Data as at 14 September 2026 · from the Queensland EP Act public register
EPML00818113 · AIC COPPER PTY LTD
Minerals environmental authority EPML00818113 (AIC COPPER PTY LTD), Granted. 221 conditions indexed. Holds PRC plan P-PRCP-100923537.
- Status
- Granted
- Holders
- AIC COPPER PTY LTD
- Tenures
- ML100304; ML90064; ML90080; ML90086; ML90155
- PRC plan
- P-PRCP-100923537 · effective 2026-08-17
- How it was read
- Numbered conditions
- Register
- Register record · Instrument PDF
Conditions
221 numbered conditions read from the current instrument. Page numbers link into the register PDF.
- A1
This environmental authority does not authorise environmental harm unless a condition contained within this authority explicitly authorises the harm. Where there is no condition or the environmental authority is silent on a matter, the lack of a condition or silence shall not be construed as authorising environmental harm.
- A2
In carrying out the mining activity the holder of the environmental authority must comply with Schedule A - Table A1 (Authorised Mining Activities). Mine domain locations are shown in Schedule I - Map 1 (General Layout Plan). Schedule A - Table A1 (Authorised Mining Activities) Mine Domain Mine Feature Name Tenure Easting Northing Maximum Constraints Type and GDA94 GDA94 z54 Disturbance Number z54 Area (ha) Temporary Excavated ML90064 498526 7683776 2.2 Material Stockpile Waste Scats Pile ML90064 497844 7682740 2 Area Waste Pad ML90064 497461 7682509 5.9 Area and Maximum Ore Processing Area ML90064 497918 7682832 4.61 annual ROM Run of Mine ROM Pad ML90064 497690 7682840 6 Process Plant ML90064 497914 7682857 0.22 Processing Fuel and Oil Storage ML90064 497978 7682750 0.16 Scale and Area Power Station intensity ML90064 498008 7682754 0.35 Area Process Water Tanks ML90064 497887 7683079 0.26 Decline Area ML90064 497616 7682630 1.2 Batch Plant and UG ML90064 497486 7682753 2.5 Stores 497608 7682104 497534 7682055 Mining Area 497708 7682586 Scale and intensity Shafts and Vents ML90064 497848 7682418 1.07 497808 7682407 497743 7682656 497758 7682419 Chiller Plant ML90064 497685 7682589 1.1 Underground Underground Link Drive ML90064 Map 4, SCHEDULE I - 1 Area Access ML90155 Maps / Plans Exploration Sites ML90155 Various Various 1 Scale and intensity Exploration Exploration Coreyard ML90064 498614 7682855 3.2 Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113 Mine Domain Mine Feature Name Tenure Easting Northing Maximum Constraints Type and GDA94 GDA94 z54 Disturbance Lake Andrew Number (Underground z54 Area (ha) Dewatering Dam) Stores Pond ML90064 498007 7682451 5.5 Tailings Dam Cell 1/2 7682927 0.35 Tailings Dam Cell 3 ML90064 498249 7683343 497635 7683413 94.39 Tailings Dam Cell 4 ML90064 497948 7683880 497932 0.1 Dams Tailings Dam Cell 5 ML90064 7683578 6.9 Depth, Area 497368 5.63 and volume Tailings Dam Cell 7 ML90064, 7683588 2.5 Sedimentation Dams ML90086 497866 7682754 Batt Dam and 497398 7683717 Hamilton Dam ML90155 498559 7683320 Old Evaporation Dams 498263 7683642 ML90064, 498753 ML90155 ML90064, ML90086 and ML90155 ML90064 ML90064 and ML90086 ML90064 ML90064 Farm Dam ML100304 497938 7684199 1.25 Water Storage Dam ML90155 497192 7682359 10.63 3.1 Topsoil Stockpiles ML90064 498246 7683550 2.22 498843 7683590 Borrow Pits 497629 7682993 Scale and and Stockpiles 497535 7682875 intensity 497985 7682671 Clay Borrow Pits ML90155 497980 7682650 Scale and 498229 7683997 intensity TD5 Temporary Materials ML90064, 48.18 Stockpile / Borrow Pit ML90155 497093.5 7682674.9 2.96 497735 7683050 0.13 Ancillary Laydown Areas ML90064 498733 7683421 0.92 Infrastructure Water Treatment Plant ML90064 498167 7682441 Rehab Area ML90064 Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113 Mine Domain Mine Feature Name Tenure Easting Northing Maximum Constraints Type and GDA94 GDA94 z54 Disturbance Sewage Treatment Number Areas1 z54 Area (ha) Workshops/Administratio ML90064 498758 n 7683507 0.22 Stores ML90064 497971 Accommodation Village 498103 7682980 2.06 (Relocatable) ML90064 498750 Camp (oval area) 498694 7682909 1.2 Village Sewage ML90064 498614 Treatment Plant 7683296 8.88 Explosives Magazine ML90064 497824 Bores ML90064 Various 7683264 0.53 Refuse Disposal Area 497436 Waste Transfer Area ML90064 497475 7683391 0.07 Diversions ML90064 498421 Elrose Borefield ML90064 Various 7682334 0.1 ML90064 Site Roads ML90064 Various Various 0.1 ML90080 ML90064, 7682038 2.9 ML90080 ML90086 7682259 2.5 and ML100304 7683344 0.17 Various 5 Various 14.46 Pump Back Bores ML90064, Various Various 0.009 ML90086 and ML90155 Container Laydown ML90064 498931 7682681 1.5 Mobile crush and screen ML90064 497535 7682376 1.21 area ML90064 497709 7682985 ML90064 497571 7683013 Construction ML90064 497730 7682481 Area Construction Laydown ML90064 498062 7682782 8.58 ML90064 497829 7682614 ML90064 497671 7682402 ML90064 498013 7682617 Footnote: 1 Sewage treatment Areas in Schedule G - Table G1 (Final Land Use and Rehabilitation Approval Schedule) are defined separately as Sewage Treatment Area 1 and Sewage Treatment Area 2. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113 Maintenance of Measures, Plant and Equipment
- A3
The environmental authority holder must: a) Install all measures, plant and equipment necessary to ensure compliance with the conditions of this environmental authority; b) Maintain such measures, plant and equipment in a proper condition; c) Operate such measures, plant and equipment in a proper manner; and d) All instruments and devices used for the measurement or monitoring of any parameter under any condition of this environmental authority must be calibrated and appropriately operated and maintained.
- A4
No change, replacement or alteration of any measures, plant or equipment is permitted if the change, replacement or alteration increases, or is likely to increase, the risk of environmental harm. Monitoring
- A5
The environmental authority holder must record, compile and keep for a minimum of seven (7) years all monitoring results required by this environmental authority and make available for inspection all or any of these records upon request by the administering authority.
- A6
Where monitoring is a requirement of this environmental authority, ensure that an appropriate qualified person conducts all monitoring.
- A7
All analyses, monitoring and tests required to be conducted under this environmental authority must be carried out by a laboratory that has a National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) certification for such analyses, monitoring and tests, except as otherwise authorised by the administering authority.
- A8
The holder of this environmental authority must upon request from the administering authority, supply monitoring records, plans and reports in the form and by the means requested by the administering authority within fourteen days. Emergency Response / Contingency
- A9
An emergency response/contingency plan must be developed by 1 November 2012. The plan must be implemented to respond to emergency events and incidents.
- A10
The emergency response/contingency plan required under condition (A9) must address the following matters as a minimum: (a) Response procedures to be implemented to prevent or minimise the risk of environmental harm arising from incidents; (b) Response procedures to minimise the extent and duration of environmental harm caused by an incident; (c) The practices and procedures to be employed to restore the environment or mitigate any environmental harm caused; (d) The resources to be used in response to an incident; (e) Procedures to investigate the cause of any incidents, including releases, and where necessary, implement remedial actions to reduce the likelihood of recurrence of similar events; (f) The provision and availability of documented procedures to staff attending any incident to enable them to effectively respond; Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113 (g) Training of staff that will be called upon to respond to incidents to enable them to effectively respond; (h) Timely and accurate reporting of the circumstance and nature of incidents to the administering authority in accordance with conditions of this Environmental Authority; (i) Procedures for accessing monitoring points during incidents; (j) Procedures to notify any potentially impacted stakeholder who may be affected by the event within 24 hours, with information to be provided at a minimum: i. The location of the release; ii. The date and time of the release; iii. The estimated quantity and type of any substances (if available concentrations) involved in the incident; iv. The potential impacts to environmental values caused by the release. Notification of Emergencies, Incidents and Exceptions
- A11
The environmental authority holder must notify the administering authority by telephone, email or facsimile as soon as practicable but within twenty-four (24) hours, after becoming aware of any emergency or incident which results in the release of contaminants not in accordance, or reasonably expected to be not in accordance with the conditions of this approval.
- A12
The notification in condition (A11) must include, but not be limited to, the following: (a) The environmental authority number and name of the holder; (b) The name and telephone number of the designated contact person; (c) The location of the emergency or incident; (d) The date and time of the incident; (e) The time the environmental authority holder became aware of the incident; (f) The estimated quantity and type of substances involved in the incident; (g) The actual or potential cause of the incident; (h) A description of the nature and effects of the incident including environmental risks, any risks to public health or livestock; (i) Any sampling conducted or proposed, relevant to the emergency or incident; (j) Immediate actions taken to prevent or mitigate any further environmental harm caused by the release; and (k) What notification of persons who may be affected by the event has occurred/is being undertaken.
- A13
Within fourteen (14) days or another nominated time agreed to by the administering authority, following the initial notification of an emergency or incident, further written advice must be provided to the administering authority, including the following: (a) Results and interpretation of any samples taken and analysed; (b) Outcomes of actions taken at the time to prevent or minimise unlawful environmental harm; and (c) Proposed actions to prevent a recurrence of the emergency or incident.
- A14
The environmental authority holder must notify any potentially impacted stakeholder by telephone, email or facsimile within 12 hours after becoming aware of any emergency or incident that has the potential to impact on environmental values or breaches any condition of this environmental authority concerning Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113 releases of contaminants to the environment.
- A15
The notification in condition (A14) must include the following: (a) The location of the release; (b) The date and time of the release; (c) The estimated quantity and type of any substances involved in the incident; (d) The potential impacts to environmental values caused by the release; and (e) Where there is potential impact on livestock or human health, precautionary measures that should be taken.
- A16
The environmental authority holder must notify the administering authority by telephone, email or facsimile as soon as practicable but within forty-eight (48) hours, after becoming aware of any monitoring result that demonstrates an exceedance of any approval limit. Complaints & Community
- A17
Records must be kept of all environmental complaints received about the mining activities including the following details: (a) Name, address and contact number for complainant (if not available, record - not identified); (b) Time and date of complaint; (c) Specifics of the complaint; (d) Investigations undertaken; (e) Conclusions formed; (f) Actions taken to resolve complaint; (g) Any abatement measures implemented; and (h) Person responsible for resolving the complaint. This information must be made available for inspection by the administering authority on request.
- A18
When requested by the administering authority, undertake relevant specific monitoring within a timeframe nominated by the administering authority to investigate any complaint of environmental harm. The results of the investigation (including an analysis and interpretation of the monitoring results) and abatement measures implemented must be provided to the administering authority within fourteen (14) days of completion of the investigation unless otherwise agreed to by the administering authority, and no later than fourteen (14) days after the end of the timeframe nominated by the administering authority to undertake the investigation.
- A19
The environmental authority holder must establish, promote and maintain easily accessible lines of communication between residents, stakeholders and land owners reasonably expected to be affected by the activities to ensure that social and cultural heritage impacts are identified and managed. This must include but not be limited to the following: (a) Organise regular meetings with all relevant stakeholders at intervals of not less than six (6) months; (b) Alternate frequencies requested by relevant stakeholders; or (c) The establishment of a consultative committee with representation for all relevant stakeholders that meets at regular intervals as determined by the committee. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113 Third Party Auditing
- A20
The holder of this environmental authority must nominate an appropriate third-party auditor to audit compliance with the conditions of this environmental authority within one (1) year of the commencement of this authority, and then at regular intervals not exceeding three (3) years.
- A21
The third-party auditor must certify the independent findings of the audit in the report.
- A22
The financial costs of the third-party audit are the responsibility of the holder.
- A23
The holder must promptly act upon any recommendations arising from the audit by: (a) Investigating any non-compliance issues identified; and (b) Promptly implementing measures or taking necessary action to ensure compliance with the requirements of this environmental authority.
- A24
Within one (1) month of completing the audit, the holder must provide a written report to the administering authority addressing the: (a) Actions taken by the holder to ensure compliance with this environmental authority; and (b) Actions taken to prevent a recurrence of any non-compliance issues identified. Risk Management
- A25
The environmental authority holder must develop and implement by 1 May 2013 an environmental risk management system for mining activities which conforms to the Standard for Risk Management (ISO31000:2009) or the latest edition of a recognised Standard for Environmental Risk Management. Exploration
- A26
All exploration activities carried out on the mining leases must comply with each of the Standard Environmental Conditions contained in the most recent version of the Code of Environmental Compliance for Exploration and Mineral Development Projects (the Code). Where there is a discrepancy between the Code and this environmental authority, the conditions of the environmental authority apply. Light Emission
- A27
In the event of a complaint which, after investigation, is considered to be non-vexatious and non-frivolous in the opinion of an authorised officer under the Environmental Protection Act 1994, and concerns light from any mining activity that is causing a nuisance at a sensitive place, the administering authority may request the holder to take appropriate action to mitigate the nuisance. The environmental authority holder must take appropriate action (e.g., by screening or directing the light away from residences or public roads) within any reasonable time set by the administering authority. Transition to New Standards
- A28
Where a condition requires compliance with a standard published externally to this environmental authority and the standard is amended or changed subsequent to the issues of this environmental authority, then the environmental authority holder must: (a) Until compliance with the amended or changed standard can be achieved, continue to remain in compliance with the standard that was current immediately prior to the relevant amendment or change; and (b) Comply with the amended or changed standard within 2 years, unless a different period is specified in the amended standard or relevant legislation. Definitions
- A29
Words and phrases used throughout the environmental authority are defined in Schedule H- Definitions. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113 Where a definition for a term used in the environmental authority is sought and the term is not defined within the environmental authority, the definitions in the Environmental Protection Act 1994, its Regulations and Environmental Protection Policies must be used. Ore Acceptance
- A30
Only ore permitted to be accepted is from the Jericho Mine project on mining lease (ML) 100348. END OF CONDITIONS FOR SCHEDULE A Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113 Schedule B - Air General
- B1
The release of noxious or offensive odour or any other airborne contaminant resulting from the mining activities must not cause environmental harm at any sensitive place or commercial place.
- B2
The environmental authority holder must ensure that vehicles used for transporting bulk materials to and from the mining tenement, enter and leave the site with appropriate load preparation to prevent the spillage and/or loss of particulate matter and/or windblown dust to the receiving environment during transport. Dust Nuisance
- B3
When requested by the administering authority, dust and particulate monitoring must be undertaken within a reasonable and practicable timeframe nominated by the administering authority to investigate any complaint (which is neither frivolous nor vexatious nor based on mistaken belief in the opinion of the authorised officer) of environmental nuisance at any sensitive or commercial place, and the results must be notified within 14 days to the administering authority following completion of monitoring. Monitoring must be carried out at a place(s) relevant to the potentially affected dust sensitive place.
- B4
Dust and particulate matter must not exceed the following levels when measured at any sensitive or commercial place: (a) Dust deposition of 120 milligrams per square metre per day, averaged over one month, when monitored in accordance with the most recent version of Australian Standard AS3580.10.1 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air - Determination of particulate matter - Deposited matter - Gravimetric method. (b) A concentration of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 micrometres
- B5
If monitoring indicates the limits in condition (B4) have been exceeded, the environmental authority holder must promptly implement dust abatement measures so that emissions of dust generated by the mining activities cease to exceed the limits in condition (B4). Odour Nuisance
- B6
The release of noxious or offensive odour(s) or any other noxious or offensive airborne contaminant(s) resulting from the mining activity must not cause an environmental nuisance at any sensitive or commercial place.
- B7
When requested by the administering authority, odour monitoring must be undertaken within a reasonable and practicable timeframe nominated by the administering authority to investigate any complaint (which is Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113 neither frivolous nor vexatious nor based on mistaken belief in the opinion of the authorised officer) of environmental nuisance at any sensitive or commercial place, and the results must be notified within 14 days to the administering authority following completion of monitoring.
- B8
If monitoring indicates condition (B6) is not being met then the environmental authority holder must: (a) address the complaint including the use of appropriate dispute resolution if required; or (b) immediately implement odour abatement measures so that emissions of odour from the activity do not result in further environmental nuisance. Meteorological Monitoring
- B9
By 1 December 2012, the environmental authority holder must establish and maintain a permanent meteorological station to continuously measure and record wind speed, wind direction, temperature, daily rainfall volume and rainfall intensity.
- B10
The permanent meteorological station must be installed in accordance with the latest edition of the Bureau of Meteorology guideline observation specifications No. 2013.1 Guidelines for the positioning and exposure of meteorological instruments and observing facilities.
- B11
The holder of this environmental authority must record, compile, evaluate and keep all monitoring records obtained from the permanent meteorological station. Point source release of contaminants to the atmosphere
- B12
Contaminants must not be released to the atmosphere from any diesel-powered generator other than in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. END OF CONDITIONS FOR SCHEDULE B Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113 Schedule C - Water Release to Waters
- C1
Contaminants that will, or have the potential to cause environmental harm, must not be released directly or indirectly to any waters except as permitted under the conditions of this environmental authority. Contaminant Release to Waters
- C2
The release of contaminants to waters must only occur from the release points specified in Schedule C - Table C1 (Contaminant Release Points) and depicted in Schedule I - Map 2 (Monitoring Sites for Surface Water and Sediments). Schedule C - Table C1 (Contaminant Release Points) Release Easting Northing Contaminant Source and Location, and Receiving Waters Point (GDA94) (GDA94) Description of Release Point Description Zone 54 Zone 54 1 498397 7683336 Discharge from Hamilton Dam spillway Scrubby Creek 2 498001 7682346 Discharge from Lake Andrew spillway Scrubby Creek
- C3
The release of contaminants to waters from the release points must be monitored at the locations specified in Schedule C - Table C1 (Contaminant Release Points) for each quality characteristic and at the frequency specified in Schedule C - Table C2 (Contaminant Release Trigger Levels and Limits). Schedule C - Table C2 (Contaminant Release Trigger Levels and Limits) Quality Trigger Levels2, 3 Release Limit2,4 Monitoring Characteristic Frequency Electrical 435S/cm or 80th percentile of 1000 S/cm or 95th percentile of conductivity reference reference2, which ever is lowest 6.0 (minimum) 5.5 (minimum) pH 9.0 (maximum) 7.5 (maximum) Turbidity TBA5 TBA5 Daily during Sulphate as 1000 mg/L or 95th percentile of release (the first SO4 80th percentile of reference reference2, which ever is lowest sample must be Aluminium TBA5 taken within 2 Arsenic1 TBA5 0.5 mg/L or 95th percentile of hours of 13 -g/L or 80th percentile of reference2, which ever is lowest commencement Cadmium1 reference, whichever is higher 0.01 mg/L or 95th percentile of of release if safe 0.2 -g/L or 80th percentile of reference2, which ever is lowest to do so) reference, whichever is higher Chromium TBA5 TBA5 Cobalt TBA5 TBA5 Copper1 1.4 -g/L or 80th percentile of 1 mg/L or 95th percentile of Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113 reference, whichever is higher reference2, which ever is lowest Lead1 3.4 -g/L or 80th percentile of 0.1 mg/L or 95th percentile of reference, whichever is higher reference2, which ever is lowest Manganese TBA5 TBA5 Mercury TBA5 TBA5 (inorganic) Molybdenum TBA5 TBA5 Barium TBA5 TBA5 Beryllium TBA5 TBA5 Boron TBA5 TBA5 Strontium TBA5 TBA5 Tin TBA5 TBA5 Uranium TBA5 TBA5 Nickel TBA5 TBA5 Selenium TBA5 TBA5 Zinc1 8.0 -g/L or 80th percentile of 20 mg/L or 95th percentile of reference, whichever is higher reference2, which ever is lowest Fluoride TBA5 TBA5 Hardness For interpretation purposes only Notes for Table C2: 1. Where 95th percentile of the long-term reference data is exceeded and the reference site also exceeds the value during the same event, the value of the reference site during the same event applies as the contaminant release limit. 2. Levels presented are maximums unless otherwise stated. 3. Trigger levels for metals and metalloids are based on filtered water quality samples. 4. Release limits for metals and metalloids are based on unfiltered water quality samples. 5. Trigger Levels and Release limits for any TBA must be nominated in accordance with condition C3-1.
- C3-1
All "TBA" listed in Schedule C - Table C2 (Contaminant Release Trigger Levels and Limits) and Schedule C - Table C5 (Receiving Water and Stream Sediment Trigger and Contaminant Limits) must be nominated via an amendment application pursuant to the Environmental Protection Act 1994 to this environmental authority by 30 June 2027.
- C4
The release of contaminants to waters must not exceed the release limits stated in Schedule C - Table C2 (Contaminant Trigger Levels and Release Limits) for each quality characteristic.
- C5
If quality characteristics of the release exceed any of the trigger levels specified in Schedule C - Table C2 (Contaminant Trigger Levels and Release Limits) during a release event, the holder of this environmental authority must compare the downstream results in the receiving waters during that release event to the trigger values specified in Schedule C - Table C2 (Contaminant Trigger Levels and Release Limits) and: (a) If the level of contaminants at the downstream site is the same or a lower value than the reference value for the quality characteristic during the release event then no action is to be taken; or (b) If the level of contaminants at the downstream site is greater than the reference monitoring site data complete an investigation in accordance with the ANZECC & ARMCANZ 2000 methodology, into the Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113 potential for environmental harm and provide a written report to the administering authority within 3 months, 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 (C5) (b) of this condition, no further reporting is required for subsequent trigger events for that quality characteristic.
- C6
The release of contaminants directly or indirectly to waters must not: (a) Produce any visible discolouration of receiving waters; or (b) 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. Stream Flow Monitoring
- C7
Before the 1 November 2012, the environmental authority holder must install, operate and maintain a stream flow gauging station to determine and record stream flows at the locations upstream of each release point as specified in Schedule C - Table C3 (Contaminant Release During Flow Events) for any receiving water into which a release occurs. Schedule C - Table C3 (Contaminant Release during Flow Events) Receiving Release Gauging Easting Northing Minimum Flow in Flow water point station (GDA94) (GDA94) Receiving Water recording description Zone 54 Zone 54 Frequency description Required for a Release Event Scrubby Discharge Gauging 498001 7682346 The release Continuous Creek from station 1 comprising less (minimum Spillway of than 5% of the daily) Lake natural flow.1 Andrew Notes for Table C3: 1. The volume of flow can be determined by height of water or flow. The actual flow must be a quantifiable measure.
- C8
Notwithstanding any other condition of this environmental authority, the release of contaminants to waters
- C9
must only take place during periods of natural flow events specified as minimum flow in Schedule C -
- C10
Table 3 (Contaminant Release during Flow Events) for the contaminant release point(s). The daily quantity of contaminants released from each release point must be measured and recorded at the monitoring points in Schedule C - Table C1 (Contaminant Release Points). 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. Notification of Release Event
- C11
The environmental authority holder must notify the administering authority as soon as practicable of a release event (no later than twenty-four (24) hours of having commenced releasing mine affected water to the receiving environment). Notification must include the submission of written verification to the administering authority of the following information: (a) Release commencement date/time; Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113 (b) Expected release cessation date/time; (c) Release point/s; (d) Release volume (estimated); (e) Receiving water/s including the natural flow rate; and (f) Any details (including available data) regarding likely impacts on the receiving water(s).
- C12
The environmental authority holder must notify the administering authority as soon as practicable, (nominally within twenty-four (24) hours after cessation of a release) of the cessation of a release notified under condition (C11) and within twenty-eight (28) days provide the following information in writing: (a) Release cessation date/time; (b) Natural flow volume in receiving water; (c) Volume of water released; (d) Details regarding the compliance of the release with the conditions of Schedule C-Water of this environmental authority (i.e. contamination limits, natural flow, discharge volume); (e) All in-situ water quality monitoring results; and (f) Any other matters pertinent to the water release event. Receiving Environment Monitoring and Contaminant Trigger Levels and Limits
- C13
The quality of the receiving waters and stream sediments must be monitored at the locations and frequencies defined in Schedule C - Table C4 (Receiving Water and Stream Sediment Monitoring Locations and Frequency) and Schedule I - Map 2 (Monitoring Sites for Surface Water and Sediments) for the quality characteristics defined in Schedule C - Table C5 (Receiving Water and Stream Sediment Trigger and Contaminant Limits). Schedule C - Table C4 (Receiving Water and Stream Sediment Monitoring Locations and Frequency) Easting Northing Monitoring point (GDA 94) (GDA 94) Monitoring frequency Zone 54 Zone 54 Reference Sites1 SC1 - Scrubby Creek (east) 498092 7681997 Surface Waters: upstream reference site1 at the 491459 7679507 Daily during a release; or 498504 7683932 Weekly during each stream north-eastern boundary of flow event ML90155 Stream Sediment: Bi-annually (once at the end of SC1A - Scrubby Creek (west) the wet season, once at the upstream reference site1, end of the dry season approximately 6.7km upstream of Eloise Copper Mine Impact Sites SC2 - Drainage channel flowing north into Scrubby Creek (east) approximately 200m downstream Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113 of SC3 SC2A - Scrubby Creek flowing 499457 7687270 north, approximately 3.4km downstream of mining operations. Downstream of the confluence of Scrubby Creek (east) and (west) SC2B - Scrubby Creek (west) 497341 7684129 flowing north, at northern boundary of ML 90155 and downstream of mining operations SC3 - Scrubby Creek East Downstream Impact site - east TD3 and TD4 498375 7683667 Drainage channel flowing north into Scrubby Creek (east), approximately 300m downstream of mining operations Notes for Table C4: 1. Reference sites must: a) be from the same biogeographic and climatic region; and b) have similar geology, soil types and topography; and c) contain a range of habitats similar to those at the test sites; and d) a similar flow regime; and e) not be so close to the test sites that any disturbance at the test site also results in a change at the reference site Schedule C - Table C5 (Receiving Water and Stream Sediment Trigger and Contaminant Limits) Receiving Water Quality Stream Sediment Quality Quality (mg/L unless stated otherwise) (mg/kg unless stated otherwise) Characteristic Contaminant Limits3, Trigger Levels3, 4 Trigger Level Contaminant Limit 5 435S/cm or 80th 1000 S/cm or 95th Electrical percentile of percentile of N/A N/A conductivity reference reference2, which ever is lowest 6.0 (minimum) 5.5 (minimum) pH N/A N/A 7.5 (maximum) 9.0 (maximum) Turbidity TBA7 TBA7 N/A N/A Sulphate as SO4 80th percentile of 1000 mg/L or 95th N/A N/A reference percentile of Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113 reference2, which ever is lowest Aluminium TBA7 TBA7 TBA7 TBA7 Arsenic1 13 -g/L or 80th 0.5 mg/L or 95th Reference value or 20 70 mg/kg6 or 3 times percentile of percentile of mg/kg5, whichever is the reference value, Cadmium1 reference reference2, which ever higher. whichever is higher is lowest Chromium Cobalt 0.2 -g/L or 80th 0.01 mg/L or 95th Reference value or 10 mg/kg6 or 3 times percentile of percentile of 1.5 mg/kg5, whichever the reference value, Copper1 reference reference2, which ever is higher whichever is higher is lowest Lead1 TBA7 TBA TBA7 TBA7 Manganese Mercury (inorganic) TBA7 TBA7 TBA7 TBA7 Molybdenum Barium 1.4 -g/L or 80th 1 mg/L or 95th Reference value or 65 270 mg/kg6 or 3 times Beryllium percentile of percentile of mg/kg5, whichever is the reference value, Boron reference reference2, which ever higher. whichever is higher Strontium is lowest Tin Uranium 3.4 -g/L or 80th 0.1 mg/L or 95th Reference value or 50 220 mg/kg6 or 3 times Nickel percentile of percentile of mg/kg5 whichever is the reference value, Selenium reference reference2, which ever higher. whichever is higher is lowest Zinc1 TBA7 TBA7 TBA7 TBA7 Fluoride Hardness TBA7 TBA7 TBA7 TBA7 Particle Size Distribution TBA7 TBA7 TBA7 TBA7 TBA7 TBA7 TBA7 TBA7 TBA7 TBA7 TBA7 TBA7 TBA7 TBA7 TBA7 TBA7 TBA7 TBA7 TBA7 TBA7 TBA7 TBA7 TBA7 TBA7 TBA7 TBA7 TBA7 TBA7 TBA7 TBA7 TBA7 TBA7 TBA7 TBA7 TBA7 TBA7 8.0 -g/L or 80th 20 mg/L or 95th Reference value or 410 mg/kg6 or 3 times percentile of percentile of 200 mg/kg5 or, the reference value, reference reference2, which ever whichever is higher. whichever is higher is lowest TBA7 TBA7 N/A N/A For interpretation purposes only For interpretation purposes only N/A For Interpretational Purposes Only Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113 Notes for Table C5: 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. Contaminant limits apply for metal/metalloids if total results exceed limits. 2. Where 95th percentile of the long-term reference data is exceeded and the reference site also exceeds the value during the same event, the value of the reference site during the same event applies as the contaminant release limit. 3. Levels presented are maximums unless otherwise stated. 4. Trigger levels for metals and metalloids are based on filtered water quality samples. 5. ANZECC (2000) Interim Sediment Quality Guidelines - low values based on total sediments 6. ANZECC (2000) Interim Sediment Quality Guidelines - high values based on total sediments 7. Trigger Levels and Contaminant Limits for any TBA must be nominated in accordance with condition C3-1.
- C14
The release of contaminants to the receiving environment must not result in an exceedance of surface water or stream sediment contaminant limits stated in Schedule C - Table 5 (Receiving Water and Stream Sediment Trigger and Contaminant Limits) for each quality characteristic.
- C15
If quality characteristics of the receiving water at the downstream monitoring points exceed any of the surface water or stream sediment trigger levels specified in Schedule C - Table 5 (Receiving Water and Stream Sediment Trigger and Contaminant Limits), the environmental authority holder must compare the downstream results to the reference site results in the receiving waters and: (a) where the downstream result is the same or a lower value than the reference site value for the quality characteristic during the same sampling event then no action is to be taken; or (b) where the downstream results exceed the reference site, complete an investigation in accordance with the ANZECC & ARMCANZ 2000 methodology, into the potential for environmental harm and provide a written report to the administering authority within three (3) months, 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 C15 (b) of this condition, no further reporting is required for subsequent trigger events for that quality characteristic.
- C16
All stream sediment sampling must be undertaken in accordance with the most recent version of Australian Standard AS 5667.12 Guidance on Sampling of Bottom Sediments of 1998. Onsite Water Storages
- C17
The holder of this environmental authority must monitor the water quality in all regulated dams defined in Schedule D - Table D1 (Location of Regulated Dams) of this environmental authority for the water quality contaminant limits detailed in Schedule C - Table C6 (Onsite Water Storage Contaminant Limits) every three (3) months.
- C18
In the event that water storages defined in Schedule D - Table D1 (Location of Regulated Dams) of this environmental authority exceed the contaminant limits defined in Schedule C - Table 6 (Onsite Water Storage Contaminant Limits), the holder of the environmental authority must implement measures, where practicable, to prevent access to waters by livestock, and limit access to native fauna. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113 Schedule C - Table C6 (Onsite Water Storage Contaminant Limits) Quality Characteristic Test Value Contaminant Limit2 pH Range 6 - 91 EC (S/cm) Maximum 10001 Sulphate (mg/L) Maximum 10001 Aluminium (mg/L) Maximum 51 Arsenic (mg/L) Maximum 0.51 Cadmium (mg/L) Maximum 0.011 Chromium (mg/L) Maximum 11 Copper (mg/L) Maximum 11 Lead (mg/L) Maximum 0.11 Mercury (mg/L) Maximum 0.0021 Nickel (mg/L) Maximum 11 Selenium (mg/L) Maximum 0.021 Zinc (mg/L) Maximum 201 Notes for Table C6: 1. Contaminant limit based on ANZECC & ARMCANZ (2000) stock water quality guidelines. 2. For metals or metalloids Total measurements (unfiltered) must be taken and analysed. Receiving Environment Monitoring Program (REMP)
- C19
An updated REMP must be developed and implemented by 1 July 2023 to monitor and record the effects of the release of contaminants on the receiving environment or potential release of contaminants, with the aims of identifying and describing the extent of any adverse impacts to local environmental values, and monitoring any changes in the receiving water. For the purposes of the REMP, the receiving environment is the waters of Scrubby Creek and connected waterways within 10 km downstream of the release or further if an impact is detected beyond 10 km.
- C20
The REMP must be reviewed and re-submitted to the administering authority by an appropriately qualified person every three (3) years from 1 July 2023 to ensure that any potential environmental impacts due to changes in the carrying out of the mining activity are monitored.
- C21
The REMP must address (but not necessarily be limited to) the following: (a) Description of potentially affected receiving waters including key communities and reference water quality and sediment characteristics based on accurate and reliable monitoring data that takes into consideration any temporal variation (e.g. seasonality); (b) Description of applicable environmental values and water quality objectives to be achieved, i.e., as scheduled pursuant to the Environmental Protection (Water) Policy; (c) Any relevant reports prepared by other governmental or professional research organisations that relate to the receiving environment within which the REMP is proposed; (d) Water and sediment quality targets within the receiving environment to be achieved and clarification of contaminant concentrations or levels indicating adverse environmental impacts during the REMP; Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113
- C22
(e) Monitoring identify and describe any adverse environmental impacts to surface water environmental
- C23
values, quality, and flows; (f) Monitoring of stream flow and hydrology; (g) Assess the receiving environment monitoring against Schedule C - Table C4 (Receiving Water and Stream Sediment Trigger and Contaminant Limits) to assess the extent of the compliance of concentrations with water quality objectives; (h) Apply procedures and/or guidelines from ANZG 2018 and other relevant standards and guideline documents. (i) Monitoring of physical and chemical parameters that include dissolved oxygen saturation and temperature; (j) Monitoring biological indicators (for macroinvertebrates in accordance with the administering authorities' monitoring and sampling manual (AusRivas methodology) and 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) for permanent, semi-permanent water holes and water storages; (k) The locations of monitoring points (including the locations specified in Schedule C - Table C4 (Receiving Water and Stream Sediment Monitoring Locations and Frequency) which are reference/upstream and downstream impacted sites for each release point); (l) The frequency or scheduling of sampling and analysis sufficient to determine water quality objectives and to derive site specific reference values within two (2) years (depending on wet season flows) in accordance with the Queensland Water Quality Guidelines. For ephemeral streams, this should include periods of flow irrespective of mine or other discharges; (m) Specify sampling and analysis methods and quality assurance and control; (n) Any historical data sets to be relied upon; (o) Description of the statistical basis on which conclusions are drawn; (p) Assess the long-term condition or state of surface waters, sediment, and aquatic ecosystem health; (q) Include an assessment of the potential impacts of the activity and propose appropriate mitigation measures; (r) Assess the status of and any change to aquatic ecosystem health including aquatic flora and fauna within and immediately surrounding the project area; (s) Incorporate stream flow and hydrological information in the interpretations of water quality and biological data; and (t) Any spatial and temporal controls to exclude potential confounding factors. A report outlining the findings of the REMP, including all monitoring results and interpretations or assumptions relied upon, in accordance with condition C20 must be prepared for the period of 1 July - 30 June the following year and the report submitted to the administering authority each year by 30 September. This should include an assessment of reference water quality, any assimilative capacity for those contaminants monitored and the suitability of current discharge limits to protect downstream environment values. The report required by condition C22 must: (a) Be prepared by an appropriately qualified person. (b) Include an audit of compliance with the latest version of the administering authority's guideline Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113 (c) Outline the findings of the REMP, including but not limited to: (i) An assessment of long-term background water quality, (ii) An assessment of the long-term condition and state of surface waters, sediment and aquatic ecosystem health. (iii) Suitability of current release limits to protect downstream environmental values. (iv) Recommendations for further investigation. (v) Recommendations for changes or improvements to the monitoring program; and (vi) Potential changes to management and conditioning of the authorised activity to minimise impacts. Water General
- C24
All determinations of water quality 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 2 hours of each other (reference/downstream) where possible; (d) Carried out on representative samples; and, (e) Laboratory testing must be undertaken using a laboratory accredited (e.g. NATA) for the method of analysis being used. Annual Water Monitoring Reporting
- C25
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 when requested: (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 the contaminants 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 with 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. Water Management Plan
- C26
A Water Management Plan must be developed and implemented 1 March 2013 that provides for the proper and effective management of the actual and potential environmental impacts resulting from the mining activity and to ensure compliance with the conditions of this environmental authority.
- C27
The Water Management Plan must be developed in accordance with administering authority Guideline for Preparing a Water Management Plan 2009 or any updates that become available from time to time and Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113 must include at least the following components: (a) Contaminant Source Study; (b) Site Water Balance and Model; (c) Water Management System; (d) Saline Drainage Prevention and Management Measures; (e) Acid Rock Drainage Prevention and Management Measures (if applicable); (f) Emergency and Contingency Planning; and, (g) Monitoring and review.
- C28
Each year the environmental authority holder must undertake a review of the Water Management Plan prior to the wet season (and no later than 1 November) and a further review following the wet season (i.e. by 1 May the following year) to ensure that proper and effective measures, practices or procedures are in place so that the mine is operated in accordance with the conditions of this environmental authority and that environmental harm is prevented or minimised.
- C29
A copy of the Water Management Plan and/or a review of the Water Management Plan must be provided to the administering authority on request. Saline, acid and metalliferous drainage
- C30
The holder of this environmental authority must ensure proper and effective measures are taken to avoid or otherwise minimise the generation and/or release of saline, acid and/or metalliferous mine drainage. Stormwater, Sediment and Erosion Controls
- C31
An Erosion and Sediment Control Plan must be developed by an appropriately qualified person and implemented for all stages of the mining activities on the site to minimise erosion and the release of sediment to receiving waters and contamination of storm water. A copy of the erosion and sediment control plan must be provided to the administering authority on request.
- C32
The Erosion and Sediment Control Plan must be managed in accordance with documented procedures, and provides for at least the following stormwater management functions: (a) Prevent or minimise the contamination of stormwater; (b) Diverting uncontaminated stormwater run-off around areas disturbed by mining activities or where contaminants or wastes are stored or handled; (c) Contaminated stormwater runoff, incident rainfall and leachate is collected; and treated, reused, or released in accordance with the conditions of this environmental authority; (d) Roofing or minimising the size of areas where contaminants or wastes are stored or handled; (e) Using alternate materials and or processes (such as dry absorbents) to clean up spills that will minimise the generation of contaminated waters; (f) Erosion and sediment control structures are placed to minimise erosion of disturbed areas and prevent the contamination of any waters; (g) Procedures to ensure that erosion and sediment control structures are maintained and adequate storage is available in sediment dams in accordance with design criteria; and
- C33
(h) Training of staff that will be responsible for maintenance and operations of sediment and erosion control structures. Erosion protection measures and sediment control measures must be implemented and maintained to Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113 minimise erosion and the release of sediment and contamination of storm water. Runoff Control from Machinery Maintenance
- C34
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.
- C35
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. Groundwater
- C36
The holder of this environmental authority must not release contaminants to groundwater.
- C37
By 30 March 2024, a revised numerical groundwater model must be developed by an appropriately qualified person.
- C38
The numerical groundwater model required by Condition C37 must: (a) include a hydrogeological conceptual model and hydrostatigraphy of the groundwater units; (b) provide groundwater contours; (c) predict groundwater levels; (d) predict operational groundwater seepage and post-mining seepage rates; (e) predict fluxes through the floor of the tailings dams cells, embankments and into the underlying groundwater systems; (f) predict lateral and vertical geographical extents of contaminants and direction of movements of contaminants; (g) be calibrated and include sensitivity analysis to evaluate the relative effect of model input parameters and boundary conditions on model calibration and predictive outputs.
- C39
The numerical groundwater model in Condition C38 must simulate the interaction of the tailings dams with the site groundwater system and the different hydro-stratigraphic units.
- C40
By 30 April 2024, a model review report providing details of the numerical groundwater model required by Condition C38 must: (a) be submitted to the administering authority; and (b) have due consideration given to any comments made by the administering authority on the numerical groundwater model.
- C41
The numerical groundwater model in Condition C38 must be maintained and calibrated to ensure the site groundwater system is modelled for operational and post-mining activities.
- C42
Groundwater quality and level must be monitored at the locations and frequencies defined in Schedule C - Table C7 (Groundwater Monitoring Locations and Frequency) for quality characteristics identified in Schedule C - Table C8 (Groundwater Trigger and Contaminant Limits). Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113 Schedule C - Table C7 (Groundwater Monitoring Locations and Frequency) Monitoring point* Aquifer MGA MGA Surface Depth Monitoring Formation Easting Northing RL below frequency Geologic unit (GDA 94) (GDA 94) (m) surface Zone 54 Zone 54 (m) Tertiary Sediments /Weathered Wallumbilla Formation; Wallumbilla Formation Reference Bores1,3 - (Shallow) - Tertiary Sediments /Weathered Wallumbilla Formation Tertiary sediments / REF1_S Weathered 498805 7682201 185.3 12 Quarterly Wallumbilla Formation Compliance Bores (Shallow) - Tertiary Sediments, Tertiary Sediments /Weathered Wallumbilla Formation, Wallumbilla Formation WB10 497622 7684283 189 12 Quarterly WB11A 498106 7684323 192 12 Quarterly WB12 498425 7684237 189 12 Quarterly WB13 498305 7683844 175 12 Quarterly WB14A 498355 7683220 191 12 Quarterly TD5_1 497542 7684051 175.1 12 Quarterly TD5_2 497025 7683599 177.7 10 Quarterly TD5_3 Tertiary 497028 7683359 179.9 12 Quarterly TD5_4# sediments / 497128 7682942 183.9 TD5_5 Weathered 497623 7683107 184.8 12 Quarterly TD5_6# Wallumbilla 497155 7683299 180.6 Formation 11.8 Quarterly 12 Quarterly TD5_7 497603 7684011 177.5 12 Quarterly TD5_8# 497152 7683656 177.6 10 Quarterly TD5_9# 497333 7683930 175.6 12 Quarterly TD5_12 TBC TBC TBC 12 Quarterly TD5_13 TBC TBC TBC 12 Quarterly TD5_14 TBC TBC TBC 12 Quarterly TD5_15 TBC TBC TBC 12 Quarterly LDB05 497132 7683784 175 12 Quarterly LDB07 Tertiary 497183 7683921 175 12 Quarterly sediments Wallumbilla Formation Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113 Monitoring point* Aquifer MGA MGA Surface Depth Monitoring Formation Easting Northing RL below frequency Geologic unit (GDA 94) (GDA 94) (m) surface Zone 54 Zone 54 (m) Observation Bores2, 4 WB1 Wallumbilla 498171 7683158 184 29 Quarterly WB2 23 Quarterly Formation 498200 7683431 182 WB3 498196 7683653 183 23 Quarterly Reference Bores1- (Deep) - Wallumbilla Formation REF1_D Wallumbilla 498813 7682200 185.5 40 Quarterly Formation Compliance Bores - (Deep) - Wallumbilla Formation TD5_10# 497152 7683649 177.7 40 Quarterly TD5_11# Wallumbilla 497328 7683929 175.6 40 Quarterly TD5_16 Formation TBC TBC TBC 40 Quarterly TD5_17 TBC TBC TBC 40 Quarterly Gilbert River Formation Reference Bores1 - Deep - Gilbert River Formation DWB 7 Gilbert River 498655 7683541 185 66 Quarterly Formation Compliance Bores (Deep) - Gilbert River Formation WB9B 497505 7683973 175 80 Quarterly WB14B WB19 Gilbert River 498353 7683213 190 60 Quarterly Formation 497620 7684148 177 80 Quarterly WB20 498299 7684136 177 80 Quarterly Notes for Table C7: 1. The reference bores must establish the quality of ground water that has not been affected by any seepage of contaminants to ground water from the licensed place. 2. To determine any shallow groundwater seepage outside of the perimeter of the interception system on Tailings dams, TD3 and TD4. 3. The shallow reference bore must establish the presence or absence of a shallow aquifer in the tertiary sediments of the Wallumbilla formation, in a location hydraulically upgradient of the potential contaminant source. 4. Located within the interception system adjacent to the tailings dams,TD3 and TD4. 5. Bore locations for any TBC must be nominated in accordance with condition C42-2. 6. # Bores will be replaced by new bores designated as TBC. *Map of monitoring bore locations depicted in Schedule I - Map 3 - ECM Groundwater Monitoring Locations Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113 Schedule C - Table C8 (Groundwater Trigger and Contaminant Limits) Quality Trigger Levels3,4 Contaminant Limit3,5 Characteristic Electrical 435 S/cm or 80th percentile of reference, 1000 S/cm or 95th percentile of conductivity whichever is higher reference2, 6, whichever is lowest pH 6.0 (minimum) 5.5 (minimum) 7.5 (maximum) 9.0 (maximum) Sulphate as SO4 80th percentile of reference 1000 mg/L or 95th percentile of reference2, 6, whichever is lowest Fluoride TBA8 TBA8 Sodium TBA8 TBA8 Aluminium TBA8 TBA8 Arsenic1 13 -g/L or 80th percentile of reference, 0.5 mg/L or 95th percentile of whichever is higher reference2, 6, whichever is lowest Cadmium1 0.2 -g/L or 80th percentile of reference, 0.01 mg/L or 95th percentile of whichever is higher reference2, 6, whichever is lowest Chromium TBA8 TBA8 Cobalt TBA8 TBA8 Copper1 1.4 -g/L or 80th percentile of reference, 1 mg/L or 95th percentile of reference2, whichever is higher 6, whichever is lowest Lead1 3.4 -g/L or 80th percentile of reference, 0.1 mg/L or 95th percentile of whichever is higher reference2, 6, whichever is lowest Iron TBA8 TBA8 Manganese TBA8 TBA8 Molybdenum TBA8 TBA8 Mercury TBA8 TBA8 Nickel TBA8 TBA8 Selenium TBA8 TBA8 Silver TBA8 TBA8 Vanadium TBA8 TBA8 Barium TBA8 TBA8 Beryllium TBA8 TBA8 Boron TBA8 TBA8 Strontium TBA8 TBA8 Tin TBA8 TBA8 Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113 Quality Trigger Levels3,4 Contaminant Limit3,5 Characteristic Uranium TBA8 TBA8 Zinc1 8.0 -g/L or 80th percentile of reference, 20 mg/L or 95th percentile of whichever is higher reference2, 6, whichever is lowest Major ions For interpretation purposes only Total Hardness For interpretation purposes only Total Nitrogen, N/A TN (mg/L as N)7 Total Phosphorus, TP (mg/L as P) 7 E. coli (cfu/100mL) 7 Notes for table C8 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. Contaminant limits apply for metal/metalloids if total results exceed limits. 2. Where 5th or 95th percentile of the long-term reference data is exceeded and the reference site also exceeds the value during the same event, the value of the reference site during the same event applies as the contaminant release limit. 3. Levels presented are maximums unless otherwise stated. 4. Trigger levels for metals and metalloids are based on filtered water quality samples. 5. Contaminant limits for metals and metalloids are based on unfiltered water quality samples. 6. Applicable reference bores for contaminant limits are specified in Schedule C - Table C7. 7. This analysis is only required for monitoring bore, DWB 7 installed downgradient of the sewage treatment works. 8. Trigger Levels and Contaminant Limits for any TBA must be nominated in accordance with condition C42-1.
- C42-1
All "TBA" listed in Schedule C - Table C8 (Groundwater Trigger and Contaminant Limits) must be
- C42-2
nominated via an amendment application pursuant to the Environmental Protection Act 1994 to this
- C43
environmental authority by 30 November 2026. All "TBC" listed in Schedule C - Table C7 (Groundwater Monitoring Locations and Frequency) must be nominated via an amendment application pursuant to the Environmental Protection Act 1994 to this environmental authority prior to construction of TD5 embankment raise or by 31 March 2027 whichever is earlier. If quality characteristics of groundwater from compliance bores identified in Schedule C - Table C7 (Groundwater Monitoring Locations and Frequency) exceed any of the trigger levels stated in Schedule C - Table C8 (Groundwater Trigger and Contaminant Limits), the holder of this environmental authority must compare the compliance monitoring bore results to the applicable reference bore results and: (a) if the level of contaminants at the compliance monitoring bore does not exceed the applicable reference bore results, then no action is to be taken; and (b) if the level of contaminants at the compliance monitoring bore is greater than the applicable reference bore results, complete an investigation in accordance with the ANZECC & ARMCANZ 2000, into the potential for environmental harm and provide a written report to the administering authority within 3 months, outlining: i. details of the investigations carried out; and Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113
- C44
ii. actions taken to prevent environmental harm. (C45)
- C46
Note: Where an exceedance of a trigger level has occurred and is being investigated, in accordance
- C47
with C38 (b) of this condition, no further reporting is required for subsequent trigger events for that quality characteristic within the three-month investigation period. (C48) Monitoring of groundwater from compliance bores identified in Schedule C - Table C7 (Groundwater
- C49
Monitoring Locations and Frequency), must not exceed any of the contaminant limits defined in Schedule C - Table C8 (Groundwater Trigger and Contaminant Limits). By 30 September 2017, the EA holder must install and operate the Seepage Management System. From 30 January 2022, a Groundwater Management Program must be developed and documented by appropriately qualified person/s and implemented and maintained by the environmental authority holder. The Groundwater Management Program required by Condition C46 must: (a) identify potential sources, mechanisms, and pathways of contamination to groundwater from the activity; and (b) ensure that all potential groundwater impacts due to the activity are identified, monitored and mitigated; and (c) document sampling and monitoring methodology; and (d) ensure that adequate groundwater monitoring and data analysis is undertaken to achieve the following objectives: i. detect any impacts to groundwater levels due to the activity; ii. detect any impacts to groundwater quality due to the activity; iii. determine compliance with Conditions C53; and iv. determine trends in groundwater quality showing decreasing and increasing trends; and (e) include an appropriate quality assurance and quality control program; and (f) include a conceptual groundwater model which includes an assessment of current seepage rates and predicted post-mining seepage rates; and (g) specify the purpose of each groundwater bore, the monitoring location, quality characteristics and frequency; and (h) include a review process to identify improvements to the program that includes addressing any comments provided by the administering authority. The Groundwater Management Program must be reviewed and submitted on an annual basis by 30 June by an appropriately qualified person to determine if it continues to meet the requirements stated in Condition C47. The review must include at a minimum: (a) an assessment that the Groundwater Monitoring and Management Program continues to meet the requirements stated in condition C47; and (b) an assessment of the suitability of the monitoring network for groundwater specified in Table C7 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency to detect impacts from the mining activities; and (c) where relevant information gaps or uncertainty are identified as pertinent to the accuracy of the investigations finding/conclusions, include recommendations and associated timeframes to address those information gaps and resolve uncertainty. From 1 January 2024, an Annual Groundwater Monitoring Report must be prepared for the period of 1 January to 31 December the preceding year by an appropriately qualified person(s) and the report submitted to the administering authority each year by 1 April. The report must include but not be limited to: (a) an assessment, analysis and interpretation of groundwater quality results from each monitoring event, including time series graph of all data and an assessment of trends in the groundwater quality and level, a graphical comparison with at least the past five (5) years previous monitoring data; (b) recommendation/s of the review that is conducted by the appropriately qualified person(s) under Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113 condition C48; (c) investigation of any potential groundwater quality deterioration when measured at any bore listed in Schedule C - Table C7 (Groundwater Monitoring Locations and Frequency). (d) an assessment, analysis and interpretation of results from Seepage Management Plan required under condition C59; (e) a review process to identify improvements to the Seepage Management Plan that includes addressing any comments provided by the appropriately qualified person(s) required under condition C61.
- C50
The construction, maintenance and decommissioning of groundwater monitoring bores must be undertaken by a licensed appropriately qualified person in a manner that: (a) prevents contaminants entering the groundwater; and (b) ensures the integrity of the bores to obtain representative groundwater samples from the target aquifer; and (c) maintains the hydrogeological environment within the aquifer.
- C51
A bore drill log must be kept for each reference, compliance and observation groundwater monitoring bore which includes: (a) bore identification reference and geographic coordinate location; (b) specific construction information including but not limited to depth of bore, depth and length of casing, depth and length of screening and bore sealing details; (c) standing groundwater level and water quality characteristics including physical characteristics and results of laboratory analysis for the possible trigger characteristics; (d) lithological data and stratigraphic interpretation by an appropriately qualified person to identify important features associated with groundwater monitoring; and (e) target hydrogeological feature of the bore.
- C52
Monitoring and sampling must be carried out in accordance with written procedures and must address the requirements of the latest version of the following documents unless otherwise approved by the administering authority: (a) for waters and aquatic environments, Monitoring and Sampling Manual: Environmental Protection (Water) (b) for groundwater, Groundwater Sampling and Analysis - A Field Guide (2009:27 GeoCat#6890.1) and Australian Standard AS/NZS 5667.11:1998 Water quality--Sampling -Part 11: Guidance on sampling of groundwaters; (c) for subterranean aquatic fauna, the Guideline for the Environmental Assessment of Subterranean Aquatic Fauna (Queensland Herbarium, DSITI December 2015).
- C53
The environmental authority holder must ensure that groundwater quality measured in observation bores specified in Table C7 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency does not have increasing trends.
- C54
The environmental authority holder must install, operate and maintain Seepage Management Systems to contain seepage and prevent seepage from all site infrastructure moving beyond the observation bores specified in Table C7 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency.
- C55
The Seepage Management Systems required by condition C54 must, at a minimum: (a) include effective control measures to minimise seepage from all site infrastructure; and Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113 C56) (b) include effective control measures to capture and pump-back seepage sufficient to prevent migration
- C57
into surface waters; and (C58)
- C59
(c) include effective control measures to ensure seepage does not report to groundwater in the receiving environment; and (C60) (d) include effective control measures to ensure compliance with condition C53; and (e) include adequate detection measures to analyse and confirm the effectiveness of all control measures required by this condition. All recovered seepage must be returned to a structure or facility lawfully authorised to receive the seepage. Seepage generated from the activity must be managed in accordance with a Seepage Management Plan. The Seepage Management Plan must be developed and certified by an appropriately qualified person(s) as compliant with the seepage management conditions of this environmental authority. By 30 January 2022, the environmental authority holder must develop, document and implement a Seepage Management Plan (SMP). The SMP must, at a minimum: (a) describe the Seepage Management Systems required by condition C54; and (b) include adequate control measures to ensure groundwater quality in compliance bores listed in Table `C7 (Groundwater Monitoring Locations and Frequency)' comply with all limits specified in `Table C8 - Groundwater Trigger and Contaminant Limits'; and (c) include all measures necessary to ensure that the management intent for groundwater is achieved in accordance with condition C53; and (d) include all measures necessary to ensure compliance with conditions C1, C6 and C36; and (e) include adequate measures to intercept seepage sufficient to prevent migration beyond the Observation bores as specified in `Table C7 (Groundwater Monitoring Locations and Frequency)'; and (f) include adequate measures and review processes to determine if any additional control measures e.g. interception bores or interception trenches are required; and (g) include an action plan to implement and/or install any additional control measures that are required; and (h) include a map or figure that depicts the location and type of seepage control measures installed; and (i) be reviewed annually for the effectiveness of the components and include details of improvements undertaken in the previous year; and (j) address any comments made by the administering authority; and (k) include a seepage monitoring program that is designed to detect locations both on and off the mining lease, where seepage may express at the surface, and locations where seepage may not be captured within the Seepage Management System. (l) include documentation reasonably required for an independent technical review and substantiation of the plan. The Seepage Management Plan must include design plans for the seepage controls that form part of the Seepage Management System. The design plans must: (a) contain the design details for each seepage control; (b) contain `as constructed' drawings certified by the appropriately qualified person(s) for each design; (c) provide specifications for the measures, plant and equipment that form part of the design for each of the seepage controls; (d) include a map or figure to scale that depicts the location and type of seepage control installed/ to be installed; (e) include the operating rules, maintenance and monitoring/checking requirements, predicted performance, outline how performance will be assessed, and include performance validation monitoring for each of the seepage controls; and Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113 (f) describe the overall Seepage Management System, and detail how the seepage control forms part of the broader Seepage Management System.
- C61
Annually an appropriately qualified person(s) must review the Seepage Management Plan, including the seepage monitoring program, and submit a review report to the administering authority by 15 May of each calendar year. The review report must: (a) include a certification by the appropriately qualified person(s) that the Seepage Management Plan is compliant with the seepage management conditions of the environmental authority or detail amendments necessary to the Seepage Management Plan such that compliance can be achieved. (b) detail the review method and findings, an assessment of the effectiveness of the Seepage Management Plan, and detail and review the findings of the monitoring program designed to detect seepage that may not be captured. (c) include an assessment of the performance of the Seepage Management System as a whole in meeting its intent and continuing to remain as fit for purpose. (d) include documentation reasonably required for an independent technical review and substantiation of the performance. This, as a minimum, must include for each seepage control; i. the volume of seepage captured, and any changes in seepage volume over time; ii. the quality of the seepage with respect to the quality characteristics listed in Schedule C - Table C8 (Groundwater Trigger and Contaminant Limits) and any changes over time; iii. the disposal location for captured seepage; and iv. an assessment of the performance of seepage control in meeting the design intent and continuing to remain as fit for purpose.
- C62
The Seepage Management Plan must: (a) be amended within 30 days of each annual review as required to ensure compliance with the conditions of the EA; and (b) be made available to the administering authority each year by 30 June. Tailings Dam (TD5)
- C63
Tailings Dam (TD5) must: (a) be designed by a suitably qualified and experienced person; and (b) be constructed in a manner that prevents the release of seepage by either: i. fully confining and containing any seepage to within the TD5 embankments, or ii. fully lining TD5 with High Density Poly Ethylene (HDPE) in accordance with Scenario 5 in ATC Williams (ATCW, 2022), Eloise Mine - TD5 Design Verification, TD5 Foundation Permeability Assessment, Seepage Analysis and Liner Design Review, November 2022 (ref: 112341.49M04); and (c) be constructed under the supervision of a suitably qualified and experienced person; and (d) be certified by a suitably qualified and experienced person.
- C64
Prior to the construction of TD5, the environmental authority holder must submit to the administering authority certification that the design is in accordance with the requirements in condition C63 (b).
- C65
Certification by the suitably qualified and experienced person must be submitted to the administering authority on the completion of construction of TD5 and prior to the disposal of tailings into TD5, and must Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113 state that: (a) the 'as constructed' drawings and specifications meet the original intent of the design plan for TD5; and (b) construction of TD5 is in accordance with the design plan; and (c) construction of TD5 is in compliance with condition C63 of this environmental authority; and (d) construction of TD5 is in compliance with Schedule D - Regulated Dams of this environmental authority.
- C66
Within 12 months of TD5 construction, and thereafter every five years, an appropriately qualified person must verify the calibrated numerical groundwater model under condition C41 by: (a) incorporating observed groundwater and surface water monitoring data upstream and downstream of TD5 (b) reassessing the predicted mounding and drawdown contours, (c) evaluating the potential for surface water expression and hydraulic connection between TD5 groundwater mounding and Scrubby Creek, (d) assessing the groundwater level trends relative to the 2m mounding contour predicted in the 2025 model, and relative to the root zone depth of the regional ecosystem dependent on Scrubby Creek, and (e) providing recommendations to update the groundwater management program required under condition C47.
- C67
If groundwater level measured in monitoring bores adjacent to TD5, including TD5-9 and LDB07, exceeds (either above or below) by more than 2m the corresponding baseline or model-predicted level, or groundwater quality measured within these bores exceeds by 10% the baseline concentration for quality characteristics identified within `Table C8 - Groundwater Trigger and Contaminant Limits', an appropriately qualified person must investigate the cause and potential source variation, including potential impact to Scrubby Creek receiving environment.
- C68
If the investigation required under condition C67 identifies that the source of the potential impact is associated with the mining activity, the holder must within three months of confirmation, implement mitigation measures to achieve the management outcomes specified under conditions C47 and C59, and provide a report to the administering authority detailing the investigation findings and actions undertaken. Sewage Treatment
- C69
Sewage or treated sewage effluent must not be released from the site to any waters or bed and banks of any waters including groundwater.
- C70
All ponds used for storage of treated sewage effluent must be maintained: (a) so as to minimise the likelihood of any release of effluent through the bed or banks of the pond to any waters (including groundwater); (b) so that a freeboard of not less than 1 metre is maintained at all times; and (c) so as to ensure the stability of the ponds' construction.
- C71
Suitable banks and / or diversion drains must be installed and maintained to exclude stormwater runoff from entering any ponds or other structures used for the storage or treatment of sewage.
- C72
Effluent may be reused for the purposes of dust suppression or irrigation where the conditions of the environmental authority are complied with. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113
- C73
All effluent released from the sewage treatment facilities must be monitored at the monitoring locations and at the minimum monitoring frequency for the parameters specified in Table C9 - Sewage effluent quality limits. Table C9 - Sewage effluent quality limits Monitoring Easting Northing Quality Units Release Limit Minimum Location GDA94 GDA94 characteristics Limit Type monitoring frequency Name z54 z54 Sewage 498562 7683331 pH pH 6.5 to 8.5 Range Monthly Treatment <20 Maximum Monthly Biological mg/L Plant oxygen demand Discharge (BOD) Pipe Suspended mg/L <30 Maximum Monthly solids Total Nitrogen mg/L <10 (or 7 Maximum Monthly (TN) mg/L from influent valve) Total mg/L 1 to 6 Maximum Monthly Phosphorus (variable (TP) according to coagulant dose rate) E. Coli CFU/100 <10 Maximum Monthly mL Free chlorine mg/L 0.2 to 2.0 Range Monthly
- C74
Treated effluent release to land must be undertaken in a manner and in accordance with documentation that ensures: (C75)
- C76
(a) drainage to groundwater and subsurface flows of contaminants to surface waters are prevented (C77) (b) surface pondage and run-off of effluent is prevented (c) degradation of soil structure is minimised (d) soil sodicity and the build-up of nutrients and heavy metals in the soil and subsoil are minimised (e) spray drift or overspray does not carry beyond effluent disposal areas (f) permanent irrigation effluent disposal areas are maintained with an appropriate crop in a viable state for transpiration and nutrient uptake (g) sufficient buffer zones are maintained between irrigation sites and sensitive environmental receptors. When weather conditions or soil conditions preclude the release of treated sewage effluent to land, effluent must not be irrigated to land. Solids that accumulate in the sewage treatment facilities (including the evaporation pond) are to be removed by an appropriately licenced regulated waste transporter. Notices must be prominently displayed on any treated effluent irrigation area warning staff and the public that the area is irrigated with treated effluent and not to use or drink the treated effluent. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113
- C78
The daily volume of effluent released must be measured and documented. END OF CONDITIONS FOR SCHEDULE C Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113 Schedule D - Regulated Dams Assessment of Hazard Category
- D1
The hazard category of any dam must be assessed by a suitably qualified and experienced person: (a) in accordance with the Manual for Assessing Hazard Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Dams; and (b) in any of the following situations: i. prior to the design and construction of the dam; or ii. prior to any change in its purpose or the nature of its stored contents.
- D2
A hazard assessment report and certification must be prepared for any dam assessed and the report may include a hazard assessment for more than one dam.
- D3
The holder of this environmental authority must, on receipt of a hazard assessment report and certification, provide to the administering authority one paper copy and one electronic copy of the hazard assessment report and certification.
- D4
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 Hazard Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Dams.
- D5
The holder of this environmental authority must take reasonable and practical measures so that each dam associated with the mining activity is designed, constructed, operated and maintained in accordance with accepted engineering standards and is fit for the purpose for which it is intended. Design and Construction of a Regulated Dam
- D6
All regulated dams must be designed by, and constructed under the supervision of, a suitably qualified and experienced person in accordance with the requirements of the "Manual for Assessing Hazard Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Dams".
- D7
Construction of a regulated dam is prohibited unless the holder has: (a) submitted a hazard category assessment report and certification to the administering authority; (b) commissioned a suitably qualified and experienced person to prepare a design plan for the dam; and (c) received the certification from 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.
- D8
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 Hazard Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Dams.
- D9
Regulated dams must: (a) be designed and constructed in accordance with and conform to the requirements of the Manual for Assessing Hazard Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Dams; (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.
- D10
The design plan for a regulated dam must include, but is not limited to: Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113
- D11
(a) certification that the design plan i. is in accordance with the "Manual for Assessing Hazard Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Dams", including subsidiary certifications if necessary; and ii. addresses the requirements in condition (D10) (b) to (h). (b) A design report which provides: i. a description of all the documents which constitute the design plan; ii. a statement of: a. the applicable standards including engineering criteria, industry guidelines, relevant legislation and regulatory documents, relied upon in preparing the design plan; b. all relevant facts and data used in preparing the design plan, including any efforts made to obtain necessary facts and data, and any limitations or assumptions to facts and data used in preparing the design plan; c. the hazard category of the regulated dam; and d. setting out the reasoning of the suitably qualified and experienced person who has certified the design plan, as to how the design plan provides the necessary required performance; iii. documentation of hydrological analyses and estimates required to determine all elements of the design including volumes and flow capacities; iv. detailed criteria for the design, operation, maintenance and decommissioning of the regulated dam, including any assumptions; and v. design, specification and operational rules for any related dams and systems used to prevent failure scenarios; (c) Drawings showing the lines and dimensions, and locations of built dams and land forms associated with the regulated dam; (d) Consideration of the interaction of the pit design with the levee or regulated dam design; (e) An operational plan that includes; i. normal operating procedures and rules (including clear documentation and definition of process inputs in the DSA allowance); and ii. contingency and emergency action plans including operating procedures designed to avoid and/or minimise environmental impacts including threats to human life resulting from any overtopping or loss of structural integrity of the regulated dam; (f) A plan for the decommissioning and rehabilitation of the regulated dam at the end of its operational life; (g) Details of reports on investigations and studies done in support of the design plan; and (h) Any other matter required by the suitably qualified and experienced person. 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 dam, and state that: (a) the 'as constructed' drawings and specifications meet the original intent of the design plan for that regulated dam; and (b) construction of the regulated dam is in accordance with the design plan. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113
- D12
Where a regulated dam is to be managed as part of an integrated containment system and the DSA volume is to be shared across the integrated containment system, the design and operating rules for the system as a whole must be documented in a system design plan that is certified by a suitably qualified and experienced person.
- D13
The system design plan must contain: (a) the design plans; (b) the `as constructed' plans; (c) the operational rules for each individual regulated dam that forms part of the integrated system; (d) the standards of serviceability and accessibility of water transfer equipment or dams; and (e) the operational rules for the system as a whole. Operation of a regulated dam
- D14
Operation of a regulated dam is prohibited unless: (a) the holder has submitted to the administering authority: i. one paper copy and one electronic copy of the design plan and certification of the `design plan' in accordance with condition (D10); ii. a set of `as constructed' drawings and specifications; iii. certification of those `as constructed drawings and specifications' in accordance with condition (D11); and iv. where the regulated dam 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; (b) the requirements of this authority relating to the construction of the regulated dam have been met.
- D15
Each regulated dam must be maintained and operated in a manner that is consistent with the current design plan, the current operational plan, and the associated certified `as constructed' drawings for the duration of its operational life until decommissioned and rehabilitated.
- D16
The holder of this environmental authority must take reasonable and practicable control measures to prevent the causing of harm to persons, livestock or wildlife through the construction and operation of a regulated dam. Reasonable and practicable control measures may include, but are not limited to: (a) the secure use of fencing, bunding or screening; and (b) escape arrangements for trapped livestock and fauna. Mandatory Reporting Level
- D17
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.
- D18
The holder of this environmental authority 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.
- D19
The holder of this environmental authority must, immediately on becoming aware that the MRL has been reached, act to prevent the occurrence of any unauthorised discharge from the regulated dam. Annual Inspection Report
- D20
Each regulated dam must be inspected each calendar year by a suitably qualified and experienced person. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113
- D21
At each annual inspection, the condition and adequacy of all components of the regulated dam must be assessed: (a) against the most recent hazard assessment report and design plan (or system design plan); (b) against recommendations contained in previous annual inspections reports; (c) against recognised dam safety deficiency indicators; (d) for changes in circumstances potentially leading to a change in hazard category; (e) for conformance with the conditions of this authority; (f) for conformance with the `as constructed' drawings; (g) for the adequacy of the available storage in each regulated dam, based on an actual observation or observations taken after 31 May each year but prior to 1 November of that year, of accumulated sediment, state of the containment barrier and the level of liquids in the dam (or network of linked containment systems) (h) for evidence of conformance with the current operational plan.
- D22
A suitably qualified and experienced person must prepare an annual inspection report containing details of the assessment and including recommended actions to ensure the integrity of the regulated dam.
- D23
The suitably qualified and experienced person who prepared the annual inspection report must certify the report in accordance with the "Manual for Assessing Hazard Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Dams".
- D24
The holder must: (a) upon receipt of the annual inspection report, consider the report and its recommendations and take action to ensure that the regulated dam will safely perform its intended function; and (b) within twenty (20) business days of receipt of the annual inspection report, notify the administering authority in writing, of the recommendations of the inspection report and the actions being taken to ensure the integrity of each regulated dam.
- D25
A copy of the annual inspection report must be provided to the administering authority upon request and within ten (10) business days. Design Storage Allowance
- D26
On 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).
- D27
The holder of this environmental authority must, as soon as possible and within forty-eight (48) hours of becoming aware that the regulated dam (or network of linked containment systems) will not have the available storage to meet the DSA volume on 1 November of any year, notify the administering authority.
- D28
The holder of this environmental authority 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. Performance review
- D29
The holder of this environmental authority must assess the performance of each regulated dam or linked containment system over the preceding November to May period based on actual observations of the available storage in each regulated dam or linked containment system taken prior to 1 July of each year. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113
- D30
The holder of this environmental authority must take action to modify its water management or linked containment system so as to ensure that the regulated dam or linked containment system will perform in accordance with the requirements of this authority, for the subsequent November to May period. Note: Action may include seeking the necessary approvals for physical modification of a regulated dam. Transfer arrangements
- D31
The holder of this environmental authority must provide a copy of any reports, documentation and certifications prepared under this authority, including but not limited to any Register of Regulated Dams, hazard assessment, design plan and other supporting documentation, to a new holder and the administering authority on transfer of this authority. Decommissioning and Rehabilitation
- D32
Prior to the cessation of mining activities, each regulated dam must be decommissioned such that: (a) ongoing environmental harm is minimised by the regulated dam: i. becoming a safe site for humans and animals at the completion of rehabilitation; or ii. becoming a stable landform, that no longer contains flowable substances and minimises erosion impacts; or not allowing for acid mine drainage; or iii. being approved or authorised under relevant legislation for a beneficial use; or iv. being a void authorised by the administering authority to remain after decommissioning; and (b) the regulated dam is compliant with all other relevant rehabilitation requirements of this authority. Regulated Dams Location and Performance
- D33
Each regulated dam shown in Table D1 must be wholly located within the control points noted in Table D1, below, for that dam. Schedule D - Table D1 (Location of Regulated Dams) Name of dam containing Easting (1) Northing (1) hazardous waste GDA 94 GDA 94 (Zone 54) (Zone 54) 7,683,669 Tailings Dam 1& 2 497,434 7,683,660 497,756 7,683,073 497,930 7,683,107 497,445 7,683,360 7,683,360 497,700 497,948 Tailings Dam 3 497,682 7,683,639 Tailings Dam 4 498,251 7,683,628 498,199 7,683,099 497,639 7,683,103 497,668 7,684,154 498,253 7,684,157 498,251 7,683,628 497,682 7,683,639 Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113 Name of dam containing Easting (1) Northing (1) hazardous waste GDA 94 GDA 94 Tailings Dam 5 (Zone 54) (Zone 54) Tailings Dam 7 497,504 7,683,157 497,133 7,683,170 Water Storge Dam 497,509 7,683,594 497,755 7,683,596 497,152 7,683,918 497,753 7,683,927 497,466 7,683,130 497,475 7,683,621 497,702 7,683,634 497,667 7,684,182 498,234 7,684,180 498,177 7,683,130 497,049 7,682,550 497,336 7,682,546 497,347 7,682,180 497,057 7,682,182
- D34
Each regulated dam shown in Table D2 must be consistent with the details noted in Table D2, below, for that dam. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113 Schedule D - Table D2 (Basic Details of Regulated Dams) Name of Hazardous Surface area Max. volume Max. depth of Spillway Use of Dam Regulated Dam Category of dam at of dam at dam at Level (mAHD) spillway (ha) spillway (m3) spillway (m) Tailings Dam 1 High 11.80 5,290,000 25.2 200.5 Tailings storage &2 Tailings Dam 3 High 12.5 2,800,000 25 200.0 Tailings storage Tailings Dam 4 High 17.4 4,300,000 22 186.0 Tailings storage Tailings Dam 5 High 19.0 1,678,000 10 186.6 Tailings storage Tailings Dam 5 - High 23.4 2,438,552 14.0 190.6 Tailings storage Stage 2 Tailings Dam 5 - High 22.9 3,512,860 18.5 195.1 Tailings storage Stage 3 Tailings Dam 5 - High 22.1 4,375,814 22.5 199.1 Tailings storage Stage 4 Tailings Dam 5 - High 21.4 5,178,164 26.5 203.1 Tailings storage Stage 5 Tailings Dam 5 - High 20.8 5,864,823 30.0 206.6 Tailings storage Stage 6 Tailings Dam 7- High 41.3 *770,266 22.5 200.1 Tailings storage Stage 1 Tailings Dam 7- High 39.5 *1,650,809 25.0 202.6 Tailings storage Stage 2 Tailings Dam 7- High 37.9 *2,462,546 27.5 205.1 Tailings storage Stage 3 Tailings Dam 7- High 36.8 *3,105,648 29.0 206.1 Tailings storage Stage 4 Water Storage High 7.6 410,000 6.2 189.3 Mine affected Dam water * Volume of TD7 is additional above existing TD1/2,3 and 4
- D35
Each regulated dam shown in Table D1, must meet the hydraulic performance criteria noted in Table D3, below, for that dam. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113 Schedule D - Table D3 (Hydraulic Performance of Regulated Dams) Name of Regulated Dam Spillway Capacity Design Storage Allowance Mandatory Reporting AEP AEP Level AEP Tailings Dam 1& 2 1:10000 AEP 1:100 AEP 2 month wet season plus process inputs Tailings Dam 3 1:10000 AEP 1:100 AEP 2 month wet season plus process inputs Tailings Dam 4 1:10000 AEP 1:100 AEP 2 month wet 1:100 AEP 72 hours Tailings Dam 5 1:10000 AEP season plus process inputs storm or the 1 in 100 Tailings Dam 7 1:10000 AEP AEP wave allowance Water Storage Dam 1:10000 AEP 1:100 AEP 2 month wet whichever is lower Transitional Arrangements season plus process inputs 1:100 AEP 2-month wet season plus process inputs 1:100 AEP 2-month wet season plus process inputs
- D36
From 1 September 2015, the environmental authority holder must operate and maintain all tailings dams in a manner that limits the generation of seepage.
- D37
From 1 December 2015, the holder of this environmental authority must develop, document and implement a tailings dam seepage monitoring program sufficient to determine compliance with condition (C1). END OF CONDITIONS FOR SCHEDULE D Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113 Schedule E - Waste Waste Management Program
- E1
By 1 February 2013, the holder must develop, implement and maintain a waste management program in accordance with Part 5 of the Environmental Management (Waste Management) Policy 2000 for the site. The waste management program must include: (a) a description of the mining activities that may generate waste; (b) waste management control strategies including: i. the types and amounts of wastes generated by the mining activities; ii. segregation of the wastes; iii. storage of the wastes; iv. transport of the wastes; and v. monitoring and reporting matters concerning the waste; (c) the hazardous characteristics of the wastes generated including disposal procedures for hazardous wastes; (d) a program for reusing, recycling or disposing of all wastes; (e) how the waste will be dealt with in accordance with the waste management hierarchy, including a description of the types and amounts of waste that will be dealt with under each of the waste management practices in the waste management hierarchy (i.e. avoidance, reuse, recycling, energy recovery, disposal); (f) procedures for identifying and implementing opportunities to minimise the amount of waste generated, promote efficiency in the use of resources and improve the waste management practices employed; (g) procedures for dealing with accidents, spills and other incidents; (h) details of any accredited management system employed, or planned to be employed, to deal with waste; (i) how often the performance of the waste management program will be assessed; (j) the indicators or other criteria on which the performance of the waste management program will be assessed; and (k) staff training and induction to the waste management program. Waste Disposal
- E2
All general and regulated waste (other than authorised under condition (E3) and (E3-1) must be removed from the site to a facility that is lawfully able to accept the waste under the Environmental Protection Act 1994.
- E3
The only waste that can be disposed of on site is waste that is generated on site and waste rock from ML100348. Waste generated on site is limited to: (a) Waste rock; (b) Scats; (c) Rejects; (d) Tailings; (e) Tyres; and Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113 (f) General waste including construction and demolition waste, green waste and putrescible and domestic wastes.
- E3-1
Waste rock from ML100348 is authorised to be received and disposed of within the underground workings on site in accordance with condition E19, where demonstrated to be not substantially different to the characteristics of material authorised for disposal under this environmental authority.
- E3-2
Groundwater from ML100348 is authorised to be received and stored in Lake Andrew in accordance with the conditions of this environmental authority.
- E4
Records of waste trade agreements and waste or materials leaving the mining lease must be maintained and made available to the administering authority on request.
- E5
Designated areas must be set aside for the segregation of economically viable recyclable solid or liquid waste.
- E6
Unless otherwise permitted by the conditions of this authority, waste must not be burnt or taken offsite and burnt by the environmental authority holder. Regulated Waste
- E7
Regulated waste, other than that authorised to be disposed of on site under this authority, must only be removed and transported from the site by a person who holds a current authority to transport such wastes to a facility that is lawfully able to accept the waste under the Environmental Protection Act 1994.
- E8
Regulated waste generated in the mining activity can be temporarily stored on site awaiting removal provided it is stored to ensure there is minimal risk of causing fire or contamination to land or waters.
- E9
Each container of regulated waste stored awaiting movement off-site must be clearly marked to identify the contents.
- E10
Except as otherwise provided by the conditions of this authority, all waste removed from the site must be taken to a facility that is lawfully allowed to accept such waste under the provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1994.
- E11
Where regulated waste is removed from the site (other than by a release as permitted under another schedule of this environmental authority), records must be kept of the following: (a) the date, quantity and type of waste removed; (b) name of the waste transporter that removed the waste; and (c) the intended treatment/disposal destination of the waste. Note: Records of documents maintained in compliance with a waste tracking system established under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 or any other law for regulated waste will be deemed to satisfy this condition. Tyre Storage and Disposal
- E12
Tyres stored awaiting disposal or transport for take-back and recycling or waste-to-energy options - must be stockpiled in volumes less than 3m in height and 200m2 and at least 10m from any other tyre storage area.
- E13
Fire Prevention measures must be implemented including the removal of all combustible materials, including grass and vegetation, within a 10m radius of any tyre storage area.
- E14
Waste tyres generated from mining activities may be disposed of in waste rock emplacements provided tyres are placed as deep in the waste rock as reasonably practical.
- E15
Scrap tyres resulting from the mining activities disposed within the operational land must not impede Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113 saturated aquifers or compromise the stability of the consolidated landform. Tailings Disposal
- E16
Tailings must be managed in accordance with procedures contained within the current Environmental Management Plan. These procedures must include provisions for: (a) Containment of tailings in accordance with approved design plan (b) The management of seepage and leachates both during operation and post closure; (c) The control of fugitive emissions to air; (d) A program of progressive sampling and characterisation to identify acid producing potential and metal concentrations of tailings: i. all tailings material must be progressively characterised during disposal for net acid producing potential (NAPP) and the following contaminants: arsenic, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, lead, manganese, nickel, tin, zinc and fluoride; ii. tailings characterisation must be undertaken at a sufficient statistical frequency to determine any changes to tailings geochemistry, and at a minimum must be at least one samples per 50,000 tonnes of tailings material discharged; iii. 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 iv. maximum duration of surface exposure of potentially acid producing tailings to oxidizing conditions is one (1) month. (e) Rehabilitation strategy which meets the rehabilitation objectives specified in Schedule G condition
- G3
of this environmental authority; and (f) Monitoring of rehabilitation, research and/or trials to verify the requirements and methods for decommissioning and final rehabilitation of tailings, including the prevention and management of acid drainage, erosion minimisation and establishment of vegetation cover. Waste Rock Disposal
- E17
The holder must develop and implement a waste rock and spoil management plan by 1 July 2013. The plan must be reviewed and updated annually. After 1 July 2013, a copy of the waste rock and spoil management plan must be provided to the administering authority within 2 weeks upon request.
- E18
After 1 July 2013, waste rock and spoil disposal must not occur on the site unless the waste rock and spoil management plan is certified by an appropriately qualified person that the plan has addressed the requirements of condition (E19) in accordance with best practice environmental management.
- E19
The waste rock and spoil management plan must include, where relevant, at least: (a) Characterisation of the waste rock and spoil to predict the quality of runoff and seepage generated, including salinity, acidity, alkalinity, dissolved metals, metalloids and non-metallic inorganic substances; (b) Characterisation of the waste rock received from ML100348 to confirm characteristics of the material are not substantially different to the characteristics of material authorised for disposal under this environmental authority. (c) A program of progressive sampling to validate pre-mine waste rock and spoil characterisation. The waste rock sampling program must include validation of salinity, acid and alkali producing potential and metal concentrations including arsenic, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, lead, magnesium, Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113 mercury, zinc and other metals or metalloids identified as necessary in condition (E19) (a); (d) Where the acid rock drainage potential / neutral mine drainage potential of waste rock material has not been conclusively determined, geochemical kinetic testing must be conducted to indicate oxidation rates, potential reaction products and effectiveness of control strategies; (e) Records must be maintained of all waste rock characterisation and disposal including contingency planning for the management of acid rock / neutral mine drainage; (f) A materials balance and disposal plan demonstrating how waste rock will be selectively placed and/or encapsulated to minimise the generation of contaminants (including salts, acidic solutions, alkaline solutions and metalliferous solutions); (g) A sampling program to verify encapsulation and/or placement of potentially acid forming waste rock that has a potential to generate neutral mine drainage; (h) How often the performance of the plan will be assessed; (i) A Rehabilitation strategy which meets the rehabilitation objectives specified in Schedule G; and (j) Monitoring or rehabilitation, research and/or trials to verify the requirements and methods for decommissioning and final rehabilitation of the placed materials, including the prevention and management of acid mine drainage, erosion minimisation and establishment of vegetation cover.
- E20
The holder of this environmental authority must construct and manage any waste rock dump on site: (a) Under the supervision of appropriately qualified person(s) in regards to: (i)Engineering and Geotechnical Stability; and (ii) Geology and Geochemistry. (b) In accordance with this environmental authority and the waste rock and spoil management plan; (c) To prevent any water other than incidental rainfall from entering the waste rock dump; and (d) In a manner that minimises the risk of contaminants being generated and/or release from the waste rock dump to the receiving environment.
- E21
Any contaminated or potentially contaminated seepage or runoff from a waste rock dump on the site must be captured and directed to an appropriately designed and constructed dam.
- E22
Only waste rock that is characterised as un-reactive and/or benign material (i.e. material that does not cause acid, neutral or saline mine drainage) may be used for the construction of temporary or permanent structures within the operation areas. Bioremediation
- E23
The EA holder must develop, document and implement procedures and guidelines for the acceptance, handling, storage and processing of regulated waste at the designated bioremediation area.
- E24
The bioremediation activity must be undertaken in accordance with written procedures that: (a) Ensure that only waste suitable for bioremediation is accepted for storage and processing within the designated bioremediation area; (b) Identify potential risks to the environment from the activity during routine operations, closure and an emergency; (c) Establish and maintain control measures that minimise the potential for environmental harm; (d) Ensure that staff are trained in and aware of their obligations under the Environmental Protection Act 1994; and Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113 (e) Ensure that reviews of environmental performance are undertaken at least annually.
- E25
An area which provides suitable containment to subsoil and groundwater must be used for: (a) Receiving, storing, mixing and processing materials associated with the bioremediation activity; and (b) Collecting and storing leachate.
- E26
Stormwater runoff from disturbed areas associated with the bioremediation area, generated by (up to and including) a 72-hour storm event with an average recurrence interval of one-in-100 years must be retained on site and can only be released after the event where: (a) Beneficial reuse on site is not viable; (b) A release is required to maintain the required stormwater retention capacity; and (c) There are no contaminants present or at concentrations which may cause environmental harm.
- E27
All reasonable and practicable measures must be taken to exclude vectors and pest species from the bioremediation area to the extent necessary to prevent: (a) Environmental nuisance to occupiers of neighbouring premises; and (b) Any danger or risk to the health of any persons.
- E28
The holder of this environmental authority must ensure detailed records are maintained of all waste accepted for storage, treatment and processing at the bioremediation area, including the date accepted, and the origin, quantity and chemical composition of the waste. END OF CONDITIONS FOR SCHEDULE E Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113 Schedule F - Noise and Vibration General
- F1
Unless authorised by this environmental authority, noise from any mining activity must not cause serious or material environmental harm at any sensitive place or commercial place.
- F2
In the event of a complaint made to the administering authority (which is neither frivolous nor vexatious nor based on mistaken belief in the opinion of the authorised officer) about noise generated in carrying out the licensed activity and the noise is considered by the administering authority to be an unreasonable noise, the holder must take action to ensure that it will not in the future cause unreasonable noise. Noise Monitoring
- F3
The holder of this environmental authority must ensure that noise generated by the mining activities does not cause the criteria in Schedule F - Table F1 - Noise limits to be exceeded at a sensitive place or commercial place.
- F4
When requested by the administering authority, the holder of this environmental authority must undertake noise monitoring and recording within a reasonable and practicable timeframe nominated by the administering authority to investigate any complaint of environmental nuisance at any sensitive place or commercial place, and the administering authority must be notified of the results within ten (10) business days following completion of monitoring. Schedule F - Table F1 Noise Limits Sensitive place or commercial place Noise level Monday to Saturday Sundays and public holidays dB(A) 7am to 6pm to 10pm to 9am to 6pm to 10pm to measured 6pm 10pm 7am 6pm 10pm 9am as: LA10, adj, 10 mins BG+5 BG+5 BG+3 BG+5 BG+5 BG+3 LA1, adj, 10 mins BG+10 BG+10 BG+5 BG+10 BG+10 BG+5 Note for Table F1: In the event that the measured background noise level (BG) is less than 25 dB(A), then 25 dB(A) can be substituted for the measured background level.
- F5
Noise monitoring and recording must include the following descriptor characteristics and matters: (a) LAN,T (where N equals the statistical levels of 1, 10 and 90 and T = 15 mins); (b) background noise LA90,; (c) the level and frequency of occurrence of impulsive or tonal noise and any adjustment and penalties to statistical levels; (d) atmospheric conditions including temperature, relative humidity and wind speed and directions; (e) effects due to any extraneous factors such as traffic noise; (f) location, date and time of monitoring; Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113 (g) if the complaint concerns low frequency noise, Max LpLIN,T; and (h) if the complaint concerns low frequency noise, one third octave band measurements in dB(LIN) for centre frequencies in the 10 - 200 Hz range.
- F6
The method of measurement and reporting of noise levels must comply with the most recent edition of the administering authority's Noise Measurement Manual or the most recent version of Australian Standard AS 1055.1 Acoustics - Description and measurement of environmental noise. Air Blast and Ground Vibration
- F7
Subject to condition (F8) vibration from the mining activity must not cause an environmental nuisance, at any sensitive or commercial place.
- F8
When requested by the administering authority, vibration monitoring must be undertaken within a reasonable and practicable timeframe nominated by the administering authority to investigate any complaint (which is neither frivolous nor vexatious nor based on mistaken belief in the opinion of the authorized officer) of environmental nuisance at any sensitive or commercial place, and the results must be notified within 14 days to the administering authority following completion of monitoring. END OF CONDITIONS FOR SCHEDULE F Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113 Schedule G - Land and Rehabilitation General
- G1
Contaminants that will or may cause environmental harm must not be directly or indirectly released to land except as permitted under this environmental authority.
- G2
Any spillage to land of wastes, contaminants or other materials must be cleaned up as quickly as practicable. Such spillages must be cleaned up using dry methods that minimise the release of wastes, contaminants or materials to any stormwater drainage system, roadside gutter or waters. Rehabilitation Objectives
- G3
Land disturbed by mining must be rehabilitated in accordance with Schedule G - Table G1 (Final Land Use and Rehabilitation Approval Schedule), Table G2 (Landform Design) and Table G3 (Reference Sites - Names and Locations). Schedule G - Table G1 (Final Land Use and Rehabilitation Approval Schedule) Disturbance Disturbance Pre-mine land Post-mine land Post mine land Analogue site Type area (ha) Description description classification identification Decline Area 1.2 LIG LIG IV 1, 2, 3 & 5 Batch Plant and 2.5 LIG LIG IV 1,2, 3 & 5 UG Stores Waste Pad 5.9 LIG LIG IV 1,2, 3 & 5 Shafts & Vents 1.07 LIG LIG IV 1, 2, 3 & 5 Chiller Plant 1.1 LIG LIG IV 1, 2, 3 & 5 Underground Link 1 LIG LIG IV 1, 2, 3 & 5 Drive Laydown Areas 2.96 LIG LIG IV 1, 2, 3 & 5 Water Treatment 0.13 LIG LIG IV 1, 2, 3 & 5 Plant Rehab Area 0.92 LIG LIG IV 1, 2, 3 & 5 Stores 1.2 LIG LIG IV 1, 2, 3 & 5 Container 1.5 LIG LIG IV 1, 2, 3 & 5 Laydown Temporary Excavated 2.2 LIG LIG IV & VI 1, 2, 3 & 5 Materials Stockpile Ore Processing 4.61 LIG LIG IV 1, 2, 3 & 5 Area ROM pad 6.0 LIG LIG IV 1, 2, 3 & 5 Topsoil Stockpiles 3.1 LIG LIG IV 1, 2, 3 & 5 Sewage 0.12 LIG LIG IV 1, 2, 3 & 5 Treatment Area 1 Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113 Disturbance Disturbance Pre-mine land Post-mine land Post mine land Analogue site Type area (ha) Description description classification identification Dewatering (U/G) Dam 5.5 LIG Water Storage* Water Storage* N/A (Lake Andrew) Engineered Tailings Dam 94.39 LIG residual IV 4&6 Cell 1, 2 3, 4 , 5 & mineral waste 7 facility Sedimentation 0.1 LIG Water Storage* Water Storage* N/A Dams Batt Dam LIG Water Storage* Water Storage* N/A 6.9 (Fresh Water) Stores Pond 0.35 LIG LIG IV 1, 2, 3 & 5 Process Water 0.26 LIG LIG LIG 1, 2, 3, & 5 Tank Water Storage 10.63 LIG LIG IV 1, 2 & 3 Dam Site Roads 14.6 LIG LIG IV 1, 2, 3 & 5 Fuel & Oil 0.16 LIG LIG IV 1, 2, 3 & 5 Storage Sewage 0.1 LIG LIG IV 1, 2, 3 & 5 Treatment Area 2 Workshops/ 2.06 LIG LIG IV 1, 2, 3 & 5 Administration Accommodation Village 8.88 LIG LIG IV 1, 2, 3 & 5 (relocatable) Camp (oval area) 0.53 LIG LIG IV 1, 2, 3 & 5 Village Sewage 0.07 LIG LIG IV 1, 2, 3 & 5 Treatment Plant Explosives 0.1 LIG LIG IV 1, 2, 3 & 5 Magazine Clay Borrow Pits 2.22 LIG LIG IV 1, 2, 3 & 5 TD5 Temporary Materials 48.18 LIG LIG IV 1, 2, 3 & 5 Stockpile / Borrow Pit Bores 0.1 LIG Bores * Bores * N/A Pump Back Bores 0.009 LIG LIG IV 1, 2, 3 & 5 Power Station 0.35 LIG LIG IV 1, 2, 3 & 5 Refuse Disposal 2.9 LIG LIG IV 1, 2, 3 & 5 Area Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113 Disturbance Disturbance Pre-mine land Post-mine land Post mine land Analogue site Type area (ha) Description description classification identification Waste Transfer 2.5 LIG LIG IV 1, 2, 3 & 5 Area Diversions 0.17 LIG Diversions Diversions N/A Exploration Sites 1 LIG LIG IV 1, 2, 3 & 5 Exploration 3.2 LIG LIG IV 1, 2, 3 & 5 Coreyard Process Plant 0.22 LIG LIG IV 1, 2, 3 & 5 Elrose Borefield 5.0 LIG LIG IV 1, 2, 3 & 5 Scats Pile 2.0 LIG LIG VII 1, 2, 3 & 5 Old Evaporation 2.5 LIG LIG VII 1, 2, 3 & 5 Dams Hamilton Dam 5.63 LIG LIG VII 1, 2, 3 & 5 Mobile crush and 1.21 LIG LIG IV 1, 2, 3 & 5 screen area Construction 8.58 LIG LIG IV 1, 2, 3 & 5 Laydown Farm Dam 1.51 LIG LIG VII 1,2 & 3 Total 267.42 Note: * Infrastructure, to remain where agreed in writing by the post-mining landowner / holder Where 1, 2 & 3 are listed in Analogue Site identification Column, refer to Schedule G - Table G3 for geographical locations. Reference for land description and classifications: Rosser et al, (1974) A Land Capability Classification for Agricultural Purposes. Div Land Util. tech. rep. 14. Schedule G - Table G2 (Landform Design) Disturbance type Slope Range Projective Surface Area 1.5 ha ROM pad slopes 33% - 40% 1.0 ha Temporary excavated materials stockpile 33% - 40% 36.36 58.03 slopes 0-40% Tailings Dam Wall slopes 0.5 - 5.5% Tailing Dam top Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113 Schedule G - Table G3 (Reference Sites - Names and Locations) Reference Plot ID GDA94 Longitude GDA94 Latitude ECM_1 140.992258 -20.966378 ECM_2 140.965943 -20.958100 ECM_3 140.972479 -20.964373 ECM_4 140.896133 -20.942024 ECM_5 140.963361 -20.960547 ECM_6 140.816675 -21.120546 Progressive Rehabilitation
- G4
Progressive rehabilitation must commence when operational areas become available in accordance with the conditions of the EA.
- G5
Rehabilitated areas must be managed to minimise the proliferation of species not consistent with rehabilitation objectives.
- G6
All land subject to mining activities must be rehabilitated to: (a) a stable landform and with a self-sustaining vegetation cover and species that are similar to adjoining undisturbed areas; (b) a safe landform, which is non-polluting, geo-chemically and geo-technically stable; (c) ensure that the maintenance requirements for rehabilitated land is no greater than that required for the land prior to its disturbance by mining activities; and, (d) ensure that the water quality of any residual void or water bodies constructed by mining activities meets criteria for subsequent uses and does not have potential to cause environmental harm.
- G7
Maintenance of rehabilitated areas must take place to ensure and demonstrate: (a) Stability of landforms; (b) Erosion control measures remain effective; (c) Stormwater runoff and seepage from rehabilitated areas does not negatively affect the environmental values of any waters; (d) Plants show healthy growth and recruitment is occurring; and (e) Rehabilitated areas are free of any declared pest plants.
- G8
Rehabilitation can be considered successful when: (a) The site can be managed for its designated land-use (e.g. similar to that of surrounding undisturbed areas); (b) No greater management input than for other land in the area being used for a similar purpose is required and there is evidence that the rehabilitation has been successful for at least three (3) years; (c) The rehabilitation is carried out in accordance with the goals, objectives indicators and completion criteria as specified in Schedule G - Table 1 (Final Land Use and Rehabilitation Approval Schedule) and in the Post Mine Land Use Plan (refer to PMLUP conditions of EA - G12 and G13); and (d) Written agreement is obtained from the landowner/holder and administering authority. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113 Topsoil
- G9
Topsoil and subsoils must be stripped and stockpiled ahead of mining to a depth determined from soil surveys to ensure that useable soil resources are preserved for rehabilitation.
- G10
Topsoil and subsoil stockpiles must be managed to ensure stability and minimise the release contaminants. Measures must include: (a) Vegetating stockpiles; (b) Minimising the height of stockpiles; and (c) Re-using stockpiles as soon as possible.
- G11
A topsoil inventory which identifies the topsoil requirements for the mining project and availability of suitable topsoil on site must be detailed in the Post Mine Land Use Plan (PMLUP) required under condition G12. Post Mine Land Use Plan
- G12
The holder of this environmental authority must develop and submit to the administering authority a Post Mine Land Use Plan (PMLUP) and update and be made available to the administering authority upon request.
- G13
The Post Mine Land Use Plan must include: (a) Schematic representation of final land form of the residual voids, waste rock dumps, gypsum stacks, and creek diversions inclusive of: i. Drainage features; ii. Slope designs; iii. Cover design; iv. Drainage design; and v. Erosion controls proposed on reformed land; (b) Description of experimental design for monitoring of analogue and rehabilitated areas inclusive of statistical design; (c) Proposed revegetation criteria including (if appropriate): i. Species diversity, abundance and composition; ii. Projective cover; iii. Dry matter production; and iv. Stocking rates to ensure self-sustaining vegetation is maintained. (d) Proposed revegetation methods inclusive of plant species selection, re-profiling, respreading soil, soil ameliorants/amendments, surface preparation and method of propagation; (e) Materials balance including available top soil and low permeability capping material; (f) Research program and associated milestones; (g) Geotechnical, geochemical and hydrological studies; (h) Chemical, physical and biological properties of soil and water; (i) Clear objectives and success criteria for each land unit including establishment in accordance with outcomes stipulated in the administering authority's guideline for Rehabilitation Requirements for Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113 Mining Projects; (j) Measurable completion criteria of rehabilitation success for each disturbance type (or land unit); and (k) Rehabilitation monitoring program which includes sufficient replication to enable statistical analysis of results at an acceptable power. Post Closure Management Plan
- G14
A Post Closure Management Plan for the site must be developed by 1 October 2015 and implemented for a nominal period of: (a) At least thirty (30) years following final ore processing on site; or (b) A shorter period if the site is proven to be geo-technically and geo-chemically 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.
- G15
The Post Closure Management Plan must include the following elements: (a) Operation and maintenance of: i. Wastewater collection and reticulation systems; ii. Wastewater treatment systems; iii. The groundwater monitoring network; iv. Final cover systems; and v. Vegetative cover. (b) Monitoring of: i. Surface water quality; ii. Groundwater quality; iii. Seepage rates; iv. Erosion rates; v. The integrity and effectiveness of final cover systems; and vi. The health and resilience of vegetative cover. Rehabilitation Monitoring Program
- G16
A rehabilitation monitoring program must be developed and implemented on commencement of rehabilitation by a person nominated by the holder of this environmental authority possessing appropriate qualifications and experience in the field of mine site rehabilitation.
- G17
The holder must conduct rehabilitation monitoring in accordance with the program developed in condition
- G16
on at least a yearly basis which must include sufficient spatial and temporal replication to enable scientifically justifiable conclusions as established under the rehabilitation program or other methodology to the satisfaction of the administering authority.
- G18
Verification of rehabilitation success is to be carried for each domain. Monitoring must be carried out for each domain at a minimum sampling intensity of 1:15,000 and must include sufficient replication to enable statistical analysis of results at an acceptable power. Pest management
- G19
In carrying out the mining activities the holder of this environmental authority must develop and implement an effective pest management program that includes but is not limited to the following: Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113 (a) Identification of pest species and infestation areas; (b) Prevention and/or minimisation of the introduction and/or spread of pests; (c) Control and management of pest outbreaks as a result of mining activities including measures to ensure that all vehicle movements are controlled to prevent the spread of declared weeds; and (d) Strategies to prevent introduction of declared weeds to the mine site and surrounding areas.
- G20
A copy of the pest management program must be made available to the administering authority on request. Infrastructure
- G21
All infrastructure, constructed by or for the environmental authority holder during the mining activities including water storage structures, must be removed from the site prior to mining lease surrender, except where agreed to in writing by the post mining land owner/holder. Chemicals and Flammable or Combustible Liquids
- G22
All explosives, hazardous chemicals, corrosive substances, toxic substances, gases, flammable or combustible liquids and dangerous goods must be stored and handled in accordance with the current, relevant Australian Standard where such is applicable.
- G23
Notwithstanding the requirements of any Australian Standard, any liquids stored on site that have the potential to cause environmental harm must be stored in or serviced by an effective containment system that is impervious to the materials stored and managed to prevent the release of liquids to waters or land.
- G24
Where no relevant Australian Standard is available, the following must be applied: (a) Storage tanks must be bunded so that the capacity and construction of the bund is sufficient to contain at least 110% of a single storage tank or 100% of the largest storage tank plus 10% of the second largest storage tank in multiple storage areas; and (b) Drum storages must be bunded so that the capacity and construction of the bund is sufficient to contain at least 25% of the maximum design storage volume within the bund.
- G25
All containment systems must be designed to minimise rainfall collection within the system. Contaminated Land
- G26
Prior to making an application for Surrender or approval for Progressive Rehabilitation the holder of this environmental authority must undertake a contaminated land assessment / investigation of the relevant areas of the licensed place in accordance with the Administering Authority Guidelines for the Assessment & Management of Contaminated Land in Queensland.
- G27
A register and map of all potentially contaminated sites and any remediation details, must be kept on site, updated regularly, and be made available to the administering authority upon request.
- G28
A Spillage Management Plan and an Emergency Plan for all hazardous materials stored on-site, together with a description of suitable equipment and training must be must be developed before 1 November 2012 and updated on a regular basis. A copy must be provided to the administering authority on request. END OF CONDITIONS FOR SCHEDULE G Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113 Schedule H - Definitions "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 been disturbed by the mining activities. Acceptance criteria may include information regarding: - vegetation establishment, survival and succession; - vegetation productivity, sustained growth and structure development; - fauna colonisation and habitat development; - 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; - microbiological studies including recolonisation by mycorrhizal fungi, microbial biomass and respiration; - effects of various establishment treatments such as deep ripping, topsoil handling, seeding and fertiliser application on vegetation growth and development; - resilience of vegetation to disease, insect attack, drought and fire; - vegetation water use and effects on ground water levels and catchment yields. "acid rock drainage" or "acid mine drainage" means any low pH waters, contaminated as a result of the mining activities. "the activity" includes the environmentally relevant activities authorised by this authority, including ancillary environmentally relevant activities. "airblast overpressure" means energy transmitted from the blast site within the atmosphere in the form of pressure waves. The maximum excess pressure in the wave, above ambient pressure is the peak airblast overpressure measured in decibels linear (dB). "ambient (or total) noise" at a place, means the level of noise at the place from all sources (near and far), measured as the Leq for an appropriate time interval. "ANZECC" means Australia and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council. "ARMCANZ" means Agriculture and Resource Management Council of Australia and New Zealand. "appropriately qualified person" means a person who has the professional qualifications, training, skills or experience relevant to the nominated subject matter and can give authoritative assessment, advice and analysis on performance relative to the subject matter using the relevant protocols, standards, methods and literature. "assessed" and "assessment" by a suitably qualified and experienced person in relation to a hazard assessment of a dam, means that a statutory declaration has been made by that person and, when taken together with any attached or appended documents referenced in that declaration, all of the following aspects are addressed and are sufficient to allow an independent audit of the assessment: (a) exactly what has been assessed and the precise nature of that determination; (b) the relevant legislative, regulatory and technical criteria on which the assessment has been based; (c) the relevant data and facts on which the assessment has been based, the source of that material, and the efforts made to obtain all relevant data and facts; and (d) the reasoning on which the assessment has been based using the relevant data and facts, and the relevant criteria. "authority" means environmental authority (mining activities) under the Environmental Protection Act 1994. "authorised officer" means a person appointed under section 445 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00818113 "background" means prevailing level in a specified environment measured in the absence of impacts being studied. "blasting" means the use of explosive materials to fracture (a) rock, coal and other minerals for later recovery, or (b) structural components or other items to facilitate removal from a site or for reuse. "certification", in connection with dam management, means assessment and approval must be undertaken by a suitably qualified and experienced person in relation to any assessment or documentation required by this manual, including design plans, `as constructed' drawings and specifications, construction, operation or an annual report regarding regulated structures, undertaken in accordance with the Board of Professional Engineers of Queensland Policy "Certification by RPEQs (ID: 1.4 (2A)). "certifying", "certify" or "certified" have a corresponding meaning as `certification' "commercial place" means a work place used as an office or for business or commercial purposes, which is not part of the mining activity and does not include employees' accommodation or public roads. "competent person" means a person with the demonstrated skill and knowledge required to carry out the task to a standard necessary for the reliance upon collected data or protection of the environment. "construction" or "constructed" in relation to a dam includes building a new dam and modifying or lifting an existing dam, but does not include investigations and testing necessary for the purpose of preparing a design plan. "dam" means a land-based structure or a void that contains, diverts or controls flowable substances, and includes any substances that are thereby contained, diverted or controlled by that land-based structure or void and associated works. A dam does not mean a fabricat