Data as at 14 September 2026 · from the Queensland EP Act public register
EPML00595013 · BYERWEN COAL PTY LTD
Coal environmental authority EPML00595013 (BYERWEN COAL PTY LTD), Granted. 188 conditions indexed. No PRC plan.
- Status
- Granted
- Holders
- BYERWEN COAL PTY LTD
- Tenures
- ML10355; ML10356; ML10357; ML10374; ML700058; ML700066; ML70434; ML70435; ML70436
- PRC plan
- None
- How it was read
- Numbered conditions
- Register
- Register record · Instrument PDF
Conditions
188 numbered conditions read from the current instrument. Page numbers link into the register PDF.
- A1
General 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
Coal extraction No more than 15 Mtpa (million tonnes per annum) of ROM (run-of-mine) coal is to be extracted in any calendar year.
- A3
Authorised activities In carrying out the mining activity authorised by this environmental authority, disturbance of land in Figure 1- Site map, domains, and groundwater monitoring locations: (a) may occur in the areas marked `A'; (b) must not occur in the areas marked `B'; and (c) may occur in the areas marked `C', but only in accordance with conditions A4 and A5.
- A4
Any disturbance within the areas marked `C' on Figure 1- Site map, domains and groundwater monitoring locations are only authorised to the extent reasonably necessary for: (a) exploration activities; (b) roads; (c) fences; (d) underground services; (e) low-impact telecommunications facilities; (f) electrical sub-stations; (g) transmission grid works and supply network works; (h) storage depots; (i) similar minor infrastructure and ancillary facilities for any of the above; and (j) mining camp infrastructure, car park, topsoil stockpile area, potable water treatment plant, wastewater treatment plant, recreation area, sediment dam and detention basin.
- A5
Any disturbance within areas marked `A' or `C' on Figure 1- Site map, domains and groundwater monitoring locations must not adversely impact on areas marked `B'. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- A6
Contravention of conditions and notification of emergencies, incidents and exceptions Unless specifically authorised by a condition of this environmental authority, details of any emergency, or incident that contravenes or may lead to a contravention of a condition of this environmental authority must: (a) be reported to the administering authority within 24 hours of becoming aware of the contravention; and (b) reporting under (a) above must include the nature and circumstances of the contravention and any immediate actions taken.
- A7
As soon as reasonably practicable but no later than 20 business days after a report made under condition A6 (or a longer period agreed to in writing by the administering authority), an investigation must be undertaken to determine: (a) the potential circumstances and actions that may have contributed to the contravention; and (b) reasonable and practicable measures that must be implemented (including timeframes) to address the cause of the contravention to prevent future contraventions of this nature.
- A8
Maintenance of measures, plant and equipment 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.
- A9
Monitoring and sampling All monitoring and sampling required by the conditions of this environmental authority must be carried out, interpreted, and recorded by an appropriately qualified person.
- A10
Plans, reports, and programs Any plans, reports or programs required by a condition of this environmental authority must be developed and reviewed by an appropriately qualified person.
- A11
Upon request from the administrating authority, copies of all records, plans and other documentation required by the conditions of this environmental authority must be made available and provided to the administrating authority within: (a) 10 business days; or (b) an alternative timeframe agreed between the administrating authority and the environmental authority holder.
- A12
Unless otherwise authorised in writing by the administrating authority, all laboratory analysis required under this environmental authority must be carried out by a laboratory that has National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accreditation for such analysis. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- A13
Record keeping Except where specified otherwise in another condition of this environmental authority, all monitoring records or reports required by this environmental authority must be kept for a period of not less than 5 years.
- A14
Environmental risk management procedures Written procedures must be developed and implemented by an appropriately qualified person that ensure: (a) all potential risks to the environment from the carrying out of the activity are identified and assessed, including: (i) during routine operations; (ii) outside routine operations (e.g., maintenance, start up and shut down); (iii) during preparation, rehabilitation, and closure; and (iv) in an emergency (e.g., fire, flood or other natural disaster); and (b) for each potential risk identified, any necessary measures to prevent or minimise the potential for environmental harm are implemented; (c) staff understand their obligations under this environmental authority and the Environmental Protection Act 1994; and (d) environmental risk management procedures are continually reviewed and improved, based on a reasonable risk-management approach.
- A15
Complaints The following details must be recorded for all complaints received and provided to the administrating authority upon request: (a) date and time the complaint was received; (b) if authorised by the person making the compliant, their name and contact number; and (c) reason and details of the complaint.
- A16
As soon as reasonably practicable but no later than 10 business days after receiving a complaint (or a longer period agreed to in writing by the administrating authority), an investigation must be undertaken to determine: (a) any potential circumstances and actions on site that may have contributed to the basis of the complaint; (b) any conclusions formed; (c) any reasonable and practicable measures that will be implemented to address the complaint; and (d) abatement measures that can be implemented on site to minimise or prevent complaints of a similar nature from arising in the future. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- A17
As soon as reasonably practicable but no later than 20 business days (or a longer period agreed to in writing by the administrating authority), after the completion of an investigation of a complaint under condition A16 which has confirmed that circumstances and actions on site have contributed to the basis of the complaint, the reasonable and practicable measures identified in the investigation must be implemented.
- A18
The reason for the complaint in A15, outcome of the investigation carried out under condition A16, and the abatement measures implemented under condition A17 must be recorded and submitted to the administrating authority upon request.
- A19
Third Party Reporting The holder of this environmental authority must: (a) every 3 years, obtain a third-party report on compliance with the conditions of this environmental authority; and (b) provide each report to the administering authority within 90 days of its completion.
- A20
Where a condition of this environmental authority requires compliance with a standard, policy or guideline published externally to this environmental authority and the standard is amended or changed, subsequent to the issue of this environmental authority, the holder of this environmental authority must: (a) comply with the amended or changed standard, policy or guideline within 2 years of the amendment or change being made, unless a different period is specified in the amended standard or relevant legislation, or where the amendment or change relates specifically to regulated structures referred to in Schedule I: Dams and Levees the time specified in that condition; and (b) until compliance with the amended or changed standard, policy or guideline is achieved; continue to remain in compliance with the corresponding provision that was current immediately prior to the relevant amendment or change.
- A21
Alternative Arrangements The environmental authority holder may enter into alternative arrangements with the owners of sensitive or commercial places identified in a relevant management plan. Where an alternative arrangement has been entered into for a sensitive or commercial place, that place is no longer considered to be a sensitive or commercial place. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Schedule B: Air Condition Condition number
- B1
Dust nuisance The release of dust or particulate matter or (both) resulting from the mining activity must not cause an environmental nuisance at any sensitive or commercial place.
- B2
When requested by the administering authority or as a result of a complaint (which is neither frivolous nor vexatious nor based on mistaken belief in the opinion of the authorised officer), dust or particulate monitoring must be undertaken, and the results thereof notified to the administering authority within 14 days following completion of monitoring. Monitoring must be carried out at a place or places relevant to the potentially affected sensitive or commercial place as agreed upon with the administering authority. Dust and particulate matter must not exceed 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 total particulate matter suspended in the atmosphere of 90 micrograms per cubic metre over a one year averaging time, when monitored in accordance with the most recent version of AS/NZS3580.9.3:2003 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air-- Determination of suspended particulate matter--Total suspended particulate matter (TSP)-- High volume sampler gravimetric method; (c) a concentration of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 micrometres (PM10) suspended in the atmosphere of 50 micrograms per cubic meter over a 24 hour averaging time, when monitored in accordance with the most recent version of either: (i) Australian Standard AS3580.9.6 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air-- Determination of suspended particulate matter-- PM10 high volume sampler with size- selective inlet - Gravimetric method; or (ii) Australian Standard AS3580.9.9 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air-- Determination of suspended particulate matter-- PM10 low volume sampler-- Gravimetric method; or (iii) any alternative method of monitoring PM10 which may be permitted by the 'Air Quality Sampling Manual' as published from time to time by the administering authority. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- B3
If the monitoring undertaken as per condition B2 indicates an exceedance of the relevant limits in condition B2, then the environmental authority holder must: (a) investigate whether the exceedance is due to emissions from the mining activities and if the exceedance is due to mining activities the environmental authority holder must immediately implement dust abatement measures so that emissions of dust from the activity do not result in further environmental nuisance; and (b) submit to the administering authority a report detailing the investigation undertaken as per condition B3(a) within 40 days following completion of monitoring. As a minimum, the report must: (i) provide details of the investigation; and (ii) detail whether the result is directly associated with mining activities and if so; (1) any dust abatement measures implemented as per condition B3(a); (2) whether any environmental harm has occurred; and (3) outline any actions required to mitigate environmental harm.
- B4
Dust Management Plan A Dust Management Plan must be developed and implemented for all stages of the mining activities.
- B5
The Dust Management Plan required by condition B4 must include: (a) a preventative management system for dust control; (b) Trigger Action Response Program; (c) site background (contextual information); (d) proposed works and potential impacts & impact analysis; (e) site risk assessment; (f) design of an internal operational monitoring program including objectives, separate from any compliance monitoring or limits/levels required by condition B2; (g) performance criteria and monitoring methods; (h) number and location of monitoring sites; (i) quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) requirements; (j) stakeholder consultation; (k) roles and responsibilities; and (l) reporting.
- B6
The dust management plan required by condition B4 must be reviewed by 30 September each calendar year and any recommendations must be incorporated into the Dust Management Plan and implemented. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Schedule C: Waste Management Condition Condition number
- C1
Burning Waste 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 that the activity does not cause environmental harm or nuisance at any sensitive place or commercial place.
- C3
Tailings disposal A Tailings Management Plan must be developed and implemented for all stages of the mining activity. The Tailings Management Plan must at a minimum include: (a) containment of tailings; (b) the management of seepage and leachates both during operation and for the foreseeable future; (c) the control of fugitive emissions to air; (d) a program of progressive sampling and characterisation to identify acid producing potential and metal concentrations of tailings; (e) maintaining records of the relative locations of any other waste stored within the tailings; (f) rehabilitation strategy; and (g) monitoring of rehabilitation, research and/or trials to verify the requirements and methods for decommissioning and final rehabilitation of tailings, including the prevention and management of acid mine drainage, erosion minimisation and establishment of vegetation cover.
- C4
Storage and Disposal of Tyres Tyres must be stored and disposed of in accordance with the latest version of the Operational policy Tyres from the mining activities may be disposed in spoil emplacements within the mining leases listed on this environmental authority. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- C5
Waste Management A Waste Management Plan, in accordance with the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011, must be developed and implemented and must at a minimum: (a) describe how Byerwen Coal Mine recognises and applies the waste and resource management hierarchy; (b) identify the waste streams from the project; (c) include a program for safe recycling or disposal of all wastes - reusing and recycling where possible; (d) include waste management control strategies that must consider: (i) the type of wastes; (ii) segregation of the wastes; (iii) storage of the wastes; (iv) transport of the wastes; (v) monitoring and reporting matters concerning the waste; (vi) emergency response planning; and (vii) disposal, reused and recycling options; (e) detail the hazardous characteristics of the waste generated (if any); (f) cover a disposal procedure for hazardous wastes; (g) outline the process to be implemented to allow for continuous improvement of the waste management systems; (h) identify responsible staff (positions) for implementing, managing and reporting the Waste Management Plan; and (i) cover a staff awareness and induction program that encourages re-use and recycling.
- C6
Regulated waste records must include the following information: (a) date of pickup of waste; (b) description of waste; (c) cross reference to relevant waste transport documentation; (d) quantity of waste; (e) origin of the waste; (f) destination of the waste; and (g) intended fate of the waste, for example, type of waste treatment, reprocessing or disposal. Note: Records of documents maintained in compliance with a waste tracking system established under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 or any other law for regulated waste will be deemed to satisfy this condition.
- C7
Records of trade and regulated wastes or material leaving the mining lease for recycling or disposal, including the final destination and method of treatment, must be in accordance with the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Schedule D: Acoustic Condition Condition number
- D1
Noise Noise resulting from the mining activities must not cause an environmental nuisance at any sensitive or commercial place.
- D2
When requested by the administering authority, or as a result of a complaint, noise monitoring must be undertaken and the results must be provided within 14 days to the administering authority following completion of monitoring. Monitoring must be carried out at a place or places relevant to the potentially affected sensitive or commercial place, as agreed upon with the administering authority.
- D3
Low Frequency Noise Noise emissions from mining activities, when including substantial low frequency noise, must not cause an overall sound pressure level at a noise sensitive place exceeding 55 dB(Z). Note: "Substantial low frequency noise" means a noise emission that has an unbalanced frequency spectrum shown in a one-third octave band measurements, with a predominant component located within the frequency range 10 to 200Hz.
- D4
All noise monitoring which is conducted as per condition D2 must be completed in accordance with the following noise monitoring requirements: (a) All noise monitoring must be conducted in accordance with the administering authority's most recent version of the Noise Measurement Manual. (b) Source noise levels must be expressed as component noise levels for the purposes of comparison with noise limits. (c) All noise monitoring devices must be calibrated in accordance with the most recent version of the Australian Standard. (d) Monitoring location(s) must be relevant to the matter(s) under investigation.
- D5
If the administering authority's request for noise monitoring is in relation to a complaint and results exceed the limits in Table D1 - Noise limits, then the environmental authority holder must: (a) address the complaint including the use of appropriate dispute resolution if required; and (b) implement noise abatement measures so that emissions of noise from the activity do not result in further environmental nuisance.
- D6
Blasting Peak particle velocity and/or air blast overpressure resulting from blasting must not cause an environmental nuisance at any sensitive or commercial place. 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 limits to be exceeded at any sensitive place or commercial place. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- D7
The holder of this environmental authority must develop and implement a blast monitoring program to monitor compliance with Table D2 - Blasting noise limits for: (a) at least 50% of all blasts undertaken on this site in each month at the nearest and most affected sensitive place(s) or commercial place(s); or (b) all blasts conducted during any time period specified by the administering authority at the nearest and most affected sensitive place(s) or commercial place(s) or another such place to investigate an allegation of environmental nuisance caused by blasting.
- D8
If the results of blast monitoring undertaken as per condition D7 exceed the limits in Table D2 - Blasting noise limits, then the environmental authority holder must investigate and report to the administering authority within 14 days following completion of monitoring. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Table D1 - Noise limits Noise level Monday to Saturday Sunday and Public Holidays measured 7am-6pm 6pm-10pm 10pm-7am in dB(A) 9am-6pm 6pm-10pm 10pm-9am Noise measured at a nuisance sensitive place LAeq adj,15 Cerito = 36 Cerito = 30 Cerito = 28 Cerito = 36 Cerito = 30 Cerito = 28 Others = 28 Others = 28 Others = 28 Others = 28 Others = 28 Others = 28 LA1adj,15 Cerito = 41 Cerito = 35 Cerito = 33 Cerito = 41 Cerito = 35 Cerito = 33 Others = 33 Others = 33 Others = 33 Others = 33 Others = 33 Others = 33 Noise measured at a commercial place LAeq adj,15 Background Background Background Background Background Background Plus 10 Plus 10 Plus 10 Plus 10 Plus 10 Plus 10 Note for Table D1 - Associated notes and requirements: (a) "Cerito" means Cerito Station Homestead. (b) "Others" means Byerwen station homestead and all other noise sensitive places. (c) "Background" means background noise level, measured in the absence of the noise under investigation, as LA90, T being the A-weighted sound pressure level exceeded for ninety (90) per cent of the time period of 15 minutes, using Fast response. (d) "LAeq adj,T" means the equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level, adjusted for noise character, measured in the presence of the noise under investigation over a time period of 15 minutes, using Fast response. (e) "LA1 adj,T" means the A-weighted sound pressure level, adjusted for noise character, measured in the presence of the noise under investigation and exceeded for one (1) per cent of the time period of 15 minutes, using Fast response. Table D2 - Blasting noise limits Blasting limits Sensitive or commercial place blasting limits Airblast overpressure Daytime 7am to 6pm Other times and public holidays 115 dB (Linear) Peak for 9 out of 10 Airblast overpressure consecutive blasts initiated and not greater than 120 dB (Linear) Peak at any time Ground vibration peak 5mm/second peak particle velocity for 9 out Ground vibration peak particle velocity of 10 consecutive blasts and not greater particle velocity than 10 mm/second peak particle velocity at any time Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- E1
Contaminants must not be released directly or indirectly to groundwater.
- E2
All groundwater sampling and monitoring methods must be in accordance with the latest version of the administering authority's Monitoring and Sampling Manual 2018, unless otherwise approved by the administering authority.
- E3
All groundwater quality and groundwater level monitoring data collected in accordance with the conditions of this environmental authority must be provided to the administering authority via WaTERS with each annual return.
- E4
Groundwater Monitoring Groundwater quality must be monitored: (a) at the locations specified in Table E1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency, and as illustrated in Figure 1- Site map, domains and groundwater monitoring locations; and (b) at the frequencies specified in Table E1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency; and (c) for quality characteristics identified in Table E2 - Groundwater quality triggers.
- E5
Groundwater Quality Results of monitoring of groundwater from the monitoring bores identified in Table E1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency must not exceed any of the groundwater quality trigger values specified in Table E2 - Groundwater quality triggers on 3 consecutive sampling occasions.
- E6
Exceedance Investigation - Groundwater Quality If groundwater quality monitoring results from compliance and third-party bores identified in Table
- E1
- Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency exceed any of the trigger levels specified in Table E2 - Groundwater quality triggers on 3 consecutive sampling occasions, the holder of this environmental authority must: (a) notify the administering authority via WaTERS within 2 business days of receiving the results; and (b) complete an investigation under condition E7. Note: Where 3 consecutive exceedances of a trigger level have occurred and are being investigated in accordance with condition E6(b) of this condition, no further reporting under condition E6(a) is required for subsequent trigger events for that quality characteristic during the investigation period. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- E7
Where groundwater from bores identified in Table E1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency exceeds any of the trigger levels specified in Table E2 - Groundwater quality triggers on 3 consecutive sampling occasions, the holder of this environmental authority must: (a) complete an investigation to determine if the exceedance is the result of: (i) activities authorised under this environmental authority; or (ii) natural variation; or (iii) neighbouring land use resulting in groundwater impacts; and (b) submit a report to the administering authority within 28 days of receiving the results.
- E8
If the trigger exceedance investigation under condition E7 determines that the exceedance was the result of activities authorised under this environmental authority, then a further investigation must be completed, and a report must be submitted to the administering authority within 56 days after submission of the exceedance investigation report under condition E7. The investigation report must include: (a) the source, cause and extent of any impact and other investigation outcomes; and (b) the appropriate mitigation and management measures (where applicable) undertaken, with evidence (upon request by the administering authority) to address any groundwater contamination and prevent recurrence of groundwater contamination.
- E9
Groundwater Standing Water Level (SWL) Groundwater SWL must be monitored: (a) at the locations specified in Table E1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency, and as illustrated in Figure 1 - Site map, domains and groundwater monitoring locations; and (b) at the frequencies specified in Table E1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency.
- E10
Exceedance Investigation - Groundwater SWL If groundwater level monitoring results from compliance and third-party bores identified in Table E1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency exceed a fluctuation of 2 metres per year, the holder of this environmental authority must: (a) notify the administering authority via WaTERS within 24 hours of receiving the results; (b) complete an investigation into the cause of exceedance within 28 days; and (c) if the investigation carried out under part (b) determines that the mining activities are a potential cause or contributor to the exceedance: (i) notify the administrating authority within 24 hours of making the determination; (ii) identify whether environmental harm has occurred; and (d) identify and implement mitigations to minimise the harm.
- E11
Groundwater Monitoring and Management Program A Groundwater Monitoring and Management Program (GMMP) must be developed, implemented and maintained, including updates as required by reviews of the monitoring data, GMMP or model. The first version of the GMMP must be developed and implemented before 31 December 2026. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- E12
The GMMP required by condition E11 must: (a) include a hydrogeological conceptual model; (b) provide an analytical or numerical groundwater model including interaction or impact from groundwater on surface water; and (c) identify all potential sources of contamination to groundwater from the activities; and (d) identify all environmental values that may be impacted; and (e) detail groundwater levels in all relevant hydrogeological units present across and adjacent to the site to confirm existing groundwater flow paths; and (f) include details of a groundwater monitoring and data analysis program to: (i) detect any impacts to groundwater quality due to the activities authorised under this environmental authority; and (ii) detect any changes to groundwater level due to the activities authorised under this environmental authority; and (iii) determine trends in groundwater quality and level; and (iv) determine any interaction or impact from groundwater on surface water; and (g) document groundwater management and monitoring methodologies undertaken for the duration of all the activities authorised under this environmental authority; and (h) provide an appropriate quality assurance and quality control program; and (i) include a review process to identify improvements to the program that includes addressing any comments provided by the administering authority.
- E13
Annual Groundwater Monitoring Report An Annual Groundwater Monitoring Report (AGMR) must be completed and submitted to the administering authority by 1 April each calendar year.
- E14
The AGMR required by condition E13 must include: (a) all quality and SWL monitoring data of all groundwater bores listed within Table E1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency, for the annual monitoring period; and (b) an assessment of groundwater quality and SWL trends for all data from all groundwater bores listed in Table E1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency; and (c) an assessment of any impacts on groundwater quality and level due to the mining activities; and (d) review of ongoing adequacy of the monitoring network and if any groundwater monitoring bores listed in Table E1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency, are scheduled to be removed as part of mining activities; and (e) comparison with receiving environment surface water quality monitoring results to determine any interaction or impact from groundwater on surface water. The annual groundwater monitoring data must be uploaded to WaTERS in the specified electronic format. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- E15
Replacement bores If any groundwater monitoring bore listed in Table E1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency, are scheduled to be removed as part of mining activities, or as recommended by the administering authority the holder must: (a) replace the bore(s) at least 12 months prior to decommissioning; and (b) be replaced by a groundwater monitoring bore that targets the same hydrogeological unit in a suitable location; and (c) the location of the replacement bore(s) must be provided for inclusion in Table E1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency.
- E16
Within 27 months after installation of replacement bores as per condition E15, the environmental authority holder must submit a report to administering authoring that includes: (a) groundwater quality triggers based on at least 8 monitoring events for inclusion in Table E2 - Groundwater quality triggers; and (b) groundwater SWL triggers for inclusion in Table E3 - Groundwater standing water level triggers .
- E17
Bore construction and maintenance and decommissioning The construction, maintenance, operation and decommissioning of each groundwater monitoring bore (with the exception of bores installed prior to the 17 July 2014 must be undertaken by an appropriately qualified person in a manner that: (a) prevents contaminants entering the groundwater; and (b) ensures representative groundwater samples from the target hydrogeological unit/s including composite units where intended; and (c) does not alter the hydrogeological environment.
- E18
A bore report must be kept for each monitoring bore which includes: (a) a unique identification reference number and geographic coordinate location; (b) construction information including but not limited to the depth of bore, depth and length of casing, depth and length of screening and bore sealing details; (c) stratigraphy and target hydrogeological unit of the bore; (d) depth at which groundwater was intercepted; and (e) the final SWL after bore development.
- E19
The `TBC' values for surface RLs required for third party bores in Table E1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency must be provided to the administering authority at the commencement of monitoring those bores Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- E20
Bore Specific SWL Thresholds By 31 December 2026, the environmental authority holder must provide the administering authority a report: (a) proposing groundwater level triggers and all data to replace all TBCs in Table E3 - Groundwater standing water level triggers; and (b) providing justification as to those proposed level triggers (such as modelling, monitoring data, risk assessments). Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Table E1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency Monitoring Location (GDA2020) Aquifer Screen Surface Monitoring Point depth (m) RL (m)2 Frequency1 Latitude Longitude Groundwater Monitoring Reference3 Bores BYGW02 -21.211749 147.859744 Fort Cooper CM 47.5 - 53.5 288.505 Quarterly Groundwater Compliance Bores BYGW01 -21.127916 147.899799 Rangal CM 47.5 - 59.5 232.12 Quarterly BYGW03 -21.285580 147.890961 Fort Cooper CM 56 - 62 304.939 Quarterly BYGW07A -21.186419 147.839310 Tertiary Sand 65 - 69 263.42 Quarterly BYGW07B -21.186573 147.839243 Basalt 46 - 52 263.671 Quarterly BYGW09 -21.113606 147.819325 Moranbah CM 91 - 97 359.04 Quarterly for 12 months prior to commencement of excavation of overburden material in North Pit, then quarterly thereafter. BYGW10 -21.084387 147.909876 Rangal CM 40 - 52 245.616 Quarterly Wetland Bore -21.270186 147.823302 Tertiary Clay 11 - 17 294 Quarterly Northern Third-Party Bores RN 25633 -21.074548 147.939713 Moranbah CM Unknown TBC Quarterly for 12 RN 25636 -21.058291 147.918880 37.2 - 52.1 TBC months prior to RN 25638 -21.067942 147.882766 Blackwater Unknown TBC commencement of RN 60458 -21.180484 147.866103 Group Unknown TBC excavation of RN 60459 -21.176014 147.920270 Basalt Unknown TBC overburden material in North Blackwater Pit, then quarterly Group thereafter for a
- F1
Contaminants that will, or have the potential to cause environmental harm, must not be released directly or indirectly to any waters as a result of the mining activities, except as permitted under the conditions of this environmental authority.
- F2
The release of mine affected water to waters must only occur from the release points specified in Table F1- Mine affected water release points, sources and receiving waters.
- F3
The release of mine affected water to waters from the release points must be monitored at the locations specified in Table F1- Mine affected water release points, sources and receiving waters for each quality characteristic and at the frequency specified in Table F2 - Mine affected water release limits and Table F3 - Release contaminant trigger investigation levels, potential contaminants. Note: The administering authority will take into consideration any extenuating circumstances prior to determining an appropriate enforcement response in the event condition F5 is contravened due to a temporary lack of safe or practical access. The administering authority expects the environmental authority holder to take all reasonable and practicable measures to maintain safe and practical access to designated monitoring locations.
- F4
The release of mine affected water to waters in accordance with condition F2 must not exceed the release limits stated in Table F2 - Mine affected water release limits when measured at the monitoring points specified in Table F1- Mine affected water release points, sources and receiving waters for each quality characteristic. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- F5
If quality characteristics of the release exceed any of the trigger levels specified in Table F3 - Release contaminant trigger investigation levels, potential contaminants during a release event, the environmental authority holder must compare the downstream results in the receiving waters (Table F6 - Receiving water upstream background sites and downstream monitoring points) to the trigger values specified in Table F3 - Release contaminant trigger investigation levels, potential contaminants and: (a) where the trigger values are not exceeded then no action is to be taken; or (b) where the downstream results exceed the trigger values specified in Table F3 - Release contaminant trigger investigation levels, potential contaminants for any quality characteristic, compare the results of the downstream site to the data from background monitoring sites (Table F6 - Receiving water upstream background sites and downstream monitoring points); and (i) if the result is less than the background monitoring site data, then no action is to be taken; or (ii) if the result is greater than the background monitoring site data, notify the administering authority via WaTERS within 2 business days of receiving the result, and complete an investigation and provide a written report to the administering authority via WaTERS within 28 days of receiving the result, outlining (1) details of the investigations carried out; and (2) whether the result is directly associated with mining activities, and, if so: (a) whether environmental harm has occurred, 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 F5(b)(ii) of this condition, no further reporting is required for subsequent trigger events for that quality characteristic.
- F6
Mine affected water release events The holder must ensure a stream flow gauging station/s is installed, operated and maintained to determine and record stream flows at the locations specified in Table F6 - Receiving water upstream background sites and downstream monitoring points and flow recording frequency specified in Table F4 - Mine affected water release during flow events.
- F7
The release of mine affected water to waters in accordance with condition F2 must only take place during periods of natural flow in accordance with the receiving water flow criteria for discharge specified in Table F4 - Mine affected water release during flow events for the release point(s) specified in Table F1 - Mine affected water release points, sources and receiving waters. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Table F1 - Mine Affected Water Release Points, Sources and Receiving Waters Release Location (GDA 2020) Mine Affected Water Monitoring Receiving waters description Point (RP)1 Latitude Longitude Source and Location Point -21.118023 147.800602 Adjacent drainage line feeding
- M1
-21.138634 147.835699 Adjacent drainage line feeding Mine affected water from Spillway/End of Kangaroo Creek catchment
- M2
-21.237190 147.854437 activities (North Pit) pipe Adjacent drainage line feeding
- M3
-21.236298 147.854017 Mine affected water from Spillway/End of Kangaroo Creek catchment activities (North Pit) pipe
- M4
-21.283274 147.833168 Adjacent drainage line feeding Mine affected water from Spillway/End of Kangaroo Creek catchment
- M5
-21.287470 147.8337647 activities (North Pit) pipe Adjacent drainage line feeding
- M6
-21.269379 147.825342 Mine affected water from Spillway/End of Kangaroo Creek catchment activities (West Pit 2 and 3) pipe
- M7
-21.281230 147.860667 Adjacent drainage line feeding Mine affected water from Spillway/End of Kangaroo Creek catchment
- M8
-21.304244 147.894631 activities (West Pit 2 and 3) pipe Adjacent drainage line feeding Upper
- M11
-21.324683 147.843323 Mine affected water from Spillway/End of Suttor catchment activities (West Pit 1) pipe
- M12
-21.322674 147.842280 Adjacent drainage line feeding Upper Mine affected water from Spillway/End of Suttor catchment
- M13
-21.292019 147.863699 activities (West Pit 1) pipe Adjacent drainage line feeding Upper
- M14
-21.292063 147.879702 Mine affected water from Spillway/End of Suttor catchment activities (West Pit 1) pipe
- M17
-21.332704 147.845529 Adjacent drainage line feeding Upper Mine affected water from Spillway/End of Suttor catchment
- M18
-21.332027 147.864984 activities (West Pit 1) pipe Adjacent drainage line feeding Upper
- M21
-21.311138 147.914746 Mine affected water from Spillway/End of Suttor catchment activities (East Pit 1) pipe Adjacent drainage line feeding Upper Mine affected water from Spillway/End of Suttor catchment activities (South Pit 1) pipe Adjacent drainage line feeding Upper Mine affected water from Spillway/End of Suttor catchment activities (South Pit 1) pipe Adjacent drainage line feeding Upper Mine affected water from Spillway/End of Suttor catchment activities (South Pit 1) pipe Adjacent drainage line feeding Upper Mine affected water from Spillway/End of Suttor catchment activities (South Pit 1) pipe Adjacent drainage line feeding Upper Mine affected water from Spillway/End of Suttor catchment activities (South Pit 2) pipe Adjacent drainage line feeding Upper Mine affected water from Spillway/End of Suttor catchment activities (South Pit 2) pipe Adjacent drainage line feeding Upper Mine affected water from Spillway/End of Suttor catchment activities (East Pit 2) pipe Notes for Table F1: 1. Where fixed release infrastructure is not currently installed portable pipes and pumps will be utilised. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- F8
The daily quantity of mine affected water released from each release point must be measured and recorded.
- F9
Releases to waters must be undertaken so as not to cause erosion of the bed and banks of the receiving waters, or cause a material build-up of sediment in such waters.
- F10
Notification of release event The environmental authority holder must notify the administering authority via WaTERS as soon as practicable and no later than 24 hours after commencing to release mine affected water to the receiving environment. Notification must include the submission of written advice to the administering authority of the following information: (a) release commencement date/time; (b) release point/s; (c) release rate; (d) release salinity and/or electrical conductivity; (e) receiving water/s including the natural flow rate; and (f) details regarding the compliance of the release with the conditions of Schedule F - Water.
- F11
The environmental authority holder must notify the administering authority via WaTERS as soon as practicable, and no later than 24 hours after cessation of a release notified under condition F10. The cessation notification must include the following information: (a) release cessation date and time; (b) release point/s; (c) release rate; (d) water quality of release; (e) total volume of water released; (f) natural flow rate in the receiving water; and (g) details regarding the compliance of the release with the conditions of this environmental authority. Note: Successive or intermittent releases from a Release Point occurring within 24 hours of the cessation of any individual release can be considered part of a single release event and do not require individual notification for the purpose of compliance with conditions F10, F11 and F12, provided the relevant details of the release are included within the notification provided in accordance with conditions F10, F11 and F12. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- F12
Within 28 days of notification under condition F11, the environmental authority holder must provide the administrating authority via WaTERS the following information in writing: (a) confirmation of: (i) the release commencement date and time; (ii) the release cessation date and time; (iii) receiving water(s) including the natural flow rate; (iv) volume of water released; (b) all in-situ and laboratory water quality monitoring results; (c) details regarding the compliance of the release with the conditions of Schedule F: Water of this environmental authority (i.e., contamination limits, natural flow, discharge volume) (d) any other matter(s) pertinent to the water release event.
- F13
Notification of release event exceedance If the release limits defined in Table F2 - Mine affected water release limits are exceeded, the holder of the environmental authority must notify the administering authority within 24 hours of receiving the results.
- F14
The environmental authority holder must, within 28 days of a release that is not compliant with the conditions of this environmental authority, provide a report to the administering authority via WaTERS detailing: (a) the reason for the release; (b) the location of the release; (c) the total volume of the release and which (if any) part of this volume was non-compliant; (d) the total duration of the release and which (if any) part of this period was non-compliant; (e) all water quality monitoring results (including all laboratory analyses); (f) identification of any environmental harm as a result of the non-compliance; (g) all calculations; and (h) any other matters pertinent to the water release event.
- F15
Receiving environment monitoring and contaminant trigger levels The quality of the receiving waters must be monitored at the locations specified in Table F6 - Receiving water upstream background sites and downstream monitoring points, for each quality characteristic and at the monitoring frequency stated in Table F5 - Receiving waters contaminant trigger levels. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- F16
If quality characteristics of the receiving water at the downstream monitoring points specified in Table F6 - Receiving water upstream background sites and downstream monitoring points exceed any of the trigger levels specified in Table F5 - Receiving waters contaminant trigger levels during a release event, the environmental authority holder must compare the downstream results to the results from the upstream monitoring points (Table F6 - Receiving water upstream background sites and downstream monitoring points) in the receiving waters and: (a) if the result is less than the upstream monitoring data, then no action is to be taken; or (b) if the result is greater than the upstream monitoring data, notify the administering authority via WaTERS within 2 business days receiving the result, and complete an investigation and provide a written report to the administering authority via WaTERS within 28 days of receiving the result, outlining (i) details of the investigations carried out; and (ii) whether the result is directly associated with the release, and, if so: (1) whether environmental harm has occurred, and (2) actions taken to prevent environmental harm. Note: Where an exceedance of a trigger level has occurred and is being investigated, in accordance with condition F16(b) of this condition, no further reporting is required for subsequent trigger events for that quality characteristic. Table F2 - Mine Affected Water Release Limits Quality Parameter Suttor River Release Kangaroo Creek Release Monitoring frequency2 Limits Limits Electrical Release limits specified in Release limits specified in Daily during release (the first sample must be conductivity Table F4 Table F4 taken within 2 hours of commencement of release) (-S/cm) pH (pH Unit) 6.5 (minimum) 6.5 (minimum) Daily during release (the first sample must be 9.5 (maximum) 9.0 (maximum) taken within 2 hours of commencement of release) Total Suspended Monitored for interpretation Monitored for interpretation At commencement and prior to cessation of Solids3 (mg/L) purposes only purposes only release (at a minimum) and weekly during a release Turbidity1 (NTU) 283 TBC At commencement and prior to cessation of release (at a minimum) and weekly during a release Notes for Table F2: 1 Limit for total suspended solids can be omitted if turbidity limit is included for the duration of a background data investigation for total suspended solids. Limit for turbidity not required if suspended solids limit included. Both indicators should be measured in all cases. 2 The determination of suitability for release of water should be informed by monitoring undertaken prior to release. 3 Suspended solids are required to measure the performance of sediment and erosion control measures. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Table F3 - Release contaminant trigger investigation levels, potential contaminants
- F17
Receiving Environment Monitoring Program (REMP) The environmental authority holder must develop and implement a Receiving Environment Monitoring Program (REMP) to monitor, identify and describe any adverse impacts to surface water environmental values, quality and flows due to the authorised mining activity. This must include monitoring the effects of the mine on the receiving environment periodically (under natural flow conditions) and while mine affected water is being discharged from the site. For the purposes of the REMP, the receiving environment is the waters of the Suttor River and Kangaroo Creek and connected or surrounding waterways within 16km downstream of the release. The REMP should encompass any sensitive receiving waters or environmental values downstream of the authorised mining activity that will potentially be directly affected by an authorised release of mine affected water. The REMP must be designed to monitor ecosystem functionality of the western boundary palustrine wetland considering its pre-development condition.
- F18
The REMP must address (but not necessarily be limited to) the following: (a) description of potentially affected receiving waters including key communities and background water quality characteristics based on accurate and reliable monitoring data that takes into consideration any temporal variation (e.g. seasonality); and (b) description of applicable environmental values and water quality objectives to be achieved (i.e. as scheduled pursuant to the Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009); and (c) any relevant reports prepared by other governmental or professional research organisations that relate to the receiving environment within which the REMP is proposed; and (d) water quality targets within the receiving environment to be achieved, and clarification of contaminant concentrations or levels indicating adverse environmental impacts during the REMP. (e) monitoring for any potential adverse environmental impacts caused by the release (f) monitoring of stream flow and hydrology; (g) monitoring of toxicants should consider the indicators specified in Table F3 - Release contaminant trigger investigation levels, potential contaminants to assess the extent of the compliance of concentrations with water quality objectives and/or the ANZECC and ARMCANZ 2000 guidelines for slightly to moderately disturbed ecosystems; (h) monitoring of physico-chemical parameters as a minimum those specified in Table F2 - Mine Affected Water Release Limits (in addition to dissolved oxygen saturation and temperature); (i) monitoring biological indicators (for macroinvertebrates in accordance with the AusRivas methodology) and metals/metalloids in sediments (in accordance with ANZECC and ARMCANZ 2000, BATLEY and/or the most recent version of AS5667.1 Guidance on Sampling of Bottom Sediments) for permanent, semi- permanent water holes and water storages; (j) the locations of monitoring points (including the locations specified in Table F6 - Receiving water upstream background sites and downstream monitoring points which are background and downstream impacted sites for each release point); (k) the frequency or scheduling of sampling and analysis sufficient to determine water quality objectives and to derive site specific reference values within 2 years (depending on wet Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority season flows) in accordance with the Queensland Water Quality Guidelines 2006. For ephemeral streams, this should include periods of flow irrespective of mine or other discharges; (l) specify sampling and analysis methods and quality assurance and control; (m) any historical datasets to be relied upon; (n) description of the statistical basis on which conclusions are drawn; and (o) any spatial and temporal controls to exclude potential confounding factors.
- F19
A REMP Design Document that addresses the requirements of conditions F17 and F18 must be prepared and made available to the administering authority upon request.
- F20
For each year, a REMP report must be prepared by 31 October for the preceding 1 July to 30 June period.
- F21
The REMP report required by condition F20 must include: (a) an assessment of long-term upstream water quality; (b) an assessment of the long-term condition or state of surface waters, (c) recommendations for further investigation or actions; (d) recommendations for changes or improvements to the monitoring program; (e) potential changes to management of the authorised activity to minimise impacts; (f) all REMP monitoring results; and (g) a description of all conclusions formed. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Table F4 -Mine affected water release during flow events Receiving Waters / Stream - Kangaroo Creek Receiving Water Electrical Conductivity Maximum Combined Monitoring Flow Criteria (m3/s) Release Limit (-S/cm)1 Release Rate (m3/s) Frequency Low1 >0.2 1,252 0.2 Daily with the first sample taken Medium 0.2 - 0.5 1,600 0.1 within 2 hours of 2,100 0.1 commencement of release (during the High 0.5 - 2.0 release of mine 1,550 0.3 water): Monthly (of 3,000 0.2 natural flow). Very High 2.0 - 7.5 Monitoring Frequency 1,600 1.0 Daily with the first 4,000 0.5 sample taken Flood >7.5 within 2 hours of commencement 2,000 2.0 of release (during Receiving Waters / Stream - Suttor River the release of mine water): Receiving Water Electrical Conductivity Maximum Combined Monthly (of Flow Criteria (m3/s) Release Limit (-S/cm)1 Release Rate (m3/s) natural flow). Low1 >0.5 2,500 0.5 Medium 1.0 - 5.0 2,500 0.5 High 5.0 - 15.0 4,500 0.85 Very High 15.0 - 50 4,500 4.8
- F22
Water re-use Mine affected water may be piped or trucked or transferred by some other means that does not contravene the conditions of this environmental authority and deposited into artificial water storage structures, such as farm dams or tanks, or used directly at properties owned by the environmental authority holder or a third party (with the consent of the third party).
- F23
If the responsibility of the water contaminated by mining activities (the water) is given or transferred to another person in accordance with Condition F22, then: (a) the responsibility of the water must only be given or transferred in accordance with a written agreement (the third party agreement); and (b) include in the third party agreement a commitment from the person utilising the water to use water in such a way as to prevent environmental harm or public health incidences and specifically make the persons aware of the General Environmental Duty (GED) under section 319 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994, environmental sustainability of the water disposal and protection of environmental values of waters.
- F24
Annual Water Monitoring Data Submission The following information must be recorded in relation to all mine affected surface water release monitoring required under the conditions of this environmental authority and submitted to the administering authority via WaTERS with each annual return: (a) the date on which the sample was taken; (b) the time at which the sample was taken; (c) the monitoring point at which the sample was taken; (d) the measured or estimated daily quantity of mine affected water released from all release points; (e) the release flow rate at the time of sampling for each release point; and (f) the results of all monitoring and details of any exceedances of the conditions of this environmental authority.
- F25
Water Management Plan A Water Management Plan must be developed and implemented for all stages of mining activities.
- F26
The Water Management Plan must: (a) provide for effective water management of actual and potential environmental impacts resulting from the mining activity; and (b) include: (i) a study of the source of contaminants; and (ii) a water balance model for the site; and (iii) a map showing the water management system for the site; and (iv) measures to prevent, manage and reduce acid and metalliferous drainage (v) contingency procedures for incidents and emergencies; and (vi) a program for monitoring and review of the effectiveness of the water management plan. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- F27
The Water Management Plan must be reviewed by 30 November for each calendar year. The review must be documented and: (a) include a statement that the Water Management Plan has been reviewed by an appropriately qualified person; and (b) assess the plan against the requirements under condition F26; and (c) include recommended actions to ensure actual and potential environmental impacts are effectively managed; and (d) provide details and timelines of the actions to be taken; and (e) identify any amendments to be made to the Water Management Plan.
- F28
A copy of the Water Management Plan must be kept up to date following each annual review and must be provided to the administering authority on request.
- F29
Erosion and Sediment Control Plan An Erosion and Sediment Control Plan must be developed and implemented for all stages of the mining activities.
- F30
The Erosion and Sediment Control Plan must demonstrate how erosion and sediment control measures detailed in the plan adequately minimise the release of sediment to receiving waters and must include at least the following: (a) an assessment of the size and characteristics of all catchment areas; and (b) an assessment of relevant properties of soils and waste materials; and (c) identification of receiving waters environmental values, water quality objectives and management intent; and (d) specification of minimum design criteria for erosion and sediment control structures to achieve the management intent of receiving waters; and (e) locations and descriptions of all erosion and sediment control measures; and (f) an audit schedule to ensure erosion and sediment control measures are maintained.
- F31
The Erosion and Sediment Control Plan must be reviewed by 30 November for each calendar year. The review must be documented and must: (a) include a statement that the Erosion and Sediment Control Plan has been reviewed by an appropriately qualified person; and (b) assess the plan against the requirements of condition F30; and (c) include recommended actions to ensure actual and potential environmental impacts are effectively managed; and (d) provide details and timelines of the actions to be taken; and (e) identify any amendments made to the Erosion and Sediment Control Plan.
- F32
A copy of the Erosion and Sediment Control Plan must be kept up to date following each annual review and must be provided to the administering authority on request. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- F33
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 F29; and (b) water management infrastructure that is installed and operated, in accordance with a water management plan that complies with condition F26, for the purpose of ensuring water does not become mine affected water.
- F34
The environmental authority holder must determine and submit to the administering authority: (a) release limits in Table F2 - Mine Affected Water Release Limits for Turbidity in Kangaroo Creek, 12 months prior to the construction of any release points within Kangaroo Creek; (b) trigger levels in Table F3 - Release contaminant trigger investigation levels, potential contaminants for: (i) Sodium in the Suttor River sub-catchment once a minimum dataset of 12 flow events is available or by 1 July 2026; and (ii) Sodium and Total Suspended Solids in Rosella Creek sub-catchment prior to the construction of any release points within Kangaroo Creek; and (c) trigger level in Table F5 - Receiving waters contaminant trigger levels for Total Suspended Solids in Kangaroo Creek prior to the construction of any release points within Kangaroo Creek.
- F35
The values required by condition F34 may be derived by: (a) adoption of an applicable published water quality guideline where a suitable site-specific water quality monitoring dataset is unavailable; or (b) analysis of a site-specific water quality monitoring dataset which is deemed to be suitable.
- F36
The environmental authority holder must not release mine affected water into Kangaroo Creek and the broader Rosella Creek sub-catchment (in accordance with Table F2 - Mine Affected Water Release Limits) until the values required by condition F34 have been accepted by the administering authority. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Table F6 - Receiving water upstream background sites and downstream monitoring points Monitoring Points Receiving Waters Location Latitude Longitude Description 147.819648 Upstream Background Monitoring Points 147.849553 147.841005 Monitoring Point MP1 Suttor River Flow gauging station -21.289231 147.817721 upstream of mine releases at the edge 147.867811 of ML. Monitoring Point MP2 Kangaroo Creek upstream of North Pit -21.163429 contribution Monitoring Point MP3 Kangaroo Creek upstream of North Pit -21.184775 contribution Downstream Monitoring Points Monitoring Point CP1 Suttor River downstream of mine -21.317248 releases at edge of ML Monitoring Point CP2 Kangaroo Creek downstream of -21.152802 upstream of North Pit contribution at edge of ML Note for Table F6: The data from background monitoring points must not be used where they are affected by releases from other mines. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Schedule G: Sewage Treatment Condition Condition number
- G1
Treated sewage effluent may only be released to land in accordance with the conditions of this environmental authority as follows: (a) for irrigation in accordance with conditions G2 and G3 and only within the nominated areas identified in Figure 1 - Site map, domains and groundwater monitoring locations; (b) haul roads and areas of mining activities for the purpose of dust suppression; (c) re-use in coal processing; and (d) firefighting.
- G2
Treated sewage effluent released in accordance with condition G1(a) must be monitored: (a) at the point where the treated sewage effluent is released from the sewage treatment plant; (b) for the quality characteristics specified in Table G1 - Contaminant release limits to land; and (c) at the frequency specified in Table G1 - Contaminant release limits to land.
- G3
If treated sewage effluent is being released in accordance with condition G1(a): (a) the results of monitoring in accordance with condition G2 must not exceed the release limits specified in Table G1 - Contaminant release limits to land; and (b) the release must not cause spray drift or over spray to any sensitive place or commercial place.
- G4
Irrigation with treated effluent must be carried out in a manner such that: (a) vegetation is not damaged; (b) there is no surface ponding of effluent; and (c) there is no run-off of effluent.
- G5
If irrigation areas are accessible to employees or the general public, prominent signage must be provided advising that effluent is present and care should be taken to avoid consuming or otherwise coming into unprotected contact with the effluent.
- G6
The daily volume of treated effluent used for irrigation must be measured and records kept of the volumes of effluent released.
- G7
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.
- G8
Water or stormwater contaminated by irrigation activities must not be released to any waters or the bed and banks of any waters.
- G9
A minimum area of one ha of land, excluding any necessary buffer zones, must be utilised for the irrigation of treated sewage effluent. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- G10
Treated sewage effluent must only be supplied to another person or organisation that has a written plan detailing how the user of the treated sewage effluent will comply with their general environmental duty under section 319 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994 whilst using the treated sewage effluent. Note: The supply of treated wastewater for re-use is regulated under the Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008. Table G1 - Contaminant release limits to land Contaminant Unit Release limit Limit type Monitoring Frequency 5-day Biochemical oxygen mg/L 20 Maximum demand (BOD) 30 Maximum Monthly Total suspended solids mg/L 30 Maximum Nitrogen mg/L 15 Maximum Monthly Phosphorus mg/L 1000 Maximum Monthly E-coli Organisms/100ml 6.0 - 9.0 Monthly pH pH units Range Monthly Monthly Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Schedule H: Land and Rehabilitation Condition Condition number
- H1
Land disturbance by mining must be rehabilitated in accordance with Appendix 2 - Table BY1 - Rehabilitation Completion Criteria attached to this environmental authority.
- H2
All areas significantly disturbed by mining activities must be rehabilitated to achieve the following rehabilitation goals: (a) safe to humans and wildlife; (b) geotechnically stable; (c) non-polluting; and (d) self-sustaining for the post-mining land use of grazing pasture, with the exception of residual voids.
- H3
The Rehabilitation Management Plan must be developed, implemented and must include: (a) rehabilitation objectives to achieve the rehabilitation goals for all disturbance areas; (b) detailed rehabilitation methods for each disturbance area; (c) rehabilitation indicators to measure the success of the rehabilitation against the rehabilitation objectives; (d) final completion criteria that will achieve the rehabilitation goals and objectives; (e) details of appropriate monitoring and maintenance of rehabilitation; (f) identification of 3 reference sites to be used to develop rehabilitation success criteria for each disturbance domain; (g) include a description of monitoring of reference sites inclusive of statistical design; and (h) a description of progressive rehabilitation planning.
- H4
All areas significantly disturbed by mining activities must be rehabilitated in accordance with the Rehabilitation Management Plan to achieve the final completion criteria.
- H5
The environmental authority holder must notify the administering authority of any changes to the Rehabilitation Management Plan and submit the updated document to the administering authority. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- H6
Mining waste management A waste rock and spoil disposal plan must be developed and implemented and include, where relevant, at least: (a) effective characterisation of the waste rock and spoil to predict under the proposed placement and disposal strategy the quality of runoff and seepage generated concerning potentially environmentally significant effects including salinity, acidity, alkalinity and dissolved metals, metalloids and non-metallic inorganic substances; (b) a program of progressive sampling and characterisation to identify dispersive and non- dispersive spoil and the salinity, acid and alkali producing potential and metal concentrations of waste rock; (c) a materials balance and disposal plan demonstrating how potentially acid forming and acid forming waste rock will be selectively placed and/or encapsulated to minimise the potential generation of acid mine drainage; (d) where relevant, a sampling program to verify encapsulation and/or placement of potentially acid-forming and acid-forming waste rock; (e) how often the performance of the plan will be assessed; (f) the indicators or other criteria on which the performance of the plan will be assessed; (g) rehabilitation strategy; (h) identification of areas proposed to contain tailings; and. (i) monitoring or rehabilitation, research and/or trials to verify the requirements and methods for decommissioning and final rehabilitation of the placed materials, including the prevention and management of acid mine drainage, erosion minimisation and establishment of vegetation cover.
- H7
Topsoil Management Plan A topsoil management plan must be developed and implemented for all stages of the mining activity.
- H8
Contaminated Land Before applying for surrender of a mining lease, the holder must (if applicable) provide to the administering authority a site investigation report under the Act, in relation to any part of the mining lease which has been used for notifiable activities or which the holder is aware is likely to be contaminated land, and also carry out any further work that is required as a result of that report to ensure that the land is suitable for its final land use.
- H9
Before applying for progressive rehabilitation certification for an area, the holder must (if applicable) provide to the administering authority a site investigation report under the Act, in relation to any part of the area the subject of the application which has been used for notifiable activities or which the holder is aware is likely to be contaminated land, and also carry out any further work that is required as a result of that report to ensure that the land is suitable for its final land use under condition H1.
- H10
The environmental authority holder must minimise the potential for contamination of land by hazardous contaminants. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- H11
Chemicals and flammable or combustible liquids All flammable and combustible liquids must be contained within an on-site containment system and controlled in a manner that prevents environmental harm and maintained in accordance with the current edition of AS 1940 - Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids.
- H12
All chemicals and flammable or combustible liquids stored on site that have the potential to cause environmental harm must be stored in or serviced by an effective containment system that is impervious to the materials stored and managed to prevent the release of liquids to waters or land. Where no relevant Australian standard exists: (a) store such materials within an effective on-site containment system; and (b) minimise the potential for contamination of land and waters by diverting stormwater around contaminated areas and facilities used for the storage of chemicals and flammable or combustible liquids.
- H13
Residual void outcome Residual voids must comply with the following outcomes: (a) residual voids must not cause any serious environmental harm to land, surface waters or any recognised groundwater aquifers, other than the environmental harm constituted by the existence of the residual void itself and subject to any other condition within this environmental authority; (b) residual voids must comply with Table H1 - Residual void outcomes; and (c) at the completion of decommissioning and rehabilitation, all residual voids must demonstrably have the appropriate level of flood protection from nearby watercourses as approved by the administering authority, such that the protection is sustainable for the foreseeable future. Table H1 - Residual Void Outcomes Void Area Maximum Slope 163 ha Residual Void 548 ha High wall - 65- Low wall - North Pit 542 ha 45- West Pit 88 ha South Pit East Pit Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- H14
Weed Management A weed management plan must be developed and implemented for this site outlining: (a) areas of control priority and the methods used to determine such areas: (b) strategies to promote dense grass growth (which out-competes weeds) through reduced disturbance; (c) monitoring methodologies that document the spread of weeds and any new outbreaks; (d) methods for the control of weeds. These methods should include best practice management; (e) stringent wash-down and inspection procedures for both machinery involved in clearing/construction activities and those operating outside of designated roads during mine operation; and (f) promotion of the awareness of weed management issues at the site.
- H15
Exploration All land disturbed by exploration activities carried out on MDL443, EPC614 and EPC739 must be rehabilitated in accordance with the latest version of the document titled `Eligibility criteria and standard conditions for exploration and mineral development projects'. Note - MDL443, EPC614 and EPC739 were the pre-existing tenements to ML10355, ML10356, ML10357 ML10374, ML70434, ML70435, ML70436.
- H16
All land disturbed by exploration activities carried out under this environmental authority must be rehabilitated in accordance with the latest version of the document titled `Eligibility criteria and standard conditions for exploration and mineral development projects'. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Schedule I: Dams and Levees Condition Condition number
- I1
Consequence Category The consequence category of any structure must be assessed by a suitably qualified and experienced person in accordance with the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic (a) prior to the design and construction of the structure, if it is not an existing structure; or (b) prior to any change in its purpose or the nature of its stored contents.
- I2
A consequence assessment report and certification must be prepared for each structure assessed and the report may include a consequence assessment for more than one structure.
- I3
Certification must be provided by the suitably qualified and experienced person who undertook the assessment, in the form set out in the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic
- I4
Design and Construction of a Regulated Structure All regulated structures must be designed by, and constructed under the supervision of, a suitably qualified and experienced person in accordance with the requirements of the Manual for Assessing
- I5
Construction of a regulated structure is prohibited unless: (a) the holder has submitted a consequence category assessment report and certification to the administering authority; and (b) certification of the design plan and operating procedures (except where the structure does not require operating procedures such as for levees) has been certified by a suitably qualified and experienced person for compliance with the relevant condition of this authority.
- I6
Certification must be provided by the suitably qualified and experienced person who oversees the preparation of the design plan in the form set out in the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories Regulated Structures. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- I7
Regulated structures must: (a) be designed and constructed in accordance with and conform to the requirements of the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Structures (b) be designed and constructed with due consideration given to ensuring that the design integrity would not be compromised on account of: (i) floodwaters entering the regulated dam from any watercourse or drainage line; and (ii) wall failure due to erosion by floodwaters arising from any watercourse or drainage line; and (c) for dams associated with a failure to contain, have the floor and sides of the dam designed and constructed to prevent or minimise the passage of the wetting front and any entrained contaminants through either the floor or sides of the dam during the operational life of the dam and for any period of decommissioning and rehabilitation of the dam.
- I8
Certification by the suitably qualified and experienced person who supervises the construction must be submitted to the administering authority on the completion of construction of the regulated structure, and state that: (a) the 'as constructed' drawings and specifications meet the original intent of the design plan for that regulated structure; and (b) construction of the regulated structure is in accordance with the design plan.
- I9
Operation of a Regulated Structure Operation of a regulated structure, except for an existing structure, is prohibited unless the holder has submitted to the administering authority: (a) one paper copy and one electronic copy of the design plan and certification of the `design plan' in accordance with Conditions I4 to I6; (b) a set of `as constructed' drawings and specifications; (c) certification of those `as constructed drawings and specifications' in accordance with Condition I8; (d) where the regulated structure is to be managed as part of an integrated containment system for the purpose of sharing the Design Storage Allowance (DSA) volume across the system, a copy of the certified system design plan; (e) the requirements of this authority relating to the construction of the regulated structure have been met; (f) the holder has entered the details required under this authority, into a Register of Regulated Structures; and (g) there is a current operational plan for the regulated structure (except where the structure does not require operating procedures such as for levees).
- I10
Each regulated structure must be maintained and operated, for the duration of its operational life until decommissioned and rehabilitated, in a manner that is consistent with the current operational plan and, if applicable, the current design plan and associated certified `as constructed' drawings. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- I11
Mandatory Reporting Level Conditions I12 to I15 inclusive only apply to Regulated Structures which have not been certified as low consequence category for `failure to contain - overtopping'.
- I12
The Mandatory Reporting Level (the MRL) must be marked on a regulated dam in such a way that during routine inspections of that dam, it is clearly observable.
- I13
The holder must, as soon as practical and within 48 hours of becoming aware, notify the administering authority when the level of the contents of a regulated dam reaches the MRL.
- I14
The holder must, immediately on becoming aware that the MRL has been reached, act to prevent the occurrence of any unauthorised discharge from the regulated dam.
- I15
The holder must record any changes to the MRL in the Register of Regulated Structures.
- I16
Design storage allowance The holder must assess the performance of each regulated dam or linked containment system over the preceding November to May period based on actual observations of the available storage in each regulated dam or linked containment system taken prior to 1 July of each year.
- I17
By 1 November of each year, storage capacity must be available in each regulated dam (or network of linked containment systems with a shared DSA volume), to meet the DSA volume for the dam (or network of linked containment systems).
- I18
The holder must, as soon as possible and within 48 hours of becoming aware that the regulated dam (or network of linked containment systems) will not have the available storage to meet the DSA volume on 1 November of any year, notify the administering authority.
- I19
The holder must, immediately on becoming aware that a regulated dam (or network of linked containment systems) will not have the available storage to meet the DSA volume on 1 November of any year, act to prevent the occurrence of any unauthorised discharge from the regulated dam or linked containment systems.
- I20
Annual Inspection Each regulated structure must be inspected each calendar year by a suitably qualified and experienced person. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- I21
At each annual inspection, the condition and adequacy of all components of the regulated structure must be assessed and a suitably qualified and experienced person must prepare an annual inspection report containing details of the assessment and include recommended actions to ensure the integrity of the regulated structure. Regulated structures must be assessed: (a) against the most recent hazard assessment report and design plan (or system design plan); (b) against recommendations contained in previous annual inspections reports; (c) against recognised dam safety deficiency indicators; (d) for changes in circumstances potentially leading to a change in hazard category; (e) for conformance with the conditions of this authority; (f) for conformance with the `as constructed' drawings; (g) for the adequacy of the available storage in each regulated dam, based on an actual observation or observations taken after 31 May each year but prior to 1 November of that year, of accumulated sediment, state of the containment barrier and the level of liquids in the dam (or network of linked containment systems); and (h) for evidence of conformance with the current operational plan.
- I22
The suitably qualified and experienced person who prepared the annual inspection report must certify the report in accordance with the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic
- I23
The environmental authority holder must: (a) within 20 business days of receipt of the annual inspection report, provide to the administering authority: (i) the recommendations section of the annual inspection report; and (ii) if applicable, any actions being taken in response to those recommendations; and (b) if, following receipt of the recommendations and (if applicable) actions, the administering authority requests a full copy of the annual inspection report from the holder, provide this to the administering authority within 10 business days of receipt of the request.
- I24
Transfer arrangements The holder must provide a copy of any reports, documentation and certifications prepared under this authority, including but not limited to any Register of Regulated Structures, consequence assessment, design plan and other supporting documentation, to a new holder on transfer of this authority.
- I25
Register of Regulated Structures A Register of Regulated Structures must be established and maintained by the holder for each regulated dam.
- I26
The holder must provisionally enter the required information in the Register of Regulated Structures when a design plan for a regulated dam is submitted to the administering authority.
- I27
The holder must make a final entry of the required information in the Register of Regulated Structures once compliance with conditions I9 and I10 has been achieved.
- I28
The holder must ensure that the information contained in the Register of Regulated Structures is current and complete on any given day. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- I29
All entries in the Register of Regulated Structures must be approved by the chief executive officer for the holder of this authority, or their delegate, as being accurate and correct.
- I30
The holder must, at the same time as providing the annual return, supply to the administering authority a copy of the records contained in the Register of Regulated Structures, in the electronic format required by the administering authority. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Schedule J: Watercourse Diversions Condition Condition number
- J1
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 ongoing 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.
- J2
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 ongoing 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; and (d) maintain equilibrium and functionality at all substrate conditions at the location of the diversion.
- J3
Design plan - All diversion For all watercourse diversions a Design Plan certified by an RPEQ that achieves condition J1 for permanent watercourse diversions and condition J2 for temporary watercourse diversions must be submitted to the administering authority for approval at least 10 business days before commencing construction of the diversion.
- J4
Watercourse diversion authorised by this environmental authority must be rehabilitated in accordance with the Rehabilitation conditions in Schedule H. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- J5
Construction and operation - All diversions A certified set of `as constructed' drawings and specifications must be submitted to the administering authority within 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 approved Design Plan for the watercourse diversion; and (b) construction of the watercourse diversion is in accordance with the approved Design Plan
- J6
Register - All diversions The details of watercourse diversions planned and constructed under an environmental authority must be accurately recorded on the Register of Regulated Structures kept by the holder of the authority. An electronic copy must be provided to the administering authority on request.
- J7
The holder of this authority is required to monitor the performance of all diversions by way of a performance report prepared for each diversion by a RPEQ at the following times: (a) April of each year; and (b) At any time when poor performance and/or potential failure of the diversion are observed. Monitoring of the works must include recommendations as per ACARP Project C9068 "Monitoring and Evaluation Program for Bowen Basin River Diversions". A copy of this report is to be provided to the administering authority by 30 June of each year.
- J8
The performance report must detail the following: (a) The performance of the diversion by way of comparison with the relevant approved Design Plans, specifications and monitoring/maintenance strategies therein; (b) Surveys to identify and quantify any changes to the channel bed and permanent corridor width subjected to settlement; (c) Detail any remedial works to be undertaken including a timetable for completion of proposed works; and (d) Any recommendations on measures to be taken to ensure the physical integrity of the works.
- J9
The holder of this authority must maintain to the satisfaction of the administering authority the diversion in accordance with the conditions of this environmental authority. Where the operation of the diversion channel in the opinion of the administering authority has demonstrated that acceptable channel stability cannot be achieved the administering authority may direct the holder to take whatever approved measure and modifications are considered necessary by the administering authority for the protection and proper maintenance of the inference. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Schedule K: Biodiversity Condition Condition number
- K1
Biodiversity Offsets under the Queensland Biodiversity Offset Policy Mining activities that were approved prior to the commencement of the Environmental Offsets Act 2014 are subject to the biodiversity offset requirements for impacts to state significant biodiversity values as per the Queensland Biodiversity Offset Policy and are shown in Figure 2 - Applicable Offset Legislation.
- K2
The holder of this environmental authority must provide offsets for impacts to the state significant biodiversity values referred to in condition K1 in accordance with Queensland Biodiversity Offset Policy. The biodiversity offset must be consistent with the requirements for an offset as identified in the Biodiversity Offset Strategy (as per condition K3) and must be provided: (a) prior to impacting on state significant biodiversity values; or (b) where a land based offset is to be provided, within 12 months from the acceptance of the Biodiversity Offset Strategy submitted under condition K3; or (c) where an offset payment is to be provided, provide payment within 4 months of the acceptance of the Biodiversity Offset Strategy submitted under condition K3.
- K3
A Biodiversity Offset Strategy, and any amendments to the Biodiversity Offset Strategy, must be submitted to the administering authority at least 30 business days, or a lesser period agreed to by the administering authority, prior to impacting on the applicable state significant biodiversity values.
- K4
Environmental offsets under the Environmental Offsets Act 2014 Notwithstanding Conditions K1 and K2, mining activities that were approved after the commencement of the Environmental Offsets Act 2014, are subject to the offset requirements for any significant residual impact to prescribed environmental matters as per the Environmental Offsets Act 2014 and as shown in Figure 2 - Applicable Offset Legislation.
- K5
Significant residual impacts to prescribed environmental matters referred to in condition K4 and shown in Figure 2 -Applicable Offset Legislation are limited to those impacts specified in Table K1 - Significant residual impacts to prescribed environmental matters.
- K6
Records demonstrating that each impact to a prescribed environmental matter not listed in Table K1 - Significant residual impacts to prescribed environmental matters did not, or is not likely to, result in a significant residual impact to that matter must be kept for the life of the environmental authority.
- K7
An environmental offset made in accordance with the Environmental Offsets Act 2014 and Queensland Environmental Offsets Policy, as amended from time to time, must be undertaken for the maximum extent of actual impact to each prescribed environmental matter authorised in Table K1 - Significant residual impacts to prescribed environmental matters, unless a lesser extent of the impact has been approved in accordance with condition K6.
- K8
Staged Impacts The significant residual impacts to prescribed environmental matters specified in Table K1- Significant residual impacts to prescribed environmental matters. may be carried out in stages. An environmental offset can be delivered for each stage of the impacts to prescribed environmental matters. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- K9
A notice of election for the staged environmental offset referred to in condition K8, if applicable, must be provided to the administering authority no less than 3 months before the proposed commencement of that stage, unless a lesser timeframe has been agreed to by the administering authority. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Table K1 - Significant residual impacts to prescribed environmental matters Prescribed environmental matter Location Offset Requirement Maximum of under extent of impact impact Environmental Offsets Act 2014 (ha) Regulated vegetation Endangered regional ecosystem RE 11.3.1 Figure 2 No1 13.21 9.24 Endangered regional ecosystem RE 11.3.25/11.3.1/11.3.10 Figure 2 No1 Endangered regional ecosystem RE 11.4.8 Figure 2 No1 28.88 Endangered regional ecosystem RE 11.4.9 12.81 Endangered regional ecosystem RE 11.8.13 Figure 2 No1 3.19 Figure 2 No1 Endangered regional ecosystem RE 11.9.1 Figure 2 No1 88.00 Endangered regional ecosystem RE 11.9.5 38.23 Figure 2 No1 Of concern regional ecosystem RE 11.3.25/11.3.1/11.3.10 Figure 2 Yes 9.24 Of concern regional ecosystem RE 11.8.3 Figure 2 Yes 20.89 Of concern regional ecosystem RE 11.8.5/11.8.11 Figure 2 Yes 39.78 Of concern regional ecosystem RE 11.8.11 Figure 2 Yes 27.86 Of concern regional ecosystem RE 11.9.7 Figure 2 Yes 143.46 Regulated vegetation within a defined distance of a relevant Figure 2 Yes 0.74 watercourse RE 11.3.1 Regulated vegetation within a defined distance of a relevant Figure 2 Yes 3.11 watercourse RE 11.3.25/11.3.1/11.3.10 Regulated vegetation within a defined distance of a relevant Figure 2 Yes 1.72 watercourse RE 11.8.3 Regulated vegetation within a defined distance of a relevant Figure 2 Yes 1.25 watercourse RE 11.8.5/11.8.11 Regulated vegetation within a defined distance of a relevant Figure 2 Yes 0.54 watercourse RE 11.8.13