Data as at 14 September 2026 · from the Queensland EP Act public register
EPML00717813 · WHITEHAVEN BLACKWATER PTY LTD
Coal environmental authority EPML00717813 (WHITEHAVEN BLACKWATER PTY LTD), Granted. 191 conditions indexed. Holds PRC plan P-PRCP-100758455.
- Status
- Granted
- Holders
- WHITEHAVEN BLACKWATER PTY LTD; JFE STEEL AUSTRALIA (BW) PTY LTD; NS BLACKWATER PTY LIMITED
- Tenures
- ML1759; ML1760; ML1761; ML1762; ML1767; ML1771; ML1772; ML1773; ML1792; ML1800; ML1812; ML1829; ML1860; ML1862; ML1907; ML70091; ML70103; ML70104; ML70139; ML70167; ML70329
- PRC plan
- P-PRCP-100758455 · effective 2026-05-22
- How it was read
- Numbered conditions
- Register
- Register record · Instrument PDF
Conditions
191 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
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.
- A4
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.
- A5
Monitoring and determinations required under any condition of this environmental authority must be conducted by an appropriately qualified person(s).
- A6
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 ten (10) business days or an alternative timeframe agreed between the administering authority and the environmental authority holder. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00717813 Blackwater Mine
- A7
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.
- A8
Within ten (10) business days following the initial notification under condition A7, or the receipt of monitoring results associated with the notification made under condition A7, whichever is the latter, the environmental authority holder must provide further written advice to the administering authority, including the following: (a) results and interpretation of any samples taken and analysed; (b) outcomes of actions taken at the time to prevent or minimise unlawful environmental harm; and (c) proposed actions to prevent a recurrence of the emergency or incident.
- A9
Complaints The environmental authority holder must record all environmental complaints received about the mining activities, including: (a) name, address and contact number for of the complainant; (b) time and date of complaint; (c) reasons for the complaint; (d) investigations undertaken; (e) conclusions formed; (f) actions taken to resolve the complaint, including the use of appropriate dispute resolution if required; (g) any abatement measures implemented; and (h) person responsible for resolving the complaint.
- A10
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 or impacts the arrangement is for; and (d) details about the mitigation measures, where relevant. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00717813 Blackwater Mine
- A11
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.
- A12
The results of the investigation undertaken in accordance with condition A11 must be provided to the administering authority within twenty (20) business days of completion of the monitoring timeframe in accordance with condition A11(b), or a longer timeframe agreed to by the administering authority. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00717813 Blackwater Mine 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
Dust nuisance The release of dust or particulate matter or both resulting from the mining activities must not cause an environmental nuisance, at any sensitive place or commercial place.
- B4
Monitoring of dust and particulate matter resulting from the mining activities, undertaken in accordance with condition A11, must be carried out at a place relevant to the potentially affected sensitive place or commercial place and must not exceed the following levels when measured at any sensitive place or commercial place: (a) dust deposition, measured as total insoluble matter, of 120 milligrams per square metre per day, averaged over one month, when monitored in accordance with the most recent version of Australian Standard AS3580.10.1 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air - Determination of particulate matter - Deposited matter - Gravimetric method. (b) a concentration of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 micrometre (PM10) suspended in the atmosphere of 50 micrograms per cubic metre over a 24-hour averaging time, when monitored in accordance with the most recent version of either: (i) Australian Standard AS3580.9.6 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air - Determination of suspended particulate matter - PM10 high volume sampler with size selective inlet - Gravimetric method; or (ii) Australian Standard AS3580.9.8 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air - Determination of suspended particulate matter - PM10 continuous direct mass method using a tapered element oscillating microbalance analyser; or (iii) 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 (iv) Australian Standard AS3580.9.11 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air - Determination of suspended particulate matter - PM10 beta attenuation monitors. 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
- B4
if the environmental authority holder can demonstrate that the exceedance was caused by such events. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00717813 Blackwater Mine
- B5
If monitoring, undertaken in accordance with condition A11, indicates exceedance of the relevant limits in condition B4, the environmental authority holder must immediately implement abatement measures so that emissions from the mining activities do not result in further environmental nuisance. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00717813 Blackwater Mine Schedule C: Noise and Vibration Condition Condition number
- C1
Noise nuisance Noise from the mining activities must not cause an environmental nuisance, at any sensitive place or commercial place.
- C2
Noise is not considered an environmental nuisance under condition C1 if monitoring shows that noise does not exceed the limits in Table C1 (Noise Limits), at any sensitive place or commercial place.
- C3
Noise monitoring Noise monitoring, undertaken in accordance with condition A11, 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) LA eq, adj, 15 mins; (b) LA1, adj, 15 mins; (c) the level and frequency of occurrence of impulsive or tonal noise; (d) atmospheric conditions including wind speed and direction; (e) effects due to extraneous factors such as traffic noise; and (f) location, date and time of recording.
- C4
If monitoring, undertaken in accordance with condition A11, 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) LAeq, adj, 15 mins 40 40 40 LA1, adj, 15 mins N/A N/A 45 Permit Environmental Authority EPML00717813 Blackwater Mine
- C5
Vibration nuisance Vibration from the mining activities must not cause an environmental nuisance, at any sensitive place or commercial place.
- C6
Vibration is not considered an environmental nuisance under condition C5 if monitoring shows that vibration does not exceed the limits specified in Table C2 (Vibration Limits).
- C7
Airblast overpressure nuisance The airblast overpressure level from blasting operations on the mining leases must not cause an environmental nuisance, at any sensitive place or commercial place.
- C8
Airblast overpressure is not considered an environmental nuisance under condition C7 if monitoring shows that airblast overpressure does not exceed the levels specified in Table C3 (Airblast Overpressure Level).
- C9
Vibration and/or airblast overpressure monitoring Vibration and/or airblast overpressure monitoring, undertaken in accordance with condition A11, 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.
- C10
If monitoring, undertaken in accordance with condition A11, indicates exceedance of the relevant limits in Table C2 (Vibration Limits) or Table C3 (Airblast Overpressure Level), 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 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 Level) Location Airblast Overpressure Measured 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. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00717813 Blackwater Mine Schedule D: Waste Condition Condition number
- D1
Waste management A Waste Management Plan must be developed by an appropriately qualified person and implemented. The Waste Management Plan must include, but is not limited to: (a) a description of the mining activities that may generate waste; (b) a description of all waste activities being carried out; (c) 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; (d) identification of the potential risks to the environment from all waste activities carried out; (e) 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; and (iv) monitoring and reporting matters concerning the wastes; (f) how the waste will be managed in accordance with the waste management hierarchy (that is, avoid, reuse, recycling, energy recovery, disposal); (g) the hazardous characteristics of the wastes generated including disposal procedures for hazardous wastes; (h) procedures for reprocessing waste in accordance with condition D4; (i) procedures for managing accidents, spills and other incidents; (j) the indicators or other criteria on which the performance of the waste management plan will be assessed; and (k) staff training.
- D2
The environmental authority holder must submit the Waste Management Plan required by condition D1 to the administering authority prior to commencing a new process, or varying an existing process, for reprocessing any waste.
- D3
Waste receipt The only waste permitted to be received is: (a) the types of waste specified in conditions D5 to D8 (inclusive); and (b) sewage and sludge for treatment in accordance with Schedule H: Sewage Treatment. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00717813 Blackwater Mine
- 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 D8 (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
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. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00717813 Blackwater Mine
- D7
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: (1) in pits or voids; (2) in spoil emplacements; and (3) left in situ below ground level.
- D8
The environmental authority holder is authorised to dispose of general waste on site. The location of the disposed inert waste must be recorded and include GDA94 coordinates. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00717813 Blackwater Mine Schedule E: Land Condition Condition number
- E1
Topsoil Topsoil must be strategically stripped ahead of mining in accordance with a Topsoil Management Plan.
- E2
A topsoil inventory, which identifies the topsoil requirements for rehabilitation and availability of suitable topsoil on site, must be provided with any Estimated Rehabilitation Cost application.
- E3
Rehabilitation landform criteria Unless otherwise permitted under the conditions of this environmental authority, all areas significantly disturbed by mining activities must be rehabilitated in accordance with Table E1 (Rehabilitation Requirements). Table E1 (Rehabilitation Requirements) Post Goal Objective Indicator Acceptance Criteria Mining Land Use Safe to Safety hazards in rehabilitation Hazard No significant difference humans are not significantly different to assessment 1.5 Cattle and wildlife surrounding unmined landscapes grazing subject to the same land use Factor of safety Stable Rehabilitation is geotechnically stable Rehabilitation is erosionally stable Extent, slope 1. Groundcover >50% gradient and 2. 70% of slopes 20% groundcover Non-polluting Rainfall runoff from rehabilitation pH Not significantly different to upstream values achieves relevant water quality EC objectives for receiving waters Turbidity Deep drainage from rehabilitation EC Not significantly different to: achieves relevant water quality objectives for groundwater (a) the EPP (Water) schedule documents water quality objectives for relevant groundwater chemistry zones; or, (b) local water quality objectives developed in accordance with the Queensland Water Quality Guidelines. Able to Rehabilitation is suitable for Land suitability Land suitability class 3 or not different from pre- sustain the sustainable cattle grazing assessment for mining class if 4. Assessment completed in agreed cattle grazing accordance with LSA Framework for Open-Cut Coal post- Mine Rehabilitation 2018 (A ruleset for land suitability mining assessment of sustainable beef cattle grazing on land land use rehabilitated after open-cut coal mining in the Bowen Basin Queensland) unless otherwise agreed in writing between the administering authority and the environmental authority holder. Leucaena stem <250 stems >2m height per ha (1 per 40m2), mean density total area Permit Environmental Authority EPML00717813 Blackwater Mine Post Mining Goal Objective Indicator Acceptance Criteria Land Use No significant difference Hazard Dryland Safe to Safety hazards in rehabilitation assessment cropping humans and are not significantly different to wildlife surrounding unmined landscapes subject to the same land use
- E4
Progressive rehabilitation must commence within three (3) years when areas become available within the mining leases.
- E5
The environmental authority holder must develop and implement a Rehabilitation Management Plan.
- E6
The Rehabilitation Management Plan must, at a minimum: (a) map existing areas of rehabilitation; (b) develop rehabilitation objectives; (c) develop design criteria for rehabilitation of disturbed areas; (d) detail rehabilitation methods applied to areas; (e) identify success factors for areas; (f) detail future rehabilitation actions to be completed on areas; (g) identify three (3) reference and three (3) rehabilitation sites to be used to develop rehabilitation success criteria; (h) description of monitoring of reference sites and rehabilitated areas inclusive of statistical design; (i) contain landform design criteria including end of mine design; (j) detail how landform design will be consistent with the surrounding topography; (k) provide schematic representation of final landform inclusive of: (i) drainage design and features; (ii) slope designs; (iii) cover design; (iv) erosion controls proposed on reformed land; (l) specify future planned rehabilitation methods for disturbed areas; (m) explain planned native vegetation rehabilitation areas and corridors; (n) describe rehabilitation monitoring and maintenance requirements to be applied to all areas of disturbance; (o) itemise revegetation criteria; (p) describe end of mine landform design plan and post mining land uses across the mine; (q) specify spoil characteristics, soil analysis, soil separation for use on rehabilitation; (r) include a cost benefit analysis / triple bottom line assessment (or an alternative assessment method) of the proposed final landform design criteria and alternatives; and (s) identify potential problems and how they will be addressed. (t) ensure the final landform adjacent to Deep Creek (Ramp 30S and Ramp 34S) is consistent with the Functional Design Report: Deep Creek Diversion Functional Design Report dated March 2018 (BW02-ENY-7210-RPT-00002), and allows for any future change in watercourse alignment. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00717813 Blackwater Mine
- E7
Rehabilitation Monitoring Program Once rehabilitation has commenced, the environmental authority holder must conduct a Rehabilitation Monitoring Program on a three (3) yearly basis, which must include sufficient spatial and temporal replication to enable statistically valid conclusions as established under the rehabilitation program.
- E8
The Rehabilitation Monitoring Program must be developed and implemented by a person possessing appropriate qualifications and experience in the field of rehabilitation management, nominated by the environmental authority holder.
- E9
The Rehabilitation Monitoring Program must be included in the annual return and updated with each subsequent annual return, describing: (a) how the rehabilitation objectives as per condition E6 will be achieved; and (b) verification of rehabilitation success
- E10
Residual void outcome Residual voids must not cause any serious environmental harm to land, surface waters or any recognised groundwater aquifer, other than the environmental harm constituted by the existence of the residual void itself and subject to any other condition within this environmental authority.
- E11
The investigation must at a minimum include the following: (a) a study of options available for minimising final void area and volume; (b) develop design criteria for rehabilitation of final voids; (c) a void hydrology study, addressing the long-term water balance in the voids, connections to groundwater resources and water quality parameters in the long term; (d) a pit wall stability study, considering the effects of long-term erosion and weathering of the pit wall and the effects of significant hydrological events; (e) a study of void capability to support native flora and fauna; and (f) a proposal/s for end of mine void rehabilitation success criteria and final void areas and volumes.
- E12
The rehabilitated landform criteria and residual void outcomes must be reviewed every three (3) years from the 31 December 2010 submission date. Any amendments to rehabilitation criteria and landform designs must be re-submitted to the administering authority.
- E13
Acid rock drainage and leachate management Subject to the release limits defined in Schedule F: Water, all reasonable and practicable measures must be implemented to prevent hazardous leachate being directly or indirectly released or likely to be released as a result of the activity to any groundwater or watercourse.
- E14
Geochemical characterisations to determine potential acid forming material must be undertaken as part of the exploration drilling program on new areas before commencing mining. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00717813 Blackwater Mine
- E15
The environmental authority holder must develop and implement a plan to incorporate the highwall soil characterisations in the mine planning and material handling, for material that has been identified as potential acid forming.
- E16
Tailings The management of tailings disposal must be in accordance with the following: (a) all tailings material must be progressively characterised during disposal for acid generating capacity and selected metals and salts. Samples shall be tested for: pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Acid Neutralising Capacity (ANC), Net Acid Generation (NAG) (reporting NAG capacity and NAG pH after oxidation), Total Sulfur (S), Chromium Reducible Sulfur (CRS), Boron (B) Cadmium (Cd), Iron (Fe), Aluminium (Al), Copper (Cu), Magnesium (Mg), Manganese (Mn), Calcium (Ca), Sodium (Na), Zinc (Zn) and Sulfate (SO4); (b) one tailing sample will be collected each and every week while the mine coal processing plant is operational and the sample will be stored. After four (4) samples have been collected the samples will be composited and the composite sample characterised as outlines in (a) above. A minimum of one (1) composite tailing sample will undergo characterisation per month. A minimum of twelve (12) composite tailing samples will undergo characterisation per year; (c) records must be kept of the tailings disposal to indicate locations and characteristics of tailings stored; (d) where the acid producing potential of tailings material has not been conclusively determined, geochemical kinetic testing must be conducted to indicate oxidation rates, potential reaction products and effectiveness of control strategies; and (e) tailings identified as potentially acid producing will be covered or placed to minimise surface oxidation. The maximum duration of surface exposure of these materials is three (3) months.
- E17
Post Closure Management Plan A Post Closure Management Plan for the site must be prepared at least eighteen (18) months prior to the final coal processing on site and implemented for a nominal period of: (a) at least thirty (30) years following final coal processing on site; or (b) a shorter period if the site is proven to be geotechnically and geochemically stable and it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the administering authority that no release of contaminants from the site will result in environmental harm. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00717813 Blackwater Mine
- E18
The Post Closure Management Plan must include the following elements: (a) operation and maintenance of: (1) wastewater collection and reticulation systems; (2) wastewater treatment systems; (3) the groundwater monitoring network; (4) final cover systems; and (5) vegetative cover. (b) monitoring of: (1) surface water quality; (2) groundwater quality; (3) seepage rates; (4) erosion rates; (5) the integrity and effectiveness of final cover systems; and (6) the health and resilience of native vegetation cover.
- E19
Preventing contaminant release to land Contaminants must not be released to land in manner that constitutes a nuisance, material harm or serious environmental harm.
- E20
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.
- E21
Infrastructure All infrastructure, constructed by or for the environmental authority holder during the mining activities including water storage structures, must be removed from the site prior to surrender, except where agreed in writing by the post mining landowner/ landholder. NOTE: This is not applicable where the landowner/ landholder is also the environmental authority holder.
- E22
Exploration The environmental authority holder must rehabilitate in accordance with this environmental authority, any disturbance from mining activities which were undertaken under: (a) this environmental authority; or (b) any other environmental authority that applied to the land that is the subject of this environmental authority. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00717813 Blackwater Mine
- E23
Mining activities other than the following are prohibited within SA 10 on ML 1759 and SA 7 on ML 1762. (a) detailed resource drilling and infill seismic work; (b) watercourse diversion and associated works as per Figure 1 (Deep Creek Diversion Staging); (c) access track as per Figure 2 (Access Track on ML1759 (SA10)); and (d) access roads, fences, above-ground pipelines, low-impact telecommunications facilities, transmission grid works and supply network works, laydown, environmental monitoring, soil testing, and other similar minor disturbance.
- E24
Biodiversity offsets The environmental authority holder must provide a biodiversity offset for impacts on applicable state significant biodiversity values consistent with the requirements for an offset as identified in the Biodiversity Offset Strategy (as per condition E25): (a) prior to impacting on state significant biodiversity values; or (b) where a land based offset is to be provided, within twelve (12) months of the later of either of the following: (i) the date of issue of this environmental authority; or (ii) the relevant stage identified in the Biodiversity Offset Strategy submitted under condition E25; or (c) where an offset payment is to be provided, within four (4) months of the later of either of the following: (i) the date of issue of this environmental authority; or (ii) the relevant stage identified in the Biodiversity Offset Strategy submitted under condition.
- E25
A Biodiversity Offset Strategy must be developed and submitted to the administering authority within either thirty (30) days, or a lesser period agreed to by the administering authority, prior to impacting on the applicable state significant biodiversity values.
- E26
Conditions E24 and E25 are applicable to SA 10 on ML 1759 and SA 7 on ML 1762 only. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00717813 Blackwater Mine Schedule F: Water Condition Condition number
- F1
Contaminant Release Contaminants that will or have the potential to cause environmental harm must not be released directly or indirectly to any waters as a result of the 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 F29 to
- F32
inclusive is permitted. Table F1 (Mine Affected Water Release Points) Release Easting Northing Mine Affected Water Monitoring Point Receiving Waters Point (GDA94) (GDA94) Source and Location Description (RP) Blackwater Creek Blackwater Creek
- 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. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00717813 Blackwater Mine Table F2 (Mine Affected Water Release Limits) Quality Characteristic Release Limit Monitoring Frequency Electrical Conductivity 10,000 Real time telemetry for EC and pH with grab samples at (-S/cm) commencement and weekly thereafter when safe to do so and access 6.5 (minimum) pH 9.0 (maximum) permits. (pH units) Daily grab samples if telemetry not available (the first sample must be Sulfate (SO42-) (mg/L) To be correlated with EC taken as soon as practicable).
- 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. Table F3 (Release Contaminant Trigger Investigation Levels) Quality Characteristic Trigger Comment of Trigger Level Monitoring Level Frequency (-g/L) Aluminium 1014 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on 80th percentile of background data Cadmium 5.6 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on LOR for ICPMS Iron 1200 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on low reliability guideline Zinc 17 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline Boron 370 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline Commencement Molybdenum 34 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on low reliability guideline of release and 10 Selenium 1 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on LOR for ICPMS thereafter Uranium 10 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on LOR for ICPMS weekly during Vanadium 1000 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on LOR for ICPMS release when Ammonia For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline safe to do so 7600 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on ambient Qld WQ Nitrate and access Guidelines (2006) for TN permits Petroleum hydrocarbons (C6-C9) 20 Petroleum hydrocarbons (C10-C36) 100 Fluoride 2000 Protection of livestock and short term irrigation guideline NOTES: 1. All metals and metalloids must be measured as total (unfiltered) and dissolved (filtered). Trigger levels for metal/metalloids apply if dissolved results exceed trigger. 2. SMD - slightly moderately disturbed level of protection, guideline refers ANZECC & ARMCANZ (2000). 3. LOR - typical reporting for method stated. ICPMS/CV FIMS - analytical method required to achieve LOR. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00717813 Blackwater Mine
- 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 in the next annual return, outlining: (i) details of the investigations carried out; and (ii) actions taken to prevent environmental harm. NOTE: Where an exceedance of a trigger level has occurred and is being investigated, in accordance with 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.
- 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
Notwithstanding condition F8 and F9, releases may occur from release points in Table F1 (Mine Affected Water Release Points) for a period of up to twenty-eight (28) days following a natural flow event that has exceeded the flow trigger of >1 m3/s at the applicable upstream gauging station. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00717813 Blackwater Mine
- F11
The 80th percentile of electrical conductivity (EC) values recorded at the downstream monitoring points listed in Table F6 (Receiving Waters Upstream Background and Downstream Monitoring Points) must not exceed 2,000-S/cm at any time during the release influence period. The 80th percentile must be calculated using all EC values recorded by the monitoring station during the release influence period. NOTE: Release influence period is the period during which the downstream monitoring points are influenced by mine affected water releases and includes both the duration of release and any lag time between the release point/s and downstream monitoring point/s.
- F12
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).
- F13
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 waters Release Gauging Station Gauging Station Gauging Station Receiving Water Flow Receiving Point Easting Northing Criteria for Discharge Water Flow (GDA94) (GDA94) Recording (RP) (m3/s) Frequency Burngrove Creek RP10 Gauging Station 1 682182 7379446 1 m3/s Daily Blackwater Creek RP2, Gauging Station 2 693978 7384545 1 m3/s Daily RP3, Two Mile Creek RP11, Gauging Station 3 692111 7372077 1 m3/s Daily Sirius Creek RP12, Gauging Station 4 683248 7349588 1 m3/s Daily
- F14
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). Permit Environmental Authority EPML00717813 Blackwater Mine
- F15
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 F14. The release cessation notification must include the submission of written advice to the administering authority of the following information: (g) release cessation date and time; (h) receiving water(s) including the natural flow rate; and (i) volume of water released. 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 F14 and F15 and F16 and F17, provided the relevant details of the release are included within the notification provided in accordance with conditions F14 and F15 and F16 and F17.
- F16
Within twenty-eight (28) days of notification under condition F15, 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) whether the release of water resulted in any impacts to the receiving environment; and (e) any other matter(s) pertinent to the water release event.
- F17
Release notification - potentially affected stakeholder The environmental authority holder must notify all potentially affected stakeholders on commencement (within two (2) hours or another timeframe as agreed to in writing with the relevant potentially affected stakeholder) of releasing mine affected water to the receiving environment. Notification must be in the form agreed to by the potentially affected stakeholder. Notification must include the following information unless otherwise agreed to by the potentially affected stakeholder: (a) release commencement date/time; (b) release location (release point/s); (c) release rate; (d) receiving waters for the release; (e) receiving water flow rate; (f) water quality of the release including salinity and pH; and (g) estimated duration of the release. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00717813 Blackwater Mine
- F18
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.
- F19
The environmental authority holder must, within twenty-eight (28) days of the notification provided in accordance with condition F18, 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.
- F20
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).
- F21
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 in the next annual return, outlining: (a) details of the investigations carried out; and (b) actions taken to prevent environmental harm. NOTE: Where an exceedance of a trigger level has occurred and is being investigated in accordance with F21(2) of this condition, no further reporting is required for subsequent trigger events for that quality characteristic. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00717813 Blackwater Mine Table F5 (Receiving Waters Contaminant Trigger Levels) Quality Characteristic Trigger Level Monitoring Frequency pH 6.5 to 8.5 Grab samples shall be taken only (pH units) 2,000 - 80th percentile when safe to do so and in day light Electrical Conductivity hours. (-S/cm) Sulfate (SO42-) N/A - to be correlated with EC (mg/L) Table F6 (Receiving Waters Upstream Background and Downstream Monitoring Points) Monitoring Point Receiving Waters Location Description Easting Northing (MP) (GDA94) (GDA94) Upstream Background Monitoring Points a 7379446 7370054
- MP1
Burngrove Creek - 5000 metres upstream of RP1 682182 7371968 7368128
- MP2
Taurus Creek - 3300 metres upstream of RP2 686450 7350131 7343841
- MP3
Deep Creek - 5800 metres upstream of RP3 681344 7385458
- MP4
Emu Creek 689151 7384540 7355458
- MP5
Sirius Creek - 2200 metres upstream of RP5 & RP8 687534 7350525 7343824
- MP6
Rockland Creek - 3500 metres upstream of RP6 686639 Downstream Monitoring Points
- MP7
Burngrove Creek - 2500 metres downstream of RP1 681880
- MP8
Blackwater Creek - 15,000 metres downstream of RP2, RP3, RP4 693985
- MP9
Speculation Creek - 5000 metres downstream of RP7 681731
- MP10
Sirius Creek - 3500 metres downstream of RP5, RP8 681105
- MP11
Rockland Creek - 2400 metres downstream of RP6 683056 NOTES: (a) The data from background monitoring points must not be used where they are affected by releases from other mines. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00717813 Blackwater Mine
- F22
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 Blackwater, Burngrove, Sirius and Rockland Creeks and connected or surrounding waterways within ten (10) kilometres 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.
- F23
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 AS5667.1 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. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00717813 Blackwater Mine
- F24
A report outlining the findings of the REMP, including all monitoring results and interpretations in accordance with conditions F22 and F23 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.
- F25
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).
- F26
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 F27 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.
- F27
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 F29 to F32 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. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00717813 Blackwater Mine
- F28
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.
- F29
Water Management Plan A Water Management Plan must be developed by an appropriately qualified person(s) and implemented for all mining activities and must include an Implementation Plan. 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. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00717813 Blackwater Mine
- F30
By 30 November each year, the environmental authority holder must provide a report to the administering authority that includes: (a) a summary of the actions completed in accordance with the Implementation Plan required by condition F29 during the previous 12-month period, between 30 November and 29 November, including before and after photographs and designs, where appropriate; (b) a summary of any amendments made to the Implementation Plan by the environmental authority holder in the previous 12 months; and (c) a list of those catchments which have been removed from the Implementation Plan due to all actions for those catchments having been completed.
- F31
A report must be submitted to the administering authority on the completion of the Implementation Plan required by condition F29, which includes: (a) evidence of completion of each action; (b) a map which shows: (i) the location (including GPS coordinates) of the erosion and sediment control measures and infrastructure established within each catchment; (ii) the direction of runoff within the catchment; and (iii) creeks and tributaries within the catchment, identifying their direction of flow; and (c) details of ongoing monitoring and maintenance requirements of any works required as an outcome of each action.
- F32
The Water Management Plan must be reviewed each calendar year by an appropriately qualified person(s).
- F33
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.
- F34
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.
- F35
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.
- F36
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 F35; and (b) water management infrastructure that is installed and operated, in accordance with a Water Management Plan that complies with conditions F29 to F32 inclusive, for the purpose of ensuring water does not become mine affected water. (c) catchments the subject of the current version of the Implementation Plan required by condition F29. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00717813 Blackwater Mine
- F37
The maintenance and cleaning of any vehicles, plant or equipment must not be carried out in areas from which contaminants can be released into any receiving waters.
- F38
Any spillage of wastes, contaminants or other materials must be cleaned up as quickly as practicable to minimise the release of wastes, contaminants or materials to any stormwater drainage system or receiving waters.
- 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 April 2014) (EM635). 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 a consequence category assessment report and certification to the administering authority has been certified by a suitably qualified and experienced person for the design and design plan and the associated operating procedures in compliance with the relevant condition of this environmental authority.
- 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 must be recorded in the Register of Regulated Structures. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00717813 Blackwater Mine
- 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. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00717813 Blackwater Mine
- 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.
- 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 (the 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. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00717813 Blackwater Mine
- 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.
- 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). Permit Environmental Authority EPML00717813 Blackwater Mine
- 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 sulfate 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 sulphate 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. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00717813 Blackwater Mine
- G35
Transitional arrangements All existing structures that have not been assessed in accordance with either, the Manual or the former Manual for Assessing Hazard Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Dams, must be assessed and certified in accordance with the Manual within six (6) months of amendment of the environmental authority adopting this schedule.
- G36
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.
- G37
Table G1 (Transitional Requirements for Existing Structures) ceases to apply for a structure once any of the following events has occurred: (a) it has been brought into compliance with the hydraulic performance criteria applicable to the structure under the Manual; or (b) it has been decommissioned; or (c) it has been certified as no longer being assessed as a regulated structure.
- G38
Certification of the transitional assessment required by G35 and G36 (as applicable) must be provided to the administering authority within six (6) months of amendment of the environmental authority adopting this schedule. 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 administering authority, administering authority, assessment every 7 years. 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) Permit Environmental Authority EPML00717813 Blackwater Mine 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 or sprayed for dust suppression or firefighting or evaporation; or (d) 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 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 treated sewage effluent to waters.
- H6
Treated sewage effluent released in accordance with condition H3(a) or H3(b) or H3(c) from any sewage treatment plant that has a daily peak design capacity of greater than 21EP must be monitored: (a) at the point where the treated sewage effluent is released 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). Permit Environmental Authority EPML00717813 Blackwater Mine 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(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.
- 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 A7 and A8. 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 Range Colonies per 100mL Thermotolerant coliforms, based on the average of a 1000 Maximum minimum number of five samples collected Permit Environmental Authority EPML00717813 Blackwater Mine Schedule I: Groundwater Condition Condition number
- I1
Groundwater The holder of this environmental authority must not release contaminants to groundwater.
- I2
Groundwater Monitoring and Management Program On or before 31 December 2024, 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.
- I3
The GMMP required by condition I2 must: (a) provide a hydrogeological conceptual groundwater model; and (b) identify all potential sources of contamination to groundwater from the activities; and (c) identify all environmental values that may be impacted; and (d) detail groundwater levels in all identified hydrogeological units present across and adjacent to the site to confirm existing groundwater flow paths; and (e) ensure all potential groundwater impacts due to the activities authorised under this environmental authority are identified, monitored and any required mitigation actions are documented with expected timeframes; and (f) ensure adequate groundwater monitoring and data analysis is undertaken to achieve the following objectives: (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 compliance with condition I6; (iv) determine trends in groundwater quality; and (v) 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) document groundwater bore Ground level surface RL (m), Screen Interval RL (m) within the GMMP; and (i) provide an appropriate quality assurance and quality control program; and (j) include a review process to identify improvements to the program that includes addressing any comments provided by the administering authority. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00717813 Blackwater Mine
- I4
The GMMP must be reviewed every two (2) years by an appropriately qualified person to determine if it continues to meet the requirements stated in condition I3, and the GMMP must be updated as required by the outcomes of the review.
- I5
Groundwater monitoring Groundwater quality and standing water levels (SWL) must be monitored: (a) at the locations specified in Table I1 (Groundwater Monitoring Locations and Frequencies), as illustrated in Figure 3 (Groundwater Monitoring Locations); and (b) at the frequencies specified in Table I1 (Groundwater Monitoring Locations and Frequencies); and (c) for the quality characteristics specified in Table I2 (Groundwater Level and Contaminant Limits).
- I6
Groundwater exceedances Groundwater quality or level measured from a monitoring bore specified in Table I1 (Groundwater Monitoring Locations and Frequency) must not exceed the corresponding groundwater limit or level specified in Table I2 (Groundwater Level and Contaminant Limits) on any three (3) consecutive sampling occasions.
- I7
If the groundwater contaminant limits specified in Table I2 (Groundwater Level and Contaminant Limits) are exceeded at the same monitoring bore on three (3) consecutive occasions; or the groundwater level requirements defined in Table I2 (Groundwater Level and Contaminant Limits) are exceeded at the same monitoring bore on three (3) consecutive occasions: (a) the administering authority must be notified within 24 hours of becoming aware of the exceedance; and (b) an investigation must be completed and a report on the investigation findings must be submitted to the administering authority (via WaTERS) within twenty-eight (28) days of becoming aware of the exceedance; and (c) the report must include a determination of whether the exceedance is caused by: (i) mining activities authorised under this environmental authority; or (ii) natural variation; or (iii) neighbouring land use resulting in groundwater impacts.
- I8
If the investigation under Condition I7 determines that the exceedance was caused by the mining activities including construction and rehabilitation authorised under this environmental authority, then a further investigation must be undertaken which must determine whether environmental harm has occurred or may occur, and the extent thereof. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00717813 Blackwater Mine
- I9
If the investigation undertaken under Condition I8 determines that environmental harm has occurred, or may occur, the following action must be taken within twenty-eight (28) days after completing the investigation under Condition I8: (a) implementation of interim mitigation measures to reduce environmental harm including potential environmental harm where possible; and (b) development of long-term mitigation measures to address any existing groundwater contamination and prevent recurrence of groundwater contamination which is to be implemented in a nominated reasonable time period; and (c) if environmental harm has occurred as a result of groundwater drawdown exceedances, (i) determine any actions required to reduce the potential for environmental harm; and (ii) determine any mitigation measures required to limit the drawdown in the affected groundwater resource. (d) document the steps taken under Condition I9 (a), (b), and (c), and provide the documentation to the administering authority.
- I10
All groundwater sampling and monitoring methods must be in accordance with the latest version of the administering authority's Monitoring and Sampling Manual 2018 - Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009 unless otherwise approved by the administering authority.
- I11
Groundwater data submission Annual groundwater monitoring data must be submitted to the administering authority via WaTERs by 30 September for the preceding financial year.
- I12
Annual Groundwater Monitoring Report An Annual Groundwater Monitoring Report (AGMR) is required to be completed and submitted to the administering authority on a yearly basis by 30 September of each year. The AGMR must include: (a) presentation and analysis of the groundwater quality and standing water level of all groundwater monitoring bores (including compliance and interpretation) listed within Table I1 (Groundwater Monitoring Locations and Frequency); (b) an assessment of long-term water quality and water level trends at all groundwater monitoring bores listed Table I1 (Groundwater Monitoring Locations and Frequency); (c) details of any review undertaken of the groundwater conceptual model; (d) details including location coordinates of any Additional Compliance Bores for inclusion in Table I1 (Groundwater Monitoring Locations and Frequency) and; (e) an assessment of any differences between the groundwater level impact anticipated and actual impacts for any corresponding period. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00717813 Blackwater Mine
- I13
Bore construction The construction, maintenance and decommissioning of groundwater monitoring bores must be undertaken in a manner that: (a) prevents contaminants entering the groundwater; (b) ensures the integrity of the bores to obtain representative groundwater samples from the target hydrogeological unit; and (c) maintains the hydrogeological environment within the hydrogeological unit.
- I14
For any Additional Compliance Bores that are to be included in the GMMP post 18 March 2024: (a) the bore details including location coordinates must be provided to the administering authority for inclusion in Table I1 (Groundwater Monitoring Locations and Frequency) in accordance with condition I12. (b) monitoring is to be completed monthly until a suitable dataset is available to set contamination limits. (c) contaminant limits as per Table I2 (Groundwater Level and Contaminant Limits) must be proposed to the administering authority within twenty-seven (27) months of the bore/s being installed or identified as a compliance bore in accordance with condition I12. (d) contaminant limits as per Table I2 (Groundwater Level and Contaminant Limits) can be proposed to the administering authority earlier than 27 months for those analytes that achieve a stable and consistent dataset. Note: 27 months provides 24 months for monitoring plus an additional 3 months for data collection, QAQC, data management and statistical analysis before limits are proposed to the administering authority.
- I15
For bores identified with a `1' in Table I1 (Groundwater Monitoring Locations and Frequencies) and interim contaminant limits identified with a `1' or TBC limits identified with a `2' in Table 2 (Groundwater Levels and Contaminant Limits), the EA holder must: (a) monitor monthly to achieve a minimum 18 data points in a 24 month period; and; (b) within an additional 3 months, propose final contaminant limits to the administering authority. (c) In accordance with point a) and b), all limits identified with a `1' or `2' must be provided to the administering authority before 30 June 2026.
- I16
Groundwater level and quality limits identified with a `3' in Table I2 (Groundwater Level and Contaminant Limits) must be provided in accordance with condition I14.
- I17
Groundwater monitoring bores must be installed upgradient and downgradient of Red Dam by 31 December 2024 for inclusion in the groundwater monitoring bore network. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00717813 Blackwater Mine
- I18
Groundwater monitoring bores must be installed upgradient and downgradient of the NCPP Tailings Dam by 30 June 2025 for inclusion in the groundwater monitoring bore network.
- I19
The locations and details of installed bores as per condition I17 and I18 must be provided to the administering authority for inclusion in Table I1 (Groundwater Monitoring Locations and Frequency) in accordance with condition I14. An updated Figure 3 showing these additional bores must also be provided. Limits for these bores must be provided in accordance with condition I14. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00717813 Blackwater Mine Table I1 (Groundwater Monitoring Locations and Frequency) Monitoring Points Hydrogeological Unit Easting Northing Ground level Screened Monitoring Frequency Compliance Bores (GDA2020) (GDA2020) Surface RL (m) Interval RL Monthly until Final Contaminant
- MB11
(m) Limits are reflected in EA, then MB211
- MB18
1 Permian coal (Rangal Coal 686331 7387081 TBC TBC Quarterly thereafter BWM_MB02_011 Measure, ARS, TU seam) BWM_MB02_021 Monthly until Final Contaminant BWM_MB03_011 Tertiary Sediments 684900 7350806 TBC TBC Limits are reflected in EA, then BWM_MB03_021 BWM_MB12_011 Permian Sandstone 691537 7370788 TBC TBC Quarterly thereafter BWM_MB12_021 Permian Interburden 691748 7362714 TBC TBC Monthly until Final Contaminant Limits are reflected in EA, then Permian Coal (Rangal Coal Quarterly thereafter. Measure, Castor, M54 691736 7362716 TBC TBC Monthly until Final Contaminant seam) Limits are reflected in EA, then Alluvium 692229 7381517 TBC TBC Quarterly thereafter. Rewan Group 692232 7381522 TBC TBC Monthly until Final Contaminant Limit is reflected in EA, then Tertiary Sediments TBC TBC TBC TBC Quarterly thereafter. TBC TBC Permian Coal (Rangal Coal TBC TBC Monthly until Final Contaminant Measure, Castor, P04 Limit is reflected in EA, then seam) Quarterly thereafter. Monthly until Final Contaminant Limit is reflected in EA, then Quarterly thereafter. Monthly until Final Contaminant Limit is reflected in EA, then Quarterly thereafter. Monthly until Final Contaminant Limit is reflected in EA, then Quarterly thereafter. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00717813 Blackwater Mine Monitoring Points Hydrogeological Unit Easting Northing Ground level Screened Monitoring Frequency Compliance Bores (GDA2020) (GDA2020) Surface RL (m) Interval RL BWM_MB14_011 (m) Monthly until Final Contaminant Permian Interburden TBC TBC TBC TBC Limit is reflected in EA, then Quarterly thereafter. Monthly until Final Contaminant BWM_MB14_021 Permian Interburden TBC TBC TBC TBC Limit is reflected in EA, then Quarterly thereafter. Monthly until Final Contaminant BWM_MB15_011 Tertiary sediments TBC TBC TBC TBC Limit is reflected in EA, then
- MB2
1 BWM_MB03_02, MB19BWM02A BWM_MB12_01, MB19BWM01P BWM_MB12_02, MB19BWM08P BWM_MB14_01, MB19BWM27P BWM_MB14_02, MB20BWM03P2 BWM_MB17_01, BG-1 BWM_MB17_02 BG-2 BWM_MB02_02, BWM_MB15_01 Groundwater RL Level pH pH units 6.3-7.4 6.5-8.5 6.1-7.1 6.0-8.51 6.5-8.5 6.5-8.5 6.5-8.5 6.5-8.5 6.5-8.5 6.5-8.5 6.5-8.73 3.08-3.243 6.5-8.53 Electrical -S/cm 39,560 18,610 15,890 39,8201 26,430 7,260 15,500 20,650 15,780 18,170 TBC3 TBC3 TBC3 Conductivity (EC) mg/L 426 210 6001 5301 210 210 210 210 2101 1,660 TBC3 TBC3 TBC3 mg/L 0.055 0.055 0.055 0.0551 0.055 0.055 0.0551 0.055 0.055 0.055 0.553 62.003 0.553 Sulfate mg/L 0.00903 mg/L 0.0090 0.0090 0.0090 0.00901 0.0090 0.0090 0.00901 0.0090 0.0090 0.0090 0.00903 0.00903 TBC3 Dissolved mg/L TBC3 Aluminium mg/L 0.019 0.013 0.013 0.0131 0.013 0.013 0.0131 0.013 0.013 0.013 TBC3 TBC3 0.000603 Dissolved mg/L 0.0343 Antimony mg/L 6.3 4.62 4.7 1.41 2.1 1.4 3.53 1.84 1.4 1.4 TBC3 TBC3 0.0113 Dissolved mg/L TBC3 Arsenic mg/L 0.00060 0.00060 0.00060 0.000601 0.00060 0.00060 0.000601 0.00060 0.00060 0.00060 0.000603 0.000603 TBC3 Dissolved Iron 0.034 0.034 0.034 0.0341 0.034 0.034 0.0341 0.034 0.034 0.034 0.0343 0.0343 Dissolved 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.0111 0.011 0.011 0.0111 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.0113 0.0113 Mercury TBC2 TBC2 TBC2 TBC2 TBC2 TBC2 TBC2 TBC2 TBC2 TBC2 TBC3 TBC3 Dissolved TBC2 TBC2 TBC2 TBC2 TBC2 TBC2 TBC2 TBC2 TBC2 TBC2 TBC3 TBC3 Molybdenum Dissolved Selenium Dissolved Zinc Dissolved Manganese Permit Environmental Authority EPML00717813 Blackwater Mine Quality Units Limits Characteristic mg/L Dissolved Boron mg/L TBC2 TBC2 TBC2 TBC2 TBC2 TBC2 TBC2 TBC2 TBC2 TBC2 TBC3 TBC3 TBC3 g/L TBC2 TBC2 TBC2 TBC2 TBC2 TBC2 TBC2 TBC2 TBC2 TBC2 TBC3 TBC3 TBC3 Dissolved Nickel 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 Total 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 recoverable g/L hydrocarbons C6- 100 100 100 100 100 100 C10 mg/L For interpretation purposes only Total recoverable
- J1
Condition J1 to J10 are applicable to the Deep Creek diversion Stage 2, as illustrated in Figure 1 (Deep Creek Diversion Staging).
- J2
Permanent watercourse diversions Permanent watercourse diversions, or the re-establishment of a pre-existing watercourse where a temporary watercourse diversion is being replaced, must be designed and constructed to: (a) incorporate natural features (including geomorphic and vegetation) present at the location of the diversion; (b) maintain the pre-existing hydrologic characteristics of surface water and groundwater systems for the area in which the watercourse diversion is located; (c) maintain the hydraulic characteristics of the permanent watercourse diversion that are equivalent to other local watercourses and are suitable for the area in which the diversion is located without using artificial structures that require on-going maintenance; (d) maintain sediment transport and water quality regimes that allow the diversion to be self- sustaining, while minimising any impacts to upstream and downstream water quality, geomorphology or vegetation; and (e) maintain equilibrium and functionality in all substrate conditions at the location of the diversion.
- J3
Design plan - All diversions A certified Design Plan that achieves condition J2 for permanent watercourse diversions must be submitted to the administering authority at least ten (10) business days before commencing construction of the diversion.
- J4
The certified design plan for any temporary or permanent watercourse diversion must be consistent with the functional design/s that formed a part of the application documents for this authority.
- J5
Construction and operation - All diversions A certified set of `as constructed' drawings and specifications must be submitted to the administering authority within sixty (60) business days from the completion of construction of the temporary or permanent watercourse diversion, or re-establishment of the pre-existing watercourse. These drawings and specifications must state: (a) that the 'as constructed' drawings and specifications meet the original intent of the design plan for the watercourse diversion; and (b) construction of the watercourse diversion is in accordance with the design plan. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00717813 Blackwater Mine
- J6
Register - All diversions The details of watercourse diversions planned and constructed under an environmental authority must be accurately recorded on the Register of Watercourse Diversions kept by the environmental authority holder. An electronic copy must be provided to the administering authority on request.
- J7
Stage 2 Deep Creek Diversion The following activities must be completed prior to water being diverted into the Stage 2 Deep Creek Diversion: (a) instream sediment removal and diversion improvement works within the Deep Creek Stage 1 diversion to achieve on-grade connection with Stage 2; (b) removal of accumulated material and installation of a low flow channel in Deep Creek Stage 1 diversion; and (c) sediment retention works to manage run-off from Ramp 34.
- J8
The environmental authority holder must, no less than twenty (20) business days prior to the diversion of water into Stage 2 Deep Creek diversion, provide a report to the administering authority. The report must: (a) detail how the requirements in condition J7 have been met; (b) include an assessment of the potential risks to water quality downstream of the Stage 2 Deep Creek diversion, as a result of any accumulated material that must remain in the Stage 1 Deep Creek diversion to ensure condition J7(a) and J7(b) is met; and (c) be undertaken by a person with qualifications and experience in aquatic environment impact assessment.
- J9
Prior to construction completion of the Stage 2 Deep Creek diversion, the environmental authority holder may direct water into the Stage 2 Deep Creek diversion for the purpose of vegetation establishment and rehabilitation.
- J10
Any water directed into the Stage 2 Deep Creek Diversion under condition J9, must not flow beyond the Stage 2 Deep Creek diversion, as illustrated in Figure 1 (Deep Creek Diversion Staging). Permit Environmental Authority EPML00717813 Blackwater Mine 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. Additional Compliance Bores are defined as any bore that is required as per condition I14 (as approved 18 March 2024). 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 in to 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.