Data as at 14 September 2026 · from the Queensland EP Act public register
EPML00707713 · QCOAL SONOMA PTY LTD
Coal environmental authority EPML00707713 (QCOAL SONOMA PTY LTD), Granted. 168 conditions indexed. Holds PRC plan P-PRCP-100716340.
- Status
- Granted
- Holders
- QCOAL SONOMA PTY LTD; CSC Sonoma Pty Ltd; JS Sonoma Pty Ltd; Watami (QLD) Pty Ltd
- Tenures
- ML10325; ML10326; ML10327; ML700075
- PRC plan
- P-PRCP-100716340 · effective 2026-03-26
- How it was read
- Numbered conditions
- Register
- Register record · Instrument PDF
Conditions
168 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
No more than 6.5 Mtpa (million tonnes per annum) of ROM (run-of-mine) is to be extracted on site in a year.
- A3
In carrying out the mining activity authorised by this environmental authority, disturbance of land on Figure 1 - Authorised disturbance area and groundwater monitoring locations: (a) may occur within the areas marked `A', but only in accordance with condition A5; (b) must not occur in the areas marked `B'; and (c) may occur in the areas marked `C', but only in accordance with conditions A4 and A5.
- A4
Any disturbance within the areas marked `C' on Figure 1 - Authorised disturbance area and groundwater monitoring locations is only authorised to the extent reasonably necessary for exploration activities, roads, fences, underground services, low-impact telecommunications facilities, electrical sub-stations, transmission grid works and supply network works, minor clean water diversions and drains, storage depots, similar minor infrastructure, and ancillary facilities for any of the above. The only water course diversions authorised under category `C' are the existing Two Mile Creek and Coral Creek diversions.
- A5
Any disturbance within the areas marked `A' or `C' on Figure 1 - Authorised disturbance area and groundwater monitoring locations must: (a) not impact adversely on areas marked `B'; (b) not exceed 1,363ha in areas marked `A'; and (c) substantial changes to the location of pits, out of pit waste rock dumps and out of pit co-disposal area, compared to the current mine layout as illustrated in Figure 2 - Authorised mine domains as of October 2025 must be discussed with the administering authority prior to making the changes. Note: A substantial change is where a proposed change to the location of pits and/or out of pit waste rock dumps, and out of pit co-disposal area could result in a change to the impacts on environmental values.
- A6
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. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- A7
Monitoring and sampling All monitoring and sampling required by conditions of this environmental authority must be carried out, interpreted, and recorded by an appropriately qualified person.
- A8
Plans, reports, and programs Any plans, reports or programs required by a condition of this environmental authority must be developed and reviewed by an appropriately qualified person.
- A9
Record Keeping Unless otherwise specified by a 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 5 years.
- A10
Upon request from the administering authority, copies of all records, plans, monitoring results and other documentation specifically required by the conditions of this environmental authority must be made available and provided to the administering authority within: (a) 10 business days; or (b) an alternative timeframe agreed between the administering authority and the environmental authority holder.
- A11
Risk management The holder of this environmental authority must develop and implement a risk management system for mining activities which mirrors the content requirements of the Standard for Risk Management (ISO31000:2018), or the latest edition of an Australian Standard for risk management, to the extent relevant to the environmental management, prior to the commencement of mining activities.
- A12
Notification of emergencies, incidents, and exceptions The holder of this environmental authority must notify the administering authority by written notification within 24 hours, after becoming aware of any emergency or incident which results in the release of contaminants not in accordance, or reasonably expected to be not in accordance with, the conditions of this environmental authority.
- A13
Within 10 business days following the initial notification of an emergency or incident, or receipt of monitoring results, whichever is the latter, further written advice must be provided to the administering authority, including the following: (a) results and interpretation of any samples taken and analysed; (b) outcomes of actions taken at the time to prevent or minimise unlawful environmental harm; and (c) proposed actions to prevent a recurrence of the emergency or incident.
- A14
Complaints The following details must be recorded for all complaints received by the EA holder: (a) date and time the complaint was received; (b) if authorised by the person making the complaint, their name, address and contact number; and (c) reason and details of the complaint. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- A15
As soon as reasonably practicable but no later than 10 business days after receiving a complaint under condition A14 (or a longer period agreed to in writing by the administering authority), an investigation must be undertaken and recorded to determine: (a) any potential circumstances and actions on site that may have contributed to the basis of the complaint; (b) conclusions formed; (c) reasonable and practicable measures that will be implemented to address the complaint; (d) abatement measures to minimise or prevent complaints of a similar nature from arising in the future; and (e) the outcome of the investigation.
- A16
As soon as reasonably practicable but no later than 20 business days from the completion of the investigation into a complaint under condition A15 (or a longer period agreed to in writing by the administering authority), which has confirmed that circumstances and actions on site have contributed to the basis of the complaint, the reasonable and practicable measures identified in the investigation must be implemented.
- A17
The reason for the complaint in A14, outcome of the investigation carried out under condition A15, and the abatement measures implemented under condition A16 must be recorded.
- A18
Alternative Arrangements The environmental authority holder may enter into alternative arrangements with the owners of sensitive or commercial places identified in a relevant management plan.
- A19
Where an alternative arrangement has been entered into for a sensitive or commercial place, that place is no longer considered to be a sensitive or commercial place.
- A20
Third Party Reporting The holder of this environmental authority must: (a) every 3 years, obtain from an appropriately qualified third party a report on compliance with the conditions of this environmental authority; and (b) provide the report to the administering authority within 90 days of its completion.
- A21
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 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 I: Dams and Levees the time specified in that condition; 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. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Schedule B: Air Condition Condition number
- B1
Dust nuisance The release of dust and/or particulate matter resulting from the mining activity must not cause an environmental nuisance at any sensitive or commercial place.
- B2
When requested by the administering authority or as a result of a complaint (which is neither frivolous nor vexatious nor based on mistaken belief in the opinion of the authorised officer), dust and particulate monitoring must be undertaken, and the results thereof notified to the administering authority within 14 days following completion of monitoring.
- B3
Dust and particulate monitoring for condition B2 must be carried out in accordance with Table B1 - Monitoring locations, parameters, and methods and at a place or places relevant to the potentially affected dust sensitive place as agreed upon with the administering authority.
- B4
Where monitoring identifies instances where a concentration specified in Table B2 - Air quality limits is exceeded at a sensitive or commercial place, the environmental authority holder must: (a) within 10 business days submit an investigation report to the administering authority that includes: (i) the air quality data at the monitoring location; (ii) a description of meteorological conditions; (iii) the air quality data upwind of the mining activities (if known); (iv) the contribution of the Sonoma mining activities to the exceedance (if any); and (v) if the exceedance was caused by the mining activities, the immediate measures taken to reduce dust generated by the mining activities
- B5
If the investigation under condition B4 indicates that the exceedance was caused by the mining activities, the environmental authority holder must submit to the administering authority an additional report within 40 business days following completion of monitoring, which includes: (a) further details as to the cause of the exceedance where available; (b) whether any environmental harm has occurred; (c) outline any actions required to mitigate environmental harm; and (d) additional measures to reduce dust generated by the mining activities.
- B6
Airshed Assessment By 30 January 2028, an impact assessment will be submitted to the administering authority using the real-time continuous data collected from the stations specified in Table B1 - Monitoring locations, parameters, and methods to: (a) Provide a summary of the dust emissions generated from the mining operation over the 24 month period of monitoring; (b) Provide an overview of the meteorological and regional conditions; (c) Identify any actual sensitive receptors to the operation; (d) Identify any actual impacts to the sensitive receptors; and (e) Include any proposed changes or improvements to the monitoring network. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- B7
- Continuous monitoring Monitoring at the locations specified in Table B1 - Monitoring locations, parameters, and methods or as otherwise agreed with the administering authority must be implemented by 30 January 2026.
- B8
Meteorological conditions must be monitored in accordance with and at locations specified in Table
- B1
- Monitoring locations, parameters, and methods.
- B9
Submission of monitoring data All monitoring data collected at the locations specified in Table B1 - Monitoring locations, parameters, and methods or as otherwise agreed with the administering authority, must be submitted to administering authority upon request.
- B10
Dust Management Plan A Dust Management Plan must be developed and implemented for all stages of the authorised mining activities on the site.
- B11
The Dust Management Plan must incorporate a program for continuous improvement 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 using the monitoring methods described in Table B1 - Monitoring locations, parameters, and methods; (b) a system to identify adverse meteorological conditions likely to produce elevated levels of dust and/or other air quality parameters at the locations specified in Table B1 - Monitoring locations, parameters, and methods due to the mining activities; and (c) a Trigger Action Response Program (TARP).
- B12
The Dust Management Plan required by condition B10 must be reviewed by 30 September each calendar year, with the first review commencing in 2026 and any recommendations must be incorporated into the Dust Management Plan and implemented.
- B13
Odour 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.
- B14
If the administering authority receives a complaint related to odour nuisance, the environmental authority holder must address the complaint in accordance with conditions A14, A15, A16 and A17 of this environmental authority. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Table B1 - Monitoring locations, parameters, and methods Monitoring Latitude Longitude (decimal Monitoring Monitoring Monitoring Method Point (decimal degrees, GDA2020) Parameter Frequency2 degrees, DS 1 GDA2020) 147.857881 PM10 Real time AS/NZS -20.750841 continuous 3580.9.11:2022 DS 2 147.838771 -20.617611 PM10 Real time AS/NZS Sonoma 147.8560 continuous 3580.19:20203 Mine -20.6384 Weather AS/NZS Infrastructure (wind Real time 3580.9.11:2022 Area continuous speed, wind AS/NZS direction, 3580.19:20203 temperature AS/NZS rainfall) 3850.14:2014 AS/NZS 3580.19:20203 1General locations, stations may be relocated depending on predominant wind direction and location of potential sensitive receptors. If required to amend location, the EA holder must notify the administering authority to determine it is still suitable and notify the administering authority upon movement. 2Continuous monitoring may not occur in situations of equipment breakdown, damage or failure, power loss, scheduled maintenance and performance specification testing. 3 Continuous monitoring required by condition B7 and Table B1 - Monitoring locations, parameters, and methods, instrument availability and data quality must be maintained to ensure that 75% of hourly averages in each calendar quarter and 75% of 24 hour averages are valid when assessed in accordance with AS3580.19 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient area - Method 19: Ambient air quality data validation and reporting. Table B2 - Air quality limits Monitoring Parameter Air Quality Limit 2, Monitoring Method Location PM10 3 All applicable compliance locations 50-g/m3 (24-hr AS/NZS 3580.9.6:2015 as specified in avg)1 AS/NZS 3580.9.7:2009 Table B1; or as per AS3580.9.8:2022 condition B3 AS358.9.9:2017 AS/NZS 3580.9.11:2022 AS/NZS 3580.19:2020 TSP 90-g/m3 AS/NZS 3580.9.3:2015 AS/NZS 3580.19:2020
- C1
Burning Waste 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.
- C2
The holder of this environmental authority may burn vegetation cleared in the course of carrying out extraction activities provided that the activity does not cause environmental harm at any sensitive place or commercial place.
- C3
Tailings disposal Procedures for managing tailings disposal must be in place and should include: (a) containment of tailings; (b) the management of seepage and leachates both during operation and the foreseeable future; (c) the control of fugitive emissions to air; (d) a program of progressive sampling and characterisation to identify acid producing potential and metal concentrations of tailings; (e) maintaining records of the relative locations of any other waste stored within the tailings; (f) rehabilitation strategy; and (g) monitoring of rehabilitation, research and/or trials to verify the requirements and methods for decommissioning and final rehabilitation of tailings, including the prevention and management of acid mine drainage, erosion minimisation and establishment of vegetation cover.
- C4
Storage and disposal of tyres Tyres must be stored and disposed of in accordance with the latest version of the Operational policy -
- C5
The holder of the environmental authority must keep a record of the number and location of tyres disposed of in accordance with condition C4.
- C6
Waste management Plan The holder of this environmental authority must develop, document, and implement a non-mineral waste management plan for all authorised activities. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- C7
The waste management plan required under condition C6 must include: (a) a description of how waste is generated; (b) a program for reusing, recycling, or disposing of all wastes; (c) the waste management control strategies including: (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; (vii) disposal, reused and recycling options; (d) the hazard characteristics of the wastes generated including disposal procedures for regulated wastes; (e) how the waste will be managed in accordance with the waste and resource management hierarchy, including a description of the types of waste that will be dealt with under each of the waste management practices in the waste management hierarchy (i.e. avoidance, reuse, recycling, energy recovery, disposal); (f) how the waste will be stored, handled, and transferred in a proper and effective manner; (g) 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; (h) procedures for dealing with accidents, spills, and other incidents that may impact on waste management; (i) details of any management system employed, or planned to be employed, to deal with the waste; (j) indicators or other criteria on which the performance of the waste management practices will be assessed; (k) staff training and induction to the waste management program; (l) a system for regular review; and (m) identify responsible staff (positions) for implementing, managing, and reporting under the Waste Management Plan.
- C8
The non-mineral waste management plan required under condition C6 must be regularly reviewed and updated at intervals of no greater than 5 years.
- C9
Regulated waste records must be kept for 5 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.
- C10
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. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- C11
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.
- C12
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 OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Schedule D: Noise and Vibration Condition Condition number
- D1
Noise nuisance Noise resulting from the authorised mining activities must not cause an environmental nuisance at any sensitive or commercial place
- D2
When requested by the administering authority, or as a result of a complaint noise monitoring must be undertaken and the results must be notified within 10 business days to the administering authority following completion of monitoring.
- D3
Monitoring undertaken in accordance with condition D2 must be carried out at a place or places relevant to the potentially affected noise sensitive place as agreed upon with the administering authority.
- D4
All noise monitoring which is conducted as per condition D2 must be undertaken in accordance with the following noise monitoring requirements: (a) all noise monitoring must be conducted in accordance with the administering authority's most recent the Environmental Protection Regulation 2019 (Chapter 5, Part 4).; (b) source noise levels must be expressed as component noise levels for the purposes of comparison with noise limits; (c) all noise measurements must be taken using an appropriate sound level meter as classified under AS IEC 61672; and (d) monitoring location(s) must be relevant to the matter(s) under investigation.
- D5
If the results of the noise monitoring requested in accordance with condition D2 exceed the limits in Table D1 - Noise limits, then the environmental authority holder must: (a) address the complaint including the use of appropriate dispute resolution if required; and (b) implement noise abatement measures so that emissions of noise from the activity do not result in further environmental nuisance.
- D6
Low Frequency Noise Noise emissions from the activity, when including substantial low frequency noise, must not cause an overall sound pressure level at a noise sensitive place exceeding 55 dB(Z). Note: Substantial low frequency noise means a noise emission that has an unbalanced frequency spectrum shown in a one-third octave band measurements, with a predominant component located within the frequency range 10 to 200 Hz.
- D7
Blasting The holder of this environmental authority must ensure that blasting does not cause the limits for peak particle velocity and air blast overpressure in Table D2 - Blasting noise limits to be exceeded at a sensitive place or commercial place. Peak particle velocity and/or air blast overpressure resulting from blasting must not cause an environmental nuisance at any sensitive or commercial place. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- D8
The holder of this environmental authority must develop and implement a blast monitoring program to monitor compliance with Table D2 - Blasting noise limits for: (a) at least 50% of all blasts undertaken on this site in each month at the nearest and most affected sensitive place(s) or commercial place(s); and (b) all blasts conducted during any time period specified by the administering authority at the nearest and most affected sensitive place(s) or commercial place(s) or another such place to investigate an allegation of environmental nuisance caused by blasting.
- D9
If the results of blast monitoring undertaken as per condition D7 exceed the limits in Table D2 - Blasting noise limits, then the environmental authority holder must investigate and report to the administering authority within 10 business days following completion of monitoring. Table D1 - Noise limits Monday to Saturday Sunday and Public Holidays Noise level 7am-6pm 6pm-10pm 10pm-7am 9am-6pm 6pm-10pm 10pm-9am measured in dB(A) Noise measured at a nuisance sensitive place LAeq adj,10 Background Background Background Background Background Background Plus 5 Plus 5 Plus 0 Plus 5 Plus 5 Plus 0 LA1adj,10 Background Background Background Background Background Background Plus 10 Plus 10 Plus 5 Plus 10 Plus 10 Plus 5 Noise measured at a commercial place LAeq adj,10 Background Background Background Background Background Background Plus 10 Plus 10 Plus 5 Plus 10 Plus 10 Plus 5 LA1adj,10 Background Background Background Background Background Background Plus 15 Plus 15 Plus 10 Plus 15 Plus 15 Plus 10 Associated notes and requirements: (a) `Background' means background noise level, measured in the absence of the noise under investigation, as LA90,T being the A- weighted sound pressure level exceeded for ninety (90) per cent of the time period of 15 minutes, using Fast response. (b) "LAeq adj,T" means the equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level, adjusted for noise character, measured in the presence of the noise under investigation over a time period of 10 minutes, using Fast response. (c) "LA1 adj,T" means the A-weighted sound pressure level, adjusted for noise character, measured in the presence of the noise under investigation and exceeded for one (1) per cent of the time period of 10 minutes, using Fast response. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Table D2 - Blasting noise limits Sensitive or commercial blasting noise limits place limits Blasting noise limits Daytime Evening/Night/Early Morning Airblast overpressure 7am to 6pm 6pm to 7am Ground vibration peak 115 dB (Linear) Peak for nine (9) out of ten (10) No blasting is allowed during particle velocity consecutive blasts initiated and not greater than these times 120 dB (Linear) Peak at any time 5mm/second peak particle velocity for nine (9) out No blasting is allowed during of ten (10) consecutive blasts and not greater than these times
- E2
All groundwater sampling and monitoring methods must be in accordance with the latest version of the administering authority's Monitoring and Sampling Manual 2018, unless otherwise approved by the administering authority.
- E3
Review of groundwater quality triggers By 30 September 2026, a report must be provided to the administering authority that reviews the continued suitability of groundwater quality trigger levels in Table E2 - Groundwater quality triggers based on data from at least 8 monitoring events.
- E4
All groundwater quality and groundwater level monitoring data collected in accordance with the conditions of this environmental authority must be provided to the administering authority via WaTERS with each annual return.
- E5
Groundwater quality Groundwater quality must be monitored: (a) at the locations specified in Table E1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency and illustrated in Figure 1 - Authorised disturbance area and groundwater monitoring locations; (b) at the frequencies specified in Table E1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency; and (c) for the quality characteristics listed in Table E2 - Groundwater quality triggers.
- E6
If monitoring results from groundwater bores identified in Table E1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency exceed any of the trigger levels stated in Table E2 - Groundwater quality triggers on three (3) consecutive monitoring occasions the environment authority holder must (a) notify the administering authority via WaTERS within two business days of receiving the results; and (b) complete an investigation under condition E7. Note: Where 3 consecutive exceedances of a trigger level have occurred and are being investigated in accordance with E6(b) of this condition, no further reporting under E6(a) is required for subsequent trigger events for that quality characteristic during the investigation period.
- E7
Exceedance investigation - Groundwater quality Where groundwater from bores identified in Table E1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency exceeds any of the trigger levels specified in Table E2 - Groundwater quality triggers on 3 consecutive sampling occasions, the holder of this environmental authority must: (a) complete an investigation to determine if the exceedance is the result of: (i) activities authorised under this environmental authority; or (ii) natural variation; or (iii) neighbouring land use resulting in groundwater impacts; and (b) submit a report to the administering authority within 28 days of receiving the results. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- E8
If the investigation under condition E7 determines that the exceedance was the result of activities authorised under this environmental authority, then a further investigation must be completed, and a report must be submitted to the administering authority within 56 days after submission of the exceedance investigation report under condition E7. The investigation report must include: (a) the likely source, cause and extent of contamination and other investigation outcomes; and (b) must detail the appropriate mitigation and management measures (where applicable) undertaken, with evidence upon request to address any groundwater contamination and prevent recurrence of groundwater contamination.
- E9
Groundwater Standing Water Level (SWL) Groundwater SWL must be monitored: (a) at the locations specified in Table E1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency and illustrated in Figure 1 - Authorised disturbance area and groundwater monitoring locations; and (b) at the frequencies specified in Table E1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency.
- E10
The SWL in monitoring results from groundwater bores identified in Table E1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency (with exception of dry bores) must be reviewed against the previous 12 months of SWL monitoring data by 1 April.
- E11
Groundwater standing water level (SWL) When a bore listed in Table E1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency (with the exception of dry bores) exceeds a fluctuation of 2 meters per year, the holder of this environmental authority must: (a) notify the administering authority via WaTERS within 24 hours of becoming aware; (b) complete an investigation into the cause of exceedance within 10 business days of becoming aware; and (c) if the investigation carried out under condition E11(b) determines that the mining activities authorised by this environmental authority are a potential cause or contributor to the exceedance: (i) notify the administering authority within 24 hours of making the determination; (ii) identify whether any actual environmental harm has occurred; and (iii) identify and implement mitigations to minimise the harm.
- E12
Bore Specific SWL Thresholds By 30 November 2026, the environmental authority holder must provide to the administering authority a report: (a) proposing groundwater standing water level triggers to replace all TBCs in Table E3 - Groundwater standing water level triggers; and (b) providing justification as to those proposed triggers and values (such as modelling, monitoring data, risk assessments).
- E13
Groundwater Monitoring and Management Program A Groundwater Monitoring and Management Program (GMMP) must be implemented and maintained, including updates as required by reviews of the monitoring data, GMMP or model. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- E14
The GMMP required by condition E13 must: (a) provide a hydrogeological conceptual model; (b) provide an analytical or numerical groundwater model including interaction or impact from groundwater on surface water; (c) identify all potential sources of contamination to groundwater from the activities; (d) identify all environmental values that may be impacted; (e) detail groundwater levels in all relevant hydrogeological units present across and adjacent to the site to confirm existing groundwater flow paths; (f) include details of a groundwater monitoring and data analysis program to: (i) detect any impacts to groundwater quality due to the activities authorised under this environmental authority; (ii) detect any changes to groundwater level due to the activities authorised under this environmental authority; and determine compliance with conditions E6, and E10; and (iii) determine trends in groundwater quality and level; (g) document groundwater management and monitoring methodologies undertaken for the duration of all the activities authorised under this environmental authority; (h) provide an appropriate quality assurance and quality control program; and (i) include a review process for the GMMP to identify improvements to the program that includes addressing any comments provided by the administering authority.
- E15
Annual Groundwater Monitoring Report An Annual Groundwater Monitoring Report (AGMR) must be completed and submitted to the administering authority by 1 April each calendar year.
- E16
The AGMR required by condition E15 must include: (a) all quality and SWL monitoring data of all groundwater bores listed within Table E1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency, for the annual monitoring period; (b) an assessment of groundwater quality and SWL trends for all data from all groundwater bores listed in Table E1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency; (c) an assessment of any impacts due to mining activities authorised by this environmental authority on groundwater quality and level; (d) review of ongoing adequacy of the monitoring network and propose replacement bores (if required) where bores have been removed as part of mining activities; and (e) comparison with receiving environment surface water quality monitoring results to determine any interaction or impact from groundwater on surface water.
- E17
Replacement bores If any groundwater monitoring bore listed in Table E1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency, are scheduled to be decommissioned due to planned authorised activities, the holder must: (a) replace the bore(s) at least 12 months prior to decommissioning; with groundwater monitoring bores that targets the same hydrogeological unit in a suitable location; and (b) the location of replacement bores be provided for inclusion in Table E1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency.
- E18
Within 27 months after installation of replacement bores as per condition E17, the environmental authority holder must submit report to administering authority that includes: (a) groundwater quality triggers based on at least 8 monitoring events for inclusion in Table E2 - Groundwater quality triggers; and (b) groundwater SWL triggers for inclusion in Table E3 - Groundwater standing water level triggers. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- E19
Bore construction and maintenance and decommissioning The construction, maintenance, operation, and decommissioning of each groundwater monitoring bore (with the exception of bores installed prior to the EA commencement date) 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/s including composite units where intended; and (c) does not alter the hydrogeological environment
- E20
A bore report must be kept for each monitoring bore which includes: (a) a unique identification reference number and geographic coordinate location; (b) construction information including but not limited to the depth of bore, depth and length of casing, depth and length of screening and bore sealing details; (c) stratigraphy and target hydrogeological unit of the bore; (d) depth at which groundwater was intercepted; and (e) the final standing water level (SWL) after bore development. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Table E1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency Monitoring Location Aquifer Screen Surface RL Monitoring Point depth (m)2 Frequency1 GDA2020 (m) Quarterly Latitude Longitude Quarterly Quarterly PZ 1 -20.609912 147.837415 Coal measures 20.1-21.75 163.336 Quarterly Quarterly PZ 2 -20.62285 147.86804 Coal measures 66.0-69.85 176.469 Quarterly Quarterly PZ 4 -20.629651 147.862035 Coal measures 69.1-73.1 175.408 Quarterly Quarterly PZ 5 -20.62355 147.86759 Coal measures 19.07-21.88 176.005 Quarterly PZ 6 -20.601383 147.864880 Coal measures 23.6-24.46 170.692 PZ 7B3 -20.608149 147.852366 Alluvium 4.48-7.42 166.883 PZ 7C3 -20.609006 147.849031 Alluvium 5.75-8.7 163.689 PZ 7E3 -20.608528 147.850737 Alluvium 4.12-7.1 167.057 PZ 8 -20.605915 147.830724 Alluvium 16.4-19.0 160.185 PZ 9 -20.609094 147.813765 Coal measures 24.0-26.0 153.021 1Monitoring is not required where a bore has been removed as a direct result of the mining activity. 2RL must be calculated from the nearest 5cm from the top of the bore casing. 3 Dry bores OFFICIAL Table E2 - Groundwater quality triggers Investigation Trigger Level for Bores Quality Parameter Unit PZ 1 PZ 2 PZ 6 PZ 7B PZ 7C PZ 7E PZ 8 PZ 9 PZ 4 PZ 5 pH pH Units Coal measures Alluvium Coal measures Electrical Conductivity -S/cm Total Dissolved Solids mg/L 6.0-8.5 mg/L
- F1
Contaminants that will, or have the potential to cause environmental harm, must not be released
- F2
directly or indirectly to any waters as a result of the authorised mining activities, except as permitted under the conditions of this environmental authority. F3 Contaminant release
- F4
The release of mine affected water to waters must only occur from the release points specified in Table
- F5
F1 - Mine affected water release points, sources and receiving waters and depicted in Figure 3
- F6
- Mine affected water release points, sources and receiving waters attached to this environmental
- F7
authority. F8 The release of mine affected water to waters from the release points must be monitored at the locations specified in Table F1- Mine affected water release points, sources and receiving waters for each quality characteristic and at the frequency specified in Table F2 - Mine affected water release limits and Table F3 - 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 F5 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. The release of mine affected water to waters in accordance with condition F2 must not exceed the release limits stated in Table F2 - Mine affected water release limits when measured at the monitoring points specified in Table F1 - Mine affected water release points, sources and receiving waters for each quality characteristic. 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 F4 - Mine affected water release during flow events. The release of mine affected water to waters in accordance with condition F2 must only take place during periods of natural flow in accordance with the receiving water flow criteria for discharge specified in Table F4 - Mine affected water release during flow events for the release point(s) specified in Table F1 - Mine affected water release points, sources and receiving waters. The daily quantity of mine affected water released from each release point must be measured and recorded at the monitoring points in Table F1 - Mine affected water release points, sources and receiving waters. 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. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- F9
Notification of release event The environmental authority holder must notify the administering authority via WaTERS as soon as practicable and no later than 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) release point/s; (c) release rate; (d) release salinity and/or electrical conductivity; (e) receiving water/s including the natural flow rate; and (f) details regarding the compliance of the release with the conditions of Schedule F: Surface Water.
- F10
The environmental authority holder must notify the administering authority via WaTERS as soon as practicable, and no later than 24 hours after cessation of a release notified under condition F9. The cessation notification must include the following information: (a) release cessation date and time; (b) release point/s; (c) release rate; (d) water quality of release; (e) total volume of water released; (f) natural flow rate in the receiving water; and (g) details regarding the compliance of the release with the conditions of this environmental authority. Note: Successive or intermittent releases from a Release Point 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 F9, F10 and F11, provided the relevant details of the release are included within the notification provided in accordance with conditions F9, F10 and F11.
- F11
The environmental authority holder must within 28 days after cessation of a release event notified under condition F10 provide a report to the administering authority via WaTERS, which must include the following information: (a) all continuous and in-situ water quality monitoring results (including laboratory analyses); and (b) any further matters pertinent to the water release event. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- F12
Release trigger exceedance: If quality characteristics of the release exceed any of the trigger levels specified in Table F3 - Release contaminant trigger investigation levels, potential contaminants during a release event, the environmental authority holder must compare the downstream results in the receiving waters (Table
- F6
- Receiving water upstream background sites and downstream monitoring points) to the trigger values specified in Table F3 - 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 in Table F3 - 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 (Table
- F6
- Receiving water upstream background sites and downstream monitoring points); 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, notify the administering authority via WaTERS within two business days of receiving the result, and complete an investigation and provide a written report to the administering authority via WaTERS within 28 days of receiving the result, outlining: I. details of the investigations carried out; and II. whether the result is directly associated with mining activities, and, if so: 1. whether environmental harm has occurred, 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 F12(2)(b) of this condition, no further reporting is required for subsequent trigger events for that quality characteristic. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Table F1 - Mine Affected Water Release Points, Sources and Receiving Waters Release Location Mine Affected Monitoring Receiving waters description Point (RP)1 (GDA2020) Water Source and Point
- F13
Notification of release event exceedance If the release limits defined in Table F2 - Mine affected water release limits are exceeded, the holder of the environmental authority must notify the administering authority within 24 hours of receiving the results.
- F14
The environmental authority holder must, within 28 days of a release that is not compliant with the conditions of this environmental authority, provide a report to the administering authority via WaTERS 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 all laboratory analyses); (f) identification of any environmental harm as a result of the non-compliance; (g) all calculations; and (h) any other matters pertinent to the water release event.
- F15
Receiving environment monitoring and contaminant trigger levels The quality of the receiving waters must be monitored at the locations specified in Table F6 - Receiving water upstream background sites and downstream monitoring points and Figure 3 - Mine affected water release points, sources and receiving waters for each quality characteristic and at the monitoring frequency stated in Table F5 - Receiving waters contaminant trigger levels.
- F16
If quality characteristics of the receiving water at the downstream monitoring points exceed any of the trigger levels specified in Table F5 - Receiving waters contaminant trigger levels during a release event, the environmental authority holder must compare the downstream results to the upstream results in the receiving waters and: (a) if the result is less than the upstream monitoring data, then no action is to be taken; or (b) if the result is greater than the upstream monitoring data, notify the administering authority via WaTERS within 2 business days of receiving the result, and complete an investigation and provide a written report to the administering authority via WaTERS within 28 days of receiving the result, outlining (i) details of the investigations carried out; and (ii) whether the result is directly associated with the release, and, if so: I. whether environmental harm has occurred; and II. actions taken to prevent environmental harm. Note: Where an exceedance of a trigger level has occurred and is being investigated, in accordance with condition F16(2) of this condition, no further reporting is required for subsequent trigger events for that quality characteristic. OFFICIAL Permit Environmental Authority Table F2 - Mine Affected Water Release Limits Quality Parameter Release Limit Monitoring frequency Comment Electrical Release limits Daily during release (the first - conductivity (-S/cm) specified in Table sample must be taken within 2
- F4
hours of commencement of release) Daily during release (the first pH (pH Unit) 6.5 (minimum) sample must be taken within 2 - 9.0 (maximum) hours of commencement of release) Turbidity1 (NTU) 300 At commencement and prior to Turbidity is required to assess cessation of release (at a ecosystem impacts and can provide instantaneous results. minimum) and weekly during a release 1The determination of suitability for release of water should be informed by monitoring undertaken prior to release. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Table F3 - Release contaminant trigger investigation levels, potential contaminants Quality Unit Trigger Comment on Trigger Level Monitoring Parameter Levels Frequency Aluminium mg/L 0.082 80th percentile of background mg/L 0.013 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline Commencement of release and thereafter weekly during release Arsenic mg/L 0.0002 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline Cadmium mg/L 0.001 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline Chromium mg/L 0.002 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on LOR for ICPMS Copper mg/L For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on low reliability mg/L 0.3 Iron mg/L guideline mg/L 0.004 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline Lead mg/L 0.02 Mercury mg/L 0.011 For ecosystem protection based on LOR for CVFIMS Nickel mg/L 0.008 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline mg/L 0.37 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline Zinc mg/L For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline Boron mg/L 0.09 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on low reliability mg/L Cobalt mg/L 1.9 guideline mg/L For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline Manganese mg/L 0.034 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on low reliability mg/L Molybdenum 0.01 guideline -g/L 0.001 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on LOR for ICPMS Selenium 0.001 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on LOR for ICPMS Silver -g/L 0.01 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on LOR for ICPMS For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on LOR for ICPMS Uranium mg/L 0.9 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline Vanadium mg/L For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on ambient Qld WQ Ammonia mg/L 1.1 Guidelines (2006) for TN Nitrate 20 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on LOR Petroleum hydrocarbons 100 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on LOR
- F17
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. For the purposes of the REMP, the receiving environment is the waters of Coral Creek, Two Mile Creek, and Pelican Creek, and connected or surrounding waterways within 10km 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.
- F18
A REMP Design Document that addresses the requirements of conditions F17 and F19 must be made available to the administrating authority upon request.
- F19
The REMP must address (but not necessarily be limited to) the following: (a) description of potentially affected receiving waters including key communities and background water quality characteristics based on accurate and reliable monitoring data that takes into consideration any temporal variation (e.g. seasonality); (b) description of applicable environmental values and water quality objectives to be achieved (i.e. as scheduled pursuant to the Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009); (c) any relevant reports prepared by other governmental or professional research organisations that relate to the receiving environment within which the REMP is proposed; (d) water quality targets within the receiving environment to be achieved, and clarification of contaminant concentrations or levels indicating adverse environmental impacts during the REMP; (e) monitoring for any potential adverse environmental impacts caused by the release; (f) monitoring of stream flow and hydrology; (g) monitoring of toxicants should consider the indicators specified in Table F3 - Release contaminant trigger investigation levels, potential contaminants to assess the extent of the compliance of concentrations with water quality objectives and/or the ANZECC and ARMCANZ 2000 guidelines for slightly to moderately disturbed ecosystems; (h) monitoring of physico-chemical parameters as a minimum those specified in Table F2 - Mine affected water release limits (in addition to dissolved oxygen saturation and temperature); (i) monitoring biological indicators (for macroinvertebrates in accordance with the AusRivas methodology) and metals/metalloids in sediments (in accordance with ANZECC and ARMCANZ 2000, BATLEY and/or the most recent version of AS5667.1 Guidance on Sampling of Bottom Sediments) for permanent, semi- permanent water holes and water storages; (j) the locations of monitoring points (including the locations specified in Table F6 - Receiving water upstream background sites and downstream monitoring points which are background and downstream impacted sites for each release point); (k) the frequency or scheduling of sampling and analysis sufficient to determine water quality objectives and to derive site specific reference values within 2 years (depending on wet season flows) in accordance with the Queensland Water Quality Guidelines 2006. For ephemeral streams, this should include periods of flow irrespective of mine or other discharges; (l) specify sampling and analysis methods and quality assurance and control; (m) any historical datasets to be relied upon;
- F21
Water re-use 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).
- F22
If the responsibility of the water contaminated by mining activities (the water) is given or transferred to another person in accordance with condition F23, then: (a) the responsibility of the water must only be given or transferred in accordance with a written agreement (the third party agreement); and (b) include in the third party agreement a commitment from the person utilising the water to use water in such a way as to prevent environmental harm or public health incidences 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.
- F23
Annual Water Monitoring Data Submission The following information must be recorded in relation to all mine affected surface water release monitoring required under the conditions of this environmental authority and submitted to the administering authority via WaTERS 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 mine affected water released from all release points; (e) the release flow rate at the time of sampling for each release point; and (f) the results of all surface water monitoring.
- F24
Water Management Plan A Water Management Plan must be developed and implemented for all stages of mining activities.
- F25
The Water Management Plan must: (a) provide for effective water management of actual and potential environmental impacts resulting from water management associated with the mining activities carried out under this environmental authority; and (b) be developed in accordance with the administering authority's most recent version of the guideline any updates that become available from time to time and must include at least the following components: (i) a study of the source on contaminants; (ii) a water balance model for the site; (iii) a map showing the water management system for the site; (iv) measures to manage, reduce and prevent saline drainage; (v) measures to manage, reduce and prevent acid rock drainage; and (vi) contingency procedures for incidents and emergencies. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- F26
On an annual basis the Water Management Plan must either be: (a) updated and re-issued in accordance with the requirements of conditions F26 and F27(with the update commencing by 30 November each calendar year; or (b) reviewed for continued suitability (review to commence by 30 November each calendar year). The review must be documented and include: (i) a statement that the review has been undertaken by an appropriately qualified person; (ii) an assessment of the plan against the requirements under F26 and F27, including identify where updates are required; (iii) identification of any actual or potential environmental impacts which are not effectively managed by the Water Management Plan; (iv) make recommendations to ensure actual or potential environmental impacts are effectively managed (if required); and (v) provide details and timelines to implement the recommendations (if required).
- F27
Stormwater and water sediment controls An Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) Plan must be developed and implemented for all stages of the mining activities.
- F28
The ESC Plan must: (a) demonstrate how erosion and sediment control measures detailed in the plan adequately minimise the release of sediment to receiving waters; (b) assess the size and characteristics of all catchment areas; (c) assessment of relevant properties of soil; (d) specify minimum design criteria for erosion and sediment control structures to achieve the management intent of receiving waters; (e) locations and descriptions of major erosion and sediment control measures (sediment dams and related drainage management); and an audit schedule to ensure erosion and sediment control measures are maintained.
- F29
On an annual basis the ESC Plan must either be: (a) updated and re-issued in accordance with the requirements of conditions F29 and F30 (with the update commencing by 30 November each calendar year); or (b) reviewed for continued suitability (review to commence by 30 November each calendar year) with the review to include: (i) a statement that the review has been undertaken by an appropriately qualified person; (ii) an assessment of the plan against the requirements under condition F29 and identify where updates are required; (iii) identification of any actual or potential environmental impacts which are not effectively managed by the Erosion Sediment Control Plan; (iv) make recommendations to ensure actual or potential environmental impacts are effectively managed (if required); and (v) provide details and timelines to implement the recommendations (if required).
- F30
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 F29; and (b) water management infrastructure that is installed and operated, in accordance with a water management plan that complies with condition F26, for the purpose of ensuring water does not become mine affected water. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Table F6 - Receiving water upstream background sites and downstream monitoring points Monitoring Points Receiving Waters Location Relevant Latitude Longitude Description Release Point Upstream Background Monitoring Points
- SW2
Coral Creek 3,330 metres RP1, RP3 -20.602263 147.864223 upstream of release point
- SW8
Two Mile Creek 1,140 metres RP2,RP4 -20.629549 147.864357 upstream of release point RP2
- SW14
Upstream of confluence of RP1, RP2, RP3, -20.585721 147.851147 Coral and Pelican Creeks RP4 Downstream Monitoring Points
- SW1
Coral Creek 2,065 metres RP1, RP3 -20.612250 147.817112 downstream of release point
- SW7
Two Mile Creek 4,280 metres RP2,RP4 -20.632465 147.835302 downstream of release point RP2
- SW15
Downstream of confluence of RP1, RP2, RP3, -20.598503 147.756536 Two Mile and Coral Creeks RP4 with Pelican Creek at upstream side of Myuna Road Crossing Note: The data from background monitoring points must not be used where they are affected by releases from other mines. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Schedule G: Sewage Treatment Condition Condition number
- G1
Contaminants generated by sewage treatment activities must not be released to waters. Note: `waters' does not include structures associated with the mine affected water management system.
- G2
Treated sewage effluent may only be released to land in accordance with the conditions of this approval at the following locations: (a) within the nominated area(s) identified in Figure 3 - Mine- Affected water release points, sources and receiving waters (irrigation areas); (b) haul roads and areas of the mining activity for the purpose of dust suppression; (c) re-use in coal processing; (d) secondary water storage; and (e) firefighting.
- G3
The release of treated sewage effluent to the nominated irrigation area identified in condition G4, must be monitored for each quality characteristic and at the frequency specified in Table G1 - Contaminants release limits to land.
- G4
The release of treated sewage effluent to the nominated irrigation area identified in condition G4, must not exceed the release limits stated in Table G1 - Contaminants release limits to land.
- G5
Irrigation with treated effluent must be carried out in a manner such that:
- G6
(a) vegetation is not damaged;
- G7
(b) there is no surface ponding of effluent; and
- G8
(c) there is no run-off of effluent. G9
- G10
If irrigation areas 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. The daily volume of treated effluent used for irrigation must be measured and records kept of the volumes of effluent released. When circumstances prevent the irrigation or beneficial reuse of treated sewage effluent such as during or following rain events, waters must be directed to a wet weather storage or alternative measures must be taken to store/lawfully dispose of effluent. A minimum area of one ha of land, excluding any necessary buffer zones, must be utilised for the irrigation of treated sewage effluent. 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 Act whilst using the treated sewage effluent. Note: The supply of treated wastewater for re-use is regulated under the Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Table G1 - Contaminant release limits to land Contaminant Unit Release limit Limit type Monitoring Frequency 5-day Biochemical oxygen mg/L 20 Maximum demand (BOD) Monthly mg/L 30 Maximum Total suspended solids mg/L 30 Maximum Monthly Nitrogen mg/L 15 Maximum Monthly Organisms/100ml 1,000 Maximum Monthly Phosphorus pH units 6.0 - 9.0. Monthly E-coli Range Monthly pH Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Schedule H: Land Condition Condition number
- H1
Mining waste management A waste rock and spoil disposal plan must be developed, implemented, and include, where relevant,
- H4
(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; and (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; and (d) where relevant, a sampling program to verify encapsulation and/or placement of potentially acid- forming and acid-forming waste rock; and (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; and (g) rehabilitation strategy; and (h) identification of areas proposed to contain tailings; and (i) monitoring or rehabilitation, research and/or trials to verify the requirements and methods for decommissioning and final rehabilitation of the placed materials, including the prevention and management of acid mine drainage, erosion minimisation and establishment of vegetation cover. Chemicals and flammable or combustible liquids All flammable and combustible liquids 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 edition of AS 1940 - Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids. 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 exists store such materials within an effective on-site containment system, the environmental authority holder must, at a minimum, minimise the potential for contamination of land and waters by diverting stormwater around contaminated areas and facilities used for the storage of chemicals and flammable or combustible liquids. Weed Management A weed management plan must be developed and implemented for this site outlining: (a) areas of control priority and the methods used to determine such areas: (b) strategies to promote dense grass growth (which out-competes weeds) through reduced disturbance; (c) monitoring methodologies that document the spread of weeds and any new outbreaks; (d) methods for the control of weeds. These methods should include best practice management; (e) stringent wash-down and inspection procedures for both machinery involved in clearing/construction activities and those operating outside of designated roads during mine operation; and (f) promotion of the awareness of weed management issues at the site. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Schedule I: Dams and Levees Condition Condition number
- I1
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 (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.
- I2
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.
- I3
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
- I4
Design and Construction of a Regulated Structure 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
- I5
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 of the design plan and operating procedures (except where the structure does not require operating procedures such as for levees) has been certified by a suitably qualified and experienced person for compliance with the relevant condition of this authority.
- I6
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 Regulated Structures. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- I7
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 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) for dams associated with a failure to contain; 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.
- I8
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.
- I9
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 conditions I4 to I6; (b) a set of `as constructed' drawings and specifications; (c) certification of those `as constructed drawings and specifications' in accordance with condition I8; (d) where the regulated structure is to be managed as part of an integrated containment system for the purpose of sharing the Design Storage Allowance (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 Structures; and (g) there is a current operational plan for the regulated structure (except where the structure does not require operating procedures such as for levees).
- I10
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.
- I11
Mandatory Reporting Level Conditions I12 to I15 inclusive only apply to Regulated Structures which have not been certified as low consequence category for `failure to contain - overtopping'.
- I12
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.
- I13
The holder must, as soon as practical and within 48 hours of becoming aware, notify the administering authority when the level of the contents of a regulated dam reaches the MRL. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- I14
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.
- I15
The holder must record any changes to the MRL in the Register of Regulated Structures.
- I16
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.
- I17
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 DSA volume for the dam (or network of linked containment systems).
- I18
The holder must, as soon as possible, and within 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.
- I19
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.
- I20
Annual Inspection Each regulated structure must be inspected each calendar year by a suitably qualified and experienced person.
- I21
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. Regulated structures must be assessed: (a) against the most recent hazard assessment report and design plan (or system design plan); (b) against recommendations contained in previous annual inspections reports; (c) against recognised dam safety deficiency indicators; (d) for changes in circumstances potentially leading to a change in hazard category; (e) for conformance with the conditions of this authority; (f) for conformance with the `as constructed' drawings; (g) 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); and (h) for evidence of conformance with the current operational plan.
- I22
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 Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority
- I23
The environmental authority holder must: (a) within 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 10 business days of receipt of the request.
- I24
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.
- I25
Register of Regulated Structures A Register of Regulated Structures must be established and maintained by the holder for each regulated dam.
- I26
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.
- I27
The holder must make a final entry of the required information in the Register of Regulated Structures once compliance with conditions I9 and I10 has been achieved.
- I28
The holder must ensure that the information contained in the Register of Regulated Structures is current and complete on any given day.
- I29
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.
- I30
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. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Schedule J: Watercourse Diversions Condition Condition number
- J1
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 ongoing 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.
- J2
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 ongoing 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 water quality, geomorphology, or vegetation; and (d) maintain equilibrium and functionality at all substrate conditions at the location of the diversion.
- J3
Design plan - All diversion For all watercourse diversions other than for Two Mile Creek and Coral Creek a Design Plan certified by a Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland that achieves condition J1 for permanent watercourse diversions and condition J2 for temporary watercourse diversions must be submitted to the administering authority for approval at least 10 business days before commencing construction of the diversion.
- J4
Construction and operation - All diversions A certified set of `as constructed' drawings and specification must be submitted to the administering authority within 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 approved Design Plan for the watercourse diversion; and (b) construction of the watercourse diversion is in accordance with the approved Design Plan
- J5
Register - All diversions Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority The details of watercourse diversions planned and constructed under an environmental authority must be accurately recorded on the Register of Regulated Structures kept by the holder of the authority. An electronic copy must be provided to the administering authority on request.
- J6
The older of this authority is required to monitor the performance of all diversions by way of a performance report prepared for each diversion by a registered professional engineer (RPEQ) at the following times: (a) April of each year; and (b) at any time when poor performance and/or potential failure of the diversion are observed. Note: Monitoring of the works must include recommendations as per ACARP Project C9068 "Monitoring and Evaluation Program for Bowen Basin River Diversions". 2 hard copies and an electronic copy shall be furnished to the Chief Executive by 30 June each year.
- J7
The performance report must detail the following: (a) the performance of the diversion by way of comparison with the relevant approved Design Plans, specifications, and monitoring/maintenance strategies therein; (b) surveys to identify and quantify any changes to the channel bed and permanent corridor width subjected to settlement; (c) detail any remedial works to be undertaken including a timetable for completion of proposed works; and (d) any recommendations on measures to be taken to ensure the physical integrity of the works.
- J8
The holder of this authority must maintain to the satisfaction of the administering authority the diversion in accordance with the conditions of this environmental authority. Where the operation of the diversion channel in the opinion of the administering authority has demonstrated that acceptable channel stability cannot be achieved the administering authority may direct the holder to take whatever approved measure and modifications are considered necessary by the administering authority for the protection and proper maintenance of the inference. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Schedule K: Biodiversity Condition Condition number
- K1
Impacts to State Environmental Matters Significant residual impacts to prescribed environmental matters are limited to those impacts specified in Table K1 - Significant residual impacts to prescribed environmental matters and for Matters of State Environmental Significance, as illustrated in the Figure 4 (a) - Location of pre-mining Matters of State Environmental Significance (ML10327, ML700075), Figure 4 (b) - Pre-mining potential habitat for Koala (ML10327, ML700075) and Figure 4 (c) - Pre- mining potential habitat for Squatter Pigeon (ML10327, ML700075).
- K2
If prescribed environmental matters not listed in Table K1 - Significant residual impacts to prescribed environmental matters are impacted by mining activities, a report must be produced by an appropriately qualified person detailing whether the impact constitutes a significant residual impact to the matter.
- K3
Any offsets to prescribed environmental matters must be delivered in accordance with the Environmental Offsets Act 2014 and Queensland Environmental Offsets Policy (EPP/2015/1658), as amended from time to time.
- K4
Staged Impacts The significant residual impacts to a prescribed environmental matter listed in Table K1 - Significant residual impacts to prescribed environmental matters may be carried out in stages. An environmental offset can be delivered for each stage of the impacts to prescribed environmental matters.
- K5
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.
- K6
The report required by condition K5 must be approved by the administering authority before a notice of election for the forthcoming stage, if applicable, is lodged with the administering authority.
- K7
A notice of election for the staged environmental offset referred to in condition K6, must be provided to the administering authority no less than 3 months before the proposed commencement of that stage, unless a lesser timeframe has been agreed to by the administering authority. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority Table K1: Significant residual impacts to prescribed environmental matters Prescribed Environmental Matters Location of Maximum State impact Extent Environmental of Impact Offset Required RE 11.3.30 (Intersecting watercourse) 0.4 ha Y RE 11.3.25 (Intersecting watercourse) 2.1 ha Y RE 11.3.7/11.3.31 (Intersecting watercourse) 1.5 ha Y RE 11.3.25 11.3 ha Y RE 11.3.25a 14.6 ha Y RE 11.3.27f ML700075 and 11.9 ha Y RE 11.3.31 ML10327 21.9 ha Y RE 11.3.4 6.4 ha Y RE 11.3.7 54.9 ha Y RE 11.9.10 6.0 ha Y Squatter Pigeon (Southern) (Geophaps scripta scripta)* 197.5 ha Y Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)* 264.5 ha Y *This matter is to be managed in accordance with State offset requirements and may be amended upon finalisation of referral under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. END OF CONDITIONS Permit OFFICIAL 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. Acid mine drainage means any contaminated discharge emanating from a mining activity formed through a series of chemical and biological reactions when geological strata is disturbed and exposed to oxygen and moisture.