Data as at 14 September 2026 · from the Queensland EP Act public register
EPML00897513 · SOUTH32 CANNINGTON PROPRIETARY LIMITED
Minerals environmental authority EPML00897513 (SOUTH32 CANNINGTON PROPRIETARY LIMITED), Granted. 252 conditions indexed. Holds PRC plan P-PRCP-100789543.
- Status
- Granted
- Holders
- SOUTH32 CANNINGTON PROPRIETARY LIMITED
- Tenures
- ML90059; ML90060; ML90077
- PRC plan
- P-PRCP-100789543 · effective 2026-05-28
- How it was read
- Numbered conditions
- Register
- Register record · Instrument PDF
Conditions
252 numbered conditions read from the current instrument. Page numbers link into the register PDF.
- A1
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. Activity
- A2
This environmental authority authorises environmental harm referred to in the conditions herein. Where a condition in this environmental authority refers to environmental harm the condition is taken to authorise the environmental harm occurring in compliance with the condition. Where there is no condition or this environmental authority is silent on a matter, the lack of a condition or silence shall not be construed as authorising environmental harm.
- A3
In carrying out the mining activity the environmental authority holder must comply with Schedule A - Table 1 (Authorised Mining Activities). Schedule A - Table 1 (Authorised Mining Activities) Mine Domain Mine Feature Mining Location (GDA94) Maximum Constraints Mining areas Name Lease (Zone 54) disturbance 645m depth Location Dams Underground ML90059 Easting Northing area (ha) 19m depth Mine ML90059 491886 7582771 2 (at surface) 20,000,000 492521 7582683 169.3 m3 volume Tailings Storage ML90059 492328 7580875 Facility (Cells 1 491630 7581094 9 8m depth and 2) ML90059 490406 7584362 1 305,000 m3 ML90059 489811 7583844 38 volume Tailings Storage ML90059 490685 7582735 1 n/a Facility (Cell3) ML90059 490809 7582864 490832 7582842 4.5m depth Offline Water 491326 7583243 932,000 m3 Storage Facility 491288 7583282 volume 491267 7583262 1m depth TSF Cover Trial 490432 7584275 5,000 m3 490406 7584362 volume Effluent 489811 7583844 Leachate Dam 489713 7583871 489444 7584199 Grey Water 489436 7584613 Dam 489633 7584772 490074 7584718 490370 7584380 490754 7584216 491019 7584437 491155 7584125 491039 7583980 489274 7584275 489174 7584275 489174 7584175 489274 7584175 490485 7582996 489801 7583828 489618 7583632 490276 7582820 491569 7582715 491534 7582695 491590 7582597 Permit Environmental Authority 491627 7582616 Decant Dam ML90059 491018 7583037 6.1 11m depth 508,000 m3 (Return Water 490861 7582910 volume Dam) 490976 7582753 6.0m depth 65,000 m3 491145 7582890 Depth 5 m Depth 5 m Western Catch ML90059 491201 7582112 3.0 Depth 3 m
- A4
Dedicated access to the mining project via land authorised for that purpose by the Mineral Resources Act 1989 is subject to the conditions of this environmental authority.
- A5
The environmental authority holder is authorised to receive, store and handle up to 120,000 tonnes per annum of copper concentrate from Capricorn Copper Mine. Permit Environmental Authority Note: Capricorn Copper Mine means the resources tenement areas subject to environmental authority EPML00911413. Maintenance of measures, plant and equipment
- A6
The environmental authority holder must: (a) install all measures, plant and equipment necessary to ensure compliance with the conditions of this environmental authority; (b) maintain such measures, plant and equipment in a proper and efficient condition; (c) operate such measures, plant and equipment in a proper and efficient manner; and (d) ensure all instruments and devices used for the measurement or monitoring of any parameter under any condition of this environmental authority are calibrated, and appropriately operated and maintained.
- A7
No change, replacement or alteration of any plant or equipment is permitted if the change, replacement or alteration increases, or is likely to increase, the risk of environmental harm. Monitoring
- A8
Any management or monitoring plans, systems, programs or reports 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 once every two (2) years and amended immediately if required. The review must be documented and completed by an appropriately qualified person.
- A9
Monitoring records or reports required under this environmental authority must be maintained and be readily accessible at the place to which this environmental authority relates for a period of not less than seven (7) years.
- A10
The environmental authority holder must upon request from the administering authority, supply monitoring records, plans and reports required under this environmental authority, in the form and by the means requested by the administering authority within ten (10) business days.
- A11
Where monitoring is a requirement of this environmental authority, ensure that an appropriately qualified person(s) conducts all monitoring. Access to Monitoring Locations
- A12
The environmental authority holder must make reasonable efforts to provide safe and all-weather access to all monitoring locations required under this environmental authority. This must include providing the necessary site infrastructure required to gain safe all-weather access to monitoring locations during reasonably foreseeable events. The environmental authority holder must also develop and implement contingency plans to facilitate sampling during extreme events where provision of site infrastructure is not practical. Financial assurance
- A13
The environmental authority holder must provide to the administering authority a financial assurance of an amount and in a form acceptable to the administering authority in accordance with the most recent edition of the administering authority's Guideline for calculating financial assurance for mining projects, before the proposed mining activity commences.
- A14
The amount of financial assurance may be reviewed by the administering authority at any time including when a plan of operations is amended or replaced, the authority is amended or new information is obtained from an audit. Permit Environmental Authority
- A15
The financial assurance must remain in force until the administering authority is satisfied that no claim on the assurance will be required. Risk Management System
- A16
By no later than 1 November 2012 the environmental authority holder must develop and implement a risk management system for the mining activity which conforms to the Standard for Risk Management (ISO31000:2009) or the latest edition of the equivalently recognised Standard for Risk Management. Emergency Response / Contingency
- A17
The environmental authority holder must have an implemented emergency response/contingency plan to respond to emergency events and incidents. This plan must be provided to the administering authority on request.
- A18
The emergency response/contingency plan required under condition (A17) must address the following matters as a minimum: (a) Response procedures to be implemented to prevent or minimise the risk of environmental harm arising from emergency events and incidents; (b) Response procedures to minimise the extent and duration of environmental harm caused by an emergency event or incident; (c) The practices and procedures to be employed to restore the environment or mitigate any environmental harm caused; (d) The resources to be used in response to an emergency event or incident; (e) Procedures to investigate the cause of any emergency events or incidents, including releases, and where necessary, implement remedial actions to reduce the likelihood of recurrence of similar events; (f) The provision and availability of documented procedures to staff attending any emergency event or incident to enable them to effectively respond; (g) Training of staff that will be called upon to respond to emergency events or incidents to enable them to effectively respond; (h) Timely and accurate reporting of the circumstance and nature of emergency events or incidents to the administering authority in accordance with conditions of this environmental authority; (i) Procedures for accessing monitoring points during emergency events or incidents; and (j) Procedures to notify any potentially impacted stakeholder who may be affected by the emergency event or incident. Notification of Emergencies, Incidents, Exceedances and Releases
- A19
The environmental authority holder must notify the administering authority by telephone and email as soon as practicable but within twenty-four (24) hours, after becoming aware of any emergency, incident, exceedance or release of contaminants not in accordance, or reasonably expected to be not in accordance with the conditions of this environmental authority.
- A20
The notification in condition (A19) must include, but not be limited to, the following: (a) The environmental authority number and name of the environmental authority holder; (b) The name and telephone number of the designated contact person; Permit Environmental Authority (c) The location of the emergency, incident, exceedance or release; (d) The date and time of the emergency, incident, exceedance or release; (e) The time the environmental authority holder became aware of the emergency, incident, exceedance or release; (f) Where known: i. The estimated quantity and type of substances involved in the emergency, incident, exceedance or release; ii. The actual or potential cause of the emergency, incident, exceedance or release; iii. A description of the nature and effects of the emergency, incident, exceedance or release including environmental risks, and any risks to public health or livestock; (g) Any sampling conducted or proposed, relevant to the emergency, incident, exceedance or release; (h) Immediate actions taken to prevent or mitigate any further environmental harm caused by the release; and (i) What notification of stakeholders who may be affected by the emergency, incident, exceedance or release has occurred/is being undertaken.
- A21
The environmental authority holder must notify the occupiers or registered owners of affected land and any other potentially impacted stakeholder as soon as reasonably practicable after becoming aware of the event of any emergency, incident, exceedance or release that has the potential to impact on environmental values or breaches any condition of this environmental authority concerning releases of contaminants to the environment.
- A22
The notification in condition (A21) must include the following: (a) The location of the emergency, incident, exceedance or release; (b) The date and time of the emergency, incident, exceedance or release; (c) The estimated quantity and type of any substances involved in the emergency, incident, exceedance or release; (d) The potential impacts to environmental values caused by the emergency, incident, exceedance or release; and (e) Where there is potential impact on livestock or human health, precautionary measures that should be taken.
- A23
Within ten (10) business days following the initial notification of an emergency, incident, exceedance or release, further written advice must be provided to the administering authority, including the following: (a) Results and interpretation of any samples taken and analysed; (b) Outcomes of actions taken at the time to prevent or minimise unlawful environmental harm; (c) Outcome of actions to prevent a recurrence of the emergency, incident, exceedance or release; and (d) Whether the emergency, incident, exceedance or release resulted in non-compliance with this environmental authority. Permit Environmental Authority Complaints
- A25
Records must be kept of all environmental complaints received about the mining activity which must be made available to the administering authority on request including the following details: (a) Name, address and contact number for complainant (if provided); (b) Time and date of complaint; (c) Reasons for the complaint; (d) Investigations undertaken; (e) Conclusions formed; (f) Actions taken to resolve complaint; (g) Any abatement measures implemented; and (h) Person responsible for resolving the complaint.
- A26
When requested by the administering authority, the environmental authority holder must undertake relevant specified monitoring within a timeframe nominated by the administering authority to investigate any complaint of environmental harm. The results of the investigation (including an analysis and interpretation of the monitoring results) and abatement measures implemented must be provided to the administering authority within ten (10) business days of completion of the investigation, and no later than ten (10) business days after the end of the timeframe nominated by the administering authority to undertake the investigation. Community Consultation
- A27
The environmental authority holder must establish, promote and maintain easily accessible lines of communication between residents, stakeholders and land owners reasonably expected to be affected by the activities to ensure that environmental impacts are identified and managed. These must include regular meetings with the relevant stakeholders at intervals of not more than six (6) months. Third party auditing
- A28
Compliance with each condition of this environmental authority must be audited by an appropriately qualified third party auditor. The audit must be completed within one (1) year of the commencement of this environmental authority, and then at regular intervals not exceeding once (1) every three (3) years thereafter.
- A29
Within one (1) month of completing the audit, the environmental authority holder must provide the audit report and a written report to the administering authority addressing: (a) Actions taken by the environmental authority holder to ensure compliance with this environmental authority; and (b) Actions taken to prevent a recurrence of any non-compliance issues identified.
- A30
The third party auditor must certify the independent findings of the audit in the report.
- A31
The financial cost of the third party audit is the responsibility of the environmental authority holder.
- A32
The environmental authority holder must immediately act upon any recommendations arising from the audit by: (a) Investigating any non-compliance issues identified; and Permit Environmental Authority (b) As soon as practicable, implementing measures or taking necessary action to ensure compliance with the requirements of this environmental authority. Transition to New Standards
- A33
Where a condition of this environmental authority requires compliance with a standard published externally to this authority and the standard is amended or changed subsequent to the issue of this environmental authority the environmental authority holder must: (a) Comply with the amended or changed standard within twelve (12) months of the amendment of change being made, unless a different period is specified in the amended standard or relevant legislation; and (b) Continue to remain in compliance with the previous standard or guideline until compliance is met with the amended or changed standard or guideline is achieved. Regard for Comment
- A34
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 environmental authority holder must have due regard for these comments and incorporate these comments into the plans or programs. Exploration
- A35
All exploration activities carried out at the licensed place must comply with each of the Standard Environmental Conditions contained in the most recent version of the Code of Environmental Compliance for Exploration and Mineral Development Projects.
- A36
Disturbance due to exploration activities in areas not scheduled to be mined within two (2) years must be rehabilitated within twelve (12) months in accordance with the provisions detailed in the administering authority's Code of Environmental Compliance for Exploration and Mineral Development Projects.
- A37
Where a condition of this environmental authority refers to a matter addressed in the Code of Environmental Compliance for Exploration and Mineral Development Projects, the condition of the environmental authority prevails. Permit Environmental Authority Schedule B - Air Odour and noxious or offensive airborne contaminant nuisance
- B1
Unless authorised by this environmental authority the release of noxious, offensive odour or any other airborne contaminant resulting from the mining activity must not cause environmental harm.
- B2
When requested by the administering authority, monitoring of noxious, offensive odour or any other airborne contaminants must be undertaken to investigate any complaint which in the opinion of an authorised officer is neither frivolous nor vexatious nor based on mistaken belief. Monitoring must be completed within the timeframe stated by the administering authority and the results provided to the administering authority within ten (10) business days following completion of monitoring and analysis. Monitoring must be carried out at a place(s) relevant to the potentially affected sensitive place or commercial place and at upwind control sites. Transport of Bulk Material
- B3
The environmental authority holder must ensure that vehicles (including trains) used for transporting bulk materials, leave the licensed place having undergone appropriate load preparation to prevent the spillage and / or loss of particulate matter and / or windblown dust during transport. Air Quality Monitoring - Ambient Air Quality (Particulate Matter)
- B4
The environmental authority holder must ensure that the mining activity does not cause any exceedance of air quality limits specified in Schedule B - Table 1 (Ambient Air Quality Limits - Particulate Matter) at any sensitive receptor. Schedule B - Table 1 (Ambient Air Quality Limits - Particulate Matter) Air Quality Indicator Averaging Time Limit1 (-g/m3) Total Suspended Particulates2 Calendar year 90 Particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 24 hours 50 microns (PM10)3,4 Arsenic (measured as the total content in PM10)5 Calendar year 0.006 Cadmium (measured as the total metal content in PM10)5 Calendar year 0.005 Lead (measured as the total metal content in total suspended Calendar year 0.5 particulates) 1) Air quality limits are from Schedule 1 of the Environmental Protection (Air) Policy 2008. 2) Monitored in accordance with the most recent version of Australian Standard AS/NZS3580.9.3:2003 Determination of suspended particulate matter - Total suspended particulate matter (TSP) - High volume sampler gravimetric method. 3) The maximum concentration of PM10 is authorised to be exceeded for not more than five (5) days each calendar year. 4) Monitored in accordance with the most recent version of Australian Standard AS3580.9.6 Determination of suspended particulate matter - PM (sub) 10 high volume sampler with size-selective inlet - Gravimetric method. 5) The environmental authority holder may elect to monitor these contaminants as the total metal content in total suspended particulates and meet the same limit.
- B5
The environmental authority holder must monitor air quality indicators specified in Schedule B - Table 1 (Ambient Air Quality Limits - Particulate Matter) at the monitoring locations and at the frequency specified in Schedule B - Table 2 (Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Locations and Frequency - Particulate Matter). Schedule B - Table 2 (Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Locations and Frequency - Particulate Matter) Permit Environmental Authority Site Location (GDA94) (Zone 54) Monitoring Location Monitoring Frequency Easting Northing Cannington Mine - ML90059 Note1 Note1 Note1 Cannington Homestead Every 13 days Note1: Based on a letter dated 8 May 2012 from the Cannington Homestead landholder no consent was given to conduct ambient air monitoring on the Cannington Homestead property
- B6
Condition (B5) of this environmental authority will only apply if the Cannington Homestead landholder provides written consent for the installation and maintenance of air monitoring equipment on the Cannington Homestead property. Dust and Particulate Matter Deposition Monitoring Program
- B7
A Dust and Particulate Matter Deposition Monitoring Program must be developed and implemented by the holder and made available to the administrating authority on request.
- B8
In addition to and/or complementary to condition A8, prior to developing open cut mining operations associated with the Cannington Life Extension Project (CLEP), the Dust and Particulate Matter Deposition Monitoring Program must be reviewed, with appropriate consideration to proposed mining activities, and updated as required. The holder must ensure that details of any additional relevant monitoring locations are provided to the administering authority for consideration and inclusion in Schedule B - Table 3 (Dust and Particulate Deposition Monitoring Locations and Frequency) as appropriate. Schedule B - Table 3 (Dust and Particulate Deposition Trigger Levels and Limits) Air Quality Indicators1,2 Limit Type/Measurement Trigger Level Limit Period Arsenic and its compounds as Annual average 4 -g/m2/day(3) - arsenic Cadmium and its compounds Annual average 2 -g/m2/day(3) - as cadmium Lead and its compounds as Annual average 100 -g/m2/day(3) 250 -g/m2/day(4) lead Copper and its compounds as Annual average 330 -g/m2/day(5) - copper Total insoluble matter Monthly average - 120 mg/m2/day(6) (insoluble analysis and particulate matter deposition rate)2 1) Monitored in accordance with the most recent version of Australian Standard AS3580.10.1 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air - Determination of particulate matter - Deposited matter - Gravimetric method. 2) Particulate matter deposition limit applies in respect of all dust sensitive places beyond the boundary of the licensed place and is calculated over a nominal month as per Australian Standard AS/NZS3580.10.1 of 2003 (or more recent editions). 3) Limits based on First General Administrative Regulation Pertaining to the Federal Emission Control Act (Technical Instructions on Air Quality Control - TA Luft) (Table 6 page 29). 4) World Health Organisation - Air Quality Guidelines for Europe Second Edition, 2000 (Chapter 6 page 152). 5) Determined based on TA Luft lead deposition guidelines and the Health Investigation Level (HIL) - A soil investigation levels from National Environment Protection Measure (NEPM) (1999). Permit Environmental Authority 6) Based on the New Zealand Ministry for Environment Good Practice Guide for Assessing and Managing for Environmental Effects of Dust Emissions (Table 7.1). Air Quality Monitoring - Ambient Air Quality (Dust and Particulate Matter Deposition)
- B9
The environmental authority holder must ensure that the mining activity does not cause any exceedance of air quality limits specified in Schedule B - Table 3 (Dust and Particulate Deposition Trigger Levels and Limits) at any compliance monitoring location stated in Schedule B - Table 4 (Dust and Particulate Deposition Monitoring Locations and Frequency). Schedule B - Table 4 (Dust and Particulate Deposition Monitoring Locations and Frequency) Site Location (GDA94)(Zone 54) Monitoring Location Monitoring Frequency Easting Northing Cannington Mine (ML90059) - Compliance Monitoring Locations MN_D004 491347 7578431 Cannington Homestead Monthly MN_D039 490818 7585696 MN_D040 487963 7587302 Village Monthly MN_D041 495068 7587156 Airstrip north Monthly Old Trepell Homestead Monthly Cannington Mine (ML90059) - Reference Monitoring Locations MN_D042 496292 7580848 Limestone Hills Monthly Monthly MN_D043 492371 7577779 Lower Hamilton Monthly Cannington Mine (ML90059) - Observation Monitoring Locations Monthly Monthly MN D001 490127 7585223 Refer to Schedule J - Monthly MN D002 492115 7582501 Figure 1 Monthly Monthly MN D003 492422 7581158 Monthly Monthly MN D005 491619 7581205 Monthly Monthly MN D006 491726 7582589 Monthly Monthly MN D007 491503 7582786 Monthly MN D008 491206 7582784 MN D009 491085 7582518 MN D010 491219 7582023 MN D012 491463 7582445 MN D013 491594 7583796 MN D014 491557 7582250 MN D016 491838 7581186 Western side Sa50 Vent fans Permit Environmental Authority
- B10
The environmental authority holder must monitor air quality indicators specified in Schedule B - Table 3 (Dust and Particulate Deposition Trigger Levels and Limits) at the monitoring locations and at the frequency specified in Schedule B - Table 4 (Dust and Particulate Deposition Monitoring Locations and Frequency) and shown in Schedule J - Figure 1 (Cannington Mine Dust Monitoring Locations) and Figure 2 (Yurbi Dust Monitoring Locations).
- B11
Dust and particulate deposition samples must be analysed each calendar month to determine: a) a monthly average dust deposition rate (mg/m2/day); and b) the concentration of contaminants indicated in Schedule B - Table 3 (Dust and Particulate Deposition Trigger Levels and Limits), reported as an average daily rate (-g/m2/day). Air Quality Monitoring - Investigation
- B12
In the event that monitoring conducted in accordance with condition (B5) identifies an exceedance of a limit specified in Schedule B - Table 1 (Ambient Air Quality Limits - Particulate Matter) or in the event that monitoring conducted in accordance with Conditions (B10) identifies an exceedance of a trigger level or limit specified in Schedule B - Table 4 (Dust and Particulate Deposition Trigger Levels and Limits), the environmental authority holder must: a) complete an investigation to identify the potential cause of the exceedance and the potential for environmental harm being caused or likely to be caused by the exceedance; b) if the investigation shows that the exceedance is not attributable to the mining activities then no further action is required and this must be advised to the administering authority; c) if the investigation shows that the exceedance is attributable to the mining activities provide a written report to the administering authority within three (3) months of the date of the original exceedance, outlining: i) details of the investigation carried out; and ii) actions taken to prevent environmental harm. Concentrate Management
- B13
The holder must employ reasonable and feasible controls and measures to ensure that dust and particulate matter emissions generated through concentrate storage and handling activities are minimised and to ensure acceptable environmental performance against compliance monitoring and reporting requirements as conditioned under this environmental authority. Power Generation
- B14
The release of emissions to air from the Cannington power stations must only occur from those release points identified in Schedule B - Table 5 (Power Station Point Source Air Emissions) and must be directed vertically upwards without any impedance or hindrance. Schedule B - Table 5 (Power Station Point Source Air Emissions) Location (GDA94)(Zone 54) Monitoring Frequency Location Source Description Easting Northing Permit Environmental Authority Cannington Power 26 natural gas engines 491177 7582652 Three sets Station annually 4 backup diesel engines
- B15
Emissions must be monitored at a frequency not less than that specified in Schedule B - Table 5 (Power Station Point Source Air Emissions).
- B16
Monitoring of any releases to the air from the Cannington Power Station required by a condition of this environmental authority must be carried out in accordance with the following requirements: a) monitoring provisions for the release points listed in Schedule B - Table 5 (Power Station Point Source Air Emissions) must comply with the Australian Standard AS4323.1 - 1995 `Stationary source emissions Method 1: Selection of sampling positions' (or more recent editions). b) the following tests must be performed for the power station release points specified in Schedule B - Table 5 (Power Station Point Source Air Emissions): (i) gas velocity and volume flow rate; (ii) temperature; (iii) water vapour concentration (moisture content); (iv) NOx as NO2; (c) where practicable, samples must be taken when emissions are expected to be at maximum rates. (d) during the sampling of the Cannington Power Station release points, the following additional information must be gathered: (i) power generation rate at the time of sampling; (ii) fuel type and consumption rate; and (iii) reference to the actual test methods and accuracy of the methods. Air Quality Monitoring Requirements
- B17
Samples taken for air quality monitoring specified in this environmental authority must be collected and analysed in accordance with the requirements of the administering authority's latest edition of the Air Quality Sampling Manual, or more recent editions or supplements to that document as are published by the administering authority, unless otherwise agreed by the administering authority in writing. Permit Environmental Authority Schedule C - Water General
- C1
Contaminants that will, or have the potential to cause environmental harm, must not be released directly or indirectly to any receiving environment except as permitted under the conditions of this environmental authority.
- C2
The maintenance and cleaning of any vehicles, plant or equipment must not be carried out in areas where contaminants will be released into any waters, roadside gutter or stormwater drainage system that is outside the levee/containment bund.
- C3
Any spillage of wastes, contaminants or other materials must be cleaned up as quickly as practicable to minimise the release of wastes, contaminants or materials to any stormwater drainage system or waters.
- C4
Reference site monitoring data used to establish trigger levels and contaminant limits specified in Schedule C of this environmental authority, and the relevant trigger levels and contaminant limits must be provided to the administering authority no later than ten (10) business days after the data becomes available.
- C5
By 1 June each year the environmental authority holder must provide the administering authority an update of monitoring data and associated trigger levels and contaminant limits specified in Schedule C of this environmental authority, incorporating monitoring data obtained during the previous twelve (12) months.
- C6
All determinations of water quality/sample analysis required under a condition of this environmental authority must be: (a) performed by a person or body possessing appropriate experience and qualifications to competently perform the required measurements; and (b) made in accordance with methods prescribed in the latest edition of the Administering Authority's Monitoring and Sampling Manual; and (c) carried out on representative samples; and (d) collected from the monitoring locations identified in this environmental authority, within two (2) hours of each other where possible; and (e) for laboratory testing undertaken using a laboratory accredited (e.g. NATA) for the method of analysis being used.
- C7
The following information must be recorded in relation to all water monitoring required under the conditions of this environmental authority and submitted to the administering authority in the specified format when requested: (a) the date and time when the sample was taken; (b) the monitoring point where the sample was taken; (c) the measured or estimated daily quantity of the contaminants released from all release points; (d) the release flow rate at the time of sampling for each release point; (e) the results of all monitoring and details of any exceedances with the conditions of this environmental authority; and (f) all water quality monitoring data.
- C8
The release of contaminants directly or indirectly to waters must not: (a) produce any slick or other visible or odorous evidence of oil, grease or petrochemicals; nor; (b) contain visible floating oil or grease; or (c) cause visible discolouration of the receiving waters. Permit Environmental Authority Contaminant Release to Waters
- C9
The release of contaminants to waters must only occur from the release points specified in Schedule C - Table 1 (Contaminant Release Locations) and depicted in Schedule J - Figure 3 (Cannington Mine Release Locations), Figure 4 (CLEP - Future Open Pit Release Locations) and Figure 5 (Yurbi Release Locations). Schedule C - Table 1 (Contaminant Release Locations) Release Point Description of Release Description of Location (Zone 54) Waters Receiving Waters (GDA94) Easting Northing Cannington Mine - ML90059 Southern Bund Catch Dam Surface runoff from Trepell Creek 492239 7581473 Spillway operational area Southern Retention Pond Waste Rock Dump Hamilton River 492136 7581147 Spillway (CLEP - future Open runoff Pit) Yurbi Loading Facility - ML90077 Yurbi Pond Cell 1 Spillway Surface runoff Gum Creek 464115 7706445 Yurbi Pond Cell 4 Spillway Surface runoff Yurbi Bore Creek 463846 7706873
- C10
The release of contaminants from the authorised release points must be monitored at the locations specified in Schedule C - Table 1 (Contaminant Release Locations), for each quality characteristic and at the frequency specified in Schedule C - Table 2 (Contaminant Release Limits). Schedule C - Table 2 (Contaminant Release Limits) Quality Contaminant Monitoring Frequency Characteristic1 Limit2 (mg/L unless specified) Physicochemical pH (pH units) 6.0 (minimum)3 9.0 (maximum)3 Event based sampling of release5 or flow events6: Electrical Conductivity 10004 - One sample must be taken within twenty-four (24) hours of a @ 25C (-S/cm) release event or flow event commencing. Sulphate (SO42-) 10007 Turbidity (NTU) For interpretation - Where a release5 or a flow event6 has a duration of twenty four (24) Suspended Solids purposes hours or greater, samples must be taken daily for one (1) week, and Ammonia8 For interpretation once a week thereafter until release5 or flow event6 ceases. purposes For interpretation purposes Nitrate8 (NO3) as N 4007 Phosphate8 (PO4) as For interpretation P purposes For interpretation Total Hardness purposes Permit Environmental Authority Major Cations and For interpretation Anions purposes Temperature For interpretation purposes Metals and Metalloids Aluminium 57 Event based sampling of release5 or flow events6: Antimony Arsenic (Total)9 For interpretation - One sample must be taken within twenty-four (24) hours of a Bismuth Cadmium purposes Chromium (Cr VI)10 Cobalt 0.57 release event or flow event commencing. Copper Iron For interpretation - Where a release5 or a flow event6 has a duration of twenty four (24) Lead purposes hours or greater, samples must be taken daily for one (1) week, and Manganese once a week thereafter until release5 or flow event6 ceases. Mercury (inorganic) 0.017 Molybdenum
- C11
The release of contaminants to waters must not exceed the contaminant limits for each quality characteristic stated in Schedule C - Table 2 (Contaminant Release Limits). Receiving Waters Monitoring
- C12
Reference and receiving waters must be monitored at the locations specified in Schedule C - Table 3 (Receiving Waters Monitoring Locations) as identified in Schedule J - Figure 6 (Cannington Mine Receiving Water & Sediment Monitoring Locations) and Figure 7 (Yurbi Receiving Water & Sediment Monitoring Locations) for the frequency and quality characteristics stated in Schedule C - Table 4 (Receiving Waters Trigger Levels) and Table 5 (Receiving Waters Contaminant Limits). Schedule C - Table 3 (Receiving Waters Monitoring Locations) Monitoring Points Reference Location Location (GDA94) (Zone 54) Easting Northing Cannington Mine - ML90059 Reference1 MN GSW001 Upstream Hamilton River 488657 7583993 MN GSW003 Upstream Trepell Creek 492515 7584238 Yurbi Loading Facility - ML90077 Reference1 YB GSW001 Upstream Gum Creek 463769 7706103 463730 7706052 YB GSW001A3 Upstream Gum Creek 463562 7706536 YB GSW008 Upstream Yurbi Bore Creek Cannington Mine - ML90059 Compliance MN GSW002 Downstream Hamilton River 492017 7580873 MN GSW004 Downstream Trepell Creek 492350 7581058 MN GSW0052 Approximately 500m downstream of release points 492585 7580600 Yurbi Loading Facility - ML90077 Compliance YB GSW005 Downstream Gum Creek 465517 7706729 YB GSW005A3 Downstream Gum Creek 465551 7706840 YB GSW002 Downstream Yurbi Bore Creek 463801 7707030 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. Only applies during release events. 3. Applies if wet weather prevents safe access to YB_GSW001 or YB GSW005. Schedule C - Table 4 (Receiving Waters Trigger Levels) Quality Trigger Levels Monitoring Frequency Characteristic1 (-g/L unless specified)
- C13
The release of contaminants to receiving waters must not exceed the contaminant limits for each quality characteristic stated in Schedule C - Table 5 (Receiving Waters Contaminant Limits) at any of the compliance monitoring locations stated in Schedule C - Table 3 (Receiving Waters Monitoring Locations).
- C14
If quality characteristics exceeds any of the trigger levels specified in Schedule C - Table 4 (Receiving Waters Trigger Levels) at any of the compliance monitoring locations in Schedule C - Table 3 (Receiving Waters Monitoring Locations), the environmental authority holder must compare the downstream results in the receiving waters during that event to the trigger levels in Schedule C - Table 3 (Receiving Waters Monitoring Locations), and: a) If the level of contaminants at the downstream site does not exceed the reference site, then no action is to be taken; or b) If the level of contaminants at the downstream site is greater than the reference monitoring site data, complete an investigation in accordance with the ANZECC & ARMCANZ (2000) methodology into the potential for environmental harm and provide a written report to the administering authority within three (3) months outlining: i) details of the investigations carried out; and ii) actions taken to prevent environmental harm Note: Where an exceedance of a trigger level has occurred and is being investigated, in accordance with C14 (b) of this environmental authority, no further reporting is required for subsequent trigger events for that quality characteristic. Stream Flow Monitoring
- C15
The environmental authority holder must not release any waters unless it has installed, operates and maintains a stream flow gauging station to determine and record stream flows at the locations upstream of each release point as specified in Schedule C - Table 6 (Contaminant Release During Flow Events) for any receiving water into which a release occurs.
- C16
Notwithstanding any other condition of this environmental authority, the release of contaminants to waters must only take place during periods of natural flow events specified as minimum flow in Schedule C - Table 6 (Contaminant Release During Flow Events) and at the contaminant release point(s) specified in Schedule C - Table 1 (Contaminant Release Locations). Schedule C - Table 6 (Contaminant Release During Flow Events) Receiving Release Gauging Location (GDA94) Minimum Flow Flow recording water point station (Zone 54) in Receiving Frequency description description Water Required Easting Northing Permit Environmental Authority Hamilton River TBA1 Upstream 489357 7583311 for a Release Continuous Event (minimum daily) Hamilton River As specified in condition C17 Gum Creek TBA1 Gauging TBA1 TBA1 station 2 Yurbi Bore TBA1 Gauging TBA1 TBA1 Creek station 3 Trepell Creek TBA1 Upstream 492515 7584238 Trepell Creek 1) To be provided to the administering authority within three (3) months of installation. Note: The volume of flow must be a quantifiable measure, e.g: 5m3/sec
- C17
At the time of release from the authorised release points specified in Schedule C - Table 1 (Contaminant Release Locations) the water flow volume in the respective receiving water must be at least twenty (20) times the volume at which respective contaminated waters are released.
- C18
The daily quantity of contaminants released from each release point must be accurately measured and recorded at the monitoring points specified in Schedule C - Table 1 (Contaminant Release Locations). Notification of Release Event
- C19
The environmental authority holder must notify the administering authority as soon as practicable of a release event (no later than twenty-four (24) hours of having commenced releasing contaminated water to the receiving environment). Notification must include the submission of written verification to the administering authority of the following information: (a) release commencement date/time; (b) expected release cessation date/time; (c) release point/s; (d) release volume (estimated); (e) receiving water/s including the natural flow rate; and (f) any details (including available data) regarding likely impacts on the receiving water(s).
- C20
The environmental authority holder must notify the administering authority as soon as practicable, (within twenty-four (24) hours after cessation of a release) of the cessation of a release notified under Condition (C19) and within 28 days provide the following information in writing: (a) release cessation date/time; (b) natural flow volume in receiving water; (c) volume of water released; (d) details regarding the compliance of the release with the conditions of Schedule C in this environmental authority (i.e. contamination limits, natural flow, discharge volume); (e) all water quality monitoring results; and (f) any other matters pertinent to the water release event. Onsite Water Storages
- C21
Water storages specified in Schedule C - Table 7 (Water Storage Monitoring) must be monitored at the monitoring locations and at the monitoring frequency specified in Schedule C - Table 7 (Water Storage Monitoring) for the water quality characteristics specified in Schedule C - Table 8 (Onsite Storage Contaminant Limits). Permit Environmental Authority For reference: Water storage locations at the Cannington Mine are depicted in Schedule J - Figure 8 (Cannington Mine Onsite Storage Locations) Schedule C - Table 7 (Water Storage Monitoring) Water Storage Description Monitoring Location Frequency of Monitoring (GDA94) (Zone 54) For the routine monitoring of Easting Northing onsite water locations: - Quarterly Cannington Mine - ML90059 Tailings Storage Facility (Cell 1) 490787 7583265 (MN_W006) Tailings Storage Facility (Cell 2) 490512 7583601 (MN_W005) Tailings Storage Facility (Cell 3) 489772 7584442 (MN_W069) Offline Water Storage Facility. 491084 7584070 (MN_W070) Western Catch Dam 491236 7582040 (MN_W014) South ROM Dam 491633 7581654 (MN_W071) Effluent Dam 490412 7582943 (MN_W023) Decant Dam (Return Water Dam) 491034 7583037 (MN_W008) Eastern Catch Dam (Process Plant Stormwater) 491652 7582562 (MN_W012) Tailings Storage Facility (Expansion) 490406 7584328 (CLEP - future Open Pit)
- C22
In the event that water storages defined in Schedule C - Table 7 (Water Storage Monitoring) exceed the contaminant limits defined in Schedule C - Table 8 (Onsite Storage Contaminant Limits), the environmental authority holder must implement measures to prevent access to waters by all livestock and minimise access by native fauna. Schedule C - Table 8 (Onsite Storage Contaminant Limits) Quality Characteristic1 Test data set Contaminant Limit2 pH (pH unit)3 Range 4 (minimum) 9 (maximum) EC ( -S/cm) Maximum 5970 Sulphate(mg/L) Maximum 1000 Fluoride (mg/L) Maximum 2 Aluminium (mg/L) Maximum 5 Arsenic (mg/L) Maximum 0.5 Cadmium (mg/L) Maximum 0.01 Chromium (mg/L) Maximum 1 Cobalt (mg/L) Maximum 1 Copper (mg/L) Maximum 1 Lead (mg/L) Maximum 0.1 Nickel (mg/L) Maximum 1 Zinc (mg/L) Maximum 20 Mercury (mg/L) Maximum 0.002 Selenium (mg/L) Maximum 0.02 1) All metals and metalloids must be measured as total (unfiltered). 2) Contaminant limit based on ANZECC & ARMCANZ (2000) stock water quality guidelines. 3) 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". Stream Sediment
- C23
Sediment quality of the reference and receiving waters must be monitored twice a year (once at the end of the wet season and once at the end of the dry season) at the monitoring Permit Environmental Authority locations defined in Schedule C - Table 9 (Stream Sediment Monitoring Locations) and identified in Schedule J - Figure 6 (Cannington Mine Surface Water & Sediment Monitoring Locations) and Schedule J - Figure 7 (Yurbi Surface Water & Sediment Monitoring Locations). Schedule C - Table 9 (Stream Sediment Monitoring Locations) Monitoring Points Stream Sediment Location Description Location (GDA94) (Zone 54) Easting Northing Cannington Mine - ML90059 Reference1 / upstream Monitoring Points MN S041 Upstream Hamilton River 488657 7583993 MN S042 Upstream Trepell Creek 492515 7584238 Yurbi Loading Facility - ML90077 Reference1 / upstream Monitoring Points YB S010 Gum Creek 463769 7706103 YB S017 Yurbi Bore Creek 463562 7706536 Cannington Mine - ML90059 Downstream Monitoring Points MN S044 Downstream Hamilton River 492017 7580873 MN S045 Directly below Southern Retention Pond 492128 7581243 Spillway MN S043A Downstream Trepell Creek 492403 7580884 Yurbi Loading Facility - ML90077 Downstream Monitoring Points YB S014 Gum Creek 465517 7706729 YB S011 Yurbi Bore Creek 463801 7707030 YB S043 Fisher Creek 464199 7708047 YB S044 Fisher Creek 466335 7707846 YB S045 Yurbi Bore Creek 463779 7707302 YB S046 Yurbi Bore Creek 463851 7707619 1 Reference sites must: a) be from the same bio-geographic and climatic region;
- C24
The release of contaminants from the licensed place must not result in an exceedance of the sediment contaminant limits specified in Schedule C - Table 10 (Stream Sediment Trigger Levels and Contaminant Limits). Schedule C - Table 10 (Stream Sediment Trigger Levels and Contaminant Limits) Permit Environmental Authority Parameter Unit Trigger Level Contaminant Limit Arsenic mg/kg Reference1,2 data set or 203, 704 or three (3) times the reference1,2 whichever is higher data set, whichever is higher Antimony mg/kg Reference1,2 data set or 23, 254 or three (3) times the reference1,2 whichever is higher data set, whichever is higher Cadmium mg/kg Reference1,2 data set or 1.53, 103 or three (3) times the reference1,2 whichever is higher data set, whichever is higher Chromium mg/kg Reference1,2 data set or 803, 3704 or three (3) times the reference1,2 whichever is higher data set, whichever is higher Copper mg/kg Reference1,2 data set or 653, 2704 or three (3) times the reference1,2 whichever is higher data set, whichever is higher Lead mg/kg Reference1,2 data set or 503 2204 or three (3) times the reference1,2 whichever is higher data set, whichever is higher Manganese mg/kg Reference1,2 data set three (3) times the reference1,2 data set Mercury mg/kg Reference1,2 data set or 0.153 14 or three (3) times the reference1,2 whichever is higher data set, whichever is higher Nickel mg/kg Reference1,2 data set or 213, 524 or three (3) times the reference1,2 whichever is higher data set, whichever is higher Selenium mg/kg Reference1,2 data set three (3) times the reference1,2 data set Silver mg/kg Reference1,2 data set or 23, 3.74 or three (3) times the reference1,2 whichever is higher data set, whichever is higher Sulphate mg/kg Reference1,2 data set three (3) times the reference1,2 data set Zinc mg/kg Reference1,2 data set or 2003 or, 4104 or three (3) times the reference1,2 whichever is higher data set, whichever is higher Particle Size For interpretation purposes Distribution 1) Reference sites are defined in Schedule C - Table 9 (Stream Sediment Monitoring Locations). 2) Based on results from the Receiving Environment Monitoring Program. 3) ANZECC & ARMCANZ (2000) Interim Sediment Quality Guidelines - low data sets based on total sediments. 4) ANZECC & ARMCANZ (2000) Interim Sediment Quality Guidelines - high data sets based on total sediments.
- C25
If the quality characteristics of sediments exceed any of the trigger levels specified in Schedule C - Table 10 (Stream Sediment Trigger Levels and Contaminant Limits), the holder of this environmental authority must compare the results of the downstream site to the data from upstream reference monitoring sites and: a) If the level of contaminants at the downstream site does not exceed the upstream reference monitoring site data, then no action is to be taken; or b) If the level of contaminants at the downstream site is greater than the reference monitoring site data, complete an investigation in accordance with the ANZECC & ARMCANZ (2000) methodology, into the potential for environmental harm and provide a written report to the administering authority within three (3) months, outlining: i) details of the investigations carried out; ii) details of the environmental impacts observed; and iii) actions taken to prevent environmental harm. Permit Environmental Authority Note: Where an exceedance of a trigger level has occurred and is being investigated, in accordance with part (b) of this condition, no further reporting is required for subsequent trigger events for that quality characteristic within the three month investigation period.
- C26
All stream sediment sampling must be undertaken in accordance with the most recent version of Australian Standard AS 5667.12 Guidance on Sampling of Bottom Sediments. Receiving Environment Monitoring Program (REMP)
- C27
A REMP must be developed, implemented and maintained on an ongoing basis to monitor and record the effects of the release of contaminants on the receiving environment periodically and whilst contaminants are being discharged from the licensed place, with the aims of identifying and describing the extent of any adverse impacts to local environmental data sets, and monitoring any changes in the receiving water. For the purposes of the REMP, the receiving environment is: i) the waters of Hamilton River and Trepell Creek and connected waterways within 5km downstream of the release points identified in Schedule C - Table 1 (Contaminant Release Locations). ii) the waters of Gum Creek and Yurbi Bore Creek and connected waterways within 5km downstream of the release points identified in Schedule C - Table 1 (Contaminant Release Locations).
- C28
The REMP must address (but not necessarily be limited to) the following: (a) Description of potentially affected receiving waters including key communities and background water quality characteristics based on accurate and reliable monitoring data that takes into consideration any temporal variation (e.g. seasonality); (b) Description of applicable environmental data sets and water quality objectives to be achieved (i.e. as scheduled pursuant to the Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009); (c) Any relevant reports prepared by other governmental or professional research organisations that relate to the receiving environment within which the REMP applies; (d) Water quality targets within the receiving environment to be achieved, and clarification of contaminant concentrations or level indicating adverse environmental impacts during the REMP; (e) Monitoring for any potential adverse environmental impacts caused by a release of contaminants to any receiving waters, including impacts to the surface waters between the licensed release locations specified in Schedule C - Table 1 (Contaminant Release Locations) and the compliance monitoring locations specified in Schedule C - Table 3 (Receiving Waters Monitoring Locations); (f) Monitoring of stream flow and hydrology; (g) Monitoring of toxicants should consider the indicators specified in Schedule C - Table 4 (Receiving Waters Trigger Levels) and Table 5 (Receiving Waters Contaminant Limits) to assess the extent of the compliance of concentrations with water quality objectives and/or the ANZECC & ARMCANZ (2000) guidelines for slightly to moderately disturbed ecosystems; (h) Monitoring as a minimum the parameters specified in Schedule C - Table 4 (Receiving Waters Trigger Levels) and Table 5 (Receiving Waters Contaminant Limits) (in addition to dissolved oxygen saturation and temperature); (i) Monitoring biological indicators (for macroinvertebrates in accordance with the AusRivas methodology / the latest edition of the Administering Authority's monitoring and sampling manual) and metals/metalloids in sediments (in accordance with ANZECC & ARMCANZ (2000), Permit Environmental Authority BATLEY and/or the most recent version of AS5667.1 Guidance on Sampling of Bottom Sediments) for permanent, semi-permanent water holes and water storages; (j) The location of monitoring points (including but not limited to the locations specified in Schedule C - Table 3 (Receiving Waters Monitoring Locations) which are reference and downstream impacted sites for each release point, and mixing zones identified in ; (k) The frequency or scheduling of sampling and analysis sufficient to determine water quality objectives and to derive site specific reference data sets within 2 years (depending on wet season flows) in accordance with the latest edition of the Administering Authority's Queensland Water Quality Guidelines. For ephemeral streams, this should include periods of flow irrespective of mine or other releases; (l) Specify sampling and analysis methods and quality assurance and control; (m) Any historical datasets to be relied upon; (n) Description of the statistical basis on which conclusions are drawn; and (o) Any spatial and temporal controls to exclude potential confounding factors.
- C29
A report outlining the findings of the REMP, including all monitoring results and interpretations in accordance with Condition (C28) must be prepared and submitted in writing to the administering authority by 1 May 2016 and thereafter once every 12 months. This report must include an assessment of background water quality, any assimilative capacity for those contaminants monitored and the suitability of current discharge limits to protect downstream environmental values. Water Management Plan
- C30
A Water Management Plan must be developed and implemented by 1 April 2015 that provides for the proper and effective management of the actual and potential environmental impacts resulting from the mining activity and to ensure compliance with the conditions of this environmental authority.
- C31
The Water Management Plan must be developed in accordance with the most recent edition of the administering authority's Guideline for Preparation of a Water Management Plan 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.
- C32
In any year that a release event occurs, the environmental authority holder must undertake a review of the Water Management Plan before the following the wet season (i.e. by 1 September 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.
- C33
A copy of the Water Management Plan and/or a review of the Water Management Plan must be provided to the administering authority on request. Groundwater Permit Environmental Authority
- C34
By no later than six (6) months prior to commencement of open pit mining activities the environmental authority holder must submit a groundwater monitoring program to the administering authority that: a) Identifies groundwater monitoring locations required for the Cannington Life Extension Project that adequately characterises the potential groundwater impacts; b) Identifies existing and required groundwater monitoring locations for the existing Cannington Mine operations and the Yurbi Loading Facility; c) Details the existing monitoring network installed in the Proterozoic rocks and Cretaceous sands surrounding the pit; d) Provides justification for the location of the proposed groundwater monitoring locations; e) Provides bore construction details; f) Incorporates the findings from any resistivity studies undertaken at the licensed place; g) Incorporates monitoring of both shallow and deep groundwater and includes an adequate number of monitoring bores which provides sufficient spatial coverage to enable scientifically justifiable conclusions in relation to potential environmental impacts from the mining activity; and h) Incorporates development of baseline groundwater quality, groundwater flow direction and rate and hydraulic conductivity. In addition, consideration must be given to how these parameters may change during the life of the mining project.
- C35
The groundwater monitoring program specified in condition (C34) must be independently certified by an appropriately qualified person.
- C36
The Groundwater Monitoring Program must be reviewed at least once a year before 1 October 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.
- C37
Groundwater quality and level must be monitored at the locations and frequencies defined in Schedule C - Table 11 (Groundwater Monitoring Locations and Frequency) and identified in Schedule J - figures 9a (Cannington Groundwater Monitoring Locations A - Deep), 9b (Cannington Groundwater Monitoring Locations A - Shallow), 10 (Cannington Groundwater Monitoring Location B), 11 (Cannington Groundwater Monitoring Location C), and 17 (Yurbi Groundwater Monitoring Locations), for quality characteristics identified in Schedule C - Table 12 (Groundwater Trigger Levels - Deep Bores) and Table 13 (Groundwater Contaminant Limits - Deep Bores). Schedule C - Table 11 (Groundwater Monitoring Locations and Frequency) Location (GDA94, Zone 54) 2 Monitoring Frequency Monitoring Point 2 Easting 2 Northing 2 Surface RL1 (m) 2 2 Cannington Mine - ML90059 Compliance Bores - Deep Bores MN_P057A1 491444 7581535 253.51 Quarterly MN_P057A2 491451 7581548 253.53 MN_P058G1 491200 7580504 252.2 MN_P058G2 491200 7580504 252.1 MN_P058H1 492230 7580500 251.11 MN_P058H2 492230 7580500 250.90 MN_RC03A 493039 7581272 253.51 Permit Environmental Authority MN_RC03B 493037 7581265 253.63 MN_RC04A 491742 7580498 251.77 MN_RC04B 491735 7580499 251.61 Compliance Bores - Shallow Bores 7582918 256.33 7582915 256.33 MN P014A1 491247 7583430 257.42 7583806 258.64 MN P014A2 491243 7584177 260.39 7583901 263.13 MN P014B2 491149 7583902 263.13 7583585 260.82 MN P014C2 490888 7583586 260.82 7583240 259.98 MN P014D2 490564 7583242 259.98 MN P014G1 489659 7582928 258.48 MN P014G2 489661 7582928 258.48 7582869 259.01 MN P014H1 489565 7582870 259.01 7582709 256.56 MN P014H2 489567 7584628 262.00 7584628 262.00 MN P014I1 489770 7584802 263.18 7584802 263.24 MN P014I2 489770 7584466 264.95 7584466 264.96 MN P014J1 490067 7584085 263.68 7584085 263.62 MN P014J2 490067 7583747 257.5 7584102 259.1
- C38
Monitoring of groundwater from compliance bores identified in Schedule C - Table 11 (Groundwater Monitoring Locations and Frequency), must not exceed any of the contaminant limits defined in Schedule C - Table 13 (Groundwater Contaminant Limits - Deep Bores) and Table 15 (Groundwater Contaminant Limits - Shallow Bores). Schedule C - Table 13 (Groundwater Contaminant Limits - Deep Bores) Quality Characteristic1 Contaminant Limits Monitoring (mg/L unless specified) Frequency Initial2 Final4 Interim3 Physicochemical Reference5 95th percentile6 of 95th percentile6 of pH (pH units) data set Reference data set5 Reference data set5 Electrical Conductivity @ Reference5 95th percentile6 of 95th percentile6 of 25C (-S/cm) data set Reference data set5 Reference data set5 Sulphate (SO42-) (mg/L) Reference5 95th percentile6 of 95th percentile6 of data set Reference data set5 Reference data set5 Turbidity (NTU) Reference5 95th percentile6 of 95th percentile6 of data set Reference data set5 Reference data set5 Suspended Solids Reference5 95th percentile6 of 95th percentile6 of For routine Ammonia (NH3) data set Reference data set5 Reference data set5 monitoring: Nitrate (NO3) as N Phosphate (PO4) as P Reference5 95th percentile6 of 95th percentile6 of - Quarterly data set Reference data set5 Reference data set5 Reference5 95th percentile6 of 95th percentile6 of data set Reference data set5 Reference data set5 Reference5 data set 95th percentile6 of 95th percentile6 of Reference data set5 Reference data set5 Total Hardness For interpretation purposes only. Major Cations and For interpretation purposes only. Anions Metals and Metalloids Aluminium Reference5 95th percentile6 of 95th percentile6 of data set Reference data set5 Reference data set5 Antimony (Sb III) Reference5 95th percentile6 of 95th percentile6 of For routine Arsenic (Total) data set Reference data set5 Reference data set5 monitoring: Bismuth Cadmium Reference5 95th percentile6 of 95th percentile6 of - Quarterly data set Reference data set5 Reference data set5 Reference5 95th percentile6 of 95th percentile6 of data set Reference data set5 Reference data set5
- C39
If quality characteristics of groundwater from compliance bores identified in Schedule C - Table 11 (Groundwater Monitoring Locations and Frequency) exceed any of the trigger levels stated in Schedule C - Table 12 (Groundwater Trigger Levels - Deep Bores) and Table 14 (Groundwater Trigger Levels - Shallow Bores), the environmental authority holder must compare the compliance monitoring bore results to the reference bore results and: (a) if the level of contaminants at the compliance monitoring bore does not exceed the reference bore results, then no action is to be taken; and (b) if the level of contaminants at the compliance monitoring bore is greater than the reference bore results, complete an investigation in accordance with the ANZECC & ARMCANZ (2000), into the potential for environmental harm and provide a written report to the administering authority within 3 months, outlining: (i) details of the investigations carried out; and (ii) actions taken to prevent environmental harm. Note: Where an exceedance of a trigger level has occurred and is being investigated, in accordance with Condition (C38) (b) of this condition, no further reporting is required for subsequent trigger events for that quality characteristic within the three month investigation period. Monitoring bore construction, maintenance and decommissioning
- C40
Groundwater monitoring bores must be constructed and operated in accordance with methods prescribed in the latest edition of the Agriculture and Resource Management Council of Australia and New Zealand manual titled Minimum Construction Requirements for Water Bores in Australia.
- C41
Oil-based drilling fluids, oil-based additives, synthetic based drilling fluids or synthetic based additives must not be used in the construction of groundwater monitoring bores.
- C42
Current Material Safety Data Sheets for all substances used for the drilling of groundwater monitoring bores must be made available to the administering authority promptly upon request.
- C43
Remedial measures must be taken immediately if the holder of this environmental authority becomes aware that either monitoring bore construction, maintenance or decommissioning have Permit Environmental Authority resulted in a change in groundwater quality, groundwater levels or have caused the interconnection of aquifers. Groundwater monitoring report
- C44
The environmental authority holder must complete a groundwater monitoring report within three (3) months following the end of every two (2) years and submit this report to the administering authority within one (1) week of completion. The report must address the following requirements as a minimum: a) Analyses of groundwater chemistry and hydrogeological data for all groundwater monitoring bores listed in Schedule C - Table 11 (Groundwater Monitoring Locations and Frequency) of this Authority; b) Identify exceedance of any contaminant trigger levels or limits listed in Schedule C - Table 12 (Groundwater Trigger Levels - Deep Bores), Table 13 (Groundwater Contaminant Limits - Deep Bores), Table 14 (Groundwater Trigger Levels - Shallow Bores) or Schedule C - Table 15 (Groundwater Contaminant Limits - Shallow Bores); c) Discuss effectiveness of the current groundwater monitoring regime and any improvements that could be made to ensure early detection of impacts to groundwater; d) Detail proposed actions and timeframes to undertake further investigation of potential environmental impacts for any exceedance identified; e) Detail proposed mitigation measures for any detected impact to groundwater resulting from mining activity; f) Changes in groundwater levels plotted as a function of time to identify seasonal patterns and possible draw-down effects; g) Groundwater elevation contours and flow direction; and h) Interpretation and discussion of exceedance of any contaminant trigger levels or limits listed in Schedule C - Table 12 (Groundwater Trigger Levels - Deep Bores), Table 13 (Groundwater Contaminant Limits - Deep Bores), Table 14 (Groundwater Trigger Levels - Shallow Bores) or Schedule C - Table 15 (Groundwater Contaminant Limits - Shallow Bores) and the implications for compliance with this environmental authority.
- C45
The method of sampling of groundwater must comply with that set out in the latest edition of the Administering Authority's Monitoring and Sampling Manual. TSF Monitoring
- C46
Groundwater must be monitored for the parameters at the locations and frequencies defined in Schedule C - Table 16 (TSF Monitoring Program) for the quality characteristics specified in Schedule C - Table 14 (Groundwater Trigger Levels - Shallow Bores), Table 15 (Groundwater Contaminant Limits - Shallow Bores) and as identified in Schedule J - figures 9a (Cannington Groundwater Monitoring Locations A - Deep), 9b (Cannington Groundwater Monitoring Locations A - Shallow), 12 (TSF Seepage Monitoring Locations A), 13 (TSF Seepage Monitoring Locations B) and 14 (TSF Seepage Compliance Bores). Schedule C - Table 16 (TSF Monitoring Program) Location (GDA94) (Zone 54) Monitoring Location Parameters Frequency Easting Northing Permit Environmental Authority Interception Bores 490428 7584265 Water Quality1,2 Once every three (3)
- IN01
490456 7584232 Flow Rate1,2 months
- IN03
490520 7584155 Water Levels Once every two (2)
- IN12
490796 7583831 IN13 Piezometers 490757 7583805 MN_P019A 490783 7583831 MN_P019B 490783 7583831 MN_P019C 490658 7583924 MN_P020A 490689 7583948 MN_P020B 490689 7583948 MN_P020C 490563 7584039 MN_P021A 490588 7584059 MN_P021B 490588 7584059 MN_P021C 490468 7584155 MN_P022A 490492 7584174 MN_P022B 490492 7584174 MN_P022C 490374 7584272 MN_P023A 490398 7584291 MN_P023B 490398 7584291 MN_P023C 490254 7584199 MN_P024A 490233 7584224 MN_P024B 490233 7584224 MN_P024C 490098 7584074 MN_P025A 490080 7584096 MN_P025B Permit Environmental Authority MN_P025C 490080 7584096 Water Quality1 Once every twelve MN_P026A 489943 7583947 Water Level (12) months MN_P026B 489924 7583970 MN_P026C 489924 7583970 Once every three (3) MN_P027A 489942 7583761 months MN_P027B 489917 7583741 MN_P027C 489917 7583741 Water Quality1 Once every two (2) MN_P028A 490069 7583607 months MN_P028B 490045 7583587 MN_P028C 490045 7583587 MN_P029A 490196 7583453 MN_P029B 490173 7583433 MN_P029C 490173 7583433 Monitoring Bores
- OB018
490748 7583917 Compliance Bores MN TBA3 TBA3 TBA3 MN TBA3 TBA3 TBA3 Permit Environmental Authority MN TBA3 TBA3 TBA3 Water Level MN TBA3 TBA3 TBA3 MN TBA3 TBA3 TBA3 MN TBA3 TBA3 TBA3 1 Refers to the Quality Characteristics specified in Schedule C - Table 14 (Groundwater Trigger Levels - Shallow Bores) and Table 15 (Groundwater Contaminant Limits - Shallow Bores). 2 Seepage in bores IN01 to IN13 to be determined as an aggregate as these bores are interconnected. 3 To be advised by the environmental authority holder by no later than 1 November 2014.
- C47
The environmental authority holder must develop, implement and maintain on an ongoing basis a groundwater monitoring program that: a) Identifies groundwater monitoring locations required to delineate the extent of seepage from TSF Cell 2 and that adequately characterises the potential groundwater impacts; b) Provides justification for the location of the proposed groundwater compliance bore monitoring locations; c) Provides bore construction details; and d) Incorporates monitoring of both shallow and deep groundwater and includes an adequate number of monitoring bores which provides sufficient spatial coverage to enable scientifically justifiable conclusions in relation to potential environmental impacts from TSF Cell 2.
- C48
The groundwater monitoring program specified in condition (C46) must be independently certified by an appropriately qualified person.
- C49
If quality characteristics of groundwater from compliance bores identified in Schedule C - Table 16 (TSF Monitoring Program) exceed any of the trigger levels stated in Schedule C - Table 14 (Groundwater Trigger Levels - Shallow Bores) the holder of this environmental authority must compare the monitoring bore results to the reference bore1 results and: (a) if the level of contaminants at a compliance bore does not exceed the reference bore results, then no action is to be taken; and (b) if the level of contaminants at a compliance bore is greater than the reference bore results, complete an investigation in accordance with the ANZECC & ARMCANZ (2000), into the potential for environmental harm and provide a written report to the administering authority within 3 months, outlining: (i) details of the investigations carried out; and (ii) actions taken to prevent environmental harm. 1 Reference bores identified in Schedule C - Table 11 (Groundwater Monitoring Locations and Frequency) Note: Where an exceedance of a trigger level has occurred and is being investigated, in accordance with C48 (b) of this condition, no further reporting is required for subsequent trigger events for that quality characteristic within the three month investigation period.
- C50
Monitoring of groundwater from compliance bores identified in Schedule C - Table 16 (TSF Monitoring Program), must not exceed any of the contaminant limits defined in Schedule C - Table 15 (Groundwater Contaminant Limits - Shallow Bores). Saline, acid and metalliferous drainage
- C51
The environmental authority holder must ensure proper and effective measures are taken to avoid or otherwise minimise the generation of saline, acid and/or metalliferous mine drainage as a result of the mining activity. Erosion and Sediment Control Permit Environmental Authority
- C52
By no later than six (6) months prior to commencement of open pit mining activities an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan must be developed by an appropriately qualified person and implemented for all stages of the mining activity on the licensed place to minimise erosion and the release of sediment to receiving waters and contamination of stormwater.
- C53
The Erosion and Sediment Control Plan must include the following stormwater management functions: (a) Prevent or minimise the contamination of receiving waters and stormwater; (b) Divert uncontaminated stormwater run-off around areas disturbed by mining activity or where contaminants or wastes are stored or handled; (c) Contaminated stormwater runoff, incident rainfall and leachate is collected; and treated, reused, or released in accordance with the conditions of this environmental authority; (d) Roofing or minimising the size of areas where contaminants or wastes are stored or handled; (e) Using alternate materials and or processes (such as dry absorbents) to clean up spills that will minimise the generation of contaminated waters; (f) Erosion and sediment control structures are placed to minimise erosion of disturbed areas and prevent the contamination of any waters; (g) Procedures to ensure that erosion and sediment control structures are maintained and adequate storage is available in sediment dams in accordance with design criteria; and (h) Training of staff that will be responsible for maintenance and operations of sediment and erosion control structures.
- C54
Erosion protection measures and sediment control measures must be implemented and maintained to minimise erosion and the release of sediment and contamination of storm water.
- C55
Releases to waters from the mining activity must be undertaken so as not to cause erosion of the bed and banks of the receiving waters or cause a material build-up of sediment in such waters. Permit Environmental Authority Schedule D - Sewage Treatment Sewage Treatment
- D1
The only contaminants to be released to land are treated sewage effluent in accordance with the release limits stated in Schedule D - Table D1 (Contaminant release limits to land) and the associated requirements. Schedule D - Table D1 (Contaminant release limits to land) Release Point Quality Minimum Maximum Minimum Name Characteristic frequency (units) Daily Quarterly MN_SW002A Volume (L/ha/day) - 105,000 Quarterly Fortnightly Total Nitrogen - 60 Fortnightly Fortnightly (mg/L as N) Quarterly Total Phosphorus - 15 (mg/L as P) pH (pH units) 5 9 Enterococci /E.coli - 1000 (CFU/100ml) Electrical - 1600 Conductivity (S/cm) Sodium Activity - 6 Ratio (SAR) Associated requirements 1. Disposal of effluent to land must be in accordance with the Technical Guideline for Disposal of Effluent via Irrigation (2020). 2. Volume of release must be calculated based on the total irrigation area when irrigating the maximum volume or the worked out for the area of application based on the actual volume irrigated.
- D2
Treated effluent from sewage treatment facilities must be reused by the processing plant, used for dust suppression or evaporated or released to land within the nominated area identified in Schedule J - Figure 18 (Cannington Village STP and Irrigation Area) and must not be directly released to the receiving environment.
- D3
Treated effluent released to land must be done in accordance with documentation that ensures: a) drainage to groundwater and subsurface flows of contaminants to surface waters are prevented; b) surface pondage and run-off of effluent is prevented; c) degradation of soil structure is minimised; d) soil sodicity and the build-up of nutrients and heavy metals in the soil and subsoil are minimised; e) spray drift or overspray does not carry beyond effluent disposal areas; Permit Environmental Authority f) effluent disposal areas are maintained with an appropriate crop in a viable state for transpiration and nutrient uptake; g) sufficient buffer zones are maintained between irrigation sites and sensitive environmental receptors.
- D4
Monitoring must be in accordance with the administering authority's Monitoring and Sampling Manual and all monitoring devices must be effectively calibrated and maintained.
- D5
Monitoring must be undertaken when treated sewage effluent is being irrigated, unless irrigation has ceased for longer than the relevant parameter's specified minimum frequency. Note: (e.g. if E. Coli was only required to be monitored fortnightly, then a E. Coli sample would not be required after the first fortnight following cessation of the release).
- D6
If areas irrigated with treated sewage effluent are accessible to employees or the general public, prominent signage must be provided advising that effluent is present and care should be taken to avoid consuming or otherwise coming into unprotected contact with the effluent.
- D7
The daily volume of effluent released to land must be measured and records of the volumes of effluent released kept.
- D8
When weather conditions or soil conditions preclude the release of effluent to land, effluent must not be irrigated to land. Permit Environmental Authority Schedule E - Dam and Levee Structures Assessment of Consequence Category
- E1
The consequence category of any structure must be assessed by a suitably qualified and experienced person in accordance with the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Structures (EM635) at the following times: a) prior to the design and construction of the structure, if it is not an existing structure; or b) prior to the adoption of this schedule, if is an existing structure; or c) prior to any change in its purpose or the nature of its stored contents.
- E2
A consequence assessment report and certification must be prepared for each structure assessed and the report may include a consequence assessment for more than one structure.
- E3
Certification must be provided by the suitably qualified and experienced person who undertook the assessment, in the form set out in the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Structures (EM635). Design and Construction of a Regulated Structure
- E4
Conditions E5 to E9 inclusive do not apply to existing structures.
- E5
All regulated structures must be designed by, and constructed under the supervision of, a suitably qualified and experienced person in accordance with the requirements of the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Structures (EM635).
- E6
Construction of a regulated structure is prohibited unless the holder has submitted a consequence category assessment report and certification to the administering authority has been certified by a suitably qualified and experienced person for the design and design plan and the associated operating procedures in compliance with the relevant condition of this authority.
- E7
Certification must be provided by the suitably qualified and experienced person who oversees the preparation of the design plan, in the form set out in the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Structures (EM635) and must be recorded in the Regulated Dams/Levees register.
- E8
Regulated structures must: a) be designed and constructed in accordance with and conform to the requirements of the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Structures (EM635). b) be designed and constructed with due consideration given to ensuring that the design integrity would not be compromised on account of: c) floodwaters from entering the regulated dam from any watercourse or drainage line; and d) wall failure due to erosion by floodwaters arising from any watercourse or drainage line.
- E9
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. Operation of a Regulated Structure Permit Environmental Authority
- E10
Operation of a regulated structure, except for an existing structure, is prohibited unless the holder has submitted to the administering authority: a) A copy of the design plan and certification of the `design plan' in accordance with condition E7; b) a set of `as constructed' drawings and specifications; c) certification of those `as constructed drawings and specifications' in accordance with condition E9; and d) where the regulated structure is to be managed as part of an integrated containment system for the purpose of sharing the DSA volume across the system, a copy of the certified system design plan; and e) the requirements of this authority relating to the construction of the regulated structure have been met; f) the holder has entered the details required under this authority, into a Register of Regulated Dams; and, g) there is a current operational plan for the regulated structures.
- E11
For existing structures that are regulated structures: a) where the existing structure that is a regulated structure is to be managed as part of an integrated containment system for the purpose of sharing the DSA volume across the system, the holder must submit to the administering authority within 12 months of the commencement of this condition a copy of the certified system design plan including that structure; and b) There must be a current operational plan for the existing structures.
- E12
Each regulated structure must be maintained and operated, for the duration of its operational life until decommissioned and rehabilitated, in a manner that is consistent with the current operational plan and, if applicable, the current design plan and associated certified `as constructed' drawings. Mandatory Reporting Level
- E13
Conditions E14 to E15 inclusive only apply to Regulated Structures which have not been certified as low consequence category for `failure to contain - overtopping'.
- E14
The Mandatory Reporting Level (the MRL) must be marked on a regulated dam in such a way that during routine inspections of that dam, it is clearly observable.
- E15
The holder of this environmental authority must, as soon as practical and within forty-eight (48) hours of becoming aware, notify the administering authority when the level of the contents of a regulated dam reaches the MRL.
- E16
The holder of this environmental authority must, immediately on becoming aware that the MRL has been reached, act to prevent the occurrence of any unauthorised discharge from the regulated dam.
- E17
The holder of this environmental must record any changes to the MRL in the Register of Regulated Structures. Design Storage Allowance
- E18
The holder must assess the performance of each regulated dam or linked containment system over the preceding November to May period based on actual observations of the available storage in each regulated dam or linked containment system taken prior to 1 July of each year. Permit Environmental Authority
- E19
By 1 November of each year, storage capacity must be available in each regulated dam (or network of linked containment systems with a shared DSA volume), to meet the Design Storage Allowance (DSA) volume for the dam (or network of linked containment systems).
- E20
The holder of this environmental authority must, as soon as possible and within forty-eight (48) hours of becoming aware that the regulated dam (or network of linked containment systems) will not have the available storage to meet the DSA volume on 1 November of any year, notify the administering authority.
- E21
The holder of this environmental authority must, immediately on becoming aware that a regulated dam (or network of linked containment systems) will not have the available storage to meet the DSA volume on 1 November of any year, act to prevent the occurrence of any unauthorised discharge from the regulated dam or linked containment systems. Annual Inspection Report
- E22
Each regulated structure must be inspected each calendar year by a suitably qualified and experienced person.
- E23
At each annual inspection, the condition and adequacy of all components of the regulated structure must be assessed and a suitably qualified and experienced person must prepare an annual inspection report containing details of the assessment and include recommended actions to ensure the integrity of the regulated structure.
- E24
The suitably qualified and experienced person who prepared the annual inspection report must certify the report in accordance with the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Structures (EM635).
- E25
The holder of this environmental authority must: a) within twenty (20) business days of receipt of the annual inspection report, provide to the administering authority: i) the recommendation section of the annual inspection report; and, ii) if applicable, any actions being taken in response to those recommendations; and b) If, following receipt of the recommendations and (if applicable) actions, the administering authority requests a full copy of the annual inspection report from the holder, provide this to the administering authority within 10 business days of receipt of the request. Transfer Arrangements
- E26
The holder of this environmental authority must provide a copy of any reports, documentation and certifications prepared under this authority, including but not limited to any Register of Regulated Structures, consequence assessment, design plan and other supporting documentation, to a new holder on transfer of this authority. Register of Regulated Dams
- E27
A Register of Regulated Dams must be established and maintained by the holder for each regulated dam.
- E28
The holder must provisionally enter the required information in the Register of Regulated Dams when a design plan for a regulated dam is submitted to the administering authority. Permit Environmental Authority
- E29
The holder must make a final entry of the required information in the Register of Regulated Dams once compliance with condition E9 and E10 has been achieved.
- E30
The holder must ensure that the information contained in the Register of Regulated Dams is current and complete on any given day.
- E31
All entries in the Register of Regulated Dams must be approved by the chief executive officer for the holder of this authority, or their delegate, as being accurate and correct.
- E32
The holder must, at the same time as providing the annual return, supply to the administering authority a copy of the records contained in the Register of Regulated Dams, in the electronic format required by the administering authority. Transitional arrangements
- E33
All existing structures that have not been assessed in accordance with either the Manual or the former Manual for Assessing Hazard Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Dams must be assessed and certified in accordance with the Manual within 6 months of amendment of the authority adopting this schedule.
- E34
All existing structures must subsequently comply with the timetable for any further assessments in accordance with the Manual specified in Schedule E - Table 1 (Transitional requirements for existing structures), depending on the consequence category for each existing structure assessed in the most recent previous certification for that structure. Schedule E - Table 1 (Transitional hydraulic performance requirements for existing structures) Transition period required for existing structures to achieve the requirements of the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Dams Compliance High Significant Low with criteria >90% and a No transition required No transition required No transitional history of good conditions apply. compliance Review consequence performance in assessment every 7 last 5 years years. >70%-90% Within 7 years, unless otherwise Within 10 years, unless No transitional agreed with the administering otherwise agreed with the conditions apply. authority, based on no history of administering authority, based Review consequence unauthorised releases. on no history of unauthorised assessment every 7 releases. years. 50-70% Within 5 years unless otherwise Within 7 years unless otherwise Review consequence agreed with the administering agreed with the administering assessment every 7 authority, based on no history of authority, based on no history of years. unauthorised releases. unauthorised releases. 50% Within 5 years or as per Within 5 years or as per Review consequence compliance requirements (e.g. compliance requirements (e.g. assessment every 5 TEP timing) TEP timing) years.
- E35
Table 1 ceases to apply for a structure once any of the following events has occurred: a) It has been brought into compliance with the hydraulic performance criteria applicable to the structure under the Manual; or Permit Environmental Authority b) It has been decommissioned; or c) It has been certified as no longer being assessed as a regulated structure.
- E36
Certification of the transitional assessment required by E33 and E34 (as applicable) must be provided to the administering authority within 6 months of amendment of the authority adopting this schedule. Hydraulic performance of regulated dams
- E37
Regulated dams must meet the hydraulic performance criteria specified in Schedule E - Table 2 (Hydraulic performance criteria for Regulated Dams). Schedule E - Table 2 (Hydraulic performance criteria for Regulated Dams) Hydraulic performance criteria Name of dam Consequence Design Storage Mandatory Spillway category Allowance (DSA) [1] Reporting Level (MRL) [2] Tailings Storage High 1:100 AEP wet season + 1:100 AEP 72hr storm 1:100,000 AEP Facility (Cell 1) net process input + 1:100 AEP wave critical duration storm + 1:10 AEP wave Tailings Storage High 1:100 AEP wet season + 1:100 AEP 72hr storm 1:100,000 AEP Facility (Cell 2) net process input + 1:100 AEP wave critical duration storm + 1:10 AEP wave Tailings Storage High 1:100 AEP wet season + 1:100 AEP 72hr storm 1:100,000 AEP Facility (Cell 3) net process input + 1:100 AEP wave critical duration storm + 1:10 AEP wave Offline Water Significant 1:20 AEP wet season 1:100 AEP 72hr storm 1:1,000 AEP Storage Facility (Engeny 2022) + 1:100 AEP wave critical duration storm + 1:10 AEP wave Effluent Leachate High 1:100 AEP wet season + 1:100 AEP 72hr storm 1:10,000 AEP Dam net process (Engeny + 1:100 AEP wave critical duration 2021) storm + 1:10 AEP wave Decant Dam High 1:100 AEP wet season + 1:100 AEP 72hr storm 100,000 AEP (Return Water net process input + 1:100 AEP wave critical duration Dam) storm + 1:10 AEP wave Tailings Storage Facility (Expansion) New Tailings Prior to the construction of corresponding structures commencing, a consequence category Decant Dam assessment report, certified by a suitably qualified and experienced person, must be provided to the administering authority in accordance with condition E6. Northern DSA Bund Pond Northern Retention Pond
- E38
The environmental authority holder must assess embankment stability associated with the TSF on a monthly basis in accordance with the SRK Consulting (2018) report titled `Cannington TSF, Cell1, Cell 2 and Cell 3 VW Piezometer Monitoring, 2018 Update', dated 21/02/2018 (South32 Cannington Pty Ltd reference: REPORT086515).
- E39
Where an assessment undertaken in accordance with condition E38 identifies a factor of safety (FoS) measure of between 1.5 to 1.3 (potential stability condition requiring review), as defined in the South32 Cannington Pty Ltd (2018) manual titled `CAN-PROCESSING-MANUAL-TAILINGS & WATER-TSF Operation, Maintenance and Surveillance' (South32 Cannington Pty Ltd reference: MAN-cd4090, a) engage a suitably qualified and experienced person (RPEQ) to undertake a detailed review to determine if the TSF embankment satisfies ANCOLD requirements for stability during operation; b) ensure the detailed review is completed within four (4) weeks of the reduced FOS being identified; c) in the case where modification to the TSF is required, submit a report to the administering authority outlining the following: i) the results of the detailed geotechnical analysis undertaken, including the cause of the reduced FoS; ii) the details and extents of any required modification/s to the TSF; iii) details of any immediate actions undertaken or required to address the reduced FoS and maintain TSF embankment stability; and iv) details of any subsequent actions intended or required to ensure compliance with ANCOLD requirements.
- E40
Where an assessment undertaken in accordance with condition E38 identifies a factor of safety (FoS) measure of 1.3 or lower (potential stability condition requiring urgent review), as defined in the South32 Cannington Pty Ltd (2018) manual titled `CAN-PROCESSING-MANUAL-TAILINGS & WATER-TSF Operation, Maintenance and Surveillance' (South32 Cannington Pty Ltd reference: MAN- (requires immediate review), the environmental authority holder must: a) undertake required notification and advice action in accordance with conditions A19 to A23; b) engage a suitably qualified and experienced person (RPEQ) to undertake an initial review the situation and advise on any immediate actions required to address the reduced FoS and maintain embankment stability; Permit Environmental Authority c) engage a suitably qualified and experienced person (RPEQ) to undertake a detailed review to determine if the TSF embankment satisfies ANCOLD requirements for stability during operation; d) ensure a report is completed and provided to the administrating authority within four (4) weeks of the reduced FOS being identified. The provided report is to include: i) the results of the detailed geotechnical analysis undertaken, including the cause of the reduced FoS; i) the details and extents of any required modification/s to the TSF; ii) details of any immediate actions undertaken or required to address the reduced FoS and maintain TSF embankment stability; and iii) details of any subsequent actions intended or required to ensure compliance with ANCOLD requirements.
- E41
An Emergency Action Plan to address risks associated with geotechnical stability of the tailings storage facility must be developed and implemented by the authority holder and made available to the administrating authority on request. The program must include but not be limited to the following: a) operational areas to be evacuated; b) stakeholders to be notified; c) contingency measures to minimise environmental harm; d) description of areas likely to be impacted. Flood Levee
- E42
By no later than six (6) months after completion of the Trepell Creek Flood Levee the environmental authority holder must submit to the administering authority a Trepell Creek Flood Levee Monitoring Program.
- E43
The Monitoring Program specified in condition (E42) must include but is not limited to the following: a) Methodology for assessing the structural integrity of the levee (including sediment and erosion control); b) Methodology for assessing the designed environmental performance of the levee; and c) Monitoring frequency and trigger(s) for additional monitoring.
- E44
Monitoring and evaluation of the performance of the levee must be carried out in accordance with the Monitoring Program referred to in condition E42.
- E45
The Monitoring Program specified in condition E42 must be prepared and independently certified by an appropriately qualified person.
- E46
By 30 July each year the environmental authority holder must submit a Trepell Creek Flood Levee Monitoring Report to the administering authority. The monitoring report must detail but is not limited to the following: (a) The performance of the levee by way of comparison with the Detailed Design Report and specifications; (b) Detail any remedial works to be undertaken including a timetable for completion of proposed works; and (c) Any recommendations on measures to be taken to ensure the physical integrity of the levee. Permit Environmental Authority
- E47
The Trepell Creek Flood Levee Monitoring Report specified in condition E46 must be prepared by an appropriately qualified person and independently certified by a registered professional engineer (RPEQ). Foundation Integrity
- E48
Six (6) months prior to commencing construction of the tailings storage facility expansion the environmental authority holder must submit to the administering authority a report detailing findings from the geophysical study of the continuity of the mudstones underlying the proposed tailings storage facility expansion.
- E49
Where discontinuities of the underlying mudstone are identified, the environmental authority holder must: a) replace the material with compacted clay with a permeability of no less than 1 x 10 -9 m/s; b) replace the material with compacted clay of a depth that provides appropriate hydraulic conductivity; c) have the works independently certified by a registered professional engineer (RPEQ). Operational Simulation Water Balance Model
- E50
The environmental authority holder must develop a site specific operational simulation water balance model three (3) months prior to commencement of open cut pre-strip mining at Cannington.
- E51
The operational simulation water balance model must be run for a simulation period of the following nine (9) months: a) weekly during the period November to March; b) monthly during other periods; c) promptly after each rainfall event greater than fifty (50) millimetres within a twenty four (24) hour period within the relevant surface water containment area. d) with documentation of inputs and outputs from each run being stored and retrievable for a minimum period of one (1) year. Permit Environmental Authority
- E52
The operational simulation water balance model must incorporate provisions for: a) simulation of observed containment system storage volumes; b) reporting on the simulated storage volumes and discharges; c) determining and describing the probability of discharges overflowing from the containment system by ranking model results; d) starting a simulation of containment system from any day of a year using the configuration of the components within the system on that day; e) running the simulation using: i) all relevant available historical daily rainfall data; ii) operating rules for transfer within and between containment systems; iii) Expected water inputs and outputs and solid inputs that affect storage capacity; f) recording and substantiation of model inputs, assumptions, methods and schematic diagrams, to enable independent replication by an appropriately qualified person; g) representation of differences in hydrological characteristics of modified catchment surfaces and conditions that occur in the surface water containment areas with reasoned and conservative assumptions; h) representation of operation of the surface water containment systems, including limitations to the operability of active transfer systems and any contingency arrangements during rare rainfall events, lack of access and other adverse operational scenarios; i) ability to simulate failure scenarios (such as failure of a pump, storage, or blockage of sub- surface drainage or transfer systems); j) production of graphical outputs that can be interpreted by persons other than specialist hydrologists; and k) calibration and/or validation with available monitoring data.
- E53
Monitoring to operate and validate the operational simulation water balance model must include: a) Sufficient monitoring data from on-site weather stations to adequately record rainfall input to contributing catchments and storages across the licensed place; b) Recording of volumes and water quality in storages within the containment system over time at a frequency not greater than that used in the water balance model; c) Up to date storage elevation relationships to be maintained; d) Water volumes actively transferred within the containment system by pumping or gravity; e) Additional sources of water (other than rainfall runoff) into the containment system; f) Extractions of water out of from the containment system; g) Mapping of landforms, topography, drainage routes, and catchment conditions relevant to the hydrology of the contributing catchments within the surface water containment areas.
- E54
The extent, scope, and detail of the monitoring in condition E53 shall be sufficient to demonstrate actual system performance and operational simulation water balance model validation. Permit Environmental Authority
- E55
Containment systems must be designed, assessed and documented as whole systems that include all relevant catchments, infrastructure and operations that have potential to influence the probability of overflow discharges at the authorised release points specified in Schedule C - Table 1 (Contaminant Release Locations).
- E56
Assessments utilising the operational simulation water balance model to evaluate containment performance in response to rainfall must be undertaken by an appropriately qualified person.
- E57
Assessments using the operational simulation water balance model must use a minimum of 100 years of historical rainfall data. Pit Water Storage
- E58
The environmental authority holder must submit a certified design for an additional permanent water storage structure, as discussed in section 2.10.5 of the Environmental Management Plan dated 21 February 2012, three (3) months prior to the cessation of the TSF Decant Dam being used as a water storage structure.
- E59
At 1 November each year the Cannington central pit must not contain more than 200 ML volume of surface water.
- E60
If the Cannington central pit ceases operating due to excessive storage of water the environmental authority holder must construct the contingency water storage structure in accordance with the certified design required by condition E59 within six (6) months of the pit ceasing to operate. Permit Environmental Authority Schedule F - Land and Rehabilitation
- F1
Unless authorised by this environmental authority, contaminants must not be released to land in a manner which constitutes environmental nuisance, or material or serious environmental harm.
- F2
Any spillage of wastes, contaminants or other materials must be cleaned up immediately. Such spillages must be cleaned up using methods that minimise the release of wastes, contaminants or materials to land. Rehabilitation Landform Criteria
- F3
All areas significantly disturbed by the mining activity must be rehabilitated in accordance with Schedule F - Table 1 (Cannington Mine Rehabilitation Requirements) and Schedule F - Table 2 (Yurbi Rail Loading Rehabilitation Requirements). Schedule F - Table 1 (Cannington Mine Rehabilitation Requirements) Mine Mine Feature Rehabilitation Goal Rehabilitation Indicators Completion Domain & Tenure Objectives2 Criteria Residual Central Pit All land subject to the mining activity Land TBD1 TBD1 Void ROM Pad must be rehabilitated to meet the capability: VIII TBD1 TBD1 Processing Plant requirements of the administering TBD1 TBD1 Run of Mine authorities Guideline - Rehabilitation Land (ROM) requirements for Mining Projects capability: VIII and will be defined in the Post Mine Processing Land Use Plan Land Area capability: VII Regulated Tailings Storage Land TBD1 TBD1 Dams and Facility (Cells 1 & Diversions 2) capability: VIII Tailings Storage Land TBD1 TBD1 Facility (Expansion) capability: VIII Offline Water Land TBD1 TBD1 Storage Facility capability: VII Effluent Dam Land TBD1 TBD1 capability: VIII Decant Dam Land TBD1 TBD1 capability: VIII Process Plant Land TBD1 TBD1 Stormwater capability: VII Control Pond Western Catch Land TBD1 TBD1 Dam capability: VII Southern Land TBD1 TBD1 Retention Pond capability: VII Southern Land TBD1 TBD1 Retention Pond capability: VII Trepell Creek Land TBD1 TBD1 Levee capability: VII Permit Environmental Authority Non Non Regulated Land TBD1 TBD1
- F4
Progressive rehabilitation must commence within twelve (12) months of when areas become available within the operational land, and must be in accordance with the current plan of operations. Capping System
- F5
By 15 April 2019 the environmental authority holder must commence trials to establish suitable capping systems for infrastructure on the licensed place including but not limited to the tailings storage capacity and waste rock dump.
- F6
By 15 April 2023 and once every (2) years thereafter the environmental authority holder must submit a report to the administering authority detailing the success and findings from the capping system trials.
- F7
By 15 April 2029 the environmental authority holder must submit to the administrative authority a report nominating the most appropriate capping system based on results from testing and trial work conducted at the Cannington Mine including the trials conducted to meet condition (F5). Topsoil
- F8
Topsoil and subsoils in disturbed areas must be stripped and stockpiled ahead of mining to a depth determined from soil surveys to ensure that useable soil resources are preserved for rehabilitation.
- F9
Topsoil and subsoil stockpiles must be managed to ensure stability and minimise the release contaminants. Measures must include: (a) Vegetating stockpiles; (b) Minimising the height of stockpiles: and (c) Re-using stockpiles as soon as possible.
- F10
A topsoil inventory which identifies the topsoil requirements for the mining project and availability of suitable topsoil on the licensed place must be detailed in the Plan of Operations. Permit Environmental Authority Post Mine Land Use Plan
- F11
By 1 August 2019 the environmental authority holder must develop and submit to the administering authority a Post Mine Land Use Plan (PMLUP) and update and resubmit the plan with each subsequent Plan of Operations. The PMLUP must be developed by an appropriately qualified person and include: a) Schematic representation of final land form inclusive of drainage features; b) Slope designs; c) Cover design (not limited to store and release covers); d) Drainage design; e) Erosion controls; f) Description of experimental design for monitoring of analogue and rehabilitated areas inclusive of statistical design; g) Proposed revegetation methods inclusive of plant species selection, re-profiling, respreading soil, soil ameliorants/amendments, surface preparation and method of propagation; h) Materials balance including available top soil and low permeability capping material; i) Geotechnical, geochemical and hydrological studies; j) Chemical, physical and biological properties of soil and water; k) A rehabilitation monitoring program as required by Schedule F - Condition (F12); and l) The development of rehabilitation objectives required in Schedule F - Table 1 (Cannington Mine Rehabilitation Requirements) and Table 2 (Yurbi Rail Loading Rehabilitation Requirements). Rehabilitation Monitoring Program
- F12
The environmental authority holder must appoint an appropriately qualified person in the field of mine site rehabilitation, to develop and implement a rehabilitation monitoring program for which must be implemented upon commencement of any rehabilitation.
- F13
The environmental authority holder must conduct rehabilitation monitoring in accordance with the program developed in the PMLUP at least once per year is to include sufficient spatial and temporal replication to enable scientifically justifiable conclusions to be made as established in the rehabilitation program or other methodology to the satisfaction of the administering authority. Post Closure Management Plan
- F14
By 1 August 2019 the environmental authority holder must provide to the administering authority a Post Closure Management Plan for the licensed place. The plan must be for a nominal period of: a) At least thirty (30) years following cessation of mining activity (excluding rehabilitation) on the licensed place; or b) A shorter period if the licensed place is proven to be geo-technically and geo-chemically stable and it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the administering authority that no release of contaminants from the licensed place will result in environmental harm.
- F15
The Post Closure Management Plan must be developed by an appropriately qualified person and include the following elements: a) Operation and maintenance of: i) Contaminated water collection and reticulation systems; ii) Contaminated water treatment systems; iii) The groundwater monitoring network; iv) Regulated Structures; v) Trepell Creek Levee; vi) Final cover systems; and vii) Vegetative cover. Permit Environmental Authority b) Monitoring of: i) Surface water quality; ii) Groundwater quality; iii) Seepage rates; iv) Erosion rates; v) The integrity and effectiveness of final cover systems; vi) The health and resilience of vegetative cover. Infrastructure
- F16
All buildings, structures, mining equipment and plant erected and/or used for the mining activity must be removed from the licensed place prior to surrender, except where agreed to in writing by: a) the administering authority, and b) the landowner. Chemicals and Flammable or Combustible Liquids
- F17
All explosives, hazardous chemicals, corrosive substances, toxic substances, gases, flammable or combustible liquids and dangerous goods must be stored and handled in accordance with the current, relevant Australian Standard where such is applicable.
- F18
Notwithstanding the requirements of any Australian Standard, any liquids stored on the licensed place that have the potential to cause environmental harm must be stored in and serviced by an effective containment system that is impervious to the materials stored within and managed to prevent the release of liquids to waters or land.
- F19
Where no relevant Australian Standard is available, the following must be applied: a) storage tanks must be bunded so that the capacity and construction of the bund is sufficient to contain at least 110% of a single storage tank or 100% of the largest storage tank plus 10% of the second largest storage tank in multiple storage areas; and b) drum storages must be bunded so that the capacity and construction of the bund is sufficient to contain at least 25% of the maximum design storage volume within the bund.
- F20
All containment systems must be designed to minimise rainfall collection within the system. Contaminated Land
- F21
Prior to making an application for Surrender or approval for Progressive Rehabilitation the environmental authority holder must undertake a contaminated land assessment / investigation of the relevant areas of the licensed place in accordance with the administering authority's Guideline for the Assessment & Management of Contaminated Land in Queensland. Soil Monitoring
- F22
Soil monitoring must be undertaken at the Yurbi rail loop locations identified in Schedule F - Table 3 (Yurbi Rail Loop Soil Monitoring Locations) and depicted in Schedule J - Figure 16 (Yurbi Rail Loop Soil Monitoring Locations) twice per year and in the event of a spill. Schedule F - Table 3 (Yurbi Rail Loop Soil Monitoring Locations) Monitoring Points Location Description Location (GDA94) (Zone 54) Easting Northing Yurbi Loading Facility - ML90077 Permit Environmental Authority YB_S050 Inbound rail loop 1,3 464491 7706744 YB_S0514 Outbound rail loop2,3 463900 7707010 1 Soil samples to be collected from the inbound rail loop between the south eastern end of the Concentrate Storage Shed and a point 600m back along the inbound rail loop. 2 Soil samples to be collected from the outbound rail loop between the north western end of the Concentrate Storage Shed and a point 400m along the outbound rail loop. 3 Soil samples to be collected at depths of 0-5cm along both sides of the inbound and outbound rail loop.
- F23
If soil monitoring at the Outbound rail loop monitoring location specified in Schedule F - Table 3 (Yurbi Rail Loop Soil Monitoring Locations) exceeds any of the trigger levels in Schedule F - Table 4 (Yurbi Soil Monitoring Trigger Levels), the environmental authority holder must complete an investigation into the potential for environmental harm and provide a written report to the administering authority within three (3) months outlining: i) details of the investigations carried out; and ii) actions taken to prevent environmental harm Schedule F - Table 4 (Yurbi Soil Monitoring Trigger Levels) Parameter Unit Trigger Level Copper mg/kg 601 Lead mg/kg 3001 Zinc mg/kg 2001 Particle Size Distribution For interpretation purposes 1 Based on the administering authority's Draft Guidelines for the Assessment & Management of Contaminated Land in Queensland.
- F24
All determinations of soil sampling must be: (a) Performed by an appropriately qualified person; (b) Made in accordance with methods prescribed in the latest edition of AS4482.1 - 2005 Guide to the investigation and sampling of sites with potentially contaminated soil, Part 1: Non-volatile and semi-volatile compounds; and (c) Collected from the monitoring locations identified in Schedule F - Table 3 (Yurbi Rail Loop Soil Monitoring Locations), within one-day of each other. Residual Void Studies
- F25
By no later than two (2) years after commencing open pit mining activities the environmental authority holder must complete an investigation into residual voids and submit a report to the administering authority proposing acceptance criteria to meet the outcomes specified in condition (F3) and landform design criteria. The investigation must at a minimum include the following: a) a study of options available for minimising final void area and volume; b) develop design criteria for rehabilitation of final voids; c) a void hydrology study, addressing the long-term water balance in the voids, connections to groundwater and water quality parameters in the long term; d) a study of the measures to protect the residual voids, un-compacted overburden and workings from the "probable maximum flood" level based on the Bureau of Meteorology's "probable maximum precipitation" forecast for the locality; e) a pit wall stability study, considering the effects of long-term erosion and weathering of the pit wall and the effects of significant hydrological events; f) a proposal/s for end of mine void rehabilitation success criteria and final void areas and volumes; and Permit Environmental Authority g) consideration of pit water levels during the wet season and the potential for seasonal discharges to surrounding groundwater. Subsidence
- F26
By no later than three (3) months prior to commencing open pit mining activities the environmental authority holder must develop and implement a subsidence monitoring plan which must be updated with each subsequent plan of operations.
- F27
The subsidence monitoring program must include at least the following: a) description of the areas at greatest subsidence risk; b) monitoring program to detect any failures or subsidence in or adjacent to the pit; c) monitoring program to detect any failures or subsidence in or adjacent to the waste rock stockpiles; and d) monitoring of surface infrastructure to detect structural damage. Biodiversity Offsets Policy
- F28
An assessment must be undertaken to identify the presence of any potential state significant biodiversity values as identified by the Queensland Biodiversity Offset Policy. The assessment report must be provided to the administering authority at least two (2) months prior to the commencement of any new mining activity.
- F29
If the assessment required by condition (F28) shows that mining activities are found to potentially impact on a state significant biodiversity value, the holder of this environmental authority must demonstrate to the administering authority that it has met the requirements of the Queensland Biodiversity Offset Policy through provision of a site specific Biodiversity Offset Strategy.
- F30
The Biodiversity Offset Strategy must include at a minimum: a) demonstration that the mining activity has avoided or minimised impacts to state significant biodiversity values; b) where impacts cannot be avoided, a detailed description and mapping of the surveyed locations of the state significant biodiversity values at the licensed place; c) a flora and fauna assessment of the affected area to determine if the operations will directly impact on any state significant biodiversity values detailed in Appendix 1 of the Queensland Biodiversity Offset Policy; d) the proposed offset delivery mechanism; and e) an ecological equivalence assessment where required by the Queensland Biodiversity Offset Policy.
- F31
Impacts on state significant biodiversity values must not occur until the holder of this environmental authority has in accordance with the Queensland Biodiversity Offset Policy: a) provided a legally secured offset; or b) entered into a Deed of Agreement (Offset Transfer) with the administering authority; or c)provided an offset payment. Permit Environmental Authority Schedule G - Waste Waste Management Program
- G1
A waste management program must be developed, implemented and maintained for the licensed place. The waste management program must include: a) A description of the mining activity that may generate waste; b) The types and amounts of wastes generated by the mining activity; c) A program for reusing, recycling or disposing of all wastes; d) How the waste will be dealt with in accordance with the waste and resource management hierarchy, including a description of the types and amounts of waste that will be dealt with under each of the waste resource management practices in the waste management hierarchy (i.e. avoidance, reuse, recycling, energy recovery, disposal); e) Procedures for identifying and implementing opportunities to minimise the amount of waste generated, promote efficiency in the use of resources and improve the waste management practices employed; f) Procedures for dealing with accidents, spills and other incidents; g) Details of any accredited management system employed, or planned to be employed, to deal with waste; h) How often the performance of the waste management program will be assessed; i) The indicators or other criteria on which the performance of the waste management program will be assessed; and j) Staff training and induction to the waste management program. Waste Disposal
- G2
All general and regulated waste, other than waste authorised under condition (G3), must be removed from the licensed place to a facility that is lawfully able to accept the waste.
- G3
The only waste that can be disposed at the licensed place is waste generated from the Cannington operations and is limited to: 1) Waste rock and mine spoil; 2) Lead/zinc contaminated material; 3) General waste including construction and demolition waste, green waste, putrescible and domestic wastes; 4) Tyres; 5) Tailings; and 6) Incineration of pallets (for fire emergency response training only).
- G4
General waste must only be disposed of into the landfill identified in Schedule J - Figure 15 (Cannington Landfill Area).
- G5
General waste deposited in the landfill must be compacted and covered with a layer of inert material following placement of the waste into the trench.
- G6
Litter control methods must be effectively implemented at the landfill. Permit Environmental Authority
- G7
The landfill cells must be constructed and operated to minimise the generation of leachate by the use of diversion drains or embankments to divert surface waters away from any area where contact with wastes or sources of contamination may occur.
- G8
Completed landfill cells must be capped with a low permeability material and compacted and contoured to effectively minimise water infiltration.
- G9
Unless otherwise permitted by the conditions of this authority, waste must not be burnt or taken from the licensed place and burnt.
- G10
The environmental authority holder must not commence construction of any new landfill unless the location of that landfill is specifically referenced in accordance with this environmental authority as identified in Schedule J - Figure 15 (Cannington Landfill Area). Regulated Waste
- G11
Regulated waste, other than that authorised to be disposed at the licensed place under this authority, must only be removed and transported from the licensed place by a person who holds a current authority to transport such wastes to a facility that is lawfully able to accept the waste under the Environmental Protection Act 1994.
- G12
Regulated waste generated by the mining activity can be temporarily stored at the licensed place awaiting removal provided it is stored to ensure there is minimal risk of causing fire or contamination to land or waters.
- G13
Each container of regulated waste stored awaiting movement from the licensed place must be clearly marked to identify the contents. Tyre Storage and Disposal
- G14
Tyres stored awaiting disposal or transport for take-back and recycling or waste-to-energy options - must be stockpiled in volumes less than 3m in height and 200m2 in area and at least 10m from any other tyre storage area.
- G15
Fire Prevention measures must be implemented including the removal of all combustible materials, including grass and vegetation, within a 10m radius of any tyre storage area.
- G16
Subject to demonstrating to the administering authority that no other use higher in the waste and resource management hierarchy can be practicably implemented, waste tyres generated at the licensed place from mining activity may be disposed at the licensed place in non-acid forming waste rock dumps.
- G17
The storage of scrap tyres in underground stopes must not cause an unacceptable fire risk or compromise mine safety. Tailings Disposal
- G18
The management of tailings disposal must be in accordance with the following: a) All tailings material must be progressively characterised during disposal for net acid producing potential and the metals and metalloids listed in column 1 in Schedule C - Table 4 (Receiving Waters Trigger Levels). b) Tailings characterisation must be undertaken at a minimum rate of one (1) per month of tailings material discharged to the tailings storage facility. c) Records must be kept of the tailings disposal to indicate locations and characteristics of tailings stored within the tailings storage facility. d) Manage disposal of tailings in order to minimise the potential for environmental harm. Waste Rock Disposal Permit Environmental Authority
- G19
By no later than six (6) months prior to the commencement of open pit mining activities the environmental authority holder must develop, implement and submit to the administering authority a Waste Rock Management Plan.
- G20
Waste rock disposal must not occur on the licensed place unless the environmental authority holder has submitted to the administering authority a Waste Rock Management Plan.
- G21
The Waste Rock Management Plan required in Condition (G19) must be independently certified by a Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ) who has a minimum of ten (10) years of demonstrated expertise in the design and rehabilitation of waste rock dumps in Queensland.
- G22
The Waste Rock Management Plan must include, at least: a) Detailed design of the waste rock dump; b) Characterisation of the waste rock to predict the quality of runoff and seepage generated, including salinity, acidity, alkalinity, dissolved metals, metalloids and non-metallic inorganic substances; c) A program of progressive sampling program to validate pre-mine waste rock characterisation. d) The waste rock sampling program must include validation of salinity, acid and alkali producing potential and metal concentrations including Ag, As, Bi, Cd, Cu, In, Mn, Mo, Pb, Sb, Se, Te, W, Zn; e) 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; f) Records must be maintained of all waste rock characterisation and disposal including contingency planning for the management of acid rock / neutral mine drainage / saline mine drainage; g) 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; h) 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; i) 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; j) A Rehabilitation strategy which meets the rehabilitation objectives specified in Schedule F of this environmental authority; and k) 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.
- G23
The waste rock dump must be designed, constructed and maintained in accordance with the Waste Rock Management Plan required by Condition (G19).
- G24
The waste rock dump must be designed, constructed and maintained to prevent any water other than incidental rainfall from entering the waste rock dump.
- G25
Any seepage from the waste rock dump must be captured and directed to an appropriately engineered and maintained storage authorised to receive seepage in accordance with Schedule E - Regulated Dams of this environmental authority.
- G26
By no later than six (6) years after the commencement of open pit mining activities the environmental authority holder must develop and implement a waste rock dump rehabilitation trial program, which: a) is developed and certified by an appropriately qualified person; Permit Environmental Authority b) considers the closure and rehabilitation requirements detailed in Schedule F of this environmental authority; c) trials a variety of different cover systems and rehabilitation techniques in accordance with Schedule F - Condition (F5); d) includes, at a minimum, monitoring of: i) water retention and infiltration rates; ii) water quality of leachate; iii) vegetation health, density, type and cover; iv) rainfall, evaporation, climatic data and evapo-transpiration rates.
- G27
The waste rock dump rehabilitation trial program must be reviewed on an annual basis for appropriateness, with summary reports to be provided to the administering authority every two (2) years after implementation of the program.
- G28
All waste rock characterised as having acid forming potential must be returned to the open pit at end of mine life or be encapsulated in a suitably designed waste rock dump approved by the administering authority. Acid Rock Drainage Management
- G29
Subject to the release limits defined in Schedule - C of this environmental authority, 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. Permit Environmental Authority Schedule H - Noise and Vibration General
- H1
Noise or vibration from the mining activity must not cause environmental harm at any sensitive place or commercial place.
- H2
In the event of a complaint made to the administering authority (which is neither frivolous or vexatious) about noise or vibration generated in carrying out the licensed activity and the noise or vibration is considered by the administering authority to be an unreasonable noise or vibration, the environmental authority holder must take action to ensure that it is no longer an unreasonable noise or vibration. Noise Monitoring
- H3
The environmental authority holder must ensure that noise generated by the mining activity does not cause the criteria in Schedule H - Table 1 (Noise Limits) and Table 2 (Blasting Noise Limits) to be exceeded at a sensitive or commercial place. Schedule H - Table 1 (Noise Limits) Noise level dB(A) measured as Leq, 15 mins Location of Place 7am - 6pm 6pm - 10pm 10pm - 7am Any other noise sensitive place Noise measured at a 'Noise sensitive place' Cannington Homestead Cannington Homestead (Adverse Background plus 5 Background plus 5 Background plus 3 conditions) dB(A) dB(A) dB(A) 33 30 30 37 37 37
- H4
The adverse noise limit applies only during adverse meteorological conditions as defined in Schedule I of this environmental authority. Schedule H - Table 2 (Blasting Noise Limits) Blasting noise limits Sensitive or commercial place limits 7am to 6pm 6pm to 7am Airblast overpressure 115 dB (Linear) peak for four (4) out of five (5) consecutive blasts No Blasting initiated and not greater than 120 dB (Linear) peak at any time. No Blasting Ground vibration peak 5mm/second peak particle velocity for four (4) out of five (5) particle velocity consecutive blasts and not greater than 10 mm/second peak particle velocity at any time.
- H5
When requested by the administering authority, noise monitoring and recording must be undertaken within a reasonable timeframe nominated by the administering authority to investigate any complaint of environmental nuisance at any sensitive place or commercial place, and the results must be notified within ten (10) business days to the administering authority following completion of monitoring. Permit Environmental Authority
- H6
The noise monitoring and recording required in Condition (H5) must include the following descriptor characteristics and matters: (i) LAN,T (where N equals the statistical levels of 1, 10 and 90 and T = 15 mins); (ii) Background noise LA90; (iii) The level and frequency of occurrence of impulsive or tonal noise and any adjustment and penalties to statistical levels; (iv) Atmospheric conditions including temperature, relative humidity and wind speed and directions; (v) Effects due to any extraneous factors such as traffic noise; (vi) Location, date and time of monitoring; (vii) If the complaint concerns low frequency noise, Max LpLIN,T; and i)If the complaint concerns low frequency noise, one third octave band measurements in dB(LIN) for centre frequencies in the 10 - 200 Hz range.
- H7
The method of measurement and reporting of noise levels must comply with the most recent edition of the administering authority's Noise Measurement Manual or the most recent version of AS1055 Acoustics - Description and measurement of environmental noise. Vibration Nuisance
- H8
Vibration from the mining activity must not cause an environmental nuisance, at any sensitive place or commercial place.
- H9
The environmental authority holder must ensure that blasting does not cause the limits for peak particle velocity in Schedule H - Table 2 (Blasting Noise Limits) to be exceeded at a sensitive place or commercial place.
- H10
When requested by the administering authority, vibration monitoring must be undertaken within a reasonable and practicable timeframe nominated by the administering authority to investigate any complaint (which is neither frivolous nor vexatious nor based on mistaken belief in the opinion of the authorised officer) of environmental nuisance at any sensitive place, and the results must be notified within ten (10) business days to the administering authority following completion of monitoring.
- H11
The method of measurement and reporting of airblast overpressure levels must comply with the most recent Australian standard Explosives - Storage and use guidelines.
- H12
The method of measurement and reporting of vibration levels must comply with the most recent edition of the administering authority's guideline Noise and vibration from blasting. Permit Environmental Authority Schedule I - Definitions Words and phrases used throughout this licence are defined below except where identified in the Environmental Protection Act 1994 or subordinate legislation. Where a word or term is not defined, the ordinary English meaning applies, and regard should be given to the Macquarie Dictionary. Interpretation - Word definitions "acceptance criteria" means the measures by which the actions implemented to rehabilitate the land are deemed to be complete (same as completion criteria). The acceptance criteria indicate the success of the decommissioning and rehabilitation outcomes or remediation of areas which have been significantly disturbed by the environmentally relevant activities. Acceptance criteria may include information regarding: a) stability of final land forms in terms of settlement, erosion, weathering, pondage and drainage; b) control of geochemical and contaminant transport processes; c) quality of runoff waters and potential impact on receiving environment; d) vegetation establishment, survival and succession; e) vegetation productivity, sustained growth and structure development; f) fauna colonisation and habitat development; g) 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; h) microbiological studies including recolonisation by mycorrhizal fungi, microbial biomass and respiration; i) effects of various establishment treatments such as deep ripping, topsoil handling, seeding and fertiliser application on vegetation growth and development; j) resilience of vegetation to disease, insect attack, drought and fire; k) vegetation water use and effects on ground water levels and catchment yields. "acid mine drainage (AMD)" means any low pH contaminated discharge emanating from a mining operation formed through a series of chemical and biological reaction, when geological strata is disturbed and exposed to oxygen and moisture as a result of mining operations. Environment and Resource Management). "adverse meteorological conditions" means either (i) atmospheric stability conditions as described in the Pasquil Stability Class `F', namely still or light winds less than or equal to one (1) metre per second and clear skies during the night time period; or (ii) light winds less than or equal to one (1) metre per second blowing from the mining activity towards the sensitive receiver during the daytime or evening periods. "annual exceedance probability" or "AEP" means the probability that at least one event in excess of a particular magnitude will occur in any given year. "annual inspection report" means an assessment prepared by a suitably qualified and experienced person containing details of the assessment against the most recent consequence assessment report and design plan (or system design plan); a) against recommendations contained in previous annual inspections reports;