Data as at 14 September 2026 · from the Queensland EP Act public register
EPML00863313 · MATERRA METALS LIMITED
Minerals environmental authority EPML00863313 (MATERRA METALS LIMITED), Granted. 206 conditions indexed. Holds PRC plan P-PRCP-100905005.
- Status
- Granted
- Holders
- MATERRA METALS LIMITED; Document title; Date; Document link; EPML00863313_20260703; 03/07/2026; view document; (PDF,; 4 MB); EPML00863313_20251201; 01/12/2025; view document
- PRC plan
- P-PRCP-100905005 · effective 2026-07-30
- How it was read
- Numbered conditions
- Register
- Register record · Instrument PDF
Conditions
206 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
The environmental authority holder must ensure that the activity is carried out in accordance with Schedule A - Table 1. Schedule A - Table 1 (Authorised disturbance) Disturbance type Maximum disturbance Reference site identification Mount Cuthbert1 area (hectares) central peg Mine pit Overburden dumps 4 386452 Old Kalkadoon workings and laydown 6 7789377 Topsoil dumps and borrow pits 2 386274 Roads/tracks 7 7789413 ROM and crushing area 7 386562 Plant area 6.5 7789479 Plant laydown areas 1 386948 Process water ponds 1 7788222 Stormwater dam 0.6 Stormwater dam 2 3.1 N/A Offices, workshops and fuel areas 8.0 Mining contractor workshop and laydown 0.6 386416 Leach pads 1.5 7789203 Septic systems/treatment plant 16 386712 Sediment and seepage ponds 0.1 7788795 Freshwater dam 2 386725 Diversion channels 1 7788911 Pipelines and powerlines 4.5 386559 0.5 7788818 386559 7788703 386649 7788573 386784 7788819 386886 7788784 386439 7789003 387146 7788517 386383 7788909 386113 7789065 386169 7788909 N/A Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00863313 Disturbance type Maximum disturbance Reference site identification area (hectares) central peg Rubbish dumps Air strip 1.0 386891 Accommodation village 3.0 7788427 Core shed 3.2 386959 Exploration 0.1 7788001 Total 2 387194
- A3
The environmental authority holder 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.
- A4
Except where specified in another condition of this environmental authority, all monitoring data, records, plans, programs and reports required by this environmental authority or related to environmental management of the activities must be: (a) carried out by an appropriately qualified person; (b) kept for a period of not less than five (5) years; (c) provided to the administering authority in the specified format within ten (10) business days of a request; (d) undertaken in accordance with the most recent version of any applicable standard or guideline for the activity; and (e) any laboratory testing must be undertaken using a laboratory accredited for the method of analysis being used. Risk management
- A5
The environmental authority holder must develop, maintain and implement a risk management system for mining activities which mirrors the content requirement of the Standard for Risk Management (ISO31000:2009), or the latest edition of an Australian standard for risk management, to the extent relevant to environmental management. Notification of emergencies, incidents and exceptions
- A6
The environmental authority holder must notify the administering authority by written notification within twenty-four (24) hours, after becoming aware of: (a) 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; or (b) any monitoring result that indicates an exceedance of any environmental authority release limit.
- A7
Within ten (10) business days following the initial notification of an emergency or incident, or receipt of monitoring results, whichever is the latter, further written advice must be provided to the administering authority, including the following: (a) results and interpretation of any samples taken and analysed; (b) outcomes of actions taken at the time to prevent or minimise unlawful environmental harm; and (c) proposed actions to prevent a recurrence of the emergency or incident. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00863313 Complaints
- A8
The environmental authority holder must record all environmental complaints received about the mining activities including: (a) name, address and contact number for complainant; (b) time and date of complaint; (c) reasons for the complaint; (d) investigations undertaken; (e) conclusions formed; (f) actions taken to resolve complaint; (g) any abatement measures implemented; and (h) person responsible for resolving the complaint.
- A9
The environmental authority holder must, when requested by the administering authority (a) undertake relevant specified monitoring within a reasonable timeframe nominated or agreed by the administering authority to investigate any complaint of environmental harm; and (b) provide to the administering authority, the results of the investigation (including an analysis and interpretation of the monitoring results) and abatement measures, where implemented, within ten (10) business days of completion of the investigation, or no longer than ten (10) business days after the end of the timeframe nominated by the administering authority to undertake the investigation. Heap leach pads
- A10
The environmental authority holder must install and maintain a leak detection system for the heap leach pads.
- A11
Contaminants must not be released outside the lined area of the heap leach pads.
- A12
Prior to the construction of the heap leach facility at Mount Watson (ML90154), an appropriately qualified person must submit a design report and certify that the proposed liner of the heap leach pad and associated process ponds is chemically compatible with the fluids it will be exposed to, and that the integrity of the liner will be maintained throughout its proposed operational use as a heap leach liner for the life of the facility. Heap leach operational plan
- A13
The environmental authority holder must: (a) develop and implement a Heap Leach Operational Plan certified by suitably qualified and experienced person; (b) include in the current and any amended/replacement plan of operations; and (c) undertake a review of the Heap Leach Operational Plan at a minimum frequency of every three (3) years.
- A14
The Heap Leach Operational Plan (as required under condition A13) must address as a minimum the following: (a) regular inspections of the heap leach liner and an assessment of its ability to contain contaminants; (b) sizing of launders, perimeter drains and containment bunds to prevent the release of contaminants or potentially contaminated waters; (c) diversion of uncontaminated stormwater away from the heap leach pads and minimising catchment size; Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00863313 (d) procedures to prevent tears in the liner including but not limited to equipment on the pads, fly rock and the placement of ore; (e) contingency plans in the event of the release of contaminants; (f) records of as constructed and design plans, all pipes and infrastructure associated with the heap leach operation; and (g) procedures to minimise erosion of the heap leach pads and exclude ore from entering the launders and/or perimeter drains. Third party compliance reporting
- A15
The environmental authority holder must: (a) obtain from an appropriately qualified person a report on compliance with the conditions of this environmental authority, at regular intervals, not exceeding three (3)- yearly intervals, from 11 February 2013; (b) ensure the third party auditor certifies the independent findings of the audit in the compliance report; and (c) provide each report to the administering authority within ninety (90) days of its completion. Storage and handling of flammable, combustible and corrosive liquids
- A16
All explosive, hazardous chemicals, corrosive substances, toxic substances, gases and dangerous goods must be stored and handled in accordance with the relevant Australian Standard where such is available.
- A17
Flammable and combustible liquids, including petroleum products and associated piping and infrastructure must be stored and handled in accordance with the latest edition of Australian Standard 1940 - The Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids.
- A18
Notwithstanding the requirements of any Australian Standard, any 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.
- A19
All containment systems for chemicals and flammable or combustible liquids must be designed to minimise rainfall collection within the system.
- A20
Spillage of any contaminant must be contained and rectified to prevent environmental harm. Transition to new standards
- 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 environmental authority holder 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, or where the amendment or change relates specifically to regulated structures referred to in condition G3, 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. Exploration
- A22
All exploration activities carried out on the mining leases must comply with each of the Standard Environmental Conditions contained in the most recent version of the `Eligibility criteria and standard Cultural heritage
- A23
In the carrying out of the mining activity the environmental authority holder must not adversely impact on the cultural heritage values of any place registered on the Queensland Heritage Register. END OF SCHEDULE A Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00863313 Schedule B - Air General
- B1
The release of dust or particulate matter, noxious, or offensive odour, or any other airborne contaminant resulting from the mining activities must not cause environmental harm at any sensitive place or commercial place.
- B2
The mining activity must not cause exceedance of any of the following levels when measured at any sensitive place or commercial place: (a) dust deposition of 120 milligrams per square metre per day, averaged over one month, when monitored in accordance with the most recent version of Australian Standard AS3580.10.1 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air--Determination of particulate matter--Deposited matter - Gravimetric method; and (b) a concentration of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 micrometres (PM10) suspended in the atmosphere of 50 micrograms per cubic metre over a 24-hour averaging time, when monitored in accordance with the most recent version of either: (i) Australian Standard AS3580.9.6 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air--Determination of suspended particulate matter--PM10 high volume sampler with size-selective inlet - Gravimetric method; or (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) concentration of copper with an aerodynamic diameter less than 10 micrometres (PM10) suspended in the atmosphere of 350 micrograms per cubic metre over a one (1) year averaging time, when monitored in accordance with the most recent version of either: (i) Australian Standard AS3580.9.6 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air--Determination of suspended particulate matter--PM10 high volume sampler with size-selective inlet - Gravimetric method; or (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. (d) a concentration of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres (PM2.5) suspended in the atmosphere of 25 micrograms per cubic metre over a 24-hour averaging time, when monitored in accordance with the most recent version of AS/NZS3580.9.10 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air--Determination of suspended particulate matter--PM (sub)2.5(/sub) low volume sampler--Gravimetric method; and (e) a concentration of total particulate matter suspended in the atmosphere of 90 micrograms per cubic metre over a one (1) year averaging time, when monitored in accordance with the most recent version of AS/NZS3580.9.3:2003 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air--Determination of suspended particulate matter--Total suspended particulate matter (TSP)--High volume sampler gravimetric method.
- B3
Samples taken for air quality monitoring specified in this environmental authority must be collected and analysed in accordance with the requirements of the administering authority's latest edition of the Air Quality Sampling Manual, or more recent editions or supplements to that document as are published by the administering authority, unless otherwise agreed by the administering authority in writing. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00863313 Meteorological monitoring
- B4
The environmental authority holder must establish an automatic weather station to continuously measure and record wind speed, wind direction, temperature and rainfall. The automatic weather station must be installed in accordance with the latest edition of the Bureau of Meteorology's guideline: `Guidelines for the positioning and exposure of meteorological instruments and observing facilities.'
- B5
By 28 February 2023, the environmental authority holder must establish an automatic weather station on ML 90154 that provides for offsite and real-time data access, and that continuously measures and records wind speed, wind direction. temperature and rainfall. The automatic weather station must be installed in accordance with the latest addition of the Bureau of Meteorology's guideline: `Guidelines for the siting and exposure of meteorological instruments and observing facilities.' END OF SCHEDULE B Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00863313 Schedule C - Water Release to waters
- C1
Contaminants that will, or have the potential to cause environmental harm must not be released directly or indirectly to any waters except as permitted under the conditions of this environmental authority.
- C2
The release of contaminants to waters must only occur from the release points specified in Schedule C - Table 1.
- C3
The release of contaminants to waters in accordance with condition C2 must not exceed the release limits stated in Schedule C - Table 2 when measured at the release monitoring points specified in Schedule C - Table 1 for each quality characteristic.
- C4
The release of contaminants to waters from the release points must be monitored at the locations and frequency specified in Schedule C - Table 1 for each quality characteristics specified in Schedule C - Table 2. C4A For interpretive purposes, releases of water from sediment dams must be monitored at the locations and frequency specified in Schedule C - Table 1A for each quality characteristics specified in Schedule C - Table 2.
- C5
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 Schedule C - Table 3 for any receiving water into which a release occurs.
- C6
The daily quantity of waters released from each release point specified in Schedule C - Table 1 must be measured and recorded.
- C7
Notwithstanding any other condition of this environmental authority, the release of contaminants to waters in accordance with condition C2 must only take place during periods of natural flow events specified as minimum flow in Schedule C - Table 3 for the contaminant release point(s) specified in Schedule C - Table 1.
- C8
At the time of release the flow rate in the receiving water must be at least twenty (20) times the rate at which contaminated waters are released.
- C9
In the event that water in Stormwater Dam 2, Crusader Pit and Mount Watson Stormwater Pond meets trigger levels as specified in Schedule C - Table 2, the environmental authority holder may release during a period of natural creek flow.
- C10
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.
- C11
The environmental authority holder must take all reasonable and practicable measures to install all weather access and a safe sampling location at the authorised release points, and take reasonable action to provide all weather access to the receiving environment and background monitoring locations defined in Schedule C - Table 1. Note: the administering authority will take into consideration any extenuating circumstances prior to determining an appropriate enforcement response in the event condition C11 is contravened due to a temporary lack of safe or practical access Receiving waters contaminant levels
- C12
The quality of the receiving waters must be monitored at the locations and frequency specified in Schedule C - Table 1 for each quality characteristic stated in Schedule C - Table 2. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00863313
- C13
If quality characteristics of the receiving water at any of the downstream monitoring points specified in Schedule C - Table 1 exceed any of the trigger levels specified in Schedule C - Table 2 during a release event, the environmental authority holder must compare the downstream results to the applicable upstream background monitoring site and: (a) where the downstream result is the same or a lower value than the upstream background value for the quality characteristic then no further action is to be taken; or (b) where the downstream result measured at the monitoring point is greater than the contaminant concentration measured at the applicable upstream background monitoring site: (i) complete an investigation in accordance with the ANZECC (2000) methodology into the potential for environmental harm and provide a written report to the administering authority within 3 months, outlining: (ii) details of the investigations carried out; and (iii) actions taken to prevent environmental harm. Note: Where an exceedance of a trigger level has occurred and is being investigated, in accordance with C13 (b) of this condition, no further reporting is required for subsequent trigger events for that quality characteristic within the investigation period.
- C14
If an exceedance in accordance with condition C13 is identified, the holder of the authority must notify the administering authority within 14 days of receiving the result. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00863313 Schedule C - Table 1 (Contaminant release points, upstream background monitoring points and downstream receiving water monitoring points, receiving waters description and monitoring frequency) - Northing Easting Monitoring - GDA94 GDA94 Contaminant Receiving waters Monitoring point MGA Zone MGA Zone source and description frequency 54 54 location Release points1 - Release point 1 7788596 386831 Release from Ephemeral creek Daily during Stormwater Dam 2 Ephemeral creek release (the first Ephemeral creek sample must be spillway taken within 2 - Release point 2 7807818 400270 Release from hours of Crusader Pit commencement - Release point 3 7813395 384554 Release from of release). Mount Watson Stormwater Pond spillway Reference sites Upstream background monitoring points
- RC3
- US Mount 386499 Ephemeral creek thereafter weekly 7790315 Ephemeral creek during release. Cuthbert Upon commencement
- MW1
- of flow of Reference Site 7810181 387358 river/creek and weekly thereafter Mount Watson whilst river/creek - is flowing.
- MW2
- Reference Site 7811905 386238 Mount Watson
- MW6
- 7812901 380717 Reference Site Mount Watson CUS - 7807345 398755 Ephemeral creek Reference Site Crusader Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00863313 - Northing Easting Monitoring - GDA94 GDA94 Contaminant Receiving waters Monitoring point MGA Zone MGA Zone source and description frequency 54 54 location Ephemeral creek
- RC1
- DS Mount 386986 Ephemeral creek (may 7789489 need further information on receiving waters and Cuthbert what it is monitoring
- RO1
- Six Mile 7789047 388001 Ephemeral creek Upon Creek Dam Ephemeral creek commencement 393540 Ephemeral creek of release and
- RO5
- DS 7789373 Ephemeral creek there after weekly Mount Cuthbert 392186 Ephemeral creek during release. - Ephemeral creek
- RO6
- DS 7789595 Upon Mount Cuthbert 387110 commencement
- RC6
- DS Mount 384605 of flow of 7789132 river/creek and 382352 weekly thereafter Cuthbert whilst river/creek
- MW3
- DS 7813939 is flowing. Mount Watson
- MW4
- DS 7813802 Mount Watson
- MW5
- DS 7813974 382096 Ephemeral creek Mount Watson
- C15
The environmental authority holder must notify the administering authority 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) details regarding the compliance of the release with the conditions of Schedule C - Surface 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.
- C16
The environmental authority holder must notify the administering authority as soon as practicable and nominally no later than 24 hours after cessation of a release event of the cessation of a release notified under condition C15 and within 28 days provide the following information in writing: (a) release cessation date/time; (b) natural flow rate in receiving water; (c) volume of water released; (d) details regarding the compliance of the release with the conditions Schedule C - Surface Water of this environmental authority (i.e. contaminant limits, natural flow, discharge volume); (e) all in-situ water quality monitoring results; and (f) any other matters pertinent to the water release event. Note: Successive or intermittent releases occurring within 24 hours of the cessation of any individual release can be considered part of a single release event and do not require individual notification for the purpose of compliance with conditions C15 and C16, provided the relevant details of the release are included within the notification provided in accordance with conditions C15 and C16. Stream sediment contaminant levels
- C17
Sediment quality of receiving waters and upstream background reference waters must be monitored twice a year (once at the end of the wet season and once at the end of the dry season) at the monitoring locations defined in Schedule C - Table 1 and Schedule C - Table 1A and for the parameters defined in Schedule C - Table 4.
- C18
If quality characteristics of sediment at any of the downstream monitoring points specified in Schedule C - Table 1 exceed any of the trigger levels specified in Schedule C - Table 4 during a release event, the environmental authority holder must compare the downstream results to the applicable upstream background reference site and: (a) where the downstream result is the same or a lower value than the upstream background reference value for the quality characteristic then no further action is to be taken; or (b) where the downstream result measured at the monitoring point is greater than the contaminant concentration measured at the applicable upstream background monitoring site: (i) complete an investigation in accordance with the ANZECC (2000) methodology into the potential for environmental harm and provide a written report to the administering authority within 3 months, outlining: (ii) details of the investigations carried out; and (iii) actions taken to prevent environmental harm. Note: Where an exceedance of a trigger level has occurred and is being investigated, in accordance with C18 (b) of this condition, no further reporting is required for subsequent trigger events for that quality characteristic within the investigation period.
- C19
If an exceedance in accordance with condition C18 is identified, the holder of the authority must notify the administering authority within 14 days of receiving the result. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00863313
- C20
The release of contaminants to water must not result in an exceedance of sediment contaminant limits stated in Schedule C - Table 4 when measured at the monitoring points specified in Schedule C - Table 1 or Schedule C - Table 5 for each quality characteristic. Schedule C - Table 4 (Stream sediment trigger and contaminant levels) Parameter Unit Trigger level Contaminant limit Arsenic mg/kg Reference value(1) or 20(2), 70(3) or twice the reference value(1), whichever is higher. whichever is higher Boron mg/kg Reference value(1) Twice the reference value(1) Cadmium mg/kg Reference value(1) or 1.5(2), 10(3) or twice the reference value(1), whichever is higher. whichever is higher Chromium mg/kg Reference value(1) or 80(2), 370(3) or twice the reference value(1), whichever is higher. whichever is higher. Cobalt mg/kg Reference value (1) Twice the reference value(1) Copper mg/kg Reference value (1) or 65(2), 270(3) or twice the reference value(1), whichever is higher. whichever is higher. Lead mg/kg Reference value(1) or 50(2), 220(3) or twice the reference value(1), whichever is higher. whichever is higher. Manganese mg/kg Reference value (1) Twice the reference value(1) Mercury mg/kg Reference value(1) or 0.15(2), 1(3) or twice the reference value(1), whichever is higher. whichever is higher. Molybdenum mg/kg Reference value (1) Twice the reference value(1) Nickel mg/kg Reference value(1) or 21(2), 52(3) or twice the reference value(1), whichever is higher. whichever is higher. Selenium mg/kg Reference value(1) Twice the reference value(1) Zinc mg/kg Reference value(1) or 200(2) or, 410(3) or twice the reference value(1), whichever is higher. whichever is higher. 1. Reference sites are defined in Schedule C - Table 1. 2. ANZECC (2000) Interim Sediment Quality Guidelines - low values based on total sediments 3. ANZECC (2000) Interim Sediment Quality Guidelines - high values based on total sediments Haul road dust suppression
- C21
Water from Satellite Pits1 may be used for dust suppression and stock watering to the area defined as the Mount Watson / Mount Cuthbert Haul Road and the Crusader Haul Road identified in Schedule J - Map 3D, where water quality in Satellite Pits does not exceed on-site water storage quality contaminant limits defined in Schedule C - Table 7. 1 Satellite Pit water is defined as water from Warwick Castle Pit, Crusader Pit, Orphan Pit, Mount Watson Pit and Dobbyn Pit as described in Schedule C- Table 6 (Water Storage Monitoring) Haul road receiving waters
- C22
Receiving waters affected by the release of Satellite Pit Water for dust suppression along Mount Watson / Mount Cuthbert Haul Road and Crusader Haul Road must be monitored at the locations and frequencies defined in Schedule C - Table 5. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00863313 Schedule C - Table 5 (Haul road dust suppression receiving waters and monitoring frequency) Monitoring Northing Easting Receiving waters Monitoring frequency point1 GDA94 MGA GDA94 MGA description Zone 54 Zone 54 Hare creek 7807283 387955 Ephemeral creek crossing downstream St Pauls creek 7801145 386339 Ephemeral creek crossing downstream Warwick Castle 7797811 386079 Ephemeral creek crossing downstream
- MW1
- 7810302 387556 Ephemeral creek Downstream
- MW2
- 7811980 386245 Ephemeral creek Downstream Crusader 2 - 7807433 398729 Ephemeral creek Downstream Coppermine 7803259 394991 Ephemeral creek If Satellite Pit water is being Creek 2 - 7800941 393955 Ephemeral creek used for dust suppression of 7796299 390708 Ephemeral creek the Crusader Haul Road and Downstream 7807207 387617 Ephemeral creek Mount Watson / Mount Coppermine Cuthbert Haul Road, Creek 3- monitoring must occur upon commencement of flow of Downstream the river/creek and weekly thereafter whilst river/creek is Crusader 4 - Downstream flowing. Hare creek crossing reference2 St Pauls creek 7800919 386085 Ephemeral creek crossing reference2 Warwick Castle 7797775 386154 Ephemeral creek crossing reference2 Crusader 1 - 7807100 398680 Ephemeral creek Upstream Coppermine 7803064 395153 Ephemeral creek Creek 1- Upstream Coppermine 7800934 393301 Ephemeral creek Creek 4 - Upstream Crusader 3 - 7795950 390514 Ephemeral creek Upstream 1. Monitoring points depicted in Schedule J -Map 3C and Schedule J -Map 3D 2. Reference sites are defined in Schedule C - Table 1. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00863313 Haul road receiving waters contaminant levels
- C23
If quality characteristics of the waters affected by the release of Satellite Pit Water for dust suppression along Mount Watson/ Mount Cuthbert Haul Road and Crusader Haul Road, when monitored at the locations specified in Schedule C - Table 5, exceed any of the trigger levels specified in Schedule C - Table 2, then the environmental authority holder must compare the downstream results to the applicable upstream background monitoring sites and: (a) where the downstream result is the same or a lower value than the applicable upstream background site for the quality characteristic then no further action is to be taken; or (b) where the downstream result measured at the monitoring point is greater than the contaminant concentration measured at the applicable upstream background monitoring site: (i) complete an investigation in accordance with the ANZECC (2000) methodology into the potential for environmental harm and provide a written report to the administering authority within 3 months, outlining: (ii) details of the investigations carried out; and (iii) actions taken to prevent environmental harm. Note: Where an exceedance of a trigger level has occurred and is being investigated, in accordance with condition C23 (b) of this condition, no further reporting is required for subsequent trigger events for that quality characteristic within the investigation period.
- C24
If an exceedance in accordance with condition C23 is identified, the holder of the authority must notify the administering authority within 14 days of receiving the result.
- C25
Receiving waters affected by the release of Satellite Pit Water for dust suppression from along Mount Watson / Mount Cuthbert Haul Road and Crusader Haul Road must not exceed the contaminant limits defined in Schedule C - Table 2. Haul road stream sediment contaminant levels
- C26
Sediment quality of reference waters and receiving waters affected by the release of Satellite Pit water for dust suppression along the Mount Watson / Mount Cuthbert Haul Road and Crusader Haul Road must be monitored twice a year (once at the end of the wet season and once at the end of the dry season) at the monitoring locations defined in Schedule C - Table 5 and for the parameters defined in Schedule C - Table 4.
- C27
If quality characteristics of the sediments within receiving waters affected by the release of Satellite Pit Water for dust suppression along Mount Watson/ Mount Cuthbert Haul Road and Crusader Haul Road, when monitored at the locations specified in Schedule C - Table 5, exceed any of the trigger levels specified in Schedule C - Table 4, then the environmental authority holder must compare the downstream results to the applicable upstream background monitoring sites and: (a) where the downstream result is the same or a lower value than the applicable upstream background monitoring site for the quality characteristic then no further action is to be taken; or (b) where the downstream result measured at the monitoring point is greater than the contaminant concentration measured at the applicable upstream background monitoring site: (i) complete an investigation in accordance with the ANZECC (2000) methodology into the potential for environmental harm and provide a written report to the administering authority within 3 months, outlining: i. details of the investigations carried out; and ii. actions taken to prevent environmental harm.
- C28
Note: Where an exceedance of a trigger level has occurred and is being investigated, in accordance with condition C27 (b) of this condition, no further reporting is required for subsequent trigger events for that quality characteristic within the investigation period. If an exceedance in accordance with condition C27 is identified, the holder of the authority must notify the administering authority within 14 days of receiving the result. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00863313 Receiving environment monitoring program (REMP)
- C29
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 the Leichhardt River catchment, and connected or surrounding waterways within five (5) kilometres 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.
- C30
A REMP Design Document that addresses the requirements of the REMP must be prepared and made available to the administering authority upon request.
- C31
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. Monitoring of water storage quality
- C32
Water storages stated in Schedule C - Table 6 must be monitored for the water quality characteristics specified in Schedule C - Table 7 at the monitoring locations and at the monitoring frequency specified in Schedule C - Table 6.
- C33
In the event that waters storages defined in Schedule C - Table 6 exceed the contaminant limits defined in Schedule C - Table 7, the holder of the environmental authority must implement measures to prevent access to waters by all livestock and minimise access by native fauna. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00863313 Schedule C - Table 6 (Water storage monitoring) Water storage Latitude or Longitude or Monitoring location Frequency of description northing easting monitoring (GDA94) (GDA94) PLS Pond (High hazard 7788816 0386561 Within PLS Pond Annually, March dam) ILS Pond (High hazard 7788790 0386505 Within ILS Pond Annually, March dam) Raffinate Pond (High 7788845 0386619 Within Raffinate Pond Annually, March hazard dam) Stormwater Dam (High 7788727 0386584 Within Stormwater Dam Annually, March hazard dam) Stormwater Dam 2 (High 7788603 386712 Within Stormwater Dam 2 Annually, March hazard dam) Mount Watson PLS Pond 7813005 384252 Within PLS Pond Annually, March Mount Watson ILS Pond 7813048 384241 Within ILS Pond Annually, March Mount Watson Raffinate 7813090 384230 Within Raffinate Pond Annually, March Pond Mount Watson 7813179 384512 Within Stormwater Pond Annually, March Stormwater Pond Mount Cuthbert Pit 7789383 0386456 Within Mount Cuthbert Pit Monthly Dobbyn Pit 7810602 0395117 Within Dobbyn Pit Monthly Warwick Castle Pit 7798439 0384467 Within Warwick Castle Pit Monthly Crusader Pit 7808043 0400162 Within Crusader Pit Monthly Water storage 7808116 400090 Within Crusader turkey Monthly nest water storage Orphan Pit 7811868 0397717 Within Orphan Pit Monthly Mount Watson Pit N/A N/A Within Mount Watson Pit Monthly Note: Water storage monitoring points depicted in Schedule J - Map 4A and Map 4B. Permit OFFICIAL
- C34
By 1 July 2018, the environmental authority holder must dewater the Mount Cuthbert Pit to 186.344m AHD (m RL).
- C35
The environmental authority holder must take action to reduce the Mount Cuthbert pit water level when the level reaches 221.344m AHD (m RL).
- C36
From 1 July 2018, the Mount Cuthbert pit water level must not exceed 239.344m AHD (m RL). Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00863313 Mount Cuthbert Pit operational plan
- C37
The environmental authority holder must: (a) develop and implement a Mount Cuthbert Pit Operational Plan to prevent any contaminated waters from recharging from the Mount Cuthbert Pit into the receiving environment; (b) address, as a minimum, the following: (i) diversion of uncontaminated stormwater away from the Mount Cuthbert Pit and minimising catchment size; (ii) monitoring of groundwater/water levels surrounding and within the Mount Cuthbert Pit; and (iii) contingency plans to prevent the release of contaminated waters from the Mount Cuthbert Pit into the receiving environment, particularly groundwater; (iv) undertake a review of the Mount Cuthbert Pit Operational Plan at a minimum frequency of every three (3) years; and (v) provide the Mount Cuthbert Pit Operational Plan to the administering authority upon request. Water monitoring reporting
- C38
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 when requested: (a) the date on which the sample was taken; (b) the time at which the sample was taken; (c) the monitoring point at which the sample was taken; (d) the measured or estimated daily quantity of the contaminants released from all release points; (e) the release flow rate at the time of sampling for each release point; (f) the results of all monitoring and details of any exceedances with the conditions of this environmental authority; and (g) water quality monitoring data must be provided to the administering authority in the specified electronic format upon request.
- C39
The release of contaminants directly or indirectly to waters: (a) must not produce any visible discolouration of receiving waters; or (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. Water management plan
- C40
A Water Management Plan must be developed by an appropriately qualified person and implemented no later than 22 August 2016. Saline, acid rock and metalliferous drainage
- C41
The environmental authority holder must ensure proper and effective measures are taken to avoid or otherwise minimise the generation and/or release of saline, acid rock and/or metalliferous mine drainage. Stormwater, sediment and erosion controls
- C42
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 prevent or minimise erosion and the release of sediment to receiving waters and the contamination of stormwater. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00863313
- C43
Erosion protection measures and sediment control measures must be implemented and maintained to minimise erosion and the release of sediment and contamination of storm water. Sewage effluent
- C44
All effluent released from the treatment plant must be monitored at the frequency and for the parameters specified in Schedule C - Table 10. Schedule C - Table 10 (Sewage effluent quality targets for dust suppression and irrigation) Quality characteristics Release Units Monitoring limit Limit type frequency pH 6.5- 8 pH Range Quarterly Faecal Coliforms, based on the average of a 1000 Colonies per 100ml Max Quarterly minimum of five samples collected 5 day Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) 20 mg/L Max Quarterly Total Suspended Solids 30 mg/L Max Quarterly
- C45
Sewage effluent must not exceed sewage effluent release limits defined in Schedule C - Table 10.
- C46
Sewage effluent used for dust suppression or irrigation must not cause spray drift or over spray to any sensitive or commercial place, and must not be applied at a rate that causes pooling, ponding and/or runoff of any effluent irrigated.
- C47
Sewage effluent from sewage treatment facilities must be reused or evaporated and must not be released from the sewage treatment plant to any waterway or drainage line. END OF SCHEDULE C Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00863313 Schedule D - Noise and vibration Noise and vibration nuisance
- D1
Noise and vibration from the mining activity must not cause an environmental nuisance, at any sensitive or commercial place.
- D2
Noise from the mining activity must not exceed the levels identified in Table D1 (Noise limits) at any sensitive place or commercial place. 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 a sensitive place LAeq adj, 1 hr BG + 5 BG + 3 BG + 0 BG + 5 BG + 3 BG + 0 Max LpA, 15 min N/A N/A 47 N/A N/A 47 Noise measured at a commercial place LAeq adj, 1 hr BG + 8 BG + 5 BG + 5 BG + 8 BG + 5 BG + 5 Table D1 Notes: 1. All monitoring devices must be correctly calibrated and maintained according to the manufacturer's instruction manual. 2. Any monitoring must be in accordance with the most recent version of the administering authority's Noise Measurement Manual. 3. Any monitoring of noise emissions from the activity must be undertaken when the activity is in operation. 4. Monitoring location(s) must be relevant to the matter(s) under the investigation. 5. All monitoring must be performed by an appropriately qualified person. 6. Monitoring must include: a. LAeq, adj, 1hr; b. Max LpA, for the purpose of protecting from sleep disturbance in accordance with the WHO Guideline for Community Noise; c. Background noise (BG) as LA90, adj, T; d. The level and frequency of occurrence of impulsive or tonal noise; e. Atmospheric conditions including wind speed and direction; f. Effects due to extraneous factors such as traffic noise; and g. Location, date and time of recording. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00863313 Blasting at Crusader mine area
- D3
Blasting must not cause the limits prescribed in Table D2 (Blasting noise and vibration limits) to be exceeded at any sensitive place or commercial place. Table D2 (Blasting noise and vibration limits) Blasting noise and vibration limits Sensitive place and commercial place limits 7am to 6pm 6pm to 7am 115 dB (Linear) Peak for 9 out of 10 Airblast overpressure consecutive blasts initiated and not 115 dB (Linear) Peak greater than 120 dB (Linear) Peak at any time Ground vibration peak particle 5 mm/second peak particle velocity 2 mm/second peak velocity for 9 out of 10 consecutive blasts and not greater than 10 mm/second peak particle velocity at any time
- D4
All monitoring of noise emissions from the activity must be undertaken in accordance with the most recent Australian Standard and the Environmental Protection Regulation 2019 (Chapter 5, Part 4). END OF SCHEDULE D Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00863313 Schedule E - Waste Storage and disposal of tyres
- E1
Storage and disposal of scrap tyres resulting from the mining activities authorised under this environmental authority must be undertaken in accordance with the Operational Policy `Disposal and storage of scrap tyres at mine sites (EM729)', and any updates made to the document from time to time.
- E2
The environmental authority holder 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. Waste management
- E3
The environmental authority holder must develop, implement and maintain a Waste Management Plan. The plan must include a program for safe recycling or disposal of all wastes; a program for the disposal procedure for hazardous wastes, and re-using and recycling where possible.
- E4
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. Regulated waste
- E5
Regulated waste, other than that authorised to be disposed of on site under this authority, must be removed from the site that is over 250kg in weight, must be transported by a person who holds a current authority to transport such wastes to a facility that is lawfully able to accept the waste under the provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1994. General waste disposal
- E6
General waste must only be disposed of into the waste disposal trench facility of ML90090 as identified in Schedule J, Map 1A (Project Infrastructure Layout - Mount Cuthbert), and be in accordance with the Waste Management Plan under condition E3.
- E7
The environmental authority holder must not cause, allow or permit any waste generated outside the mine to be received at the mine for storage, treatment, processing or disposal. END OF SCHEDULE E Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00863313 Schedule F - Land Rehabilitation landform criteria
- F1
Land disturbed by mining activities must be rehabilitated in accordance with Schedule F - Table F1 (Final Land Use and Rehabilitation Approval Schedule), Schedule F -Table 2 (Landform design) and the objectives of the Post Mine Land Use Plan required under condition F9. Schedule F - Table 1 (Final land use and rehabilitation approval schedule) Disturbance Projective Pre-mine Post-mine land Post mine Reference site type Surface land use or description land identification Area (ha) description central peg classification Mount Cuthbert 386452 Mine pit 4 LIG Water VIII 7789377 Storage Overburden dumps 6 LIG LIG VII/VIII 386274 7789413 Old Kalkadoon workings and Laydown 2 LIG LIG VII/VIII 386562 7789479 Topsoil dumps and borrow pits 7 LIG LIG VII/VIII 386948 7788222 Roads/tracks 7 LIG LIG VII/VIII N/A ROM and crushing area 6.5 LIG LIG VII/VIII 386416 7789203 386712 Plant area 1 LIG LIG VII/VIII 7788795 Plant laydown areas 1 LIG LIG VII/VIII 386725 Process water ponds 7788911 Stormwater dam Stormwater dam 2 0.6 LIG LIG VII/VIII 386559 Offices, workshops and fuel areas 7788818 Mining contractor workshop and laydown 3.1 LIG LIG VII/VIII 386559 7788703 Leach pads 8.0 LIG LIG VII/VIII 386649 7788573 0.6 LIG LIG VII/VIII 386784 7788819 1.5 LIG LIG VII/VIII 386886 7788784 386439 16 LIG LIG VII/VIII
- F2
All land subject to mining activities must be rehabilitated to: (a) a stable landform and with a self-sustaining vegetation cover and species that are similar to adjoining undisturbed areas; (b) a safe landform, which is non-polluting, geo-chemically and geo-technically stable; (c) ensure that all land is reinstated to the pre-disturbed land use and suitability class; (d) ensure that the maintenance requirements for rehabilitated land is no greater than that required for the land prior to its disturbance by mining activities; and (e) ensure that the water quality of any residual void or water bodies constructed by mining activities meets criteria for subsequent uses and does not have potential to cause environmental harm.
- F3
Maintenance of rehabilitated areas must take place to ensure and demonstrate: (a) stability of landforms; (b) erosion control measures remain effective; (c) stormwater runoff and seepage from rehabilitated areas does not negatively affect the environmental values of any waters; (d) plants show healthy growth and recruitment is occurring; and (e) rehabilitated areas are free of any declared pest plants.
- F4
Rehabilitation can be considered successful when: (a) the site can be managed for its designated land-use (e.g. similar to that of surrounding undisturbed areas); (b) no greater management input than for other land in the area being used for a similar purpose is required and there is evidence that the rehabilitation has been successful for at least three (3) years; (c) the rehabilitation is carried out in accordance with the goals, objectives indicators and completion criteria as specified in Schedule F - Table 1 (Final Land Use and Rehabilitation Approval Schedule), Schedule F - Table 2 (Landform design) and in the post mine land use plan; and (d) written agreement is obtained from the landowner/holder and administering authority.
- F5
Areas that are available for rehabilitation must be identified in the current plan of operations.
- F6
Rehabilitation must commence progressively as soon as areas become available and in accordance with the plan of operations.
- F7
Topsoil and subsoils must be stripped separately and stockpiled ahead of mining and used in rehabilitation.
- F8
When topsoil is stored in stockpiles it should be in a manner that ensures stability. Measures must include: (a) vegetating stockpiles; (b) minimising the height of stockpiles; and (c) re-using stockpiles as soon as possible. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00863313 Post mine land use plan
- F9
The post mine land use plan must be included in the plan of operations and updated with each subsequent plan of operations, describing how the rehabilitation objectives in Schedule F - Table 1 (Final Land Use and Rehabilitation Approval Schedule), Schedule F - Table 2 (Landform design) will be achieved. The Post Mine Land Use Plan must include: (a) schematic representation of final land form inclusive of drainage features; (b) slope designs; (c) cover design; (d) drainage design; (e) erosion controls proposed on reformed land; (f) description of experimental design for monitoring of analogue and rehabilitated areas inclusive of statistical design; (g) proposed revegetation criteria including: (i) species diversity, abundance and composition; (ii) projective cover; (iii) dry matter production and (iv) stocking rates to ensure self sustaining vegetation is maintained; (h) proposed revegetation methods inclusive of plant species selection, re-profiling, respreading soil, soil ameliorants/amendments, surface preparation and method of propagation; (i) materials balance including available top soil and low permeability capping material; (j) research program and associated milestones; (k) geotechnical, geochemical and hydrological studies; (l) chemical, physical and biological properties of soil and water; (m) clear objectives and success criteria for the each land unit including establishment in accordance with outcomes stipulated in the administering authority's guideline for Rehabilitation Requirements for Mining Projects; (n) measurable completion criteria for each rehabilitation indicator (for each land unit) that enables determination of rehabilitation success for each disturbance type (or land unit); and (o) rehabilitation monitoring program which includes sufficient replication to enable statistical analysis of results at an acceptable power. Post closure management plan
- F10
A post closure management plan for the site must be developed and implemented for a nominal period of: (a) at least thirty (30) years following final ore processing on-site; or (b) a shorter period if the site is proven to be geotechnically and geochemically stable and it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the administering authority that no release of contaminants for the site will result in environmental harm. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00863313
- F11
The Post Closure Management Plan must include the following elements: (a) operation and maintenance of: (i) wastewater collection and reticulation systems; (ii) wastewater treatment systems; (iii) the groundwater monitoring network; (iv) final cover systems; and (v) vegetative cover. (b) monitoring of: (i) surface water quality; (ii) groundwater quality; (iii) seepage rates; (iv) erosion rates; (v) the integrity and effectiveness of final cover systems; and (vi) the health and resilience of vegetative cover. Environmental offsets
- F12
An environmental offset must be made in accordance with the Environmental Offsets Act 2014 and Queensland Environmental Offsets Policy, where a significant residual impact occurs to a prescribed environmental matter.
- F13
Prior to the commencement of any impacts to a prescribed environmental matter for which an environmental offset is required by condition F12, an analysis of the estimated maximum extent of impact to each prescribed environmental matter must be provided to the administering authority, consistent with Schedule F - Table 3 and Schedule J - Map 6. Schedule F - Table 3 (Authorised impacts to prescribed environmental matters) Prescribed Location of prescribed environmental matter (GDA94 - Maximum Environmental environmental Zone 54) extent of offset required matter impact Regulated vegetation (riparian) Two ephemeral order one watercourses located at the top of the catchment area on Mount Watson ML90154. Coordinates: Regional Creek 1 Easting Northing 5.5 ha Yes ecosystem (not in (MGA GDA94, (MGA GDA94, an urban area) Upstream Z54) Z54) within a defined extent distance from the 384294.26 7812606.89 defining banks of a Downstream 384491.57 7813509.86 relevant extent watercourse - 383997.39 7812846.34 Regional Creek 2 Ecosystems 1.3.6x1a and Upstream 1.5.4d extent Downstream 383933.18 7812898.43 extent Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00863313
- F14
The analysis required by condition F13 must be approved by the administering authority before the notice of election, if applicable, is given to the administering authority.
- F15
The notice of election for the environmental offset required by condition F12, if applicable, must be provided to the administering authority no less than three months before the proposed commencement of the significant residual impacts for which the environmental offset is required. Rehabilitation monitoring program
- F16
The holder of the environmental authority must conduct a rehabilitation monitoring program on at least a yearly basis, which must include sufficient spatial and temporal replication to enable scientifically justifiable conclusions as established under the rehabilitation program or other methodology to the satisfaction of the administering authority.
- F17
The rehabilitation monitoring program must be developed and included in the plan of operations and be implemented by a person nominated by the environmental authority holder possessing appropriate qualifications and experience in the field of mine site rehabilitation. Residual void outcome
- F18
Residual voids must not cause any serious environmental harm to land, surface waters or any recognised groundwater aquifer, other than the environmental harm constituted by the existence of the residual void itself, and subject to any other condition within this environmental authority.
- F19
Mining voids must be managed during the operation and decommissioning phases to maximise the potential post mine beneficial uses, by consideration of the following: (a) managing catchment into the void; and (b) ensuring geotechnical stability of final void.
- F20
Decommissioning strategies for the final voids must be provided in the plan of operations, and updated with each update of the plan of operations, including the following information: (a) management options for maximising final void water quality; and (b) assessment of potential final void water quality. Infrastructure
- F21
All infrastructure, mining equipment and plant erected and/or used for the mining activities, including water storage structures, must be removed from the licensed place prior to surrender, except where agreed in writing by the administering authority. Waste rock characterisation
- F22
Waste rock and spoil disposal must not occur on the site unless: (a) the environmental authority holder has submitted to the administering authority a waste rock and spoil disposal plan, together with the certification of an appropriately qualified person that the plan has addressed the requirements of condition F23 in accordance with best practice environmental management; and (b) the administering authority has approved the plan. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00863313
- F23
The waste rock and spoil disposal plan required under condition F22 must include, at a minimum: (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 organic substances and nutrients; (b) a program of progressive sampling and characterisation to identify dispersive and non dispersive spoil, and the salinity, acid and alkali producing potential, metal and nutrient concentrations of waste rock; (c) a materials balance and disposal plan; (d) a sampling program to verify encapsulation and/or placement of potentially acid forming and acid forming waste rock; (e) how often the performance of the plan will be assessed; (f) the indicators or other criteria on which the performance of the plan will be assessed; (g) rehabilitation strategy; and (h) research 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, nutrient rich drainage, erosion minimisation and establishment or vegetation cover.
- F24
PAF material at the Crusader mining area may only be placed at the surface: (a) at the location identified in Map 7; and (b) within an area fully underlain with a low permeability liner that prevents contaminants migrating to the receiving environment; and (c) where stormwater and runoff drains directly to the Crusader void.
- F25
All PAF material at the Crusader mining area must be disposed of in the underground workings in such a way that prevents the release of contaminants to groundwater and in accordance with the waste rock and spoil disposal plan required in condition F22 and F23.
- F26
Subsidence is not authorised to occur as a result of mining activities at the Crusader mining area. Contaminated lands
- F29
Before applying for surrender of a mining lease, the holder must (if applicable) provide to the administering authority a site investigation report under the Act, in relation to any part of the mining lease which has been used for notifiable activities or which the holder is aware is likely to be contaminated land, and also carry out any further work that is required as a result of that report to ensure that the land is suitable for its final land use.
- F30
Before applying for progressive rehabilitation certification for an area, the holder must (if applicable) provide to the administering authority a site investigation report under the Act, in relation to any part of the area the subject of the application which has been used for notifiable activities or which the holder is aware is likely to be contaminated land, and also carry out any further work that is required as a result of that report to ensure that the land is suitable for its final land use under condition G3.
- F31
Minimise the potential for contamination of land by hazardous contaminants. Off-site transport
- F32
The environmental authority holder must take all action necessary to prevent any materials discharging from vehicles or other transport infrastructure. END OF SCHEDULE F Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00863313 Schedule G - Regulated structures All dams - location and limits
- G1
The construction or operation of any dam containing hazardous waste within the operational land must comply with Schedule G - Table 1. Schedule G -- Table 1 (Size and purpose of dams containing hazardous waste) Name of dam containing Maximum surface Maximum Maximum depth Purpose of dam3 volume of dam of dam (m)2 hazardous waste1 area of dam (ha) (m3) Mt Cuthbert Pregnant Leachate 0.2 6,000 3.0 Storage of pregnant leach Solution (PLS) Pond 6,000 solution 6,000 Intermediate Leachate 0.2 150,000 3.0 Storage of intermediate Solution (ILS) Pond leach solution 188,000 Raffinate Pond 0.2 3.0 Storage of raffinate 6,000 solution 6,000 6,000 Storage of storm water 391,000 Stormwater Dam 3.1 5.0 runoff from processing area Additional storage Stormwater Dam 2 8.0 11.2 capacity for stormwater runoff from processing area. Mt Watson Mount Watson PLS Pond 0.3 3.0 Storage of pregnant leach solution Mount Watson ILS Pond 0.3 3.0 Storage of intermediate leach solution Mount Watson Raffinate 0.3 3.0 Storage of raffinate Pond solution Mount Watson Storage of storm water Stormwater Pond 9.8 8.0 runoff from heap leach area 1. The name of the dam containing hazardous waste should refer to the name of the dam e.g. process residue facility and decant dam. 2. For dams that do not require a dam wall, input the maximum void depth e.g. where dams are formed by excavating below the land surface or backfilling a residual void. 3. Purpose of the dam should outline the designed function, e.g. "the permanent containment of tailings resulting from the extraction of nickel, cobalt and other metals at the XYZ Refinery". Location of dam
- G2
The location of any dam containing hazardous waste within the licensed place must be located within the polygonal area defined by the co-ordinates defined in Schedule G - Table 2. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00863313 Schedule G -- Table 2 (Location of dams containing hazardous waste) Name of dam containing hazardous Northing Easting (Zone 54, AMG 84)2 waste1 (Zone 54, AMG 84)2 PLS Pond 7788829 386522 ILS Pond 7788854 386573 Raffinate Pond 7788804 386598 Stormwater Dam 7788781 386551 Stormwater Dam 2 7788805 386468 Mount Watson PLS Pond 7788827 386517 Mount Watson ILS Pond 7788777 386534 Mount Watson Raffinate Pond 7788752 386493 7788857 386581 Mount Watson Stormwater Pond 7788881 386631 7788832 386656 7788807 386548 7788664 386474 7788819 386641 7788721 386695 7788595 386548 7788593 386438 7788779 386787 7788528 386926 7788378 386586 7813016 384210 7813036 384282 7812998 384293 7812978 384221 7813058 384199 7813078 384271 7813039 384282 7813019 384209 7813099 384187 7813119 384260 7813081 384270 7813061 384198 7813427 384633 7813132 384740 7813005 384310 7813118 384263 7813096 384189 7813129 384175 7813265 384396 7813387 384478 1. The name of the dam containing hazardous waste should refer to the name of the dam e.g. process residue facility and decant dam. 2. A minimum of 3 control points is required to constrain the location of all activities associated with the dam containing hazardous waste. Additional infrastructure which forms part of any dam containing hazardous waste may include appurtenant works consisting of tailings discharge pipelines, seepage collection systems, runoff diversion bunds, containment systems, pressure relief wells, decant and recycle water systems.
- G3
The consequence category of any structure must be assessed by a suitably qualified and experienced person in accordance with the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Structures (EM635) at the following times: (a) prior to the construction of the structure, if it is not an existing structure; or (b) if it is an existing structure, by 22 August 2016; or (c) prior to any change in its purpose or the nature of its stored contents.
- G4
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.
- G5
Certification must be provided by the suitably qualified and experienced person who undertook the assessment, in the form set out in the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Structures (EM635). Design and construction of a regulated structure
- G6
Conditions G7 to G11 inclusive do not apply to existing structures.
- G7
All regulated structures must be designed by, and constructed under the supervision of, a suitably qualified and experienced person in accordance with the requirements of the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Structures (EM635).
- G8
Construction of a regulated structure is prohibited unless the environmental authority holder has submitted to the administering authority and ten (10) business days have elapsed, the following: (a) a consequence category assessment report, as required by condition G4; (b) the suitably qualified and experienced person certified design and design plan; and (c) the associated suitably qualified and experienced person certified operating procedures.
- G9
Certification must be provided by the suitably qualified and experienced person who oversees the preparation of the design plan in the form set out in the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Structures (EM635), and must be recorded in the Regulated Structures register.
- G10
Regulated structures must: (a) be designed and constructed in accordance with and conform to the requirements of the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Structures (EM635); (b) be designed and constructed with due consideration given to ensuring that the design integrity would not be compromised on account of: (i) floodwaters from entering the regulated structure from any watercourse or drainage line; and (ii) wall failure due to erosion by floodwaters arising from any watercourse or drainage line.
- G11
Certification by the suitably qualified and experienced person who supervises the construction must be submitted to the administering authority within 10 days of 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. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00863313 Operation of a regulated structure
- G12
Operation of a regulated structure must not commence unless the environmental authority holder has submitted to the administering authority: (a) one paper copy and one electronic copy of the design plan and certification of the `design plan' in accordance with condition G9; (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 system for the purpose of sharing the design storage allowance (DSA) volume across the system, a copy of the certified system design plan; and (e) a statement that confirms: (i) The requirements of this authority relating to the construction of the regulated structure have been met; (ii) The details required under this authority, have been entered into a Register of Regulated Structures; and (iii) There is a current operational plan for the regulated structures.
- G13
For existing structures that are regulated structures: (a) where the existing structure that is a regulated structure is managed as part of an integrated containment system for the purpose of sharing the DSA volume across the system, the environmental authority holder must submit to the administering authority within three (3) months of the commencement of this condition a copy of the certified system design plan including that structure; and (b) there must be a current operational plan for the existing structures.
- G14
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. Mandatory reporting level
- G15
Conditions G16 to G19 inclusive only apply to Regulated Structures which have not been certified as low consequence category for `failure to contain - overtopping'.
- G16
The Mandatory Reporting Level (the MRL) specified in Schedule G - Table 3 must be marked on a regulated structure in such a way that during routine inspections of that structure, it is clearly observable.
- G17
The environmental authority 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 structure reaches the MRL.
- G18
The environmental authority holder must, immediately on becoming aware that the MRL has been reached, act to prevent the occurrence of any unauthorised discharge from the regulated structure.
- G19
The environmental authority holder must record any changes to the MRL in Schedule G - Table 3 and in the Register of Regulated Structures. Design storage allowance
- G20
The environmental authority holder must assess the performance of each regulated structure or linked containment system over the preceding November to May period based on actual observations of the available storage in each regulated structure or linked containment system taken prior to 1 July of each year.
- G21
By 1 November of each year, storage capacity must be available in each regulated structure (or network of linked containment systems with a shared DSA volume), to meet the Design Storage Allowance (DSA) volume for the structure (or network of linked containment systems), as specified in Schedule G - Table 3. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00863313
- G22
The environmental authority holder must, as soon as possible and within forty-eight (48) hours of becoming aware that the regulated structure (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.
- G23
The environmental authority holder must, immediately on becoming aware that a regulated structure (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 structure or linked containment systems. Annual inspection report
- G24
Each regulated structure must be inspected each calendar year by a suitably qualified and experienced person no later than 1 November each year.
- G25
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, if applicable, to ensure the integrity of the regulated structure.
- G26
The suitably qualified and experienced person who prepared the annual inspection report must certify the report in accordance with the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Structures (EM635).
- G27
The environmental authority holder must within twenty (20) business days of receipt of the annual inspection report, provide to the administering authority: (a) the recommendations section of the annual inspection report; and (b) if applicable, any details of any actions being taken in response to those recommendations. Transfer arrangements
- G28
The environmental authority 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. Decommissioning and rehabilitation
- G29
Regulated structures and structures must not be abandoned. They must be decommissioned and rehabilitated to achieve compliance with conditions F1 and F9. Register of regulated structures
- G30
A Register of Regulated Structures must be established and maintained by the environmental authority holder for each regulated structure.
- G31
The environmental authority 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.
- G32
The environmental authority holder must make a final entry of the required information in the Register of Regulated Structures once compliance with condition G12 and G13 has been achieved.
- G33
The environmental authority holder must ensure that the information contained in the Register of Regulated Structures is current and complete on any given day.
- G34
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.
- G35
The environmental authority 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.
- G36
All existing structures that have not been assessed in accordance with the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Structures (EM635) must be assessed and certified in accordance with the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Structures (EM635) by 22 August 2016. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00863313 Hydraulic performance of regulated structures
- G37
Each regulated structure authorised by this environmental authority as specified in Schedule A - Table A1, must meet the hydraulic performance criteria listed in Schedule G - Table 3 for that structure. Schedule G - Table 3 (Hydraulic performance criteria) Name of Consequence Design storage Mandatory Purpose of regulated category Spillway capacity reporting level structure structure allowance Design Design mAHD Design mAHD criteria mAHD Criteria criteria Mt Cuthbert PLS Pond Storage of pregnant leach N/A N/A N/A solution ILS Pond Storage of Raffinate Pond 1:100 Year intermediate ARI 2 month leach solution Stormwater Dam Significant 1: 100 254.0 wet season 1:10 AEP Storage of Year ARI plus process 72 hr raffinate solution Stormwater Dam (0.001 inputs for the storm Storage of storm 2 - Combined AEP) 2 month wet event water runoff from system season processing area (Process water ponds and 253.8 (Volume 251.2 Additional Stormwater Dam 263ML) storage capacity overflow to for stormwater Stormwater Dam TBA1 TBA1 TBA1 TBA1 TBA1 TBA1 TBA1 runoff from 2) TBA1 TBA1 TBA1 processing area. Mt Watson TBA1 TBA1 TBA1 Storage of Mount Watson pregnant leach PLS Pond solution Storage of Mount Watson TBA1 TBA1 TBA1 TBA1 intermediate ILS Pond TBA1 leach solution
- G38
All existing structures that have not been assessed in accordance with the Manual for Assessing Hazard Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Structures (EM635) must be assessed and certified in accordance with the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Structures (EM635) by 22 August 2016.
- G39
Certification of the transitional assessment required by G38 must be provided to the administering authority within ten (10) business days of completion of the requirements of condition G38.
- G40
All existing structures identified in Schedule G - Table 4 must comply with conditions G42 to G43 until the assessment and certification required under conditions G38 and G39 has been completed, submitted to the administering authority, and an amendment to the environmental authority to include existing structures into Schedule G - Table 3 has occurred.
- G41
The construction and operation of existing regulated structures specified in Schedule G - Table 4 must comply with Schedule G - Table 4.
- G42
All existing high hazard dams containing hazardous waste must comply with the Code of Environmental Compliance for High Hazard Dams Containing Hazardous Waste.
- G43
All low hazard dams containing hazardous waste must comply with the criteria outlined in Appendix B of the Code of Environmental Compliance for Mining Leases. Schedule G - Table 4 (Storage design* criteria for high hazard dams) Storage type Design storage allowance** Spillway capacity Mandatory**** critical wet period critical design reporting level storm*** Storm Water Dam (Process 1:100 Year ARI 2 month wet 1: 100 Year ARI 1:100 year ARI water ponds overflow to the season plus process inputs for Stormwater dam) the 2 month wet season Effective for the period * Calculations are to be carried out in accordance with the Site Water Management Guideline in the Technical Guidelines for Environmental Management of Exploration and Mining in Queensland (DME 1995). ** The design storage allowance on 1st November of each year for any regulated dam constructed within the operational land must be sufficient to contain the run-off from the critical wet period - plus the volume of any other inputs to the storage facility during that critical wet period, as part of operations. Such inputs could be tailings, contaminated site waters, process waters, and any other materials. *** The critical storm has a duration that produces the peak discharge for the catchment. **** The level below spillway crest that can accommodate runoff from a 72 hour storm at the specified AEP, or the wave allowance at the specified AEP - whichever level is lower. END OF SCHEDULE G Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00863313 Schedule H - Groundwater
- H1
The environmental authority holder must not release contaminants, directly or indirectly, to groundwater.
- H2
Groundwater quality and level must be monitored at the locations and frequencies defined in Table H1 for parameters identified in Table H2. Table H1 (Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency) Monitoring point2 Easting Northing MGA Surface RL1 Monitoring MGA frequency Compliance bores (GDA94) (mAHD) Quarterly
- MB5
- Mount Cuthbert 386660 7788785 255.40 Monthly
- MB6
- Mount Cuthbert 386792 7788928 252.37
- MB75
- Mount Cuthbert 386893 7788603 246.52
- MB85
- Mount Cuthbert 387110 7789132 237.01
- MB9
- Mount Cuthbert 386468 7789528 259.17
- MB16
- Mount Cuthbert 386574 7789297 260.61
- MB17
- Mount Cuthbert 386986 7789489 239.75
- MB18
- Mount Cuthbert 387017 7788839 242.56
- MB19
- Mount Cuthbert 387166 7788675 250.83
- MB20
- Mount Cuthbert 386907 7788853 243.97
- MB21
- Mount Cuthbert 386885 7788351 256.05
- MB10
- Mount Cuthbert 386425 7789972 248.16
- MB11
- Mount Cuthbert 386872 7787707 251.93
- H3
All Crusader monitoring bores specified in Table H1 must be installed and the location and surface RL details provided to the administering authority prior to the commencement of underground mining activities. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00863313 Table H2 (Groundwater contaminant limits and trigger levels) Contaminant limit (mg/L)6 Contaminant limit - Crusader Trigger levels (g/L)6 compliance bores (g/L)6 Quality characteristic Electrical conductivity (-S/cm) 1000(1) 250(5) 250(5) pH (pH Unit) 6.0 (minimum) 6.0 (minimum) 6.0 (minimum) 9.0 (maximum) 7.5 (maximum) 7.5 (maximum) Standing water level (mAHD) (interpretational purposes) (interpretational purposes) (interpretational purposes) Chloride (mg/L) (interpretational purposes) (interpretational purposes) (interpretational purposes) Sulphate 1000(4) 80th percentile of reference (8) 80th percentile of the (SO42-) (mg/L) 5 (mg/L) (4) 55 (g/L) (7) reference(3) Aluminium 55 (g/L) (2) Arsenic 0.5 (mg/L) (4) 13 (g/L) (7) 13 (g/L) (2) Boron 5 (mg/L) (4) 940 (g/L) (7) 370 (g/L) (2) Cadmium 0.01 (mg/L) (4) 0.2 (g/L) (7) 0.2 (g/L) (2) Chromium 1 (mg/L) (4) 1 (g/L) (7) 1 (g/L) (2) 1 (mg/L) (4) 80th percentile of reference (8) 90 (g/L) (2) Cobalt Copper 1 (mg/L) (4) 1.4 (g/L) (7) 1.4 (g/L) (2) Lead 0.1 (mg/L) (4) 3.4 (g/L) (7) 3.4 (g/L) (2) not sufficiently toxic(4) 1900 (g/L) (7) 1900 (g/L) (2) Manganese Mercury 0.002 (mg/L) (4) 0.06 (g/L) (7) 0.6 (g/L) (2) Molybdenum 0.15 (mg/L) (4) 80th percentile of reference (8) TBD* Nickel 1 (mg/L) (4) 11 (g/L) (7) 11 (g/L) (2) Selenium 0.02 (mg/L) (4) 5 (g/L) (7) 11 (g/L) (2) Zinc 20 (mg/L) (4) 8 (g/L) (7) 8 (g/L) (2) Notes: *TBD - not available, local trigger and values need to be developed before commencement of underground mining activities. 1. Contaminant limit based on ANZECC (2000) default trigger values for conductivity (Table 3.3.9) 2. Default trigger values - from ANZECC (2000) trigger levels for aquatic ecosystems 95th percentile protection 3. Reference sites are defined in Schedule H - Table H1 4. Contaminant limit based on ANZECC (2000) stock water quality guideline 5. Based on Queensland Water Quality Guidelines (Table G.4) 6. Contaminant limits for metals (mg/L) are based on total metal concentrations, and trigger levels (-g/L) are based on filtered samples - To remove any doubt, the contaminant limits for metals at the Crusader mining area are based on filtered samples 7. Contaminant limit based on ANZECC (2018) default trigger values for slightly to moderately disturbed aquatic ecosystems.
- H4
If quality characteristics of groundwater at a compliance bore specified in Table H1, excluding bores CRUMB06 through CRUMB15, exceeds any of the groundwater quality trigger levels specified in Table H2, the environmental authority holder must compare the compliance monitoring bore results to the relevant reference site and: (a) if the level of contaminants at the compliance site does not exceed the reference monitoring site data, then no action is to be taken; and (b) if the level of contaminants at the compliance site is greater than the reference monitoring site data, complete an investigation in accordance with the ANZECC (2000) methodology, into the potential for environmental harm and provide a written report to the administering authority within ninety (90) days, outlining: (i) details of the investigations carried out; and (ii) actions taken to prevent environmental harm. Note: Where an exceedance of a trigger level has occurred and is being investigated, in accordance with H4(b) of this condition, no further reporting is required for subsequent trigger events for that quality characteristic within the investigation period.
- H5
If an exceedance in accordance with condition H4 is identified, the holder of the authority must notify the administering authority within ten (10) business days of receiving the result. Note: Where an investigation under condition H4(b) is ongoing, no further notification under condition H5 is required for the subsequent exceedances of that quality characteristics until completion of the investigation, unless a materially different trend or new contamination is identified.
- H6
Groundwater quality characteristics measured at all the compliance bores specified in Table H1, excluding the Mount Cuthbert compliance bores, must not exceed the corresponding contaminant limit defined in Table H2. H6A Groundwater quality characteristics measured at the Mount Cuthbert compliance bores specified in Table H1, must not exceed the corresponding contaminant limit defined in Table H2 on any three (3) consecutive sampling occasions. H6B Underground mining activities at the Crusader mining area must cease where groundwater quality characteristics at bores `CRUMB12' through `CRUMB15' identified in Table H1 exceed the contaminant limits defined in Table H2 for the Crusader mining area.
- H7
The construction, maintenance and management of groundwater bores (including groundwater monitoring bores) must be undertaken in a manner that: (a) prevents contaminants entering groundwater; and (b) ensures representative groundwater samples from the target hydrogeological unit.
- H8
A bore report must be kept for each monitoring bore at the Crusader mining area which includes: (a) identification reference number and geographic coordinate location; (b) construction information including but not limited to depth of bore, depth and length of casing, depth and length of screening and bore sealing details; (c) lithological strata, stratigraphies and target hydrogeological unit of the bore; and (d) pre-development standing groundwater level at the time the bore was drilled. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00863313
- H9
All monitoring and sampling required under the conditions of this environmental authority must be carried out in accordance with the requirements of the latest version of the following documents unless otherwise approved by the administering authority: (a) `Monitoring and Sampling Manual: Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009', Department of Environment and Science, 2018; (b) `Groundwater Sampling and Analysis - A Field Guide' (2009:27 GeoCat#6890.1); and (c) Australian Standard AS/NZS 5667.11:1998 `Water quality--Sampling, Part 11: Guidance on sampling of groundwaters'. Groundwater Monitoring and Management Program
- H10
Before the commencement of underground mining activities at the Crusader mining area, a groundwater monitoring and management program (GMMP) for the Crusader mining area must be developed, documented, implemented and maintained by appropriately qualified persons.
- H11
The GMMP required by condition H10 must, at a minimum: (a) identify of all environmental values potentially impacted by mining activities; (b) identify all hydrogeological units potentially impacted by mining activities; (c) identify all potential sources of contamination to groundwater resultant from mining activities; (d) ensure that all potential groundwater impacts due to the activity are identified, monitored and mitigated (e) 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 mining activities; (ii) detect any impacts to groundwater quality due to the mining activities; (iii) determine trends in groundwater quality; and (f) a description of the groundwater monitoring and data analysis that will be undertaken to determine trends and detect any impacts to groundwater quality and standing water level (SWL); (g) document groundwater management and monitoring methodologies undertaken for the duration of mining activities; (h) a hydrogeological groundwater model in accordance with the most recent version of the `Australian Groundwater Modelling Guidelines' (2012); (i) provision of an appropriate quality assurance and quality control program; (j) include a review process to identify improvements to the GMMP that include addressing any comments provided by the administering authority.
- H12
The GMMP must be reviewed on an annual basis by an appropriately qualified person to determine if it continues to meet the requirements stated in condition H11. Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems (GDEs)
- H13
The taking of or interference with groundwater must not cause environmental harm to any groundwater dependant ecosystems (GDEs).
- H14
A Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Management Plan (GDEMP) prepared by an appropriately qualified person must be submitted to the administering authority prior to the commencement of underground mining activities at the Crusader mining area. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00863313
- H15
The GDEMP specified in condition H14, and any revision of the GDEMP, must: (1) be designed to ensure compliance with condition H13; and (2) include a description of all GDEs that have the potential to be impacted by the mining activities at the Crusader mining area that includes, but is not limited to: (a) baseline conditions for each GDE for all performance criteria; and (b) vegetation structure, health and composition for each GDE; and (c) characterisation of vegetation in each GDE; and (d) permeability of aquifers that support GDEs; and (e) isotope analysis of vegetation for each GDE; and (f) identification of root depth for all vegetation types within each GDE; and (g) minimum standing water level required to sustain the GDE; and (3) identify: (a) all GDEs that may be impacted by the mining activities as the Crusader mining area; and (b) performance criteria for the identified GDEs; and (c) trigger values that will provide early warning of any impact to GDEs; and (d) limits that will detect when a GDE is impacted; and (4) include, and provide justification of: (a) hydrogeological conceptual modelling , including local scale modelling and consideration of cumulative impacts; and (b) a site-specific risk assessment; and (c) past and proposed ongoing monitoring; and (d) proposed mitigation strategy(s), including corrective action(s) if trigger values and/or limits are reached or exceeded and consideration of cumulative impacts; and (5) incorporate the findings of the most recent hydrogeological groundwater modelling. (6) identify where groundwater monitoring bores should be located in order to: (a) detect the predicted potential drawdown in aquifers; and (b) detect predicted potential impacts to GDEs; and (c) provide early warning of potential impacts to GDEs; and (7) include a monitoring program that is sufficient to detect impacts to GDEs which includes, but is not limited to: (a) groundwater bore monitoring locations, frequency, aquifers and parameters (including standing water level); and (b) surface water monitoring locations, frequency and parameters (including stream height); and (c) reference sites for groundwater and surface water monitoring, including locations, frequency and parameters (and aquifers for groundwater); and (d) isotope analysis of surface water and groundwater; and (e) ecological surveying of GDE flora and fauna; and (f) analysis of satellite remote sensing derived moisture condition in GDEs; and (8) be updated with the most recent data available.
- H16
The GDEMP must be implemented and thereafter reviewed every twelve (12) months.
- H17
The limits specified in the GDEMP in accordance with condition H15(3)(d) must not be exceeded. Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00863313
- H18
If the EA holder detects that a trigger value in the GDEMP has been reached or exceeded, the EA holder must: (1) notify the administering authority within five business days of becoming aware of the detection; and (2) submit within three (3) months of becoming aware of the detection, any proposed corrective action(s) to the administering authority in writing. Hydrogeological Groundwater Model Review
- H19
The hydrogeological groundwater model required by condition H11(h) must: (a) be reviewed in accordance with the most recent version of the `Australian Groundwater Modelling Guidelines' (2012), before the commencement of underground mining activities at the Crusader mining area and thereafter annually, and (b) include all aquifers potentially impacted by the activity; and (c) model the full potential impacts caused by the activity (including spatial extent, as well as over the lifetime of the impact); and (d) be undertaken with sufficient resolution to allow any potential impacts to be identified; and (e) include sensitivity analysis and uncertainty analysis; and (f) be updated by an appropriately qualified person to include (ii) validation and recalibration with all available monitoring data (iii) additional hydraulic properties for all bores.
- H20
Annual groundwater monitoring reports must be prepared and submitted to the administering authority with each annual return, and include the following: (a) analysis of groundwater chemistry; (b) the hydro-geological status of all groundwater bores; and (c) groundwater conditions. END OF SCHEDULE H Permit OFFICIAL Environmental Authority EPML00863313 Schedule I - 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. "20th percentile flow" means the 20th percentile of all daily flow measurements (or estimations) of daily flow over a 10 year period for a particular site. The 20th percentile calculation should only include days where flow has been measured (or estimated), i.e. not dry weather days. "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 been disturbed by the mining activities. Acceptance criteria may include information regarding: (a) vegetation establishment, survival and succession; (b) vegetation productivity, sustained growth and structure development; (c) fauna colonisation and habitat development; (d) ecosystem processes such as soil development and nutrient cycling, and the recolonisation of specific fauna groups such as collembola, mites and termites which are involved in these processes; (e) microbiological studies including recolonisation by mycorrhizal fungi, microbial biomass and respiration; (f) effects of various establishment treatments such as deep ripping, topsoil handling, seeding and fertiliser application on vegetation growth and development; (g) resilience of vegetation to disease, insect attack, drought and fire; (h) vegetation water use and effects on ground water levels and catchment yields. predecessors. "AEP" means annual exceedance probability - being the probability that at least one event as specified will occur in a particular year. "AHD" means Australian height datum. "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;