Data as at 14 September 2026 · from the Queensland EP Act public register
EPML00888813 · Mine affected water release events (for controlled release events)
Minerals environmental authority EPML00888813 (Mine affected water release events (for controlled release events)), Granted. 157 conditions indexed. No PRC plan.
- Status
- Granted
- Holders
- CENTURY MINING PTY LTD
- Tenures
- ML90045; ML90058
- PRC plan
- None
- How it was read
- Numbered conditions
- Register
- Register record · Instrument PDF
Conditions
157 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
In carrying out the mining activity authorised by this environmental authority, the holder of this environmental authority must comply with Schedule A - Table 1 (Authorised Mining Activities), Schedule J - Figure 7: Century Pit, Schedule J - Figure 8: East Fault Block (EFB) Project Layout and Schedule J - Figure 9: Silver King (SK) Project Layout and Shallow groundwater monitoring wells. Schedule A - Table 1 (Authorised Mining Activities) Mine Domain Mine Feature Name Tenure Map Reference (GDA94, Maximum area of ML90045 MGA, Zone 54) disturbance (ha) Century Pit for mine feature Easting Northing Open Cut Pits East Fault Block (EFB) Pit ML90045 246922 7927903 300 Silver King (SK) Pit ML90045 248284 7927489 9.2 Silver King Box Cut ML90045 (6.2ha located (Adit/Portal) ML90045 245970 7925814 within the Century Century ROM Pad ML90045 East Fault Block (EFB) ROM ML90045 Pit extent) Pad ML90045 Silver King (SK) ROM Pad ML90058 3.3 ML90045 Underground West WRD (WWRD) ML90045 246306 7925810 1.1 Run of mine ML90045 South WRD (SWRD) 248424 7927314 29.1 (ROM) North WRD (NWRD) ML90045 Short Haul WRD (SHWRD) 246166 7926096 7.0 Waste Rock ML90045 Dump (WRD) In-Pit WRD (IPWRD) ML90045 245135 7927939 427.9 ML90045 Former Bulk Sample WRD ML90045 247765 7925735 216.9 Silver King Temporary WRD 248391 7929068 (SKWRD) ML90045 247013 7927033 433.0 SWRD Topsoil Stockpiles ML90045 248049 7927130 26.2 WWRD Topsoil Stockpiles ML90045 (wholly located Clay Storage Area ML90045 245724 7926845 within the Century (Former Bulk Sample TSF ML90045 Pit Void extent) area) ML90045 Airport Borrow Pits1& 2 17.4 Village Borrow Pit 246094 7925588 8.0 Access Road Borrow various 12.5 Stockpiles TSF Borrow Pits various 23.7 Borrow areas Evaporation Dam Borrow A 249837 7925963 4.3 various 20.0 253905 7926148 1.6 255513 7925673 2.4 various 9.9
- A3
The environmental authority holder must: (a) install all measures, plant and equipment necessary to ensure compliance with the conditions of this environmental authority; and (b) maintain such measures, plant and equipment in a proper and efficient condition; and (c) operate such measures, plant and equipment in a proper and efficient manner. Permit Environmental authority EPML00888813 Risk management system
- A4
A risk management system for the activities that conforms to the Australian Standard for Risk Management (AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009) of the latest edition of Australian Standard for Risk Management must be developed and implemented. Emergency response / contingency
- A5
An emergency response and contingency plan must be developed, and implemented to respond to emergency events and incidents.
- A6
The emergency response and contingency plan must include the following matters at a minimum: (a) response procedures and contingency plans to be implemented to prevent or minimise the risk of environmental harm arising from emergency events; (b) response procedures to minimise the extent and duration of environmental harm caused by emergency events; (c) contingency plans including the practices and procedures to be employed to restore the environment or to mitigate any environmental harm caused; (d) the physical resources to be used in response to emergencies; (e) procedures to investigate the cause of any emergencies, including the release of contaminants off site, and where necessary, the implementation of remedial actions to prevent the recurrence of similar events; (f) the provision and availability of documented procedures to staff attending any emergency to enable them to effectively respond; (g) training and qualifications required by staff that will be called upon to respond to emergencies to enable them to effectively respond; (h) timely and accurate reporting of the circumstance and nature of the emergency to the administering authority in accordance with conditions A7-A10; (i) procedures for accessing monitoring points required by this environmental authority and other relevant monitoring points during emergencies to determine environmental harm caused; (j) procedures to notify any person who may be affected by the emergency. Notification of emergencies, incidents and exceptions - administering authority
- A7
The environmental authority holder must notify the administering authority by telephone, email or facsimile as soon as practicable but 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.
- A8
The environmental authority holder must notify the administering authority by telephone, email or facsimile as soon as practicable but within 48 hours, after becoming aware of any monitoring result that demonstrates an exceedance of any limit prescribed by this environmental authority.
- A9
The notification must include, but not be limited to, the following: (a) the environmental authority number and name of the holder; (b) the name and telephone number of the designated contact person; (c) the location of the emergency, incident or exception; (d) the date and time of the emergency, incident or exception; (e) the time the environmental authority holder became aware of the emergency, incident or exception; Permit Environmental authority EPML00888813 (f) the estimated quantity and type of substances involved in the emergency, incident or exception; (g) the actual or potential cause of the emergency, incident or exception; (h) a description of the nature and effects of the emergency, incident or exception including the risk of impacts to the environment, livestock or public health; (i) any sampling conducted or proposed, relevant to the emergency, incident or exception; (j) immediate actions taken to prevent or mitigate any further environmental harm or adverse impacts to livestock and public health caused by the release; and (k) details of any notification of any person who may have been affected by the emergency, incident or exception.
- A10
Within fourteen days following the initial notification of an emergency, incident or exception, further written advice must be provided to the administering authority, including the following: (a) results and interpretation of any samples taken and analysed; (b) outcomes of actions taken at the time to prevent or minimise unlawful environmental harm; and (c) proposed actions to prevent a recurrence of the emergency, incident or exception. Notification of emergencies, incidents and exceptions - other stakeholders
- A11
The environmental authority holder must notify any person who may have been affected by the emergency, incident or exception by telephone or facsimile immediately after becoming aware of any emergency, incident or exception that has the potential to impact on environmental values or is reasonably expected to be not in accordance with the conditions of this environmental authority.
- A12
The notification required by condition A11 must include, but not be limited to, the following: (a) the location of the emergency, incident or exception; (b) the date and time of the release, incident or exception; (c) the estimated quantity and type of any substances (if available concentrations) involved in the emergency, incident or exception; (d) the potential impacts to environmental values caused by the emergency, incident or exception; and (e) where there is potential impact on livestock or human health, precautionary measures that should be taken. Complaints
- A13
Records must be kept of all environmental complaints received about the activities to which this environmental authority relates, including the following details: (a) name, address and contact number for 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; and (h) the person responsible for resolving the complaint.
- A14
When requested by the administering authority, the environmental authority holder must undertake relevant monitoring within a reasonable period (agreed to in writing by the administering authority) to investigate any complaint of environmental harm which, in the opinion of the authorised officer, is Permit Environmental authority EPML00888813 neither frivolous or vexatious or based on mistaken belief. The results of the investigation (including an analysis and interpretation of the monitoring results) and abatement measures implemented must be provided to the administering authority within five (5) days of completion of the investigation. Third-party reporting
- A15
The holder of this environmental authority must: (a) within one year of the commencement of this environmental authority, 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 three-yearly intervals, from the completion of the report referred to above. (c) within ninety (90) business days of receipt, provide to the administering authority: i. a copy of the report ii. details of actions proposed or taken to address any identified non-compliant matter/s, including any associated timeframe requirements (if applicable) iii. details of actions proposed or taken to prevent a recurrence of any non-compliant matter/s identified, including any associated timeframe requirements (if applicable). Annual monitoring report
- A16
An annual monitoring report must be prepared by 31 July of each year (commencing 30 June 2012) covering the period 1 June to 31 May and presented to the administering authority when requested. This report shall include but not be limited to: (a) a summary of the previous twelve months monitoring results required under this environmental authority in graphical form showing relevant limits; (b) an evaluation/explanation of the data from any monitoring programs; (c) a summary of any record of quantities of releases required to be kept under this environmental authority; (d) a summary of the record of equipment failures or events recorded, which have resulted in noncompliance with the conditions of this environmental authority; and (e) an outline of actions taken or proposed to be taken to minimise the environmental risk from any deficiency identified by the monitoring or recording programs. Records
- A17
The environmental authority holder shall record, compile and keep for a minimum of five 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. Monitoring
- A18
Where monitoring is required by this environmental authority it must be: (a) performed by a person or body possessing appropriate experience and qualifications to perform the required sample collection, measurements and determinations; (b) conducted in accordance with methods prescribed in the latest edition of the administering authority's monitoring and sampling manual; (c) conducted at monitoring locations identified within this environmental authority; (d) carried out on representative samples; (e) carried out using instruments and devices that are calibrated, and appropriately operated and maintained; and Permit Environmental authority EPML00888813 (f) where laboratory testing is required, must be undertaken using a laboratory accredited (e.g. NATA) for the method of analysis being used, except as otherwise authorised by the administering authority in writing. Review
- A19
Any management or monitoring plans, systems or programs required to be developed and implemented by a condition of this environmental authority must be reviewed for effectiveness in minimising the likelihood of environmental harm at regular intervals based on risk, but at a minimum every three (3) years and amended immediately if required. Exploration
- A20
Disturbance due to exploration activities in areas not scheduled to be mined must be rehabilitated in accordance with provision detailed in the administering authority's Code of Environmental Compliance for Exploration and Mineral Development Projects. Definitions
- A21
Words and phrases used throughout this environmental authority are defined in Schedule I - Definitions. 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. Transition to New Standards
- A22
Where a condition of this environmental authority requires compliance with a standard, guideline or relevant legislation published externally to this environmental authority and the standard, guideline or relevant legislation is amended or changed subsequent to the issues of this environmental authority the holder of this environmental authority, unless otherwise agreed to by the administrating authority, must: (a) comply with the amended or changed standard, guideline or relevant legislation within twelve (12) months of the amendment or change being made, unless a different period is specified in the amended standard, guideline or relevant legislation; and (b) continue to remain in compliance with the previous standard, guideline or relevant legislation until compliance with the amended or changed standard or guideline is achieved. Regard for Comment
- A23
Where comments are provided by the administering authority with respect to any plans or programs required to be developed by a condition of this environmental authority then the holder of this environmental authority must have due regard for these comments and, following dialogue with the administering authority and technical experts, incorporate these comments into the plans or programs. END OF CONDITIONS FOR SCHEDULE A Permit Environmental authority EPML00888813 Schedule B - Air Dust nuisance
- B1
Subject to conditions B2 and B3 the release of dust or particulate matter or both resulting from the mining activity must not cause an environmental nuisance, at any sensitive 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 place, and the results must be notified to the administering authority within 14 days of their receipt by the environmental authority holder.
- B3
If the environmental authority holder can provide evidence that the environmental authority holder is not exceeding the following limits 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 2003 (or most recent edition); and (b) a concentration of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 micrometre (-m) (PM10) suspended in the atmosphere of 150 micrograms per cubic metre over a 24 hour averaging time, at a sensitive place downwind of the operational land, when monitored in accordance with: - 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 - 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, by the environmental authority holder then the environmental authority holder must: (a) address the complaint including the use of appropriate dispute resolution if required; or (b) immediately implement dust abatement measures so that emissions of dust from the activity do not result in further environmental nuisance. Odour nuisance
- B5
Subject to condition B6, the release of noxious or offensive odour(s) or any other noxious or offensive airborne contaminant(s) resulting from the mining activity must not cause an environmental nuisance at any sensitive place.
- B6
When requested by the administering authority, odour monitoring must be undertaken within a reasonable and practicable timeframe nominated by the administering authority to investigate any complaint (which is neither frivolous nor vexatious nor based on mistaken belief in the opinion of the authorised officer) of environmental nuisance at any sensitive place, and the results must be notified to the administering authority within 14 days of their receipt by the environmental authority holder.
- B7
If monitoring indicates condition B5 is not being met by the environmental authority holder then the environmental authority holder must: (a) address the complaint including the use of appropriate dispute resolution if required; or Permit Environmental authority EPML00888813 (b) immediately implement odour abatement measures so that emissions of odour from the activity do not result in further environmental nuisance. Point source release of contaminants to the atmosphere
- B8
Contaminants must not be released to the atmosphere from a release point shown in Schedule B - Table 1 (Release of contaminants) other than: (a) in accordance with the criteria shown in Schedule B - Table 1; and (b) directed vertically upwards, with no impedance. Schedule B - Table 1 (Release of contaminants) Release point Minimum release Minimum Contaminant released Maximum release Sampling height (m) velocity (m/s) limit (g/min) frequency Nitrogen Dioxide 380 Once during any MINE SITE 12 month period Diesel Generator (1a) Hydrocarbons 52 for any generator Diesel Generator (2a) that has operated Diesel Generator (3a) 7.8 35 Carbon Monoxide 7.5 for a continuous Diesel Generator (4a) period in excess Diesel Generator (5a) Total Suspended 3.5 of 7 days during Particulates that 12 month period.
- B9
When requested by the administering authority, monitoring of contaminant releases to the atmosphere must be undertaken within a reasonable and practicable timeframe nominated by the administering authority to investigate any complaint of air contamination (which is neither frivolous nor vexatious nor based on mistaken belief in the opinion of the authorised officer) and the results must be notified to the administering authority within 14 days of their receipt by the environmental authority holder.
- B10
If the environmental authority holder can provide evidence that the environmental authority holder is not exceeding the limits in Schedule B - Table 1 (Release of contaminants) then the holder is not in breach of condition B8. Monitoring must include: (a) monitoring provisions for the release points listed in Schedule B - Table 1 must comply with "AS 4323.1 Stationary Source Emissions Method 1: Selection of Sampling Positions" of 1995; (b) the following tests must be performed for each required determination specified in Schedule B - Table 1: - gas velocity and volume flow rate; and - temperature; and - water vapour concentration (moisture content); (c) any sampling of contaminants released to the atmosphere must be representative of the emissions; and (d) during the sampling period the following additional information must be gathered: - relevant process rate at the time of sampling; and - operating or mixing temperature of contaminant releases; and - reference to the actual test methods and accuracies. END OF CONDITIONS FOR SCHEDULE B Permit Environmental authority EPML00888813 Schedule C - Water General
- C1
Contaminants must not be released directly or indirectly to any waters other than in accordance with this environmental authority. Contaminant release to waters (for all releases)
- C2
Unless otherwise permitted under the conditions of this environmental authority, the release of mine affected water from the mining activity must only occur from the release points specified in Schedule C - Table 1 (Contaminant release points) and depicted in Schedule J - Figure 1 (Contaminant release points). Note: The release of mine affected water to any infrastructure contained within the surface water containment areas is permitted. Schedule C - Table 1 (Contaminant release points) GDA 94 MGA zone 54 Receiving waters Release points Contaminant source description Easting Northing
- C3
Unless otherwise permitted under the conditions of this environmental authority, the controlled release of mine affected water to receiving waters must only take place: (a) when there is natural flow in the respective receiving waters and for a period of twenty-eight (28) days after the natural flow event has ceased in the respective receiving waters; and (b) from the release point(s) specified in Schedule C - Table 1 (Contaminant release points); and (c) if the receiving waters do not exceed the release limits stated in Schedule C - Table 2 (Release limits for controlled releases) when measured at the monitoring points specified in Schedule C - Table 1 (Contaminant release points). Schedule C - Table 2 (Release limits for controlled releases) Quality Characteristic Release limit at spillway1 Downstream receiving water limit2,3 Electrical Conductivity (S/cm) Physicochemical pH (pH units) 15004 15004 6.0 - 8.05 6.0 - 8.05 Water Hardness (CaCO3) (mg/L) Must be measured for interpretation purposes Total Suspended Solids (mg/L) 506 506 or reference value plus 10%7 whichever is the highest Major Cations & Anions Ca/Mg ratio 0.04 - 98 0.04 - 98 Total Magnesium (mg/L) Must be measured for interpretation purposes Total Calcium (mg/L) Sulfate (SO42-) (mg/L) Must be measured for interpretation purposes Total Arsenic13 (g/L) 7709 7709 1310 Metals & Metalloids Must be measured for interpretation purposes Total Cadmium (g/L) Must be measured for 0.5711,12 interpretation purposes Total Copper (g/L) Must be measured for 3.511,12 interpretation purposes Total Lead (g/L) Must be measured for 13.611,12 interpretation purposes Total Manganese (g/L) Must be measured for 190010 interpretation purposes Total Nickel (g/L) Must be measured for 27.511,12 interpretation purposes Total Selenium (g/L) Must be measured for 1110 interpretation purposes
- C4
The uncontrolled release of mine affected water from release points identified in Schedule C - Table 1 (Contaminant release points), to receiving waters may only occur: (a) For regulated structures: (i) if the criteria of the surface water containment area as specified in Schedule D - Table 3 (Hydraulic performance of regulated structures) are exceeded; and (ii) if the holder of this environmental authority has taken all reasonable and practical measures to prevent a release from the regulated structure. (b) For non-regulated structures: (i) If the water quality is compliant with Schedule C - Table 3 (Release limits for an uncontrolled release). Schedule C - Table 3 (Release limits for an uncontrolled release) Quality Characteristic Release limit at spillway1 Downstream receiving water limit2,3 Electrical conductivity (S/cm) Physicochemical 15004 5000 pH (pH units) 6.0 - 9.0 6.0 - 8.05 Water hardness (CaCO3) Must be measured for interpretation purposes Total Suspended Solids (mg/L) Must be measured for 506 or reference value plus 10%7 interpretation purposes whichever is the higher Major Cations & Anions Ca/Mg ratio Must be measured for 0.04 - 98 interpretation purposes Total Magnesium Must be measured for interpretation purposes Total Calcium Must be measured for interpretation purposes Permit Environmental authority EPML00888813 Quality Characteristic Release limit at spillway1 Downstream receiving water Sulfate (SO42-) (mg/L) limit2,3 Must be measured for 7709 Total Arsenic13 (g/L) interpretation purposes Total Cadmium (g/L) 1310 Metals & Metalloids 0.5711,12 Must be measured for interpretation purposes Must be measured for interpretation purposes
- C5
An uncontrolled release of mine affected water to waters must not exceed the release limits stated in Schedule C - Table 3 (Release limits for an uncontrolled release) at the locations stated in Schedule C - Table 1 (Contaminant release points). Permit Environmental authority EPML00888813 Receiving waters monitoring
- C6
The release of mine affected water must not cause the downstream receiving waters limits specified in Schedule C - Table 2 (Release limits for a controlled release) and Schedule C - Table 3 (Release limits for an uncontrolled release) to be exceeded at the downstream compliance monitoring points specified in Schedule C - Table 4 (Receiving water reference sites and downstream compliance monitoring points) and as shown in Schedule J - Figure 2 (Receiving water monitoring points and reference sites). Schedule C - Table 4 (Receiving water reference sites and downstream compliance monitoring points) Receiving Waters Location GDA 94 MGA zone 54 Description Monitoring Points Easting Northing Receiving Water Reference1 Sites P_SW17_REF Page Creek upstream 246 864 7 925 109 C_SW14_REF Coglan Creek upstream 256 260 7 923 258 SM_SW05_REF South Mitton Creek upstream 253 265 7 926 237 P_SW32_REF Silver King Tributary 245 537 7 925 896 upstream Downstream Compliance Monitoring Points B_SW01_REC Bull Ridge Creek 242 739 7 934 568 P_SW03_REC Page Creek 246 684 7 930 113 NM_SW04_REC North Mitton Creek 253 031 7 927 828 C_SW08_REC Coglan Creek 260 217 7 923 065 SM_SW04_REC South Mitton Creek 258 044 7 926 163 P_SW33_REC Silver King Tributary TBA2 by TBA2 by 01/07/2022 01/07/2022 1. Reference sites must: a) be from the same bio-geographic and climatic region; b) have similar geology, soil types and topography; c) contain a range of habitats similar to those at the test sites; d) have a similar flow regime; and e) not be so close to the test sites that any disturbance at the test site also results in a change at the reference site. 2. To be advised.
- C7
The release of contaminants directly or indirectly to waters: (a) must not produce any visible discolouration of receiving waters; nor (b) must not produce any slick or other visible or odorous evidence of oil, grease or petrochemicals; nor (c) contain visible floating oil, grease, scum, litter or other objectionable matter.
- C8
Releases to waters must be undertaken so as to minimise erosion of the bed and banks of the receiving waters, and minimise the material build up of sediment in such waters. Contaminant release monitoring (for all releases)
- C9
The release of mine affected water from the release points specified in Schedule C - Table 1 (Contaminant release points) must be monitored at the locations specified in Schedule C - Table 1 (Contaminant release points) for the quality characteristics and at the frequency specified in Schedule C - Table 5 (Contaminant release monitoring). Schedule C - Table 5 (Contaminant release monitoring) Permit Environmental authority EPML00888813 Quality Characteristic Monitoring Frequency2,3 Physicochemical Electrical conductivity pH Water Hardness (CaCO3) Total Suspended Solids2 Major Cations & Anions Ca/Mg ratio Total Calcium Total Magnesium Event based sampling of discharge: Sulfate (SO42-) Metals & Metalloids (measured as total and dissolved)4 Arsenic Every 72 hours during release (the first sample must be Cadmium taken within 18 hours of the commencement of the Copper discharge event1) for two (2) weeks and then weekly thereafter until the release ceases. Lead Manganese Nickel Selenium Zinc Organics Oils and greases 1 Discharge event is a release of water from a release point as specified in Schedule C - Table 1 (Contaminant Release Points). 2 Grab sampling is the preferred method for sampling collection, however, the use of remote sampling techniques such as automated methods is acceptable, except for the use of establishing reference data.
- C10
The receiving water reference sites and downstream compliance monitoring points must be monitored at the locations specified in Schedule C - Table 4 (Receiving water reference sites and downstream compliance monitoring points) for the quality characteristics and at the frequency specified in Schedule C - Table 5 (Contaminant release monitoring). Release and stream flow monitoring
- C11
An estimate of the daily quantity of contaminants released from each release point must be determined, recorded and based on available measured data recorded at the monitoring points in Schedule C - Table 1 (Contaminant release points). Permit Environmental authority EPML00888813
- C12
The holder of this environmental authority must install, operate and maintain a stream flow gauging station and record stream flows at the locations specified in Schedule C - Table 6 (Stream flow monitoring). Schedule C - Table 6 (Stream flow monitoring) Gauging station Receiving water GDA 94 MGA zone 54 Flow recording description description frequency P_SW03_REC Page Creek Easting Northing 246 817 7 930 095 C_SW08_REC Coglan Creek 258 195 7 922 668 Weekly and daily NM_SW04_REC North Mitton Creek 252 386 7 927 873 in a discharge event1. B_SW01_REC Bull Ridge Creek 242 694 7 934 433 1. Discharge event is a release of water from a release point as specified in Schedule C - Table 1 (Contaminant release points). Stream sediment
- C13
Sediment quality of receiving waters and reference waters must be monitored annually (after the wet season) at the monitoring locations defined in Schedule C - Table 4 (Receiving water reference sites and downstream compliance monitoring points) and identified on Schedule J - Figure 2 (Receiving water monitoring points and reference sites) and for the parameters defined in Schedule C - Table 7 (Stream sediment trigger levels). Schedule C - Table 7 (Stream sediment trigger levels) Parameter1 Trigger Level Arsenic (mg/kg) 702 Cadmium (mg/kg) 102 Copper (mg/kg) 2702 Lead (mg/kg) 2202 Manganese (mg/kg) For interpretation purposes Nickel (mg/kg) 522 Selenium (mg/kg) Zinc (mg/kg) 3 times greater than reference site3 4102 Particle size distribution For interpretation purposes 1. All samples must be sieved to remove the >2 mm sediment fraction prior to analysis 2. Trigger level derived from ANZECC (2000) Interim Sediment Quality Guidelines - High 3. Reference sites as specified in Schedule C - Table 4 (Receiving water reference sites and downstream compliance monitoring points)
- C14
All stream sediment sampling must be undertaken in accordance with the most recent version of Australian Standard AS 5667.12 Guidance on Sampling of Bottom Sediment. Sediment quality monitoring program (SQMP)
- C15
The holder of the environmental authority must develop and implement a SQMP. The SQMP must incorporate the following: (a) compare reference site sediment quality data to downstream compliance monitoring point data; Permit Environmental authority EPML00888813 (b) propose appropriate locally-derived sediment quality trigger values for downstream compliance monitoring points once a sufficient body of data has been collected; and (c) identify if downstream compliance monitoring point data trends indicate that contaminants are accumulating at the site(s).
- C16
If the quality characteristics of sediments at the downstream compliance monitoring points defined in Schedule C - Table 4 (Receiving water reference sites and downstream compliance monitoring points) exceed any of the trigger levels specified in Schedule C - Table 7 (Stream sediment trigger levels), the holder of this environmental authority must compare results of the downstream site to the data from reference monitoring sites 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; (b) where the downstream results exceed the reference site, undertake an investigation as to whether the exceedance is attributable to the mining activity; (c) if the exceedance is not attributable to the mining activity then no further action is required; (d) if the exceedance is attributable to the mining activity, complete the investigation in accordance with the ANZECC & ARMCANZ 2000 methodology, into the potential for environmental harm and provide a written report to the administering authority within three (3) months, outlining: (i) details of the investigations carried out; and (ii) actions taken or to be taken to minimise environmental harm including measures to remediate the receiving environment to the extent of the contamination. Note: Where an exceedance of a trigger level has occurred and is being investigated, in accordance with C16(d) of this condition, no further reporting is required for subsequent trigger events of an equal-to or lesser extent for that quality characteristic.
- C17
The holder of this environmental authority must implement the measures proposed under condition
- C16
to remediate the receiving environment to the extent of the contamination. Receiving environment monitoring program (REMP)
- C18
The holder of this environmental authority must implement a REMP 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 waters. For the purposes of the REMP, the receiving environment is defined as the waters of: - Little Archie Creek, Bull Ridge Creek, North Mitton Creek, and Coglan Creek to the point where they cross the boundaries of ML90045 or ML90058; and - Page Creek to its confluence with Lawn Hill Creek; and - Lawn Hill Creek to a point 1000m downstream of the confluence with Page Creek
- C19
The REMP must: (a) assess the condition or state of receiving waters, including upstream conditions, spatially within the REMP area, considering background water quality characteristics based on accurate and reliable monitoring data that takes into consideration temporal variation (e.g. seasonality); (b) be designed to facilitate assessment against water quality objectives for the relevant environmental values that need to be protected; and Permit Environmental authority EPML00888813 (c) include monitoring from reference sites and downstream sites from the release (as a minimum, the locations specified in Schedule C - Table 4 (Receiving water reference sites and downstream compliance monitoring points); (d) specify the frequency and timing of sampling required in order to reliably assess ambient conditions and to provide sufficient data to derive site specific background reference values in accordance with the Queensland Water Quality Guidelines. This should include monitoring during periods of natural flow irrespective of mine or other discharges; (e) include monitoring for potential adverse environmental impacts caused by a release from the mining activity (if any); (f) include monitoring of water quality characteristics specified in Schedule C - Table 5 (Contaminant release monitoring) and dissolved oxygen saturation and temperature; (g) include monitoring of sediment quality for particle size distribution, metals and metalloids; (h) Include monitoring biological indicators; (i) apply procedures and/or guidelines from ANZECC & ARMCANZ 2000 and the latest edition of the Administering Authority's Monitoring and Sampling Manual or other relevant guideline documents / suitable modification of any of those methods including design for program, sampling and analysis methods and quality assurance and control; (j) incorporate stream flow and hydrological information in the interpretations of water, sediment quality and biological data; and (k) include interim sediment quality targets within the receiving environment to be investigated when exceeded during the period of the REMP.
- C20
A report outlining the findings of the REMP must be prepared annually and be made available to the administering authority on request. Water management plan
- C21
A water management plan must be developed and implemented that provides for the proper and effective management of the actual and potential environmental impacts to waters resulting from the mining activity and to ensure compliance with the conditions of this environmental authority.
- C22
The water management plan must be developed in accordance with the most recent edition of the administering authority's guideline Preparation of Water Management Plans for Mining Activities and must include at least the following components: (a) contaminant source study; (b) site water balance and model; (c) water management system; (d) saline drainage prevention and management measures; (e) acid rock drainage prevention and management measures; (f) emergency and contingency planning; and (g) monitoring and review.
- C23
The holder of this environmental authority must undertake a review of the water management plan before 1 November each year to ensure that proper and effective measures, practices or procedures are in place so that the mine is operated in accordance with the conditions of this environmental authority and that environmental harm is prevented or minimised. Permit Environmental authority EPML00888813 Erosion and sediment control
- C24
An Erosion and Sediment Control Plan must be developed by an appropriately qualified person and implemented for all stages of the mining activities on the site to minimise erosion and the release of sediment to receiving waters and contamination of storm water.
- C25
The Erosion and Sediment Control Plan may be included in the Plan of Operations or the water management plan, and provides for at least the following stormwater management functions: (a) prevent or minimise the contamination of stormwater; (b) diverting uncontaminated stormwater run-off around areas disturbed by mining activities or where contaminants or wastes are stored or handled; (c) contaminated stormwater runoff, rainfall and leachate is collected, treated, reused, or released in accordance with the conditions of this environmental authority; (d) roofing or minimising the size of areas where contaminants or wastes are stored or handled; (e) erosion and sediment control structures are placed to minimise erosion of disturbed areas and minimise the contamination of any receiving waters; (f) processes or procedures to ensure that erosion and sediment control structures are maintained and adequate storage is available in sediment dams; (g) training of staff that will be responsible for maintenance and operations of sediment and erosion control structures.
- C26
Erosion protection measures and sediment control measures must be implemented and maintained to minimise erosion and the release of sediment and contamination of receiving waters.
- C27
The maintenance and cleaning of any vehicles, plant or equipment must not result in a release of contaminants into any receiving waters, unless in accordance with release limits and locations identified in this environmental authority. Groundwater
- C28
Groundwater quality and standing water levels must be monitored: (a) at the locations specified in Schedule C - Table 8 (Groundwater monitoring point locations), depicted in Schedule J - Figure 4 (Groundwater monitoring points) and Schedule J - Figure 9 (Silver King (SK) Project Layout and Shallow groundwater monitoring wells); and (b) at the frequencies specified in Schedule C - Table 9 (Groundwater monitoring frequency and quality limits); and (c) for the quality characteristics identified in Schedule C - Table 9 (Groundwater monitoring frequency and quality limits). Schedule C - Table 8 (Groundwater monitoring point locations) GDA 94 MGA zone 54 Surface RL (m) Monitoring point Geology Easting Northing Limestone Shale A_GW07 249056 7930046 153.35 TBA [1] Shale B_GW01 245488 7930193 134.42 Shale B_<New> [1] TBA [1] TBA [1] TBA [1] C_GW01 250217 7925495 169.34 C_GW09 255798 7920635 142.07 Permit Environmental authority EPML00888813 P_<New> [2] TBA [2] TBA [2] TBA [2] TBA [2] NM_GW14 250110 7926677 153.73 Limestone NM_GW16 249827 7929583 150.2 Limestone Interpretation Bores and Monitoring Wells NM_GW09 255992 7927773 128.75 Not identified 130.62 Not identified NM_GW13 254669 7928686 147.288 Not identified 149.63 Not identified SM_GW01 253079 7927235 148.65 Shale SM_GW04 252625 7925114 P_GW04 246021 7925523 P_GW05 246010 7926132 144.89 Shale P_GW06 246231 7926960 141.25 Shale P_GW07 246367 7925402 143.94 Shale P_GW10 246666 7925643 142.67 Shale P_GW15 247255 7926582 143.74 Shale P_GW27 245953 7933023 127.52 Not identified
- C29
A quality characteristic measured at a compliance bore specified in Schedule C - Table 8 (Groundwater monitoring point locations) must not exceed the corresponding Limit A specified in Schedule C - Table 9 (Groundwater monitoring frequency and quality limits) on any five consecutive sampling occasions.
- C30
A quality characteristic measured at a compliance bore specified in Schedule C - Table 8 (Groundwater monitoring point locations), must not exceed the corresponding Limit B value specified in Schedule C - Table 9 (Groundwater monitoring frequency and quality limits) on any three consecutive sampling occasions. Bore construction, maintenance and decommissioning
- C31
Any new groundwater bores installed or existing groundwater bores re-developed must be constructed, operated, and decommissioned in accordance with methods prescribed in Minimum Construction Requirements for Water Bores in Australia - 2nd Edition (LWBC) (or equivalent).
- C32
The construction, maintenance and decommissioning of groundwater monitoring bores must be undertaken in a manner that: (a) prevents contaminants entering the groundwater. (b) ensures the integrity of the bores to obtain representative groundwater samples from the target aquifer. (c) maintains the hydrogeological environment within the aquifer.
- C33
A bore drill log must be kept for each groundwater monitoring bore which includes: (a) bore identification reference and geographic coordinate location. (b) specific construction information including but not limited to depth of bore, depth and length of casing, depth and length of screening and bore sealing details. (c) standing groundwater level and water quality parameters including physical parameters and results of laboratory analysis for the possible trigger parameters. (d) lithological data and stratigraphic interpretation by an appropriately qualified person to identify important features associated with groundwater monitoring. (e) target aquifer formation of the bore. Groundwater Monitoring Program
- C34
By 30/09/2024, the holder must implement and maintain a Groundwater Management Program that is developed and documented by appropriately qualified person/s.
- C35
The Groundwater Monitoring Program required by condition C34 must: (a) include characterisation of groundwater system/s present at the Century Mine locality. Permit Environmental authority EPML00888813 (b) identify potential sources of contamination to groundwater from the activity. (c) identify environmental values that may be impacted by groundwater. (d) ensure that potential impacts to environmental values from groundwater contamination sources and/or varied groundwater levels due to the activity are identified and monitored. (e) document sampling and monitoring methodology. (f) Include biannual monitoring of groundwater standing water levels on an ongoing basis, sufficient to confirm contemporaneous groundwater elevations and flow paths and to validate modelled interpolation of predictive short and longer term groundwater levels and flow paths. (g) ensure that adequate groundwater monitoring and data analysis is undertaken to achieve the following objectives: i. detect any changes and/or impacts to groundwater quality caused by the activity. ii. detect any influence on groundwater levels caused by the activity. iii. determine temporal and spatial trends in groundwater quality and groundwater levels. iv. determine any interaction or impact from groundwater on surface water. (h) include an appropriate quality assurance and quality control program. (i) include a hydrological groundwater model. (j) include a review process to identify improvements to the program that includes addressing any comments provided by the administering authority.
- C36
From 30/09/2025, the Groundwater Monitoring Program must be reviewed on an annual basis by 30 September by an appropriately qualified person/s to determine whether it continues to meet the requirements stated in Condition C35. Groundwater Monitoring Report
- C37
A Groundwater Monitoring Report must be prepared by an appropriately qualified person a submitted to the administering authority initially by 30/09/2026, and subsequently by 30 September annually thereafter.
- C38
The Groundwater Monitoring Report required by condition C37 must include, but not be limited to: a) An assessment and interpretation of groundwater quality results from each monitoring event, including time series graph of all data and an assessment of trends in the groundwater quality and level, a graphical comparison with at least the past five (5) years previous monitoring data, to 31 May in the year of reporting. b) Recommendation/s of the review conducted by the appropriately qualified person(s) under condition C36. d) Documented considerations given to seepage and groundwater mounding associated with waste rock dump and tailing storage facility structures; tailings disposal and water transfers/movements to the Century Pit; Century Pit water level; bore water levels; and Western and Eastern Borefield groundwater extraction activities and groundwater levels. Permit Environmental authority EPML00888813 d) A review and validation or update of following matters utilising observed groundwater quality data and other observed information, including: i. Prior groundwater model projections that the Century Open Cut Pit will effectively contain contaminated pit waters and will remain a groundwater sink in perpetuity. ii. Connectivity between groundwater and surface waters, including but not limited to Bull Ridge Creek, Page Creek, Archie Creek, North Mitton Creek, and South Mitton Creek. iii. The influence of any connectivity between key mine landform features, ephemeral surface water features and groundwater. e) Investigation and reporting of any potential deterioration in groundwater quality, when measured at any bore listed in Schedule C - Table 8 (Groundwater monitoring point locations). Groundwater Model
- C39
By 30 July 2025, the holder must provide the administering authority with updated numerical groundwater modelling and an associated groundwater model report that is developed and documented by an appropriately qualified person.
- C40
The numerical groundwater model and groundwater model report required by Condition C39 must: (a) At a minimum address and report on matters outlines in the Australian groundwater modelling guidelines. Barnett, B., Townley, L.R., Post, V., Evans, R.E., Hunt, R.J., Peeters, L., Richardson, S., Werner, A.D., Knapton, A., Boronkay, A., 2012. Australian groundwater modelling guidelines, Waterlines Report Series. Canberra. (b) Include a relevant hydrogeological model and description of the hydrostratigraphy and aquifer properties of groundwater units. (c) Be calibrated and include sensitivity analysis to evaluate the relative effect of model input parameters and boundary conditions on model calibration and predictive simulation outputs. (d) Incorporate observed and predictive interpolations of pit water levels, pit inflows and outflows (tailings deposition, surface contributions and groundwater), and groundwater levels across the site, relative to conducted mining operations, end of mine life, and longer- term post closure outlooks. (e) Predict operational and post-mining seepage rates, including seepage and water fluxes from the Open Cut Pit and other waste containment structures into the underlying groundwater systems. (f) Include modelled representation of current and predictive groundwater levels, groundwater level contours and groundwater flow directions. END OF CONDITIONS FOR SCHEDULE C Permit Environmental authority EPML00888813 Schedule D - Regulated Structures Assessment of Hazard Category
- D1
The hazard category of any structure must be assessed by a suitably qualified and experienced person: (a) in accordance with the Manual for Assessing Hazard Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Dams; and (b) in any of the following situations: (i) prior to the design and construction of the regulated structure; or (ii) prior to any change in its purpose or the nature of its stored contents.
- D2
A hazard assessment report and certification must be prepared for any regulated structure assessed and the report may include a hazard assessment for more than one regulated structure.
- D3
The holder of this environmental authority must, on receipt of a hazard assessment report and certification, provide to the administering authority one paper copy and one electronic copy of the hazard assessment report and certification.
- D4
Certification must be provided by the suitably qualified and experienced person who undertook the assessment, in the form set out in the Manual for Assessing Hazard Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Dams.
- D5
The holder of this environmental authority must take reasonable and practical measures so that each regulated structure associated with the mining activity is designed, constructed, operated and maintained in accordance with accepted engineering standards and is fit for the purpose for which it is intended.
- D6
The onus remains at all times on the holder of this environmental authority to determine whether any of the dams on the licensed place are regulated structures, as defined herein, and if so to immediately comply with the Manual for Assessing Hazard Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Dams. Note: A change of status of a dam might occur due to natural incremental increases in storage capacity, the nature of the material stored, or to changed conditions of use of the storage or of downstream activities (whether related to on-site operations or to the downstream environment) - resulting in an increased risk beyond low hazard, as assessed against the criteria in Table 3 (Contaminant concentrations and minimum dam volumes) in the Manual for Assessing Hazard Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Dams; Design and Construction of a Regulated Structure
- D7
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 Hazard Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Dams. Note: Certification of design and construction may be undertaken by different persons. Construction of a regulated structure includes modification of an existing regulated structure.
- D8
Construction of a regulated structure is prohibited unless the holder of this environmental authority has: (a) submitted a hazard category assessment report and certification to the administering authority; (b) commissioned a suitably qualified and experienced person to prepare a design plan for the regulated structure; and Permit Environmental authority EPML00888813 (c) received the certification from a suitably qualified and experienced person for the design plan and the associated operating procedures in compliance with the relevant conditions of this environmental authority.
- D9
Certification must be provided by the suitably qualified and experienced person who oversees the preparation of the design plan, in the form set out in the Manual for Assessing Hazard Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Dams.
- D10
Regulated structures must: a) be designed and constructed in accordance with and conform to the requirements of the Manual for Assessing Hazard Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Dams; and b) be designed and constructed with due consideration given to ensuring that the design integrity will not be compromised on account of: i) floodwaters from entering the regulated structure from any watercourse or drainage line; and ii) wall failure due to erosion by floodwaters arising from any watercourse or drainage line.
- D11
The design plan for a regulated structure must include, but is not limited to: (a) certification that the design plan; (i) is in accordance with the Manual for Assessing Hazard Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Dams, including subsidiary certifications if necessary; and (ii) addresses the requirements in condition D11 (b) to (h). (b) a design report which provides: (i) a description of all the documents which constitute the design plan; (ii) a statement of: a) the applicable standards including engineering criteria, industry guidelines, relevant legislation and regulatory documents, relied upon in preparing the design plan; b) all relevant facts and data used in preparing the design plan, including any efforts made to obtain necessary facts and data, and any limitations or assumptions to facts and data used in preparing the design plan; c) the hazard category of the regulated structure; and d) setting out the reasoning of the suitably qualified and experienced person who has certified the design plan, as to how the design plan provides the necessary required performance. (iii) documentation of hydrological analyses and estimates required to determine all elements of the design including volumes and flow capacities; (iv) detailed criteria for the design, operation, maintenance and decommissioning of the regulated structure, including any assumptions; and (v) design, specification and operational rules for any related regulated structures and systems used to prevent failure scenarios; (c) drawings showing the lines and dimensions, and locations of built regulated structures and land forms associated with the regulated structure; (d) consideration of the interaction of the pit design with the regulated structure design; (e) an operational plan that includes: (i) normal operating procedures and rules (including clear documentation and definition of process inputs in the Design Storage Allowance (DSA); and (ii) contingency and emergency action plans including operating procedures designed to avoid and/or minimise environmental impacts including threats to human life Permit Environmental authority EPML00888813 resulting from any overtopping or loss of structural integrity of the regulated structure. (f) a plan for the decommissioning and rehabilitation of the regulated structure at the end of its operational life;
- D12
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.
- D13
Where a regulated structure is to be managed as part of an integrated containment system and the DSA volume is to be shared across the integrated containment system, the design and operating rules for the system as a whole must be documented in a system design plan that is certified by a suitably qualified and experienced person.
- D14
The system design plan must contain: (a) the design plans; (b) the `as constructed' plans; (c) the operational rules for each individual regulated structure that forms part of the integrated system; (d) the standards of serviceability and accessibility of water transfer equipment or regulated structures; and (e) the operational rules for the system as a whole. Operation of a Regulated Structure
- D15
Operation of a regulated structure is prohibited unless: (a) the holder of this environmental authority has submitted to the administering authority: (i) one paper copy and one electronic copy of the design plan and certification of the design plan in accordance with condition D11; (ii) a set of `as constructed' drawings and specifications; (iii) certification of those `as constructed drawings and specifications' in accordance with condition D12; 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 in accordance with condition D13. (b) the requirements of this environmental authority relating to the construction of the regulated structure have been met; and (c) relevant details for the regulated structure have been included in Schedule D - Table 1 (Location of Regulated Structures) and Schedule D - Table 2 (Basic Details of Regulated Structures) of this environmental authority.
- D16
Each regulated structure must be maintained and operated in a manner that is consistent with the current design plan, the current operational plan, and the associated certified `as constructed' drawings for the duration of its operational life until decommissioned and rehabilitated.
- D17
The holder of this environmental authority must take reasonable and practicable control measures to prevent harm to persons, livestock or wildlife through the construction and operation of a Permit Environmental authority EPML00888813 regulated structure. Reasonable and practicable measures may include, but are not limited to: (a) the secure use of fencing, bunding or screening; and (b) escape arrangements for trapped livestock and fauna. Mandatory Reporting Level
- D18
The mandatory reporting level (MRL) must be marked on a regulated structure in such a way that during routine inspections of that regulated structure, it is clearly observable.
- D19
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 structure reaches the MRL.
- D20
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 structure. Annual Inspection Report
- D21
Each regulated structure must be inspected each calendar year by a suitably qualified and experienced person.
- D22
At each annual inspection, the condition and adequacy of all components of the regulated structure must be assessed: (a) against the most recent hazard assessment report and design plan (or system design plan); (b) against recommendations contained in previous annual inspection reports; (c) against recognised regulated structure safety deficiency indicators; (d) for changes in circumstances potentially leading to a change in hazard category; (e) for conformance with the conditions of this environmental authority; (f) for conformance with the `as constructed' drawings; (g) for the adequacy of the available storage in each regulated structure, based on an actual observation or observations taken after 31 May each year but prior to 1 November of that year, of accumulated sediment, state of the containment barrier and the level of liquids in the regulated structure (or network of linked containment systems); and (h) for evidence of conformance with the current operational plan.
- D23
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.
- D24
The suitably qualified and experienced person who prepared the annual inspection report must certify the report in accordance with the Manual for Assessing Hazard Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Dams.
- D25
The holder of this environmental authority must: (a) upon receipt of the annual inspection report, consider the report and its recommendations and take action to ensure that the regulated structure will safely perform its intended function; and (b) within twenty (20) business days of receipt of the annual inspection report, notify the administering authority in writing, of the recommendations of the inspection report and the actions being taken to ensure the integrity of each regulated structure.
- D26
A copy of the annual inspection report must be provided to the administering authority upon request Permit Environmental authority EPML00888813 within ten (10) business days. Design Storage Allowance
- D27
On 1 November of each year, storage capacity must be available in each regulated structure (or network of linked containment systems with a shared DSA volume), to meet the DSA volume for the regulated structure (or network of linked containment systems).
- D28
The holder of this environmental authority must, as soon as possible and within forty-eight (48) hours of becoming aware that the regulated structure (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.
- D29
The holder of this environmental authority must, immediately on becoming aware that a regulated structure (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 structure or linked containment systems. Performance Review
- D30
The holder of this environmental authority must assess the performance of each regulated structure or linked containment system over the preceding November to May period based on actual observations of the available storage in each regulated structure or linked containment system taken prior to 1 July of each year.
- D31
The holder of this environmental authority must take action to modify its water management or linked containment system so as to ensure that the regulated structure or linked containment system will perform in accordance with the requirements of this environmental authority, for the subsequent November to May period. Transfer Arrangements
- D32
The holder of this environmental authority must provide a copy of any reports, documentation and certifications prepared under this environmental authority, including but not limited to any Register of Regulated Structures, hazard assessment, design plan and other supporting documentation, to a new holder of this environmental authority and the administering authority on transfer of this environmental authority. Decommissioning and Rehabilitation
- D33
Prior to the surrender of this environmental authority, each regulated structure must be decommissioned such that: (a) ongoing environmental harm is minimised by the regulated structure by: (i) becoming a safe site for humans and animals at the completion of rehabilitation; and (ii) becoming a stable landform, that no longer contains flowable substances and minimises erosion impacts; and (iii) not allowing for acid mine drainage; and a) being approved or authorised under relevant legislation for a beneficial use; or b) being a void authorised by the administering authority to remain after decommissioning. (b) the regulated structure is compliant with all other relevant rehabilitation requirements of this environmental authority. Regulated Structures Location and Performance Permit Environmental authority EPML00888813
- D34
Each regulated structure named in Column 1, of Schedule D - Table 1 (Location of Regulated Structures) must be wholly located within the control points noted in columns 2 and 3 of Schedule D -Table 1 (Location of Regulated Structures). Schedule D - Table 1 (Location of Regulated Structures) Column 1 Location Name of Regulated Structure (GDA 94 MGA zone 54) Mining Lease Easting1 Northing1 Sediment Dam 3 246 885 7 926 827 ML90045 Sediment Dam 8 247 272 7 926 551 ML90045 246 928 7 926 293 Sediment Dam 10 246 785 7 926 770 ML90045 245 092 7 929 511 Sediment Dam 12 245 041 7 929 554 ML90045 Process Water Dam 244 944 7 929 591 ML90045 Evaporation Dam 244 947 7 929 620 ML90045 245 111 7 929 744 245 169 7 929 853 245 304 7 929 829 245 296 7 929 682 245 241 7 929 616 245 184 7 929 637 245 143 7 929 578 245 143 7 929 578 245 969 7 926 594 245 934 7 926 795 245 925 7 926 907 245 876 7 927 052 245 777 7 927 188 245 587 7 927 252 245 606 7 927 371 245 630 7 927 387 245 950 7 927 430 246 009 7 927 425 246 278 7 926 962 246 208 7 926 848 246 203 7 926 766 246 202 7 926 713 246 013 7 926 577 245 979 7 926 578 246272 7926161 246324 7926093 246426 7926066 246438 7926143 246342 7926248 249 173 7 927 007 249 245 7 927 018 249 262 7 926 930 249 191 7 926 917 254 125 7 919 695 251 965 7 920 595 252 895 7 921 115 252 795 7 921 575 253 285 7 921 865
- D35
Each regulated structure named in column 1 of Schedule D - Table 2 (Basic Details of Regulated Structures), must be consistent with the details noted in columns 2 through to and including column 7 of Schedule D - Table 2 (Basic Details of Regulated Structures). Schedule D - Table 2 (Basic Details of Regulated Structures) Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4 Column 5 Column 6 Column 7 Name of Regulated Hazard Surface Maximum Maximum Spillway Level Use Area at Volume at Depth at (RL (m)) Structure Category Spillway Spillway Spillway The containment of 1141.0 contaminated site (ha) (GL) (m) stormwater and Sediment Dam 3 Significant 10.8 0.54 7.7 overflow of contaminated leachate from the southern waste rock dump Sediment Dam 8 Significant 5.6 0.27 6.5 1133.0 The containment of contaminated site stormwater and contaminated leachate from the western waste rock dump Permit Environmental authority EPML00888813 Sediment Dam 10 Significant 27.1 1.18 6.6 1141.5 The containment of 144.0 contaminated site Sediment Dam 12 Significant 1.3 0.0242 2.6 155.79 stormwater and 1170.9 contaminated leachate Process Water Dam Significant 0.6 0.013 4 1179.5 from the western waste Evaporation Dam High 497.6 57.6 28.9 NA rock dump Tailings Storage High 1000 140 35 The containment of Facility contaminated site stormwater and Page Creek Significant NA NA NA contaminated leachate Diversion Levee from the Silver King ROM Pad. The containment of process water used in the extraction of zinc and lead at the Century Mine. Containment of supernatant from the tailings storage facility
- D36
Each regulated structure named in column 1 of Schedule D - Table 1 (Location of Regulated Structures), must meet the hydraulic performance criteria noted in columns 2 through to and including column 4 of Schedule D - Table 3 (Hydraulic Performance of Regulated Structures). Schedule D - Table 3 (Hydraulic Performance of Regulated Structures) Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4 Name of Regulated Spillway Capacity AEP Design Storage Mandatory Reporting Structure Allowance Level AEP AEP RL (m) Sediment Dam 3 0.001 0.05 1137.0 Sediment Dam 8 0.001 0.05 1128.9 Sediment Dam 10 0.001 Sediment Dam 12 0.01 0.05 1137.8 0.05 NA Permit Environmental authority EPML00888813 Process Water Dam 0.01 - 50mm below spillway Evaporation Dam 0.0001 0.01 ARI two (2) month 1,168.8 wet season plus process inputs for the 2 month wet season Tailings Storage 0.0001 NA NA Facility 1. Manual for Assessing Hazard Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Dams Tailings Storage Facility
- D37
The environmental authority holder is responsible for the making of determination and keeping of records of the Tailings Storage Facility water quality characteristics at the frequency and location specified in Schedule D - Table 4 (Tailings storage facility contaminant monitoring requirement) of the environmental authority. Schedule D - Table 4 (Tailings storage facility contaminant monitoring requirement) Quality characteristic Tailings Storage Facility Tailings Discharge Pipe1 determination Decant and Evaporation Dam1 pH (pH Units) Monthly Monthly Total Dissolved Solids (mg/L) Monthly Monthly Total Suspended Solids (mg/L) Monthly Not Applicable Electrical Conductivity (mS/cm) Monthly Monthly Monthly Monthly 5 day biochemical oxygen Monthly Monthly demand (mg/L) Total nitrogen Total phosphorous Monthly Monthly Total Zinc (mg/L) Monthly Monthly Total Cadmium (mg/L) Monthly Monthly Total Lead (mg/L) Monthly Monthly Turbidity (NTU) Monthly Not Applicable SO4(mg/L) Monthly Monthly Total Hydrocarbons (mg/L) Monthly Monthly 1. Monitoring at the frequency specified is only required to occur in the event that tailings are being discharged/deposited to the tailings storage facility
- D38
The monthly quantity of contaminants released to the tailings storage facility will be determined by the environmental authority holder utilising a flow meter installed in the tailings discharge pipe.
- D39
The monthly quantity of contaminants released to the evaporation pond will be determined by the environmental authority holder utilising calculations based on the height of water over the decant structure and estimates of inputs from other sources.
- D40
The water level in the tailings storage facility and evaporation dam must be monitored and recorded Permit Environmental authority EPML00888813 weekly.
- D41
Decommissioning activities for dams must be documented in detail in the design plan under which the activities occur. Where the detailed documentation is not already contained in the design plan for the dam, the detailed documentation is considered to be an amendment to the design plan and must be submitted as an amendment. Onsite Water Storages
- D42
Water storages stated in Schedule D - Table 5 (Water storage monitoring) must be monitored for the water quality characteristics specified in Schedule D - Table 6 (Onsite water storage contaminant limits) at the monitoring locations and at the monitoring frequency specified in Schedule D - Table 5 (Water Storage Monitoring). Schedule D - Table 5 (Water Storage Monitoring) Water Storage Description GDA 94 MGA zone 54 Monitoring Location Frequency Easting Northing of Monitoring Sediment dam 1 250 300 7 927 226 Within sediment dam 1 Quarterly Sediment dam 2 248 380 7 926 607 Within sediment dam 2 Sediment dam 3 246 785 7 926 731 Within sediment dam 3 Sediment dam 5 246 994 7 929 235 Within sediment dam 5 Sediment dam 8 245 164 7 929 840 Within sediment dam 8 Sediment dam 9 246 477 7 929 045 Within sediment dam 9 Sediment dam 10 246 141 7 927 903 Within sediment dam 10 Sediment dam 11 246 269 7 925 563 Within sediment dam 11 Sediment dam 12 246 358 7 926 142 Within sediment dam 12 Evaporation Dam Seepage 254 798 7 920 729 Evaporation dam 254 713 7 920 889 C_SW06_EDAMS Within evaporation dam
- D43
In the event that water storages defined in Schedule D - Table 5 (Water storage monitoring) exceed the contaminant limits, or falls outside of a contaminant limit range, defined in Schedule D - Table 6 (Onsite water storage contaminant limits), the environmental authority holder must implement measures, where practicable, to prevent access to waters by livestock. Schedule D - Table 6 (Onsite water storage contaminant limits) Quality Characteristic Contaminant Limit pH 4.0 1 (minimum) 9.0 1 (maximum) Electrical conductivity 5970 -S/cm2 Sulphate 1000 mg/L2 Total arsenic 0.5 mg/L2 Total cadmium 0.01 mg/L2 Total copper 1 mg/L2 Total lead 0.1 mg/L2 Total nickel 1 mg/L2 Total zinc 20 mg/L2 Permit Environmental authority EPML00888813 1. Page 4.2-15 of ANZECC & ARMCANZ (2000) "Soil and animal health will not generally be affected by water with pH in the range of 4-9". 2. Contaminant limits are based on ANZECC 2000 - livestock drinking water. Lead concentrate storage areas
- D44
The holder of this environmental authority must develop and maintain a procedure to manage the environmental aspects and impacts associated with storage and handling of lead concentrate within the operational tailings storage facility.
- D45
The procedure referred to in condition D44 must be implemented to minimise the potential for environmental harm.
- D46
Except where lead concentrate is being reclaimed or rehandled, a water cover must be maintained over the stored concentrate to minimise airborne emissions. Concentrate Pond
- D47
The Concentrate Pond must be designed, constructed and operated to prevent the discharge of contaminants from the structure to land or waters.
- D48
The Concentrate Pond structure must be inspected each calendar year by a suitably qualified and experienced person.
- D49
At each annual inspection, the suitably qualified and experienced person must prepare an annual inspection report containing details of the assessment and include any recommended actions to ensure the integrity of the structure is maintained.
- D50
The holder must within 20 business days of receipt of the annual inspection report, provide any recommended actions to the administering authority and in addition, when the recommended actions will be implemented. END OF CONDITIONS FOR SCHEDULE D Permit Environmental authority EPML00888813 Schedule E - Sewage Treatment Sewage effluent
- F1
Subject to Conditions F2 and F3 noise from the mining activity must not cause an environmental nuisance, at any sensitive place.
- F2
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 to the administering authority within 14 days of their receipt by the environmental authority holder.
- F3
If the environmental authority holder can provide evidence through monitoring that the limits defined in Schedule F - Table 1 (Noise limits) are not being exceeded by the environmental authority holder then the holder is not in breach of Condition F1. Monitoring must include: (a) LA, max adj, T ; and (b) the level and frequency of occurrence of impulsive or tonal noise; and (c) atmospheric conditions including wind speed and direction; and (d) location, date and time of recording.
- F4
If monitoring indicates exceedance of the limits in Schedule F - Table 1 (Noise limits), by the environmental authority holder then the environmental authority holder must: (a) address the complaint including the use of appropriate dispute resolution if required; or (b) immediately implement noise abatement measures so that emissions of noise from the activity do not result in further environmental nuisance.
- F5
The method of measurement and reporting of noise levels must comply with the latest edition of the administering authority's "Noise Measurement Manual". Schedule F - Table 1 (Noise limits) Noise level Monday to Saturday Sundays and public holidays dB(A) 7am - 6pm 6pm - 10pm 10pm - 7am 9am - 6pm 6pm - 10pm 10pm - 9am measured as Noise measured at a 'Noise sensitive place' LA10, adj, 10 b/g+5 b/g+5 b/g+5 b/g+5 b/g+5 b/g+5 mins LA1, adj, 10 mins b/g+10 b/g+10 b/g+5 b/g+10 b/g+10 b/g+5 Noise measured at a 'Commercial place' LA10, adj, 10 b/g+10 b/g+10 b/g+5 b/g+10 b/g+10 b/g+5 mins LA1, adj, 10 mins b/g+15 b/g+15 b/g+10 b/g+15 b/g+15 b/g+10 Note: The method of measurement and reporting of noise levels must comply with the latest edition of the administering authority's "Noise Measurement Manual". END OF CONDITIONS FOR SCHEDULE F Permit Environmental authority EPML00888813 Schedule G - Waste Storage of tyres
- G1
Tyres stored awaiting disposal or transport for take-back and, recycling, or waste-to-energy options - should be stockpiled in volumes less than 3m in height and 200m2 in area and at least 10m from any other tyre storage area.
- G2
All reasonable and practicable fire prevention measures must be implemented, including removal of grass and other materials within a 10m radius of the scrap tyre storage area. Disposal of tyres
- G3
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.
- G4
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. Regulated Waste Landfill Site
- G5
Regulated waste authorised for disposal on site will be disposed of only at the locations shown in Schedule J - Figure 5.
- G6
The regulated waste licensed for disposal at the landfill site marked `Landfill' on Schedule J - Figure 5 shall be limited to: (a) copper sulfate and zinc oxide bags; (b) xanthate bulk bags; (c) empty acid containers; (d) empty detergent / sanitiser containers; (e) grease trap residues; (f) empty solvent containers; (g) paint tins; (h) containers which have contained caustic solutions, laboratory solutions, oxidising agents, reducing agents, resins, pesticides or herbicides, alkalis, surfactants and aerosol lubricants; (i) sediments from vehicle wash down bays; (j) lime sludges; (k) rubber and synthetic polymer liners and other miscellaneous rubber and synthetic polymer products excluding tyres; and (l) any other waste for which written agreement for disposal had been obtained from the administering authority. Regulated Waste Rock Dump
- G7
The regulated waste licensed for disposal in the Waste Rock Dumps as defined in Schedule J - Figure 6 shall be limited to: (a) truck tyres; (b) waste rock contaminated by hydrocarbon spills; (c) lime grit; (d) mill scats; (e) empty xanthate boxes Permit Environmental authority EPML00888813 (f) regulated wastes generated at the Port Site de-watering facility including activated carbon, filter cloths, and contaminated materials; and (g) any other waste for which written agreement for disposal has been obtained from the administering authority. Regulated Waste Tailings Storage Facility and Century Open-cut Pit
- G8
The defined tailings release point points, in respect to the Tailings Storage Facility, are: Spigot 1, Spigot 2 and Spigot 3 as described on schedule J - Figure 3 (TSF Containment Area) and, in respect to the Century Open-cut Pit, documented spigot locations located within the confines of the Century Open-cut Pit void.
- G9
The regulated waste licensed for disposal in the Tailings Storage Facility marked as `Tailings Storage Facility' on Schedule J - Figure 3 (TSF Containment Area) and/or in the Century Open-cut Pit shall be limited to: (a) tailings from the mineral processing operation originating from activities located on ML90045 and ML90058; (b) sewage treatment plant effluent and sludges originating from activities located on ML90045 and ML90058; (c) water from workshops which has passed through the relevant pollution control equipment located at the relevant workshop and originating from activities located on ML90045 and ML90058; (d) vehicle wash down waters which have passed through the relevant pollution control equipment installed at vehicle wash down locations and originating from activities located on ML90045 and ML90058; (e) work shop wash down waters which have passed through the relevant pollution control equipment installed at the relevant workshop locations and originating from activities located on ML90045 and ML90058; (f) regulated wastes generated at the Port Site de-watering facility including activated carbon, filter cloths, and contaminated materials and soils; (g) sludges from vehicle wash down areas originating from activities located on ML90045 and ML90058; (h) neutralised laboratory waste originating from activities located on ML90045 and ML90058; (i) concentrate spillage and associated regulated wastes originating from activities located on ML90045 and ML90058, the pipeline to Karumba or the Karumba de-watering facility; (j) tailings from the mineral processing of the bulk sample of up to 500,000 tonnes of ore originating from bulk sample activities conducted at the Dugald River Mine; (k) Any other waste for which written agreement for disposal has been obtained from the administering authority.
- G10
Where regulated waste is removed from the site (other than by a release as permitted under another schedule of this environmental authority), records must be kept of the following: (a) the date, quantity and type of waste removed, and (b) name of the waste transporter that removed the waste; and (c) the intended treatment / disposal destination of the waste. Note: Records of documents maintained in compliance with a waste tracking system established under the Environmental Protection (Waste Management) Regulation 2000 or any other law for regulated waste will be deemed to satisfy this condition.
- G11
Unless otherwise in accordance with environmental authority conditions, all off-site movement of regulated wastes must be conducted by a licensed regulated waste transporter. Permit Environmental authority EPML00888813 Waste Rock Management
- G12
The holder must develop, implement and submit to the administering authority a waste rock management plan. The holder must update the plan when any change to waste rock disposal is proposed and resubmit the plan on revision or on request of the administering authority.
- G13
Waste rock disposal must not occur on the site unless the holder has submitted to the administering authority a waste rock and spoil management plan, together with the certification by an appropriately qualified person that the plan has addressed the requirements of this environmental authority in accordance with best practice environmental management.
- G14
The waste rock management plan must include where relevant, at least: (a) characterisation of the waste rock and spoil to predict the quality of runoff and seepage generated, including salinity, acidity, alkalinity, dissolved metals, metalloids and non- metallic inorganic substances; (b) a program of progressive sampling program to validate pre-mine waste rock and spoil characterisation. The waste rock sampling program must include validation of salinity, acid and alkali producing potential and metal concentrations including arsenic, cadmium, copper, chromium, lead, manganese, nickel, selenium and zinc; (c) where the acid rock drainage potential / neutral mine drainage potential of waste rock material has not been conclusively determined, geochemical kinetic testing must be conducted to indicate oxidation rates, potential reaction products and effectiveness of control strategies; (d) records must be maintained of all waste rock characterisation and disposal including contingency planning for the management of acid rock / neutral mine drainage; (e) 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 generation of acid mine drainage; (f) a materials balance and disposal plan demonstrating how waste rock that has a potential to generate neutral and/or saline mine drainage will be selectively placed and managed to minimise the generation of neutral and/or saline mine drainage; (g) a sampling program to verify encapsulation and/or placement of potentially acid forming / acid forming waste rock ./ waste rock that has a potential to generate neutral mine drainage; (h) how often the performance of the plan will be assessed; (i) a rehabilitation strategy which meets the rehabilitation objectives specified in Schedule H; and (j) monitoring or rehabilitation, research and/or trials to verify the requirements and methods for decommissioning and final rehabilitation of the placed materials, including the prevention and management of acid mine drainage, erosion minimisation and establishment of vegetation cover.
- G15
Any seepage from waste rock dumps must be captured and must not be released except in accordance with the conditions of this environmental authority. END OF CONDITIONS FOR SCHEDULE G Permit Environmental authority EPML00888813 Schedule H - Land Rehabilitation landform criteria
- H1
On application of surrender or partial surrender of the environmental authority all areas significantly disturbed by mining activities must be rehabilitated to a stable landform with a self-sustaining vegetation cover in accordance with Schedule H - Table 1 (Final land use and rehabilitation approval schedule) and other tables. Schedule H - Table 1 (Final Land Use and Rehabilitation Approval Schedule) Disturbance type Residual Tailings Waste Rock Fixed Plant & Mine Water Access Roads Void(s)1 Storage Final Infrastructure4 Management & Aerodrome6 Facility2 Structures5 Landforms3 Disturbance 306.3 1000 1500 200 70 160 area (ha) Post mine Steep sheer Native Native Native Native Native land rock faces ecosystem ecosystem, ecosystem, ecosystem, ecosystem, with narrow analogue, analogue not suitable for low suitable for low suitable for low description benches as suitable for cattle intensity cattle intensity cattle intensity cattle well as more not moderate suitable for grazing. grazing. grazing. grazing. slopes cattle grazing. Post mine land 5 5 5 3, 4, 5 3, 4, 5 3, 4, 5 capability classification Slope 0-Vertical 0-60% 0-60% 0-40% 0-40% 0-40% Range (%) Notes: 1. Includes the combined Century Pit and East Fault Pit areas and the Silver King Pit area. 2. Includes placed tailings and containment embankments; lead storage dams ; evaporation dam impoundment; and clean water diversion structures. 3. Includes: southern, western; northern and short haul waste rock dumps 4. Includes: concentrator; workshops; warehouses; fuel storage facilities; mine administration; accommodation village and site services areas; Concentrate Pond. 5. Includes: sediment dams 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11; 12 and Page creek stream diversion 6. Includes: access roads and tracks; aerodrome and borrow pits.
- H2
Progressive rehabilitation must be conducted in accordance with the most recent version of Guideline 18, as produced from time to time by the administering authority.
- H3
The environmental authority holder must submit sustainability success and criteria for rehabilitation by 31 October 2008.
- H4
Progressive rehabilitation must commence when areas become available within the operational Permit Environmental authority EPML00888813 land. Residual void outcome
- H5
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; and (b) residual voids must comply with Schedule H - Table 2. Schedule H - Table 2 (Residual void design) Void Void wall - competent Void wall - incompetent Void maximum Identification surface area (ha) rock max slope (%) rock max slope (%) Pit 58% 48% 306.3 Storage and handling of dangerous goods
- H6
All explosive, corrosive, toxic or otherwise hazardous substances (solids, liquids or gases) including classified dangerous goods must be stored and handled in accordance with the relevant Australian Standard where such a standard is available and the manufacturer's recommendations for storage and handling.
- H7
All containment systems for chemicals and flammable or combustible liquids must be designed to minimise rainfall collection within the system.
- H8
Spillage of any contaminant must be contained and rectified to prevent environmental harm. Acid Rock Drainage Management
- H9
Subject to the release limits defined in Schedule C all reasonable and practicable measures must be implemented to prevent hazardous leachate being directly or indirectly released or likely to be released as a result of the activity to any groundwater or watercourse. Infrastructure
- H10
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. Century Open-cut Pit
- H11
Contaminants located within the pit void must not be released to waters.
- H12
The water level in the Open-cut Pit must be monitored monthly and identified water levels are to be documented in the Annual Monitoring Report, required under condition A16.
- H13
The water level within the pit must not at any time exceed 1105mRL. END OF CONDITIONS FOR SCHEDULE H Permit Environmental authority EPML00888813 Schedule I - Definitions "acceptance criteria" means the measures by which the actions implemented to rehabilitate the land are deemed to be complete. The acceptance criteria indicate the success of the rehabilitation outcome or remediation of areas which have been significantly been disturbed by the mining activities. Acceptance criteria may include information regarding: - vegetation establishment, survival and succession; - vegetation productivity, sustained growth and structure development; - fauna colonisation and habitat development; - ecosystem processes such as soil development and nutrient cycling, and the recolonisation of specific fauna groups such as collembola, mites and termites which are involved in these processes; - microbiological studies including recolonisation by mycorrhizal fungi, microbial biomass and respiration; - effects of various establishment treatments such as deep ripping, topsoil handling, seeding and fertiliser application on vegetation growth and development; - resilience of vegetation to disease, insect attack, drought and fire; - vegetation water use and effects on ground water levels and catchment yields. "acid rock drainage" means any contaminated discharge emanating from a mining activity formed through a series of chemical and biological reactions, when geological strata is disturbed and exposed to oxygen and moisture as a result of mining activities. "AEP" means the Annual Exceedance Probability, which is the probability that at least one event in excess of a particular magnitude will occur in any given year. "ambient (or total) noise" at a place, means the level of noise at the place from all sources (near and far), measured as the Leq for an appropriate time interval. "ANZECC 2000" means Australian and New Zealand Conservation Council Water Quality and Monitoring Guidelines, 2000. "appropriately qualified person" means a person who has professional qualifications, training, skills or experience relevant to the nominated subject matter and can give authoritative assessment, advice and analysis on performance relating to the subject matter using the relevant protocols, standards, methods or literature. "authority" means environmental authority (mining activities) under the Environmental Protection Act 1994. "blasting" means the use of explosive materials to fracture- a) rock, coal and other minerals for later recovery; or b) structural components or other items to facilitate removal from a site or for reuse. "certification", "certifying" or "certified" by a suitably qualified and experienced person in relation to a design plan or an annual report regarding dams, means that a statutory declaration has been made by that person and, when taken together with any attached or appended documents referenced in that declaration, all of the following aspects are addressed and are sufficient to allow an independent audit at any time: a) exactly what is being certified and the precise nature of that certification;