Data as at 14 September 2026 · from the Queensland EP Act public register
EPML00879213 · Peabody (Burton Coal) Pty Ltd
Coal environmental authority EPML00879213 (Peabody (Burton Coal) Pty Ltd), Granted. 150 conditions indexed. Holds PRC plan PRCP-EPML00879213-V1.
- Status
- Granted
- Holders
- Peabody (Burton Coal) Pty Ltd
- Tenures
- ML70252; ML70256; ML70258; ML70259
- PRC plan
- PRCP-EPML00879213-V1 · effective 2023-07-03
- How it was read
- Numbered conditions
- Register
- Register record · Instrument PDF
Conditions
150 numbered conditions read from the current instrument. Page numbers link into the register PDF.
- A1
Maintenance of measures, plant and equipment The environmental authority holder must ensure: (a) that all measures, plant and equipment necessary to ensure compliance with the conditions of this environmental authority are installed; (b) that such measures, plant and equipment are maintained in a proper condition; and (c) that such measures, plant and equipment are operated in a proper manner.
- A2
Storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids Spillage of all flammable and combustible liquids must be contained within an on-site containment system and controlled in a manner that prevents environmental harm (other than trivial harm) and maintained in accordance with Section 5.8 of AS 1940 - Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids of 2004.
- A3
Monitoring and records Record, compile and keep for a minimum of five (5) years all monitoring results required by this environmental authority and make available for inspection all or any of these records upon request by the administering authority.
- A4
Where monitoring is a requirement of this environmental authority, ensure that a competent person(s) conducts all monitoring.
- A5
Notification of emergencies, incidents and exceptions All reasonable actions are to be taken to minimise environmental harm, or potential environmental harm, resulting from any emergency, incident or circumstances not in accordance with the conditions of this environmental authority.
- A6
As soon as practicable after becoming aware of any emergency, incident or information about circumstances which results or may result in environmental harm not in accordance with the conditions of this environmental authority, the administering authority must be notified by telephone and in writing. Permit Environmental authority EPML00879213
- A7
The notification of emergencies or incidents as required by Condition A8 of this environmental authority must include but not be limited to the following: (a) the holder of the environmental authority; (b) the location of the emergency or incident; (c) the number of the environmental authority; (d) the name and telephone number of the designated contact person; (e) the time of the release; (f) the time the holder of the environmental authority became aware of the release; (g) the suspected cause of the release; (h) the environmental harm caused, threatened, or suspected to be caused by the release; and (i) actions taken to prevent any further release and mitigate any environmental harm caused by the release.
- A8
Not more than ten business days following the initial notification of an emergency, incident or information about circumstances, which result or may result in environmental harm, written advice must be provided to the administering authority in relation to: (a) proposed actions to prevent a recurrence of the emergency or incident; (b) the outcomes of actions taken at the time to prevent or minimise environmental harm; and (c) proposed actions to respond to the information about circumstances which result or may result in environmental harm.
- A9
As soon as practicable, but not more than six (6) weeks following the conduct of any environmental monitoring performed in relation to the 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 environmental authority, written advice must be provided of the results of any such monitoring performed to the administering authority.
- A10
Exploration activities Exploration activities must be undertaken in accordance with the conditions contained in the Code of Environmental Compliance for Exploration and Mineral Development Projects (EM586).
- A11
Definitions Words and phrases used throughout this environmental authority are defined in the Definitions sections at the end of this document. Where a definition for a term used in this environmental authority is sought and the term is not defined within this environmental authority, the definitions in the Environmental Protection Act 1994, its Regulations and Environmental Protection Policies must be used. Permit Environmental authority EPML00879213 Agency interest: Air Condition Condition number
- B1
Dust nuisance Subject to Conditions B2 and B3 of this environmental authority, the release of dust or particulate matter or both resulting from the mining activity must not cause an environmental nuisance at any sensitive or commercial place.
- B2
When requested by the administering authority, 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 fourteen days to the administering authority following completion of monitoring.
- B3
If the environmental authority holder can provide evidence through monitoring that the following limits are not being exceeded then the holder is not in breach of Condition B1: (a) dust deposition of 120 milligrams per square metre per day, averaged over one month, when monitored in accordance with AS 3580.10.1 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air - Determination of particulates - Deposited matter - Gravimetric method of 1991 (or more recent editions); or (b) a concentration of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 micrometre (-m) (PM10) suspended in the atmosphere of 50 micrograms per cubic metre over a 24 hour averaging time, at a sensitive or commercial place downwind of the operational land, when monitored in accordance with: (i) particulate matter - Determination of suspended particulate PM10 high- volume sampler with size-selective inlet - Gravimetric method, when monitored in accordance with AS 3580.9.6 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air - Determination of suspended particulate matter - PM (sub) 10 high volume sampler with size-selective inlet - Gravimetric method of 1990 (or more recent editions); and (ii) any alternative method of sampling PM10, which may be permitted by the Air Quality Sampling Manual as published from time to time by the administering authority.
- B4
If monitoring indicates exceedance of the relevant limits in Condition B3 of this environmental authority, then the environmental authority holder must: (a) Address the complaint including the use of appropriate dispute resolution if required; and (b) Immediately implement dust abatement measures so that emissions of dust from the activity do not result in further environmental nuisance. Permit Environmental authority EPML00879213 Agency interest: Water Condition Condition number
- C1
Contaminant Release Contaminants that will or have the potential to cause environmental harm must not be released directly or indirectly to any waters as a result of the authorised mining activities, except as permitted under the conditions of this environmental authority.
- C2
Unless otherwise permitted under the conditions of this environmental authority, the release of mine affected water to waters must only occur from the release points specified in both Table
- C1
(Mine Affected Water Release Points, Sources and Receiving Waters) and depicted in Figures 1 and 2 attached to this environmental authority.
- C3
The release of mine affected water to internal water management infrastructure that is installed and operated in accordance with a water management plan that complies with Conditions C30to C35 inclusive is permitted.
- C4
The release of mine affected water to waters in accordance with Condition C2 must not exceed the release limits stated in Table C2 (Contaminant Release Limits) when measured at the monitoring points specified in Table C1 (Mine Affected Water Release Points, Sources and Receiving Waters) for each quality characteristic.
- C5
The release of mine affected water to waters from the release points must be monitored at the locations specified in Table C1 (Mine Affected Water Release Points, Sources and Receiving Waters) or each quality characteristic and at the frequency specified in Table C2 (Contaminant Release Limits) and Table C3 (Release Contaminant Trigger Investigation Levels - Potential Contaminants). NOTE: The administering authority will take into consideration any extenuating circumstances prior to determining an appropriate enforcement response in the event Condition C5 is contravened due to a temporary lack of safe or practical access. The administering authority expects the environmental authority holder to take all reasonable and practicable measures to maintain safe and practical access to designated monitoring locations. Permit Environmental authority EPML00879213
- C6
If quality characteristics of the release exceed any of the trigger levels specified in Table C3 (Release Contaminant Trigger Investigation Levels - Potential Contaminants) during a release event, the environmental authority holder must compare the downstream results in the receiving waters to the trigger values specified in Table C3 (Release Contaminant Trigger Investigation Levels - Potential Contaminants) and: (a) where the trigger values are not exceeded then no action is to be taken; or (b) where the downstream results exceed the trigger values specified Table C3 (Release Contaminant Trigger Investigation Levels - Potential Contaminants) for any quality characteristic, compare the results of the downstream site to the data from background monitoring sites and; (i) if the result is less than the background monitoring site data, then no action is to be taken; or (ii) if the result is greater than the background monitoring site data, complete an investigation into the potential for environmental harm and provide a written report to the administering authority in the next annual return, outlining: (1) details of the investigations carried out; and (2) actions taken to prevent environmental harm. NOTE: Where an exceedance of a trigger level has occurred and is being investigated, in accordance with Condition C6 b (ii) of this condition, no further reporting is required for subsequent trigger events for that quality characteristic.
- C7
If an exceedance in accordance with Condition C6 b (ii) is identified, the holder of the authority must notify the administering authority within fourteen (14) days of receiving the result.
- C8
Mine affected water release events The holder must ensure a stream flow gauging station/s is installed, operated and maintained to determine and record stream flows at the locations and flow recording frequency specified in Table C4 (Mine Affected Water Release During Flow Events).
- C9
Notwithstanding any other condition of this environmental authority, the release of mine affected water to waters in accordance with Condition C2 of this environmental authority must only take place during periods of natural flow events in accordance with the receiving water flow criteria for discharge specified in Table C4 (Mine Affected Water Release during Flow Events) for the release point(s) specified in Table C1 (Mine Affected Water Release Points, Sources and Receiving Waters).
- C10
The release of mine affected water to waters in accordance with Condition C2 of this environmental authority must not exceed the Electrical Conductivity release limits, Sulphate release limits or the Maximum Release Rate (for all combined release point flows) for each receiving water flow criteria for discharge specified in Table C4 (Mine Affected Water Release During Flow Events) when measured at the monitoring points specified in Table C1 (Mine Affected Water Release Points, Sources and Receiving Waters).
- C11
The daily quantity of mine affected water released from each release point must be measured and recorded at the monitoring points in Table C1 (Mine Affected Water Release Points, Sources and Receiving Waters).
- C12
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. Permit Environmental authority EPML00879213
- C13
Notification of Release Event The environmental authority holder must notify the administering authority as soon as practicable and no later than twenty-four (24) hours after commencing to release mine affected water to the receiving environment. Notification must include the submission of written advice to the administering authority of the following information: (a) release commencement date/time; (b) expected release cessation date/time; (c) release point/s; (d) release volume (estimated); (e) receiving water/s including the natural flow rate; (f) determined maximum release rate and EC limit (in accordance with condition C10); and (g) any details (including available data) regarding likely impacts on the receiving water(s). NOTE: Notification to the administering authority must be submitted by WaTERS reporting system.
- C14
The environmental authority holder must notify the administering authority as soon as practicable (nominally within twenty-four (24) hours after cessation of a release event) of the cessation of a release notified under Condition C13 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 Department Interest: Water of this environmental authority (i.e. release limits, natural flow, discharge volume); (e) all in-situ water quality monitoring results; and (f) any other matters pertinent to the water release event. NOTE: Successive or intermittent releases occurring within twenty-four (24) hours of the cessation of any individual release can be considered part of a single release event and do not require individual notification for the purpose of compliance with Conditions C13 and C14, provided the relevant details of the release are included within the notification provided in accordance with Conditions C13 and C14. Permit Environmental authority EPML00879213
- C15
Notification of Release Event Exceedance If the release limits defined in Table C1 (Contaminant Release Limits) are exceeded, the holder of the environmental authority must notify the administering authority within twenty-four (24) hours of receiving the results.
- C16
The authority holder must, within twenty-eight (28) days of a release that exceeds the conditions of this authority, provide a report to the administering authority detailing: (a) the reason for the release; (b) the location of the release; (c) all water quality monitoring results; (d) any general observations; (e) all calculations; and (f) any other matters pertinent to the water release event.
- C17
Water Storage access by Livestock Where practicable, the holder of the environmental authority must implement measures to prevent access by livestock to water storages which are associated with the release points listed in Table C1 (Mine Affected Water Release Points, Sources and Receiving Waters).
- C18
Receiving Environment Monitoring and Contaminant Trigger Levels The quality of the receiving waters must be monitored at the locations specified in Table C5 (Receiving Water Upstream Background Sites and Downstream Monitoring Points) for each quality characteristic and at the monitoring frequency stated in Table C6 (Receiving Waters Contaminant Trigger Levels).
- C19
If quality characteristics of the receiving water at the downstream monitoring points exceed any of the trigger levels specified in Table C6 (Receiving Waters Contaminant Trigger Levels) during a release event the environmental authority holder must compare the downstream results to the upstream results in the receiving waters and: (a) where the downstream result is the same or a lower value than the upstream value for the quality characteristic then no action is to be taken; or (b) where the downstream results exceed the upstream results, complete an investigation into the potential for environmental harm and provide a written report to the administering authority in the next annual return, outlining: (i) details of the investigations carried out; and (ii) actions taken to prevent environmental harm. NOTE: Where an exceedance of a trigger level has occurred and is being investigated, in accordance with Condition C19 (b) of this condition, no further reporting is required for subsequent trigger events for that quality characteristic. Permit Environmental authority EPML00879213
- C20
Receiving Environment Monitoring Program (REMP) The environmental authority holder must develop and implement a Receiving Environment Monitoring Program (REMP) to monitor, identify and describe any adverse impacts to surface water environmental values, quality and flows due to the authorised mining activity. This must include monitoring the effects of the mine on the receiving environment periodically (under natural flow conditions) and while mine affected water is being discharged from the site. For the purposes of the REMP, the receiving environment is the waters of the Burton Gorge Dam and connected or surrounding waterways, including Isaac River, Teviot Creek, Bullock Creek, Spade Creek and Sandy Creek, within 20km downstream of the release. The REMP should encompass any sensitive receiving waters or environmental values downstream of the authorised mining activity that will potentially be directly affected by an authorised release of mine affected water.
- C21
The REMP must: (a) Assess the condition or state of receiving waters, including upstream conditions, spatially within the REMP area, considering background water quality characteristics based on accurate and reliable monitoring data that takes into consideration temporal variation (e.g. seasonality); and (b) Be designed to facilitate assessment against water quality objectives for the relevant environmental values that need to be protected; and (c) Include monitoring from background reference sites (e.g. upstream or background) and downstream sites from the release (as a minimum, the locations specified in Table
- C5
(Receiving Water Upstream Background Sites and Downstream Monitoring Points)); and (d) Specify the frequency and timing of sampling required in order to reliably assess ambient conditions and to provide sufficient data to derive site specific background reference values in accordance with the Queensland Water Quality Guidelines 2006. This should include monitoring during periods of natural flow irrespective of mine or other discharges; and (e) Include monitoring and assessment of dissolved oxygen saturation, temperature and all water quality parameters listed in Table C2 (Contaminant Release Limits) and Table C3 (Release Contaminant Trigger Investigation Levels - Potential Contaminants); and (f) Include, where appropriate, monitoring of metals/metalloids in sediments (in accordance with ANZECC and ARMCANZ 2000, BATLEY and/or the most recent version of AS5667.1 Guidance on Sampling of Bottom Sediments); and (g) Include, where appropriate, monitoring of macroinvertebrates in accordance with the AusRivas methodology, and (h) Apply procedures and/or guidelines from ANZECC and ARMCANZ 2000 and other relevant guideline documents; and (i) Describe sampling and analysis methods and quality assurance and control; and Permit Environmental authority EPML00879213 (j) Incorporate stream flow and hydrological information in the interpretations of water quality and biological data.
- C22
An REMP Design Document that addresses each criterion presented in Conditions C20 and
- C21
of this environmental authority must be maintained and submitted to the administering on request. Due consideration must be given to any comments made by the administering authority on the REMP Design Document and subsequent implementation of the program.
- C23
A report outlining the findings of the REMP, including all monitoring results and interpretations in accordance with Conditions C20 and C21 of this environmental authority must be prepared annually and made available on request to the administrating authority. This must include an assessment of background reference water quality, the condition of downstream water quality compared against water quality objectives, and the suitability of current discharge limits to protect downstream environmental values.
- C24
Water Reuse Mine affected water may be piped or trucked or transferred by some other means that does not contravene the conditions of this environmental authority and deposited into artificial water storage structures, such as farm dams or tanks, or used directly at properties owned by the environmental authority holder or a third party (with the written consent of the third party).
- C25
Water general All determinations of water quality and biological monitoring must be: (a) performed by a person or body possessing appropriate experience and qualifications to perform the required measurements; (b) made in accordance with methods prescribed in the latest edition of the Department of Environment and Resource Management's Monitoring and Sampling Manual; (c) collected from the monitoring locations identified within this environmental authority, within ten (10) hours of each other where possible; (d) carried out on representative samples; and (e) analysed at a laboratory accredited (e.g. NATA) for the method of analysis being used. NOTE: Condition C25 requires the Monitoring and Sampling Manual to be followed and where it is not followed because of exceptional circumstances this should be explained and reported with the results. Permit Environmental authority EPML00879213
- C26
The release of any contaminants as permitted by this environmental authority, directly or indirectly to waters, other than internal water management infrastructure that is installed and operated in accordance with a water management plan that complies with Conditions C30 to
- C35
inclusive: (a) must not produce any visible discolouration of receiving waters; and (b) must not produce any slick or other visible or odorous evidence of oil, grease or petrochemicals nor contain visible floating oil, grease, scum, litter or other objectionable matter.
- C27
Annual water monitoring reporting The following information must be recorded in relation to all water monitoring required under the conditions of this environmental authority and submitted to the administering authority in the specified format with each annual return: (a) the date on which the sample was taken; (b) the time at which the sample was taken; (c) the monitoring point at which the sample was taken; (d) the measured or estimated daily quantity of mine affected water released from all release points; (e) the release flow rate at the time of sampling for each release point; and (f) the results of all monitoring and details of any exceedances of the conditions of this environmental authority.
- C28
Water quality monitoring data must be provided to the administering authority in the specified electronic format upon request.
- C29
Temporary interference with waterways Temporarily destroying native vegetation, excavating, or placing fill in a watercourse, lake or spring necessary for and associated with mining operations must be undertaken in in a Watercourse, Lake or Spring associated with Mining Activities.
- C30
Water management plan A revised Water Management Plan must be developed by an appropriately qualified person and submitted to the administering authority by 31 December 2017. Permit Environmental authority EPML00879213
- C31
The Water Management Plan must: (a) Provide for effective management of actual and potential environmental impacts resulting from water management associated with the mining activity carried out under this environmental authority; and (b) Be developed in accordance with the administering authorities guideline Preparation of water management plans for mining activities and include: (i) a study of the source of contaminants; (ii) a water balance model for the site; (iii) a water management system for the site; (iv) measures to manage and prevent saline drainage; (v) measures to manage and prevent acid rock drainage; (vi) contingency procedures for emergencies; and (vii) a program for monitoring and review of the effectiveness of the water management plan.
- C32
The Water Management Plan must be reviewed each calendar year and a report prepared by an appropriately qualified person. The report must: (a) assess the plan against the requirements under Condition C31 of this environmental authority; (b) include recommended actions to ensure actual and potential environmental impacts are effectively managed for the coming year; and (c) identify any amendments made to the water management plan following the review.
- C33
The holder of this environmental authority must attach to the review report required by Condition C32 of this environmental authority, a written response to the report and recommended actions, detailing the actions taken or to be taken by the environmental authority holder on stated dates: (a) to ensure compliance with this environmental authority; and (b) to prevent a recurrence of any non-compliance issues identified.
- C34
The review report required by Condition C32 of this environmental authority and the written response to the review report required by Condition C33 must be submitted to the administering authority with the subsequent annual return under the signature of the appointed signatory for the annual return.
- C35
A copy of the Water Management Plan must be provided to the administering authority on request.
- C36
Saline drainage 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 drainage. Permit Environmental authority EPML00879213
- C37
Acid rock drainage The holder of this environmental authority must ensure proper and effective measures are taken to avoid or otherwise minimise the generation and/or release of acid rock drainage.
- C38
Stormwater and water sediment controls An Erosion and Sediment Control Plan must be developed by an appropriately qualified person and implemented for all stages of the mining activities on the site to minimise erosion and the release of sediment to receiving waters and contamination of stormwater.
- C39
Stormwater, other than mine affected water, is permitted to be released to waters from: (a) erosion and sediment control structures that are installed and operated in accordance with the Erosion and Sediment Control Plan required by Condition C38 of this environmental authority; and (b) water management infrastructure that is installed and operated, in accordance with a Water Management Plan that complies with Conditions C30 to C35 inclusive, for the purpose of ensuring water does not become mine affected water.
- C40
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.
- C41
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.
- C42
Sewage effluent All effluent released from the treatment plant must be monitored at the frequency and for the parameters specified in Table C7 (Sewage effluent quality targets for dust suppression and irrigation).
- C43
Sewage effluent used for dust suppression or irrigation must not exceed sewage effluent release limits defined in Table C7 (Sewage effluent quality targets for dust suppression and irrigation).
- C44
Sewage effluent used for dust suppression or irrigation must not cause spray drift or over spray to any sensitive or commercial place.
- C45
Subject to Conditions C42 to C44inclusive, sewage effluent from sewage treatment facilities must be reused or evaporated and must not be directly released from the sewage treatment plant to any water way or drainage.
- C46
Groundwater Groundwater affected by the mining activities must be monitored for pH, Electrical Conductivity and water levels at frequencies and locations defined in Table C8 (Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency). Permit Environmental authority EPML00879213
- C47
Groundwater levels must be monitored and groundwater draw down fluctuations in excess of two metres per year, not resulting from the pumping of licensed bores, must be notified within fourteen (14) days to the administering authority following completion of monitoring.
- C48
Groundwater standing water level and quality must be monitored during exploration activities ahead of mining. This data may be used by the administering authority as grounds for amendment of groundwater monitoring and/or management requirements of this environmental authority.
- C49
The method of water sampling required by this environmental authority must comply with that set out in the latest edition of the administering authority's Water Quality Sampling Manual.
- C50
The following information must be determined and submitted to the administering authority via an amendment to the environmental authority by 1 November 2019: (a) Information for Table C8: Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency including: (i) Aquifer/ Monitored interval for monitoring points for: LBP 5 Upper, LBP 5 Seam, Drill_1A and Drill_2A. Permit Environmental authority EPML00879213 Table C1 (Mine Affected Water Release Points, Sources and Receiving Waters) Release Latitude (decimal Longitude Mine Affected Water Monitoring Receiving Point degree, GDA94) (decimal degree, Source and Location1 Point waters (RP) GDA94) description RP 12 21.679175 148.184726 Mine Affected Water - Pit End of Sandy Creek distribution Network [2] Pipe RP 13 21.644339 148.202723 Mine Affected Water - Pit End of Teviot Creek distribution Network [2] Pipe RP 14 21.789179 148.14575 Mine Affected Water - Pit End of Spade Creek distribution Network [2] Pipe 1 The source of the water may be from a specific pit or combination of mixed pit waters. Prior to release the water will be assessed for release suitability (Table C2 and C4). NOTE: 1. Contaminant Source and Location describes the final holding dam before the potential release of water. The water may be mine affected water pumped from other locations: e.g. mixed rainfall accumulations, fish bowls and sumps. Table C2 (Contaminant Release Limits) Quality Release Limits Monitoring frequency Comments Characteristic Electrical Release limits Daily during release (the first conductivity specified in Table 4 sample must be taken within 2 (microsiemens/cm) for variable flow hours of commencement of criteria release) pH (pH Unit) 6.5 (minimum) Daily during release (the first 9.0 (maximum) sample must be taken within 2 hours of commencement of release) Turbidity (NTU) No Limit Daily during release (the first Turbidity is required to sample must be taken within 2 assess ecosystems
- D1
Noise nuisance Subject to Conditions D2 and D3 of this environmental authority noise from the mining activity must not cause an environmental nuisance, at any sensitive or commercial place.
- D2
When requested by the administering authority, noise 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 fourteen (14) days to the administering authority following completion of monitoring.
- D3
If the environmental authority holder can provide evidence through monitoring that the limits defined in Table D1 (Noise Limits) and Table D2 (Airblast overpressure level), are not being exceeded then the holder is not in breach of Condition D1 of this environmental authority. Monitoring must include: (a) LA, max adj, T ; (b) relevant background sound level; (c) the level and frequency of occurrence of impulsive or tonal noise; (d) atmospheric conditions including wind speed and direction; and (e) location, date and time of recording.
- D4
If monitoring indicates exceedance of the limits in Table D1 (Noise Limits) and Table D2 (Airblast overpressure level), then the environmental authority holder must: (a) address the complaint including the use of appropriate dispute resolution if required; and (b) immediately implement noise abatement measures so that emissions of noise from the activity do not result in further environmental nuisance.
- D5
The method of measurement and reporting of noise levels must comply with the latest edition of the administering authority's Noise Measurement Manual.
- D6
Vibration nuisance Subject to Conditions D7 and D8 of this environmental authority vibration from the mining activity must not cause an environmental nuisance, at any sensitive place.
- D7
When requested by the administering authority, vibration monitoring must be undertaken within a reasonable and practicable timeframe nominated by the administering authority to investigate any complaint (which is neither frivolous nor vexatious nor based on 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 fourteen (14) days to the administering authority following completion of monitoring. Permit Environmental authority EPML00879213
- D8
If the environmental authority holder can provide evidence through monitoring that the limits defined in Table D3 (Vibration Limits), are not being exceeded then the holder is not in breach of Condition D6 of this environmental authority. Monitoring must include: (a) peak particle velocity (mm/s); (b) air blast overpressure level (dB linear peak); (c) location of the blast/s within the mining area (including which bench level); (d) atmospheric conditions including temperature, relative humidity and wind speed and direction; and (e) location, date and time of recording.
- D9
For the purposes of Condition D6 of this environmental authority the mining activities will not cause environmental nuisance where noise from the mining activities does not exceed the criteria specified in Table D3 (Vibration Limits).
- D10
If monitoring indicates exceedance of the limits in Table D3 (Vibration Limits), then the environmental authority holder must: (a) address the complaint including the use of appropriate dispute resolution if required; and (b) immediately implement noise abatement measures so that emissions of noise from the activity do not result in further environmental nuisance.
- D11
Every explosive blast for the mining activity shall be designed by a competent person to achieve the criteria specified in Table D2 (Airblast overpressure level) and Table D3 (Vibration Limits).
- D12
All relevant information pertaining to the design of every explosive blast for the mining activity in relation to the criteria specified in Table D2 (Airblast overpressure level) and Table
- D3
(Vibration Limits) shall be kept in written and diagrammatic form. Table D1 (Noise limits) Monday to Sunday (including public holidays) Noise level dB(A) 7am - 6pm 6pm - 10pm 10pm - 7am Noise measured at a sensitive or commercial place LA10, adj, 10 mins B/g + 5 B/g + 5 B/g + 3 LA1, adj, 10 mins B/g + 10 B/g + 10 B/g + 5 NOTE: Where Background means background sound pressure level measured in accordance with the latest edition of the administering authority's Noise Measurement Manual. Table D1 does not purport to set operating hours for the mining activities. Permit Environmental authority EPML00879213 Table D2 (Airblast overpressure level) Parameter Airblast overpressure measured at a sensitive or commercial place Monday to Sunday 9am - 7pm Other times and public holidays Air blast overpressure Maximum 115 dB for 4 out of 5 consecutive No blasting to occur level blasts (dB [Lin] Peak) Air blast overpressure 120 dB maximum No blasting to occur level (dB [Lin] Peak) NOTE: Table D2 does not purport to set limits applicable to any particular explosive blast, rather sets design criteria for every explosive blast. Table D3 (Vibration limits) Vibration measured at a sensitive place Vibration parameter Monday to Sunday 9am - 7pm Peak particle velocity Maximum 5 mm/s for 4 out of 5 consecutive Other times and public (mm/s) blasts holidays Peak particle velocity 10 mm/s maximum No blasting to occur (mm/s) No blasting to occur Permit
- E1
Waste Management Plan A Waste Management Plan, must be developed and implemented prior to the commencement of mining activities. The Waste Management Plan must at a minimum include the following: (a) types and amounts of regulated waste generated; (b) description of how the types of regulated waste are generated and will be dealt with under the waste and resource management hierarchy; (c) procedures for identifying and implementing opportunities to minimise the amount of regulated waste generated and improve practices employed; (d) procedures for dealing with accidents, spills and incidents that may impact on waste management; (e) location of disposal of regulated waste; (f) staff training on matters relevant to regulated waste management; and (g) mechanisms and dates for review of the waste management plan.
- E2
Waste must not be burnt or allowed to burn on the site unless permitted by the administering authority.
- E3
A designated area must be set aside for the segregation of economically viable recycling solid or liquid waste.
- E4
Site contamination will be assessed at relinquishment of the mining tenure according to the Environmental Protection Act 1994, with results and any required remediation actions detailed in the Final Rehabilitation Report.
- E5
Records of trade waste or material leaving the Mining Lease for recycling or disposal, including the final destination and method of treatment, in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act 1994, will be maintained and be made available for inspection by an authorised person or the administering authority.
- E6
Regulated waste disposal areas on the mining lease will be capped with two metres of inert material and revegetated in accordance with available and recognised best practice following the cessation of their use as disposal areas in a manner that will encourage run-off.
- E7
Storage of tyres Scrap tyres stored awaiting disposal or transport for take-back and recycling, or waste-to- energy options must be stored in stable stacks and at least ten (10) metres from any other scrap tyre storage area, or combustible or flammable material, including vegetation.
- E8
All reasonable and practicable fire prevention measures must be implemented, including removal of grass and other materials within a ten (10) metre radius of the scrap tyre storage area. Permit Environmental authority EPML00879213
- E9
Where no feasible recycling or waste to energy options are available, disposing of scrap tyres resulting from the mining activities in spoil emplacements is acceptable, provided tyres are placed as deep in the spoil as reasonably practicable.
- E10
Scrap tyres resulting from the mining activities disposed within the operational land must not impede saturated aquifers or compromise the stability of the consolidated landform.
- E11
Inert demolition and construction waste disposal Inert demolition and construction waste must only be disposed of into designated waste disposal areas which are consistent with the site Waste Management Plan.
- E12
Only inert demolition and construction waste will be disposed of in the in-pit disposal area.
- E13
Deposited waste must be covered as soon as practicable to limit stormwater infiltration, prevent exposure of waste, and prevent issues arising from vectors and pest species.
- E14
All reasonable and practicable measures must be taken to contain litter within the waste operations area, and retrieve litter released.
- E15
A register of the waste deposited must be maintained by the authority holder and made available for inspection by the administrating authority upon request. The register must contain: (a) The type of waste received; (b) The quantity of waste received; (c) The date received; and; (d) The disposal location (GPS coordinates and depth of disposal). Permit Environmental authority EPML00879213 Agency interest: Land Condition Condition number
- F1
Rehabilitation and final landform design All areas significantly disturbed by mining activities must be rehabilitated to a stable landform with a self-sustaining vegetation cover in accordance with Table F1 (Final land use rehabilitation approval schedule), Table F2 (Final land use rehabilitation approval schedule - Bullock Creek site) and Table F3 (Landform design).
- F2
Progressive rehabilitation must commence within twelve (12) months of the area becoming available within the operational land.
- F3
For Bullock Creek site, vegetation communities established along the Bullock Creek diversions must be able to establish a self-sustaining vegetation cover to minimise erosion from the banks of the diversions.
- F4
The holder of the environmental authority must: (a) Notify the administering authority of approval for the diversions of Bullock Creek. (b) Make available, twenty-eight (28) days prior to construction, the following: (i) creek diversion approval documentation; (ii) hydrological assessment; (iii) diversion specifications; (iv) harm reduction methods to be implemented; (v) a detailed map of the proposed diversion; (vi) vegetation types to be established within the diversion; and (vii) monitoring and maintenance program.
- F5
Vegetation and creek morphology will be restored on the affected portions of Bullock Creek. Rehabilitation of Bullock Creek diversions will be assessed against analogue site(s) to be agreed upon with the administering authority, and must include Eucalyptus cambageana, Acacia harpophylla, Flindersia dissospera, Carissa ovata, Alectryon diversifolius, Capparis lasiantha, Eucalyptus populnea, Eromophila mitchelli and Sorghum nitidum.
- F6
Residual voids must comply with the following outcomes; (a) residual voids must not cause any serious environmental harm to land, surface waters or any recognised groundwater aquifer, other than the environmental harm constituted by the existence of the residual void itself and subject to any other condition within this environmental authority; (b) be left as stable structures with the competency certified by an appropriately qualified third party (e.g. an engineer listed on the National Professional Engineers Register; and (c) be fenced or bunded appropriately to restrict human, stock and other fauna in areas representing a potential hazard. Permit Environmental authority EPML00879213
- F7
Complete and submit an amended Mine Closure Plan to the administering authority for acceptance for the Burton Coal Mine by 31 December 2018. A component of the Mine Closure Plan must include an investigation into residual voids and propose acceptance criteria to meet the outcomes in condition F6 and landform design criteria in Table F2 (Final land use rehabilitation approval schedule - Bullock Creek site) and Table F3 (Landform design). The investigation must at a minimum include the following: (a) a study of options available for minimising final void area and volume (b) develop design criteria for rehabilitation of final voids; (c) a void hydrology study, addressing the long-term water balance in the voids, connections to groundwater resources and water quality parameters in the long term; (d) a pit wall stability study, considering the effects of long-term erosion and weathering of the pit wall and the effects of significant hydrological events; (e) a study of void capability to support native flora and fauna; and (f) a proposal/s for end of mine void rehabilitation success criteria and final void areas and volumes. These studies will be undertaken during the life of the mine, and will include detailed research and modelling.
- F8
Areas which are to be progressively rehabilitated to land suitable for grazing must demonstrate achieving the specified land suitability and ensure: (a) success criteria defined in the document entitled "Burton Coal Mine Environmental Management Plan" dated May 2010, Appendix 3 - Proposed rehabilitation success criteria - Grassland suitable for grazing, are met; and (b) all areas disturbed by mining activities must be rehabilitated to a stable landform and comply with the design criteria defined in Table F2 (Final land use rehabilitation approval schedule - Bullock Creek site) and Table F3 (Landform design).
- F9
Areas which are to be progressively rehabilitated to land not suitable for grazing must demonstrate achieving the specified land suitability and ensure: (a) achieve a self-sustaining native ecosystem; (b) success criteria defined in the document entitled "Burton Coal Mine Environmental Management Plan" dated May 2010, Appendix 3 - Proposed rehabilitation success criteria - Bushland, are met; (c) all areas disturbed by mining activities must be rehabilitated to a stable landform and comply with the design criteria defined in Table F2 and Table F3.
- F10
Subsidence management procedures must be developed and implemented during the continuation of this environmental authority. The subsidence management strategies must be detailed in the relevant Plan of Operations and must at a minimum include: (a) subsidence modelling (predictions) ahead of mining; (b) rehabilitation methods; and (c) land management practices pre and post mine area. Permit Environmental authority EPML00879213
- F11
All infrastructure, constructed by or for the environmental authority holder during the mining activities including water storage structures, must be removed from the site prior to mining lease surrender, except where agreed in writing by the post mining land owner / holder. NOTE: This is not applicable where the landowner / holder is also the environmental authority holder.
- F12
Topsoil resources that are suitable for use in rehabilitation must be salvaged ahead of mining disturbance for strategic use in rehabilitation of the mine area.
- F13
The characteristics of overburden must be determined prior to disturbance by mining to a standard sufficient to enable selective handling of materials required.
- F14
Cleared vegetation from the site must be managed in accordance with the following hierarchy: (a) reuse, e.g. use of logs and tree stumps as shelter for fauna in rehabilitated areas; (b) recycle, e.g. mulching of vegetation and use in rehabilitation on the site; and (c) other alternative management options implemented in a way that causes the least amount of environmental harm.
- F15
The environmental authority holder must provide the administering authority a map that shows the aerial extent and topography of final landforms including final voids. If amendments to the map are required then the environmental authority holder must provide the administering authority with the amended map. Permit Environmental authority EPML00879213 Table F1 (Final land use and rehabilitation approval schedule) Class 1 Rehabilitation Methods Proposed Disturbance Type Capability Land Use Overburden VI - VII Suitability Generally less than 5 percent gradient on plateau and up Potential for Ramps VIII 3-4 to 20 percent on outer margins. Includes selective topsoil grazing on Final Voids placement concentrated in more erosion potential areas some areas VIII [B] 5 such as margins. Includes areas of bushland habitat and High walls [B] 5 grasslands with potential for grazing (to be verified through Not suitable Infrastructure Buildings, Roads, ROM, Camp Laydown VIII grazing trials). for grazing VI - VII [B] 5 Ramps not in-filled with tailings, reject or pre-strip spoil will 3-4 be basically treated as part of the final void and left at Not suitable angle of repose. Limited benching, battering or drainage for grazing control works may occur along adjoining spoil to control erosion. Not suitable Those not utilised for rejects, tailings or pre-strip for grazing placement will remain as water storage bodies. Exposed coal seams may be sealed in areas not permanently or Suitable for seasonally inundated to prevent spontaneous combustion. grazing Its potential use will be dependent on the final water quality. Highwalls will be assessed on an individual basis. Some will be backfilled and others associated with final voids left at 65 degrees in competent rock or blasted to less than17 degrees in non-competent rock. Facilities to be either left for future users or sold for removal with the site rehabilitated to grassland or bushland, dependant on original use. Contaminated areas to be remediated in consultation with the Administering Authority. Contaminated areas have been identified and will be rehabilitated on a case-by-case basis from a Stage 2 Contaminated Land Survey. Permit Environmental authority EPML00879213 Tailings In dams VIII 5 Two options will be considered: Not suitable 1. Decommissioned well before cessation of mining to for grazing dewater then capped with 1m with spoil and topsoil designed to drain water off the structure. Seeded to trees and shrubs (bushland). 2. Reprocessed with waste placed in spoil.
- G1
The consequence category of any structure must be assessed by a suitably qualified and experienced person in accordance with the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories (a) prior to the design and construction of the structure, if it is not an existing structure; or (b) prior to any change in its purpose or the nature of its stored contents.
- G2
A consequence assessment report and certification must be prepared for each structure assessed and the report may include a consequence assessment for more than one structure.
- G3
Certification must be provided by the suitably qualified and experienced person who undertook the assessment, in the form set out in the Manual for Assessing Consequence
- G4
Design and construction of a regulated structure Conditions G5 to G9 inclusive do not apply to existing structures.
- G5
All regulated structures must be designed by, and constructed under the supervision of, a suitably qualified and experienced person in accordance with the requirements of the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Structures
- G6
Construction of a regulated structure is prohibited unless the holder has submitted a consequence category assessment report and certification to the administering authority has been certified by a suitably qualified and experienced person for the design and design plan and the associated operating procedures in compliance with the relevant condition of this authority.
- G7
Certification must be provided by the suitably qualified and experienced person who oversees the preparation of the design plan in the form set out in the Manual for Assessing must be recorded in the Register of Regulated structures. Permit Environmental authority EPML00879213
- G8
Regulated structures must: (a) be designed and constructed in accordance with and conform to the requirements of the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic Performance of (b) be designed and constructed with due consideration given to ensuring that the design integrity would not be compromised on account of: (i) floodwaters from entering the regulated dam from any watercourse or drainage line; and (ii) wall failure due to erosion by floodwaters arising from any watercourse or drainage line. (c) have the floor and sides of any dam regulated for "failure to contain - seepage" designed and constructed to prevent or minimise the passage of the wetting front and any entrained contaminants through either the floor or sides of the dam during the operational life of the dam and for any period of decommissioning and rehabilitation of the dam.
- G9
Certification by the suitably qualified and experienced person who supervises the construction must be submitted to the administering authority on the completion of construction of the regulated structure, and state that: (a) the 'as constructed' drawings and specifications meet the original intent of the design plan for that regulated structure; (b) construction of the regulated structure is in accordance with the design plan.
- G10
Operation of a regulated structure Operation of a regulated structure, except for an existing structure, is prohibited unless the holder has submitted to the administering authority: (a) one electronic copy of the design plan and certification of the `design plan' in accordance with Condition G6, and (b) a set of `as constructed' drawings and specifications, and (c) certification of those `as constructed drawings and specifications' in accordance with Condition G9, and (d) where the regulated structure is to be managed as part of an integrated containment system for the purpose of sharing the DSA volume across the system, a copy of the certified system design plan. (e) the requirements of this authority relating to the construction of the regulated structure have been met; (f) The holder has entered the details required under this authority, into a Register of Structures; and (g) There is a current operational plan for the regulated structures.
- G11
For existing structures that are regulated structures: (a) where the existing structure that is a regulated structure is to be managed as part of an integrated containment system for the purpose of sharing the DSA volume across the system, the holder must submit to the administering authority within 12 months of the commencement of this condition a copy of the certified system design plan including that structure; and (b) there must be a current operational plan for the existing structures. Permit Environmental authority EPML00879213
- G12
Each regulated structure must be maintained and operated, for the duration of its operational life until decommissioned and rehabilitated, in a manner that is consistent with the current operational plan and, if applicable, the current design plan and associated certified `as constructed' drawings.
- G13
Mandatory reporting level Conditions G14 to G17 inclusive only apply to Regulated Structures which have not been certified as low consequence category for `failure to contain - overtopping'.
- G14
The Mandatory Reporting Level (the MRL) must be marked on a regulated dam in such a way that during routine inspections of that dam, it is clearly observable.
- G15
The holder must, as soon as practical and within forty-eight (48) hours of becoming aware, notify the administering authority when the level of the contents of a regulated dam reaches the MRL.
- G16
The holder must, immediately on becoming aware that the MRL has been reached, act to prevent the occurrence of any unauthorised discharge from the regulated dam.
- G17
The holder must record any changes to the MRL in the Register of Regulated Structures.
- G18
Design storage allowance The holder must assess the performance of each regulated dam or linked containment system over the preceding November to May period based on actual observations of the available storage in each regulated dam or linked containment system taken prior to 1 July of each year.
- G19
By 1 November of each year, storage capacity must be available in each regulated dam (or network of linked containment systems with a shared DSA volume), to meet the Design Storage Allowance (DSA) volume for the dam (or network of linked containment systems).
- G20
The holder must, as soon as possible and within forty-eight (48) hours of becoming aware that the regulated dam (or network of linked containment systems) will not have the available storage to meet the DSA volume on 1 November of any year, notify the administering authority.
- G21
The holder must, immediately on becoming aware that a regulated dam (or network of linked containment systems) will not have the available storage to meet the DSA volume on 1 November of any year, act to prevent the occurrence of any unauthorised discharge from the regulated dam or linked containment systems.
- G22
Annual inspection report Each regulated structure must be inspected each calendar year by a suitably qualified and experienced person. Permit Environmental authority EPML00879213
- G23
At each annual inspection, the condition and adequacy of all components of the regulated structure must be assessed and a suitably qualified and experienced person must prepare an annual inspection report containing details of the assessment and include recommended actions to ensure the integrity of the regulated structure.
- G24
The suitably qualified and experienced person who prepared the annual inspection report must certify the report in accordance with the Manual for Assessing Consequence
- G25
The holder must: (a) within 20 business days of receipt of the annual inspection report, provide to the administering authority: (i) the recommendations section of the annual inspection report; and (ii) if applicable, any actions being taken in response to those recommendations; and (b) if, following receipt of the recommendations and (if applicable) actions, the administering authority requests a full copy of the annual inspection report from the holder, provide this to the administering authority within 10 business days of receipt of the request.
- G26
Transfer arrangements The holder must provide a copy of any reports, documentation and certifications prepared under this authority, including but not limited to any Register of Regulated Structures, consequence assessment, design plan and other supporting documentation, to a new holder on transfer of this authority.
- G27
Decommissioning and rehabilitation Regulated structures must not be abandoned but be either: (a) decommissioned and rehabilitated to achieve compliance with Condition G28; or (b) be left in-situ for a beneficial use(s) provided that: (i) it no longer contains contaminants that will migrate into the environment; and (ii) it contains water of a quality that is demonstrated to be suitable for its intended beneficial use(s); and (iii) the administering authority, the holder of the environmental authority and the landholder agree in writing that the dam will be used by the landholder following the cessation of the environmentally relevant activity(ies). Permit Environmental authority EPML00879213
- G28
After decommissioning, all significantly disturbed land caused by the carrying out of the environmentally relevant activity(ies) must be rehabilitated to meet the following final acceptance criteria: (a) the landform is safe for humans and fauna; (b) the landform is stable with no subsidence or erosion gullies for at least three (3) years; (c) any contaminated land (e.g. contaminated soils) is remediated and rehabilitated; (d) not allowing for acid mine drainage; or (e) there is no ongoing contamination to waters (including groundwater); (f) rehabilitation is undertaken in a manner such that any actual or potential acid sulfate soils on the area of significant disturbance are treated to prevent or minimise environmental harm in accordance with the Instructions for the treatment and management of acid sulfate soils (2001); (g) all significantly disturbed land is reinstated to the pre-disturbed soil suitability class (h) for land that is not being cultivated by the landholder: (i) groundcover, that is not a declared pest species is established and self- sustaining; (ii) vegetation of similar species richness and species diversity to pre- selected analogue sites is established and self-sustaining, and (iii) the maintenance requirements for rehabilitated land is no greater than that required for the land prior to its disturbance caused by carrying out the petroleum activity(ies). (i) for land that is to be cultivated by the landholder, cover crop is revegetated, unless the landholder will be preparing the site for cropping within 3 months of petroleum activities being completed.
- G29
Register of Regulated Structures A Register of Regulated Structures must be established and maintained by the holder for each regulated dam.
- G30
The holder must provisionally enter the required information in the Register of Regulated Structures when a design plan for a regulated dam is submitted to the administering authority.
- G31
The holder must make a final entry of the required information in the Register of Regulated Structures once compliance with Condition G10 and G11 has been achieved.
- G32
The holder must ensure that the information contained in the Register of Regulated Structures is current and complete on any given day.
- G33
All entries in the Register of Regulated Structures must be approved by the chief executive officer for the holder of this authority, or their delegate, as being accurate and correct.
- G34
The holder must, at the same time as providing the annual return, supply to the administering authority a copy of the records contained in the Register of Regulated Structures, in the electronic format required by the administering authority. Permit Environmental authority EPML00879213
- G35
Transitional arrangements All existing structures that have not been assessed in accordance with either the Manual or the former Manual for Assessing Hazard Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Dams must be assessed and certified in accordance with the Manual within 6 months of amendment of the authority adopting this schedule.
- G36
All existing structures must subsequently comply with the timetable for any further assessments in accordance with the Manual specified in Table G1 (Transitional hydraulic performance requirements for existing structures), depending on the consequence category for each existing structure assessed in the most recent previous certification for that structure.
- G37
Table G1 (Transitional hydraulic performance requirements for existing structures) ceases to apply for a structure once any of the following events has occurred: (a) It has been brought into compliance with the hydraulic performance criteria applicable to the structure under the Manual; or (b) It has been decommissioned; or (c) It has been certified as no longer being assessed as a regulated structure.
- G38
Certification of the transitional assessment required by Conditions G35 and G36 (as applicable) must be provided to the administering authority within 6 months of amendment of the authority adopting this schedule. Table G1 (Transitional hydraulic performance requirements for existing structures) Transition period required for existing structures to achieve the requirements of the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Dams Compliance with High Significant Low criteria More than 90 percent No transition required No transition required No transitional and a history of good conditions apply. compliance Review consequence performance in last 5 assessment every 7 years years. More than 70 percent Within 7 years, unless Within 10 years, unless No transitional to less than or equal otherwise agreed with the otherwise agreed with the conditions apply. to 90 percent administering authority, administering authority, Review consequence based on no history of based on no history of assessment every 7 unauthorised releases. unauthorised releases. years. More than 50 percent Within 5 years unless Within 7 years unless Review consequence to less than or equal otherwise agreed with the otherwise agreed with the assessment every 7 to 70 percent administering authority, administering authority, years. based on no history of based on no history of unauthorised releases. unauthorised releases. Less than or equal to Within 5 years or as per Within 5 years or as per Review consequence 50 percent compliance requirements compliance requirements assessment every 5 (e.g. TEP timing) (e.g. TEP timing) years. Permit Environmental authority EPML00879213 Agency interest: Social - Community Condition Condition number