Data as at 14 September 2026 · from the Queensland EP Act public register
EPML00643713 · CORONADO CURRAGH PTY LTD
Coal environmental authority EPML00643713 (CORONADO CURRAGH PTY LTD), Granted. 169 conditions indexed. Holds PRC plan P-PRCP-100988904.
- Status
- Granted
- Holders
- CORONADO CURRAGH PTY LTD
- Tenures
- ML1878; ML1990; ML700006; ML700007; ML700008; ML700009; ML80010; ML80011; ML80012; ML80086; ML80110; ML80112; ML80123; ML80171
- PRC plan
- P-PRCP-100988904 · effective 2025-12-04
- 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
The environmental authority authorises environmental harm referred to in the conditions. Where there is no condition or this environmental authority is silent on a matter, the lack of a condition or silence does not authorise environmental harm.
- A2
In carrying out coal mining, disturbance of land is limited to the areas marked "Approved Disturbance Area" and "Approved Underground Bord and Pillar Mining Areas" in Figure 4A - Approved Disturbance Area (Curragh North and Curragh Central), Figure 4B - Approved Disturbance Area (Curragh South) and Figure 4C - Approved Bord and Pillar Mine Areas.
- A3
Prevent and /or minimise likelihood of environmental harm In carrying out the environmentally relevant activities, you must take all reasonable and practicable measures to prevent and / or to minimise the likelihood of environmental harm being caused. Any environmentally relevant activity, that, if carried out incompetently, or negligently, may cause environmental harm, in a manner that could have been prevented, shall be carried out in a proper manner in accordance with the conditions of this authority.
- A4
Maintenance of measures, plant and equipment The environmental authority holder must ensure: a) install all measures, plant and equipment necessary to ensure compliance with the conditions of this environmental authority b) maintain such measures, plant and equipment in a proper and efficient condition c) operate such measures, plant and equipment in a proper and efficient manner d) ensure all instruments and devices used for the measurement or monitoring of any parameter under any condition of this environmental authority are properly calibrated.
- A5
Monitoring and records Except where specified otherwise in another condition of this environmental authority, all monitoring records or reports required by this environmental authority must be kept for a period of not less than five (5) years.
- A6
Where monitoring is a requirement of this environmental authority, ensure that a competent person(s) conducts all monitoring.
- A7
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. Permit Environmental Authority
- A8
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 c) proposed actions to prevent a recurrence of the emergency or incident.
- A9
Complaints The holder of this environmental authority must record all environmental complaints received about the mining activities including: a) name, address and contact number for of the complainant b) time and date of complaint c) reasons for the complaint d) investigations undertaken e) conclusions formed f) actions taken to resolve the complaint g) any abatement measures implemented h) person responsible for resolving the complaint.
- A10
The holder of this environmental authority must, when requested by the administering authority, undertake relevant specified monitoring within a reasonable timeframe nominated or agreed to by the administering authority to investigate any complaint of environmental harm. The results of the investigation (including an analysis and interpretation of the monitoring results) and abatement measures, where implemented, must be provided to the administering authority within ten (10) business days of completion of the investigation, or no later than ten (10) business days after the end of the timeframe nominated by the administering authority to undertake the investigation.
- A11
Coal Extraction The environmental authority holder is approved for a coal extraction rate of up to eighteen (18) million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of run-of-mine (ROM) coal by means of open cut mining (including highwall mining) and underground bord and pillar mining.
- A12
Exploration Exploration activities can be undertaken outside of the Approved Disturbance Area as shown in Figure 4A - Approved Disturbance Area (Curragh North and Curragh Central), Figure 4B - Approved Disturbance Area (Curragh South) and Figure 4C - Approved Bord and Pillar Mine Areas within the tenure boundaries. The exploration activities must not result in a significant residual impact to any prescribed environmental matters.
- A13
Disturbance caused by exploration activities must be rehabilitated in accordance with the standard conditions in the document titled `Eligibility criteria and standard conditions for exploration and mineral Permit Environmental Authority Agency interest: Air Condition Condition number
- B1
Air Monitoring Plan An air monitoring plan is to be implemented for the duration of mine operation and must be provided within ten (10) business days upon request of the administering authority. This plan must include: a) the monitoring locations, types and parameters for the monitoring network b) sensitive receptors c) description and spatial distribution of the dust generating activities d) the effectiveness of the monitoring network including the appropriateness of the monitoring locations to act as suitable representative sites for sensitive places (if there is no monitoring at a particular sensitive place) e) align with monitoring methods and contaminants outlined in condition B3. f) mitigation measures (both preventive and in case of exceedance) g) record of air emission complaints and actions taken h) record of exceeded levels at monitoring locations and actions taken; and i) an Air Control Strategy as per condition B4.
- B2
Nuisance The release of dust or particulate matter or both resulting from the mining activities must not cause an environmental nuisance, at any sensitive or commercial place.
- B3
Air monitoring and quality contaminants limits The environmental authority holder must ensure that the air emissions generated by the mining activities do not cause exceedances of the following limits when measured at any sensitive place or commercial place: a) Dust deposition of 120 milligrams per square metre per day, averaged over one month, when monitored in accordance with the most recent version of Australian Standard AS3580.10.1 Methods of sampling and analysis of ambient air - Determination of particulate matter - Deposited matter - Gravimetric method. b) A concentration of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 micrometres (PM10) suspended in the atmosphere of 50 micrograms per cubic meter over a 24-hour averaging time, when monitored in accordance with the most recent version of either: 1. Australian Standard AS3580.9.6 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air - Determination of suspended particulate matter - PM10 high volume sampler with size - selective inlet - Gravimetric method, or 2. Australian Standard AS3580.9.9 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air - Determination of suspended particulate matter - PM(sub)10(/sub)low volume sampler - Gravimetric method, or 3. Beta attenuation monitoring (BAM) method used to calculate mass concentration of PM10 volume as per Australian Standard AS3580.9.11Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air - Determination of suspended particulate matter - PM10 beta attenuation matters. Permit Environmental Authority
- B4
Air Emissions Control Strategy The environmental authority holder must develop and implement an Air Emissions Control Strategy that includes an action plan to prevent exceedances of air emissions as per the limits in condition B3. The Air Emissions Control Strategy must be immediately activated: a) when monitoring indicates that air emissions are increasing and have the potential to exceed the limits stated in condition B3, and b) in response to air quality complaints.
- B5
Odour nuisance The release of noxious or offensive odour(s) or any other noxious or offensive airborne contaminant(s) resulting from the mining activity must not cause an environmental nuisance at any sensitive or commercial place.
- B6
When requested by the administering authority, odour monitoring must be undertaken within a reasonable and practicable timeframe nominated by the administering authority to investigate any complaint (which is neither frivolous nor vexatious nor based on mistaken belief in the opinion of the authorised officer) of environmental nuisance at any sensitive or commercial place, and the results must be notified within ten business days to the administering authority following completion of monitoring. Permit Environmental Authority
- B7
Greenhouse Gas Abatement Plan The following Greenhouse Gas Abatement Plan must be implemented and complied with whilst the EA is in force and any activities are being carried out: as allowed under condition B7a) a) the GHG emission reduction program in the Greenhouse Gas Abatement Plan may be updated without an EA amendment application to incorporate opportunities to further reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency. b) updates to the Greenhouse Gas Abatement Plan carried out under condition B7a) must meet the requirements of Appendix A of the latest version of the Queensland Greenhouse Gas Emissions Audit c) An appropriately qualified person must undertake an annual audit by 30 June each year to determine whether the Greenhouse Gas Abatement Plan has been implemented and complied with during the previous financial year. Statement of Compliance d) A statement of compliance must be prepared about the work undertaken to implement and comply with the GHG Abatement Plan. The statement of compliance must: 1. be prepared by an appropriately qualified person; and 2. be submitted to the administering authority within 10 business days of the audit completion under condition B7c) being completed; and 3. consider the following compliance criteria: i) whether the emission reduction targets in the Greenhouse Gas Abatement Plan have been met. ii) whether the emission reduction measures in the Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Program have been implemented. iii) whether the Greenhouse Gas Abatement Plan has been reviewed in accordance with review provisions in the Greenhouse Gas Abatement Plan. iv) whether greenhouse gas emissions have been monitored in accordance with the monitoring program in the Greenhouse Gas Abatement Plan. v) whether public reporting on progress toward the emission reduction targets has been carried out in accordance with the reporting program in the Greenhouse Gas Abatement Plan. 4. state whether the work complies with the above compliance criteria. 5. be supported by the following information: i) methodology, assumptions and input data used to determine greenhouse gas emissions. Public reporting e) Within 20 business days of the audit being completed under condition B7c) the following information must be published on the environmental authority holder's website: 1. the statement of compliance required under condition B7d); and 2. the latest version of the Greenhouse Gas Abatement Plan. Non-compliance Any non-compliance with the Greenhouse Gas Abatement Plan must be reported to the administering authority in accordance with the general conditions for contravention of a condition (A7, A8).
- B8
Continuous monitoring Continuous monitoring must be conducted in accordance with the standards and at the locations specified in Table B1 - Monitoring locations, parameters, and methods.
- B9
The EA holder must ensure that monitoring sites identified as PM10-3* and PM10-4* in Table B1 - Monitoring locations, parameters, and methods are installed and operational prior to the commencement of mining activities in X Pit and Y or Z Pit, respectively. Coordinates of these monitoring locations must be provided to the administering authority within ten (10) business days of the installation. Table B1 - Monitoring locations, parameters, and methods Latitude Longitude Monitoring (decimal (decimal Monitoring Monitoring Monitoring Point Method degree, degree, Parameter Frequency PM10-1 BAM GDA2020) GDA2020) 148.8280928 E 23.2958760 S PM10 Continuous PM10-2 148.8829875 E 23.5549214 S PM10 Continuous BAM PM10-3 * TBD TBD PM10 Continuous BAM PM10-4 * TBD TBD PM10 Continuous BAM Note: * Sites not yet installed at the time of document publishing - To be installed prior to the commencement of mining activities in X Pit (PM10-3) and Y or Z Pit (PM10-4), coordinates could vary slightly or are to be confirmed once land access arranged. Permit Environmental Authority Agency interest: Water Condition Condition number
- C1
Contaminant release Contaminants that will, or have the potential to, cause environmental harm must not be released directly or indirectly to any waters except as permitted under the conditions of this environmental authority.
- C2
Unless otherwise permitted under the conditions of this environmental authority, the release of mine affected water to waters must only occur from the release points specified in Table C1 and depicted in Figure 1 and Figure 2 attached to this environmental authority.
- C3
The release of mine affected water to internal water management infrastructure that is installed and operated in accordance with a water management plan that complies with conditions C33 to C38 inclusive is permitted.
- C4
The release of mine affected water to waters in accordance with condition C2 must not exceed the release limits stated in Table C2 when measured at the monitoring points specified in Table C1 for each quality characteristic. Table C1 (Mine Affected Water Release Points, Sources and Receiving Waters) Release Mine Affected Water Monitoring Point Receiving Latitude Longitude Waters Point Source and Location Description
- C5
a) The release of mine affected water to waters from the release points must be monitored at the locations specified in Table C1 for each quality characteristics and at the frequency specified in Table C2 and Table C3. Note: the administering authority will take into consideration any extenuating circumstances prior to determining an appropriate enforcement response in the event condition C5 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. b) The holder of the environmental authority must ensure that there are no adverse impacts to the ecosystem or wetlands through overland flow for RP9. Permit Environmental Authority Table C3 (Release Contaminant Trigger Investigation Levels, Potential Contaminants) Quality Trigger Levels Comment on Trigger Level Monitoring Characteristic (-g/L) Frequency Aluminium 55 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline Arsenic 13 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline Cadmium 1 Based on LOR Chromium 1 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline Copper 4 80th percentile value for reference sites Iron 300 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on low reliability guideline Lead 4 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline Mercury 0.2 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on LOR for CV FIMS Nickel 11 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline Zinc 8 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline Boron 370 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline Cobalt 90 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on low reliability guideline Manganese 1900 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline Molybdenum 34 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on low reliability guideline Commencement Selenium Silver 10 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on LOR for ICPMS of release and thereafter weekly 1 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on LOR for ICPMS during release Uranium 1 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on LOR for ICPMS Vanadium 11 80th percentile value for reference sites
- C6
If quality characteristics of the release exceed any of the trigger levels specified in Table C3 during a release event, the environmental authority holder must compare the downstream results in the receiving waters to the trigger values specified in Table C3 and: 1. where the trigger values are not exceeded then no action is to be taken; or 2. where the downstream results exceed the trigger values specified Table C3 for any quality characteristic, compare the results of the downstream site to the data from background monitoring sites and; a) if the result is less than the background monitoring site data, then no action is to be taken; or b) if the result is greater than the background monitoring site data, complete an investigation in accordance with the ANZECC & ARMCANZ 2000 methodology, into the potential for environmental harm and provide a written report to the administering authority in the next annual return, outlining: (i) details of the investigations carried out; and (ii) actions taken to prevent environmental harm. Note: Where an exceedance of a trigger level has occurred and is being investigated, in accordance with C6 2(b) of this condition, no further reporting is required for subsequent trigger events for that quality characteristic.
- C7
If an exceedance in accordance with condition C6 2(b) is identified, the holder of the authority must notify the administering authority in writing within one (1) business day of receiving the result.
- C8
Mine Affected Water Release Events The holder must ensure a 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 C4.
- C9
Notwithstanding any other condition of this environmental authority, the release of mine affected water to waters in accordance with condition C2 must only take place during periods of natural flow events in accordance with the receiving water flow criteria for discharge specified in Table C4 for the release point(s) specified in Table C1. Permit Environmental Authority Table C4 (Mine Affected Water Release during Flow Events) Gauging Station Receiving Maximum release Water Flow rate (for all Receiving Gauging Latitude Longitude Recording Receiving Water Flow combined RP Electrical Conductivity and Release Station (decimal, (decimal, Frequency Criteria for discharge Flows) Sulphate Release Limits degree, degree, (m-/s) waters / GDA94) GDA94) 0.5 m-/s Electrical conductivity 310 S/cm Point Very Low Flow Sulphate (SO42-) 200 mg/L > 1 m-/s 0.5 m-/s stream Low Flow Electrical conductivity 2,500 S/cm > 20 m-/s 0.3 m-/s Sulphate (SO42-) 500 mg/L RP 3 Bingegang Medium Flow 0.15 m-/s Electrical conductivity 3,500 S/cm RP 4 tailwater Sulphate (SO42-) 500 mg/L Mackenzie RP 6 gauge MP -23.0737 149.0319 Continuous > 40 m-/s 1.0 m-/s River RP 7 14 Electrical conductivity 6,000 S/cm RP 8 (Sunwater) (minimum daily) Sulphate (SO42-) 750 mg/L RP 9 Medium-High Flow Electrical conductivity 7,000 S/cm > 60 m-/s ( 6,000 S/cm for RP 4) Sulphate (SO42-) 750 mg/L High Flow 1.0 m-/s > 80 m-/s Electrical conductivity < 10,000 S/cm ( 6,000 S/cm for RP4) Blackwater RP 1 MP 1 -23.5122 149.0319 Continuous Low Flow 0.5 m-/s Sulphate (SO42-) 750 mg/L Creek RP 2 (minimum daily) < 0.5 m-/s for a period of four 0.16 m-/s RP 5 weeks after natural flow events Electrical conductivity 680 S/cm that exceed 1 m-/s Sulphate (SO42-) 250 mg/L Medium Flow Electrical conductivity 6,000 S/cm > 2.5 m-/s Sulphate (SO42-) 500 mg/L High Flow 0.18 m-/s Electrical conductivity 10,000 S/cm > 5 m-/s Sulphate (SO42-) 1,000 mg/L Permit Environmental Authority
- C10
The release of mine affected water to waters in accordance with condition C2 must not exceed the Electrical Conductivity and Sulphate release limits or the Maximum Release Rate (for all combined release point flows) for each receiving water flow criteria for discharge specified in Table C4 when measured at the monitoring points specified in Table C1.
- C11
The daily quantity of mine affected water released from each release point must be measured and recorded at the monitoring points in Table C1.
- C12
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.
- C13
Notification of Release Event The environmental authority holder must notify the administering authority via WaTERS as soon as practicable and no later than twenty-four (24) hours after commencing to release 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/time; b) expected release cessation date/time; c) release point/s; d) release volume (estimated); e) receiving water/s including the natural flow rate; and f) any details (including available data) regarding likely impacts on the receiving water(s).
- C14
The environmental authority holder must notify the administering authority via WaTERS as soon as practicable (nominally within twenty-four (24) hours after cessation of a release event) of the cessation of a release notified under condition C13 and within twenty-eight (28) days provide the following information in writing: a) release cessation date/time; b) natural flow volume in receiving water; c) volume of water released; d) details regarding the compliance of the release with the conditions of Agency Interest: Water of this environmental authority (i.e. contamination limits, natural flow, discharge volume); e) all in-situ water quality monitoring results; and f) any other matters pertinent to the water release event. Note: Successive or intermittent releases occurring within twenty-four (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 C13 and C14, provided the relevant details of the release are included within the notification provided in accordance with conditions C13 and C14.
- C15
Notification of Release Event Exceedance If the release limits defined in Table C2 are exceeded, the holder of the environmental authority must notify the administering authority via WaTERS within twenty-four (24) hours of receiving the results. Permit Environmental Authority
- C16
The authority holder must, within twenty-eight (28) days of a release that exceeds the conditions of this authority, provide a report to the administering authority via WaTERS detailing: a) the reason for the release; b) the location of the release; c) all water quality monitoring results; d) any general observations; e) all calculations; and f) any other matters pertinent to the water release event.
- C17
Monitoring of Water Storage Quality Water storages stated in Table C5 which are associated with the release points must be monitored for the water quality characteristics specified in Table C6 at the monitoring locations and at the monitoring frequency specified in Table C5.
- C18
In the event that waters storages defined in Table C5 exceed the contaminant limits defined in Table C6, the holder of the environmental authority must implement measures, where practicable, to prevent access to waters by all livestock. Table C5 (Water Storage Monitoring) Water Storage Latitude Longitude Monitoring Frequency Description (decimal degree, (decimal degree, Monitoring Location
- C19
Receiving environment monitoring and contaminant trigger levels The quality of the receiving waters must be monitored at the locations specified in Table C8 and shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 for each quality characteristic and at the monitoring frequency stated in Table C7. Permit Environmental Authority Table C7 (Receiving Waters Contaminant Trigger Levels) Quality Characteristic Trigger Level Monitoring Frequency pH Blackwater Creek Electrical Conductivity (S/cm) 6.5 - 9.0 Mackenzie River 6.5 - 8.5 Blackwater Creek 720 S/cm Mackenzie River 400 S/cm Suspended solids (mg/L) Blackwater Creek Daily during the release Sulphate (SO42-) (mg/L) 690 mg/L Sodium (mg/L) Mackenzie River 200 mg/L Blackwater Creek 250 mg/L Mackenzie River 200 mg/L Blackwater Creek 180 mg/L Mackenzie River 50 mg/L
- C20
If quality characteristics of the receiving water at the downstream monitoring points exceed any of the trigger levels specified in Table C7 during a release event 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 in the next annual return, outlining: 1. details of the investigations carried out; and 2. actions taken to prevent environmental harm. Note: Where an exceedance of a trigger level has occurred and is being investigated, in accordance with C20(2) of this condition, no further reporting is required for subsequent trigger events for that quality characteristic. Permit Environmental Authority Table C8 (Receiving Water Upstream Background Sites and Downstream Monitoring Points) Monitoring Points Receiving Waters Location Description Latitude (decimal Longitude (decimal degree, GDA94) degree, GDA94) Upstream Background Monitoring Points Monitoring Point 1 Blackwater Creek 800 metres upstream of RP 1 -23.5190 148.8773 148.8414 Monitoring Point 12 Bedford Weir Tailwater -23.3721 Mackenzie River 3,400 metres upstream of RP 4 148.9158 -23.4061 148.9014 Downstream Monitoring Points -23.2631 148.8678 149.0319 Monitoring Point 4 Blackwater Creek 6,000 metres downstream of RP 5 Monitoring Point 11 (access permitting) Mackenzie River 4,700 metres downstream of RP6 Monitoring Point 13 Mackenzie River downstream of RP4. -23.3160 Monitoring Point 14 Bingegang Weir Headwater -23.0737 (alternative) Mackenzie River approx. 40 kilometres downstream of RP 6 Notes: a) The upstream monitoring point should be within 4 km the release point. b) The downstream point should not be greater than 45 km from the release point. c) The data from background monitoring points must not be used where they are affected by releases from other mines.
- C21
Receiving Environment Monitoring Program (REMP) The environmental authority holder must develop and implement a 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. Permit Environmental Authority
- C22
The REMP must: a) Assess the condition or state of receiving waters, including upstream conditions, spatially within the REMP area, considering background water quality characteristics based on accurate and reliable monitoring data that takes into consideration temporal variation (e.g. seasonality); and b) Be designed to facilitate assessment against water quality objectives for the relevant environmental values that need to be protected; and c) Include monitoring from background reference sites (e.g. upstream or background) and downstream sites from the release (as a minimum, the locations specified in Table C8); and d) Specify the frequency and timing of sampling required in order to reliably assess ambient conditions and to provide sufficient data to derive site specific background reference values in accordance with the Queensland Water Quality Guidelines 2006. This should include monitoring during periods of natural flow irrespective of mine or other discharges; and e) Include monitoring and assessment of dissolved oxygen saturation, temperature and all water quality parameters listed in Table C2 and C3; and f) Include, where appropriate, monitoring of metals/metalloids in sediments (in accordance with ANZECC & ARMCANZ 2000, BATLEY and/or the most recent version of AS5667.1 Guidance on Sampling of Bottom Sediments); and g) Include, where appropriate, monitoring of macro-invertebrates in accordance with the AusRivas methodology, and h) Apply procedures and/or guidelines from ANZECC & ARMCANZ 2000 and other relevant guideline documents; and i) Describe sampling and analysis methods and quality assurance and control; and j) Incorporate stream flow and hydrological information in the interpretations of water quality and biological data.
- C23
A report outlining the findings of the REMP, including all monitoring results and interpretations in accordance with conditions C21 and C22 must be prepared annually and made available on request to the administrating 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.
- C24
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 for the purpose of: i) supplying stock water subject to compliance with the quality release limits specified in Table C9; or ii) supplying irrigation water subject to compliance with quality release limits in Table C10; or iii) supplying water for construction and/or road maintenance in accordance with the conditions of this environmental authority. Permit Environmental Authority Table C9 (Stock water release limits) Quality characteristic Units Minimum Maximum pH 8.5 pH units 6.5 5000 Electrical Conductivity -S/cm N/A Table C10 (Irrigation Water Release Limits) Quality characteristic Units Minimum Maximum pH pH units 6.5 -S/cm N/A 8.5 Electrical Conductivity Site specific value to be determined in accordance with ANZECC & ARMCANZ (2000) Irrigation Guidelines
- C25
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 dams or tanks, for the purpose of supplying water to Jellinbah Mine. The volume, pH and electrical conductivity of water transferred to Jellinbah Mine must be monitored and recorded.
- C26
If the responsibility for mine affected water is given or transferred to another person in accordance with conditions C25 or C26: a) the responsibility for the mine affected water must only be given or transferred in accordance with a written agreement (the third party agreement); and b) the third party agreement must include a commitment from the person utilising the mine affected water to use it in such a way as to prevent environmental harm or public health incidents and specifically make the persons aware of the General Environmental Duty (GED) under section 319 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994, environmental sustainability of the water disposal and protection of environmental values of waters; and c) the third party agreement must be signed by both parties to the agreement.
- C27
Water General All determinations of water quality and biological monitoring must be: a) performed by a person or body possessing appropriate experience and qualifications to perform the required measurements; b) made in accordance with methods prescribed in the latest edition of the Monitoring and Sampling Manual; Note: Condition C28 requires the Monitoring and Sampling Manual to be followed and where it is not followed because of exceptional circumstances this should be explained and reported with the results. c) collected from the monitoring locations identified within this environmental authority, within forty- eight (48) hours of each other where possible; d) carried out on representative samples; and e) analysed at a laboratory accredited (e.g. NATA) for the method of analysis being used. Permit Environmental Authority
- C28
The release of any contaminants as permitted by this environmental authority, directly or indirectly to waters, other than internal water management infrastructure that is installed and operated in accordance with a water management plan that complies with conditions C31 to C36 inclusive: a) must not produce any visible discolouration of receiving waters; and b) must not produce any slick or other visible or odorous evidence of oil, grease or petrochemicals nor contain visible floating oil, grease, scum, litter or other objectionable matter.
- C29
Annual water monitoring reporting The following information must be recorded in relation to all water monitoring required under the conditions of this environmental authority and submitted to the administering authority in the specified format with each annual return: 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 the contaminants 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 with the conditions of this environmental authority; and g) water quality monitoring data must be provided to the administering authority in the specified electronic format upon request.
- C30
Temporary interference with waterways Temporarily 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 latest edition of the Guideline - Activities in a watercourse, lake or spring associated with a resources activity or mining operations.
- C31
Water Management Plan A Water Management Plan must be implemented.
- C32
The Water Management Plan must: a) 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 b) be developed in accordance with the guideline Preparation of water management plans for mining activities (EM324) and include: i. a study of the source of contaminants; ii. a water balance model for the site; iii. a water management system for the site; iv. measures to manage and prevent saline drainage; v. measures to manage and prevent acid rock drainage; vi. contingency procedures for emergencies; and vii. a program for monitoring and review of the effectiveness of the water management plan. Permit Environmental Authority
- C33
The Water Management Plan must be reviewed each calendar year and a report prepared by an appropriately qualified person. The report must: a) assess the plan against the requirements under condition C32; b) include recommended actions to ensure actual and potential environmental impacts are effectively managed for the coming year; and c) identify any amendments made to the water management plan following the review.
- C34
The holder of this environmental authority must attach to the review report required by condition C33, a written response to the report and recommended actions, detailing the actions taken or to be taken by the environmental authority holder on stated dates: a) to ensure compliance with this environmental authority; and b) to prevent a recurrence of any non-compliance issues identified.
- C35
The review report required by condition C33 and the written response to the review report required by condition C34 must be submitted to the administering authority with the subsequent annual return under the signature of the appointed signatory for the annual return.
- C36
A copy of the Water Management Plan must be provided to the administering authority on request.
- C37
Saline drainage The holder of this environmental authority must ensure proper and effective measures are taken to avoid or otherwise minimise the generation and/or release of saline drainage.
- C38
Acid rock drainage The holder of this environmental authority must ensure proper and effective measures are taken to avoid or otherwise minimise the generation and/or release of acid rock drainage.
- C39
Stormwater and water sediment controls An Erosion and Sediment Control Plan must be developed by an appropriately qualified person and implemented for all stages of the mining activities on the site to minimise erosion and the release of sediment to receiving waters and contamination of stormwater.
- C40
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 C39; and b) water management infrastructure that is installed and operated, in accordance with a Water Management Plan that complies with conditions C31 to C36 inclusive, for the purpose of ensuring water does not become mine affected water.
- C41
The maintenance and cleaning of any vehicles, plant or equipment must not be carried out in areas from which contaminants can be released into any receiving waters.
- C42
Any spillage of wastes, contaminants or other materials must be cleaned up as quickly as practicable to minimise the release of wastes, contaminants or materials to any stormwater drainage system or receiving waters.
- C43
Sewage effluent The daily operation of the sewage treatment plant and pollution control equipment must be carried out by a person(s) with appropriate experience and/or qualifications to ensure the effective operation of that treatment system and control equipment. Permit Environmental Authority
- C44
Pipelines and fittings associated with the sewage treatment system must be clearly identified.
- C45
All treated effluent released from the sewage treatment facilities must be monitored at the frequency and for the parameters specified in Table C11. Table C11 (Sewage effluent quality targets) Quality characteristics Release limit Units Limit type Monitoring frequency 5 day Biochemical Oxygen Demand 20 mg/L max pH 6.0 to 9.0 pH Units range Monthly max Monthly Free Chlorine Residual 3 mg/L max Monthly Faecal coliforms <1000 Cfu/100mL2 Monthly
- C46
Treated effluent used directly from the sewage treatment facilities for dust suppression or irrigation must not exceed sewage effluent release limits defined in Table C11.
- C47
Treated effluent used for dust suppression or irrigation must not cause spray drift or over spray to any sensitive or commercial place.
- C48
Treated effluent from the sewage treatment plant must only be discharged from the authorised discharge location.
- C49
Treated effluent must not be used for dust suppression or reused for irrigation so as to create a likelihood of contact or exposure to persons.
- C50
Treated effluent must not be released from the site to any waters or the bed and banks of any waters.
- C51
Groundwater The holder of this environmental authority must not release contaminants to groundwater.
- C52
All determinations of groundwater quality monitoring must be performed by a suitably qualified person.
- C53
The holder of the environmental authority must implement a groundwater monitoring program which has been developed by a suitably qualified person. The program must be able to detect a significant change to groundwater quality values and standing water levels (consistent with the current suitability of the groundwater for domestic and agricultural use) due to activities that are part of this mining project.
- C54
The holder of the environmental authority must report the results and analysis of groundwater monitoring to the administering authority on request.
- C55
Groundwater affected by the mining activities must be monitored at compliance bores at the nominated locations, frequencies and other parameters defined in Table C12 and shown in Figure 7. Permit Environmental Authority Table C12 (Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency) Bore ID Bore Location Coordinates1 Ground Screened Monitoring Easting Northing Screened Formation Frequency Surface Interval Elevation2 (m bgl)3
- C56
If the groundwater contaminant trigger levels defined in Table C13 are exceeded then the environmental authority holder must complete an investigation into the potential for environmental harm and notify the administering authority within twenty-eight (28) days of receiving the analysis results. An action plan to mitigate potential harm must be developed by a suitably qualified person. Table C13 (Groundwater contaminant trigger levels) Parameter Bore No Trigger Levels Limit Type Unit Alluvium Rangal coal measures Burngrove Greater than 2 metre drawdown from the background level. Maximum All other bores RL AHD (m) Groundwater Level MB101 RL AHD (m) 51.511,2 Minimum
- C57
Determining contaminant trigger level and limit type The background groundwater quality for each geology must be determined from hydraulically isolated background bore(s) that have not been affected by any mining activities. The groundwater contaminant trigger levels and limit type as per Table C14 must be determined and submitted to the administering authority by 1 February 2023.
- C58
Bore construction and maintenance and decommissioning The construction, maintenance and management of groundwater bores (including background and compliance groundwater monitoring bores) must be undertaken in a manner that prevents or minimises impacts to the environment and ensures the integrity of the bores to obtain accurate monitoring. For all bores constructed after February 2015 construction and decommissioning must be in accordance with the Manual for Minimum Construction Standard for Water Bores in Australia. Permit Environmental Authority Agency interest: Regulated Structures Condition Condition number
- D1
Assessment of consequence category The consequence category of any structure must be assessed by a suitably qualified and experienced person in accordance with the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Structures (EM635) at the following times: a) prior to the design and construction of the structure, if it is not an existing structure; or b) prior to any change in its purpose or the nature of its stored contents.
- D2
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.
- D3
Certification must be provided by the suitably qualified and experienced person who undertook the assessment, in the form set out in the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Structures (EM635).
- D4
Design and construction1 of a regulated structure Conditions D5 to D9 inclusive do not apply to existing structures. Note 1 : Construction of a dam includes modification of an existing dam--refer to the definitions.
- D5
All regulated structures must be designed by, and constructed 2 under the supervision of, a suitably qualified and experienced person in accordance with the requirements of the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Structures (EM635). Note 2: Certification of design and construction may be undertaken by different persons.
- D6
Construction of a regulated structure is prohibited unless the holder has submitted a consequence category assessment report and certification to the administering authority has been certified by a suitably qualified and experienced person for the design and design plan and the associated operating procedures in compliance with the relevant condition of this authority.
- D7
Certification must be provided by the suitably qualified and experienced person who oversees the preparation of the design plan in the form set out in the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Structures (EM635), and must be recorded in the Regulated Dams/Levees register.
- D8
Regulated structures must: a) be designed and constructed in accordance with and conform to the requirements of the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Structures (EM635); b) be designed and constructed with due consideration given to ensuring that the design integrity would not be compromised on account of: 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. Permit Environmental Authority
- D9
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; b) construction of the regulated structure is in accordance with the design plan.
- D10
Operation of a regulated structure, except for an existing structure, is prohibited unless: a) the holder has submitted to the administering authority: i) one paper copy and one electronic copy of the design plan and certification of the `design plan' in accordance with condition G6; ii) a set of `as constructed' drawings and specifications; iii) certification of those `as constructed drawings and specifications' in accordance with condition G9; iv) where the regulated structure is to be managed as part of an integrated containment system for the purpose of sharing the DSA volume across the system, a copy of the certified system design plan; v) the requirements of this authority relating to the construction of the regulated structure have been met; vi) the holder has entered the details required under this authority, into a Register of Regulated Structures; and vii) there is a current operational plan for the regulated structures.
- D11
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.
- D12
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.
- D13
Conditions D14 - D17 inclusive only apply to Regulated Structures which have not been certified as low consequence category for `failure to contain - overtopping'.
- D14
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.
- D15
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.
- D16
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.
- D17
The holder must record any changes to the MRL in the Register of Regulated Structures.
- D18
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. Permit Environmental Authority
- D19
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).
- D20
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.
- D21
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.
- D22
Each regulated structure must be inspected each calendar year by a suitably qualified and experienced person.
- D23
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.
- D24
The suitably qualified and experienced person who prepared the annual inspection report must certify the report in accordance with the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Structures (EM635).
- D25
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.
- D26
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.
- D27
Decommissioning and rehabilitation Dams must not be abandoned but be either: a) decommissioned and rehabilitated to achieve compliance with condition D28; or b) be left in-situ for a beneficial use(s) provided that: i) it no longer contains contaminants that will migrate into the environment; and ii) it contains water of a quality that is demonstrated to be suitable for its intended beneficial use(s); and iii) the administering authority, the holder of the environmental authority and the landholder agree in writing that the dam will be used by the landholder following the cessation of the environmentally relevant activity(ies). Permit Environmental Authority
- D28
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
- D31
a) the landform is safe for humans and fauna; D32
- D33
b) the landform is stable with no subsidence or erosion gullies for at least three (3) years; D34
- D35
c) any contaminated land (e.g. contaminated soils) is remediated and rehabilitated; D36 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 sulfate 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 sulfate soils (2001); g) all significantly disturbed land is reinstated to the pre-disturbed soil 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 petroleum activity(ies). i) for 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 petroleum activities being completed. Register of Regulated Structures A Register of Regulated Structures must be established and maintained by the holder for each regulated structure. The holder must provisionally enter the required information in the Register of Regulated Structures when a design plan for a regulated structure is submitted to the administering authority. The holder must make a final entry of the required information in the Register of Regulated Structures once compliance with condition D10 and D11 has been achieved. The holder must ensure that the information contained in the Register of Regulated Structures is current and complete on any given day. 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. 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. Transitional arrangements All existing structures that have not been assessed in accordance with either the Manual or the former Manual for Assessing Hazard Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Dams must be assessed and certified in accordance with the Manual within 6 months of amendment of the authority adopting this schedule. All existing structures must subsequently comply with the timetable for any further assessments in accordance with the Manual specified in Table D1, depending on the consequence category for each existing structure assessed in the most recent previous certification for that structure. Permit Environmental Authority
- D37
Table D1 ceases to apply for a structure once any of the following events has occurred: a) It has been brought into compliance with the hydraulic performance criteria applicable to the structure under the Manual; or b) It has been decommissioned; or c) It has been certified as no longer being assessed as a regulated structure.
- D38
Certification of the transitional assessment required by condition D35 and D36 (as applicable) must be provided to the administering authority within 6 months of amendment of the authority adopting this schedule. Table D1 (Transitional Hydraulic Performance Requirements for Existing Structures) Transition period required for existing structures to achieve the requirements of the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Dams Compliance with Criteria High Significant Low 90% and a history of good No transition required No transition required No transitional conditions apply. compliance performance in Review consequence assessment last 5 years every 7 years. >70%-90% Within 7 years, unless otherwise Within 10 years, unless otherwise No transitional conditions apply. agreed with the administering agreed with the administering Review consequence assessment authority, based on no history of authority, based on no history of every 7 years. unauthorised releases. unauthorised releases. Within 5 years unless otherwise Within 7 years unless otherwise 50-70% agreed with the administering agreed with the administering Review consequence assessment authority, based on no history of authority, based on no history of every 7 years. unauthorised releases. unauthorised releases. 50% Within 5 years or as per Within 5 years or as per Review consequence assessment compliance requirements (e.g. compliance requirements (e.g. every 5 years. TEP timing) TEP timing) Permit Environmental Authority Agency interest: Noise and vibration Condition Condition number
- E1
Noise limits The holder of this environmental authority must ensure that noise generated by the mining activities does not cause the limits in Table E1 to be exceeded at a sensitive place or commercial place.
- E2
A Noise Monitoring Plan is to be implemented by 28 April 2025 to ensure compliance with Table E1 limits and must be provided within ten (10) business days upon request of the administering authority. The plan must include: a) align with monitoring and reporting requirements outlined in condition E6 b) mitigation measures (both preventive and in case of exceedance) c) record of noise emission complaints and actions taken d) record of noise levels and monitoring locations and actions taken e) a Noise Control Strategy as per condition E3.
- E3
Noise Control Strategy The environmental authority holder must develop and implement a Noise Control Strategy that prevents exceedances of noise as per the limits in Table E1 and Table E2. The Noise Control Strategy must be immediately activated: a) when monitoring indicates that noise levels are increasing and have the potential to exceed the noise limits stated in Table E1 b) when monitoring indicates that levels of blasting noise is increasing and has the potential to exceed the noise limits stated in Table E2 c) in response to noise complaints, and d) in response to blasting complaints. Table E1 (Noise limits) Noise level dB(A) 7am - 6pm 6pm - 10pm 10pm - 7am LAeq, adj, 15 mins Noise measured at a 'Sensitive place' LA1, adj, 15 mins 42 42 37 LAeq, adj, 15 mins 52 52 47 Noise measured at a 'Commercial place' 48 N/A N/A
- E4
Airblast overpressure limits The holder of this environmental authority must ensure that blasting does not cause the limits for peak particulate velocity and air blast overpressure in Table E2 to be exceeded at a sensitive place or commercial place.
- E5
The holder of the environmental authority must develop and implement a blast monitoring program to monitor compliance with Table E2 criteria. Permit Environmental Authority Table E2 (Blasting noise limits) Blasting noise Sensitive or commercial blasting noise limits 7am - 6pm 6pm - 7am Airblast overpressure 115dB (Linear) Peak for 9 out of 10 No blasting impacts to occur consecutive blasts initiated and not greater than 120dB (Linear) Peak at any time Ground vibration 5mm/second peak particle velocity for 9 out of No blasting impacts to occur peak particulate 10 consecutive blasts and not greater than 10mm/second peak particle velocity at any velocity time.
- E6
Monitoring and reporting Noise monitoring and recording must include the following descriptor characteristics and matters: a) LAN,T (where N equals the statistical levels of 1, 10 and 90 and T = time) b) background noise LA90 c) the level and frequency of occurrence of impulsive or tonal noise and any adjustment and penalties to statistical levels d) atmospheric conditions including temperature, relative humidity and wind speed and directions e) effects due to any extraneous factors such as traffic noise f) location, date and time of monitoring g) all equipment in operation at the time of the noise measurement; and h) if the complaint concerns low frequency noise, Max LpLIN,T and one third octave band measurements in dB(LIN) for centre frequencies in the 10 - 200 Hz range.
- E7
The monitoring and reporting of noise emissions must be undertaken in accordance with the current Australian Standard and the Environmental Protection Regulation 2019 (Chapter 5, Part 4).
- E8
Noise measurements must be taken using a class 1 sound level meter as classified under AS IEC 61672. Permit Environmental Authority Agency interest: Waste Condition Condition number
- F1
Storage of tyres Scrap tyres stored awaiting disposal or transport for take-back and recycling, or waste-to-energy options must be stored in stable stacks and at least 10 metre from any other scrap tyre storage area, or combustible or flammable material, including vegetation.
- F2
All reasonable and practicable fire prevention measures must be implemented, including removal of grass and other materials within a 10 metre radius of the scrap tyre storage area.
- F3
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.
- F4
Scrap tyres resulting from the mining activities disposed within the operational land must not impede saturated aquifers or compromise the stability of the consolidated landform.
- F5
Waste management A Waste Management Plan, in accordance with the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011, must be implemented and must cover: a) describe how Curragh Coal Mine recognise and apply the waste and resource management hierarchy (Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011); b) identify characterisations of wastes generated from the project and general volume trends over the past 3 years; c) a program for safe recycling or disposal of all wastes- reusing and recycling where possible; d) waste commitments with auditable targets to reduce, reuse and recycle; e) the waste management control strategies must consider: i. the type of wastes; ii. segregation of the wastes; iii. storage of the wastes; iv. transport of the wastes; v. monitoring and reporting matters concerning the waste; vi. emergency response planning; and vii. disposal, reused and recycling options. f) identify the potential adverse and beneficial impacts of the wastes generated; g) detail the hazardous characteristics of the waste generated (if any); h) cover a disposal procedure for hazardous wastes; i) outline the process to be implemented to allow for continuous improvement of the waste management systems; j) identify responsible staff (positions) for implementing, managing and reporting the Waste Management Plan; and k) cover a staff awareness and induction program that encourages re-use and recycling.
- F6
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. Permit Environmental Authority
- F7
General waste must only be disposed of into the waste disposal trench facility of ML1878 and identified in Figure 3.
- F8
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.
- F9
Records must be kept for five years, and must include the following information: a) date of pickup of waste; b) description of waste; c) cross reference to relevant waste transport documentation; d) quantity of waste; e) origin of the waste; f) destination of the waste; and g) intended fate of the waste, for example, type of waste treatment, reprocessing or disposal. Note: Records of documents maintained in compliance with a waste tracking system established under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 or any other law for regulated waste will be deemed to satisfy this condition.
- F10
Records of trade and regulated wastes or material leaving the mining lease for recycling or disposal, including the final destination and method of treatment, must be in accordance with the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011.
- F11
All regulated waste received at and removed from the site must be transported by a person who holds a current authority to transport such waste under the provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1994.
- F12
Except as otherwise provided by the conditions of this authority, all waste removed from the site must be taken to a facility that is lawfully allowed to accept such waste under the provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1994. Permit Environmental Authority Agency interest: Land Condition Condition number
- G1
Topsoil Topsoil must be strategically stripped ahead of mining in accordance with a Topsoil Management Plan.
- G2
Preventing contaminant release to land Contaminants must not be released to land in manner which constitutes nuisance, material or serious environmental harm.
- G3
Chemicals and flammable or combustible liquids All flammable and combustible liquids, chemicals, explosives, corrosive substances, toxic substances, gases and dangerous goods must be contained within an on-site containment system and controlled in a manner that prevents environmental harm and maintained in accordance with the current version of the relevant Australian Standard.
- G4
Spillage of all flammable and combustible liquids, chemicals, explosives, corrosive substances, toxic substances, gases and dangerous goods must be controlled in a manner that prevents environmental harm (other than trivial harm).
- G5
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.
- G6
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.
- G7
Infrastructure All infrastructure, constructed by or for the environmental authority holder during the licensed activities including water storage structures, must be removed from the site prior to surrender, except where agreed in writing by the post mining land owner / holder. Note: This is not applicable where the landowner / holder is also the environmental authority holder.
- G8
Acid rock drainage and leachate management Subject to the release limits defined in Department Interest: Water, all reasonable and practicable measures must be implemented to prevent hazardous leachate being directly or indirectly released or likely to be released as a result of the activity to any groundwater or water course.
- G9
Rehabilitation landform criteria All areas significantly disturbed by mining activities must be rehabilitated to a stable landform with a self-sustaining vegetation cover. Permit Environmental Authority
- G10
Progressive rehabilitation must commence within three years when areas become available within the operational land.
- G11
Residual void outcome Residual voids must comply with the following rehabilitation outcomes: residual voids must not cause any serious environmental harm to land, surface waters or any recognised groundwater aquifer, other than the environmental harm constituted by the existence of the residual void itself and subject to any other condition within this environmental authority.
- G12
The rehabilitation of disturbed areas and residual void investigation reports, submitted to the administrating authority in June 2012, are to be updated to incorporate rehabilitated landform criteria and residual void outcomes for ML700006, ML700007, ML700008, ML700009, six (6) months prior to coal mining occurring on these ML's. The rehabilitated landform criteria and residual void outcomes from these reports must be reviewed every three years, or if any amendments occur and re-submitted to the administering authority.
- G13
Erosion Rehabilitated land must: a) not have a rate of soil loss that exceeds that present in representative unmined areas within the mining leases that have the same chemical and physical characteristics including slope, slope length and fire regime; and b) not exhibit any signs of continued erosion greater than that exhibited on representative unmined areas within the mining leases.
- G14
Weed control Class 1 and Class 2 declared plants as listed under the Land Protection Pest and Stock Route Management Act 2002 and subordinate legislation must not be present in the rehabilitation in densities that prevent the revegetation criteria from being achieved.
- G15
Pilot Gas Drainage Program All new surface disturbance associated with the Pilot Gas Drainage Program must avoid impacts to prescribed environmental matters.
- G16
Rehabilitation of Pilot Gas Drainage Program Rehabilitation of disturbance associated with the Pilot Gas Drainage Program must be completed within 6 months of the cessation of gas drainage activities and must achieve the following outcomes: a) all drilling stimulation and gas drainage equipment removed from site; b) boreholes sealed with grout and casing removed 300mm below the ground surface; c) all sumps backfilled; d) topsoil replaced at drill pad and access track areas; and e) drill pad areas reseeded with pasture grass. Permit Environmental Authority
- G17
Subsidence Monitoring and Management Plan A subsidence monitoring and management plan must be developed and maintained by an appropriately qualified person. The subsidence monitoring and management plan must include the monitoring and management of subsidence in all surface areas above the approved underground bord and pillar mining area shown in Figure 4A - Approved Disturbance Area (Curragh North and Curragh Central) and at a minimum include: a) survey of the surface levels above the underground mining area prior to the commencement of mining in each panel; b) monitoring program that specifies the location, frequency and method for monitoring surface subsidence; c) investigation to be undertaken in the event that subsidence monitoring detects surface movement in excess of 100mm. The investigation must include: i) Confirmation of the cause of the level of subsidence ii) Identification of any associated surface subsidence effects or environmental impacts iii) Identification of any required rehabilitation/remediation measures for identified surface effects or environmental impacts d) Periodic review and update of the plan, where necessary, to ensure it continues to achieve the requirements of this condition.
- G18
Rehabilitation of Blackwater Creek diversion Rehabilitation of the Blackwater Creek diversion works must be conducted in accordance with the document EM Plan 1.4 Blackwater Creek Diversion Monitoring and Maintenance Plan.
- G19
Rehabilitation monitoring program The holder of the environmental authority must conduct a Rehabilitation Monitoring Program on a yearly basis, which must include sufficient spatial and temporal replication to enable statistically valid conclusions as established under the rehabilitation program.
- G20
Post closure management plan A post closure management plan for the site must be prepared at least eighteen (18) months prior to the final coal processing on site and implemented for a nominal period of: a) at least thirty (30) years following final coal processing on site; or b) a shorter period if the site is proven to be geotechnically and geochemically stable and it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the administering authority that no release of contaminants from the site will result in environmental harm. Permit Environmental Authority
- G21
The post closure management plan must include the following elements: a) operation and maintenance of: i. wastewater collection and reticulation systems; ii. wastewater treatment systems; iii. the groundwater monitoring network; iv. final cover systems; and v. vegetative cover. b) monitoring of: i. surface water quality; ii. groundwater quality; iii. seepage rates; iv. erosion rates; v. the integrity and effectiveness of final cover systems; and vi. the health and resilience of native vegetation cover.
- G22
Biodiversity offsets Significant residual impacts to prescribed environmental matters, other than if the impacts were authorised by an existing authority issued before the commencement of the Environmental Offsets Act 2014, are not authorised under this environmental authority or the Environmental Offsets Act 2014 unless the impacts are specified in Table G2 - Authorised impacts to prescribed environmental matters in the locations shown in Figure 5 - Prescribed Environmental Matters.
- G23
Records demonstrating that each impact to a prescribed environmental matter not listed in Table G2 - Authorised impacts to prescribed environmental matters did not, or is not likely to, result in a significant residual impact to that matter must be: a) completed by an appropriately qualified person; and b) kept for the life of the environmental authority.
- G24
An environmental offset made in accordance with the Environmental Offsets Act 2014 and Queensland Environmental Offsets Policy, as amended from time to time, must be undertaken for the maximum extent of impact to each prescribed environmental matter authorised in Table G2 - Authorised impacts to prescribed environmental matters, unless a lesser extent of the impact has been approved in accordance with condition G26 for staged offsets. Permit Environmental Authority Table G2 (Authorised impacts to prescribed environmental matters) Prescribed environmental Maximum Environmental Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 matter extent of offset required ML700008 ML00007 impact ML700006 ML700009 Endangered regional ecosystem (ha) (ha) - 11.3.1* (ha) (ha) 0.8ha No 0 0.7 0 0.1 Endangered regional ecosystem - 10.1ha No 6.6 3.5 0 0 11.4.7* Of concern regional ecosystem - 79ha Yes 0 79.0 0 0 11.3.3* Remnant vegetation within a defined distance from the defining 30.8ha Yes 0 30.8 0 0 banks of a relevant watercourse** Essential habitat for Ornamental 1.3ha Yes 0 1.3 0 0 snake Connectivity area** 44.8ha Yes 0 44.8 0 0 Plants that are endangered 18.3ha No 0 7.2 0 11.1 wildlife - Solanum elachophyllum Habitat for an animal that is vulnerable wildlife - Yakka skink 10.9ha No 6.6 4.2 0 0.1 (Egernia rugosa)* Habitat for an animal that is vulnerable wildlife - Ornamental 79.9ha No 0 79.8 0 0.1 snake (Denisonia maculata)* Habitat for an animal that is vulnerable wildlife - Dunmall's 93.8ha No 7.2 36.1 0 50.5 snake (Furina dunmalli)*
- G25
The significant residual impacts to a prescribed environmental matter authorised in condition G21 for which an environmental offset is required by condition G23 may be carried out in stages. An environmental offset can be delivered for each stage of the impacts to prescribed environmental matters.
- G26
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.
- G27
The report required by condition G25 must be approved by the administering authority before a notice of election for the forthcoming stage, if applicable, is given to the administering authority.
- G28
A notice of election for the staged environmental offset referred to in condition G26, if applicable, must be provided to the administering authority no less than three months before the proposed commencement of that stage, unless a lesser timeframe has been agreed to by the administering authority.
- G29
Within six 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. Permit Environmental Authority Agency interest: Watercourse diversions Condition Condition number
- H1
Conditions H2 to H7 relate to the Bonnie Doon Creek diversion and Minnie Creek diversion as identified in Figure 6 - Creek Diversions.
- H2
Permanent watercourse diversions Permanent watercourse diversion, 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 e) Maintain equilibrium and functionality in all substrate conditions at the location of the diversion.
- H3
Temporary watercourse diversions Temporary watercourse diversions must be designed and constructed to: a) Maintain the pre-existing hydrologic characteristics of surface water systems for the area in which the watercourse diversion is located b) Maintain the hydraulic characteristics of the watercourse diversion that are equivalent to other local watercourses and are suitable for the area in which the diversion is located. Where structures that require on-going maintenance are used, they must not compromise the equilibrium and performance of the temporary watercourse diversion and adjoining watercourses c) Maintain sediment transport and water quality regimes that minimise any impacts to upstream and downstream.
- H4
Design plan - All diversions A certified Design Plan that achieves condition H2 for permanent watercourse diversions (i.e. Bonnie Doon Creek in Mine Activity Area 1 (ML700006) and Minnie Creek in Mine Activity Area 2 (ML700007) as identified in Figure 6) and condition H3 for temporary watercourse diversions must be submitted to the administering authority at least ten (10) business days before commencing construction of the diversion.
- H5
The certified design plan for any temporary or permanent watercourse diversion (i.e. Bonnie Doon Creek in Mine Activity Area 1 (ML700006) and Minnie Creek in Mine Activity Area 2 (ML700007) as identified on Figure 6) must be consistent with the functional design/s that formed a part of the application documents for this authority. Permit Environmental Authority
- H6
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 b) construction of the watercourse diversion is in accordance with the design plan.
- H7
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 authority. An electronic copy must be provided to the administering authority on request. Permit Environmental Authority Definitions Key terms and/or phrases used in this document are defined in this section. Where a term is not defined, the definition in the Environmental Protection Act 1994, its regulations or environmental protection policies must be used. If a word remains undefined it has its ordinary meaning. Acceptance criteria means the measures by which the actions implemented to rehabilitate the land are deemed to be complete. The acceptance criteria indicate the success of the rehabilitation outcome or remediation of areas which have been significantly disturbed by the mining activities. Acceptance criteria may include information regarding: a) vegetation establishment, survival and succession; b) vegetation productivity, sustained growth and structure development; c) fauna colonisation and habitat development; d) ecosystem processes such as soil development and nutrient cycling, and the recolonisation of specific fauna groups such as collembola, mites and termites which are involved in these processes; e) microbiological studies including recolonisation by mycorrhizal fungi, microbial biomass and respiration; f) effects of various establishment treatments such as deep ripping, topsoil handling, seeding and fertiliser application on vegetation growth and development; g) resilience of vegetation to disease, insect attack, drought and fire; and h) vegetation water use and effects on ground water levels and catchment yields. Administering authority is the agency that administers the environmental authority provisions under the Environmental Protection Act 1994. AEP means the Annual Exceedance Probability, which is the probability that at least one event in excess of a particular magnitude will occur in any given year. Airblast overpressure means energy transmitted from the blast site within the atmosphere in the form of pressure waves. The maximum excess pressure in this wave, above ambient pressure is the peak airblast overpressure measured in decibels linear (dBL). Ambient (or total) noise at a place, means the level of noise at the place from all sources (near and far), measured as the Leq for an appropriate time interval. Annual inspection report means an assessment prepared by a suitably qualified and experienced person containing details of the assessment against the most recent consequence assessment report and design plan (or system design plan); a) against recommendations contained in previous annual inspections reports; b) against recognised dam safety deficiency indicators; c) for changes in circumstances potentially leading to a change in consequence category; d) for conformance with the conditions of this authority; e) for conformance with the `as constructed' drawings; f) for the adequacy of the available storage in each regulated dam, based on an actual observation or observations taken after 31 May each year but prior to 1 November of that year, of accumulated sediment, state of the containment barrier and the level of liquids in the dam (or network of linked containment systems); g) for evidence of conformance with the current operational plan. ANZECC means the Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh Marine Water Quality 2000