Data as at 14 September 2026 · from the Queensland EP Act public register
EPPR00925213 · BLACKWOOD COAL PTY LTD
Coal environmental authority EPPR00925213 (BLACKWOOD COAL PTY LTD), Granted. 69 conditions indexed. No PRC plan.
- Status
- Granted
- Holders
- BLACKWOOD COAL PTY LTD
- PRC plan
- None
- How it was read
- Numbered conditions
- Register
- Register record · Instrument PDF
Conditions
69 numbered conditions read from the current instrument. Page numbers link into the register PDF.
- A1
This environmental authority does not authorise environmental harm unless a condition contained within the authority explicitly authorises that harm. Where there is no condition or the authority is silent on the matter, the lack of a condition or silence shall not be construed as authorising harm.
- A2
The environmental authority holder must provide financial assurance in the amount and form required by the administering authority prior to the commencement of activities proposed under this environmental authority.
- A3
The financial assurance is to remain in force until the administering authority is satisfied that no claim on the assurance is likely. Note: Where progressive rehabilitation is completed and acceptable to the administering authority, progressive reductions to the amount of financial assurance will be applicable where rehabilitation has been completed in accordance with the acceptance criteria defined within this environmental authority. (S) - Standard Condition www.ehp.qld.gov.au ABN 46 640 294 485 Permit Environmental authority EPPR00925213
- A4
The environmental authority holder must develop and implement during the continuation of this authority, a program to ensure that all employees and contractors on site are aware of and comply with the relevant requirements of this environmental authority.
- A5
Activity The environmental authority holder must develop and implement during the continuation of this authority, a program to ensure that all employees and contractors on site are aware of and comply with the relevant requirements of this environmental authority.
- A6
The environmental authority holder must comply with each of the Standard Environmental Conditions contained in the Code of Environmental Compliance for Exploration and Mineral Development Projects (EM586), except Condition 13, which is replaced by Conditions D1 to D40 in this environmental authority.
- A7
Mining activities undertaken must be consistent with the "Environmental Management Plan - EPC 1738 for Cuesta Coal Limited" (dated 5 June 2012, report prepared by Environmental and Licensing Professionals Pty Ltd).
- A8
Contaminants must not be released to the receiving environment unless authorised by this environmental authority.
- A9
Maintenance of Measures, Plant and Equipment The holder of this environmental authority must: (a) install all measures, plant and equipment necessary to ensure compliance with the conditions of this environmental authority; (b) maintain such measures, plant and equipment in a proper condition; and (c) operate such measures, plant and equipment in a proper manner.
- A10
Monitoring, Reporting and Emergency Response Procedures The environmental authority holder must comply with each of the `Monitoring, Reporting and Emergency Response Procedures' Standard Environmental Conditions contained in the Code of Environmental Compliance for Exploration and Mineral Development Projects (EM586). (S) - Standard Condition www.ehp.qld.gov.au ABN 46 640 294 485 Permit Environmental authority EPPR00925213
- A11
The environmental authority holder must notify the administering authority by written notification as soon as practicable but within twenty-four (24) hours after becoming aware of any emergency or incident which results in the release of contaminants not in accordance, or reasonably expected to be not in accordance, with the conditions of this environmental authority.
- A12
The notification in Condition A11 must include, but not be limited to, the following: (a) the environmental authority number and name of the holder; (b) the name and telephone number of the designated contact person; (c) the location of the emergency or incident; (d) the date and time of the emergency or incident; (e) the time the holder of the environmental authority became aware of the emergency or incident; (f) where known: (i) the estimated quantity and type of substances involved in the emergency or incident; (ii) the actual or potential cause of the emergency or incident; (iii) a description of the nature and effects of the emergency or incident including environmental risks, and any risks to public health or livestock; (g) any sampling conducted or proposed, relevant to the emergency or incident; (h) immediate actions taken to prevent or mitigate any further environmental harm caused by the emergency or incident; and (i) what notification of stakeholders who may be affected by the emergency or incident has occurred or is being undertaken.
- A13
Within ten (10) business days following the initial notification of an emergency or incident, or receipt of monitoring results, whichever is the latter, further written advice must be provided to the administering authority, including the following: (a) results and interpretation of any samples taken and analysed; (b) outcomes of actions taken at the time to prevent or minimise unlawful environmental harm; and (c) proposed actions to prevent a recurrence of the emergency or incident.
- A14
The environmental authority holder must notify, in writing, the occupiers or registered owners of affected land and any other potentially impacted stakeholder as soon as (S) - Standard Condition www.ehp.qld.gov.au ABN 46 640 294 485 Permit Environmental authority EPPR00925213 reasonably practicable after becoming aware of any emergency or incident that has the potential to impact on environmental values or breaches any condition of this environmental authority concerning releases of contaminants to the environment.
- A15
The notification in Condition A14 must include the following: (a) the location of the emergency or incident; (b) the date and time of the emergency or incident; (c) the estimated quantity and type of any substances involved in the emergency or incident; (d) the potential impacts to environmental values caused by the emergency or incident; and (e) where there is potential impact on livestock or human health, precautionary measures that should be taken.
- A16
Record, compile and keep for a minimum of five (5) years all monitoring results required by this environmental authority and make available for inspection all or any of these records upon request by the administering authority.
- A17
Where monitoring is a requirement of this environmental authority, ensure that a competent person(s) conduct all monitoring.
- F1
Waste Management The environmental authority holder must comply with each of the `Waste Management' Standard Environmental Conditions contained in the Code of Environmental Compliance for Exploration and Mineral Development Projects, except Condition 21, which is replaced by Conditions F2 to F5 of this environmental authority.
- F2
General Waste must not be disposed of within EPC1738.
- F3
Regulated Waste must not be disposed of within EPC1738.
- F4
Waste must not be burned or allowed to be burned on EPC1738 unless by the approval of the administering authority.
- F5
All waste generated in carrying out activities must be stored, handled and transferred in a proper and efficient manner. Waste must not be released to the environment, stored, transferred or disposed contrary to the Environmental Protection (Waste Management) Regulation 2000. (S) - Standard Condition www.ehp.qld.gov.au ABN 46 640 294 485 Permit Environmental authority EPPR00925213 Condition Air
- B1
Air Quality The environmental authority holder must comply with each of the `Air Quality' Standard Environmental Conditions contained in the Code of Environmental Compliance for Exploration and Mineral Development Projects (EM586).
- B2
The release of dust or particulate matter or both resulting from exploration activities must not cause an environmental nuisance at any sensitive receptor or commercial place.
- B3
When requested by the administering authority or as a result of a complaint (which is neither frivolous nor vexatious nor based on mistaken belief in the opinion of the authorised officer), dust and particulate monitoring must be undertaken, and the results thereof notified to the administering authority within fourteen (14) days following completion of monitoring. Monitoring must be carried out at a place(s) relevant to the potentially affected dust sensitive place. Dust and particulate matter must not exceed the following levels when measured at any sensitive receptor or commercial place: (a) dust deposition of 120 milligrams per square metre per day, when monitored in accordance with Australian Standard AS 3580.10.1 of 2003 (or more recent editions); and b) a concentration of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 micrometre (-m) (PM10) suspended in the atmosphere of 50 micrograms per cubic metre over a 24 hour averaging period, at a sensitive receptor or commercial place downwind of the site, when monitored in accordance with: (i) Australian Standard AS 3580.9.6 of 2003 (or more recent editions) Ambient air - Particulate matter - Determination of suspended particulate PM10 high-volume sampler with size-selective inlet - Gravimetric method; or (ii) Any alternative method of monitoring PM10 which may be permitted by the current edition of the Air Quality Sampling Manual as published from time to time by the administering authority.
- B4
If monitoring indicates exceedance of the relevant limits in Condition B3, then the environmental authority holder must: (a) address the complaint including the use of appropriate dispute resolution if required; and (b) immediately implement dust abatement measures so that emissions of dust from the activity do not result in further environmental nuisance. (S) - Standard Condition www.ehp.qld.gov.au ABN 46 640 294 485 Permit Environmental authority EPPR00925213 Condition Land
- D1
Category A Environmentally Sensitive Areas The environmental authority holder must not undertake mining activities in any Category A Environmentally Sensitive Area.
- D2
The environmental authority holder must not undertake mining activities within 1 kilometre of any Category A Environmentally Sensitive Area.
- D3
Exploration Drilling Program - Category B Environmentally Sensitive Areas The environmental authority holder is authorised to undertake the construction of exploration drill holes and access tracks in Category B Environmentally Sensitive Areas and within 500m of Category B Environmentally Sensitive Areas, as mapped by the Queensland Herbarium on 4 February 2014 and as identified in tables and attachments below: - Table 1: Authorised Disturbance within Category B Environmentally Sensitive Areas; - Table 2: Authorised Disturbance within Category B Environmentally Sensitive Areas (2015 drilling program); - Attachment 1: Drill sites within Category B Environmentally Sensitive Areas (Endangered Regional Ecosystems); - Attachment 2: Authorised Access Tracks; and - Attachment 3: Authorised disturbance in Category B ESA (drilling program 2015) The following note is only applicable to all disturbance approved prior to 2015. Note: Ground-truthed data has confirmed that the authorised drill holes and access tracks in Endangered Regional Ecosystems (sub-dominant) do not contain the environmental values associated with Category B Environmentally Sensitive Areas. As such, approved disturbance within Endangered Regional Ecosystems (sub-dominant) as per Attachment 1: Drill sites within Category B Environmentally Sensitive Areas (S) - Standard Condition www.ehp.qld.gov.au ABN 46 640 294 485 Permit Environmental authority EPPR00925213 (Endangered Regional Ecosystems) of this environmental authority is not considered to constitute disturbance within a Category B Environmentally Sensitive Area.
- D4
The construction of sumps and topsoil stripping within exploration activities outlined in Table 1: Authorised Disturbance within Category B Environmentally Sensitive Areas and Table 2: Authorised Disturbance within Category B Environmentally Sensitive Areas (2015 drilling program) must not exceed the sump area of 40 square metres.
- D5
The environmental authority holder is authorised to undertake rehabilitation work in Category B Environmentally Sensitive Areas and within 500m of any Category B Environmentally Sensitive Areas as per the rehabilitation requirements of this environmental authority.
- D6
Vegetation and Tree Protection The edge of a drill site should not be within 20 meters of any raptor nest, whether active or not.
- D7
Clearing native plants or interfering with animal breeding places is not permitted unless authorised under the Nature Conservation Act 1992.
- D8
Burning of vegetation is not permitted.
- D9
2D Seismic Surveying The environmental authority holder is only authorised to undertake 2D seismic surveys in a Category B within access tracks illustrated in Attachment 1: Drill sites within Category B Environmentally Sensitive Areas (Endangered Regional Ecosystems) of this environmental authority. The following note is only applicable to all disturbance approved prior to 2015. Note: Ground-truthed data has confirmed that the authorised drill holes and access tracks in Endangered Regional Ecosystems (sub-dominant) do not contain the environmental values associated with Category B Environmentally Sensitive Areas. As such, approved disturbance within Endangered Regional Ecosystems (sub-dominant) as per Attachment 1: Drill sites within Category B Environmentally Sensitive Areas (S) - Standard Condition www.ehp.qld.gov.au ABN 46 640 294 485 Permit Environmental authority EPPR00925213 (Endangered Regional Ecosystems) of this environmental authority is not considered to constitute disturbance within a Category B Environmentally Sensitive Area.
- D10
The environmental authority holder is only authorised to undertake 2D seismic surveys within 500m of a Category B Environmentally Sensitive Area within access tracks illustrated in Attachment 1: Drill sites within Category B Environmentally Sensitive Areas (Endangered Regional Ecosystems) of this environmental authority. The following note is only applicable to all disturbance approved prior to 2015. Note: Ground-truthed data has confirmed that the authorised drill holes and access tracks in Endangered Regional Ecosystems (sub-dominant) do not contain the environmental values associated with Category B Environmentally Sensitive Areas. As such, approved disturbance within Endangered Regional Ecosystems (sub- dominant) as per Attachment 1: Drill sites within Category B Environmentally Sensitive Areas (Endangered Regional Ecosystems) of this environmental authority is not considered to constitute disturbance within a Category B Environmentally Sensitive Area.
- D11
3D Seismic Surveying The environmental authority holder is not authorised to undertake 3D seismic surveys in any Category B Environmentally Sensitive Area. The following note is only applicable to all disturbance approved prior to 2015. Note: Ground-truthed data has confirmed that the authorised drill holes and access tracks in Endangered Regional Ecosystems (sub-dominant) do not contain the environmental values associated with Category B Environmentally Sensitive Areas. As such, approved disturbance within Endangered Regional Ecosystems (sub- dominant) as per Attachment 1: Drill sites within Category B Environmentally Sensitive Areas (Endangered Regional Ecosystems) of this environmental authority is not considered to constitute disturbance within a Category B Environmentally Sensitive Area.
- D12
The environmental authority holder is not authorised to undertake 3D seismic surveys within 500m of any Category B Environmentally Sensitive Area. The following note is only applicable to all disturbance approved prior to 2015. Note: Ground-truthed data has confirmed that the authorised drill holes and access tracks in Endangered Regional Ecosystems (sub-dominant) do not contain the environmental values associated with Category B Environmentally Sensitive Areas. As such, approved disturbance within Endangered Regional Ecosystems (sub- dominant) as per Attachment 1: Drill sites within Category B Environmentally (S) - Standard Condition www.ehp.qld.gov.au ABN 46 640 294 485 Permit Environmental authority EPPR00925213 Sensitive Areas (Endangered Regional Ecosystems) of this environmental authority is not considered to constitute disturbance within a Category B Environmentally Sensitive Area.
- D13
Removal and Stockpiling of Topsoil Where topsoil is removed, it must be stockpiled for re-spreading at the completion of use.
- D14
Road and Tracks - General Any existing access and fence line tracks must be used, where practical.
- D15
Any new tracks are to be constructed by linking naturally cleared or previously disturbed areas, where practical.
- D16
The construction of any new tracks must be recorded with a Global Positioning System (GPS) in GDA94 coordinate system and records kept of their location and made available to the administering authority upon request.
- D17
All explosives, hazardous chemicals, corrosive substances, toxic substances, gases and dangerous goods must be stored and handled in accordance with the current Australian Standard where such is applicable.
- D18
Flammable and combustible liquids, including petroleum products, must be stored and handled in accordance with the latest edition of AS1940 - The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids.
- D19
The environmental authority holder must minimise the potential for contamination of land and waters by diverting stormwater around contaminated areas and facilities used for the storage of chemicals and flammable or combustible liquids. (S) - Standard Condition www.ehp.qld.gov.au ABN 46 640 294 485 Permit Environmental authority EPPR00925213
- D20
All chemicals and flammable or combustible liquids stored on site that have the potential to cause environmental harm must be stored in or serviced by an effective containment system that is impervious to the materials stored and managed to prevent the release of liquids to waters or land. 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.
- D21
Spill Kit An appropriate spill kit, personal protective equipment and relevant operator instructions/emergency procedure guides for the management of wastes, chemicals and flammable and combustible liquids associated with the activity must be kept at the site.
- D22
Anyone operating with wastes, chemicals or flammable and combustible liquids under this approval must be trained in the use of the spill kit.
- D23
Weed Management All equipment such as earthmoving and drilling equipment must be used in a manner which prevents the spread of weeds and minimise unnecessary disturbance of topsoil and ground cover vegetation.
- D24
Campsites Campsites must not be established in Category B Environmentally Sensitive Areas or within 500m of any Category B Environmentally Sensitive Area. The following note is only applicable to all disturbance approved prior to 2015. Note: Ground-truthed data has confirmed that the authorised drill holes and access tracks in Endangered Regional Ecosystems (sub-dominant) do not contain the environmental values associated with Category B Environmentally Sensitive Areas. As such, approved disturbance within Endangered Regional Ecosystems (sub- dominant) as per Attachment 1: Drill sites within Category B Environmentally (S) - Standard Condition www.ehp.qld.gov.au ABN 46 640 294 485 Permit Environmental authority EPPR00925213 Sensitive Areas (Endangered Regional Ecosystems) of this environmental authority is not considered to constitute disturbance within a Category B Environmentally Sensitive Area.
- D25
Service, Maintenance and Storage Areas The environmental authority holder must comply with each of the `Service, Maintenance and Storage Areas' Standard Environmental Conditions contained in the Code of Environmental Compliance for Exploration and Mineral Development Projects (EM586).
- D26
Non-artesian Drill Holes The holder of the environmental authority must decommission and rehabilitate all non-artesian exploration drill holes within any Category B Environmentally Sensitive Area or within the 500m buffer of any Category B Environmentally Sensitive Area, apart from those to be converted to a monitoring bore or a water bore, but no later than three (3) months after the hole was drilled. The following note is only applicable to all disturbance approved prior to 2015. Note: Ground-truthed data has confirmed that the authorised drill holes and access tracks in Endangered Regional Ecosystems (sub-dominant) do not contain the environmental values associated with Category B Environmentally Sensitive Areas. As such, approved disturbance within Endangered Regional Ecosystems (sub- dominant) as per Attachment 1: Drill sites within Category B Environmentally Sensitive Areas (Endangered Regional Ecosystems) of this environmental authority is not considered to constitute disturbance within a Category B Environmentally Sensitive Area.
- D27
The holder of the environmental authority must isolate sub-artesian water aquifers where a drill hole intersects more than one water bearing strata in accordance with the `Minimum Construction Requirements for Water Bores in Australia' (Australian Government, February 2012) or latest edition.
- D28
Non-artesian exploration drill holes to be changed to water bores must be converted within three (3) months of the exploration drill hole being drilled. Note: Water Bores are licensed under the Water Act 2000. (S) - Standard Condition www.ehp.qld.gov.au ABN 46 640 294 485 Permit Environmental authority EPPR00925213
- D29
The holder of the environmental authority must convert all non-artesian exploration drill holes required for ongoing monitoring and evaluation purposes to monitoring bores: (a) within three (3) months of the exploration drill hole being drilled; and (b) in accordance with the `Minimum Construction Requirements for Water Bores in Australia' (Australian Government, February 2012) or latest edition.
- D30
The location and monitoring results of each non-artesian exploration drill hole converted to a monitoring bore must be included within the annual report (see Condition D40).
- D31
Monitoring Bores The holder of this environmental authority must construct all monitoring bores in accordance with the Minimum Construction Requirements for Water Bores in Australia' (Australian Government, February 2012) or latest edition.
- D32
The holder of this environmental authority must decommission and rehabilitate all monitoring bores in accordance with the Minimum Construction Requirements for Water Bores in Australia' (Australian Government, February 2012) or latest edition.
- D33
Previous disturbance Disturbance caused by mining activities on mining tenure EPC1738 must be rehabilitated in accordance with this environmental authority.
- D34
All outstanding rehabilitation on mining tenure EPC1738 under this environmental authority, including disturbance to any Category B Environmentally Sensitive Area or within the 500m buffer of any Category B Environmentally Sensitive Area must be rehabilitated by the 19 May 2017. The following note is only applicable to all disturbance approved prior to 2015. Note: Ground-truthed data has confirmed that the authorised drill holes and access tracks in Endangered Regional Ecosystems (sub-dominant) do not contain the environmental values associated with Category B Environmentally Sensitive Areas. As such, approved disturbance within Endangered Regional Ecosystems (sub- dominant) as per Attachment 1: Drill sites within Category B Environmentally Sensitive Areas (Endangered Regional Ecosystems) of this environmental authority is not considered to constitute disturbance within a Category B Environmentally Sensitive Area. (S) - Standard Condition www.ehp.qld.gov.au ABN 46 640 294 485 Permit Environmental authority EPPR00925213
- D35
Rehabilitation and reporting The environmental authority holder must comply with each of the `Rehabilitation' Standard Environmental Conditions contained in the Code of Environmental Compliance for Exploration and Mineral Development Projects (EM586).
- D36
The environmental authority holder must revegetate disturbed areas in any Category B Environmentally Sensitive Area with plant species that will promote the same vegetation type and density of cover to that of the surrounding undisturbed areas. The following note is only applicable to all disturbance approved prior to 2015. Note: Ground-truthed data has confirmed that the authorised drill holes and access tracks in Endangered Regional Ecosystems (sub-dominant) do not contain the environmental values associated with Category B Environmentally Sensitive Areas. As such, approved disturbance within Endangered Regional Ecosystems (sub- dominant) as per Attachment 1: Drill sites within Category B Environmentally Sensitive Areas (Endangered Regional Ecosystems) is not considered to constitute disturbance within a Category B Environmentally Sensitive Area.
- D37
The environmental authority holder must revegetate disturbed areas within 500m of any Category B Environmentally Sensitive Area with plant species that will promote the same vegetation type and density of cover to that of the surrounding undisturbed areas. The following note is only applicable to all disturbance approved prior to 2015. Note: Ground-truthed data has confirmed that the authorised drill holes and access tracks in Endangered Regional Ecosystems (sub-dominant) do not contain the environmental values associated with Category B Environmentally Sensitive Areas. As such, approved disturbance within Endangered Regional Ecosystems (sub- dominant) as per Attachment 1: Drill sites within Category B Environmentally Sensitive Areas (Endangered Regional Ecosystems) of this environmental authority is not considered to constitute disturbance within a Category B Environmentally Sensitive Area.
- D38
All land subject to mining activities must be rehabilitated to a non-polluting, safe, stable and self-sustaining landform.
- D39
An annual report must be prepared each year and submitted with each annual return. The report must include a map and details of all exploration activities undertaken, (S) - Standard Condition www.ehp.qld.gov.au ABN 46 640 294 485 Permit Environmental authority EPPR00925213 including details of new tracks, monitoring bores and progressive rehabilitation works completed to demonstrate compliance with Conditions D33 to D38. D Table 1 Table 1: Authorised Disturbance within Category B Environmentally Sensitive Areas Activity Limitation of Limitation of Maximum Maximum Footprint Activity in Activity within Footprint of of Disturbance Category B Disturbance Category B Permitted for each Permitted for each Environmentally Environmentally Activity in Activity within Sensitive Area Sensitive Area Category B Category B Environmentally 500m Buffer Sensitive Areas Environmentally Sensitive Area 21 500m Buffer Exploration 3 21 500 square meters - Drill Holes* per drill pad 180mm diameter per drill pad Access 3 3m wide per track 3m wide per track Tracks* *Authorised disturbance prior to 2015 approved drilling program D Table 2 Table 2: Authorised Disturbance within Category B Environmentally Sensitive Areas (2015 drilling program) Activity Limitation of Activity Maximum Disturbance in within Category B ESA Category B ESA Chip Holes 25 Disturbance is limited to LOX Lines Core Holes 45 Disturbance is limited to Fault Delineation Lines Additional 14 105 square meters Chip/Core Holes Access Tracks 3.9km 3m wide
- C1
Erosion and Sediment Control The environmental authority holder must comply with each of the `Erosion and Sediment Control' Standard Environmental Conditions contained in the Code of Environmental Compliance for Exploration and Mineral Development Projects (EM586).
- C2
Contaminants must not be released to any waters or the bed and banks of any waters.
- C3
Sediment control barriers must be made of non-organic material to prevent the spread of weeds.
- C4
Diversion drains and sediment control barriers must be in place immediately after any clearing. (S) - Standard Condition www.ehp.qld.gov.au ABN 46 640 294 485 Permit Environmental authority EPPR00925213 Definition Definitions Words and phrases used throughout this environmental authority are defined in the Definitions section of this authority. 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 Regulation and Code of environmental compliance for exploration and mineral development projects (EM586) or Environmental Protection Act 1994, its regulations and policies must be used. artesian bore - includes a shaft, well, gallery, spear or excavation, and any works constructed in connection with the shaft well, gallery, spear or excavation, that taps an aquifer and the water flows, or has flowed, naturally to the surface. authority - means a site specific environmental authority (resource activity) under the Environmental Protection Act 1994. borehole - means either an artesian bore or a subartesian bore. campsite - The area encompassing any dwelling, amenities (e.g. toilet block, power generator), sewage or general waste disposal facility and includes the office area and vehicle parking areas associated with a temporary or permanent mining camp. Category A and B Environmentally Sensitive Area - Means as defined in the Environmental Protection Regulation 2008. Note: Ground-truthed data has confirmed that the authorised drill holes and access tracks in Endangered Regional Ecosystems (sub-dominant) do not contain the environmental values associated with Category B Environmentally Sensitive Areas. As such, approved disturbance within Endangered Regional Ecosystems (sub- dominant) as per Attachment 1: Drill sites within Category B Environmentally Sensitive Areas (Endangered Regional Ecosystems) of this environmental authority is not considered to constitute disturbance within a Category B Environmentally Sensitive Area. costeaning - The digging of a trench or pit across the seam or ore body for exposing, sampling and mapping of the ore body. density of cover - In reference to trees and/or shrubs, it means the number of trees or shrubs in a specified area (e.g. 50 trees per square kilometre). With reference to understorey plant species (e.g. grasses and forbs), it means the percentage of surface area covered by a particular species. disturbed - Any area that has had its natural state altered by the action or interference of carrying out an activity associated with the exploration project. endangered regional ecosystem - means a regional ecosystem identified as endangered in the database maintained by the administering authority called `Regional ecosystem description database' containing regional ecosystem numbers