Data as at 14 September 2026 · from the Queensland EP Act public register
EPML00885513 · SOUTHERN CROSS OPERATIONS PTY LTD
Minerals environmental authority EPML00885513 (SOUTHERN CROSS OPERATIONS PTY LTD), Granted. 145 conditions indexed. No PRC plan.
- Status
- Granted
- Holders
- SOUTHERN CROSS OPERATIONS PTY LTD
- Tenures
- ML5543; ML5551; ML5556; ML90068
- PRC plan
- None
- How it was read
- Numbered conditions
- Register
- Register record · Instrument PDF
Conditions
145 numbered conditions read from the current instrument. Page numbers link into the register PDF.
- A1
This environmental authority authorises environmental harm referred to in the conditions. Where there is no condition or this environmental authority is silent on a matter, the lack of a condition or silence does not authorise environmental harm.
- A2
The environmental authority holder must ensure that the activity is carried out in accordance with Table A1 - Authorised Mining Activities and Schedule K, Map K1(A) - Mine Infrastructure Layout, Map K1(B) - Rimmer Hill Exploration Area, Map K1(C) - Western Shale Deposit Area and Map K1(D) - Central Exploration Area. Table A1 - Authorised Mining Activities Maximum area of disturbance (ha) Tenure Map Reference Maximum area allowing for Type and Mine Mine Feature Name Number (GDA94, MGA, Zone of disturbance nested and/or Domain 54) Process Plant ML5543 (ha) for mine collocated Plant Area Temporary Ore Sorting Pilot Plant- feature features and/or Communications combined Tower Weighbridge disturbance areas ERT Training Easting Northing 45.05 45.05 Ground 394190 7580060 Main Entry Laydown Process Water Pond ML5443 393836 7580184 4 4 ML5443 393875 7579824 0.02 0.02 ML5443 393960 7580439 1 1 ML5443 393822 7580035 0.5 0.5 ML5443 393898 7580261 7.55 7.55 ML5543 383850 7579900 0.83 0.83 Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Protection Act 1994 Environmental authority EPML00885513 This environmental authority is issued by the administering authority under Chapter 5 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994. Stormwater ML5543 394216 7580099 2.5 2.5 Retention ML5543 394350 7578850 43.56 43.56 Slimes Dam ML5543 393780 7580330 Slimes Interim 6.17 6.17 Storage - North ML5543 394750 7578000 28.89 Slimes Interim 7578325 28.89 Storage - South ML5543 394397 7578980 2.7 2.7 Topsoil - Slimes ML5543 394740 7579064 1.86 Rail Loop ML5543 394914 7580614 1.86 3.14 Old Landfill ML90068 394505 7580670 3.14 0.33 Osborne Shed ML90068 394773 0.33 Osborne Shed 7580403 1.3 Access Road ML90068 394779 7580404 1.3 0.81 Osborne Shed Dam ML90068 394803
- 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 and efficient condition; c) Operate such measures, plant and equipment in a proper and efficient manner; d) Must not change, replace or alter any plant or equipment if the change, replacement or alteration increases, or is likely to increase, the risk of environmental harm; and, e) Ensure all instruments and devices used for the measurement or monitoring of any parameter under any condition of this environmental authority are properly calibrated.
- A4
Any management or monitoring plans, systems or programs required to be developed and implemented by a condition of this Authority must be reviewed by a suitably qualified person for effectiveness in minimising the likelihood of environmental harm on an annual basis and amended promptly if required. Written certification of this review including identified issues and any subsequent actions undertaken in response must be recorded and provided to the administering authority upon request.
- A5
Monitoring The Environmental Authority holder must 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.
- A6
Where monitoring is a requirement of this Authority, the Authority holder must ensure that a competent person(s) conducts all monitoring. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Protection Act 1994 Environmental authority EPML00885513 This environmental authority is issued by the administering authority under Chapter 5 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994.
- A7
Financial Assurance The activity must not be carried out until the environmental authority holder has given financial assurance to the administering authority as security for compliance with this environmental authority and any costs or expenses, or likely costs or expenses, mentioned in section 298 of the Act.
- A8
The amount of financial assurance must be reviewed by the holder of this environmental authority when a plan of operations is amended or replaced, or the authority is amended.
- A9
Risk Management The holder of this environmental authority must develop and implement a risk management system for mining activities which mirrors the content requirement of the Standard for Risk Management (IS031000:2009), or the latest edition of an Australian standard for risk management, to the extent relevant to environmental management, by 30 June 2014.
- A10
Notification of Emergencies, Incidents and Exceptions The holder of this environmental authority must notify the administering authority by written notification within 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 environmental authority.
- A11
Within 10 business days following the initial notification of an emergency or incident, or receipt of monitoring results, whichever is the latter, 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 c) proposed actions to prevent a recurrence of the emergency or incident.
- A12
The holder of this environmental authority must notify any potentially impacted stakeholder / landowners by telephone, email or facsimile as soon as practicable but within twenty four (24) hours after becoming aware of any emergency or incident that has the potential to impact on environmental values or breaches any condition of this Authority concerning the release of contaminants to the environment.
- A13
Complaints The holder of this environmental authority must record all environmental complaints received about the mining activities including: Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Protection Act 1994 Environmental authority EPML00885513 This environmental authority is issued by the administering authority under Chapter 5 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994. a) name, address and contact number for of the complainant b) time and date of complaint c) reasons for the complaint d) investigations undertaken e) conclusions formed f) actions taken to resolve the complaint g) any abatement measures implemented h) person responsible for resolving the complaint
- A14
The holder of this environmental authority must, when requested by the administering authority, undertake relevant specified monitoring within a reasonable timeframe nominated or agreed to 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, where implemented, must be provided to the administering authority within 10 business days of completion of the investigation, or no later than 10 business days after the end of the timeframe nominated by the administering authority to undertake the investigation.
- A15
Third Party Auditing The holder of this environmental authority must: a) obtain from an appropriately qualified person a report on compliance with the conditions of this environmental authority b) obtain further such reports at regular intervals, not exceeding 3 yearly intervals, from the completion of the report referred to above; and c) provide each report to the administering authority within 90 days of its completion.
- A16
Transition to New Standards Where a condition of this environmental authority requires compliance with a standard, policy or guideline published externally to this environmental authority and the standard is amended or changed subsequent to the issue of this environmental authority, the holder of this environmental authority must: a) comply with the amended or changed standard, policy or guideline within 2 years of the amendment or change being made, unless a different period is specified in the amended standard or relevant legislation, or Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Protection Act 1994 Environmental authority EPML00885513 This environmental authority is issued by the administering authority under Chapter 5 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994. where the amendment or change relates specifically to regulated structures referred to in Schedule I -- Regulated Dams, the time specified in that condition. b) until compliance with the amended or changed standard, policy or guideline is achieved, continue to remain in compliance with the corresponding provision that was current immediately prior to the relevant amendment or change.
- A17
Exploration All exploration activities carried out on the mining leases must comply with each of the Standard Environmental Conditions contained in the department's published Eligibility criteria and standard conditions a discrepancy between the standard conditions and this environmental authority, the conditions of the environmental authority apply.
- A18
Definitions Words and phrases used throughout the environmental authority are defined in Schedule J --Definitions. 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. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Protection Act 1994 Environmental authority EPML00885513 This environmental authority is issued by the administering authority under Chapter 5 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994. Schedule B - Air
- B1
General 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 holder of this environmental authority must ensure that vehicles (including trains) 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.
- B3
Point Source Release of Contaminants to the Atmosphere Discharges of contaminants to air from the activity, other than dust and particulate matter addressed by condition B5, must be in accordance with Table B1-- Release Points and Contaminant Limits.
- B4
Conduct a monitoring program of contaminant releases to the atmosphere at the release points, frequency and for the contaminants specified in Table B1-- Release Points and Contaminant Limits and which complies with the most recent edition of AS4323.1 Stationary source emissions method 1: Selection of sampling positions, and the most recent edition of the administering authority's air quality sampling manual. Table B1 - Release Points and Contaminant Limits Minimum Minimum Contaminant Contaminant Maximum Sampling release Trigger Level1 release limit1 frequency Release Point release height velocity Annually (metres) (m/sec) Annually Power Station - Annually Taurus 60 15 20 NOx as NO2 NA 17,200 g/hr Gas Turbine x 4 Power Station - Taurus 60 15 20 CO NA 3,500 g/hr Gas Turbine x 4 Phosphoric Acid Plant - Exhaust 35 13.1 F (gaseous) NA 0.05 g/Nm3 stack Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Protection Act 1994 Environmental authority EPML00885513 This environmental authority is issued by the administering authority under Chapter 5 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994. Granulation Plant 16.5 F (gaseous) NA 0.05 g/Nm3 Annually 46.7 16.5 Ammonia NA 0.098 g/Nm3 Annually - Flue Stack Granulation Plant 16.5 Particulates NA 0.25 g/Nm3 Annually 46.7 - Flue Stack Granulation Plant 46.7 - Flue Stack Granulation Plant 0.0254 g/Nm3 Annually 46.7 16.5 Sulfur Dioxide NA - Flue Stack 0.6005 g/Nm3 Annually Sulfur Melter 16.6 Sulfur Dioxide NA NA Event based2
- B5
Dust and Particulate Matter Monitoring The holder of this environmental authority must ensure that all reasonable and feasible avoidance and mitigation measures are employed so that the dust and particulate matter emissions generated by the mining activities do not cause exceedances of the following levels when measured at any sensitive or commercial place: (a) Dust deposition of 120 milligrams per square metre per day, averaged over 1 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 (PM10) suspended in the atmosphere of 50 micrograms per cubic metre over a 24-hour averaging time, for no more than 5 exceedances recorded each year, when monitored in accordance with the most recent version of either: 1 Australian Standard AS3580.9.6 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air--Determination of suspended particulate matter--PM10 high volume sampler with size-selective inlet -- Gravimetric method; or 2 Australian Standard AS3580.9.9 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air--Determination of suspended particulate matter--PM10 low volume sampler--Gravimetric method. (c) A concentration of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres (PM2.5) suspended in the atmosphere of 25 micrograms per cubic metre over a 24-hour averaging time, when monitored in accordance with the most recent version of AS/NZS3580.9.10 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air--Determination of suspended particulate matter--PM (sub)2.5(/sub) low volume sampler--Gravimetric method. (d) A concentration of particulate matter suspended in the atmosphere of 90 micrograms per cubic metre over a 1 year averaging time, when monitored in accordance with the most recent version of AS/NZS3580.9.3:2003 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air--Determination of suspended particulate matter--Total suspended particulate matter (TSP)--High volume sampler gravimetric method Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Protection Act 1994 Environmental authority EPML00885513 This environmental authority is issued by the administering authority under Chapter 5 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994.
- B6
Ambient Air Quality - Sulfur Dioxide Monitoring The holder of this environmental authority must carry out an ambient air quality monitoring program for Sulfur dioxide at the monitoring locations and at the frequency specified in Table B2 (Sulfur Dioxide Monitoring Locations) and Schedule K, Map K7 - Sulfur Dioxide Monitoring Locations1. Table B2 - Sulfur Dioxide Monitoring Locations Map Reference Monitoring Location (GDA94, MGA, Zone 54) Monitoring Frequency Continuous2
- B7
Emissions from the site must not cause an exceedance of the maximum Sulfur Dioxide concentrations specified in Table B3 - Ambient Sulfur Dioxide Limits when measured at the monitoring locations defined in Table B2 - Sulfur Dioxide Monitoring Locations. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Protection Act 1994 Environmental authority EPML00885513 This environmental authority is issued by the administering authority under Chapter 5 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994. Table B3 - Ambient Sulfur Dioxide Limits Maximum Sulfur Dioxide Concentration (-g/m3) Averaging Time 22 Annual 230 1 day 570 1 hour Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Protection Act 1994 Environmental authority EPML00885513 This environmental authority is issued by the administering authority under Chapter 5 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994. Schedule C - Waste Management
- C1
General waste must only be disposed of into the waste disposal trench facility of ML5543 and identified in Schedule K, Map K6 - Waste Disposal Trench Location.
- C2
Unless otherwise permitted by the conditions of this environmental authority or with prior approval from the administering authority and in accordance with a relevant standard operating procedure, waste must not be burnt.
- C3
The holder of this environmental authority may burn vegetation cleared in the course of carrying out extraction activities provided the activity does not cause environmental harm at any sensitive place or commercial place.
- C4
The holder of this environmental authority may burn limited quantities of waste timber pallets for emergency response and fire management training purposes provided the activity does not cause environmental harm at any sensitive place or commercial place.
- C5
Waste Disposal 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.
- C6
The only waste that can be disposed of on site is waste generated on site and is limited to: a) Waste rock b) Gypsum c) Rejects (waste contaminated fertiliser and fertiliser additives, acid contaminated sludge and scales) d) Slimes (dried slimes may be either stockpiled or disposed of in-pit) e) General waste including construction and demolition waste, green waste and putrescible and domestic wastes f) Tyres/Conveyor belt/rubber moulded products g) Contaminated Plant Consumables (acid-contaminated fiberglass pipes, filter cloths, bricks, cooling tower mist eliminators, Personal protective equipment (PPE), spill neutralisation and clean-up material, anti- scaling agent, mixed bed resins) Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Protection Act 1994 Environmental authority EPML00885513 This environmental authority is issued by the administering authority under Chapter 5 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994. h) HDPE pipes contaminated with gypsum to the Gypsum Storage Facility, provided the disposal does not impact on the stability of the facility.
- C7
The environmental authority holder must seek written approval from the administering authority beforehand to dispose of any regulated waste not currently approved for disposal on site under this authority. The environmental authority holder must provide details to the administering authority of the waste to be disposed including: a) Name of waste b) Type of waste c) Chemical composition of waste d) Proposed waste destination e) Volume/Amount of waste f) Risk assessment of disposing waste onsite g) Assessment of alternative waste management options.
- C8
Slimes (Tailings) Disposal Slimes must be managed in accordance with procedures contained within the current Environmental Management Plan. These procedures must include provisions for: a) Containment of slimes in accordance with design plan; b) Stockpiling and in-pit disposal of slimes; c) The management of seepage and leachates both during operation and post closure; d) The control of fugitive emissions to air; e) Rehabilitation strategy which meets the rehabilitation objectives specified in Schedule H - Land and Rehabilitation; and f) Monitoring of rehabilitation, research and/or trials to verify the requirements and methods for decommissioning and final rehabilitation of slimes, including the prevention and management of acid drainage, erosion minimisation and establishment of vegetation cover.
- C9
Waste Rock Disposal A waste rock and spoil disposal plan should be developed and include, where relevant, at least: a) effective characterisation of the waste rock and spoil to predict under the proposed placement and disposal strategy the quality of runoff and seepage generated concerning potentially environmentally Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Protection Act 1994 Environmental authority EPML00885513 This environmental authority is issued by the administering authority under Chapter 5 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994. significant effects including salinity, acidity, alkalinity and dissolved metals, metalloids and non-metallic inorganic substances b) a program of progressive sampling and characterisation to identify dispersive and non-dispersive spoil and the salinity, acid and alkali producing potential and metal concentrations of waste rock c) a materials balance and disposal plan demonstrating how potentially acid forming and acid forming waste rock will be selectively placed and/or encapsulated to minimise the potential generation of acid mine drainage d) where relevant, a sampling program to verify encapsulation and/or placement of potentially acid-forming and acid-forming waste rock e) how often the performance of the plan will be assessed f) the indicators or other criteria on which the performance of the plan will be assessed g) rehabilitation strategy
- C10
The holder must develop, document and implement procedures and guidelines for the acceptance, handling, storage and processing of regulated waste at the designated Bioremediation Area identified in Schedule K, Map K6 - Waste Disposal Trench.
- C11
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 e) ensure that reviews of environmental performance are undertaken at least annually
- C12
An area which provides an impervious barrier to subsoil and groundwater must be used for: a) receiving, storing, mixing and processing materials associated with the bioremediation activity b) collecting and storing leachate. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Protection Act 1994 Environmental authority EPML00885513 This environmental authority is issued by the administering authority under Chapter 5 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994.
- C13
Stormwater runoff from disturbed areas associated with the bioremediation area, generated by (up to and including) a 24 hour storm event with an average recurrence interval of one-in-ten 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 c) there are no contaminants present or at concentrations which may cause environmental harm
- C14
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 b) any danger or risk to the health of any persons.
- C15
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. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Protection Act 1994 Environmental authority EPML00885513 This environmental authority is issued by the administering authority under Chapter 5 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994. Schedule D - Noise and Vibration
- D1
Noise limits The holder of this environmental authority must ensure that noise generated by the mining activities does not cause the criteria in Table D1 - Noise limits to be exceeded at a sensitive place or commercial place. Table D1 - Noise Limits, Sensitive Place Noise Level Monday to Saturday Sundays and Public Holidays (d(b)A measured 7am~6pm 6pm~10pm 10pm~7am 9am~6pm 6pm~10pm 10pm~9am as: LAeq, adj, 15 CV = 50 CV = 45 CV = 40 CV = 45 CV = 40 CV = 35 mins AV = 5 AV = 5 AV = 0 AV = 5 AV = 5 AV = 0 LA1, adj, 15 mins CV = 55 CV = 50 CV = 45 CV = 50 CV = 45 CV = 40 AV = 10 AV = 10 AV = 5 AV = 10 AV = 10 AV = 5 Notes: a) CV: Critical Value, AV: Adjustment Value b) To calculate noise limits; If bg (CV-AV): Noise limit = bg + AV If (CV-AV) < bg CV: Noise limit = CV If bg > CV: Noise limit = bg+0 c) In the event that measured bg (LA90,adj, 15 mins) is less than 30 dB(A), then 30 dB(A) can be substituted for the measured background level. d) Bg = background noise level (LA90, adj, 15 mins) measured over 3 - 5 days at the nearest sensitive receptor. e) If the project is unable to meet the noise limits as calculated above alternative limits may be calculated using the process outlined in the `Planning for Noise Control' guideline. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Protection Act 1994 Environmental authority EPML00885513 This environmental authority is issued by the administering authority under Chapter 5 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994.
- D2
Air Blast Overpressure Nuisance The holder of this environmental authority must ensure that blasting does not cause the limits for peak particle velocity and air blast overpressure in Table D2 (Blasting Noise Limits) to be exceeded at a sensitive or commercial place. Table D2 - Blasting Noise Limits Blasting noise limits Sensitive or commercial place limits Air blast overpressure 7am to 6pm 6pm to 7am 115 dB (Linear) Peak for nine (9) out of No Blasting ten (10) consecutive blasts initiated and not greater than 120 bB (Linear) Peak Ground vibration peak particle velocity 5mm/second apteankyptaimrtiecle velocity for No Blasting nine (9) out of ten (10) consecutive blasts and not greater than 10 mm/second peak particle velocity at any time
- D3
Monitoring and Reporting 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 g) if the complaint concerns low frequency noise, Max LpLIN,T and one third octave band measurements in dB(LIN) for centre frequencies in the 10 -- 200 Hz range. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Protection Act 1994 Environmental authority EPML00885513 This environmental authority is issued by the administering authority under Chapter 5 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994.
- D4
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 AS1055 Acoustics - Description and measurement of environmental noise. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Protection Act 1994 Environmental authority EPML00885513 This environmental authority is issued by the administering authority under Chapter 5 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994. Schedule E - Groundwater
- E1
Groundwater The holder of this environmental authority must not release contaminants to groundwater.
- E2
Groundwater quality and levels must be monitored at the locations and frequencies defined in Table - E1 - Groundwater Monitoring Locations and Frequency and Schedule K, Map K2(A) - Groundwater Monitoring Sites - Gypsum Stacks, Map K2(B) - Groundwater Monitoring Sites - Slimes Dams and Map K2(C) - Groundwater Monitoring Sites - SAP for quality characteristics identified in Table E2 - Groundwater Quality Contaminant Triggers and Limits. Table E1 - Groundwater Monitoring Locations and Frequency Monitoring Map Reference (GDA94, MGA, Zone 54) Surface RL (m) Monitoring frequency point Easting Northing (Top of Steel) Quarterly Compliance Bores EPMB1 394618 7581185 272.78 EPMB2 394555 7580742 269.93 EPMB4 394478 7580014 265.52 GSMB1A 394055 7580565 269.58 GSMB2A 394077 7581033 270.58 GSMB4B 393970 7581658 270.89 GSMB9 394207 7580521 266.63 GSMB15A 394677 7581509 273.39 SAPMB01 TBD1 TBD1 TBD1 SAPMB02 TBD1 TBD1 TBD1 SAPMB03 TBD1 TBD1 TBD1 SAPMB04 TBD1 TBD1 TBD1 H 394441 7574871 265.13 Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Protection Act 1994 Environmental authority EPML00885513 This environmental authority is issued by the administering authority under Chapter 5 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994. I 394939 7575743 262.72 Quarterly Reference Bore 6 monthly GW05A 394277 267.68 7580069 GSMB7A 394645 Observation Bores3 273.13 GSMB11 393879 272.98 GSMB12 393713 7582037 274.77 GSMB13 393963 7582145 276.26 GSMB14 394468 7582968 274.68 GSMB17 392851 7583175 274.08 GSMB28 393268 7582732 272.2
- E3
If quality characteristics of groundwater from compliance bores identified in Table E1 - Groundwater Monitoring Locations and Frequency exceed any of the trigger levels stated in Table E2 - Groundwater Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Protection Act 1994 Environmental authority EPML00885513 This environmental authority is issued by the administering authority under Chapter 5 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994. Quality Contaminant Triggers and Limits, the holder of this environmental authority must compare the compliance monitoring bore results to the reference bore results and (a) If the level of contaminants at the compliance monitoring bores does not exceed the 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 reference bore results, complete an investigation in accordance with the ANZECC and ARMCANZ 2000, 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 E3(b) of this condition, no further reporting is required for subsequent trigger events for that quality characteristic within the three month investigation period.
- E4
Results of monitoring of groundwater from compliance bores identified in Table E1 - Groundwater Monitoring Locations and Frequency, must not exceed any of the contaminant limits stated in Table E2 - Groundwater Quality Contaminant Triggers and Limits.
- E5
By 1 June 2026, a Groundwater Monitoring and Management Program must be developed, documented and implemented by an appropriately qualified person. The Groundwater Monitoring and Management Program must be reviewed and updated thereafter every twelve months and submitted to the administering authority.
- E6
The Groundwater Monitoring and Management Program required by Condition E5 must include at a minimum: (a) An assessment of compliance against the conditions of this environmental authority; and (b) An assessment of the suitability of the monitoring network for groundwater specified in Schedule E - Table 1 (Groundwater Monitoring Locations and Frequency) to effectively detect impacts from the mining activities; and (c) Proposed mitigation measures and implementation timeframes for any detected contamination of groundwater not in accordance with this environmental authority. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Protection Act 1994 Environmental authority EPML00885513 This environmental authority is issued by the administering authority under Chapter 5 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994. Schedule F - Water
- F1
The Authority holder must develop, implement and maintain all reasonable measures/contingency plans to ensure all weather access to any sampling location listed in the Schedule F - Table F1 (Contaminant Release Points) of this Authority.
- F2
The release of contaminants to waters must: (a) only occur during flow events in the receiving waters; (b) only occur from a release point specified in Table F1 - Contaminant Release Points and identified in Schedule K, Map K3 - Contaminant Release Points; and, (c) be monitored at the release point and frequency specified in Table F1 - Release Points for each parameter specified in Table F2 - Release Quality Objectives. Table F1 - Contaminant Release Points Release Map Reference Contaminant Source, Receiving Monitoring Point (GDA94, MGA, Zone 54) Location, and Waters Frequency Easting Northing Description of Release Description Point Main 394216 7580102 Stormwater runoff from Railway Creek Stormwater 7579678 the granulation plant and Railway Creek 7580289 phosphoric acid plant - Railway Creek Daily during Pond release (the first from the main sample must be Beneficiation 394271 stormwater pond taken within 2 Pond hours of spillway commencement of release if safe to Beneficiation plant, do so) runoff from heavy Ammonia Pond 394219 equipment workshop Stormwater runoff from the gypsum conveyor (south) and ammonia plant -Ammonia Pond spillway. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Protection Act 1994 Environmental authority EPML00885513 This environmental authority is issued by the administering authority under Chapter 5 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994. Gypsum 394256 7580494 Stormwater runoff from Railway Creek Conveyor Sump 7580500 the gypsum conveyor Railway Creek Osborne Shed 394503 (north) -Gypsum Dam Conveyor Sump spillway. Stormwater runoff from Rail Loadout facility Table F2 - Release Quality Objectives Quality Release Quality Objectives1 Characteristics (mg/L unless otherwise specified)
- F3
At the time of release from the authorised release point specified in Table F1 -- Contaminant Release Points the modelled water flow volume in the respective receiving water must be at least twenty (20) times the volume at which respective contaminated waters are released.
- F4
The release of contaminants to waters must not exceed the release quality objectives stated in Table F2 - Release Quality Objectives for each quality characteristic.
- F5
The release of waters must not cause erosion of the bed or banks of the receiving waters or result in deposition of sediment.
- F6
The holder of this environmental authority must notify the administering authority as soon as practicable of a release event (no later than twenty four (24) 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; b) expected release cessation date/time; c) release point/s; Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Protection Act 1994 Environmental authority EPML00885513 This environmental authority is issued by the administering authority under Chapter 5 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994. 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).
- F7
The holder of this environmental authority 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 F5 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 Agency Interest: 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.
- F8
Receiving Environment Monitoring and Contaminant Trigger Levels The quality of the receiving waters must be monitored at the locations and frequency specified in Table F3 - Receiving Water Monitoring Locations and Frequency and depicted in Schedule K, Map K4 - Surface Water and Sediments Monitoring Locations for each quality characteristic stated in Table F4 - Receiving Water Trigger Levels and Contaminant Limits. Table F3 - Receiving Water Monitoring Locations and Frequency Map Reference Monitoring (GDA94, MGA, Zone 54) Monitoring point frequency Easting Northing Each stream flow event Each stream flow event Compliance Sites Each stream flow event KC (Kolar Creek) 394963 7577235 ABN 46 640 294 485
- F9
If quality characteristics of the receiving water at the downstream monitoring points exceed any of the trigger levels specified in Table F4 - Receiving Water Trigger Levels and Contaminant Limits the holder of Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Protection Act 1994 Environmental authority EPML00885513 This environmental authority is issued by the administering authority under Chapter 5 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994. this environmental authority 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 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 F7(b) of this condition, no further reporting is required for subsequent trigger events for that quality characteristic.
- F10
The release of contaminants to surface waters must not result in exceedance of contaminant limits stated in Table F4 - Receiving Water Trigger Levels and Contaminant Limits.
- F11
Sediment quality of monitoring locations defined in Table F3 - Receiving Water Monitoring Locations and identified on Schedule K, Map K4 -Surface Water and Sediments Monitoring Locations must be monitored twice a year (once at the end of the wet season and once at the end of the dry season) for the parameters defined in Table F5 - Stream Sediment Trigger Levels and Contaminant Limits. Table F5 - Stream Sediment Trigger Levels and Contaminant Limits Parameter Unit Trigger Level Contaminant Limit Cobalt mg/kg Reference value1 3 times the reference value1 Copper mg/kg 652 or reference value1, whichever is 2703 or 3 times the reference value1, Fluoride mg/kg Lead mg/kg higher. whichever is higher Manganese mg/kg Reference value1 3 times the reference value1 Nickel mg/kg 502 or reference value1, whichever is 2203 or 3 times the reference value1, Phosphorus mg/kg Uranium mg/kg higher. whichever is higher Zinc mg/kg Reference value1 3 times the reference value1 Phosphate mg/kg 212 or reference value1, whichever is 523 or 3 times the reference value1, higher. whichever is higher. Reference value1 3 times the reference value1 Reference value1 3 times the reference value1 2002 or reference value1 , whichever 4103 or 3 times the reference value1, is higher whichever is higher Interpretational purposes only Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Protection Act 1994 Environmental authority EPML00885513 This environmental authority is issued by the administering authority under Chapter 5 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994. Nitrogen mg/kg Interpretational purposes only Particle size distribution Interpretational purposes only 1 Reference sites are defined in Table F3 - Receiving Water Monitoring Locations and Frequency. 2 ANZECC (2000) Interim Sediment Quality Guidelines - low values based on total sediments 3 ANZECC (2000) Interim Sediment Quality Guidelines - high values based on total sediments Notes: * All analytes excluding Phosphate and Nitrogen must be measured as total (digested) on a <63-m wet sieved sediment fraction. Anions and nutrients must be measured on a deionised water ASLP leachate as dissolved (0.45-m filtered). ** The reference value is the 80th percentile of reference site concentration for both Railway Creek system and combined Dead Horse and Galah Creek for Kolar Creek system monitoring.
- F12
If quality characteristics of the stream sediments exceed any of the trigger levels specified in Table F5 - Stream Sediment Trigger Levels and Contaminant Limits, the holder of this environmental authority must compare the results of the downstream site to the data from reference monitoring sites and: (a) If the level of contaminants at the downstream site does not exceed the reference monitoring site data, 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 potential for environmental harm and provide a written report to the administering authority with 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 F11(b) Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Protection Act 1994 Environmental authority EPML00885513 This environmental authority is issued by the administering authority under Chapter 5 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994. of this condition, no further reporting is required for subsequent trigger events for that quality characteristic within the investigation period.
- F13
All stream sediment sampling must be undertaken in accordance with AS 5667.12 Guidance on Sampling of Bottom Sediments of 1998.
- F14
Releases of contaminants must not result in an exceedance of sediment contaminant limits stated in Table
- F5
- Stream Sediment Trigger Levels and Contaminant Levels.
- F15
Duchess Embayment Aquifer Water Reserves Drilling Campaign The disposal of water from the water extraction test bores for the Duchess Embayment Aquifer Water Reserves Drilling Campaign must: a) not cause environmental harm; b) not be released to waters; c) prevent surface ponding and run off beyond the disposal area; d) not cause erosion; e) not change or damage vegetation health; f) not change or damage the soils and sub soils including structure, pH, salinity and sodicity and cation exchange capacity.
- F16
A monitoring program must be developed, documented and implemented that includes: an assessment of compliance against the requirements of condition F14, and an assessment of the impact of the disposal.
- F17
The results of the monitoring program required by condition F15 must be provided to the administering authority on request.
- F18
Receiving Environment Monitoring Program (REMP) A REMP must be developed and implemented within 6 months from the date this Environmental Authority takes effect to monitor and record the effects of the release of contaminants on the receiving environment periodically and whilst contaminants are being discharged from the site, 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. A copy of the REMP must be provided to the administering authority prior to its implementation and due consideration given to any comments made on the REMP by the administering authority. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Protection Act 1994 Environmental authority EPML00885513 This environmental authority is issued by the administering authority under Chapter 5 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994. For the purposes of the REMP, the receiving environment is the waters of the downstream environment and connected waterways within 10km downstream of the release.
- F19
A REMP design document that addresses the requirement of the REMP must be prepared and made available to the administering authority upon request.
- F20
A report outlining the findings of the REMP, including all monitoring results and interpretations must be prepared annually and made available to the administering authority upon request. 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.
- F21
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 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 quantity of mine affected water released from all release points; e) The release flow rate at the time of sampling for each release point; f) The results of all monitoring and details of any exceedances of the conditions of this environmental authority; g) Water quality monitoring data must be provided to the administering authority in the specified electronic format upon request.
- F22
Water Management Plan A Water Management Plan must be developed by an appropriately qualified person and implemented. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Protection Act 1994 Environmental authority EPML00885513 This environmental authority is issued by the administering authority under Chapter 5 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994.
- F23
Stormwater, Sediment and Erosion 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 prevent or minimise erosion and the release of sediment to receiving waters and the contamination of storm water. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Protection Act 1994 Environmental authority EPML00885513 This environmental authority is issued by the administering authority under Chapter 5 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994. Schedule G - Sewage Treatment
- G1
The only contaminant permitted to be released to land is treated sewage effluent in compliance with the release limits stated in Table G1 - Contaminant Release Limits to Land. Table G1 - Contaminant Release Limits to Land Contaminant Unit Release limit Limit type Frequency pH pH units 6.0 - 9.0 Range Monthly 5 day Biochemical oxygen demand mg/L 20 Maximum Monthly (uninhibited) Total Suspended Solids mg/L 30 Maximum Monthly Nitrogen mg/L 30 Maximum Monthly Phosphorus mg/L 15 Maximum Monthly E coli Organisms/100ml 1000 Maximum Monthly
- G2
Treated sewage effluent may only be released to land in accordance with the conditions of this approval at the following locations: (a) within the nominated area(s) identified in Schedule K, Map K5 -Approved Irrigation Areas. (b) other land for the purpose of dust suppression and/or firefighting.
- G3
The application of treated effluent to land must be carried out in a manner such that: a) vegetation is not damaged b) there is no surface ponding of effluent c) there is no run-off of effluent
- G4
If areas irrigated with effluent are accessible to employees or the general public, prominent signage must be provided advising that effluent is present, and care should be taken to avoid consuming or otherwise coming into unprotected contact with the effluent. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Protection Act 1994 Environmental authority EPML00885513 This environmental authority is issued by the administering authority under Chapter 5 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994.
- G5
All sewage effluent released to land must be monitored at the frequency and for the parameters specified in Table G1 - Contaminant Release Limits to Land.
- G6
The daily volume of effluent release to land must be measured and records kept of the volumes of effluent released.
- G7
When circumstances prevent the irrigation or beneficial reuse of treated sewage effluent such as during or following rain events, waters must be directed to a wet weather storage or alternative measures must be taken to store/lawfully dispose of effluent.
- G8
A minimum area of 0.5 ha of land, excluding any necessary buffer zones, must be utilised for the irrigation and/or beneficial reuse of treated sewage effluent.
- G9
Sewage tank sludge, pond sludge and residues resulting from periodic maintenance of onsite sewage treatment plants may be accepted to the designated Bioremediation Area in compliance with environmental authority conditions C10 to C15. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Protection Act 1994 Environmental authority EPML00885513 This environmental authority is issued by the administering authority under Chapter 5 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994. Schedule H - Land and Rehabilitation
- H1
After each truck movement, the road shall be inspected and any spilled products shall be swept up immediately and returned to a location able to accept such waste.
- H2
Land disturbed by mining must be rehabilitated in accordance with Table H1 - Rehabilitation Requirements. Table H1 - Rehabilitation Requirements Mine Mine Feature Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Indicators Completion Domain Names Criteria Goal Objective Open Pit Brolga Pit, Safe Site safe for Engineered Rehabilitation Corella Pit, human and structures and report: that all Galah Pit, Jabiru animals signage to preclude safety precautions Pit, Magpie Pit, humans and have been taken in Eagle Pit animals (e.g., safety accordance with bund wall and the relevant fencing) legislation. Non-polluting Hazardous Hazard assessment Rehabilitation and of material by report: appropriate contaminated suitably qualified hazard material person. assessment and adequately measures managed. undertaken. Stable Minimal Geotechnical Rehabilitation probability of studies of final voids report: wall failure or geotechnical rock falls that Risk assessment of studies to will cause final landform determine whether significant final landform is environmental stable. harm. Rehabilitation report: appropriate risk assessment Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Protection Act 1994 Environmental authority EPML00885513 This environmental authority is issued by the administering authority under Chapter 5 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994. and control measures undertaken. Waste Rock Brolga WRD, Safe Site safe for Safety assessment Rehabilitation Dump Corella WRD, humans and of final landform by report: certification Galah WRD, animals suitably qualified structurally sound Jabiru WRD, person. and safe Magpie WRD, Eagle WRD Non-polluting Hazardous Engineers Engineer's and assessment of certification in contaminated cover or final rehabilitation report material landform design that the waste adequately disposal site has managed. been securely
- H3
Rehabilitation must commence progressively in accordance with the plan of operations.
- H4
Topsoil 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.
- H5
Contaminated Land Before applying for surrender of a mining lease, the holder must (if applicable) provide to the administering authority a site investigation report under the Act, in relation to any part of the mining lease which has been used for notifiable activities or which the holder is aware is likely to be contaminated land, and also carry out any further work that is required as a result of that report to ensure that the land is suitable for its final land use.
- H6
Before applying for progressive rehabilitation certification for an area, the holder must (if applicable) provide to the administering authority a site investigation report under the Act, in relation to any part of the area the subject of the application which has been used for notifiable activities or which the holder is aware is likely to be contaminated land, and also carry out any further work that is required as a result of that report to ensure that the land is suitable for its final land use under condition H3. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Protection Act 1994 Environmental authority EPML00885513 This environmental authority is issued by the administering authority under Chapter 5 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994.
- H7
Fluoride Management The holder of this environmental authority must undertake bi-annual monitoring of fluoride in vegetation in accordance with documented site procedures and the Plan of Operations. An associated monitoring report must be prepared and submitted to the administering authority with the next annual return.
- H8
The holder of this environmental authority must conduct a Flora Survey every three years focusing on the impacts of fluoride to the vegetation. A copy of the Flora Survey Report must be submitted to the administering authority with the next annual return.
- H9
Sulfur Management Sulfur stored on site must be stored under cover.
- H10
Storage, handling and transfer of Sulfur on site must be carried out in a manner which minimises the release of dust and particulate matter, and prevents or minimises the contamination of land and stormwater.
- H11
Chemicals and Flammable or Combustible Liquids 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.
- H12
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.
- H13
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. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Protection Act 1994 Environmental authority EPML00885513 This environmental authority is issued by the administering authority under Chapter 5 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994.
- H14
All containment systems must be designed to minimise rainfall collection within the system.
- H15
Biodiversity Offsets The holder of this environmental authority must provide an offset for impacts on applicable state significant biodiversity values, in accordance with Queensland Biodiversity Offset Policy. The biodiversity offset must be consistent with the requirements for an offset as identified in the Biodiversity Offset Strategy (as per condition H17) and must be provided: (a) prior to impacting on state significant biodiversity values; or (b) where a land based offset is to be provided, within 12 months of the later of either of the following i the date of issue of this environmental authority; or ii the relevant stage identified in the Biodiversity Offset Strategy submitted under condition H17; or (c) where an offset payment is to be provided, within 4 months of the later of either of the following i the date of issue of this environmental authority; or ii the relevant stage identified in the Biodiversity Offset Strategy submitted under condition H17.
- H16
A Biodiversity Offset Strategy must be developed and submitted to the administering authority within either 30 days, or a lesser period agreed to by the administering authority, prior to impacting on the applicable state significant biodiversity values.
- H17
Impacts to Prescribed Environmental Matters Significant residual impacts to prescribed environmental matters other than if the impacts were authorised by an existing authority issued before the commencement of the Environmental Offsets Act 2014, are not authorised under this environmental authority or the Environmental Offsets Act 2014.
- H18
Records demonstrating that each impact to a prescribed environmental matter did not, or is not likely to, result in a significant residual impact to that matter must be: a) completed by an appropriately qualified person; and b) kept for the life of the environmental authority. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Protection Act 1994 Environmental authority EPML00885513 This environmental authority is issued by the administering authority under Chapter 5 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994.
- H19
Osborne Shed Management The capacity of the Authority holder's Osborne Shed must not be exceeded.
- H20
All fertiliser, additives (zinc sulphate and copper sulphate), and phosphate ore must be transported, stored, handled and loaded in a manner that prevents the release of contaminants to the receiving environment.
- H21
All additives (zinc sulphate and copper sulphate) shall be maintained within bulk bags and no removal or blending is to be carried out at the Osborne Shed. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Protection Act 1994 Environmental authority EPML00885513 This environmental authority is issued by the administering authority under Chapter 5 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994. Schedule I - Regulated Dams
- I1
Assessment of Consequence Category The consequence category of any structure must be assessed by a suitably qualified and experienced person in accordance with the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic Performance a) prior to the design and construction of the structure, if it is not an existing structure; or b) prior to any change in its purpose or the nature of its stored contents.
- I2
A consequence assessment report and certification must be prepared for each structure assessed and the report may include a consequence assessment for more than one structure.
- I3
Certification must be provided by the suitably qualified and experienced person who undertook the assessment, in the form set out in the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic
- I4
Design and Construction of a Regulated Structure Conditions I5 to I9 inclusive do not apply to existing structures.
- I5
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
- I6
Construction of a regulated structure is prohibited unless: a) the holder has submitted a consequence category assessment report and certification to the administering authority; and b) the design, design plan and the associated operating procedures has been certified by a suitably qualified and experienced person in compliance with the relevant condition of this environmental authority.
- I7
Certification must be provided by the suitably qualified and experienced person who oversees the preparation of the design plan, in the form set out in the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Register of Regulated Structures. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Protection Act 1994 Environmental authority EPML00885513 This environmental authority is issued by the administering authority under Chapter 5 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994.
- I8
Regulated structures must: a) be designed and constructed in accordance with and conform to the requirements of the Manual for formerly EM635). 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 the dam designed and constructed to prevent or minimise the passage of the wetting front and any entrained contaminants through either the floor or sides of the dam during the operational life of the dam and for any period of decommissioning and rehabilitation of the dam.
- I9
Certification by the suitably qualified and experienced person who supervises the construction must be submitted to the administering authority on the completion of construction of the regulated structure, and state that: a) the 'as constructed' drawings and specifications meet the original intent of the design plan for that regulated structure; and b) construction of the regulated structure is in accordance with the design plan.
- I10
Operation of a Regulated Structure Operation of a regulated structure, except for an existing structure, is prohibited unless: a) the holder has submitted to the administering authority: i. one electronic copy of the design plan and certification of the `design plan' in accordance with condition I6; ii. a set of `as constructed' drawings and specifications; iii. certification of those `as constructed drawings and specifications' in accordance with condition I9; and iv. 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; and Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Protection Act 1994 Environmental authority EPML00885513 This environmental authority is issued by the administering authority under Chapter 5 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994. b) the requirements of this authority relating to the construction of the regulated structure have been met; c) the holder has entered the details required under this authority, into a Register of Regulated Dams; and, d) there is a current operational plan for the regulated structures.
- I11
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.
- I12
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
- I13
Mandatory Reporting Level Conditions I14 to I17 inclusive only apply to Regulated Structures which have not been certified as low consequence category for `failure to contain - overtopping'.
- I14
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.
- I15
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.
- I16
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.
- I17
The holder of this environmental must record any changes to the MRL in the Register of Regulated Structures. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Protection Act 1994 Environmental authority EPML00885513 This environmental authority is issued by the administering authority under Chapter 5 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994.
- I18
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.
- I19
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).
- I20
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.
- I21
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.
- I22
Annual Inspection Report Each regulated structure must be inspected each calendar year by a suitably qualified and experienced person.
- I23
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 a recommendations section, with any recommended actions to ensure the integrity of the regulated structure or a positive statement that no recommendations are required.
- I24
The suitably qualified and experienced person who prepared the annual inspection report must certify the report in accordance with the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic Performance of
- I25
The holder of this environmental authority must: (a) within twenty (20) business days of receipt of the annual inspection report, provide to the administering authority: Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Protection Act 1994 Environmental authority EPML00885513 This environmental authority is issued by the administering authority under Chapter 5 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994. i the recommendation 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.
- I26
Transfer Arrangements 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 Structures, hazard/consequence assessment, design plan and other supporting documentation, to a new holder and the administering authority on transfer of this authority.
- I27
Decommissioning and Rehabilitation Dams must not be abandoned but be either: a) decommissioned and rehabilitated to achieve compliance with condition H3; 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).
- I28
Register of Regulated Structures A Register of Regulated Structures must be established and maintained by the holder for each regulated structure.
- I29
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.
- I30
The holder must make a final entry of the required information in the Register of Regulated Structures once compliance with condition I10 and I11 has been achieved. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Protection Act 1994 Environmental authority EPML00885513 This environmental authority is issued by the administering authority under Chapter 5 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994.
- I31
The holder must ensure that the information contained in the Register of Regulated Structures is current and complete on any given day.
- I32
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.
- I33
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.
- I34
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.
- I35
All existing structures must subsequently comply with the timetable for any further assessments in accordance with the Manual specified in Table I1 (Transitional requirements for existing structures), depending on the consequence category for each existing structure assessed in the most recent previous certification for that structure.
- I36
Table I1 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.
- I37
Certification of the transitional assessment required by I34 and I35 (as applicable) must be provided to the administering authority within 6 months of amendment of the authority adopting this schedule. Table I1 - 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 Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Protection Act 1994 Environmental authority EPML00885513 This environmental authority is issued by the administering authority under Chapter 5 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994. >90% and a history No transition required No transition required No transitional conditions apply. of good compliance Review consequence performance in last 5 assessment every 7 years. years >70%-90% Within 7 years, unless Within 10 years, unless No transitional conditions apply. otherwise agreed with the otherwise agreed with the Review consequence administering authority, administering authority, assessment every 7 years. based on no history of based on no history of unauthorised releases. unauthorised releases. 50-70% Within 5 years unless Within 7 years unless Review consequence otherwise agreed with the otherwise agreed with the assessment every 7 years. administering authority, administering authority, based on no history of based on no history of unauthorised releases. unauthorised releases. 50% Within 5 years or as per Within 5 years or as per Review consequence compliance requirements compliance requirements assessment every 5 years. (e.g. TEP timing) (e.g. TEP timing) Regulated levee Within 5 years unless otherwise agreed with the administering authority. designed to prevent the ingress of clean flood water <100% compliant
- I38
Regulated Structures Location and Performance Each regulated dam must be wholly located within the control points defined in Table I2 - Location of Regulated Dams Containing Hazardous Waste. Table I2 - Location of Regulated Dams Containing Hazardous Waste Name of Regulated Dam Map Reference (GDA94, MGA, Zone 54) Containing Hazardous Waste Easting Northing Slimes Dam 1 393948 7579362 Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Protection Act 1994 Environmental authority EPML00885513 This environmental authority is issued by the administering authority under Chapter 5 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994. Slimes Dam 3A 394253 7579367 Slimes Dam 3B 394331 7579003 394089 7578993 Gypsum Cells 1 & 2 394260 7578787 394526 7578913 Gypsum Cell 3A 394785 7578774 Gypsum Cell 3B 394361 7578557 Gypsum Cell 3D 394360 7578557 394785 7578774 394791 7578352 394537 7578246 394031 7581493 394384 7581564 394561 7581517 394498 7581077 394451 7580680 394097 7580739 394110 7581116 393957 7581879 394382 7582027 394385 7581564 394031 7581493 394382 7582027 394385 7581564 394561 7581517 394609 7582110 393640 7581894 Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Protection Act 1994 Environmental authority EPML00885513 This environmental authority is issued by the administering authority under Chapter 5 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994.
- I39
Each regulated dam must be consistent with the basic details in Table I3 - Size and Purpose of Dams Containing Hazardous Waste below. Table I3 - Size and Purpose of Regulated Dams Containing Hazardous Waste Name of Maximum Maximum Depth of Regulated Dam Surface Area of Maximum Volume of Dam Dam (m) Purpose of Dam (m3) Containing Contents in Hazardous Waste Dam (ha) Slimes Dam 1 7.1 406,304 m3 Site water management and 9 storage of slimes Slimes Dam 3A 7.4 269,840 m3 Site water management and 5 storage of slimes Slimes Dam 3B 11.5 528,040 m3 Site water management and 6.4 storage of slimes Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Protection Act 1994 Environmental authority EPML00885513 This environmental authority is issued by the administering authority under Chapter 5 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994. Gypsum Cells 5 x 106 m3 gypsum with an Acidic water management and 1&2 25 additional 325,000 m3 process 38 permanent storage of gypsum water catchment and acid residue Gypsum Cell 3A 13.4 628,859 m3 7 Acidic water management Gypsum Cell 3B 11.1 391,500 m3 4.4 Acidic water management 12 x 106 m3 gypsum with an Acidic water management and Gypsum Cell 4A 38 additional 460,000 m3 process 70 permanent storage of gypsum water catchment and acid residue 9.85 x 106 m3 gypsum with an Acidic water management and Gypsum Cell 4B 31 additional 320,000 m3 process 70 permanent storage of gypsum water catchment and acid residue 16 x 106 m3 gypsum with an Acidic water management and
- I40
Each regulated dam must meet the hydraulic performance criteria specified in Table I4 - Hydraulic Performance of Regulated Dams. Table I4 - Hydraulic Performance of Regulated Dams Dam Name Design Storage Allowance Spillway Mandatory Design Storm Reporting Level 1:100 year ARI Slimes Dam 1 450 mm below spillway 1 in 100 year ARI Slimes Dam 3A 450 mm below spillway 1 in 100 Year ARI 1:100 year ARI Slimes Dam 3B 450 mm below spillway 1 in 100 Year ARI 1:100 year ARI Gypsum Storage Facility1 Cells 1 & 2 0.002 AEP critical storm RL275.14 Cells 3A & 3B 0.005 AEP critical storm in respect to Cell 3D 0.001 AEP critical storm Cell 3D Cells 4A & 4B 1:100 AEP 0.001 AEP critical storm and Cell 5A 0.001 AEP critical storm RL270.85 Cell 5B3 0.001 AEP critical storm in respect to the Surge Ditch Surge Ditch 0.005 AEP critical storm Evaporation Pond Decant Pond Cell 3C 1 in 10 year, 3 month wet or 1 in 100 Year ARI 1:10 year ARI 1 in 200 year, 3 month wet2 1 in 100, 3 month wet 1 in 10 000 Year ARI 1:100 year ARI 1. Cells 1 & 2, 3A & 3B, 3D, 4A & 4B, 5A and surge ditch (comprising the Gypsum Storage Facility) are to be managed as part of an integrated containment system for the purpose of sharing the DSA volume across the system in accordance with the linked system plan "IPL - Phosphate Hill Operations Gypsum Storage Facility Linked System Plan" that is certified (25/06/2018) by Dr. Susan Jane Henderson (RPEQ 4952). 2 The latter criteria applies if the evaporation pond is being used for current storage of gypsum in emergencies as described in Table I3. 3. The requirements of condition I11 must be met prior to operation of Cell 5B. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Protection Act 1994 Environmental authority EPML00885513 This environmental authority is issued by the administering authority under Chapter 5 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994.
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The holder of this environmental authority must ensure proper management of Decant Pond Cell 3C, including but not limited to the Leak Detection and Recovery System, to prevent any release of contaminants into the receiving environment. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Protection Act 1994 Environmental authority EPML00885513 This environmental authority is issued by the administering authority under Chapter 5 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994. Schedule J - Definitions Key terms and/or phrases used in this document are defined in this section and bolded throughout this document. Applicants should note that where a term is not defined, the definition in the Environmental Protection Act 1994, its regulations or environmental protection policies must be used. If a word remains undefined it has its ordinary meaning. "acceptance criteria" means the measures by which the actions implemented to rehabilitate the land are deemed to be complete. The acceptance criteria indicate the success of the rehabilitation outcome or remediation of areas which have been significantly 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" means any low pH waters, contaminated as a result of the mining activities. "AEP" means Annual Exceedance Probability "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. "annual exceedance probability" or "AEP" is the probability that at least one event in excess of a particular magnitude will occur in any given year. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Protection Act 1994 Environmental authority EPML00885513 This environmental authority is issued by the administering authority under Chapter 5 of the Environmental Protection