Data as at 14 September 2026 · from the Queensland EP Act public register
EPML00370013 · Rolleston Coal Mine
Coal environmental authority EPML00370013 (Rolleston Coal Mine), Granted. 169 conditions indexed. No PRC plan.
- Status
- Granted
- Holders
- ROLLESTON COAL HOLDINGS PTY LIMITED
- Tenures
- ML70307; ML70415; ML70416; ML70418; ML70458
- PRC plan
- None
- How it was read
- Numbered conditions
- Register
- Register record · Instrument PDF
Conditions
169 numbered conditions read from the current instrument. Page numbers link into the register PDF.
- A1
This environmental authority authorises environmental harm referred to in the conditions. Where there is no condition or this environmental authority is silent on a matter, the lack of a condition or silence does not authorise environmental harm.
- A2
Scope of Activity This environmental authority authorises the mining of up to 19 million tonnes of run of mine (ROM) coal per annum.
- A3
In carrying out the mining activity authorised by this environmental authority, disturbance can only occur in accordance with Figure 1 - Operational footprint, mine affected water release points, monitoring locations and receiving waters with the exception of exploration activities carried out within the tenure boundaries. Note: Exploration activities can be undertaken outside of the Operational Footprint as shown in Figure 1 - Operational footprint, mine affected water release points, monitoring locations and receiving waters within the tenure boundaries. The exploration activities must not result in a significant residual impact to areas of Matters of State Environmental Significance (MSES) and Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES).
- A4
All reasonable and practicable measures must be taken to prevent or minimise environmental harm caused, or likely to be caused, by the activities.
- A5
Maintenance of 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 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 properly calibrated.
- A6
Record keeping Unless otherwise specified by a condition of this environmental authority, all monitoring records or reports required by this environmental authority must be: (a) kept for a period of not less than five (5) years; and (b) provided to the administering authority upon request and in the specified format.
- A7
Monitoring and Sampling All monitoring and sampling required by conditions of this environmental authority must be carried out, analyzed and interpreted by an appropriately qualified person(s).
- A8
Plans, reports and programs Any plans, reports or programs required by a condition of this environmental authority must be developed and reviewed (where relevant) by an appropriately qualified person. Innovation OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00370013 - Rolleston Coal Mine
- A9
Risk management The holder of this environmental authority must develop and implement a risk management system for mining activities which mirrors the content requirement of the Standard for Risk Management (ISO31000:2009), or the latest edition of an Australian standard for risk management, to the extent relevant to environmental management.
- A10
Notification of emergencies, incidents and exceptions The holder of this environmental authority must notify the administering authority by written notification 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.
- A11
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.
- A12
Third-party reporting The holder of this environmental authority must obtain a report on compliance with the conditions of this environmental authority from a suitably qualified person at a three (3) years interval after 1 March 2017 and provide a copy of the report to the administering authority within ninety (90) days of its completion.
- A13
Where a condition of this environmental authority requires compliance with a standard, policy or guideline published externally to this environmental authority and the standard is amended or changed subsequent to the issue of this environmental authority, the holder of this environmental authority must: (a) comply with the amended or changed standard, policy or guideline within two (2) years of the amendment or change being made, unless a different period is specified in the amended standard or relevant legislation, or where the amendment or change relates specifically to regulated structures referred to in Schedule J; and (b) until compliance with the amended or changed standard, policy or guideline is achieved, continue to remain in compliance with the corresponding provision that was current immediately prior to the relevant amendment or change. Innovation OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00370013 - Rolleston Coal Mine
- A14
Complaints The holder of this environmental authority must record all environmental complaints received about the mining activities including: (a) name, address and contact number of the complainant; (b) time and date of complaint; (c) reasons for the complaint; (d) investigations undertaken; (e) conclusions formed; (f) actions taken to resolve the complaint; (g) any abatement measures implemented; and (h) person responsible for resolving the complaint.
- A15
As soon as reasonably practicable but no later than five (5) business days of receiving a complaint under condition A14 (or a longer period agreed to in writing by the administering authority), an investigation must be undertaken to determine: (a) the potential circumstances and actions on site that may have contributed to the basis of the complaint; and (b) reasonable and practicable measures that will be implemented to address the complaint.
- A16
As soon as reasonably practicable but no later than five (5) business days of investigating a complaint under condition A15 (or a longer period agreed to in writing by the administering authority), the reasonable and practicable measures identified in the investigation must commence.
- A17
The outcome of the investigation carried out under condition A15 and the measures implemented under condition A16 must be recorded. Innovation OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00370013 - Rolleston Coal Mine Schedule B - Air Condition Condition Number
- B1
Unless authorised by this environmental authority, the release of contaminants to air must not cause an exceedance of the limits in Table B1 - Ambient Air Quality Limits and Monitoring Methods at a sensitive or commercial place. The measurement of air emissions for a sensitive place or commercial place is either: (a) at that place (if measured there); or (b) at the monitoring location representative (whether by reason of correlation or otherwise) of the sensitive place or commercial place (where there is no measure at the sensitive place or commercial place).
- B2
The environmental authority holder must, at the locations identified in Table B2 - Dust and Particulate Matter Monitoring Locations, monitor the air quality indicators in accordance with the corresponding monitoring standard stated in Table B1 - Ambient Air Quality Limits and Monitoring Methods at a frequency of continuous for: (a) meteorological conditions; (b) PM10; and (c) dust deposition.
- B3
Where monitoring under condition B2 identifies an exceedance of concentrations specified in Table B1 - Ambient Air Quality Limits and Monitoring Methods at any relevant sensitive place or commercial place, the environmental authority holder must conduct an investigation within ten (10) business days which includes: (a) the air quality data at the relevant sensitive place or commercial place; (b) a description of meteorological conditions recorded in accordance with Table B1 - Ambient Air Quality Limits and Monitoring Methods occurring at the time; (c) comparison against the air quality at other monitoring locations listed in Table B2 - Dust and Particulate Matter Monitoring Locations; (d) measures taken to reduce dust and particulate matter generated by the mining activities; and (e) the contribution of the mining activities to the PM10 and dust deposition concentration at the relevant sensitive or commercial place.
- B4
Air Emissions Management Plan An Air Emissions Management Plan must be implemented for all stages of the mining activity. The Air Emissions Management Plan must incorporate a program for the management of dust and particulate matter resulting from the mining activities with respect to, but not limited to: (a) the collection of air quality and meteorological data at the location specified in Table B2 - Dust and Particulate Matter Monitoring Locations and using the monitoring methods described in Table B1 - Ambient Air Quality Limits and Monitoring Methods; (b) a system to identify adverse meteorological conditions likely to produce elevated levels of dust and particulate matter at a sensitive place or commercial place due to the mining activities; and (c) a dust and particulate matter control strategy which activates a timely implementation of management control actions. Innovation OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00370013 - Rolleston Coal Mine
- B5
Should an exceedance of the air quality indicators stated in Table B1 - Ambient Air Quality Limits and Monitoring Methods be identified at the locations identified in Table B2 - Dust and Particulate Matter Monitoring Location, the Air Emissions Management Plan required by condition B4 must be reviewed to incorporate relevant recommendations of the investigation conducted under condition B3.
- B6
All monitored parameters required by Table B1 - Ambient Air Quality Limits and Monitoring Methods must be made publicly available on the environmental authority holder's website, in a format endorsed by the administering authority, and updated at the following frequency: (a) PM10 monitoring data--fortnightly; and (b) Dust deposition monitoring data--quarterly.
- B7
The environmental authority holder must implement the requirements of condition B6 by 3 June 2026.
- B8
Greenhouse Gas Abatement Plan - Spring Creek North Continuation Project A greenhouse gas (GHG) abatement plan must be developed by 3 June 2026 and implemented for all stages of the Spring Creek North Continuation Project (SCNCP). The GHG abatement plan must include: (a) an inventory of projected unmitigated annual Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions for each GHG over the life of the SCNCP; (b) the intended objectives, measures and performance standards to avoid and mitigate GHG emissions to ensure consistency of SCNCP emissions with the Commonwealth Safeguard Mechanism; (c) a process for regularly reviewing, assessing, and implementing new technologies, where reasonable and feasible, to identify opportunities to further reduce SCNCP GHG emissions (including consideration of energy efficiency); and (d) a program for annual monitoring, auditing and reporting on GHG emissions from all relevant SCNCP activities and the success of measures to avoid and mitigate GHG emissions and performance against Commonwealth Safeguard Mechanism targets.
- B9
The results of the program conducted under condition B8(d) must be made publicly available on the environmental authority holder's website, and any other website requested by the administering authority
- B10
Every three (3) years the environmental authority holder must review the effectiveness of the GHG abatement plan required by condition B8 and update the plan to address any matters identified in the review.
- B11
By 3 June 2026, the monitoring point on the southern side of the Dawson Highway (relevant to Inderi homestead) required by Table B2 - Dust and Particulate Matter Monitoring Locations must be installed, and the location of the monitoring point submitted to the administering authority for inclusion in Table B2 - Dust and Particulate Matter Monitoring Locations of this environmental authority. Innovation OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00370013 - Rolleston Coal Mine Table B1 - Ambient Air Quality Limits and Monitoring Methods Air Quality Air quality Averaging Monitoring standard Determination/ limit period Indicator 24-hour AS3580.9.11 Determination of suspended particulate matter -- PM10 beta attenuation monitors. Particulate matter 50-g/m3 Monthly less than 10m in AS3580.10.1 Methods for sampling and analysis of aerodynamic ambient air--Determination of particulate matter -- diameter (PM10) Deposited matter -Gravimetric method. (a) Monitoring by automatic meteorological station(s); Dust deposition 120 (b) Australian Standard AS3580.14 Methods for mg/m2/day sampling and analysis of ambient air - Meteorological N/A Continuous Meteorological monitoring for ambient air quality N/A monitoring locations; or data (including but (c) An alternative method accepted by the administering authority. not limited to wind Determined by an appropriately qualified person speed and direction, relative humidity, temperature, precipitation and rainfall intensity, solar radiation) Siting of N/A monitoring equipment Table B2 - Dust and Particulate Matter Monitoring Locations Monitoring Point Monitoring Description Easting Northing
- C1
Noise limits The holder of this environmental authority must ensure that noise generated from the mining activities must not cause the criteria in Table C1 - Noise limits to be exceeded at any sensitive or commercial place.
- C2
Airblast overpressure nuisance The holder of this environmental authority must ensure that blasting does not cause the limits for peak particle velocity and airblast overpressure in Table C2 - Airblast overpressure and vibration level to be exceeded at any sensitive or commercial place.
- C3
Monitoring and reporting When requested by the administering authority, noise monitoring must be undertaken to investigate any complaint of noise nuisance. Monitoring and reporting must include the following matters: (a) LAeq (15mins); (b) background noise; (c) the level and frequency of occurrence of impulsive or tonal noise; (d) atmospheric conditions including wind speed and direction; (e) effects due to extraneous factors such as traffic noise; and (f) location date and time of recording.
- C4
All monitoring of noise emissions from the activity must be undertaken in accordance with the most relevant Australian Standard and the Environmental Protection Regulation 2019 (Chapter 5, Part 4).
- C5
Noise complaints When requested by the administering authority as a result of a complaint (which is neither frivolous nor vexatious nor based on mistaken belief in the opinion of the authorised officer), noise monitoring must be undertaken, and the results thereof documented in a report within twenty- eight (28) days following completion of monitoring. Monitoring must be carried out at a place or places relevant to the potentially affected noise sensitive place as agreed upon with the administering authority. Innovation OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00370013 - Rolleston Coal Mine Table C1 - Noise limits Monday to Sunday (including Public Holidays) Noise Level dB(A) 7am - 6pm 6pm - 10pm 10pm - 7am LAeq(1hr) dB(A) 45 40 35 Table C2 - Airblast overpressure and vibration level Airblast Overpressure Measured/Vibration Measure Airblast overpressure Air blast overpressure level of 115dB (Linear) peak for 9 out of 10 consecutive blasts initiated and not greater than 120dB (Linear) peak at any time. Ground vibration peak 5mm/s peak particle velocity for 9 out of 10 consecutive blasts and not greater particle velocity than 10mm/s peak particle velocity at any time. Innovation OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00370013 - Rolleston Coal Mine Schedule D - Water Condition Condition Number
- D1
Contaminant Release Contaminants that will or have the potential to cause environmental harm must not be released directly or indirectly to any waters as a result of the authorised mining activities, except as permitted under the conditions of this environmental authority.
- D2
The release of mine affected water to waters must only occur from the release points specified in Table D1 - Mine affected water release points, sources and receiving waters and depicted in Figure 1 - Operational footprint, mine affected water release points, monitoring locations and receiving waters attached to this environmental authority. Table D1 - Mine affected water release points, sources and receiving waters Release Easting Northing Mine Affected Water Monitoring Point Receiving Point (RP) (GDA2020) (GDA2020) Source and Location waters End of pipe description RP 1 643949 7297713 Pit Water Dam End of pipe Bootes Creek RP 3 644116 7295885 Environment Dam Spring Creek Dam Bootes Creek RP 4 641433 7296359 End of pipe Bootes Creek RP 5 641357 7290010 Meteor West Pit Dam, End of pipe Meteor Creek 7294994 Irrigation Dam, and End of Pipe (via Sandy RP 6 644864 Bootes West Pit Water Creek) Dam 2 Bootes Creek Sediment Dam 6
- D3
The release of mine affected water to internal water management infrastructure installed and operated in accordance with a water management plan that complies with condition D27 and D28 is permitted.
- D4
The release of mine affected water to waters in accordance with condition D2 must not exceed the release limits stated in Table D2 - Mine affected water release limits when measured at the monitoring points specified in Table D1 - Mine affected water release points, sources and receiving waters for each quality characteristic. Innovation OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00370013 - Rolleston Coal Mine Table D2 - Mine affected water release limits Quality Release Limits Monitoring Comment Characteristic frequency Electrical Release limits specified in Table Daily during release (the first conductivity D4 for variable flow criteria. sample must be taken within (-S/cm) 2 hours of commencement Low Flow: of release) pH (pH Unit) 6.5 (minimum) 9.0 (maximum) Daily during release (the first sample must be taken within Medium and High Flows: 2 hours of commencement 6.5 (minimum) of release) 9.5 (maximum) Turbidity (NTU) NA Daily during release* (first Turbidity is required sample within 2 hours of to assess Suspended Bootes Creek 1050 commencement of release) ecosystems impacts Solids (mg/L) Meteor Creek 1200 and can provide Storages listed in Table D1 instantaneous are to be measured within results. one week prior to commencement of release Suspended solids are or within 2 hours after required to measure commencement of release the performance of and weekly thereafter*. sediment and erosion control measures. Sulfate 250 Daily during release (first (SO42-) (mg/L) sample within 2 hours of commencement of release) *Both turbidity and suspended solids are to be measured in all cases.
- D5
The release of mine affected water to waters from the release points must be monitored at the locations specified in Table D1 - Mine affected water release points, sources and receiving waters for each quality characteristic and at the frequency specified in Table D2 - Mine affected water release limits and Table D3 - Release contaminant trigger investigation levels, potential contaminants. Note: The administering authority will take into consideration any extenuating circumstances prior to determining an appropriate enforcement response in the event condition D5 is contravened due to a temporary lack of safe or practical access. The administering authority expects the environmental authority holder to take all reasonable and practicable measures to maintain safe and practical access to designated monitoring locations. Innovation OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00370013 - Rolleston Coal Mine Table D3 - Release contaminant trigger investigation levels Quality Trigger Levels Comment on Trigger Level Monitoring Characteristic (g/L) Frequency Aluminium 270 From local background reference 80th percentile Arsenic For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD Cadmium 13 Chromium guideline For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD 0.2 guideline 2 From local background reference 80th percentile Copper 5 From local background reference 80th percentile Commencement Iron 300 of release and Zinc 58 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on low thereafter weekly Molybdenum 34 during release 10 reliability guideline Selenium From local background reference 80th percentile 1 Silver 1 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on low 10 Uranium 900 reliability guideline 1100 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on LOR for Vanadium 20 ICPMS Ammonia 100 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on LOR for Nitrate 2000 ICPMS Petroleum For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on LOR for
- C9
ICPMS Petroleum For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on LOR for hydrocarbons (C10- C36) ICPMS Fluoride (total) For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD Note: guideline For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on ambient Qld WQ Guidelines (2006) for TN Protection of livestock and short-term irrigation guideline 1. All metals and metalloids must be measured as total (unfiltered) and dissolved (filtered). Trigger levels for metal/metalloids apply if dissolved results exceed trigger. 2. SMD - slightly moderately disturbed level of protection, guideline refers ANZECC & ARMCANZ (2000). 3. LOR - typical reporting for method stated. ICPMS/CV FIMS - analytical method required to achieve LOR. Innovation OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00370013 - Rolleston Coal Mine
- D6
If quality characteristics of the release exceed any of the trigger levels specified in Table D3 - Release contaminant trigger investigation levels, potential contaminants during a release event, the environmental authority holder must compare the downstream results in the receiving waters to the trigger values specified in Table D3 - Release contaminant trigger investigation levels, potential contaminants and: (a) where the trigger values are not exceeded then no action is to be taken; or (b) where the downstream results exceed the trigger values specified Table D3 - Release contaminant trigger investigation levels, potential contaminants for any quality characteristic, compare the results of the downstream site to the data from background monitoring sites and: (i) if the result is less than the background monitoring site data, then no action is to be taken; or (ii) if the result is greater than the background monitoring site data, complete an investigation into the potential for environmental harm and provide a written report to the administering authority within ninety (90) days of receiving the result, outlining: (1) details of the investigations carried out; and (2) actions taken to prevent environmental harm.
- D7
If an exceedance in accordance with condition D6 (b) (ii) is identified, the holder of the environmental authority must notify the administering authority in writing within twenty-four (24) hours of receiving the result.
- D8
Mine affected water release events The holder must ensure an automatic stream flow gauging station/s is installed, operated and maintained to determine and record stream flows at the locations and flow recording frequency specified in Table D4 - Mine affected water release during flow events.
- D9
The release of mine affected water to waters in accordance with condition D2 must only take place during periods of natural flow in accordance with the receiving water flow criteria for discharges specified in Table D4 - Mine affected water release during flow events for the release point(s) specified in Table D1 - Mine affected water release points, sources and receiving waters.
- D10
The release of mine affected water to waters in accordance with condition D2 must not exceed the Maximum Release Rate (for all combined release point flows) for each receiving water flow criterion for discharge specified in Table D4 - Mine affected water release during flow events when measured at the monitoring points specified in Table D1 - Mine affected water release points, sources and receiving waters. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00370013 - Rolleston Coal Mine Table D4 - Mine affected water release during flow events Receiving Release Gauging Gauging Gauging Receiving Receiving Maximum Electrical waters Point (RP) Station Station Station water flow water flow release rate conductivi Easting Northing recording criteria for ty release (GDA2020) (GDA2020) frequency discharge (for all combined limits (m3/s) RP flows) (-S/cm) (m3/s) Low flow <1.0m3/s for a period of 0.5 280 1600 28 days after natural flow
- D11
The daily quantity of mine affected water released from each release point must be measured, recorded and provided to the administering authority on request.
- D12
Releases to waters must be undertaken so as not to cause erosion of the bed and banks of the receiving waters or cause a material build-up of sediment in such waters. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00370013 - Rolleston Coal Mine
- D13
Notification of release event The environmental authority holder must notify the administering authority via WaTERS within twenty-four (24) hours after commencing a release of mine affected water to the receiving environment. Notification must include the submission of written advice to the administering authority of the following information: (a) release commencement date and time; (b) details regarding the compliance of the release with the conditions of Schedule D: Water of this environmental authority (that is, contaminant limits, natural flow, discharge volume); (c) release point/s; (d) release rate; (e) release salinity; and (f) receiving water/s including the natural flow rate.
- D14
The environmental authority holder must notify the administering authority via WaTERS (within twenty-four (24) hours) of the cessation of a release notified under condition D13 and within twenty-eight (28) days provide the following information in writing: (a) release cessation date and time; (b) natural flow rate in receiving water; (c) volume of water released; (d) details regarding the compliance of the release with the conditions of Schedule D: Water of this environmental authority (i.e., contaminant limits, natural flow, discharge volume); (e) all in-situ water quality monitoring results; and (f) any other matters pertaining to the water release event. Note: Successive or intermittent releases occurring within 24 hours of the cessation of any individual release can be considered part of a single release event and do not require individual notification for the purpose of compliance with conditions D13 and D14, provided the relevant details of the release are included within the notification provided in accordance with conditions D13 and D14.
- D15
Notification of release event exceedance If the release limits defined in Table D2 - Mine affected water release limits are exceeded, the holder of the environmental authority must notify the administering authority in writing within twenty- four (24) hours of receiving the results.
- D16
The environmental authority holder must, within twenty-eight (28) days of a release that is not compliant with the conditions of this environmental authority, provide a report to the administering authority detailing: (a) the reason for the release; (b) the location of the release; (c) the total volume of the release and which (if any) part of this volume was non-compliant; (d) the total duration of the release and which (if any) part of this period was non-compliant; (e) all water quality monitoring results (including in situ and laboratory analyses); (f) identification of any environmental harm as a result of the non-compliance; and any other matters pertinent to the water release event. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00370013 - Rolleston Coal Mine
- D17
Receiving environment monitoring and contaminant trigger levels The quality of the receiving waters must be monitored at the locations specified in Table D6 - Receiving water upstream background sites and downstream monitoring points for each quality characteristic and at the monitoring frequency stated in Table D5 - Receiving waters contaminant trigger levels. Table D5 - Receiving waters contaminant trigger levels Quality Characteristic Trigger Level Monitoring Frequency pH 6.5 - 9.5 Daily during the release Electrical Conductivity (S/cm) 1000 (Bootes Creek) Suspended Solids (mg/L) 700 (Meteor Creek) Sulphate (SO42-) (mg/L) 1300 250 Table D6 - Receiving water upstream background sites and downstream monitoring points Monitoring Point (MP) Receiving Waters Location Easting (GDA2020) Northing (GDA2020) Description Upstream Background Monitoring Points MP 1a Bootes Creek Upstream 633648 7293044 MP 2a Meteor Creek Upstream 638622 7286202 MP 6a Sandy Creek Upstream 638619 7286450 Downstream Monitoring Points MP 3 Bootes Creek Downstream 644142 7297439 MP 4 Meteor Creek Downstream 646678 7294507 MP 5 Bootes Creek Downstream 647926 7296759 Notes: (a) The data from background monitoring points must not be used where they are affected by releases from other mines. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00370013 - Rolleston Coal Mine
- D18
If quality characteristics of the receiving water at the downstream monitoring points exceed any of the trigger levels specified in Table D5 - Receiving waters contaminants trigger levels during a release the environmental authority holder must compare the downstream results to the upstream results in the receiving waters and: (a) where the downstream result is the same or a lower value than the upstream value for the quality characteristic, then no action is to be taken; or (b) where the downstream results exceed the upstream results, complete an investigation into the potential for environmental harm and provide a written report to the administering authority at WaTERS within three (3) months outlining: (i) details of the investigation carried out, and (ii) actions taken to comply with the conditions of this environmental authority and prevent environmental harm.
- D19
Receiving Environment Monitoring Program (REMP) The environmental authority holder must develop and implement a Receiving Environment Monitoring Program (REMP) to monitor, identify and describe any adverse impacts to surface water environmental values, quality and flows due to the authorised mining activity. This must include monitoring the effects of the mine on the receiving environment periodically (under natural flow conditions) and while mine affected water is being discharged from the site. For the purposes of the REMP, the receiving environment is the waters of Bootes Creek and Meteor Creek and connected or surrounding waterways within 5km downstream of the release. The REMP should encompass any sensitive receiving waters or environmental values downstream of the authorised mining activity that will potentially be directly affected by an authorised release of mine affected water.
- D20
A REMP must be maintained by a person possessing appropriate qualifications and experience in the field of hydrology and surface water monitoring program design.
- D21
The REMP required by condition D20 must address, but not be limited to, the following: (a) 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) a description of applicable environmental values, including but not limited to: (i) hydrology (flow, duration, periodicity connectivity with groundwater systems); (ii) physiochemical properties; (iii) aquatic ecosystem parameters including flow and fauna habitat; and (iv) geomorphological features; (c) a description of water quality objectives to be achieved (i.e., as scheduled pursuant to the Environmental Protection (Water and Wetland Biodiversity) Policy 2019); (d) any relevant reports prepared by other governmental or professional research organisations that relate to the receiving environment within which the REMP is proposed; (e) water quality targets within the receiving environment to be achieved, and clarification of contaminant concentrations or levels indicating adverse environmental impacts during the REMP; (f) monitoring for any potential and adverse environmental impacts caused by the release including impacts to bank stability and erosion; (g) monitoring of stream flow hydrology; OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00370013 - Rolleston Coal Mine (h) an assessment of bank stability and an evaluation of water course bank slumping; (i) monitoring of physical and chemical parameters and dissolved oxygen saturation to assess the extent of the compliance of concentrations with water quality objectives and/or the ANZECC & ARMCANZ 2000 guidelines; (j) monitoring of contaminants should assess the extent of the compliance of concentrations with water quality objectives and/or the ANZECC & ARMCANZ 2000 guidelines; (k) monitoring of metals/metalloids in sediments with consideration of ANZECC & ARMCANZ 2000 guidelines, BATLEY and the most recent version of AS5667.4 Guidance on Sampling of Bottom Sediments; (l) monitoring biological indicators (including but not limited to vertebrate and invertebrate species) for permanent, semi-permanent water holes and water storages using sampling techniques sufficient to reliably detect significant differences between impacts (test) and un-impacted sites; (m)monitoring of a selection of zooplankton species to assess health (e.g., exoskeleton density) in respect to the availability of calcium and magnesium; (n) the methods for analysis and interpretation of all monitoring results; (o) the locations of monitoring points (including the locations of proposed background and downstream impacted sites for each release point);
- D22
A report outlining the findings of the REMP, including all monitoring results and interpretations must be prepared annually and submitted to the administering authority. This must include an assessment of background reference water quality, the condition of downstream water quality compared against water quality objectives, and the suitability of current discharge limits to protect downstream environmental values.
- D23
Water reuse Mine affected water may be piped or trucked or transferred by some other means that does not contravene the conditions of this environmental authority and deposited into artificial water storage structures, such as farm dams or tanks, or used directly at properties owned by the environmental authority holder or a third party (with the consent of the third party). OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00370013 - Rolleston Coal Mine
- D24
Annual water monitoring reporting The following information must be recorded in relation to all water monitoring required under the conditions of this environmental authority and submitted to the administering authority by 1 October each calendar year in the specified format: (a) the date on which the sample was taken; (b) the time at which the sample was taken; (c) the monitoring point at which the sample was taken; (d) the measured or estimated daily quantity of mine affected water released from all release points; (e) the release flow rate at the time of sampling for each release point; (f) the results of all monitoring and details of any exceedances of the conditions of this environmental authority; and (g) water quality monitoring data must be provided to the administering authority in the specified electronic format via WaTERS.
- D25
Temporary interference with waterways Destroying native vegetation, excavating, or placing fill in a watercourse, lake or spring necessary for and associated with mining operations must be undertaken in accordance with the Riverine Protection Permit Exemption Requirements WSS/2013/726 (or the successive guideline).
- D26
Water management plan A Water Management Plan must be developed and implemented for all stages of the mining activities.
- D27
A Water Management Plan must provide for effective management of actual and potential environmental impacts resulting from water management associated with the mining activity carried out under this environmental authority, and must include: (a) a study of the source of contaminants; (b) a water balance model for the site; (c) a water management system for the site; (d) measures to manage and prevent saline drainage; (e) measures to manage and prevent acid rock drainage; (f) contingency procedures for emergencies; and (g) a program for monitoring and review of the effectiveness of the water management plan.
- D28
Stormwater and water sediment controls An Erosion and Sediment Control Plan must be developed and implemented for all stages of the mining activities on the site to minimise erosion and the release of sediment to receiving waters and contamination of stormwater. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00370013 - Rolleston Coal Mine
- D29
Stormwater, other than mine affected water, is permitted to be released to waters from: (a) erosion and sediment control structures that are installed and operated in accordance with the Erosion and Sediment Control Plan required by condition D28; and (b) water management infrastructure that is installed and operated, in accordance with a Water Management Plan that complies with condition D27, for the purpose of ensuring water does not become mine affected water. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00370013 - Rolleston Coal Mine Schedule E - Groundwater Condition Condition Number
- E1
Contaminant release Contaminants from the activity must not be released directly or indirectly to groundwater.
- E2
Groundwater Monitoring All groundwater sampling and monitoring methods must be in accordance with the latest version of the administering authority's Monitoring and Sampling Manual 2018 - Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009 unless otherwise approved by the administering authority.
- E3
Groundwater dependent ecosystems (GDEs) The biocondition and extent of groundwater dependent ecosystems associated with the alluvium of Meteor Creek and Bootes Creek must remain unchanged, except as permitted under the conditions of this environmental authority. Note: The biocondition must be determined by the methodology in 'BioConditon: a condition assessment later versions).
- E4
The activities authorised under this environmental authority must not cause environmental harm to groundwater dependent ecosystems, specified in Table E1 - Identified Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems within SCNCP Drawdown Extent except as permitted under the conditions of this environmental authority.
- E5
A Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Management and Monitoring Plan (GDEMMP) must be: (a) developed by 3 June 2026; (b) implemented; and (c) maintained to ensure compliance with conditions E4, E6 and E7 of this environmental authority.
- E6
The GDEMMP required by condition E5 of this environmental authority must: (a) for terrestrial GDEs identified in Table E1 - Identified Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems within SCNCP Drawdown Extent, include: (i) a program of monitoring the identified impacts at Year 2, 5 and 8 from commencement of activities in SCNCP1. If no impacts are detected, assessment at five-year intervals after year 8; and (ii) mitigation measures where dieback is detected. (b) for aquatic and subterranean GDEs identified in Table E1 - Identified Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems within SCNCP Drawdown Extent, a monitoring plan must be developed to assess the zone of impact and include: (i) detailed objectives which are consistent with: (1) ensure no further loss of aquatic and subterranean GDEs beyond that predicted; (2) avoid adverse impacts on aquatic or stygofauna assemblages; (3) ensure no long-term or legacy impacts on aquatic and stygofauna populations; and (ii) appropriate control (located beyond any zone of influence from the mining activities under this environmental authority) and test (within the zone of influence) sites; (iii) account for seasonal variability; (iv) comparison to historical datasets for stygofauna; OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00370013 - Rolleston Coal Mine (v) the use of ecological statistics for both uni (diversity indices) and multivariate (community assemblages) approaches to assess significantly different changes between control and test sites, and overtime where possible; (vi) for subterranean GDEs, stygofauna, groundwater quality and levels are to be assessed; (vii) for aquatic GDEs, surface water quality, levels, aquatic habitat and an appropriate biological indicator are to be assessed. The selected biological indicator will be suitable to assess the type of impact relevant to habitat and water chemistry; and (c) the approval holder must implement effective mitigation measures where monitoring triggers have been breached due to hydrological changes (water quality or quantity impacts) or groundwater drawdown impacts due to mining activities; and (d) provide an assessment of the impact, including any significant residual impacts (e.g. habitat loss), to GDEs. Note: (a) 1 SCNCP is Spring Creek North Extension Project.
- E7
Groundwater monitoring - GDEs Groundwater levels must be monitored at the locations and frequencies specified in Table E2 - Groundwater dependent ecosystem piezometers, for the trigger level threshold listed in Table
- E2
- Groundwater dependent ecosystem piezometers.
- E8
If monitoring at the locations in Table E2 - Groundwater dependent ecosystem piezometers indicate the groundwater has fallen below the level trigger threshold, the holder of this environmental authority must: (a) complete an investigation into the potential for environmental harm; and (b) notify the administering authority within twenty-eight (28) days of receiving the analysis results.
- E9
The investigation under condition E8(a) must be completed and submitted to the administering authority within three (3) months of becoming aware of the fall in groundwater levels below the level trigger threshold.
- E10
Where it is identified that there is potential for environmental harm, an action plan to mitigate potential harm must be developed by an appropriately qualified person and implemented within three (3) months of the completion of the investigation under condition E9. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00370013 - Rolleston Coal Mine Table E1 - Identified Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems within SCNCP Drawdown Extent GDE Type Location Melaleuca woodland (RE 11.3.3a) along Terrestrial Figure 2 - Groundwater Dependent Unnamed Creek 1 - 40.8ha Ecosystems - Aquatic and terrestrial Melaleuca woodland (RE 11.3.3a) along Terrestrial Unnamed Creek 2 - 134.5ha Unnamed Creek 1 (flows to Meteor Aquatic Creek) Unnamed Creek 2 (flows to Aldebaran Aquatic Creek) Unnamed Creek 3 (flows to Meteor Aquatic Creek) Aldebaran Creek Tributary Aquatic Stygofauna within drawdown extent of Subterranean SCNCP - (a) 1,831ha optimal habitat (>20m drawdown); and (b) 1,056ha of optimal habitat will become sub-optimal habitat (10 - 20m drawdown). Note: HES - high-ecological significance SCNCP - Spring Creek North Continuation Project RE - regional ecosystem Table E2 - Groundwater dependent ecosystem monitoring piezometer locations Monitoring Aquifer Location Surface Screen Monitoring Level point type (GDA2020 Zone 55) interval frequency trigger AHD (mbgl) threshold Easting Northing (m)# (m)
- E11
Groundwater monitoring - Quality and Levels Groundwater quality and standing water levels (SWL) must be monitored: (a) at the locations specified in Table E3 - Groundwater monitoring locations, frequency and level trigger thresholds and as illustrated in Figure 3 - Groundwater Bore Monitoring Locations; (b) at the frequencies specified in Table E3 - Groundwater monitoring locations, frequency and level trigger threshold; and (c) for quality characteristics identified in Table E4- Groundwater quality trigger values.
- E12
Groundwater quality Results from monitoring of groundwater from compliance bores identified in Table E3 - Groundwater monitoring locations, frequency and level trigger thresholds must not exceed any of the groundwater quality limits in Table E4 - Groundwater quality trigger values on three (3) consecutive sampling occasions1. Note: 1re-sampling in the same monitoring period is not a consecutive occasion.
- E13
If groundwater from compliance bores identified in Table E3 - Groundwater monitoring locations, frequency and level trigger thresholds exceed the groundwater quality limits specified in Table E4 - Groundwater quality trigger values on three (3) consecutive sampling occasions, the holder of the environmental authority must notify the administering authority via WaTERS within twenty-four (24) hours of receiving the results.
- E14
Trigger investigation If monitoring results from water quality compliance bores listed in Table E3 - Groundwater monitoring locations, frequency and level trigger thresholds, exceed any of the trigger values specified in Table E4 - Groundwater quality trigger values on three (3) consecutive sampling occasions the approval holder must complete an investigation within three (3) months of receiving the results to determine if the exceedance is a result of: (a) activities authorised under this environmental authority; (b) natural variation; or (c) neighbouring land use resulting in groundwater impacts.
- E15
The holder of this environmental authority must provide a report of the investigation conducted under condition E14 to the administering authority via WaTERS within fourteen (14) days of completion of the investigation.
- E16
Groundwater Standing Water Level (SWL) Groundwater SWLs from compliance bores identified in Table E3 - Groundwater monitoring locations, frequency and level trigger thresholds must not fall below any of the water level trigger values stated in Table E3 - Groundwater monitoring locations, frequency and level trigger thresholds. E17 If the Level Trigger Thresholds of groundwater measured at water level compliance bores specified in Table E3 - Groundwater monitoring locations, frequency and level trigger thresholds fall lower than any of the corresponding Level trigger thresholds specified in Table E3 - Groundwater monitoring locations, frequency and level trigger thresholds, the holder of the environmental authority must: (a) notify the administering authority via WaTERS within twenty-four (24) hours of becoming aware; and OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00370013 - Rolleston Coal Mine (b) complete an investigation into the cause of the exceedance within three (3) months. E18 If the investigation carried out under condition E17(b) determines that the mining activities are a potential cause or contributor to the exceedance: (a) notify the administering authority via WaTERS within twenty-four (24) hours of making the determination; and (b) within three (3) months notify the administering authority of the actions taken to ensure compliance with condition E16 of this environmental authority. Table E4 - Groundwater quality trigger values Parameter Unit Trigger Values/Range pH Basalt Aquifer Electrical Conductivity pH units 6.5 - 9.5 -S/cm 26501 Major ions: mg/L Monitored for Calcium, interpretative purposes Chlorine, mg/L Sodium, -g/L 1252 Magnesium, -g/L 1401 Potassium -g/L 111 Chloride, -g/L 0.3 Bicarbonate, -g/L 60 Carbonate -g/L 801 Sulfate -g/L 800 Aluminium -g/L Arsenic -g/L 31 Cadmium -g/L 101 Chromium -g/L 51 Copper -g/L 10 Fluoride -g/L 300 Alluvial 204 Lead Aquifer 504 Molybdenum pH units -S/cm 6.5 - 9.5 Nickel mg/L 1810
- E19
An Annual Groundwater Monitoring Report (AGMR) is required to be completed and submitted to the administering authority by 1 October each calendar year.
- E20
The AGMR required by condition E19 must include: (a) all groundwater monitoring quality and standing water level data from all the bores listed in Table
- E2
- Groundwater dependent ecosystem piezometers and Table E3 - Groundwater monitoring locations, frequency and trigger level thresholds; (b) an assessment of long-term water quality and water level trends at all groundwater bores listed in Table E3 - Groundwater monitoring locations, frequency and trigger level thresholds; (c) details of any review undertaken of the groundwater conceptual model; (d) an assessment of any differences between the groundwater level impact predicted and actual impacts for corresponding period; and (e) comparison with receiving environment surface water quality monitoring results to determine any interaction or impact from groundwater on surface water; and (f) all associated groundwater quality and standing water level data must be provided to the administering authority via WaTERS.
- E21
Bore construction, maintenance and decommissioning The construction, maintenance, operation and decommissioning of groundwater bores (including groundwater monitoring bores) must be in accordance with the `Minimum Construction Standard for Water Bores in Australia' and must be undertaken by an appropriately qualified person in a manner that: (a) prevents contaminants entering the groundwater; (b) ensures representative groundwater samples from the target hydrogeological unit; and (c) maintains the hydrogeological environment within the hydrogeological unit.
- E22
Replacement bores In the event of a groundwater monitoring bore being scheduled for decommissioning due to planned authorised activities a review of the monitoring network must be undertaken to determine if a replacement monitoring bore is warranted. If, yes, it must: (a) be replaced at least twelve (12) months prior to decommissioning; and (b) be replaced by a groundwater monitoring bore that targets the same hydrogeological unit in a suitable location; and (c) the location of replacement bores be provided for inclusion in Table E3 - Groundwater monitoring locations, frequency and trigger level thresholds.
- E23
Review of groundwater triggers By 1 August 2028 the holder of this environmental authority must submit a report to the administering authority that reviews the adequacy of the groundwater quality trigger values in Table E4 - Groundwater quality trigger values based on site-specific monitoring data. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00370013 - Rolleston Coal Mine Schedule F - Sewage treatment Condition Condition Number
- F1
Treated sewage effluent may be released into the Pit Water Dam for blending. Monitoring of the blended water must be in accordance with Table F1 - Contaminant release limits to land.
- F2
All treated sewage effluent released to land must be monitored at the frequency and for the parameters specified in Table F1 - Contaminant release limits to land Table F1 - Contaminant release limits to land Contaminant Unit Release limit Limit type Frequency Monthly 5-day mg/L 20 Maximum Biochemical Monthly oxygen demand mg/L 30 Maximum Monthly (BOD)1 mg/L 30 Maximum Monthly Total mg/L 15 Maximum Monthly Organisms/100 1000 Maximum Monthly suspende 6.0 - 9.0 d solids ml Range Nitrogen pH units Phosphorus E-coli pH
- F3
Treated sewage effluent must only be released to land where the release limits for each contaminant are complied with prior to release as specified in Table F1 - Contaminant release limits to land.
- F4
Treated sewage effluent may only be released to land in accordance with the conditions of this environmental authority for beneficial reuse for the purpose of dust suppression and/or firefighting.
- F5
The application of treated sewage effluent to land must be carried out in a manner such that: (a) vegetation is not damaged; (b) there is no surface ponding of effluent; and (c) there is no run-off of effluent.
- F6
When circumstances prevent the irrigation or beneficial reuse of treated sewage effluent such as during or following rain events, treated sewage effluent must be directed to the Pit Water Dam or alternative measures must be taken to store/lawfully dispose of effluent.
- F7
Treated sewage effluent must only be supplied to another person or organisation that has a written plan detailing how the user of the treated sewage effluent will comply with their general environmental duty under section 319 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994 whilst using the treated sewage effluent. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00370013 - Rolleston Coal Mine
- F8
If areas where treated sewage effluent is blended 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.
- F9
The volume of effluent released to the Pit Water Dam must be measured and records kept of the volumes of effluent released. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00370013 - Rolleston Coal Mine Schedule G - Land and rehabilitation Conditio Condition n Number
- G1
All areas significantly disturbed by mining activities must be rehabilitated in accordance with the Figure 4 - Final landform Domains and rehabilitation management plan required by condition G2.
- G2
A Rehabilitation Management Plan must be developed and implemented throughout the mine life.
- G3
The Rehabilitation Management Plan must: (a) develop a final land use, landform design criteria and objectives for rehabilitation of all areas disturbed by mining activities for safe and sustainable mine closure; (b) provide, for the final landform: (i) map(s) and/or schematic representations of drainage designs and features; and (ii) erosion controls proposed on reshaped land. (c) identify appropriate reference sites to be used to develop rehabilitation acceptance criteria for self-sustaining vegetation communities; (d) identify specific rehabilitation acceptance criteria; (e) describe the integration of vegetation and/or wildlife corridors within rehabilitation areas as required; (f) map post closure domains and table the rehabilitation requirements applied to all mine domains with respect to rehabilitation goals, rehabilitation objectives, indicators and completion criteria; (g) develop a progressive rehabilitation schedule aligned with the Life of Mine Plan indicating annual targets/milestones to achieve eventual whole of mine site rehabilitation; (h) specify future planned rehabilitation methods for disturbance areas; (i) describe a program for monitoring and review of the effectiveness of the Rehabilitation Management Plan; and (j) outline the management strategies implemented for topsoil including: (i) stripping in advance of mining activities; (ii) stockpiling; and (iii) rehabilitation processes.
- G4
The Rehabilitation Management Plan must be submitted to the administering authority for review prior to any significant proposed changes being made to the rehabilitation requirements. The environmental authority holder must provide the administering authority with a written explanation as to how the administering authority's comments will be addressed in the updated plan.
- G5
The Rehabilitation Management Plan must be submitted to the administering authority on request. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00370013 - Rolleston Coal Mine
- G6
The environmental authority holder must develop an annual report (for the previous calendar year) and submit it to the administering authority on request, detailing rehabilitation performance in accordance with condition G3(g). The report must include: (a) progress toward rehabilitation objectives in the period; (b) how the rehabilitation objectives will be achieved in the coming years; (c) verification of the rehabilitation success; and (d) any proposed changes to rehabilitation methods.
- G7
Topsoil A topsoil inventory that identifies the topsoil requirements for the project and the availability of suitable topsoil on site must be developed and maintained for all stages of mining activities and provided to the administering authority on request.
- G8
Topsoil must be stripped ahead of mining and stockpiled if not able to be used immediately, for reuse in rehabilitation areas.
- G9
All rehabilitated final landform areas must have an average of at least 200mm (minimum depth 150mm) of topsoil cover for revegetation.
- G10
Final voids Final voids must: (a) not cause material or serious environmental harm to land, surface waters or any recognised groundwater aquifer, other than the harm constituted by the existence of the final void; and (b) comply with Table G1 - Final void outcomes and Figure 4 - Final landform Domains.
- G11
Prior to the cessation of mining within a final void, the holder of this environmental authority must submit a Final Void Geotechnical Report prepared by a suitably qualified and experienced person to the administering authority that details: (a) proposed slope criteria and pit wall stability; (b) void hydrology; and (c) all reasonable and practical measures to minimise the size of the final voids remaining after mining activities cease.
- G12
Acid mine drainage and leachate management 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 the environment. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00370013 - Rolleston Coal Mine
- G13
Waste rock and spoil disposal plan A waste rock and spoil disposal plan should be developed and implemented and include, where relevant, at least: (a) effective characterisation of the waste rock and spoil to predict under the proposed placement and disposal strategy the quality of runoff and seepage generated concerning potentially environmentally significant effects including salinity, acidity, alkalinity and dissolved metals, metalloids and non-metallic inorganic substances; and (b) a program of progressive sampling and characterisation to identify dispersive and non- dispersive spoil and the salinity, acid and alkali producing potential and metal concentrations of waste rock; (c) a materials balance and disposal plan demonstrating how potentially acid forming and acid forming waste rock will be selectively placed and/or encapsulated to minimise the potential generation of acid mine drainage; (d) where relevant, a sampling program to verify encapsulation and/or placement of potentially acid-forming and acid-forming waste rock; (e) how often the performance of the plan will be assessed; and (f) the indicators or other criteria on which the performance of the plan will be assessed.
- G14
Seepage monitoring and management plan (SMMP) - Spring Creek Pit Spoil to Bootes Creek By 3 June 2026, the holder of this environmental authority must develop and implement a SMMP that includes: (a) a program to monitor and record seepage rates and seepage quality from Spring Creek Pit Spoil; (b) management of seepage and leachate from Spring Creek Pit spoil during all phases of mining and closure to ensure compliance with condition G15; and (c) a rehabilitation strategy to minimise the potential for impacts offsite and ensure compliance with condition G15.
- G15
Seepage from Spring Creek Pit Spoil is non-polluting to recognised groundwater sources and Bootes Creek as assessed by an appropriately qualified person.
- G16
Chemicals and flammable or combustible liquids 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. Flammable and combustible liquids, including petroleum products, should be stored and handled in accordance with the latest edition of AS1940--The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids. Where no relevant Australian standard exists store such materials within an effective on-site containment system.
- G17
Contaminated land- Surrender Before applying for surrender of a mining lease, the holder must (if applicable) provide to the administering authority a site investigation report under the Act, in relation to any part of the mining lease which has been used for notifiable activities or which the holder is aware is likely to be contaminated land, and also carry out any further work that is required as a result of that report to ensure that the land is suitable for its final land use.
- G18
Transportation The environmental authority holder must ensure that vehicle loads (including trains) are secure prior to transporting materials off the mining lease to minimise windblown emissions (i.e., coal dust) or spillage of any material during transport. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00370013 - Rolleston Coal Mine
- G19
Infrastructure All buildings, structures, mining equipment and plants erected and/or used for the mining activities must be removed from the site prior to surrender, except where agreed in writing by the administering authority.
- G20
Exploration Disturbance due to exploration activities in areas not scheduled to be mined within two (2) years must be rehabilitated in accordance with provisions detailed in the Eligibility Criteria and Standard Conditions for Exploration and Mineral Development Projects.
- G21
Contaminated land - Progressive rehabilitation certification Before applying for progressive rehabilitation certification for an area, the holder must (if applicable) provide to the administering authority a site investigation report under the Act, in relation to any part of the area the subject of the application which has been used for notifiable activities or which the holder is aware is likely to be contaminated land, and also carry out any further work that is required as a result of that report to ensure that the land is suitable for its final land use.
- G22
Progressive Rehabilitation Certification Certification of progressive rehabilitation was granted on 25 June 2018, 22 November 2019, 25 August 2022, 31 January 2024, and 26 August 2025 in the areas depicted in Figure 5 - Rehabilitation Certification (total area 1,152.2ha ha). OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00370013 - Rolleston Coal Mine Table G1 - Final void outcomes ID Location Base of Spill Level Pit Lake Pit Lake Post-mining (Pit Name) Void (mAHD) Equilibrium Surface Area at land use - Pit (mAHD) Level (mAHD) Equilibrium Lake (ha) Void 1 RW2 129 247 199.9 66.4 Void 2 RW1 126 255 Temporary pit Temporary pit lake post lake post closure closure Void 3 RW1 214 258 Temporary pit Temporary pit lake post lake post closure closure Void 4 BW 96 241 (internal 143.9 75.9 spill level of Void 5 BW 98 101mAHD) Void 6 MW 167 232 (internal 174.6 66.5 spill level of Void 7 MW 134 195mAHD) Void 8 SCNCP 200 240 217 49.3 Livestock drinking water (water quality characteristics Void 9 SCNCP 211 240 220 12.1 of the pit lakes achieve electrical conductivity
- H1
Disposal of tyres Disposing of scrap tyres resulting from the authorised activities in spoil emplacements is acceptable, provided tyres are placed as deep in the spoil as reasonably practicable. A record must be kept of the number and location of tyres disposed.
- H2
All general and regulated waste must only be removed and transported from site by a person who has the authority to transport such wastes to a facility that is lawfully able to accept the waste under the Environmental Protection Act 1994.
- H3
A Waste Management Plan must be developed and implemented, and must include: (a) a description of the mining activities that may generate waste; (b) waste management control strategies such as: (i) the types and amounts of wastes generated by the mining activities; (ii) segregation of the wastes; (iii) storage of the wastes; (iv) transport of wastes; and (v) monitoring and reporting matters concerning the wastes. (c) the hazardous characteristics of the wastes generated including disposal for hazardous wastes; (d) a program for reusing, recycling or disposing of all wastes; (e) how the waste will be dealt with in accordance with the waste management hierarchy, including a description of the types and amounts of waste that will be dealt with under each of the waste management practices in the waste management hierarchy (that is, avoidance, reuse, recycling, energy recovery and disposal); (f) 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; (g) procedures for dealing with accidents, spills and other incidents; (h) details of any accredited management system employed, or planned to be employed, to deal with waste; (i) how often the performance of the Waste Management Plan will be assessed; (j) the indicators or other criteria on which the performance of the Waste Management Plan will be assessed; and (k) staff training and induction to the Waste Management Plan.
- H4
Timber waste from packaging (e.g., crates, palettes etc.) and inert construction demolition waste may be buried as deep as practicable in spoil if no reuse or recycling option is viable.
- H5
Unless otherwise permitted by the conditions of this environmental authority or with prior approval from the administering authority and in accordance with a relevant standard operating procedure, waste must not be burnt.
- H6
The holder of this environmental authority may burn vegetation cleared in the course of carrying out extraction activities provided the activity does not cause environmental harm at any sensitive place or commercial place. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00370013 - Rolleston Coal Mine Schedule I - Watercourse diversions Condition Condition Number
- I1
Permanent watercourse diversions Permanent watercourse diversions, or the re-establishment of a pre-existing watercourse where a temporary watercourse diversion is being replaced, must be designed and constructed to: (a) incorporate natural features (including geomorphic and vegetation) present at the location of the diversion; (b) maintain the pre-existing hydrologic characteristics of surface water and groundwater systems for the area in which the watercourse diversion is located; (c) maintain the hydraulic characteristics of the permanent watercourse diversion that are equivalent to other local watercourses and are suitable for the area in which the diversion is located without using artificial structures that require on-going maintenance; (d) maintain sediment transport and water quality regimes that allow the diversion to be self- sustaining, while minimising any impacts to upstream and downstream water quality, geomorphology or vegetation; and (e) maintain equilibrium and functionality in all substrate conditions at the location of the diversion.
- I2
Design plan - all diversions A certified Design Plan that achieves condition I1 for permanent watercourse diversions must be submitted to the administering authority at least ten (10) business days before commencing construction of the diversion.
- I3
The certified design plan for any temporary or permanent watercourse diversion must be consistent with the functional design/s that formed a part of the application documents for this environmental authority.
- I4
Construction and operation - all diversions A certified set of `as constructed' drawings and specifications must be submitted to the administering authority within sixty (60) business days from the completion of construction of the temporary or permanent watercourse diversion, or re-establishment of the pre-existing watercourse. These drawings and specifications must state: (a) that the 'as constructed' drawings and specifications meet the original intent of the design plan for the watercourse diversion; and (b) construction of the watercourse diversion is in accordance with the design plan.
- I5
Register - all diversions The details of watercourse diversions planned and constructed under an environmental authority must be accurately recorded on the Register of Watercourse Diversions kept by the holder of the environmental authority. An electronic copy must be provided to the administering authority on request. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00370013 - Rolleston Coal Mine Schedule J - Regulated structures Condition Condition Number
- J1
Assessment of consequence category The consequence category of any structure must be assessed by a suitably qualified and experienced person in accordance with the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and (a) prior to the design and construction of the structure, if it not an existing structure; or (b) if it is an existing structure, prior to the adoption of this schedule; or (c) prior to any change in its purpose or the nature of its stored contents; and (d) following any change in surroundings or in the conditions downstream.
- J2
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.
- J3
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
- J4
Design and construction of a regulated structure Conditions J5 to J9 inclusive do not apply to existing structures.
- J5
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 Note: Construction of a dam includes modification of an existing dam. Certification of design and construction may be undertaken by different persons.
- J6
Construction of a regulated structure is prohibited unless: (a) the holder has submitted a consequence category assessment report and certification to the administering authority; and (b) certification for the design, design plan and the associated operating procedures has been certified by a suitably qualified and experienced person in compliance with the relevant condition of this authority.
- J7
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 the Register of Regulated Structures. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00370013 - Rolleston Coal Mine
- J8
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 (b) be designed and constructed with due consideration given to ensuring that the design integrity would not be compromised on account of: (i) floodwaters from entering the regulated dam from any watercourse or drainage line; and (ii) wall failure due to erosion by floodwaters arising from any watercourse or drainage line. (c) have the floor and sides of the dam designed and constructed to prevent or minimise the passage of the wetting front and any entrained contaminants through either the floor or sides of the dam during the operational life of the dam and for any period of decommissioning and rehabilitation of the dam.
- J9
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.
- J10
Operation of a regulated structure Operation of a regulated structure, except for an existing structure, is prohibited unless the holder has submitted to the administering authority: (a) one paper copy and one electronic copy of the design plan and certification of the `design plan' in accordance with condition J7; (b) a set of `as constructed' drawings and specifications; (c) certification of those `as constructed drawings and specifications' in accordance with condition J9; (d) where the regulated structure is to be managed as part of an integrated containment system for the purpose of sharing the DSA volume across the system, a copy of the certified system design plan; (e) the requirements of this authority relating to the construction of the regulated structure have been met; (f) the holder has entered the details required under this authority into a Register of Regulated Dams; and (g) there is a current operational plan for the regulated structures.
- J11
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 twelve (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. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00370013 - Rolleston Coal Mine
- J12
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.
- J13
Mandatory reporting level Conditions J14 to J17 inclusive only apply to Regulated Structures which have not been certified as low consequence category for `failure to contain - overtopping'.
- J14
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.
- J15
The holder must, as soon as practical and within forty-eight (48) hours of becoming aware, notify the administering authority when the level of the contents of a regulated dam reaches the MRL.
- J16
The holder must, immediately on becoming aware that the MRL has been reached, act to prevent the occurrence of any unauthorised discharge from the regulated dam.
- J17
The holder must record any changes to the MRL in the Register of Regulated Structures.
- J18
Design storage allowance The holder must assess the performance of each regulated dam or linked containment system over the preceding November to May period based on actual observations of the available storage in each regulated dam or linked containment system taken prior to 1 July of each year.
- J19
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).
- J20
The holder must, as soon as possible and within forty-eight (48) hours of becoming aware that the regulated dam (or network of linked containment systems) will not have the available storage to meet the DSA volume on 1 November of any year, notify the administering authority.
- J21
The holder must, immediately on becoming aware that a regulated dam (or network of linked containment systems) will not have the available storage to meet the DSA volume on 1 November of any year, act to prevent the occurrence of any unauthorised discharge from the regulated dam or linked containment systems.
- J22
Annual inspection report Each regulated structure must be inspected each calendar year by a suitably qualified and experienced person.
- J23
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.
- J24
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 OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00370013 - Rolleston Coal Mine
- J25
The holder must: (a) Within twenty (20) business days of receipt of the annual inspection report, provide to the administering authority: (i) the recommendations section of the annual inspection report; and (ii) if applicable, any actions being taken in response to those recommendations; and (b) if, following receipt of the recommendations and (if applicable) actions, the administering authority requests a full copy of the annual inspection report from the holder, provide this to the administering authority within ten (10) business days of receipt of the request.
- J26
Transfer arrangements The holder must provide a copy of any reports, documentation and certifications prepared under this authority, including but not limited to any Register of Regulated Structures, consequence assessment, design plan and other supporting documentation, to a new holder on transfer of this authority.
- J27
Decommissioning and rehabilitation Dams must not be abandoned but be either: (a) decommissioned and rehabilitated to achieve compliance with condition J28; or (b) be left in-situ for a beneficial use(s) provided that: (i) it no longer contains contaminants that will migrate into the environment; (ii) it contains water of a quality that is demonstrated to be suitable for its intended beneficial use(s); and (iii) the administering authority, the holder of the environmental authority and the landholder agree in writing that the dam will be used by the landholder following the cessation of the environmentally relevant activity(ies). OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00370013 - Rolleston Coal Mine
- J28
After decommissioning, all significantly disturbed land caused by the carrying out of the environmentally relevant activity(ies) must be rehabilitated to meet the following final acceptance criteria: (a) the landform is safe for humans and fauna; (b) the landform is stable with no subsidence or erosion gullies for at least three (3) years; (c) any contaminated land (e.g., contaminated soils) is remediated and rehabilitated; (d) not allowing for acid mine drainage; or (e) there is no ongoing contamination to waters (including groundwater); (f) rehabilitation is undertaken in a manner such that any actual or potential acid sulphate soils on the area of significant disturbance are treated to prevent or minimise environmental harm in accordance with the Instructions for the treatment and management of acid sulphate soils (2001); (g) all significantly disturbed land is reinstated to the pre-disturbed land suitability class; (h) for land that is not being cultivated by the landholder: (i) groundcover, that is not a declared pest species is established and self-sustaining; (ii) vegetation of similar species richness and species diversity to pre-selected analogue sites is established and self-sustaining; and (iii) the maintenance requirements for rehabilitated land is no greater than that required for the land prior to its disturbance caused by carrying out the resource activity(ies); and (iv) or land that is to be cultivated by the landholder, cover crop is revegetated, unless the landholder will be preparing the site for cropping within three (3) months of resource activities being completed.
- J29
Register of regulated structures A Register of Regulated Structures must be established and maintained by the holder for each regulated structure.
- J30
The holder must provisionally enter the required information in the Register of Regulated Structures when a design plan for a regulated dam is submitted to the administering authority.
- J31
The holder must make a final entry of the required information in the Register of Regulated Structures once compliance with condition J10 has been achieved.
- J32
The holder must ensure that the information contained in the Register of Regulated Structures is current and complete on any given day.
- J33
All entries in the Register of Regulated Structures must be approved by the chief executive officer for the holder of this authority, or their delegate, as being accurate and correct.
- J34
The holder must, at the same time as providing the annual return, supply to the administering authority a copy of the records contained in the Register of Regulated Structures, in the electronic format required by the administering authority. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00370013 - Rolleston Coal Mine Schedule K - Biodiversity Condition Condition Number
- K1
Significant residual impacts to prescribed environmental matters as a result of carrying out the activity must only occur within the locations and maximum extents stated in Table K1 - Significant residual impacts to prescribed environmental matters and Figure 6 - RCEP and SCNCP Matters of National Environmental Significance and Matters of State Environmental Significance - Flora and Figure 7 - RCEP and SCNCP Matters of National Environmental Significance and Matters of State Environmental Significance - Fauna. Note: RCEP means Rolleston Coal Expansion Project. SCNCP means the Spring Creek North Continuation Project.
- K2
An environmental offset made in accordance with the Environmental Offsets Act 2014 and Queensland Environmental Offset Policy, must be undertaken for the maximum extent of impact to each prescribed environmental matter authorised in Table K1 - Significant residual impacts to prescribed environmental matters.
- K3
The significant residual impacts to prescribed environmental matters authorised in condition K1 for which an environmental offset is required by condition K2, may be carried out in stages. An environmental offset can be delivered for each stage of the impacts to prescribed environmental matters.
- K4
Prior to the commencement of each stage, a report completed by an appropriately qualified person, that includes an analysis of the following must be provided to the administering authority: (a) for the forthcoming stage - the estimated significant residual impacts to each prescribed environmental matter; and (b) for the previous stage, if applicable - the actual significant residual impacts to each prescribed environmental matter, to date.
- K5
The report required by condition K4 must be: (a) provided to the administering authority at least one (1) month prior to the submission of a notice of election for the forthcoming stage; and (b) approved by the administering authority before a notice of election for the forthcoming stage, if applicable, is given to the administering authority.
- K6
A notice of election for the staged environmental offset referred to in condition K5, if applicable, must be provided to the administering authority no less than three (3) months before the proposed commencement of that stage, unless a lesser timeframe has been agreed to by the administering authority.
- K7
Within six (6) months from the completion of the final stage of the project, a report completed by an appropriately qualified person, that includes the following matters must be provided to the administering authority: (a) an analysis of the actual impacts on prescribed environmental matters resulting from the final stage; and (b) if applicable, a notice of election to address any outstanding offset debits for the authorised impacts. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00370013 - Rolleston Coal Mine Table K1 - Significant residual impacts to prescribed environmental matters Prescribed environmental matters Maximum extent of Offset requirement (EO impact (ha) Act) Endangered Regional Ecosystem 11.4.9* 39 No Endangered Regional Ecosystem 11.3.21* 73 Endangered Regional Ecosystem 11.4.7 7 Yes** Of concern Regional Ecosystem 11.3.2 45 Yes Of concern Regional Ecosystem 11.3.3* 62 Yes Of concern Regional Ecosystem 11.8.11* 1,358.1 Yes** Of concern Regional Ecosystem 11.9.4* 1 Yes** Regional ecosystems that intersect a wetland on the vegetation management wetlands map: RE 23 No 11.3.27 Yes Regional ecosystems within the defined distance from the defining banks of a relevant watercourse on 125.7 the vegetation management watercourse map: RE 11.3.25 Yes Regional ecosystems within the defined distance from the defining banks of a relevant watercourse on 6.6 the vegetation management watercourse map: RE 11.3.27 Yes Regional ecosystems within the defined distance from the defining banks of a relevant watercourse on 7.3 the vegetation management watercourse map: RE 11.3.3 Yes Regional ecosystems within the defined distance from the defining banks of a relevant watercourse on 0.3 the vegetation management watercourse map: RE 11.3.4 Yes Regional ecosystems within the defined distance from the defining banks of a relevant watercourse on 48.6 the vegetation management watercourse map: RE 11.3.6 0.7 Yes Regional ecosystems within the defined distance from the defining banks of a relevant watercourse Yes on the vegetation management watercourse map: RE 11.3.6/11.3.2 1.8 Yes Regional ecosystems within the defined distance from the defining banks of a relevant 0.1 watercourse on the vegetation management watercourse map: RE 11.4.4 Yes Regional ecosystems within the defined distance from the defining banks of a relevant 0.8 watercourse on the vegetation management watercourse map: RE 11.4.7 Yes Regional ecosystems within the defined distance from the defining banks of a relevant 141.9 watercourse on the vegetation management watercourse map: RE 11.4.9 Yes Regional ecosystems within the defined distance from the defining banks of a relevant watercourse on the vegetation management watercourse map: RE 11.8.11 OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority EPML00370013 - Rolleston Coal Mine