Data as at 14 September 2026 · from the Queensland EP Act public register
EPML00657413 · ANGLO COAL (DAWSON SOUTH) PTY LTD
Coal environmental authority EPML00657413 (ANGLO COAL (DAWSON SOUTH) PTY LTD), Granted. 148 conditions indexed. Holds PRC plan P-PRCP-101091028.
- Status
- Granted
- Holders
- ANGLO COAL (DAWSON SOUTH) PTY LTD; Mitsui Moura Investment Pty Ltd
- Tenures
- ML5657; ML80160; ML80161
- PRC plan
- P-PRCP-101091028 · effective 2026-05-06
- How it was read
- Numbered conditions
- Register
- Register record · Instrument PDF
Conditions
148 numbered conditions read from the current instrument. Page numbers link into the register PDF.
- A1
This environmental authority authorises environmental harm referred to in the conditions. Where there is no condition or this environmental authority is silent on a matter, the lack of a condition or silence does not authorise environmental harm.
- A2
Prevent and /or minimise likelihood of environmental harm In carrying out the environmentally relevant activities, the environmental authority holder must take all reasonable and practicable measures to prevent and/or to minimise the likelihood of environmental harm being caused. Any environmentally relevant activity, that, if carried out incompetently, or negligently, may cause environmental harm, in a manner that could have been prevented, shall be carried out in a proper manner in accordance with the conditions of this environmental authority.
- A3
Storage and handling of chemicals and flammable or combustible liquids All chemicals and flammable or combustible liquids must be stored and handled in accordance with the most recent version of an Australian Standard where such is applicable. Where no relevant Australian Standard exists, store such materials within an effective on-site containment system.
- A4
Authorised disturbance Disturbance is authorised as shown in Figure 1 (Authorised Disturbance Areas), including: a) Surface Disturbance within areas marked as "Approved Surface Disturbance"; and b) Open Cut Mining Disturbance within areas marked as "Authorised Open Cut Mining Disturbance"; and c) Underground Mining Disturbance within areas marked as `Approved Underground Mining Disturbance".
- A5
Any disturbance outside of the areas marked in Figure 1 (Authorised Disturbance Areas): a) is only authorised to the extent reasonably necessary for exploration and activities ancillary to the mining activity conducted under EPML00657413, including but not limited to roads, fences, underground services, telecommunications facilities, pipelines, electrical infrastructure, storage depots, laydown or shutdown pads, monitoring stations and bores, vent shafts and gas drainage, and disturbance for rehabilitation activities; and b) must not result in significant residual impact to prescribed environmental matters.
- A6
The environmental authority holder must maintain records of the assessment undertaken in accordance with condition A5(b) demonstrating that each impact to a prescribed environmental matter did not, or is not likely to, result in a significant residual impact to that matter and must be kept for the life of the environmental authority. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority
- A7
Maintenance of measures, plant and equipment The environmental authority holder must ensure: a) that all measures, plant and equipment necessary to ensure compliance with the conditions of this environmental authority are installed; b) that such measures, plant and equipment are maintained in a proper condition; c) that such measures, plant and equipment are operated in a proper manner; and d) that all instruments and devices, used for the measurement or monitoring of any parameter under any condition of this environmental authority, are properly calibrated.
- A8
Monitoring and records Except where specified otherwise in another condition of this environmental authority, all monitoring records and reports required by this environmental authority must be kept for a period of not less than five (5) years.
- A9
Monitoring and determinations required under any condition of this environmental authority must be conducted by an appropriately qualified person(s).
- A10
Upon request from the administering authority, copies of monitoring results, records, registers, management plans and reports required by the conditions of this environmental authority must be made available and provided to the administering authority within twenty (20) business days or an alternative timeframe agreed between the administering authority and the environmental authority holder.
- A11
Notification of emergencies, incidents and exceptions The environmental authority holder must notify the administering authority by written notification within twenty-four (24) hours after becoming aware of any emergency or incident that results in the release of contaminants not in accordance, or reasonably expected to be not in accordance, with the conditions of this environmental authority.
- A12
Within twenty (20) business days following the initial notification under condition A11, or the receipt of monitoring results associated with the notification made under condition A11, whichever is the latter, the environmental authority holder must provide further written advice to the administering authority, including: a) potential circumstances and actions that may have contributed to the emergency or incident; b) results and interpretation of any samples taken and analysed; c) outcomes of actions taken at the time to prevent or minimise unlawful environmental harm; and d) proposed actions to prevent a recurrence of the emergency or incident and the timeframes to complete the actions. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority
- A13
Complaints The environmental authority holder must record all environmental complaints received about the mining activities, including: a) complainant's name, address and contact number; b) time and date of complaint; c) reasons for the complaint; d) investigations undertaken; e) conclusions formed; f) actions taken to resolve the complaint, including the use of appropriate dispute resolution if required; g) any abatement measures implemented or proposed and the timeframes to implement the abatement measures; and h) person responsible for resolving the complaint.
- A14
A register of alternative arrangements must be established and maintained by the environmental authority holder. The register must include: a) the location to which the alternative arrangement applies; b) the period of the alternative arrangement; c) details about the particular environmental nuisance impact/s the arrangement is for; and d) details about the mitigation measures, where relevant.
- A15
Monitoring on request When requested by the administering authority, the environmental authority holder must investigate any nuisance, or contaminant release, or environmental harm, or complaint that is neither frivolous nor vexatious in the opinion of the authorised person, by: a) undertaking the monitoring specified by the administering authority; b) undertaking the monitoring in the timeframe nominated or agreed to by the administering authority; c) completing an analysis and interpretation of the monitoring results; and d) implementing abatement measures, where required.
- A16
The results of the investigation undertaken in accordance with condition A15 must be provided to the administering authority within twenty (20) business days of completion of the monitoring timeframe in accordance with condition A15(b), or a longer timeframe agreed to by the administering authority. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority
- A17
Standards, policies and guidelines Where a condition of this environmental authority requires compliance with a standard, policy or guideline published externally to this environmental authority, the environmental authority holder must: a) comply with the amended or changed standard, policy or guidelines within two (2) years of the amendment or change being made, unless, i. a different period is specified in the amended standard or relevant legislation, or ii. the period specified in condition G36, where the amendment or change relates specifically to existing regulated structures; and b) until compliance with the amended or changed standard, policy or guidelines is achieved, continue to remain in compliance with the corresponding provision that was current immediately prior to the relevant amendment or change.
- A18
Risk management The environmental authority holder must develop and implement a risk management system for mining activities which mirrors the content requirement of the Standard for Risk Management (ISO31000:2009), or the latest edition of an Australian standard for risk management, to the extent relevant to environmental management.
- A19
Third-party reporting The environmental authority holder must: a) by 1 September 2026 and every three (3) years thereafter, obtain from an appropriately qualified person a report on compliance with the conditions of this environmental authority; and b) provide each report to the administering authority within ninety (90) days of its completion. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority Schedule B: Air Condition Condition number
- B1
Odour nuisance The release of noxious or offensive odour or any other noxious or offensive airborne contaminant resulting from the mining activities must not cause an environmental nuisance, at any sensitive place or commercial place.
- B2
If the administering authority determines odour released from the mining activities to constitute an environmental nuisance, the environmental authority holder must immediately implement abatement measures so that emissions from the mining activities do not result in further environmental nuisance.
- B3
Air quality objective Dust and/or particulate matter resulting from the mining activities must not cause an Air Quality Exceedance at a sensitive place or commercial place. An Air Quality Exceedance occurs when monitoring in accordance with condition A15 indicates exceedance of the air quality objective stated in Table B1 (Air Quality Monitoring Requirements). NOTE: Exceedances due to events that cannot be managed by the environmental authority holder, such as bushfires, fuel reduction burning for fire management purposes or dust storms, would not be considered to be in breach of condition B3 if the environmental authority holder can demonstrate that the exceedance was caused by such events.
- B4
If an Air Quality Exceedance occurs at a sensitive place or commercial place, the environmental authority holder must: a) notify the administering authority in accordance with condition A11; and b) provide further written advice to the administering authority in accordance with condition A12, including: i. the air quality and meteorological data, collected in accordance with condition A15, relevant to the time of the exceedance; ii. if available, any air quality and meteorological data collected upwind of the mining activities; iii. measures taken to reduce dust and/or particulate matter generated by the mining activities; and iv. the contribution of the mining activities to the PM10 concentration at the sensitive or commercial place. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority
- B5
Air Emissions Management Plan An Air Emissions Management Plan must be developed by an appropriately qualified person and implemented for all stages of the mining activity. The Air Emissions Management Plan must incorporate a program for continuous improvement for the management of dust and particulate matter resulting from the mining activities with respect to, but not limited to: a) when required in accordance with condition A15, the collection of air quality and meteorological data using the monitoring methods described in Table B1 (Air Quality Monitoring Requirements); b) a system to identify adverse meteorological conditions likely to produce elevated levels of dust in exceedance of the Air Quality Objective identified in Table B1 (Air Quality Monitoring Requirements) at a sensitive place or commercial place due to the mining activities; and c) a dust and particulate matter control strategy which activates a timely implementation of management control actions.
- B6
The Air Emissions Management Plan required by condition B5 must be reviewed by 30 September each two (2) years by an appropriately qualified person and any recommendations incorporated into the Air Emissions Management Plan. Table B1 (Air Quality Monitoring Requirements) Parameter Monitoring Frequency Air Quality Objective Monitoring Method
- C1
Noise limits Noise from the mining activities must not exceed the limits in Table C1 (Noise Limits), at any sensitive place or commercial place.
- C2
Noise monitoring Noise monitoring, undertaken in accordance with condition A15, must: a) comply with the most recent version of the administering authority's Noise Measurement Regulation 2019 (Chapter 5, Part 4); and b) be undertaken using a class 1 sound level meter as classified under Australian Standard AS IEC 61672; and c) assess compliance with the conditions of this environmental authority.
- C3
If monitoring, undertaken in accordance with condition C2, indicates exceedance of the relevant limits in Table C1 (Noise Limits), the environmental authority holder must immediately implement abatement measures so that emissions from the mining activities do not result in further environmental nuisance. Table C1 (Noise Limits) Monday to Sunday (including Public Holidays( Noise Level Day Evening Night dB(A) (7am to 6pm) (6pm to 10pm) (10pm to 7am) Sensitive Place 42 42 37 LAeq, adj, 10 mins LA1, adj, 10 mins 52 52 47 Commercial Place 52 52 52 LAeq, adj, 10 mins
- C4
Vibration limits Vibration from the mining activities must not exceed the limits in Table C2 (Vibration Limits), at any sensitive place or commercial place.
- C5
Airblast overpressure limits Airblast overpressure from the mining activities must not exceed the limits specified in Table C3 (Airblast Overpressure Limits), at any sensitive place or commercial place. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority
- C6
Vibration and/or airblast overpressure monitoring Vibration and/or airblast overpressure monitoring, undertaken in accordance with condition A15, must comply with the most recent version of the administering authority's Noise Measurement Manual, and must include the following descriptors, characteristics and conditions: a) location of the blast(s) within the mining area (including which bench level); b) atmospheric conditions including temperature, relative humidity and wind speed and direction; and c) location, date and time of recording.
- C7
If monitoring, undertaken in accordance with condition C6, indicates exceedance of the relevant limits in Table C2 (Vibration Limits) or Table C3 (Airblast Overpressure Limits), the environmental authority holder must immediately implement abatement measures so that emissions from the mining activities do not result in further environmental nuisance. Location Table C2 (Vibration Limits) Sensitive place or commercial place Vibration Measured (7am to 8pm) 5 mm/s peak particle velocity for nine (9) out of ten (10) consecutive blasts and not greater than 10 mm/s peak particle velocity at any time. Table C3 (Airblast Overpressure Limits) Location Airblast Overpressure Measured (7am to 8pm) Sensitive place or commercial place 115 dB (Linear peak) for nine (9) out of ten (10) consecutive blasts and not greater than 120 dB (Linear peak) at any time. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority Schedule D: Waste Condition Condition number
- D1
Waste management A Waste Management Plan must be developed by an appropriately qualified person and implemented for all mining activities. The Waste Management Plan must include, but is not limited to: a) a description of the mining activities that may generate waste; b) the location/s (including GPS coordinates) of where all waste activities are, or have been, carried out, including: i. the type of waste disposed of, treated, or reprocessed; and ii. the volume of waste disposed of, treated, or reprocessed; c) identification of the potential risks to the environment from all waste activities carried out; d) control measures to be implemented to minimise the potential for environmental harm associated with carrying out of the waste activities, including but not limited to: i. segregation of the wastes; ii. storage of the wastes; iii. transport of the wastes; iv. disposal of waste including leachate management; and v. monitoring and reporting matters concerning the wastes; e) how the waste will be managed in accordance with the waste management hierarchy (that is, avoid, reuse, recycling, energy recovery, disposal); f) the hazardous characteristics of the wastes generated including disposal procedures for hazardous wastes; g) procedures for reprocessing waste in accordance with condition D4; h) procedures for managing accidents, spills and other incidents; i) the indicators or other criteria on which the performance of the waste management plan will be assessed; j) staff training; k) a system for regular review; and l) be updated at intervals no greater than five (5) years.
- D2
The environmental authority holder must review and update the Waste Management Plan required by condition D1 and submit to the administering authority prior to commencing a new process, or varying an existing process, for reprocessing any waste and/or at intervals of no greater than five (5) years. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority
- D3
Waste receipt The only waste permitted to be received is: a) the types of waste specified in conditions D4 to D7 (inclusive); and b) sewage and sludge for treatment in accordance with Schedule H: Sewage Treatment; and c) from an Anglo American site in Queensland.
- D4
Waste reprocessing The only waste permitted to be reprocessed is: a) spoil or overburden; b) vegetation; c) water or sediment containing hydrocarbons; d) fuels, oils, lubricants and coolants; e) bulk rubber; f) inert waste; g) poly-pipe and other plastic; h) fibreglass; i) treated and untreated timber; and j) asphalt.
- D5
Waste disposal Unless otherwise specified in conditions D6 to D7 (inclusive), waste, other than spoil or overburden or vegetation removed as part of the mining activity, must not be disposed of within the mining leases listed on this environmental authority and must be taken to a facility that is lawfully allowed to accept such waste under the provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1994.
- D6
Mineral waste disposal The following types of waste are permitted to be disposed of within the specified features for the waste type: a) rejects and sediment containing hydrocarbons: i. in spoil emplacements; and ii. in regulated structures in accordance with Schedule G: Structures of this environmental authority; and iii. in pits or voids; and iv. in dedicated rejects emplacements; and b) tailings and water or sediment containing hydrocarbons: i. in regulated structures in accordance with Schedule G: Structures of this environmental authority; and ii. in pits or voids that are not regulated structures, provided a consequence category assessment in accordance with condition G1 has been completed. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority
- D7
Non-mineral waste disposal The following types of waste are permitted to be disposed of within the mining leases listed on this environmental authority: a) bulk rubber; b) inert waste; c) poly-pipe and other plastic; d) fibreglass; e) treated and untreated timber; f) asphalt; and g) asbestos These types of waste may be disposed of: a) in pits or voids; b) in spoil emplacements; and c) left in situ below ground level. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority Schedule E: Land Condition Condition number
- E1
Land disturbed by mining must be rehabilitated in accordance with Table E1 (Rehabilitation Requirements).
- E2
Rehabilitation must commence progressively in accordance with the plan of operations.
- E3
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.
- E4
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 E1.
- E5
Preventing contaminant release to land Contaminants must not be released to land in manner that constitutes a nuisance, material harm or serious environmental harm.
- E6
Progressive Certification Certification of progressive rehabilitation was granted on 17 January 2025 for the area depicted in Figure 3 (Approved Progressive Certification Area) (total area of 81.8 ha). OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority Table E1 (Rehabilitation Requirements) Mine Mine Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Indicators Completion Criteria Domain Feature Goal Objectives Name All Domains, All Safe, stable, Bushland Native plant 15 with the self-sustaining, exception of non-polluting species richness the Final Void (total no. in RE) Non-eucalypt trees 200 (stems per ha) Tree canopy cover 30 (%) Native shrub cover 20 (%) Native perennial 20 grass cover (%) Organic litter cover 60 (%) Grazing Grass cover (%) 40 - 60 Biomass (kg/ha) 1000 Final Void Residual Safe and stable Safe for humans Geotechnically (a) Maximum NUMA extent of Pit 25 of no and livestock and erosionally greater than 76.7ha projected surface area; Non-use Voids stable and Management (b) maximum NUMA extent of Pit 28 of no Area greater than 91.7ha projected surface area; and (NUMA) (c) exposed coal seam is capped; (d) fencing; and [see also (e) warning signage posted at 50m intervals above the final voids; and Figure 2] (f) landform design in accordance with Table
- F1
Contaminant Release Contaminants that will or have the potential to cause environmental harm must not be released directly or indirectly to any waters as a result of the mining activities, except as permitted under the conditions of this environmental authority.
- F2
Unless otherwise permitted under the conditions of this environmental authority, the release of mine affected water to waters must only occur from the release points specified in Table F1 (Mine Affected Water Release Points).
- F3
The release of mine affected water to internal water management infrastructure that is installed and operated in accordance with a Water Management Plan that complies with conditions F26 to
- F27
inclusive is permitted. Table F1 (Mine Affected Water Release Points) Release Point Latitude Longitude Mine Affected Water Monitoring Monitoring Receiving (GDA2020) Source and Point Point Waters (RP) (GDA2020) Location (Water 150.0286 (Flow - end Description RP-DS03T -24.8404 Dawson South, Pit 26 Quality) of pipe) & 27 Dawson River RP-DS01T RP-DS03T
- 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) for each quality characteristic. Table F2 (Mine Affected Water Release Limits) Quality Characteristic Release Limit Monitoring Frequency Electrical Conductivity Release limits specified in Table Daily during release (the first sample must be taken within (-S/cm) F4 2 hours of commencement of release) pH (pH units) 6.5 (minimum) Weekly during release (the first sample must be taken Turbidity 9.0 (maximum) within 2 hours of commencement of release) (NTU) 560 Sulphate (SO42-) (mg/L) Release limits specified in Table F4 OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority
- F5
The release of mine affected water to waters from the release points must be monitored at the locations specified in Table F1 (Mine Affected Water Release Points) 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). 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.
- F6
If quality characteristics of the release exceed any of the trigger levels specified in Table F3 (Release Contaminant Trigger Investigation Levels) during a release event, the environmental authority holder must compare the downstream results in the receiving waters to the trigger values specified in Table F3 (Release Contaminant Trigger Investigation Levels) and: (1) where the trigger values are not exceeded then no action is to be taken; or (2) where the downstream results exceed the trigger values specified in Table F3 (Release Contaminant Trigger Investigation Levels) for any quality characteristic, compare the results of the downstream site to the data from background monitoring sites and; (a) if the result is less than the background monitoring site data, then no action is to be taken; or (b) if the result is greater than the background monitoring site data, complete an investigation into the potential for environmental harm and provide a written report to the administering authority within twenty-eight (28) days, outlining: i. details of the investigations carried out; and ii. actions taken to prevent environmental harm. NOTE: Where an exceedance of a trigger level has occurred and is being investigated, in accordance with condition F6(2)(b), no further reporting is required for subsequent trigger events for that quality characteristic.
- F7
If an exceedance in accordance with condition F6(2)(b) is identified, the environmental authority holder must notify the administering authority within twenty-four (24) hours of receiving the result. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority Table F3 (Release Contaminant Trigger Investigation Levels) Quality Characteristic Trigger Comment of Trigger Level Monitoring Level Frequency (-g/L) Aluminium 55 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline Arsenic 13 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline Cadmium 0.2 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline Chromium 1 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline Copper 2 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on LOR for ICPMS Iron 300 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on low reliability guideline Lead 4 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline Mercury 0.2 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on LOR for CV FIMS Nickel 11 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline Zinc 8 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline Boron 370 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline Commencement Cobalt 90 of release and For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on low reliability Manganese 1900 guideline thereafter Molybdenum 34 weekly during For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline release when safe to do so For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on low reliability guideline and access permits Selenium 10 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on LOR for ICPMS Silver 1 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on LOR for ICPMS Uranium 1 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on LOR for ICPMS Vanadium 10 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on LOR for ICPMS Ammonia 900 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline Nitrate 1100 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on ambient Qld WQ
- F8
Mine Affected Water Release Events The environmental authority holder must ensure a stream flow gauging station(s) is installed, operated and maintained to determine and record stream flows at the locations and flow recording frequency specified in Table F4 (Mine Affected Water Release During Flow Events).
- F9
Notwithstanding any other condition of this environmental authority, the release of mine affected water to waters in accordance with condition F2 must only take place during periods of natural flow events 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).
- F10
The daily quantity of mine affected water released from each release point must be measured and recorded at the monitoring points in Table F1 (Mine Affected Water Release Points).
- F11
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. Table F4 (Mine Affected Water Release During Flow Events) Receiving Release Point Gauging Gauging Gauging Receiving Receiving Release Limits waters (RP) Station Station Station Water Flow Water Flow Latitude Longitude Criteria for Recording Electrical (GDA2020) (GDA2020) discharge Frequency Conductivity -24.8404 149.8086 (m3/s) (-/cm) and Sulphate (SO42- mg/L) Dawson River RP-DS01T Bindaree 5.4 Continuous EC<5000 (minimum daily) Sulphate<9000
- F12
Notification of release event The environmental authority holder must notify the administering authority via WaTERS as soon as practicable and no later than twenty-four (24) hours after commencing to release mine affected water to the receiving environment. The release commencement notification must include the submission of written advice to the administering authority of the following information: a) release commencement date and time; b) expected release cessation date and time; c) release point(s); d) release rate; e) receiving water(s) including the natural flow rate; and f) any details (including available data) regarding likely impacts on the receiving water(s). OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority
- F13
The environmental authority holder must notify the administering authority via WaTERS as soon as practicable and no later than twenty-four (24) hours after cessation of a release event notified under condition F12. The release cessation notification must include the submission of written advice to the administering authority of the following information: a) release cessation date and time; b) receiving water(s) including the natural flow rate; c) volume of water released; and d) all in situ water quality monitoring results. NOTE: Successive or intermittent releases occurring within twenty-four (24) hours of the cessation of any individual release can be considered part of a single release event and do not require individual notification for the purpose of compliance with conditions F12 and F13 and F14 and F15 and F16, provided the relevant details of the release are included within the notification provided in accordance with conditions F12 and F13 and F14 and F15 and F16.
- F14
Within twenty-eight (28) days of notification under condition F13, the environmental authority holder must provide the administrating authority via WaTERS the following information in writing: a) all laboratory results from water quality monitoring; b) 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); and c) any other matter(s) pertinent to the water release event.
- F15
Notification of release event exceedance If the release limits defined in Table F2 (Mine Affected Water Release Limits) are exceeded, the environmental authority holder must notify the administering authority within twenty-four (24) hours of receiving the results.
- F16
The environmental authority holder must, within twenty-eight (28) days of the notification provided in accordance with condition F15, 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; f) any general observations; g) all calculations; and h) any other matters pertinent to the water release event.
- F17
Receiving Environment Monitoring and Contaminant Trigger Levels The quality of the receiving waters must be monitored at the locations specified in Table F6 (Receiving Water Upstream Background and Downstream Monitoring Points) for each quality characteristic and at the monitoring frequency stated in Table F5 (Receiving Waters Contaminant Trigger Levels) and Table F3 (Release Contaminant Trigger Investigation Levels). OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority
- F18
If quality characteristic(s) of the receiving water at the downstream monitoring points exceed any of the trigger levels specified in Table F5 (Receiving Waters Contaminant Trigger Levels) during a release event the environmental authority holder must compare the downstream results to the upstream results in the receiving waters and: (1) where the downstream result is the same or a lower value than the upstream value for the quality characteristic then no action is to be taken; or (2) where the downstream results exceed the upstream results, complete an investigation into the potential for environmental harm and provide a written report to the administering authority within twenty-eight (28) days, outlining: (a) details of the investigations carried out; and (b) actions taken to prevent environmental harm. NOTE: Where an exceedance of a trigger level has occurred and is being investigated in accordance with F18(2) of this condition, no further reporting is required for subsequent trigger events for that quality characteristic. Table F5 (Receiving Waters Contaminant Trigger Levels) Quality Characteristic Trigger Level Monitoring Frequency Daily during the release pH 6.5 to 9.0 Weekly during the release (pH units) Electrical Conductivity 1,000 (80th percentile of data) (-S/cm) Suspended Solids 560 (mg/L) Sulphate (SO42-) 250 (mg/L) Grab samples shall be taken only when safe to do so and in day light hours. Table F6 (Receiving Waters Upstream Background and Downstream Monitoring Points) Monitoring Point Receiving Waters Location Description Latitude Longitude (MP) (GDA2020) (GDA2020) Upstream Background Monitoring Points a -24.9490 150.0736 AQ-DS01R Theodore Dawson River 1.4 kilometres upstream of confluence with -24.3034 149.8086 release water channel Downstream Monitoring Points AQ-DN07T Dawson River main channel 4.5 kilometres downstream of the Bindaree confluence with release water channel. OFFICIAL
- F19
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 Dawson River. 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.
- F20
The REMP must: a) assess the condition or state of receiving waters, including upstream conditions, spatially within the REMP area, considering background water quality characteristics based on accurate and reliable monitoring data that takes into consideration temporal variation (e.g. seasonality); b) be designed to facilitate assessment against water quality objectives for the relevant environmental values that need to be protected; c) include monitoring from background reference sites (e.g. upstream or background) and downstream sites from the release (as a minimum, the locations specified in Table F6 (Receiving Water Upstream Background and Downstream Monitoring Points)); d) specify the frequency and timing of sampling required in order to reliably assess ambient conditions and to provide sufficient data to derive site specific background reference values in accordance with the Queensland Water Quality Guidelines 2009. This should include monitoring during periods of natural flow irrespective of mine or other discharges; e) include monitoring and assessment of dissolved oxygen saturation, temperature and all water quality parameters listed in Table F2 (Mine Affected Water Release Limits) and Table F3 (Release Contaminant Trigger Investigation Levels)); f) include, where appropriate, monitoring of metals/metalloids in sediments (in accordance with ANZECC & ARMCANZ 2000, BATLEY and/or the most recent version of AS 5667.1 Guidance on Sampling of Bottom Sediments); g) include, where appropriate, monitoring of macroinvertebrates in accordance with the AusRivas methodology, h) apply procedures and/or guidelines from ANZECC & ARMCANZ 2000 and other relevant guideline documents; i) describe sampling and analysis methods and quality assurance and control; and j) incorporate stream flow and hydrological information in the interpretations of water quality and biological data.
- F21
A report outlining the findings of the REMP, including all monitoring results and interpretations in accordance with conditions F19 and F20 must be prepared annually. This report must include the following: a) an assessment of background reference water quality; b) the condition of downstream water quality compared against water quality objectives; and c) the suitability of current discharge limits to protect downstream environmental values. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority
- F22
Water reuse Mine affected water may be piped or trucked or transferred by some other means that does not contravene the conditions of this environmental authority and deposited into artificial water storage structures, such as farm dams or tanks, or used directly at properties owned by the environmental authority holder or a third party (with the written consent of the third party with agreed water quality limits).
- F23
Water general All determinations of water quality and biological monitoring must be: a) performed by a person or body possessing appropriate experience and qualifications to perform the required measurements; b) made in accordance with methods prescribed in the latest edition of the administering authority's Monitoring and Sampling Manual; c) collected from the monitoring locations identified within this environmental authority, within ten hours of each other where possible; d) carried out on representative samples; and e) analysed at a laboratory accredited (e.g. NATA) for the method of analysis being used. Note: Condition F24 requires the Monitoring and Sampling Manual to be followed and where it is not followed because of exceptional circumstances this should be explained and reported with the results.
- F24
The release of any contaminants as permitted by this environmental authority, directly or indirectly to waters, other than internal water management infrastructure that is installed and operated in accordance with a Water Management Plan that complies with conditions F26 to F27 inclusive: a) must not produce any visible discolouration of receiving waters; and b) must not produce any slick or other visible or odorous evidence of oil, grease or petrochemicals nor contain visible floating oil, grease, scum, litter or other objectionable matter.
- F25
Annual water monitoring reporting The following information must be recorded in relation to all water monitoring required under the conditions of this environmental authority and submitted to the administering authority in the specified format with each annual return: a) the date on which the sample was taken; b) the time at which the sample was taken; c) the monitoring point at which the sample was taken; d) the measured or estimated daily quantity of mine affected water released from all release points; e) the release flow rate at the time of sampling for each release point; f) the results of all monitoring and details of any exceedances of the conditions of this environmental authority; and g) water quality monitoring data must be provided to the administering authority in the specified electronic format upon request. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority
- F26
Water Management Plan A Water Management Plan must be developed by an appropriately qualified person(s) and implemented for all mining activities. The Water Management Plan must address, as a minimum, the following: a) provide for effective management of actual and potential environmental impacts resulting from water management associated with the mining activity carried out under this environmental authority; and b) be developed in accordance with administering authority's guideline Preparation of water i. a study of the source of contaminants; ii. a water balance model for the site; iii. a water management system for the site; iv. measures to manage and prevent saline drainage; v. measures to manage and prevent acid rock drainage; vi. contingency procedures for emergencies; and vii. a program for monitoring and review of the effectiveness of the Water Management Plan.
- F27
The Water Management Plan must be reviewed each calendar year by an appropriately qualified person(s).
- F28
Temporary interference with waterways Destroying native vegetation, excavating, or placing fill in a watercourse, lake or spring necessary for and associated with mining operations must be undertaken in accordance with the latest version of the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water's (or its successor's) Guideline - `Riverine protection permit exemption requirements' (WSS/2013/726).
- F29
Saline drainage The environmental authority holder must ensure proper and effective measures are taken to avoid or otherwise minimise the generation and/or release of saline drainage.
- F30
Acid rock drainage The environmental authority holder must ensure proper and effective measures are taken to avoid or otherwise minimise the generation and/or release of acid rock drainage.
- F31
Stormwater and water sediment controls An Erosion and Sediment Control Plan must be developed by an appropriately qualified person and implemented for all stages of the mining activities on the site to minimise erosion and the release of sediment to receiving waters and contamination of stormwater. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority
- F32
Stormwater, other than mine affected water, is permitted to be released to waters from:
- G1
Assessment of consequence category The consequence category of any structure must be assessed by a suitably qualified and experienced person, in accordance with the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and a) prior to the design and construction of the structure, if it is not an existing structure; or b) prior to any change in its purpose or the nature of its stored contents.
- G2
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.
- G3
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
- G4
Design and construction of a regulated structure Conditions G5 to G9 inclusive do not apply to existing structures. NOTE: Construction of a dam includes modification of an existing dam - see definitions.
- G5
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 NOTE: Certification of design and construction may be undertaken by different persons.
- G6
Construction of a regulated structure is prohibited unless the environmental authority holder has submitted to the administering authority: a) a consequence category assessment report, design and design plan that has been certified by a suitably qualified and experienced person; and b) operational plans for the structure.
- G7
Certification must be provided by the suitably qualified and experienced person who oversees the preparation of the design plan in the form set out in the Manual for Assessing Consequence the Register of Regulated Structures. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority
- G8
Regulated structures must: a) be designed and constructed in accordance with and conform to the requirements of the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Structures b) be designed and constructed with due consideration given to ensuring that the design integrity would not be compromised on account of: i. floodwaters from entering the regulated dam from any watercourse or drainage line; and ii. wall failure due to erosion by floodwaters arising from any watercourse or drainage line. c) for regulated dams associated with a failure to contain - seepage, 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.
- G9
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.
- G10
Operation of a regulated structure Operation of a regulated structure, except for an existing structure, is prohibited unless the environmental authority holder has submitted to the administering authority: a) one paper copy and one electronic copy of the design plan and certification of the `design plan' in accordance with condition G6; b) a set of `as constructed' drawings and specifications; c) certification of those `as constructed drawings and specifications' in accordance with condition G9; d) where the regulated structure is to be managed as part of an integrated containment system for the purpose of sharing the DSA volume across the system, a copy of the certified system design plan; e) the requirements of this environmental authority relating to the construction of the regulated structure have been met; f) the environmental authority holder has entered the details, required under this environmental authority, into the Register of Regulated Structures; and g) there is a current operational plan for the regulated structures.
- G11
For existing structures that are regulated structures: a) where the existing structure that is a regulated structure is to be managed as part of an integrated containment system for the purpose of sharing the DSA volume across the system, the environmental authority holder must submit to the administering authority within twelve (12) months of the commencement of this condition a copy of the certified system design plan including that structure; and b) there must be a current operational plan for the existing structures. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority
- G12
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.
- G13
Mandatory Reporting Level Conditions G14 to G17 inclusive only apply to regulated structures which have not been certified as low consequence category for `failure to contain - overtopping'.
- G14
The Mandatory Reporting Level (MRL) must be marked on a regulated dam in such a way that, during routine inspections of that dam, it is clearly observable.
- G15
The environmental authority holder must, as soon as practical and within forty-eight (48) hours of becoming aware, notify the administering authority when the level of the contents of a regulated dam reaches the MRL.
- G16
The environmental authority 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.
- G17
The environmental authority holder must record any changes to the MRL in the Register of Regulated Structures.
- G18
Design Storage Allowance The environmental authority 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.
- G19
By 1 November of each year, storage capacity must be available in each regulated dam (or network of linked containment systems with a shared DSA volume), to meet the Design Storage Allowance (DSA) volume for the dam (or network of linked containment systems).
- G20
The environmental authority holder must notify the administering authority as soon as possible and within forty-eight (48) hours of becoming aware that the regulated dam (or network of linked containment systems) will not have the available storage to meet the DSA volume on 1 November of any year.
- G21
The environmental authority 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.
- G22
Annual inspection report Each regulated structure must be inspected each calendar year by a suitably qualified and experienced person. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority
- G23
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.
- G24
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
- G25
The environmental authority holder must: a) within twenty (20) business days of receipt of the annual inspection report, provide to the administering authority: i. the recommendations section of the annual inspection report; and ii. if applicable, any actions being taken in response to those recommendations; and b) if, following receipt of the recommendations and (if applicable) actions, the administering authority requests a full copy of the annual inspection report from the environmental authority holder, provide this to the administering authority within ten (10) business days of receipt of the request.
- G26
Transfer arrangements The environmental authority holder must provide a copy of any reports, documentation and certifications prepared under this environmental 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.
- G27
Decommissioning and rehabilitation Dams must not be abandoned but be either: a) decommissioned and rehabilitated to achieve compliance with condition G28; or b) be left in-situ for a beneficial use(s) provided that: i. it no longer contains contaminants that will migrate into the environment; and ii. it contains water of a quality that is demonstrated to be suitable for its intended beneficial use(s); and iii. the administering authority, the environmental authority holder and the landholder agree in writing that the dam will be used by the landholder following the cessation of the environmentally relevant activity(ies). OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority
- G28
After decommissioning, all significantly disturbed land caused by the carrying out of the environmentally relevant activity(ies) must be rehabilitated to meet the following final acceptance criteria: a) the landform is safe for humans and fauna; b) the landform is stable with no subsidence or erosion gullies for at least three (3) years; c) any contaminated land (e.g. contaminated soils) is remediated and rehabilitated d) not allowing for acid mine drainage; or e) there is no ongoing contamination to waters (including groundwater); f) rehabilitation is undertaken in a manner such that any actual or potential acid sulphate soils on the area of significant disturbance are treated to prevent or minimise environmental harm in accordance with the Instructions for the treatment and management of acid sulfate soils (2001); g) all significantly disturbed land is reinstated to the pre-disturbed soil suitability class; h) for land that is not being cultivated by the landholder: i. groundcover, that is not a declared pest species is established and self-sustaining ii. vegetation of similar species richness and species diversity to pre-selected analogue sites is established and self-sustaining, and iii. the maintenance requirements for rehabilitated land is no greater than that required for the land prior to its disturbance caused by carrying out the mining activity(ies). i) for land that is to be cultivated by the landholder, cover crop is revegetated, unless the landholder will be preparing the site for cropping within 3 months of mining activities being completed.
- G29
Register of Regulated Structures A Register of Regulated Structures must be established and maintained by the environmental authority holder for each regulated structure.
- G30
The environmental authority holder must provisionally enter the required information in the Register of Regulated Structures when a design plan for a regulated structure is submitted to the administering authority.
- G31
The environmental authority holder must make a final entry of the required information in the Register of Regulated Structures once compliance with condition G10 and G11 has been achieved.
- G32
The environmental authority holder must ensure that the information contained in the Register of Regulated Structures is current and complete on any given day.
- G33
All entries in the Register of Regulated Structures must be approved by the chief executive officer for the environmental authority holder, or their delegate, as being accurate and correct.
- G34
The environmental authority 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. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority
- G35
Notification of affected persons All affected persons must be provided with a copy of the emergency action plan in place: a) for any new regulated structure constructed after 1 April 2025, prior to the operation of the new regulated structure; and a) for any existing structures that are regulated structures, if the emergency action plan is amended, within five (5) business days of it being amended.
- G36
Transitional arrangements All existing structures that have not been assessed in accordance with the `Manual for Assessing former Manual for Assessing Hazard Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Dams, must be assessed and certified in accordance with the `Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories of the environmental authority adopting this schedule.
- G37
All existing structures must subsequently comply with the timetable for any further assessments in accordance with the Manual specified in Table G1 (Transitional Requirements for Existing Structures), depending on the consequence category for each existing structure assessed in the most recent previous certification for that structure.
- G38
Table G1 (Transitional Requirements for Existing Structures) ceases to apply for a structure once any of the following events has occurred: b) it has been brought into compliance with the hydraulic performance criteria applicable to the structure under the `Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic c) it has been decommissioned; or d) it has been certified as no longer being assessed as a regulated structure.
- G39
Certification of the transitional assessment required by G36 and G37 (as applicable) must be provided to the administering authority within six (6) months of amendment of the environmental authority adopting this schedule. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority Table G1 (Transitional Requirements for Existing Structures) Transition period required for existing structures to achieve the requirements of the Manual for Assessing Compliance with Criteria High Significant Low >90% and a history of good No transition required No transition required No transitional conditions compliance performance in apply. Review consequence assessment every 7 years. last 5 years >70% to 90% Within 7 years, unless Within 10 years, unless No transitional conditions otherwise agreed with the otherwise agreed with the apply. Review consequence assessment every 7 years. administering authority, administering authority, based on no history of based on no history of unauthorised releases. unauthorised releases. 50 to 70% Within 5 years unless Within 7 years unless Review consequence otherwise agreed with the otherwise agreed with the assessment every 7 years. administering authority, administering authority, based on no history of based on no history of unauthorised releases. unauthorised releases. 50% Within 5 years or as per Within 5 years or as per Review consequence compliance requirements compliance requirements assessment every 5 years. (e.g. TEP timing) (e.g. TEP timing) OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority Schedule H: Sewage Treatment Condition Condition number
- H1
Treated sewage effluent The cumulative total daily peak design capacity of the sewage treatment plant/s must not exceed 1500 equivalent persons (EP). Small package plants and/or septic systems, each with a daily peak design capacity less than 21EP, are not included in the cumulative total daily peak design capacity.
- H2
Treated sewage effluent must not be directly released from the sewage treatment plant/s to any waters. Note: `waters' does not include structures associated with the mine affected water management system.
- H3
Treated sewage effluent may be: a) released to the mine affected water management system for mixing with other mine affected water; b) released to land via a sub-surface infiltration trench; c) irrigated; d) sprayed for dust suppression or firefighting or evaporation; or e) removed as waste.
- H4
Treated sewage effluent that is released in accordance with condition H3(a) and has mixed with other mine affected water must be managed as mine affected water in accordance with the conditions of this environmental authority.
- H5
Treated sewage effluent that is released in accordance with condition H3(b) or H3(c) must: a) not damage vegetation; b) not result in surface ponding of effluent; c) not result in run-off of treated sewage effluent to waters; and d) for any sewage treatment plant that has a daily peak design capacity of greater than 21EP, must not occur until a Figure showing the location of the sub-surface infiltration trench or irrigation area is provided to the administering authority.
- H6
Treated sewage effluent released in accordance with condition H3(a) or H3(b) or H3(c) or H3(d) from any sewage treatment plant that has a daily peak design capacity of greater than 21EP must be monitored: a) from the sewage treatment plant/s; b) for the quality characteristics specified in Table H1 (Treated Sewage Effluent Monitoring Requirements); and c) at the frequency specified in Table H1 (Treated Sewage Effluent Monitoring Requirements). OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority Table H1 (Treated Sewage Effluent Monitoring Requirements) Quality Characteristic Units Monitoring Frequency 5-day Biochemical Oxygen Demand (uninhibited) mg/L pH pH units Monthly Colonies per 100mL Monthly Thermotolerant coliforms Monthly Total nitrogen mg/L Monthly mg/L Monthly Total phosphorous
- H7
If treated sewage effluent is being released in accordance with condition H3(b) and/or H3(c): a) the results of monitoring in accordance with condition H6 must not exceed the release limits specified in Table H2 (Treated Sewage Effluent Contaminant Release Limits); and b) the release must not cause spray drift or over spray to any sensitive place or commercial place; and c) the daily volume of treated effluent irrigated must be measured and records kept.
- H8
If the release limits specified in Table H2 (Treated Sewage Effluent Contaminant Release Limits) are exceeded in accordance with condition H7(a), the environmental authority holder must notify the administering authority in accordance with conditions A11 and A12. Table H2 (Treated Sewage Effluent Contaminant Release Limits) Quality Characteristic Release Limit Units Limit Type 50 mg/L Maximum 5-day Biochemical Oxygen Demand (uninhibited) pH units pH 6.0 to 9.0 Colonies per 100mL Range 1000 mg/L Maximum Thermotolerant coliforms, based on the average of a 40 mg/L Maximum minimum number of five samples collected 15 Maximum Total nitrogen Total phosphorus OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority Schedule I: Groundwater Condition Condition number
- I1
Contaminants from the activity must not be released to groundwater.
- I2
Bore Construction, Maintenance and Decommissioning The construction, maintenance, operation and decommissioning of each groundwater monitoring bore 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; and c) maintains the hydrogeological environment within the hydrogeological unit.
- I3
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; and d) depth at which groundwater was intercepted and the final standing water level (SWL) after bore development.
- I4
The environmental authority holder must install, commission and maintain groundwater monitoring bores at the locations specified in Table I1 (Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency).
- I5
Groundwater monitoring Groundwater must be monitored: a) at the location and frequencies defined in Table I1 (Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency); and b) for the quality characteristics specified in in Table I2 (Groundwater quality triggers); and c) for the standing water levels (SWLs) stated in Table I3 (Groundwater standing water level trigger threshold).
- I6
Monitoring and sampling must be carried out in accordance with the requirements of the latest version of the following documents unless otherwise approved by the administering authority: a) `Monitoring and Sampling Manual: Environmental Protection (Water) Policy', Department of Environment and Science, 2018; b) `Groundwater Sampling and Analysis - A Field Guide' (2009:27 GeoCat#6890.1); and c) Australian Standard AS/NZS 5667.11:1998 Water quality - Sampling - Part 11: Guidance on sampling of groundwaters.
- I7
The monitoring data collected in accordance with condition I5 must be submitted to the administering authority, via WaTERS, annually on 1 April for the previous calendar year. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority
- I8
Groundwater quality trigger exceedance Monitoring results from groundwater bores identified in Table I1 (Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency) must not exceed any of the trigger levels stated in Table I2 (Groundwater quality triggers) on three (3) consecutive monitoring occasions.
- I9
If monitoring undertaken in accordance with condition I5 demonstrates exceedance of groundwater quality triggers in Table I2 (Groundwater quality triggers) on three (3) consecutive monitoring occasions, the environmental authority holder must: a) notify the administering authority, via WaTERS, within twenty-four (24) hours of receiving the results; b) provide a report to the administering authority, via WaTERS, within twenty (20) business days of the notification made in accordance with condition I9(a), that determines if mining activities are a potential cause or contributor to the exceedance; and c) if the report determines that mining activities are a potential cause or contributor to the exceedance, provide an investigation report to the administering authority, via WaTERS, within twenty (20) business days of the report provided in accordance with condition I9(b), that includes: i. determination of whether environmental harm has occurred; and ii. any action required to mitigate the environmental harm.
- I10
Standing water level trigger exceedance Monitoring results from groundwater bores identified in Table I1 (Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency) must not exceed any of SWL trigger levels stated in Table I3 (Groundwater standing water level trigger threshold).
- I11
If monitoring undertaken in accordance with condition I5 demonstrates exceedance of the thresholds in Table I3 (Groundwater standing water level trigger threshold), the environmental authority holder must; a) notify the administering authority, via WaTERS within twenty-four (24) hours of receiving the results; b) provide a report to the administering authority, via WaTERS, within twenty (20) business days of the notification made in accordance with condition I11(a), that determines if mining activities are a potential cause or contributor to the exceedance; and c) if the report determines that mining activities are a potential cause or contributor to the exceedance, provide an investigation report to the administering authority, via WaTERS, within twenty (20) business days of the report provided in accordance with condition I11(b), that includes: i. determination of any impacts to environmental values and/or water users as a result of the exceedance; and ii. any action required to mitigate the impacts.
- I12
Groundwater Monitoring and Management Program The environmental authority holder must develop and implement a Groundwater Monitoring and Management Program (GMMP) for all mining activities. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority
- I13
The GMMP required by condition I12 must: a) provide a hydrogeological numerical groundwater model in accordance with the most recent version of the `Australian Groundwater Modelling Guidelines' (2012); and b) include all hydrogeological units potentially impacted by the activities authorised under this environmental authority; and c) detail groundwater levels in all identified hydrogeological units present across and adjacent to the site to confirm existing groundwater flow paths; and d) identify all potential sources of contamination to groundwater from the activities; and e) identify all environmental values that may be impacted; and f) describe the groundwater monitoring and data analysis that will be undertaken to achieve the following objectives: i. detect impacts to groundwater quality and standing water level (SWL) due to the activities authorised under this environmental authority; and ii. determine trends in groundwater quality and SWL; 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.
- I14
A review report for the GMMP required by condition I12 must be prepared by 30 April 2028 and every two (2) subsequent years thereafter, and include: a) an analysis, including an assessment of trends, of the all the groundwater quality and SWL monitoring data for all groundwater bores listed within Table I1 (Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency); b) an assessment of the adequacy of the conceptual groundwater model to accurately determine contaminant transport and changes to SWL; c) an assessment of any impacts on groundwater quality and SWL due to the mining activities; d) an assessment of any interactions with, or impacts to, surface water resulting from changes to groundwater quality and SWL due to the mining activities; e) recommendations, if any, for the environmental authority holder to complete to address any inadequacy or impacts identified by (a) through (d) of this condition.
- I15
Groundwater Model The groundwater model required by condition I13(a) must be reviewed and updated by an appropriately qualified person by 30 April 2030 and every four (4) years thereafter. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority
- I16
The groundwater model review in condition I15 must: a) include all hydrogeological units potentially impacted by the activities authorised under this environmental authority; b) be undertaken in accordance with the most recent version of the `Australian Groundwater Modelling Guidelines' (2012); c) be validated and recalibrated with all recent monitoring data; d) be documented in a report that includes: i. changes to predicted end of mine life and post mining standing water level (SWL) in all major hydrogeological units; ii. changes to the model predictions of impacts to environmental values; iii. where residual voids are proposed, the changes to predicted post mining void water levels and water quality; and iv. recommended amendments to environmental authority conditions.
- I17
Within twenty (20) business days of preparing the review report under condition I14 and/or I6(d), the environmental authority holder must provide to the administering authority: a) the review report/s; b) if applicable, any actions being taken by the environmental authority holder to address the recommendations of the review report; and c) if action is not being taken to address a recommendation, the environmental authority holder must provide justification for not taking action.
- I18
Upon submission of the report required by condition I17, all comments given by the administering authority must be considered for incorporation into the GMMP required by condition I13. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority
- I19
Transitional arrangements Unless an alternate timeframe is agreed to by the administering authority, the environmental authority holder must: a) for groundwater monitoring bores identified as "existing bores" in Table I1 (Groundwater Monitoring Locations and Frequency): i. by 30 April 2025, commence monitoring in accordance with condition I5; and ii. by 30 April 2026; submit a report to the administrating authority. The report must propose interim groundwater trigger values to populate Table I2 (Groundwater quality triggers), based on a minimum of eight (8) sampling events per bore; and iii. by 30 April 2026, submit a report to the administering authority. The report must propose groundwater standing water level trigger thresholds, derived from the results of the groundwater model required by condition I13(a), to populate Table I3 (Groundwater standing water level trigger thresholds); iv. by 30 April 2027; submit a report to the administrating authority. The report must review the interim groundwater trigger values and propose revised groundwater trigger values to populate Table I2 (Groundwater quality triggers) based on a minimum of eighteen (18) sampling events per bore; and b) for groundwater monitoring bores identified as "new bores" in Table I1 (Groundwater Monitoring Locations and Frequency): i. by 31 May 2025, provide planned location coordinates of new bores to administering authority; and ii. by 30 June 2026, install and commission groundwater monitoring bores in accordance with condition I4 and provide bore reports to the administering authority in accordance with condition I3; and iii. by 31 July 2026, commence monitoring in accordance with condition I5; and iv. by 31 July 2027, submit a report to the administering authority. The report must propose interim groundwater trigger values to populate Table I2 (Groundwater quality triggers), based on a minimum of eight (8) sampling events per bore; and v. by 31 July 2027, submit a report to the administering authority. The report must propose groundwater standing water level trigger thresholds, derived from the results of the groundwater model required by condition I13(a), to populate Table I3 (Groundwater standing water level trigger thresholds); vi. by 31 July 2028; submit a report to the administrating authority. The report must review the interim groundwater trigger values and propose revised groundwater trigger values to populate Table I2 (Groundwater quality triggers) based on a minimum of eighteen (18) sampling events per bore; and c) by 30 April 2026, develop and implement the Groundwater Monitoring and Management Program in accordance with condition I12. Note: The reports required by condition I19(a)(ii), I19(a)(iv), I19(b)(iv) and I19(b)(vi) must consider the requirements of the administering authority's, or its successor's, most recent edition of the Guideline: "Using monitoring data to assess groundwater quality and potential environmental impacts" (DES, 2021). OFFICIAL Permit
- P25
_MB02S OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority Table I2 (Groundwater Level and Contaminant Limits) Parameter* Units Hydrogeological Unit - Trigger Levels Physico-chemical parameters/sulfate TBD TBD TBD pH Electrical Conductivity (EC) pH Units TBD Sulfate S/cm TBD Total Dissolved Solids mg/L TBD Major Ions mg/L TBD Calcium Magnesium mg/L TBD Sodium mg/L TBD Potassium mg/L TBD Chloride mg/L TBD Sulfate mg/L TBD Carbonate mg/L TBD Bicarbonate mg/L TBD Phosphate mg/L TBD Nitrate mg/L TBD Ammonium mg/L TBD Fluoride mg/L TBD Metals/metalloids (Dissolved) mg/L TBD Iron Aluminium mg/L TBD Silver mg/L TBD Arsenic mg/L TBD Mercury mg/L TBD mg/L TBD OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority Antimony mg/L TBD Cobalt mg/L TBD Nickel mg/L TBD Zinc mg/L TBD Cadmium mg/L TBD Chromium mg/L TBD Copper mg/L TBD Lead mg/L TBD Boron mg/L TBD Manganese mg/L TBD Molybdenum mg/L TBD Selenium mg/L TBD Vanadium mg/L TBD Uranium mg/L TBD Petroleum Hydrocarbons (C6-C9) mg/L TBD
- P25
_MB02D Tertiary Sediments TBD TBD
- P25
_MB02S Alluvium TBD TBD TBD OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority Definitions Key terms and/or phrases used in this document are defined in this section. Where a term is not defined, the definition in the Environmental Protection Act 1994, its regulations or environmental protection policies must be used. If a word remains undefined it has its ordinary meaning. Acceptance criteria means the measures by which the actions implemented to rehabilitate the land are deemed to be complete. The acceptance criteria indicate the success of the rehabilitation outcome or remediation of areas which have been significantly disturbed by the mining activities. Acceptance criteria may include information regarding: a) vegetation establishment, survival and succession; b) vegetation productivity, sustained growth and structure development; c) fauna colonisation and habitat development; d) ecosystem processes such as soil development and nutrient cycling, and the recolonisation of specific fauna groups such as collembola, mites and termites which are involved in these processes; e) microbiological studies including recolonisation by mycorrhizal fungi, microbial biomass and respiration; f) effects of various establishment treatments such as deep ripping, topsoil handling, seeding and fertiliser application on vegetation growth and development; g) resilience of vegetation to disease, insect attack, drought and fire; and h) vegetation water use and effects on ground water levels and catchment yields. Acid rock drainage means any contaminated discharge emanating from a mining activity formed through a series of chemical and biological reactions, when geological strata is disturbed and exposed to oxygen and moisture as a result of mining activity. Administering authority is the agency or department that administers the environmental authority provisions under the Environmental Protection Act 1994. Airblast overpressure means energy transmitted from the blast site within the atmosphere in the form of pressure waves. The maximum excess pressure in this wave, above ambient pressure is the peak airblast overpressure measured in decibels linear (dBL). Alternative arrangement in relation to a sensitive place or a commercial place, means: a) A written agreement: i. between the environmental authority holder and a third party; ii. that identifies a particular type(s) of environmental nuisance; iii. about the way in which the particular environmental nuisance impact(s) will be dealt with; iv. at a particular location; and v. for a defined period of time. b) An alternative arrangement must make clear to the third party that by entering into the agreement that: i. their place will be excluded as a sensitive place or commercial place; and ii. the consequences of exclusion as a sensitive place or commercial place. Note: An alternative arrangement may include, but is not limited to, details of the nuisance abatement measures to be implemented, provision of alternative accommodation, or agreement between the parties that the location will not be considered a sensitive place or commercial place for the purposes of the Environmental Authority, for the duration of the alternative arrangement. The written agreement may be in any form, with some examples being a lease, or an agistment, or a conduct and compensation agreement under the Mineral Resources Act 1989.