class 4 - upper slopes objective being to develop a conservation area useful to Aboriginal people. Establish pasture species to control erosion initially - lower slopes 840 and thereafter develop a self-sustaining Class 5 native ecosystem. Establish a landform and revegetate with native - access tracks 250 species with input from Aboriginal people,the Class 4 and haul roads objective being to develop a conservation area Elevated useful to Aboriginal people. landform (co- disposal) - Establish a landform and revegetate with native upper surface 150 species with input from Aboriginal people,the Class 4 - slopes objective being to develop a conservation area useful to Aboriginal people. Establish pasture species to control erosion initially 70 and thereafter develop a self-sustaining Class 5 native ecosystem. Residual Voids 80 Water filled voids complementary to the post-mine Class 5 Rail Loop land use of the surround land. CHPP General Establish a landform and revegetate with native Area 30 species with input from Aboriginal people, Class 4 the objective being to develop a conservation area useful to Aboriginal people.
- C9
When carrying out exploration activities in or within five hundred (500) metres of any
- C10
Endangered Regional Ecosystems, the holder of the environmental authority must
- C11
do so in accordance with conditions C10 to C14. C12 Drilling or Seismic Grid
- C13
a. spacing of gridlines or 2D seismic lines is not less than five hundred (500) metres apart; and b. spacings may be reduced to two hundred and fifty (250) metres at no more than fifty (50) specified points; and c. 3D seismic lines constructed within Endangered Regional Ecosystems must not exceed a total disturbance area of twenty (20) hectares. Drill Sites 1. operational area is to be no greater than five hundred (500) square metres; and 2. sump size is to be no greater than ten (10) square metres; and 3. topsoil stripping must be limited to sump area; and 4. clearing of mature trees must be avoided as far as practicable. Tracks 1. spacings between tracks must not be less than two hundred and fifty (250) metres; and 2. existing access and fence line tracks must be used where possible and any new tracks constructed must link natural clearings where possible; and 3. track construction involving blade clearing or established ground cover vegetation and/or clearing of mature trees is prevented or minimised; and 4. line of site clearing must be avoided; and 5. construction of new crossings over watercourses must be avoided and is only permitted when no reasonable alternative is available; and 6. all tracks must be constructed and maintained with adequate drainage to avoid accelerated erosion. Other Land Disturbances 1. activities must not include costeaning or bulk sampling; and 2. all equipment such as earthmoving and drilling equipment must be used in a manner which minimises unnecessary disturbance of topsoil and ground cover vegetation; and 3. camp sites must not be established. Permit Environmental authority EPML00579213
- C14
Disturbance due to exploration activities must be rehabilitated in accordance with provisions detailed in the Code of Environmental Compliance for Exploration and Mineral Development Projects. Acoustic Condition Condition Number Noise
- D1
Subject to condition D2, noise from the mining activity must not cause
- D2
an environmental nuisance, at any sensitive place.
- D3
When requested by the administering authority, noise monitoring must be undertaken within a reasonable and practicable timeframe nominated by the
- D4
administering authority to investigate any complaint (which is neither frivolous nor vexatious nor based on mistaken belief in the opinion of the authorised officer) of environmental nuisance at any sensitive place, and the results must be notified within fourteen (14) days to the administering authority following completion of monitoring. If the environmental authority holder can provide evidence through monitoring that the limits defined in Table D1 - Noise Limits and Table D2 - Airblast Overpressure Level - Sensitive Place inclusive are not being exceeded then the holder is not in breach of condition D1. Monitoring must include: 1. L A, max adj, T; 2. The level and frequency of occurrence of impulsive or tonal noise; 3. Atmospheric conditions including wind speed and direction; and 4. Location, date and time of recording. If monitoring indicates exceedance of the limits in Table D1 - Noise Limits, then the environmental authority holder must: 1. Address the complaint including the use of appropriate dispute resolution if required; or 2. Immediately implement noise abatement measures so that emissions of noise from the activity do not result in further environmental nuisance. Permit Environmental authority EPML00579213 Table D1 - Noise Limits Noise level dB(A) Monday to Saturday Sundays and public holidays measured as 7am - 6pm 6pm - 10pm 10pm - 7am 9am - 6pm 6pm - 10pm 10pm - 9am Noise measured at a 'Noise sensitive place' LA10, adj, 10 mins b/g+5 b/g+5 b/g+0 b/g+5 b/g+5 b/g+0 LA1, adj, 10 mins b/g+10 b/g+10 b/g+5 b/g+10 b/g+10 b/g+5 Table D2 - Airblast Overpressure Level - Sensitive Place Noise parameter Monday to Saturday Sundays and public holidays 6 am - 7 pm 9am - 7pm Noise measured at a 'Noise sensitive place' Air blast overpressure level (dB linear peak) 115dB (80th percentile) 115dB (80th percentile) Air blast overpressure level (dB linear peak) 120dB (maximum) 120dB (maximum)
- D6
Vibration Subject to condition D7, vibration from the mining activity must not cause an environmental nuisance, at any sensitive place.
- D7
When requested by the administering authority, vibration monitoring must be undertaken within a reasonable and practicable timeframe nominated by the administering authority to investigate any complaint (which is neither frivolous nor vexatious nor based on any mistaken belief in the opinion of the authorised officer) of environmental nuisance at any sensitive place, and the results must be notified within fourteen (14) days to the administering authority following completion of monitoring.
- D8
If the environmental authority holder can provide evidence through monitoring that the limits defined in Table D3 - Vibration limits are not being exceeded then the holder is not in breach of condition D6. Monitoring must include: 1. Location of the blasts/s within the mining area (including which bench level); and 2. Atmospheric conditions including temperature, relative humidity and wind speed and direction; and 3. Location, date and time of recording. Permit Environmental authority EPML00579213
- D9
If monitoring indicates exceedance of the relevant limits in Table D3 - Vibration limits, then the environmental authority holder must: 1. Address the complaint including the use of appropriate dispute resolution if required; or 2. Immediately implement vibration abatement measures so that vibration form the activity does not result in further environmental nuisance Table D3 - Vibration limits Vibration measured at a sensitive place Vibration parameter Monday to Saturday Sundays and public holidays 6 am - 7 pm 9 am - 7 pm Houses and low rise residential buildings 10 mm/s peak particle 10 mm/s peak particle velocity and commercial building not included below velocity Waste Condition Number Condition Number Tyres
- E1
Tyres stored awaiting disposal or transport for take-back and, recycling, or waste-to- energy options - should be stockpiled: E2 1. in volumes less than 5m in height and 200 square metres in area; and 2. in a manner that: a) allows onsite firefighting equipment to be used safely and reaching all extents of the tyre stockpile; and b) prevents water retention and minimises mosquito breeding events. Disposing of scrap tyres resulting from the mining activities in spoil emplacements is acceptable, provided tyres are placed as deep in the spoil as reasonably practicable. Permit Environmental authority EPML00579213
- E3
Scrap tyres resulting from the mining activities disposed within the operations land must not impede saturate aquifers or compromise the stability of the consolidated landform.
- E4
Waste Management Program A waste management program, including details of regulated waste, must be developed and implemented. The waste management program must at a minimum include the following: 1. types and amounts of waste generated; and 2. description of how the types of waste generated will be dealt with under the waste management hierarchy; and 3. procedures for identifying and implementing opportunities to minimise the amount of waste generated and improve practices employed; and 4. procedures for dealing with accidents, spills and incidents that may impact on waste management; and 5. location of disposal of wastes; and 6. staff training on matters relevant to waste management; and 7. mechanisms and dates for review of the waste management program. Regulated Structures Condition Condition Number
- F1
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 Hydraulic Performance of Structures 1. prior to the design and construction of the structure, if it is not an existing structure; or 2. prior to any change in its purpose or the nature of its stored contents.
- F2
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. Permit Environmental authority EPML00579213
- F3
Certification must be provided by the suitably qualified and experienced person
- F4
who undertook the assessment, in the form set out in the Manual for Assessing
- F5
Consequence Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Structures
- F8
Design and construction of a regulated structure
- F9
Conditions F5 to F9 inclusive do not apply to existing structures. supervision of, a suitably qualified and experienced person in accordance with the requirements of the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Construction of a regulated structure is prohibited unless the holder has submitted a consequence category assessment report and certification to the administering authority has been certified by a suitably qualified and experienced person for the design and design plan and the associated operating procedures in compliance with the relevant condition of this authority. 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 and Hydraulic Performance of Structures Regulated structures must: 1. be designed an constructed in accordance with and conform, to the requirements of the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and 2. Be designed and constructed with due consideration given to ensuring that the design integrity would not be compromised on account of; a) floodwaters from entering the regulated dam from any watercourse or drainage line; and b) wall failure due to erosion by floodwaters arising from any watercourse or drainage line 3. have the floor and sides of the dam designed and constructed to prevent or minimize the passage of the wetting front and any entrained contaminants though either the floor or sides o the dam during the operational life of the dam and for any period of decommissioning and rehabilitation of the dam. 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: 1. the 'as constructed' drawings and specifications meet the original intent of the design plan for that regulated structure 2. construction of the regulated structure is in accordance with the design plan. Permit Environmental authority EPML00579213
- F10
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: 1. one paper copy and one electronic copy of the design plan and certification of the `design plan' in accordance with F6, and 2. a set of `as constructed' drawings and specifications, and 3. certification of those `as constructed drawings and specifications' in accordance with F9, and 4. the requirements of this authority relating to the construction of the regulated structure have been met; 5. the holder has entered the details required under this authority, into a Register of Regulate Dams; and 6. there is a current operational plan for the regulated structures
- F11
For existing structures that are regulated structures: 1. where the existing structure that is a regulated structure is to be managed as part of an integrated containment system for the purpose of sharing the DSA volume across the system, the holder must submit to the administering authority within 12 months of the commencement of this condition a copy of the certified system design plan including that structure; and 2. there must be a current operational plan for the existing structures.
- F12
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.
- F13
Mandatory reporting level Conditions F14 to F17 inclusive only apply to Regulated Structures which have not been certified as low consequence category for `failure to contain - overtopping'.
- F14
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. Permit Environmental authority EPML00579213
- F15
The holder must, as soon as practical and 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.
- F16
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.
- F17
The holder must record any changes to the MRL in the Register of Regulated Structures.
- F18
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.
- F19
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).
- F20
The holder must, as soon as possible and 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.
- F21
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.
- F22
Annual inspection report Each regulated structure must be inspected each calendar year by a suitably qualified and experienced person.
- F23
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. Permit Environmental authority EPML00579213
- F24
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 Performance of Structures
- F25
The holder must: 1. 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 2. 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.
- F26
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.
- F27
Decommissioning and rehabilitation Dams must not be abandoned but be either: 1. decommissioned and rehabilitated to achieve compliance with condition F28; or 2. be left in-situ for a beneficial use(s) provided that: a) it no longer contains contaminants that will migrate into the environment; and b) it contains water of a quality that is demonstrated to be suitable for its intended beneficial use(s); and c) the administering authority, the holder of the environmental authority and the landholder agree in writing that the dam will be used by the landholder following the cessation of the environmentally relevant activity(ies). Permit Environmental authority EPML00579213
- F28
After decommissioning, all significantly disturbed land caused by the carrying out of the environmentally relevant activity(ies) must be rehabilitated to meet the following final acceptance criteria: 1. the landform is safe for humans and fauna; 2. the landform is stable with no subsidence or erosion gullies for at least three (3) years 3. any contaminated land (e.g. contaminated soils) is remediated and rehabilitated 4. not allowing for acid mine drainage; or 5. there is no ongoing contamination to waters (including groundwater); 6. rehabilitation is undertaken in a manner such that any actual or potential acid sulfate soils on the area of significant disturbance are treated to prevent or minimize environmental harm in accordance with the Queensland Acid Sulfate Soil Technical Manual (Soil Management Guidelines v4.0)(2001) 7. all significantly disturbed land is reinstated to the pre-disturbed soil suitability class; 8. for land that is not being cultivated by the landholder: a) groundcover, that is not a declared pest species is established and self-sustaining b) vegetation of similar species richness and species diversity to pre- selected analogue sites is established and self-sustaining, and c) the maintenance requirements for rehabilitated land is no greater than that required for the land prior to its disturbance caused by carrying out the petroleum activities. 9. For land that is to be cultivated by the landholder, cover crop is revegetated, unless the landholder will be preparing the site for cropping within 3 months of petroleum activities being completed.
- F29
Register of Regulated Dams A Register of Regulated Dams must be established and maintained by the holder for each regulated dam.
- F30
The holder must provisionally enter the required information in the Register of Regulated Dams when a design plan for a regulated dam is submitted to the administering authority. Permit Environmental authority EPML00579213
- F31
The holder must make a final entry of the required information in the Register of Regulated Dams once compliance with condition F10 and F11 has been achieved.
- F32
The holder must ensure that the information contained in the Register of Regulated Dams is current and complete on any given day.
- F33
All entries in the Register of Regulated Dams must be approved by the chief executive officer for the holder of this authority, or their delegate, as being accurate and correct.
- F34
The holder must, at the same time as providing the annual return, supply to the administering authority a copy of the records contained in the Register of Regulated Dams, in the electronic format required by the administering authority.
- F35
Transitional arrangements All existing structures that have not been assessed in accordance with either the Manual or the former Manual for Assessing Hazard Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Dams must be assessed and certified in accordance with the Manual within 6 months of amendment of the authority adopting this schedule.
- F36
All existing structures must subsequently comply with the timetable for any further assessments in accordance with the Manual specified in Table F1-Transitional requirements for existing structures, depending on the consequence category for each existing structure assessed in the most recent previous certification for that structure.
- F37
Table F1-Transitional hydraulic performance requirements for existing structures ceases to apply for a structure once any of the following events has occurred: 1. it has been brought into compliance with the hydraulic performance criteria applicable to the structure under the Manual; or 2. it has been decommissioned; or 3. it has been certified as no longer being assessed as a regulated structure.
- F38
Certification of the transitional assessment required by Conditions F35 and F36 (as applicable) must be provided to the administering authority within 6 months of amendment of the authority adopting this schedule. Permit Environmental authority EPML00579213 Table F1 - Transitional hydraulic performance requirements for existing structures Transition period required for existing structures to achieve the requirements of the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Dams Compliance with High Significant Low criteria No transition required No transition required No transitional Greater than 90% conditions apply. and a history of good Within 7 years, unless Within 10 years, unless Review consequence compliance otherwise agreed with the otherwise agreed with the assessment every 7 performance in last 5 administering authority, administering authority, years. years based on no history of based on no history of No transitional unauthorised releases. unauthorised releases. conditions apply. Greater than 70% Within 5 years unless Within 7 years unless Review consequence to less than/equal otherwise agreed with the otherwise agreed with the assessment every 7 to 90% administering authority, administering authority, years. based on no history of based on no history of Greater than 50% unauthorised releases. unauthorised releases. Review consequence to less than/equal Within 5 years or as per Within 5 years or as per assessment every 7 to 70% compliance requirements compliance requirements years. (e.g. TEP timing) (e.g. TEP timing) Less than/equal Review consequence to 50% assessment every 5 years. Water Condition Number Condition Number Contaminant Release G1 Contaminants that will or have the potential to cause environmental harm must
- G2
not be released directly or indirectly to any waters except as permitted under the conditions of this environmental authority. G3 The release of contaminants to waters must only occur from the release points
- G4
specified in Table G1 - Contaminant Release Points, Sources and Receiving Waters and depicted in Figure 1 attached to this environmental authority. The release of contaminants to waters must not exceed the release limits stated in Table G2 - Contaminant Release Limits when measured at the monitoring points specified in Table G1 - Contaminant Release Points, Sources and Receiving Waters for each quality characteristic. The release of contaminants to waters from the release points must be monitored at the locations specified in Table G1 - Contaminant Release Points, Sources and Receiving Waters for each quality characteristic and at the frequency specified in Table G2 - Contaminant Release Limits and Table G3 - Release Contaminant Trigger Investigation Levels. Permit Environmental authority EPML00579213 Table G1 - Contaminant Release Points, Sources and Receiving Waters Release Northing Easting Contaminant Source Monitoring Point Receiving waters Point (RP) description (GDA94) (GDA94) and Location 30 Mile Creek RP 1 7581878 647146 Worked Water Dam Return Water RP 2 7581766 646388 Spillway or Pipe Dam Gantry 30 Mile Creek Return Water Dam Return Water Spillway or Pipe Dam Gantry Table G2 - Contaminant Release Limits Quality Interim Future Release Limits Monitoring Comments Characteristic Release from 31 DEC 2011 frequency Limits for all mines Electrical Future limit to be determined to Daily during conductivity achieve aquatic ecosystem release protection (no drinking water (-S/cm) 2500 value): pH (pH Unit) An end-of-pipe limit to achieve in the range 0 to 1000 EC in Turbidity (NTU) the receiving waters - for mines in the upper catchments must Suspended have natural flow i.e. the 20th Solids (mg/L) percentile flow trigger. 6.5 6.5 (minimum) Daily during (minimum) 9.0 (maximum) release 9.0 (maximum) Limit to be determined based Turbidity is required to NA* on receiving water reference Daily during assess ecosystems data and achievable best release* impacts and can provide
- G5
If quality characteristics of the release exceed any of the trigger levels specified in Table G3 - Release Contaminant Trigger Investigation Levels during a release event, the environmental authority holder must compare the downstream results in the receiving waters to the trigger values specified in Table G3 - Release Contaminant Trigger Investigation Levels and: 1. where the trigger values are not exceeded then no action is to be taken; or 2. where the downstream results exceed the trigger values specified Table
- G3
for any quality characteristic, compare the results of the downstream site to the data from background monitoring sites and; a) if the result is less than the background monitoring site data, then no action is to be taken; or b) if the result is greater than the background monitoring site data, complete an investigation in accordance with the ANZECC and ARMCANZ 2000 methodology, into the potential for environmental harm and provide a written report to the administering authority in the next annual return, outlining: i. details of the investigations carried out; and ii. actions taken to prevent environmental harm. Note: Where an exceedance of a trigger level has occurred and is being investigated, in accordance with G5 (2)(b) of this condition, no further reporting is required for subsequent trigger events for that quality characteristic.
- G6
If an exceedance in accordance with Condition G5 (2)(b) is identified, the holder of the authority must notify the administering authority within fourteen (14) days of receiving the result.
- G7
Contaminant Release Events The holder must install, operate and maintain a stream flow gauging station to determine and record stream flows at the locations upstream of each Release Point as specified in Table G4 - Contaminant Release during Flow Events for any receiving water into which a release occurs.
- G8
Notwithstanding any other condition of this environmental authority, the release of contaminants to waters must only take place during periods of natural flow events specified as minimum flow in Table G4 - Contaminant Release during Flow Events for the contaminant release point(s) specified in Table G1 - Contaminant Release Points, Sources and Receiving Waters. Permit Environmental authority EPML00579213 Table G4 - Contaminant Release during Flow Events Receiving Release Gauging Northing Easting Minimum Flow in Flow water Point station (GDA94) (GDA94) Receiving Water recording description Frequency description 648857 Required for a Release Event Continuous Harrybrandt RP1 (minimum Creek UP GS MP 1 7579495 Greater than or equal to daily) RP2 0.25m3/sec
- G9
Contaminant release flow rate must not exceed twenty percent (20%) of receiving water flow rate.
- G10
The daily quantity of contaminants released from each release point must be measured and recorded at the monitoring points in Table G1 - Contaminant Release Points, Sources and Receiving Waters.
- G11
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.
- G12
Notification of Release Event The authority holder must notify the administering authority as soon as practicable (within no later than 6 hours of having commenced controlled release of mine affected water to the receiving environment from an authorised discharge point, and no later than 12 hours after any uncontrolled release from an authorised discharge point). Notification must include the submission of written advice to the administering authority of the following information: 1. release commencement date/time; 2. expected release cessation date/time; 3. release point/s; 4. release volume (estimated); 5. receiving water/s including the natural flow rate; and 6. any details (including available data) regarding likely impacts on the receiving water(s). Note: Notification to the administering authority must be addressed to the Manager and Project Manager of the local Administering Authority via email or facsimile. Permit Environmental authority EPML00579213
- G13
The authority holder must notify the administering authority as soon as practicable, (nominally within twenty-four (24) hours after cessation of a release)
- G14
of the cessation of a release notified under condition G12 and within twenty-eight
- G15
(28) days provide the following information in writing:
- G16
1. release cessation date/time; G17 2. natural flow volume in receiving water; 3. volume of water released; 4. details regarding the compliance of the release with the conditions of Department Interest: Water of this environmental authority (i.e. contamination limits, natural flow, discharge volume); 5. all in-situ water quality monitoring results; and 6. any other matters pertinent to the water release event. Notification of Release Event Exceedance If the release limits defined in Table G2 - Contaminant Release Limits are exceeded, the holder of the environmental authority must notify the administering authority within twenty-four (24) hours of receiving the results. The authority holder must, within twenty-eight (28) days of a release that exceeds the conditions of this authority, provide a report to the administering authority detailing: 1. the reason for the release; 2. the location of the release; 3. all water quality monitoring results; 4. any general observations; 5. all calculations; and 6. any other matters pertinent to the water release event. Monitoring of Water Storage Quality Water storages stated in Table G5 - Water Storage Monitoring which are associated with the release points must be monitored for the water quality characteristics specified in Table G6 - Onsite Water Storage Contaminant Limits at the monitoring locations and at the monitoring frequency specified in Table G5 - Water Storage Monitoring. In the event that waters storages defined in Table G5 - Water Storage Monitoring exceed the contaminant limits defined in Table G6 - Onsite Water Storage Contaminant Limits, the holder of the environmental authority must implement measures, where practicable, to prevent access to waters by all livestock. Permit Environmental authority EPML00579213
- G18
Receiving Environment Monitoring and Contaminant Trigger Levels The quality of the receiving waters must be monitored at the locations specified in Table G8 - Receiving Water Upstream Background Sites and Downstream Monitoring Points for each quality characteristic and at the monitoring frequency stated in Table G7 - Receiving Waters Contaminant Trigger Levels.
- G19
If quality characteristics of the receiving water at the downstream monitoring points exceed any of the trigger levels specified in Table G7 - 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: 1. 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 2. where the downstream results exceed the upstream results complete an investigation in accordance with the ANZECC and ARMCANZ 2000 methodology, into the potential for environmental harm and provide a written report to the administering authority in the next annual return, outlining: a) details of the investigations carried out; and b) actions taken to prevent environmental harm. Note: Where an exceedance of a trigger level has occurred and is being investigated, in accordance with G19(2) of this condition, no further reporting is required for subsequent trigger events for that quality characteristic. Table G5 - Water Storage Monitoring Water Storage Northing Easting Frequency of Description (GDA94) (GDA94) Monitoring Location Monitoring Raw Water Dam (RWD) 7582089 647347 RWD Gantry Quarterly Return Water Dam 7581943 646285 Return Water Dam Quarterly Gantry Table G6 - Onsite Water Storage Contaminant Limits Quality Characteristic Test Value Contaminant Limit pH (pH unit) Greater than 4, less than 92 EC (-S/cm) Range Fluoride (mg/L) Maximum 59701 Maximum 21 Permit Environmental authority EPML00579213 Aluminium (mg/L) Maximum 51 Arsenic (mg/L) Maximum 0.51 Cadmium (mg/L) Maximum 0.011 Cobalt (mg/L) Maximum 11 Copper (mg/L) Maximum 11 Lead (mg/L) Maximum 0.11
- G20
Receiving Environment Monitoring Program (REMP) A REMP must be developed and implemented by 27 February 2010 to monitor and record the effects of the release of contaminants on the receiving environment periodically and whilst contaminants are being discharged from the site, with the aims of identifying and describing the extent of any adverse impacts to local environmental values, and monitoring any changes in the receiving water. A copy of the REMP must be provided to the administering authority prior to its implementation and due consideration given to any comments made on the REMP by the administering authority. For the purposes of the REMP, the receiving environment is the waters of the Isaac River and connected waterways within 20km downstream of the release. Permit Environmental authority EPML00579213
- G21
The REMP must address (but not necessarily be limited to) the following: communities and background water quality characteristics based on accurate and reliable monitoring data that takes into consideration any temporal variation (e.g. seasonality); and 2. description of applicable environmental values and water quality objectives to be achieved (i.e. as scheduled pursuant to the Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 1997); and 3. any relevant reports prepared by other governmental or professional research organisations that relate to the receiving environment within which the REMP is proposed; and 4. water quality targets within the receiving environment to be achieved, and clarification of contaminant concentrations or levels indicating adverse environmental impacts during the REMP. 5. monitoring for any potential adverse environmental impacts caused by the release; 6. monitoring of stream flow and hydrology; 7. monitoring of toxicants should consider the indicators specified in Table G3 to assess the extent of the compliance of concentrations with water quality objectives and/or the ANZECC and ARMCANZ 2000 guidelines for slightly to moderately disturbed ecosystems; 8. monitoring of physical chemical parameters as a minimum those specified in Table G2 (in addition to dissolved oxygen saturation and temperature); 9. 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, semipermanent water holes and water storages 10. the locations of monitoring points (including the locations specified in Table G8 which are background and downstream impacted sites for each release point:; 11. the frequency or scheduling of sampling and analysis sufficient to determine water quality objectives and to derive site specific reference values within two (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; 12. specify sampling and analysis methods and quality assurance and control; 13. any historical datasets to be relied upon; 14. description of the statistical basis on which conclusions are drawn, and; 15. any spatial and temporal controls to exclude potential confounding factors. Permit Environmental authority EPML00579213
- G22
A report outlining the findings of the REMP, including all monitoring results and interpretations in accordance with condition G20 must be prepared and submitted in writing to the administering authority by 1 October 2011. 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. Table G8 - Receiving Water Upstream Background Sites and Downstream Monitoring Points Monitoring Points Receiving Waters Location Description Northing Easting (AGD84) (AGD84) Upstream Background Monitoring Points UP GS MP 1 Harrybrandt Creek (prior to confluence with 30 Mile Creek) 7579495 648857 Downstream Monitoring Points DN MP 1 30 Mile Creek at Peak Downs Highway 7580616 648525 DN GS MP 2 Harrybrandt Creek upstream of Harrybrandt Homestead 7580205 657025 crossing Note: The data from background monitoring points must not be used where they are affected by releases from other mines.
- G23
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 written consent of the third party). Permit Environmental authority EPML00579213
- G24
Water General All determinations of water quality must be: 1. performed by a person or body possessing appropriate experience and qualifications to perform the required measurements; 2. made in accordance with methods prescribed in the latest edition of the administering authority's Water Quality Sampling Manual; Note: Condition G26 requires the Water Quality Manual to be followed and where it is not followed because of exceptional circumstances this should be explained and reported with the results. 3. collected from the monitoring locations identified within this environmental authority, within ten (10) hours of each other where possible; 4. carried out on representative samples; and 5. laboratory testing must be undertaken using a laboratory accredited (e.g. NATA) for the method of analysis being used.
- G25
The release of contaminants directly or indirectly to waters: 1. must not produce any visible discolouration of receiving waters; nor 2. must not produce any slick or other visible or odorous evidence of oil, grease or petrochemicals nor contain visible floating oil, grease, scum, litter or other objectionable matter.
- G26
Annual Water Monitoring Reporting The following information must be recorded in relation to all water monitoring required under the conditions of this environmental authority and submitted to the administering authority in the specified format with each annual return: 1. the date on which the sample was taken; 2. the time at which the sample was taken; 3. the monitoring point at which the sample was taken; 4. the measured or estimated daily quantity of the contaminants released from all release points; 5. the release flow rate at the time of sampling for each release point; 6. the results of all monitoring and details of any exceedances with the conditions of this environmental authority; and 7. water quality monitoring data must be provided to the administering authority in the specified electronic format upon request. Permit Environmental authority EPML00579213
- G28
A Water Management Plan must be developed and implemented by 27 February 2010 that provides for the proper and effective management of the actual and
- G29
potential environmental impacts resulting from the mining activity and to ensure
- G30
compliance with the conditions of this environmental authority. G31
- G32
The Water Management Plan must be developed in accordance with the
- G33
administering authorities Guideline for Preparing a Water Management Plan 2009 (to be developed by 1 October) or any updates that become available from time to time and must include at least the following components: 1. Contaminant Source Study; 2. Site Water Balance and Model; 3. Water Management System; 4. Saline Drainage Prevention and Management Measures; 5. Acid Rock Drainage Prevention and Management Measures (if applicable); 6. Emergency and Contingency Planning; 7. Monitoring and Review. Each year the holder of the environmental authority must undertake a review of the Water Management Plan prior to the wet season (i.e. by 1 November) and a further review following the wet season (i.e. by 1 May the following year) to ensure that proper and effective measures, practices or procedures are in place so that the mine is operated in accordance with the conditions of this environmental authority and that environmental harm is prevented or minimised. A copy of the Water Management Plan and/or a review of the Water Management Plan must be provided to the administering authority on request. Acid Rock Draining The holder of this environmental authority must ensure proper and effective measures are taken to avoid or otherwise minimise the generation and/or release of acid rock drainage. Stormwater and Water 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 storm water. The maintenance and cleaning of any vehicles, plant or equipment must not be carried out in areas from which contaminants can be released into any receiving waters. Permit Environmental authority EPML00579213
- G34
Any spillage of wastes, contaminants or other materials must be cleaned up as quickly as practicable to minimise the release of wastes, contaminants or materials to any stormwater drainage system or receiving waters.
- G35
Fitzroy River Basin Study The administering authority and the holder of this environmental authority both acknowledge that the conditions for release of contaminants to the Isaac River System in this environmental authority have been calculated without the benefit of the findings of projects proposed to be undertaken as per recommendations 2 and 3 of the Study of cumulative impacts on water quality of mining activities in the Fitzroy River Basin (April 2009). The administering authority may, based on the information provided in the study report when it becomes available, all relevant information available at the time and the regulatory framework applicable at that time, consult with the holder of this environmental authority about the conditions in the environmental authority concerning the treatment and disposal of waste water. The aim of the consultation shall be the meaningful review of the contaminant release limits imposed in this authority having regard to: 1. the study results; 2. near field monitoring results; 3. QLD Water Quality Guidelines; and 4. best practice environmental management. If this review leads to a change in the requirements on this environmental authority holder, this shall be advanced by way of an authority amendment or a Transitional Environmental Program and as is necessary or desirable. 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 storm water.
- G36
Sewage effluent All effluent released from the treatment plant must be monitored at the frequency and for the parameters specified in Table G9 - Sewage effluent quality targets for dust suppression and irrigation.
- G37
Sewage effluent used for dust suppression or irrigation must not exceed sewage effluent release limits defined in Table G9 - Sewage effluent quality targets for dust suppression and irrigation.
- G38
Sewage effluent used for dust suppression or irrigation must not cause spray drift or over spray to any sensitive place. Permit Environmental authority EPML00579213
- G39
Co-disposal Drainage control systems for the co-disposal area must be detailed in the Plan of Operations. Table G9 - Sewage effluent quality targets for dust suppression and irrigation Quality characteristics Release Units Limit Monitoring frequency limit type 5-day Biochemical Oxygen Demand Monitored only when effluent (uninhibited) Less than mg/l max is used in operations 20 Monitored only when effluent pH 6.5 - 8.5 range is used in operations Free Chlorine Residual 0.5-0.9 mg/l Monitored only when effluent max is used in operations Faecal Coliforms, based on the average of Less than Colonies per max Monitored only when effluent is used in operations a minimum of five samples collected 1000 100 millilitres Petroleum Activities Condition Condition Number Number
- H1
Petroleum activities Petroleum activities not associated with the mining of incidental coal seam gas are authorised to be carried out on PL1015.
- H2
For the purpose of this environmental authority, Conditions H3 to H13 only relate to petroleum activities not associated with the mining of incidental coal seam gas authorised by Condition H1. Permit Environmental authority EPML00579213
- H3
Venting and flaring Unless venting is authorised under the Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety Act) 2004, or the Petroleum Act 1923, waste gas from petroleum activities must be flared in a manner that complies with all of Condition H3(1) and H3(2) and H3(3), or H3(4): 1. an automatic ignition system is used; and 2. a flame is visible at all times while the waste gas is being flared; and 3. there are no visible smoke emissions other than for a total period of no more than 5 minutes in any 2 hours; or 4. it uses an enclosed flare.
- H4
Stimulation activities Stimulation activities are not permitted.
- H5
Groundwater The extraction of groundwater as part of the petroleum activity(ies) from underground aquifers must not directly or indirectly cause environmental harm to any waters, unless already authorised under this environmental authority.
- H6
Drilling activities Oil based or synthetic based drilling muds must not be used in the carrying out of the petroleum activity(ies).
- H7
Drilling activities must not result in the connection of the target gas producing formation and another aquifer.
- H8
Practices and procedures must be in place to detect, as soon as practicable, any fractures that have or may result in the connection of a target formation and another aquifer as a result of drilling activities.
- H9
Planning for land disturbance The location of the petroleum activity(ies) must be selected in accordance with the following site planning principles: 1. maximise the use of areas of pre-existing disturbance; 2. in order of preference, avoid, minimise or mitigate any impacts, including cumulative impacts, on areas of native vegetation or other areas of ecological value; 3. minimise disturbance to land that may result in land degradation; 4. in order of preference, avoid then minimise isolation, fragmentation, edge effects or dissection of tracts of native vegetation; and 5. in order of preference, avoid then minimise clearing of native mature trees. Permit Environmental authority EPML00579213
- H10
Waste Measures must be implemented so that waste is managed in accordance with the waste and resource management hierarchy and the waste resource management principles.
- H11
Waste, including waste fluids, but excluding waste used in closed-loop systems, must be transported off-site for lawful re-use, remediation, recycling or disposal.
- H12
Waste fluids, other than flare precipitant stored in flare pits, or residual drilling material or drilling fluids stored in sumps, must be contained in either: 1. an above ground container; or 2. a structure which contains the wetting front.
- H13
Water All water generated as a result of the petroleum activities must be managed in accordance with Schedule G - Water of this environmental authority. Permit Environmental authority EPML00579213 Definitions Key terms and/or phrases used in this document are defined in this section. Where a term is not defined, the definition in the Environmental Protection Act 1994, its regulations or environmental protection policies must be used. If a word remains undefined it has its ordinary meaning. 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. 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); (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); (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. Assessed or assessment by a suitably qualified and experienced person in relation to a consequence assessment of a dam, means that a statutory declaration has been made by that person and, when taken together with any attached or appended documents referenced in that declaration, all of the following aspects are addressed and are sufficient to allow an independent audit of the assessment: (a) exactly what has been assessed and the precise nature of that determination; (b) the relevant legislative, regulatory and technical criteria on which the assessment has been based; (c) the relevant data and facts on which the assessment has been based, the source of that material, and the efforts made to obtain all relevant data and facts; and (d) the reasoning on which the assessment has been based using the relevant data and facts, and the relevant criteria. Associated works in relation to a dam, means: (a) operations of any kind and all things constructed, erected or installed for that dam; and (b) any land used for those operations. Authority means an environmental authority or a development approval. Permit Environmental authority EPML00579213