Data as at 14 September 2026 · from the Queensland EP Act public register
EPML00716913 · RIBFIELD PTY. LTD.
Coal environmental authority EPML00716913 (RIBFIELD PTY. LTD.), Granted. 192 conditions indexed. Holds PRC plan P-PRCP-101009601.
- Status
- Granted
- Holders
- RIBFIELD PTY. LTD.; MIDDLEMOUNT COAL PTY LTD
- Tenures
- ML700014; ML700027; ML70379; ML70417
- PRC plan
- P-PRCP-101009601 · effective 2023-10-04
- How it was read
- Numbered conditions
- Register
- Register record · Instrument PDF
Conditions
192 numbered conditions read from the current instrument. Page numbers link into the register PDF.
- A1
Scope of activity This environmental authority authorises the mining of 5.7 million tonnes of run of mine (ROM) coal per annum.
- A2
Authorised activities In carrying out the mining activities authorised by this environmental authority, disturbance of land must be in accordance with Figure 1: Authorised mining activities of this environmental authority.
- 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 outin 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) that all measures, plant and equipment necessary to ensure compliance with the conditionsof this environmental authority are installed; b) that such measures, plant and equipment are maintained in a proper condition; c) that such measures, plant and equipment are operated in a proper 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.
- A5
Monitoring and records Record, compile and keep for a minimum of five (5) years all monitoring results required by this environmental authority and provide all or any of these records upon request by the administering authority.
- A6
Where monitoring is a requirement of this environmental authority, ensure that an appropriately qualified 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, or information about circumstances which results ormay result in environmental harm, not in accordance, or reasonably expected to be not in accordance with the conditions of this environmental authority. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00716913
- A8
Not more than ten (10) business days following the initial notification of an emergency, incident or information about circumstances which result or may result in environmental harm or the release of contaminants, or within twenty-four (24) hours after receiving the results from analysed samples, written advice must be provided to the administering authority in relation to: a) results and interpretation of any samples taken and analysed; and b) proposed actions to prevent a recurrence of the emergency or incident.
- A9
The notification in Conditions A7 and A8 must include, but not be limited to, the following: a) the environmental authority number and name of the holder; b) the name and telephone number of the designated contact person; c) the location of the emergency or incident; d) the date and time of the emergency or incident; e) the time the holder of the environmental authority became aware of the emergency or incident; f) where known: i. the estimated quantity and type of substances involved in the emergency or incident; ii. the actual or potential cause of the emergency or incident; iii. a description of the nature and effects of the emergency or incident including environmental risks, and any risks to public health or livestock; g) any sampling conducted or proposed, relevant to the emergency or incident; h) immediate actions taken to prevent or mitigate any further environmental harm caused by the emergency or incident; and i) what notification of stakeholders who may be affected by the emergency or incident has occurred or is being undertaken.
- A10
Risk Management The environmental authority holder must maintain and implement a risk management system formining activities which conforms to the "Risk Management - Principles and Guidelines (AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009)".
- A11
The environmental authority holder must not implement a risk management system that contravenes or prevents the implementation of any condition of this environmental authority.
- A12
Emergency Response and Contingency Planning An emergency response/contingency plan must be developed and implemented to manage unacceptable environmental risks identified in the risk management system or the associated monitoring.
- A13
The emergency response/contingency plan must address the following matters: a) response procedures to be implemented to reduce the likelihood of environmental harmarising from incidents of unacceptable risk; b) response procedures to minimise the extent and duration of environmental harm by an incident; c) the practices and procedures to be employed to restore the environment or mitigate any environmental impact caused; d) a description of the resources to be used in response to an incident; e) the training of staff that will be called upon to respond to incidents; f) procedures to investigate the cause of any incidents, including releases, and where necessary, implement remedial actions to reduce the likelihood of recurrence of similar events; Permit Environmental Authority EPML00716913 g) the provision and availability of documented procedures to staff attending any incident to enable them to effectively respond; and h) timely and accurate reporting of the circumstance and nature of incidents to the administering authority.
- A14
Third Party Audit The holder of the environmental authority must nominate an appropriate third party auditor to audit compliance with the conditions of this environmental authority. The third party audit must be completed by 3 December 2017, and then at regular intervals not exceeding three (3) years.
- A15
The holder must, at its cost, arrange for independent certification by a third party auditor offindings of the audit report required under Condition A14.
- A16
Within ninety (90) days of completing the audit, provide a written report to the administering authority detailing any non-compliance issues that were found (if no non-compliance issues werefound this should be stated in the report). If non-compliance issues were found the report must also address: a) actions taken by the holder of this environmental authority to ensure compliance with this environmental authority; and b) actions taken to prevent a recurrence of non-compliance.
- A17
Where a condition of this environmental authority requires compliance with a standard 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 within two (2) years of the amendment or change being made, unless a different period is specified in the amended standard or relevant legislation; and b) until compliance with the amended or changed standard is achieved, continue to remain in compliance with the standard that was current immediately prior to the relevant amendment or change.
- A18
Contaminants must not be released to the receiving environment unless they are in accordance with the contaminant limits authorised by this environmental authority.
- A19
This environmental authority does not authorise environmental harm unless a condition contained within the authority explicitly authorises that harm. Where there is no condition or the authority is silent on a matter, the lack of a condition or silence shall not be construed as authorising harm.
- A20
Definitions Words and phrases used throughout this environmental authority are defined in the Definitions section of this authority. Where a definition for a term used in this environmental authority is sought and the term is not defined within this environmental authority, the definitions in the Environmental Protection Act 1994, its regulations and policies must be used. Schedule B: Air Condition Condition number
- B1
Dust nuisance Subject to Conditions B2 and B3 the release of dust or particulate matter or both resulting from the Permit Environmental Authority EPML00716913 mining activity must not cause an environmental nuisance at any sensitive or commercial place.
- B2
When requested by the administering authority, dust and particulate 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 sensitiveor commercial place, and the results must be notified within fourteen (14) days to the administering authority following completion of monitoring.
- B3
The environmental authority holder must ensure that all reasonable and feasible avoidance and mitigation measures are employed so that the dust and particulate matter emissions generated by the mining activities do not cause an exceedance of the following levels when measured at any sensitive 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 for sampling and analysis of ambient air - Determination of particulates - Deposited matter - Gravimetric method. b) a concentration of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 micrometres (-m) (PM10) suspended in the atmosphere of 50 micrograms per cubic metre over a twenty four (24) hour averaging time, for no more than five exceedances recorded each year (excluding natural events such as bushfires and dust storms), when monitored in accordance with the most recent version of either: i. Particulate matter - determination of suspended particulate PM10 high-volume sampler with size-selective inlet - Gravimetric method, when monitored in accordance with Australian Standard AS 3580.9.6 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air - Determination of suspended particulate matter - PM10 high volume sampler with size-selective inlet - Gravimetric method; or ii. Australian Standard AS3580.9.9 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air-- Determination of suspended particulate matter--PM10 low volume sampler--Gravimetric method. c) The use of alternative methods of monitoring dust and particulate matter, in accordance with the administering authority's 'Air Quality Sampling Manual' must be approved in writing by the administering authority prior to implementation.
- B4
If monitoring indicates exceedance of the relevant limits in Conditions B3, then the environmental authority holder must: a) address the complaint including the use of appropriate dispute resolution if required; b) immediately implement dust abatement measures so that emissions of dust from the activity do not result in further environmental nuisance; and c) notify the administering authority within five (5) business days.
- 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 atany nuisance 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 anycomplaint (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 fourteen (14) days to the administering authority following completion of monitoring. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00716913
- B7
If the administering authority determines the odour released to constitute an environmental nuisance the environmental authority holder must: a) address the complaint including the use of appropriate dispute resolution if required; and b) immediately implement odour abatement measures so that emissions of odour from the activity do not result in further environmental nuisance.
- B8
Meteorological monitoring The environmental authority holder must establish a permanent, continuous, real time meteorological and dust monitoring network to measure and record wind speed, wind direction,temperature, rainfall, relative humidity and PM10. The station must comply with the following Standards (or their successors): a) "AS 2923-1987: Ambient air - Guide for measurement of horizontal wind for air quality applications" or its successor. b) "AS/NZS 3580.1.1:2016: Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air. Guide to siting air monitoring equipment" or its successor. Schedule C: Surface 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 as a result of the authorised mining activities, except as permitted under the conditions of this environmental authority.
- C2
The release of mine affected water to waters must only occur from the release points specifiedin Table
- C1
Mine Affected Water Release Points, Sources and Receiving Waters and depicted in Figure 2: Mine affected water release points and receiving environment monitoring points, attached to this environmental authority.
- C3
The release of mine affected water to internal water management infrastructure that is installedand operated in accordance with a water management plan that complies with Conditions C30 to C31 inclusive is permitted.
- C4
The release of mine affected water to waters in accordance with Condition C2 must not exceedthe release limits stated in Table C2: Mine Affected Water Release Limits when measured at the monitoring points specified in Table C1: Mine Affected Water Release Points, Source and Receiving Waters for each quality characteristic.
- C5
The release of mine affected water to waters from the release points must be monitored at thelocations specified in Table C1: Mine Affected Water Release Points, Sources and Receiving Waters for each quality characteristic and at the frequency specified in Table C2: Mine Affected Water Release Limits and Table C3: Release Contaminant Trigger Investigation Levels Potential Contaminants. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00716913 Table C1: Mine Affected Water Release Points, Sources and Receiving Waters Release Easting Northing Mine Monitoring Receiving point (RP) (GDA94, (GDA94, affected point waters MGA 55) MGA 55) water source RP 1 7,469,370 and location Spillway/pipe description 667,725 7,469,842 7,469,218 Raw Water Roper 7,470,858 Dam Creek 7,470,213 RP 2 671,743 Mine Water Spillway/pipe Roper 7,474,067 Dam Creek SD 1 668,008 7,470,294 Sediment Spillway/pipe Roper 7,470,756 Dam 1 Creek SD 2 668,093 Sediment Spillway/pipe Roper Dam 2 Creek SD 3 668,457 Sediment Spillway/pipe Roper Dam 3 Creek SD 7 671,125 Sediment Spillway/pipe An Dam 7 unnamed drainage NROM 667,858 North ROM Spillway/pipe
- C9
protection, based on LOR forGC-FID release and thereafterweekly during release Petroleum 100 Protection of livestock and short Commencement of release and term irrigation guideline thereafterweekly during release hydrocarbons (C10- C36) Fluoride (total) 2,000 Sodium (mg/L) 180 Based on the Australian Commencement of release and Drinking Water Guidelines thereafter (NHMRC,NRMCC, 2011) weekly during release Note: 1. All metals and metalloids must be measured as total (unfiltered) and dissolved (filtered). Trigger levels for metals/metalloids apply if dissolved results exceed trigger. 2. SMD - slightly moderately disturbed level of protection, guideline refers ANZECC & ARMCANZ (2000). 3. LOR - typical reporting for method stated. ICPMS/CV FIMS/GC-FID - analytical methods required to achieve LOR.
- C6
If quality characteristics of the release exceed any of the trigger levels specified in Table C3: Release Contaminant Trigger Investigation Levels Potential Contaminants during a release event, the environmental authority holder must cease the release and compare the downstream results in the receiving waters to the trigger values specified in Table C3: ReleaseContaminant 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 C3: Release Contaminant Trigger Investigation Levels Potential Contaminants, for any quality characteristic, compare the results of the downstream site to the data from background monitoring sites and; i. if the result is less than the background monitoring site data, then no action is to betaken; or ii. if the result is greater than the background monitoring site data, complete an investigation into the potential for environmental harm and provide a written report to the administering authority within 28 days of receiving the result, 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 C6(b)(ii) 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(b)(ii) is identified, the holder of the environmental authority must notify the administering authority in writing within twenty four (24)hours of receiving the result.
- C8
Mine affected release events The holder must ensure an automatic stream flow gauging station/s is installed, operated and maintained Permit Environmental Authority EPML00716913 to determine and record stream flows at the locations and flow recording frequencyspecified in Table C4: Mine Affected Water Release During Flow Events.
- C9
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: Mine Affected Water Release During Flow Events for the release point(s) specified in Table C1: Mine Affected Water Release Points, Sources and Receiving Waters.
- C10
The release of mine affected water to waters in accordance with Condition C2 must not exceedthe Electrical Conductivity and Sulfate 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: Mine Affected Water Release During Flow Events when measured at the monitoring points specified in Table C1: Mine Affected Water Release Points, Sources and Receiving Waters.
- C11
The daily quantity of mine affected water released from each release point must be measured,recorded and provided to the administering authority on request.
- 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
The environmental authority holder must notify the administering authority via WaTERS within 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 and time; b) Details regarding the compliance of the release with the conditions of Department interest: Water of this environmental authority (that is, contaminant limits, natural flow, discharge volume); c) Release point/s; d) Release rate; e) Release salinity; and f) Receiving water/s including the natural flow rate. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00716913 Table C4: Mine Affected Water Release During Flow Events Release Gauging Gauging Gauging Receiving Receiving Maximum Electrical point station station station water flow water flow release conductivity and (RP) Easting, Northing, recording criteria for rate (for all Sulfate release (GDA94, (GDA94, frequency discharge combined limits
- SD1
(minimum For a conductivity
- SD2
daily) period of 28 0.45 m3/s (-S/cm): 700.
- SD3
days after Sulfate (SO42-):
- SD7
natural flow 250 mg/L NROM events that
- C14
The holder of this environmental authority must notify the administering authority, via WaTERS,as soon as practicable (and within twenty four hours) after cessation of a release notified under Condition C13. The cessation notification must include the following information: a) release cessation date/time; b) release points; c) release rates; 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 Schedule F Water of this environmental authority. Note: Successive or intermittent releases occurring within twenty four 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, C14 and C15, provided the relevant details are submitted in the final cessation and 28 day report in accordance with Conditions C14 and C15.
- C15
The holder of this environmental authority must within twenty eight days after cessation of a release event notified under Condition C13 provide a report and supporting raw data to the administering authority via WaTERS, which must include the following information: Permit Environmental Authority EPML00716913 a) all continuous and in-situ water quality monitoring results (including laboratory analyses); and b) any further matters pertinent to the water release event.
- C16
Notification of release event exceedance If the release limits defined in Table C2: Mine Affected Water Release Limits are exceeded, the holder of the environmental authority must notify the administering authority via WaTERS within twenty-four (24) hours of receiving the results.
- C17
The environmental authority holder must, within twenty-eight (28) days of a release that is not compliant with the conditions of this environmental authority, provide a report to the administering authority via WaTERS detailing: a) the reason for the release; b) the location of the release; c) the total volume of the release and the daily quantity of mine affected water released fromeach release point, and which (if any) part of these releases was non-compliant; d) the total duration of the release and which (if any) part of this period was non-compliant; e) all in situ and any water quality monitoring results (including all laboratory analyses); f) identification of any environmental harm as a result of the non-compliance; and g) any other matters pertinent to the water release event.
- C18
Receiving environment monitoring and contaminant trigger levels The quality of the receiving waters must be monitored at the locations specified in Table C6: Receiving Water Upstream Background Sites and Downstream Monitoring Points for each quality characteristic and at the monitoring frequency stated in Table C5: Receiving Waters Contaminant Trigger Levels.
- C19
If quality characteristics of the receiving water at the downstream monitoring points exceed any of the trigger levels specified in Table C5: 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) 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 within three (3) months, outlining: i. details of the investigations carried out; and ii. actions taken to prevent environmental harm. Table C5: Receiving Waters Contaminant Trigger Levels Quality characteristic Trigger level Monitoring frequency pH 6.5 - 8.5 Electrical Conductivity (-S/cm) 700 at Flow <2m3/s Daily duringthe 2,000 at Flow >2m3/s release Suspended Solids (mg/L) (80th percentile* of reference**) 562 at Flow <2m3/s 1062 at Flow >2m3/s Sulfate (SO42-) (mg/L) 250 Sodium (mg/L) 180 Note: 1. * 80th percentiles are calculated using ANZECC (2000) methodology (section 7.4.4.1) 2. ** Reference sites are defined in Table C6. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00716913 Table C6: Receiving Water Upstream Background Sites and Downstream MonitoringPoints Monitoring points Receiving waters location Easting Northing description (GDA94, (GDA94, MGA 55) MGA 55) Upstream background monitoring points Ref 1 Roper Creek at western 667,484 7,471,112 ML70379 boundary (Upstream of Thirteen Mile Gully diversion)
- C20
Receiving Environment Monitoring Program (REMP) The environmental authority holder must develop and implement a Receiving Environment Monitoring Program (REMP) to monitor, identify and describe any adverse impacts to surface water environmental values, quality and flows due to the authorised mining activity. This must include monitoring the effects of the mine on the receiving environment periodically (under natural flow conditions) and while mine affected water is being discharged from the site. For the purposes of the REMP, the receiving environment is the waters of Roper Creek and connected waterways within ten (10) km 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.
- C21
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 C6: Receiving Water Upstream Background Sites and Down Stream Monitoring Points); 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 allwater quality parameters listed in Table C2: Mine Affected Water Release Limits and Table C3: Release Contaminant Trigger Investigation Levels Potential Contaminants); and Permit Environmental Authority EPML00716913 f) include, where appropriate, monitoring of metals/metalloids in sediments (in accordance with ANZECC & ARMCANZ 2000, BATLEY and/or the most recent version of AS5667.1Guidance on Sampling of Bottom Sediments); and g) include, where appropriate, monitoring of macroinvertebrates 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 qualityand biological data.
- C22
A REMP Design Document that addresses the requirements of the REMP must be prepared and made available to the administrating authority upon request.
- C23
A report outlining the findings of the REMP, including all monitoring results and interpretations 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
Fitzroy Basin Receiving Environment Monitoring Program (FRREMP) The following apply if participating in the FRREMP: a) RR1 - Conditions C20 to C23 do not apply if the environmental authority holder is a participant of the FRREMP. b) RR2 - The environmental authority holder must notify the administering authority in a written statement within twenty (20) business days of ceasing to be a participant of the FRREMP. The written statement must detail now the environmental authority holder is going to fulfil the requirements C20 to C23.
- C25
Water reuse Mine affected water may be piped or trucked or transferred by some other means that does not contravene the conditions of this environmental authority and deposited into artificial water storage structures, such as farm dams or tanks, or used directly at properties owned by the environmental authority holder or a third party (with the written consent of the third party) for the purpose of: a) stock watering; b) irrigation; or c) dust suppression; with water quality limits appropriate for the intended purpose.
- C26
If the responsibility for mine affected water is given or transferred to another person in accordance with Condition C25: 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 generally make the persons aware of the General Environmental Duty (GED) under section 319 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994, environmental sustainability ofthe water disposal and protection of environmental values of waters; and Permit Environmental Authority EPML00716913 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 performed by an appropriately qualified person.
- 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 C30 to C31 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 mine affected waters 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 exceedance 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
Water Management Plan A Water Management Plan must be developed by an appropriately qualified person and implemented for all stages of the mining activities. 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 Preparation of water management plans for mining activities 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. program for monitoring and review of the effectiveness of the water management plan.
- C31
A copy of the Water Management Plan must be provided to the administering authority on request.
- C32
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 Permit Environmental Authority EPML00716913
- C33
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.
- C34
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. The Erosion and Sediment Control Plan must be reviewed, updated and submitted to the administering authority at an interval no greater than 3 years from the previous submission ofan Erosion and Sediment Control Plan.
- C35
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 C34; and b) water management infrastructure that is installed and operated, in accordance with a Water Management Plan that complies with Conditions C30 to C31 inclusive, for the purpose of ensuring water does not become mine affected water.
- C36
Sewage Treatment 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.
- C37
Treated effluent from the sewage treatment plant must only be discharged from the authorized discharge points, as specified in Table C7: Effluent Discharge Locations. Table C7: Effluent Discharge Locations Authorised discharge points Location STP Discharge Point 1 Tailings Storage Facility
- C38
Treated effluent must not be released to land, or used for irrigation or dust suppression.
- C39
Treated effluent must not be released from the site to any waters or the bed and banks of anywaters.
- C40
Water or stormwater contaminated by sewage treatment activities must not be released to anywaters or the bed and banks of any waters.
- C41
Biosolids Biosolids produced by the activity for re-use must be: a) sampled, analysed, graded and classified according to the procedures specified in the administering authority's systems and standard; and b) re-used under a relevant approval issued by the administering authority. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00716913 Schedule D: Groundwater Condition Condition number
- D1
Groundwater monitoring and management program The holder of this environmental authority must implement a groundwater monitoring and management program. The program must be able to detect a significant change to groundwater quality values due to the mining activities conducted under this environmental authority.
- D2
The groundwater monitoring and management program required by Condition D1 must: a) identify potential sources of contamination to groundwater from the mining activity; b) identify and minimise the potential for environmental harm on relevant groundwater environmental values; c) document sampling and monitoring methodology; d) ensure that the parameters being monitored are appropriate for use; e) ensure that monitoring bores are chemically representative of the target aquifer; f) ensure sufficient information to allow the holder to determine predicted seasonal fluctuations of groundwater levels; g) ensure that adequate groundwater monitoring and data analysis is undertaken to achieve the following objectives: i. detect any impacts to groundwater levels due to the activity; detect any impacts to groundwater quality due to the activity; ii. determine compliance with Condition D1; iii. determine trends in groundwater quality; iv. include an appropriate quality assurance and quality control program; and v. include a conceptual groundwater model that includes groundwater flow parameters.
- D3
The groundwater monitoring and management program required by Condition D1, must be reviewed on an annual basis by an appropriately qualified person. The review must include: a) an assessment of groundwater levels and groundwater quality value data collected in relation to Schedule D - Groundwater of this environmental authority; b) an assessment of the suitability of the monitoring network to detect a significant change to groundwater quality values; c) an assessment of the program against the requirements under Condition D2; d) recommended actions and reasonable timeframes for these actions to ensure that actualand potential environmental impacts are effectively identified and managed; e) identification of any amendments to the groundwater monitoring and management program following the review; f) identification of any changes in water quality in the monitoring bores; g) maps showing the actual water level drawdown contours caused by the take of associated water for each aquifer; Permit Environmental Authority EPML00716913 h) details of any review undertaken of the numerical groundwater model since the previous Annual Monitoring Report; i) an assessment of any differences between the actual water level impact and the impact predicted for the same period in the most current numerical groundwater model; and j) details of any bores which are predicted by the most current numerical groundwater model to be located in the affected area.
- D4
A report outlining the findings and outcomes of the review required by Condition D3 must be prepared by the appropriately qualified person and provided to the administering authority within 6 months of the end of the annual period to which the review relates. The report must include: a) an outline of the findings and outcomes of the assessments required by Condition D3; and b) any groundwater monitoring data obtained by the environmental authority holder under Condition D1 and an outline of the findings and outcomes of any analysis undertaken in relation to that data under Condition D2; and c) an outline of any actions and their associated timeframes recommended by the appropriately qualified person under Condition D3 (d); and d) all groundwater data to be submitted to the administering authority via WaTERS.
- D5
The holder of this environmental authority must attach to the review report required by ConditionD4, a written response detailing the actions taken or to be taken by the holder of this environmental authority: a) to ensure compliance with this environmental authority; and b) to minimise impacts or potential impacts on groundwater resources by the mining activities carried out under this environmental authority.
- D6
The recommended actions detailed under Condition D3 (d) must be completed within the associated timeframes detailed under Condition D3 (d), unless the administering authority has approved otherwise in writing.
- D7
Groundwater Monitoring Groundwater quality must be monitored at the locations and frequencies specified in Table D1: Groundwater Quality Monitoring Locations and Frequency for the parameters identified in Table
- D2
Groundwater Quality Investigation Trigger Levels.
- D8
The groundwater investigation trigger levels limit type `Median" referred to in Table D2: Groundwater Quality Investigation Trigger Levels must be determined on the most recentthree (3) consecutive routine monitoring samples.
- D9
Subject to requirements of Condition D7, if the groundwater investigation trigger levels defined inTable
- D2
Groundwater Quality Investigation Trigger Levels are exceeded then the environmental authority holder must: a) complete an investigation into the potential for environmental harm; and b) notify the administering authority via WaTERS within twenty-eight (28) days of receiving the analysis results.
- D10
The exceedance investigation under Condition D9 must be completed and submitted to the administering authority via WaTERS within three (3) months of the exceedance. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00716913
- D11
Where it is identified that there is potential for environmental harm, an action plan to mitigate potential harm must be developed by an appropriately qualified person and implemented within three (3) months of the completion of the investigation under Condition D9.
- D12
Groundwater levels affected by the mining activities must be monitored at the locations and frequencies defined in Table D3: Groundwater Level Monitoring Locations. Table D1: Groundwater Quality Monitoring Locations and Frequency Monitoring points Easting Northing Target Aquifer Monitoring (GDA 94, (GDA 94, Tertiary frequency
- MW4
667,603 7,471,239 MW5M b 670,647 7,469,955 Tertiary MW5P b
- MW6
667,683 7,468,659 Intrusives and Girrah MW9A 667,790 7,475,131 coal seam Middlemount coal seam 667,796 7,745,130 Pisces coal seam 669,452 7,468,670 Tertiary 670,246 7,469,610 Tertiary MW9M 670,243 7,469,619 Middlemount coal seam MW9P 670,251 7,469,592 Pisces coal seam Quarterly MW10A 669,783 7,475981 Tertiary MW11A 672,355 7,472,275 Tertiary MW12A 671,640 7,469,853 Tertiary MW16A 666,878 7,472,826 Tertiary and weathered MW17A 669,790 7,475,985 Fort Cooper Coal MW18A 666,452 7,478,605 Measures Weathered and fresh Fort Cooper Coal Measures Tertiary and weathered Fort Cooper Coal Measures Note: 1. aMW3 will continue to be monitored until pit progression prevents monitoring. MW9A installed as areplacement well for MW3. 2. bTo be monitored until pit progression prevents monitoring.
- D13
In the event that groundwater fluctuations exceed the groundwater level trigger values defined inTable
- D4
Groundwater Level Trigger Values at the groundwater monitoring locations nominated in Table
- D3
Groundwater Level Monitoring Locations, an investigation must be undertaken within fourteen (14) days of detection to determine if the fluctuations are a result of: Permit Environmental Authority EPML00716913 a) mining activities; b) pumping from licensed bores; or c) seasonal variation.
- D14
If the results of the investigation undertaken in accordance with Condition D13 identify that the groundwater fluctuations are a result of mining activities, the holder of the environmental authority must notify the administering authority via WaTERS and provide a copy of a report detailing the findings and outcomes of the investigation within seven (7) days of completing the investigation. Table D2: Groundwater Quality Investigation Trigger Levels Parameter Unit Trigger Levels Limit Type pH Units 6.0 - 8.5 Minimum/ pH S/cm 35,000 Maximum mg/L 23,550 Maximum Electrical Conductivity Maximum Total Dissolved Solids No triggers or limit set for these Calcium Magnesium parameters. Analysis is conducted for Sodium Potassium groundwater qualityinterpretation only.
- D15
Groundwater monitoring The following information must be recorded in relation to all water sampling: 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 results of all monitoring; e) groundwater levels; and Permit Environmental Authority EPML00716913 f) sampling methodology.
- D16
The method of water sampling required by this environmental authority must comply with that setout in the latest edition of the administering authority's Monitoring and Sampling Manual.
- D17
Bore construction and maintenance and decommissioning All groundwater bores (including groundwater monitoring bores) must be constructed in accordance with the Minimum Construction Requirements for Water Bores in Australia (2012) (orits latest version).
- D18
The construction, maintenance and management, and decommissioning of groundwater bores (including 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. Table D3: Groundwater Level Monitoring Locations Monitoring Easting Northing Surface Target Aquifer Frequenc points (GDA94, (GDA94, RL y
- MW3
a 667,603 7,471,239 (mAHD) Tertiary Quarterly
- MW4
163.12 Quarterly MW5M b 670,647 7,469,955 155.44 Intrusives and Girrahcoal Quarterly MW5P b 183.11 seam Quarterly
- MW6
667,683 7,468,659 174.52 Quarterly MW9A 174.66 Middlemount coalseam Quarterly MW9M 667,790 7,475,131 158.26 Quarterly MW9P 156.32 Pisces coal seam Quarterly MW10A 667,796 7,475,130 156.36 Quarterly MW11A 156.26 Tertiary Quarterly MW12A 669,452 7,468,670 175.75 Quarterly 670,246 7,469,610 156.21 Tertiary Quarterly MW16A 158.28 670,243 7,469,619 Middlemount coalseam Quarterly MW17A 162.48 670,251 7,469,592 Pisces coal seam Quarterly MW18A 669,783 7,475981 175.77 Tertiary Quarterly MW19VWP 672,355 7,472,275 181.70 Tertiary Quarterly 671,640 7,469,853 158.38 Tertiary 666,878 7,472,826 Tertiary and weathered 669,790 7,475,985 FortCooper Coal Measures 666,452 7,478,605 Weathered and freshFort 671,659 7,469,856 Cooper Coal Measures Tertiary and weathered FortCooper Coal Measures Weathered Fort Cooper Coal Measures and Fort Cooper CoalMeasures c MW20VWP 672,816 7,471,543 155.90 Fort Cooper Coal Quarterly Measuresd Permit Environmental Authority EPML00716913 Notes: 1. aMW3 will continue to be monitored until pit progression prevents monitoring. MW9A installed as a replacement well for MW3; 2. bTo be monitored until pit progression prevents monitoring. 3. cMW19VWP sensors installed at 50 mbgl (VW3) (for the base of weathered Fort Cooper Coal Measures),and 109 mbgl (VW2) and 150 mbgl (VW1) (for the Fort Cooper Coal Measures). 4. dMW20VWP sensor installed at 88 mbgl (VW2) (for the Fort Cooper Coal Measures). Table D4: Groundwater Level Trigger Values Monitoring points Groundwater Fluctuation Trigger Level Threshold
- MW3
a total groundwater level of <115.39 m AHD
- MW6
Observation only MW9A total groundwater level of <113.17 m AHD MW10A >2 metres per year MW11A >2 metres per year MW12A >2 metres per year MW16A total groundwater level of <129.2 m AHD MW17A total groundwater level of <135.6 m AHD MW18A >2 metres per year MW19VWP-VW3 total groundwater level of <130.8 m AHD MW19VWP-VW2 >2 metres per year MW19VWP-VW1 >2 metres per year MW20VWP-VW2 >3 metres per year Notes: 1. aMW3 will continue to be monitored until pit progression prevents monitoring. MW9A installed as a replacement well for MW3.
- D15
Groundwater monitoring The following information must be recorded in relation to all water sampling: g) the date on which the sample was taken; h) the time at which the sample was taken; i) the monitoring point at which the sample was taken; j) the results of all monitoring; k) groundwater levels; and l) sampling methodology.
- D16
The method of water sampling required by this environmental authority must comply with that setout in the latest edition of the administering authority's Monitoring and Sampling Manual.
- D17
Bore construction and maintenance and decommissioning All groundwater bores (including groundwater monitoring bores) must be constructed in accordance with the Minimum Construction Requirements for Water Bores in Australia (2012) (orits latest version).
- D18
The construction, maintenance and management, and decommissioning of groundwater bores(including 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. Schedule E: Acoustic Permit Environmental Authority EPML00716913 Condition Condition number
- E1
Noise nuisance Subject to Conditions E2 and E3, noise from the mining activity must not cause an environmental nuisance at any noise sensitive or commercial place.
- E2
Noise monitoring When requested by the administering authority, noise monitoring must be undertaken within a reasonable and practicable timeframe nominated by the administering authority to investigate anycomplaint (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 fourteen (14) days to the administering authority following completion of monitoring. Monitoring must include: a) LAeq, adj, 15 mins (external); b) LA1, adj, 15 mins (internal - or a measured external noise level and calculation of corresponding internal noise level); c) the level and frequency of occurrence of impulsive or tonal noise; d) atmospheric conditions including wind speed and direction; e) effects due to extraneous factors such as traffic noise; and f) location, data and time of recording.
- E3
If the environmental authority holder can provide evidence through monitoring that the limits defined in Table E1: Noise Limits, are not being exceeded then the holder is not in breach of Condition E1.
- E4
If monitoring indicates the noise component from the Project exceeds the limits in Table E1: Noise Limits, then the environmental authority holder must: a) address the complaint including the use of appropriate dispute resolution if required; and b) immediately implement noise abatement measures so that emissions of noise from the activity do not result in further environmental nuisance. Table E1: Noise Limits Noise level Monday to Sunday (including public holidays) dB(A) 7am - 6pm 6pm - 10pm - 7am 10pm Noise measured at a `sensitive place' expressed as: LAeq, adj, 15 mins* RBL + 5 RBL + 5 RBL + 5 LA1, adj, 15 mins** 40 40 40 Noise measured at a `commercial place' expressed as: LAeq, adj, 15 mins* RBL + 10 RBL + 10 RBL + 10 LA1, adj, 15 mins** 45 45 45 Note: 1. * External noise limit. 2. ** Internal noise limit. 3. RBL means Rated Background Level as defined in the administering authority's Guideline, Permit Environmental Authority EPML00716913 Planning for Noise Control.
- E5
The method of measurement and reporting of noise monitoring must comply with the current edition of the administering authority's Noise Measurement Manual.
- E6
Vibration nuisance Vibration from the licensed activities must not cause an environmental nuisance at any sensitiveor commercial place.
- E7
When requested by the administering authority, vibration monitoring must be undertaken within a reasonable and practicable timeframe nominated by the administering authority to investigate any complaint (which is neither frivolous nor vexatious nor based on mistaken belief in the opinion of the authorised officer) of environmental nuisance at any sensitive or commercial place, and the results must be notified within fourteen (14) days to the administering authority following completion of monitoring.
- E8
Vibration monitoring must include the following descriptors, characteristics and conditions: a) location of the blast(s) within the mining area (including which bench level); b) atmospheric conditions including temperature, relative humidity and wind speed and direction; and c) location, date and time of recording.
- E9
If monitoring indicates exceedance of the relevant limits in Table E2: Vibration Limits, then the environmental authority holder must: a) address the complaint including the use of appropriate dispute resolution if required; and b) immediately implement vibration abatement measures so that vibration from the activity does not result in further environmental nuisance. Table E2: Vibration Limits Location Vibration Measured Sensitive or commercial place 5 mm/s peak particle velocity for 9 out of 10 consecutive blasts and not greater than 10 mm/s peak particle velocity at any time.
- E10
The airblast overpressure level from blasting operations on the premises must not exceed the limits defined in Table E3: Airblast Overpressure Level at any nuisance sensitive or commercial place. Table E3: Airblast Overpressure Level Location Airblast Overpressure Measured Sensitive or commercial place Air blast overpressure level of 115 dB (Linear peak) for 9 out of 10 consecutive blasts initiated and not greater than 120 dB (Linear peak) at any time.
- E11
When requested by the administering authority, airblast overpressure monitoring must be undertaken within a reasonable and practicable timeframe nominated by the administering authority to investigate Permit Environmental Authority EPML00716913 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 sensitiveor commercial place, and the results must be notified within fourteen (14) days to the administering authority following completion of monitoring.
- E12
Airblast overpressure monitoring must include the following descriptors, characteristics and conditions: a) location of the blast(s) within the mining area (including which bench level); b) atmospheric conditions including temperature, relative humidity and wind speed and direction; and c) location, date and time of recording.
- E13
If monitoring indicates exceedance of the relevant limits in Table E3: Airblast Overpressure Level, then the environmental authority holder must: a) address the complaint including the use of appropriate dispute resolution if required; and b) immediately implement airblast overpressure abatement measures so that airblast overpressure from the activity does not result in further environmental nuisance.
- E14
The method of measurement and reporting of airblast overpressure levels must comply with the current edition of the administering authority's Noise Measurement Manual. Schedule F: Waste Condition Condition number
- F1
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.
- F2
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.
- F3
Mine waste A Mining Waste Management Plan must be developed and implemented by an appropriately qualified person for every stage of the mining activities. The Mining Waste Management Plan must at a minimum include: a) characterisation programs to ensure that all mining waste is progressively characterised during disposal for net acid producing potential, salinity and the following contaminants: pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Acid Neutralising Capacity (ANC), Net Acid Generation (NAG) (reporting NAG capacity and NAG pH after oxidation), Total Sulphur (S), Chromium Reducible Sulphur (Scr), Boron (B) Cadmium (Cd), Iron (Fe), Aluminium (Al), Copper (Cu), Magnesium (Mg), Manganese (Mn), Calcium (Ca), Sodium (Na), Zinc (Zn) and Sulfate (SO4); b) characterisation programs to ensure that the physical properties of the mining waste is progressively characterised during disposal; c) the availability or leachability of metals from the mining waste; d) quantification of PAF from mining waste present; e) review impacts of the PAF mining waste on the rehabilitation; f) management actions for mining waste that has been identified as having a high availability or leachability of metals; Permit Environmental Authority EPML00716913 g) management actions for mining waste that has been defined as PAF; h) identification of environmental impacts and potential environmental impacts; i) control measures for routine operations to minimise likelihood of environmental harm; j) contingency plans and emergency procedures for non-routine situations; k) periodic review of environmental performance and continual improvement. l) containment of tailings; m) records to indicate locations and characteristics of tailings stored within the tailings storage facility; n) the management of seepage and leachates from tailings storages both during operation and the foreseeable future; o) the control of fugitive emissions to air; and p) a program for progressive sampling and characterisation to identify acid producing potential and metal concentrations of tailings.
- F4
Within twenty (20) business days of receiving comments from the administering authority as per Condition F3, the Mining Waste Management Plan must be updated to address the comments and submitted to the administering authority.
- F5
Acid Sulfate soils Treat and manage acid Sulfate soils in accordance with the latest edition of the Queensland Acid Sulfate Soil Technical Manual. Schedule G: Land Condition Condition number Topsoil G1 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 a manner which constitutes nuisance, material or serious environmental harm, unless otherwise authorised by a condition of this environmental authority.
- G3
Chemicals Storage Chemicals and fuels must be effectively contained and controlled in a manner that prevents environmental harm and where relevant, meet Australian Standards, where such a standard is applicable.
- G4
Spillage of all chemicals and fuels must be controlled in a manner that prevents environmental harm.
- G5
All explosives, corrosive substances, toxic substances, gases and dangerous goods must be stored and handled in accordance with the relevant Australian Standard, where such a standard is applicable.
- 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. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00716913
- G7
Anyone operating with wastes, chemicals or flammable and combustible liquids under this approval must be trained in the use of the spill kit.
- G8
Impacts to Prescribed Environmental Matters Significant residual impacts to prescribed environmental matters of state environmental significance as per the Environmental Offsets Act 2014, are only authorised to occur: a) for the prescribed environmental matter specified in Table G1: Significant residual impacts toprescribed environmental matters, and as indicated in Figure 3: Location of Authorised impacts to prescribed environmental matters; and b) for the prescribed environmental matter specified in Table G1: Significant residual impacts toprescribed environmental matters, the impacts do not exceed the maximum extent of impact specified for that prescribed environmental matter. Note: Deemed conditions as per Section 16 of the Environmental Offsets Act 2014 are taken to be conditions of this authority.
- G9
A notice of election for the environmental offset, must be provided to the administering authority no less than three (3) months before the proposed commencement of the significant residual impacts to the prescribed environmental matters specified in Table G1: Significant residual impacts to prescribed environmental matters. Table G1: Significant residual impacts to prescribed environmental matters. Prescribed environmental matter Maximum Environmental extent of offset required Regulated Vegetation impact (ha) Regional ecosystems (not within an urban area) that Yes intersect a watercourse on the vegetation management 1 watercourse map - RE 11.3.25e No* Endangered Regional Ecosystem - RE 11.4.9* 0.5* No* Endangered Regional Ecosystem - RE 11.3.1* 15* Yes Of Concern Regional Ecosystem (not within an urban area) 63 Yes - RE 11.3.2 1 Yes Of Concern Regional Ecosystem (not within an urban area) 1.5 No - RE 11.3.2b 1.9 Of Concern Regional Ecosystem (not within an urban area) Yes - RE 11.3.2/RE 11.3.4 3.7 Regional ecosystems (not within an urban area) that intersect a Yes wetland on the vegetation management wetlandsmap - RE 439.5 11.3.27d Yes Regional ecosystems within the defined distance of a vegetation 0.75 management watercourse (RE 11.3.2, 11.3.7 and No* RE 11.3.25) 15.5* No Connectivity areas 12.81 No* Connectivity area that is a regional ecosystem (not in urbanarea) 569.5* Wetlands and watercourses A wetland of high ecological significance shown on the Map of referable wetlands Protected wildlife habitat Habitat for an animal that is vulnerable wildlife - Denisonia maculata (ornamental snake)* Habitat for an animal that is vulnerable wildlife - Geophaps Permit Environmental Authority EPML00716913 scripta scripta (squatter pigeon)* 233 No Habitat for an animal that is vulnerable wildlife - Petauroidesvolans 175* No* (greater glider)* 63.3 Yes Habitat for an animal that is vulnerable wildlife - 175* No* Phascolarctos cinereus (koala)* 63.3 Yes Habitat for an animal that is special least concern wildlife - 351.5 No Tachyglossus aculeatus (short-beaked echidna) Legally Secured Offset Area
- G10
Exploration Activities on Mining Lease 70379 The environmental authority holder is authorised to conduct exploration activities, including rehabilitation activities, on Mining Lease (ML) 70379.
- G11
Conditions G12 to G24 only apply to parts of ML70379 where surface rights are held for exploration drilling only.
- G12
When conducting exploration activities, the holder of the environmental authority must ensure that the area and duration of disturbance to land and vegetation is minimised. The operational areas of individual drill sites must not exceed 1000 metres squared. Sump size must not exceed 100 metres squared and 2 metres deep.
- G13
All clearing of mature trees must be prevented or minimized.
- G14
The holder of the environmental authority must not carry out activities within 100m of a Historical, Archaeological or Ethnographic site.
- G15
The holder of the environmental authority must not drill, excavate or clear vegetation: a) in standing waters, wetlands or lakes; or b) on the sloped banks or within 3m of the top of the bank or 5m of the toe of the bank; or c) within, or on the levee banks of the normal flow channel.
- G16
The holder of this environmental authority must consult with the landowner prior to establishing any new roads and tracks.
- G17
When constructing new roads and tracks, the holder of the environmental authority must ensure that the area and duration of disturbance to land, vegetation and watercourses is minimised. Track construction involving blade clearing of established vegetation and or the clearing of mature trees is to be minimised.
- G18
Tracks are not to be constructed greater than 5m in width.
- G19
The holder of the environmental authority must decommission all non-artesian drill holes, apart from those still required for monitoring purposes as soon as practical, but no later than 6 months after the hole was drilled by undertaking the following actions: a) where practical dispose of all unused drill chips to the hole or to a sump pit and; b) cap the hole at a depth that is appropriate for the previous land use of the area (unless the landowner stipulates a future use which requires the cap to be placed deeper); and c) backfill the hole above the cap with soil or material similar to the surrounding soil or material. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00716913 For drill holes that will be mined through within 2 years, the hole must be capped and the sump backfilled as soon as practical, but no later than 6 months after the hole was drilled.
- G20
The holder of the environmental authority must isolate non-artesian aquifers where a drill hole intersects more than one water bearing strata by casing or plugging the hole as soon as practical after the hole is nolonger required, but no later than two (2) months after the hole was drilled, apart from those holes that are still required for monitoring purposes if: a) the flow difference between aquifers exceeds 500 L/hour; and b) the difference in electrical conductivity of water is greater than 10 percent of the lower value.
- G21
Conditions G22 and G23 do not apply to a non-artesian exploration drill hole if: a) the landowner and the explorer have agreed that it should be left for conversion to a water bore; and b) the landowner gives a written undertaking to accept responsibility for the hole; and c) the details of the agreement and the drill hole (such as its GPS location and the drill logs showing the water bearing strata and flow rates) are provided to the Department of Natural Resources, Minesand Energy within 30 days of the land owner giving the undertaking; and d) the hole is temporarily capped so as to prevent possible ingress of surface waters and associated sediments and pollutants.
- G22
The holder of the environmental authority must ensure that exploration drill holes do not strike artesian flows of water.
- G23
The holder of the environmental authority must ensure that exploration drill holes that are to be retained for future mineral resource evaluation purposes are cased and capped. Holes to be retained for more than three years must be capped with steel casing and appropriately identified.
- G24
Rehabilitation of exploration activities on ML70379 For all exploration drill holes on ML70379, the holder of the environmental authority must complete the rehabilitation processes as soon as practical and within six (6) months of the completion of exploration activities at those areas. For drill holes that will be mined through within 2 years, the hole must be capped and the sump backfilled as soon as practical, but no later than 6 months after the hole was drilled.
- G25
Condition G26 does not apply to any excavations, drill holes or sampling sites that are to remain after the completion of exploration activities, by agreement with the landowner.
- G26
The holder of the environmental authority must rehabilitate areas disturbed by exploration drilling to a stable landform similar to that of surrounding undisturbed areas and in accordance with approved Progressive Rehabilitation and Closure Plan (PRCP) schedule for this environmental authority.
- G27
PRCP Schedule Rehabilitation of the disturbed land must be carried out in accordance with approved PRCP schedule for this environmental authority.
- G28
Surrender The holder must meet the conditions and the rehabilitation milestones under the PRCP schedule prior to the surrender of the environmental authority. Schedule H: Regulated Structures Permit Environmental Authority EPML00716913 Condition Condition number
- H1
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 andHydraulic 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.
- H2
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.
- H3
Certification must be provided by the suitably qualified and experienced person who undertookthe assessment, in the form set out in the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic
- H4
Design and construction1 of a regulated structure Conditions H5 to H9 inclusive do not apply to existing structures. Note: 1Construction of a dam includes modification of an existing dam -- refer to the definitions.
- H5
All regulated structures must be designed by, and constructed under the supervision of, a suitablyqualified and experienced person in accordance with the requirements of the Manual for Assessing Consequence
- H6
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 andthe associated operating procedures in compliance with the relevant condition of this authority.
- H7
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 Dams-Levees register.
- H8
Regulated structures must: a) be designed and constructed in accordance with and conform to the requirements of the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Structures b) be designed and constructed with due consideration given to ensuring that the design integrity would not be compromised on account of: i. floodwaters from entering the regulated dam from any watercourse or drainage line; and ii. wall failure due to erosion by floodwaters arising from any watercourse or drainage line.
- H9
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 Permit Environmental Authority EPML00716913 b) construction of the regulated structure is in accordance with the design plan.
- H10
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 `designplan' in accordance with Condition H6; b) a set of `as constructed' drawings and specifications; c) certification of those `as constructed drawings and specifications' in accordance with Condition H9; d) where the regulated structure is to be managed as part of an integrated containment systemfor the purpose of sharing the DSA volume across the system, a copy of the certified systemdesign plan; e) the requirements of this authority relating to the construction of the regulated structure have been met; f) the holder has entered the details required under this authority, into a Register of Regulated Dams; and g) there is a current operational plan for the regulated structures.
- H11
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 thatstructure; and b) there must be a current operational plan for the existing structures.
- H12
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.
- H13
Mandatory reporting level Conditions H14 to H17 inclusive only apply to Regulated Structures which have not been certified as low consequence category for `failure to contain - overtopping'.
- H14
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.
- H15
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 theMRL.
- H16
The holder must, immediately on becoming aware that the MRL has been reached, act to preventthe occurrence of any unauthorised discharge from the regulated dam.
- H17
The holder must record any changes to the MRL in the Register of Regulated Structures.
- H18
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 Permit Environmental Authority EPML00716913 regulated dam or linked containment system taken prior to 1 July of each year.
- H19
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).
- H20
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.
- H21
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.
- H22
Annual inspection report Each regulated structure must be inspected each calendar year by a suitably qualified and experienced person.
- H23
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 actionsto ensure the integrity of the regulated structure.
- H24
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
- H25
The 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 ten (10) business days of receipt of the request.
- H26
Transfer arrangements The holder must provide a copy of any reports, documentation and certifications prepared underthis 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 thisauthority.
- H27
Register of Regulated Dams A Register of Regulated Dams must be established and maintained by the holder for each regulated dam.
- H28
The holder must provisionally enter the required information in the Register of Regulated Dams when a design plan for a regulated dam is submitted to the administering authority.
- H29
The holder must make a final entry of the required information in the Register of Regulated Damsonce compliance with Condition H10 and H11 has been achieved.
- H30
The holder must ensure that the information contained in the Register of Regulated Dams is current and Permit Environmental Authority EPML00716913 complete on any given day.
- H31
All entries in the Register of Regulated Dams must be approved by the chief executive officer for the holder of this authority, or their delegate, as being accurate and correct.
- H32
The holder must, at the same time as providing the annual return, supply to the administering authority a copy of the records contained in the Register of Regulated Dams, in the electronic format required by the administering authority. Schedule I: Watercourse Diversion Condition Condition number
- I1
Permanent watercourse diversion - Thirteen Mile Gully and Roper Creek The Thirteen Mile Gully Diversion depicted at Figure 4 and the Roper Creek Diversions depicted at Figure 5 of this environmental authority are authorised as permanent watercourse diversions.
- I2
Permanent watercourse diversions 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.
- I3
Design plan - All diversions A certified Design Plan that achieves Condition I2 must be submitted to the administering authority at least ten (10) business days before commencing construction of the diversion.
- I4
The certified design plan for any temporary or permanent watercourse diversion must be consistent with the functional design/s that formed a part of the application documents for this authority.
- I5
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 permanent watercourse diversion. 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. Permit Environmental Authority EPML00716913
- I6
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. 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 beused. 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 mayinclude 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 specificfauna 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 fertiliserapplication on vegetation growth and development; g) resilience of vegetation to disease, insect attack, drought and fire; and h) vegetation water use and effects on groundwater levels and catchment yields. "acid rock drainage" means any contaminated discharge emanating from a mining activity formed through aseries of chemical and biological reactions, when geological strata is disturbed and exposed to oxygen and moisture as a result of mining activity. "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 (dB). "affected person" means an affected person under section 38 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994. "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 "Annual exceedance probability" or "AEP" the probability that at least one event in excess of a particular Permit Environmental Authority EPML00716913