Queensland Mining Approvals IndexMining Capital Funds

Data as at 14 September 2026 · from the Queensland EP Act public register

Coal environmental authority

EPML00961613 · Springsure Creek Coal Project

Coal environmental authority EPML00961613 (Springsure Creek Coal Project), Granted - Not Effective. 150 conditions indexed. No PRC plan.

Status
Granted - Not Effective
Holders
Springsure Creek Coal Pty Ltd
Tenures
ML70486
PRC plan
None
How it was read
Numbered conditions
Register
Register record · Instrument PDF

Conditions

150 numbered conditions read from the current instrument. Page numbers link into the register PDF.

  1. A1

    Scope of activity This environmental authority authorises a coal extraction rate of up to 11 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of run of mine (ROM) coal from the Springsure Creek Coal Mine located on ML70486 in accordance with this environmental authority (permit number EPML00961613).

  2. A2

    In carrying out the mining activity authorised by this environmental authority, the holder of this environmental authority must comply with Table A1: Mine domains. The mine domains must not exceed the area of disturbance specified in Table A1: Mine domains. Note: Variation of mining activities identified in Table A1: Mine domains is permitted providing it does not result in an increase in environmental harm.

  3. A3

    Maintenance and operation of plant and equipment The holder of this environmental authority must: a) install all measures, plant and equipment necessary to ensure compliance with the conditions of this environmental authority b) maintain such measures, plant and equipment in a proper and efficient condition c) operate such measures, plant and equipment in a proper and efficient manner 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.

    page 4Monitoring and reporting
  4. A4

    Monitoring Except where specified otherwise in another condition of this environmental authority, all monitoring records or reports required by this environmental authority must be kept for a period of not less than five (5) years.

    page 4Monitoring and reporting
  5. A5

    Financial assurance Provide financial assurance in the amount and form required by the administering authority in accordance with the EP Act, prior to the commencement of activities proposed under this Environmental Authority.

  6. A6

    The amount of financial assurance must be reviewed by the holder of this environmental authority when a plan of operations is amended or replaced or the environmental authority is amended.

  7. A7

    Risk Management The holder of this environmental authority must develop and implement a risk management system for mining activities which mirrors the content requirement of the Standard for Risk Management (ISO31000:2009), or the latest edition of an Australian standard for risk management, to the extent relevant to environmental management, within three (3) months from date of issue of this environmental authority.

  8. A8

    Notification of emergencies, incidents and exceptions The holder of this environmental authority must notify the administering authority by written notification within twenty-four (24) hours, after becoming aware of any emergency or incident which results in the release of contaminants not in accordance, or reasonably expected to be not in accordance with, the conditions of this environmental authority. Permit Environmental authority EPML00961613 Springsure Creek Coal Project

    page 4Monitoring and reporting
  9. A9

    Within ten (10) business days following the initial notification of an emergency or incident, or receipt of monitoring results, whichever is the latter, further written advice must be provided to the administering authority, including the following: a) results and interpretation of any samples taken and analysed b) outcomes of actions taken at the time to prevent or minimise unlawful environmental harm c) proposed actions to prevent a recurrence of the emergency or incident.

    page 5Monitoring and reporting
  10. A10

    Complaints The holder of this environmental authority must record all environmental complaints received about the mining activities including: a) name, address and contact number for of the complainant b) time and date of complaint c) reasons for the complaint d) investigations undertaken e) conclusions formed f) actions taken to resolve the complaint g) any abatement measures implemented h) person responsible for resolving the complaint.

    page 5Monitoring and reporting
  11. A11

    The holder of this environmental authority must, when requested by the administering authority, undertake relevant specified monitoring within a reasonable timeframe nominated or agreed to by the administering authority to investigate any complaint of environmental harm. The results of the investigation (including an analysis and interpretation of the monitoring results) and abatement measures, where implemented, must be provided to the administering authority within ten (10) business days of completion of the investigation, or no later than ten (10) business days after the end of the timeframe nominated by the administering authority to undertake the investigation.

    page 5Monitoring and reporting
  12. A12

    Third-party reporting The holder of this environmental authority must: a) within one (1) year of the commencement of this environmental authority, obtain from an appropriately qualified person a report on compliance with the conditions of this environmental authority; b) obtain further such reports at regular intervals, not exceeding three (3) yearly intervals, from the completion of the report referred to above; and c) provide each report to the administering authority within ninety (90) days of its completion.

    page 5Monitoring and reporting
  13. A13

    Where a condition of this environmental authority requires compliance with a standard, policy or guideline published externally to this environmental authority and the standard is amended or changed subsequent to the issue of this environmental authority, the holder of this environmental authority must: a) comply with the amended or changed standard, policy or guideline within two (2) years of the amendment or change being made, unless a different period is specified in the amended standard or relevant legislation, or where the amendment or change relates specifically to regulated structures referred to in Schedule G. b) until compliance with the amended or changed standard, policy or guideline is achieved, continue to remain in compliance with the corresponding provision that was current immediately prior to the relevant amendment or change. Permit Environmental authority EPML00961613 Springsure Creek Coal Project Table A1: Mine Domains Mine domain Description Location Maximum Area of 1. Subsided areas Disturbance (ha) Irrigated/non-irrigated ML70486 (refer to 2. Infrastructure cropping land, Figure 2: Springsure 8,711 Creek Coal Project 3. Mine void underground mining. Final Rehabilitated 34.3 4. Other land Includes MIA (bathhouse, Landform) 26 administration 2.7 Total 1,877 buildings, workshop, 10,651 fuelling facilities, rescue and emergency), CHP, ROM, sewage/water treatment plant, stockpiles, helipad, mine site access and hardstand. Environmental dams, raw water dam, sediment dams and mine water dams. Drift portal entry. Exploration, groundwater monitoring bores. Permit

    page 5Rehabilitation, Groundwater, Regulated structures, Subsidence, Land and soil, Monitoring and reporting
  14. B1

    Dust nuisance The holder of this environmental authority shall ensure that all reasonable and feasible avoidance and mitigation measures are employed so that the dust and particulate matter emissions generated by the mining activities do not exceed the following levels when measured at any sensitive or commercial place: a) dust deposition of 120 milligrams per square metre per day, averaged over 1 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. 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, for no more than 5 exceedances recorded each year, when monitored in accordance with the most recent version of either: 1. Australian Standard AS3580.9.6 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air-- Determination of suspended particulate matter--PM10 high volume sampler with size- selective inlet - Gravimetric method; or 2. Australian Standard AS3580.9.9 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air-- Determination of suspended particulate matter--PM10 low volume sampler-- Gravimetric method. c) 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. d) a concentration of particulate matter suspended in the atmosphere of 90 micrograms per cubic metre over a 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 or using an alternative sampling methodology determined in consultation with the administering authority.

    page 7Air, Monitoring and reporting
  15. B2

    An Air Quality Management Plan must be developed by a suitably qualified and experienced person and submitted to the administering authority for approval at least three (3) months prior to the commencement of mining activities. Permit Environmental authority EPML00961613 Springsure Creek Coal Project

  16. B3

    The Air Quality Management Plan must: a) provide for the effective management of actual and potential environmental impacts resulting from air management associated with mining activities carried out under this environmental authority; b) be developed by an appropriately qualified and experienced person; c) identify all major sources of dust emissions that may occur as a result of mining activities; d) identify all potential sensitive and commercial locations that may be affected by air quality impacts from mining activities; e) describe the procedures that will be used to manage dust emissions; f) detail the collection of air quality and meteorological data in accordance with the administering authority's Air Quality Sampling Manual; g) identify the adverse meteorological conditions likely to produce elevated levels of PM10 at a sensitive or commercial place due to mining activities; h) detail the protocols for regular maintenance of plant and equipment to minimise the potential for fugitive dust emissions; and i) describe the procedures to be undertaken if any non-compliance is detected.

  17. B4

    The holder of this environmental authority must undertake air quality monitoring in accordance with condition B1 at the locations specified in Table B1: Air quality monitoring locations. Table B1: Air quality monitoring locations Monitoring Point Latitude Longitude Springton Homestead (decimal degree, GDA94) (decimal degree, GDA94) -23.9384 148.3764 Den-Lo Park Homestead -23.9447 148.3666

    page 8Air, Monitoring and reporting
  18. AM3

    -23.9747 148.3515 AM4* -23.8771 148.3100 AM5* -23.8559 148.3329 *Monitoring locations to be confirmed. Permit Environmental authority EPML00961613 Springsure Creek Coal Project Schedule C - Waste management Condition Condition number

    page 8Waste, Monitoring and reporting
  19. C1

    All general and regulated waste must only be removed and transported from site by a person who has the authority to transport such wastes to a facility that is lawfully able to accept the waste under the Environmental Protection Act 1994. Note: It is an offence under the Stock Act 1915 and Stock Regulation 1988 to allow or fail to take every reasonable measure to prevent stock access to animal matter or animal contaminated matter.

    page 9Waste
  20. C2

    A Waste Management Plan must be developed and implemented at least three (3) months prior to the commencement of mining activities.

    page 9Waste
  21. C3

    The Waste Management Plan must include: a) a description of the mining activities that may generate waste; b) waste management control strategies such as: 1. the types and amounts of wastes generated by the mining activities. 2. segregation of the wastes. 3. storage of the wastes. 4. transport of wastes. 5. monitoring and reporting matters concerning the wastes. c) the hazardous characteristics of the wastes generated including disposal for hazardous wastes; d) a program for reusing, recycling or disposing of all wastes; e) how the waste will be dealt with in accordance with the waste management hierarchy, including a description of the types and amounts of waste that will be dealt with under each of the waste management practices in the waste management hierarchy (that is, avoidance, reuse, recycling, energy recovery and disposal); f) procedures for identifying and implementing opportunities to minimise the amount of waste generated, promote efficiency in the use of resources and improve the waste management practices employed; g) procedures for dealing with accidents, spills and other incidents; h) details of any accredited management system employed, or planned to be employed, to deal with waste; i) how often the performance of the waste management plan will be assessed; j) the indicators or other criteria on which the performance of the waste management plan will be assessed; k) staff training and induction to the waste management plan.

    page 9Waste, Monitoring and reporting
  22. C4

    The Waste Management Plan must be made available to the administering authority on request.

    page 9Waste
  23. C5

    Storage of tyres Scrap tyres waiting to be transported off site for disposal, recycling, take-back or waste-to- energy options must be stockpiled in volumes less than 3m in height and 200m2 in area and at least 10m from any other tyre storage area or combustible or flammable material, including vegetation.

    page 9Waste, Biodiversity
  24. C6

    Unless otherwise permitted by the conditions of this environmental authority or with prior approval from the administering authority and in accordance with a relevant standard operating procedure, waste must not be burnt. Permit Environmental authority EPML00961613 Springsure Creek Coal Project

    page 9Waste
  25. C7

    The holder of this environmental authority may burn vegetation cleared in the course of carrying out extraction activities provided the activity does not cause environmental harm at any sensitive place or commercial place. Permit Environmental authority EPML00961613 Springsure Creek Coal Project Schedule D - Noise Condition Condition number

    page 10Noise and vibration, Biodiversity
  26. D1

    Noise limits The holder of this environmental authority must ensure that noise generated from the mining activities must not cause the criteria in Table D1: Noise limits to be exceeded at any sensitive or commercial place.

    page 11Noise and vibration
  27. D2

    Airblast overpressure The holder of this environmental authority must ensure that blasting does not cause the limits for peak particle velocity and airblast overpressure in Table D2: Blasting noise limits to be exceeded at any sensitive or commercial place.

    page 11Noise and vibration
  28. D3

    Monitoring and reporting Noise monitoring and recording must include the following descriptor characteristics and matters: a) LAN,T (where N equals the statistical levels of 1, 10 and 90 and T = 15 mins) b) background noise LA90 c) the level and frequency of occurrence of impulsive or tonal noise and any adjustment and penalties to statistical levels d) atmospheric conditions including temperature, relative humidity and wind speed and directions e) effects due to any extraneous factors such as traffic noise f) location, date and time of monitoring g) if the complaint concerns low frequency noise, Max LpLIN,T and one third octave

    page 11Noise and vibration, Monitoring and reporting
  29. D4

    bAannodise and vibration monitoring program must be developed by a suitably qualified and expemrieenacseudrepmeersnotsn intodmBo(LnIiNto)rfocor mcepnlitarencfreeqwuitehnTciaebsleinDth1e: N10ois-e2l0im0 iHtszarnadngTea.ble D2: Blasting noise limits. The noise and vibration monitoring program must be implemented at least three (3) months prior to the commencement of mining activities.

    page 11Noise and vibration, Monitoring and reporting
  30. D5

    The noise and vibration monitoring program must be made available to the administering authority on request. Permit Environmental authority EPML00961613 Springsure Creek Coal Project Table D1: Noise limits Monday to Sunday (including public holidays) Noise level dB(A) 7am - 6pm 6pm - 10pm 10pm - 7am LAeq, adj, 15 mins Noise measured at a `sensitive or commercial place' LA1, adj, 15 mins

    page 11Noise and vibration, Monitoring and reporting
  31. E1

    The holder of this environmental authority must not release contaminants to groundwater.

    page 13Groundwater
  32. E2

    Monitoring and reporting A groundwater quality and biological monitoring and management program must be developed by an appropriately qualified and experienced person and implemented at least three (3) months prior to the commencement of mining activities.

    page 13Groundwater, Monitoring and reporting
  33. E3

    The groundwater quality and biological monitoring and management program must include: a) description of potential impacts of mining activities on groundwater; b) groundwater monitoring bore locations and construction details; c) justification for the location of proposed groundwater monitoring locations; d) the collection of representative groundwater samples from aquifers identified as being potentially affected by mining activities, including but not limited to quality characteristics, groundwater flow rates, hydraulic conductivity within the aquifer and connection with other aquifers and surface waters and impacts to groundwater levels over the life of the mine; e) a sampling regime for determining background groundwater quality; f) the identification of natural groundwater levels and fluctuation; g) three (3) yearly investigations into the presence of Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems (GDEs), including stygofauna. h) identification and monitoring of areas having the potential to support groundwater dependent vegetation.

    page 13Groundwater, Surface water, Biodiversity, Monitoring and reporting
  34. E4

    The groundwater and biological monitoring and management program must be made available to the administering authority on request.

    page 13Groundwater, Monitoring and reporting
  35. E5

    The groundwater monitoring locations must be submitted to the administering authority for inclusion in Table E1: Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency at least three (3) months prior to the commencement of mining activities.

    page 13Groundwater, Monitoring and reporting
  36. E6

    Groundwater quality triggers and limits as per Table E2: Groundwater quality triggers and limits must be finalised and submitted to the administering authority at least three (3) months prior to the commencement of mining activities.

    page 13Groundwater
  37. E7

    Groundwater quality and levels must be monitored at the locations and frequencies defined in Table E1: Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency for quality characteristics identified in Table E2: Groundwater triggers and limits.

    page 13Groundwater, Monitoring and reporting
  38. E8

    Exceedance investigation If quality characteristics of groundwater exceed any of the trigger levels stated in Table E2: Groundwater triggers and limits at any of the monitoring locations identified in Table E1: Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency, the holder of this environmental authority must complete an investigation in accordance with the ANZECC and ARMCANZ 2000 and notify the administering authority within twenty-eight (28) days of receiving the results of the laboratory analysis.

    page 13Groundwater, Monitoring and reporting
  39. E9

    Results of monitoring of groundwater at the bores identified in Table E1: Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency must not exceed any of the limits defined in Table E2: Groundwater triggers and limits. Permit Environmental authority EPML00961613 Springsure Creek Coal Project

    page 13Groundwater, Monitoring and reporting
  40. E10

    The construction, maintenance and management of groundwater monitoring bores must be undertaken in a manner that prevents or minimises impacts to the environment and ensures the integrity of the bores to obtain accurate monitoring.

    page 14Groundwater, Monitoring and reporting
  41. E11

    No impact to groundwater levels within the groundwater aquifers is to occur other than where authorised under an approval of the Water Act 2000. Table E1: Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency Location Monitoring Point Longitude Latitude Surface RL (m) Monitoring Frequency (decimal degree, (decimal degree, TBA TBA TBA GDA94) GDA94) TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA Permit Environmental authority EPML00961613 Springsure Creek Coal Project Table E2: Groundwater quality triggers and limits Parameter Contaminant triggers1 Contaminant limits1

    page 14Groundwater, Monitoring and reporting
  42. F1

    Contaminant release Contaminants that will, or have the potential to cause environmental harm must not be released directly or indirectly to any waters as a result of the authorised mining activities, except as permitted under the conditions of this environmental authority.

  43. F2

    Unless otherwise permitted under the conditions of this environmental authority, the release of mine affected water to waters must only occur from the release points specified in Table F1: Mine affected water release points, sources and receiving waters and depicted in Figure 18-19 Dam Spillway, Piped Release points & Associated Monitoring Locations attached to this environmental authority.

    page 16Surface water, Regulated structures, Monitoring and reporting
  44. F3

    The release of mine affected water to internal water management infrastructure installed and operated in accordance with a water management plan that complies with condition F28 is permitted.

    page 16Surface water
  45. F4

    The release of mine affected water to waters in accordance with condition F2 must not exceed the release limits stated in Table F2: Mine affected water release limits when measured at the monitoring points specified in Table F1: Mine affected water release points, sources and receiving waters for each quality characteristic. Table F1: Mine affected water release points, sources and receiving waters Release Latitude Longitude Mine Affected Water Monitoring Receiving waters Point (RP) (decimal (decimal Source and Point description degree, degree, Location

    page 16Surface water, Monitoring and reporting
  46. F5

    The release of mine affected water to waters from the release points must be monitored at the locations specified in Table F1: Mine affected water release points, sources and receiving waters for each quality characteristic and at the frequency specified in Table F2: Mine affected water release limits and Table F3: Release contaminant trigger investigation levels, potential contaminants. Note: The administering authority will take into consideration any extenuating circumstances prior to determining an appropriate enforcement response in the event condition F5 is contravened due to a temporary lack of safe or practical access. The administering authority expects the environmental authority holder to take all reasonable and practicable measures to maintain safe and practical access to designated monitoring locations. Table F2: Mine affected water release points Quality Characteristic Release Limits Monitoring Frequency Electrical conductivity (-S/cm) Release limits specified in Table F4 for Daily during release (the first pH (pH Unit) variable flow criteria. sample must be taken within 2 6.5 (minimum) Turbidity (NTU) 9.0 (maximum) hours of commencement of Sulphate (SO42-) (mg/L) <50 release) Release limits specified in Table F4 for variable flow criteria.

    page 17Surface water, Monitoring and reporting
  47. F6

    If quality characteristics of the release exceed any of the trigger levels specified in Table F3: Release contaminant trigger investigation levels, potential contaminants during a release event, the environmental authority holder must compare the downstream results in the receiving waters to the trigger values specified in Table F3: Release contaminant trigger investigation levels, potential contaminants and: a) where the trigger values are not exceeded then no action is to be taken; or b) where the downstream results exceed the trigger values specified Table F3: Release contaminant trigger investigation levels, potential contaminants for any quality characteristic, compare the results of the downstream site to the data from background monitoring sites and: 1. if the result is less than the background monitoring site data, then no action is to be taken; or 2. if the result is greater than the background monitoring site data, complete an investigation into the potential for environmental harm and provide a written report to the administering authority within ninety (90) days of receiving the result , outlining: i. details of the investigations carried out ii. actions taken to prevent environmental harm. Note: Where an exceedance of a trigger level has occurred and is being investigated, in accordance with F6 b (2) of this condition, no further reporting is required for subsequent trigger events for that quality characteristic.

    page 17Surface water, Monitoring and reporting
  48. F7

    If an exceedance in accordance with condition F6 b (2) is identified, the holder of the environmental authority must notify the administering authority in writing within twenty-four (24) hours of receiving the result. Permit Environmental authority EPML00961613 Springsure Creek Coal Project

    page 17Monitoring and reporting
  49. F8

    Mine affected water release events The holder must ensure a stream flow gauging station/s is installed, operated and maintained to determine and record stream flows at the locations and flow recording frequency specified in Table F3: Release contaminant trigger investigation levels, potential contaminants.

    page 18Surface water, Monitoring and reporting
  50. F9

    Notwithstanding any other condition of this environmental authority, the release of mine affected water to waters in accordance with condition F2 must only take place during periods of natural flow in accordance with the receiving water flow criteria for discharge specified in Table F4: Mine affected water release during flow events for the release point(s) specified in Table F1: Mine affected water release points, sources and receiving waters.

    page 18Surface water
  51. F10

    The release of mine affected water to waters in accordance with condition F2 must not exceed the Maximum Release Rate (for all combined release point flows) for each receiving water flow criterion for discharge specified in Table F4: Mine affected water release during flow events when measured at the monitoring points specified in Table F1: Mine affected water release points, sources and receiving waters.

    page 18Surface water, Monitoring and reporting
  52. F11

    The daily quantity of mine affected water release from each release point must be measured and recorded.

    page 18Surface water
  53. F12

    Releases to waters must be undertaken so as not to cause erosion of the bed and banks of the receiving waters, or cause a material build-up of sediment in such waters. Permit Environmental authority EPML00961613 Springsure Creek Coal Project Table F3: Release contaminant trigger investigation levels, potential contaminants Quality Trigger Levels Comment on Trigger Level Monitoring Characteristic (-g/L) Frequency 55 Aluminium 13 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on LOR for Commencement of Arsenic 0.2 ICPMS release and weekly Cadmium 1 1.4 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD thereafter during Chromium 300 guideline release (the first Copper 3.4 sample to be taken 0.6 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD within 2 hours of Iron 11 guideline commencement of a 8 Lead 370 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD release) 90 guideline Mercury 1900 34 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on LOR for Nickel 11 ICPMS 0.05 Zinc 1 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on low 10 reliability guideline Boron 900 Cobalt 700 For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on LOR for Manganese ICPMS 20 Molybdenum For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on LOR for CV FIMS Selenium For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD Silver guideline Uranium For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD guideline Vanadium For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD Ammonia guideline Nitrate For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on low Petroleum reliability guideline hydrocarbons For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on SMD (C6-C9) guideline Petroleum hydrocarbons For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on low (C10-C36) reliability guideline For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on LOR for ICPMS For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on LOR for ICPMS

    page 18Surface water, Land and soil, Monitoring and reporting
  54. F13

    Notification of release event The environmental authority holder must notify the administering authority as soon as practicable and no later than twenty-four (24) hours after commencing to release mine affected water to the receiving environment. Notification must include the submission of written advice to the administering authority of the following information: a) release commencement date/time b) details regarding the compliance of the release with the conditions of Department Interest: Water of this environmental authority (that is, contaminant limits, natural flow, discharge volume) c) release point/s d) release rate e) release salinity f) receiving water/s including the natural flow rate. Note: Notification to the administering authority must be addressed to the Manager and Project Manager of the local Administering Authority via email or facsimile.

    page 21Surface water, Monitoring and reporting
  55. F14

    The environmental authority holder must notify the administering authority as soon as practicable and nominally no later than twenty-four (24) hours after cessation of a release event of the cessation of a release notified under condition F13 and within twenty-eight (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 of Department Interest; Water of this environmental authority (i.e. contaminant limits, natural flow, discharge volume) e) all in-situ water quality monitoring results 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 F13 and F14, provided the relevant details of the release are included within the notification provided in accordance with conditions F13 and F14.

    page 21Surface water, Monitoring and reporting
  56. F15

    Notification of release event exceedance If the release limits defined in Table F2: Mine affected water release limits are exceeded, the holder of the environmental authority must notify the administering authority in writing within twenty-four (24) hours of receiving the results.

    page 21Surface water, Monitoring and reporting
  57. F16

    The environmental authority holder must, within twenty-eight (28) days of a release that is not compliant with the conditions of this environmental authority, provide a report to the administering authority detailing: a) the reason for the release b) the location of the release c) the total volume of the release and which (if any) part of this volume was non-compliant d) the total duration of the release and which (if any) part of this period was non-compliant e) all water quality monitoring results (including all laboratory analyses) f) identification of any environmental harm as a result of the non-compliance g) all calculations h) any other matters pertinent to the water release event. Permit Environmental authority EPML00961613 Springsure Creek Coal Project

    page 21Monitoring and reporting
  58. F17

    Monitoring of water storage quality Water storages listed in Table F5: Water storage monitoring, which are associated with release points must be monitored for the water quality characteristics specified in Table F6: Onsite water storage contaminant limits at the monitoring locations and frequencies stated in Table F5: Water storage monitoring.

    page 22Surface water, Monitoring and reporting
  59. F18

    In the event that water storages listed in Table F5: Water storage monitoring exceed the contaminant limits specified in Table F6: Onsite water storage contaminant limits, the holder of this environmental authority must implement measures to prevent access to waters by all livestock.

    page 22Monitoring and reporting
  60. F19

    Receiving environment monitoring and contaminant trigger levels The quality of the receiving waters must be monitored at the locations specified in Table F8: Receiving water upstream background sites and downstream monitoring points for each quality characteristic and at the monitoring frequency stated in Table F7: Receiving waters contaminant trigger levels. Table F5: Water storage monitoring Water storage Latitude Longitude Monitoring locations Frequency description (decimal degree, (decimal degree, Spillway Quarterly Quarterly Environmental Dam 1 GDA94) GDA94) Quarterly Environmental Dam 2 Quarterly Environmental Dam 3 -23.911293 148.375171 Quarterly Environmental Dam 4 -23.904165 148.375589 Spillway Mine Water Dam -23.900955 148.371795 Spillway -23.931248 148.366391 Spillway -23.921164 148.371815 Spillway Permit Environmental authority EPML00961613 Springsure Creek Coal Project Table F6: Water storage contaminant limits Quality characteristic Test value Contaminant limit1 pH Range Greater than 4.0, less than 9.02 Electrical conductivity (-S/cm) Maximum 5970 Sulphate (mg/L) Maximum 1000 Aluminium (mg/L) Maximum 5 Copper (mg/L) Maximum 1 Lead (mg/L) Maximum 0.1 Nickel (mg/L) Maximum 1 Uranium (mg/L) Maximum 20 Zinc (mg/L) Maximum 20 Note: Total measurements (unfiltered) must be taken and analysed. 1Contaminant limit based on ANZECC & ARMCANZ (2000) stock water quality guidelines. 2Page 4.2-15 of the ANZECC & ARMCANZ (2000) `Soil and animal health will not generally be affected by water with pH in the range of 4-9' Table F7: Receiving water contaminant trigger levels Quality Characteristic Trigger Level Monitoring Frequency pH 6.5 - 9.0 Electrical Conductivity (-S/cm) 1000 Daily during the release

    page 22Surface water, Regulated structures, Land and soil, Monitoring and reporting
  61. F20

    If quality characteristics of the receiving water at the downstream monitoring points exceed any of the trigger levels specified in Table F5: Receiving waters contaminants trigger levels during a release the environmental authority holder must compare the downstream results to the upstream results in the receiving waters and: a) where the downstream result is the same or a lower value than the upstream value for the quality characteristic, then no action is to be taken; or b) where the downstream results exceed the upstream results, provide the administering authority written notification within twenty-four (24) hours of becoming aware of the exceedance and then complete an investigation into the potential for environmental harm and provide a written report to the administering authority within twenty (20) business days of receiving the results, outlining: 1. details of the investigation carried out, and 2. actions taken to prevent environmental harm. Note: Where an exceedance of a trigger level has occurred and is being investigated, in accordance with condition F20 (b) of this condition, no further reporting is required for subsequent trigger events for that quality characteristics.

    page 25Surface water, Monitoring and reporting
  62. F21

    Receiving Environment Monitoring Program (REMP) The environmental authority holder must develop and implement a Receiving Environment Monitoring Program (REMP) to monitor, identify and describe any adverse impacts to surface water environmental values, quality and flows due to the authorised mining activity. This must include monitoring the effects of the mine on the receiving environment periodically (under natural flow conditions) and while mine affected water is being discharged from site. For the purposes of the REMP, the receiving environment is the waters of Drummond Gully and connected or surrounding waterways within 10km downstream of the release. The REMP should encompass any sensitive receiving waters or environmental values downstream of the authorised mining activity that will potentially be directly affected by an authorised release of mine affected water.

    page 25Surface water, Monitoring and reporting
  63. F22

    A REMP Design Document that addresses the requirements of the REMP must be prepared and made available to the administering authority upon request.

  64. F23

    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 administering authority. This must include an assessment of background reference water quality, the condition of downstream water quality compared against water quality objectives, and the suitability of current discharge limits to protect downstream environmental values.

    page 25Monitoring and reporting
  65. F24

    Water General All determinations of water quality and biological monitoring must be: a) performed by an appropriately qualified and experienced person; b) made in accordance with the methodologies in the most recent version of the administering authority's monitoring and sampling manual; c) collected from the monitoring locations specified in this environmental authority; d) carried out on representative samples; and e) analysed at an accredited laboratory (e.g. NATA). Permit Environmental authority EPML00961613 Springsure Creek Coal Project

    page 25Monitoring and reporting
  66. F25

    The release of any contaminants as permitted by this environmental authority, directly or indirectly to waters, other than internal water management infrastructure that is installed and operated in accordance with a water management plan that complies with conditions F28 to

  67. F30

    inclusive: a) must not produce any visible discolouration of receiving waters; and b) must not produce any slick or other evidence of oil, grease, petrochemicals, scum, litter or other objectionable matter.

    page 26Surface water
  68. F26

    Annual water monitoring reporting The following information must be recorded in relation to all water monitoring required under the conditions of this environmental authority and submitted to the administering authority in the specified format: a) the date on which the sample was taken b) the time at which the sample was taken c) the monitoring point at which the sample was taken d) the measured or estimated daily quantity of mine affected water released from all release points e) the release flow rate at the time of sampling for each release point f) the results of all monitoring and details of any exceedances of the conditions of this environmental authority g) water quality monitoring data must be provided to the administering authority in the specified electronic format upon request.

    page 26Surface water, Monitoring and reporting
  69. F27

    Temporary Interference with waterways Destroying native vegetation, excavating, or placing fill in a watercourse, lake or spring necessary for and associated with mining operations must be undertaken in accordance with Department of Natural Resources and Mines (or its successor) Guideline - Activities in a Watercourse, Lake or Spring associated with Mining Activities.

    page 26Surface water, Biodiversity
  70. F28

    Water management plan A Water Management Plan must be developed by an appropriately qualified and experienced person and implemented at least three (3) months prior to the commencement of mining activities.

  71. F29

    The Water Management Plan must include: a) a study of the source of contaminants; b) a water balance model for the site; c) a water management system for the site; d) measures to manage and prevent saline drainage; e) measures to manage and prevent acid rock drainage; f) contingency procedures for emergencies; and g) a program for monitoring and review of the effectiveness of the water management plan.

    page 26Monitoring and reporting
  72. F30

    The Water Management Plan must be made available to the administering authority on request.

  73. F31

    Saline drainage The holder of this environmental authority must ensure proper and effective measures are taken to avoid or otherwise minimise the generation and/or release of saline drainage.

  74. F32

    Acid rock drainage The holder of this environmental authority must ensure proper and effective measures are taken to avoid or otherwise minimise the generation and/or release of acid rock drainage. Permit Environmental authority EPML00961613 Springsure Creek Coal Project

  75. F33

    Stormwater and water sediment controls An Erosion and Sediment Control Plan must be developed by an appropriately qualified person and implemented for all stages of the mining activities on the site to minimise erosion and the release of sediment to receiving waters and contamination of stormwater.

    page 27Surface water, Land and soil
  76. F34

    Stormwater, other than mine affected water, is permitted to be released to waters from: a) erosion and sediment control structures that are installed and operated in accordance with the Erosion and Sediment Control Plan required by condition F33; and/or b) water management infrastructure that is installed and operated, in accordance with a Water Management Plan that complies with condition F28, for the purpose of ensuring water does not become mine affected water.

    page 27Surface water, Land and soil
  77. F35

    The maintenance and cleaning of any vehicles, plant or equipment must not be carried out in areas from which contaminants can be released into any receiving waters.

    page 27Surface water
  78. F36

    Overflow of mine affected water from regulated structures The overflow of mine affected water from one or more of the dams listed in the Register of Regulated Dams must only occur if: a) the holder of this environmental authority has complied with ALL conditions listed in Schedule G - Regulated Structures; and b) the overflow is a direct result of rainfall events which since the preceding 1 November have generated a total rainfall depth in excess of that determined under the Design Storage Allowance (DSA) annual exceedance probability (AEP) event in condition G18 for the relevant dam (or network of interconnected systems); c) the dam and release point is listed in Table F9: Overflow release to the receiving environment; d) the holder of this environmental authority has taken all reasonable and practicable measures to prevent an outflow from the relevant dam; and e) the overflow of mine affected water does not cause serious environmental harm.

    page 27Surface water, Regulated structures
  79. F37

    Any release of mine affected water resulting from an overflow from one or more of the dams listed in the Register of Regulated Dams and Table F9: Overflow release to the receiving environment to receiving waters must be monitored at the locations specified in Table F9: Overflow release to the receiving environment and Table F10: Monitoring locations for overflow releases for those quality characteristics at the frequencies specified in Table F11: Release contaminant trigger investigation levels - overflow releases. Permit Environmental authority EPML00961613 Springsure Creek Coal Project

    page 27Surface water, Regulated structures, Monitoring and reporting
  80. F38

    If quality characteristics of the receiving water at the downstream monitoring points exceed any of the trigger levels specified in Table F11: Release contaminant trigger investigation levels - overflow releases during an overflow release, the environmental authority holder must compare the downstream results in the receiving waters to the trigger values specified in Table F11: Release contaminant trigger investigation levels - overflow releases and: a) where the trigger values are not exceeded at the downstream locations then no action is to be taken; or b) where the downstream results exceed the trigger values specified in Table F11: Release contaminant trigger investigation levels - overflow releases for any quality characteristics, compare the results of the downstream site to the data from background monitoring sites and from the release point and: i. if the result is less than the background monitoring site data, the no action is to be taken; or ii. if the result is greater than the background monitoring site data, complete an investigation into the potential for environmental harm and provide a written report to the administering authority within twenty-eight (28) days of the cessation of the release, outlining: - details of the investigation carried out; and - actions taken to prevent environmental harm. Note: Where an exceedance of a trigger level has occurred and is being investigated, in accordance with condition F38 (b) of this condition, no further reporting is required for subsequent trigger events for that quality characteristics.

    page 28Surface water, Monitoring and reporting
  81. F39

    The environmental authority holder must notify the administering authority as soon as practicable and no later than twenty-four (24) hours after the commencement of an overflow release of mine affected water to the receiving environment in accordance with conditions F37 and F38 of this environmental authority. Notification must include the submission of written advice to the administering authority of the following information: a) release commencement date/time b) details including available data regarding likely impacts on the receiving environment. c) release point/s d) release rate e) release salinity f) receiving water/s including the natural flow rate. Note: Notification to the administering authority must be addressed to the Manager and Project Manager of the local Administering Authority via email.

    page 28Surface water, Monitoring and reporting
  82. F40

    The environmental authority holder must notify the administering authority as soon as practicable and no later than twenty-four (24) hours after the cessation of a release notified under condition F39. Notification must include the submission of written advice to the administering authority of the following information: a) release cessation date/time b) volume of water released c) all in-situ water quality monitoring results; and d) any other matters pertinent to the water release event. Note: Successive or intermittent releases occurring within twenty-four (24) hours of the cessation of any individual release can be considered part of a single release event and do not require individual notification for the purpose of compliance with conditions F39 and F40, provided the relevant details of the release are included within the notification provided in accordance with conditions F39 and F40). Permit Environmental authority EPML00961613 Springsure Creek Coal Project

    page 28Monitoring and reporting
  83. F41

    Within twenty-eight (28) days of a release notified under condition F39, the holder of this environmental authority must provide a report to the administering authority demonstrating compliance with condition F36. Table F9: Overflow release to the receiving environment Release Point (RP) Latitude Longitude Contaminant Source Receiving waters

    page 29Surface water, Monitoring and reporting
  84. MP2

    -23.9503 148.3471 RP5 6.0 km - upstream upstream of

  85. MP3

    -23.8900 148.3547 RP5 4.5 km

  86. MP1

    -23.8755 148.3616 RP5 3.5 m downstream of

  87. G1

    Assessment of consequence category The consequence category of any structure must be assessed by a suitably qualified and experienced person in accordance with the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Structures (EM635) at the following times: a) prior to the design and construction of the structure, if it not an existing structure; or b) if it is an existing structure, prior to the adoption of this schedule; or c) prior to any change in its purpose or the nature of its stored contents.

    page 32Regulated structures
  88. G2

    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.

    page 32Monitoring and reporting
  89. G3

    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).

    page 32Regulated structures
  90. G4

    Design and construction of a regulated structure Conditions G5 to G9 inclusive do not apply to existing structures.

    page 32Regulated structures
  91. G5

    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). Note: Construction of a dam includes modification of an existing dam. Certification of design and construction may be undertaken by different persons.

    page 32Regulated structures
  92. G6

    Construction of a regulated structure is prohibited unless the holder has submitted a consequence category assessment report and certification to the administering authority that has been certified by a suitably qualified and experienced person for the design and design plan and the associated operating procedures in compliance with the relevant condition of this authority.

    page 32Regulated structures, Monitoring and reporting
  93. G7

    Certification must be provided by the suitably qualified and experienced person who oversees the preparation of the design plan in the form set out in the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Structures (EM635), and must be recorded in the Regulated Dams/Levees register.

    page 32Regulated structures
  94. G8

    Regulated structures must: a) be designed and constructed in accordance with and conform to the requirements of the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Structures (EM635); b) be designed and constructed with due consideration given to ensuring that the design integrity would not be compromised on account of: i. floodwaters from entering the regulated dam from any watercourse or drainage line; and ii. wall failure due to erosion by floodwaters arising from any watercourse or drainage line. c) have the floor and sides of the dam designed and constructed to prevent or minimise the passage of the wetting front and any entrained contaminants through either the floor or sides of the dam during the operational life of the dam and for any period of decommissioning and rehabilitation of the dam. Permit Environmental authority EPML00961613 Springsure Creek Coal Project

    page 32Rehabilitation, Surface water, Regulated structures, Land and soil
  95. G9

    Certification by the suitably qualified and experienced person who supervises the construction must be submitted to the administering authority on the completion of construction of the regulated structure, and state that: a) the 'as constructed' drawings and specifications meet the original intent of the design plan for that regulated structure; b) construction of the regulated structure is in accordance with the design plan.

    page 33Regulated structures
  96. G10

    Operation of a regulated structure Operation of a regulated structure, except for an existing structure, is prohibited unless: a) the holder has submitted to the administering authority: i. one paper copy and one electronic copy of the design plan and certification of the `design plan' in accordance with condition G6, and ii. a set of `as constructed' drawings and specifications, and iii. certification of those `as constructed drawings and specifications' in accordance with condition G7, and iv. where the regulated structure is to be managed as part of an integrated containment system for the purpose of sharing the DSA volume across the system, a copy of the certified system design plan. v. the requirements of this authority relating to the construction of the regulated structure have been met. vi. the holder has entered the details required under this authority into a Register

    page 33Regulated structures
  97. G11

    Eachofregulated structure must be maintained and operated, for the duration of its operational life until RdegcoumlatmedissDioanmesd; aanndd rehabilitated, in a manner that is consistent with the current opviei.rationthael rpelaisna, caunrdrenift oapeprliactaiobnlea,l pthlaen cfourrrtehnetredgeusliagtnedpslatrnucatunrdesa. ssociated certified `as constructed' drawings.

    page 33Rehabilitation, Regulated structures
  98. G12

    Mandatory reporting level Conditions G13 to G16 inclusive only apply to Regulated Structures which have not been certified as low consequence category for `failure to contain - overtopping'.

    page 33Regulated structures, Monitoring and reporting
  99. G13

    The Mandatory Reporting Level (the MRL) must be marked on a regulated dam in such a way that during routine inspections of that dam, it is clearly observable.

    page 33Regulated structures, Monitoring and reporting
  100. G14

    The holder must, as soon as practical and within forty-eight (48) hours of becoming aware, notify the administering authority when the level of the contents of a regulated dam reaches the MRL.

    page 33Regulated structures, Monitoring and reporting
  101. G15

    The holder must, immediately on becoming aware that the MRL has been reached, act to prevent the occurrence of any unauthorised discharge from the regulated dam.

    page 33Regulated structures
  102. G16

    The holder must record any changes to the MRL in the Register of Regulated Structures.

    page 33Regulated structures, Monitoring and reporting
  103. G17

    Design storage allowance The holder must assess the performance of each regulated dam or linked containment system over the preceding November to May period based on actual observations of the available storage in each regulated dam or linked containment system taken prior to 1 July of each year.

    page 33Regulated structures
  104. G18

    By 1 November of each year, storage capacity must be available in each regulated dam (or network of linked containment systems with a shared DSA volume), to meet the Design Storage Allowance (DSA) volume for the dam (or network of linked containment systems). Permit Environmental authority EPML00961613 Springsure Creek Coal Project

    page 33Regulated structures
  105. G19

    The holder must, as soon as possible and within forty-eight (48) hours of becoming aware that the regulated dam (or network of linked containment systems) will not have the available storage to meet the DSA volume on 1 November of any year, notify the administering authority.

    page 34Regulated structures, Monitoring and reporting
  106. G20

    The holder must, immediately on becoming aware that a regulated dam (or network of linked containment systems) will not have the available storage to meet the DSA volume on 1 November of any year, act to prevent the occurrence of any unauthorised discharge from the regulated dam or linked containment systems.

    page 34Regulated structures
  107. G21

    Annual inspection report Each regulated structure must be inspected each calendar year by a suitably qualified and experienced person.

    page 34Regulated structures, Monitoring and reporting
  108. G22

    At each annual inspection, the condition and adequacy of all components of the regulated structure must be assessed and a suitably qualified and experienced person must prepare an annual inspection report containing details of the assessment and include recommended actions to ensure the integrity of the regulated structure.

    page 34Regulated structures, Monitoring and reporting
  109. G23

    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).

    page 34Regulated structures, Monitoring and reporting
  110. G24

    The holder must: a) within twenty (20) business days of receipt of the annual inspection report, provide to the administering authority: i. the recommendations section of the annual inspection report; and ii. if applicable, any actions being taken in response to those recommendations; and b) if, following receipt of the recommendations and (if applicable) actions, the administering authority requests a full copy of the annual inspection report from the holder, provide this to the administering authority within ten (10) business days of receipt of the request.

    page 34Monitoring and reporting
  111. G25

    Transfer arrangements The holder must provide a copy of any reports, documentation and certifications prepared under this authority, including but not limited to any Register of Regulated Structures, consequence assessment, design plan and other supporting documentation, to a new holder on transfer of this authority.

    page 34Regulated structures, Monitoring and reporting
  112. G26

    Decommissioning and rehabilitation Dams must not be abandoned but be either: a) decommissioned and rehabilitated to achieve compliance with Appendix 1: Rehabilitation requirements; or b) be left in-situ for a beneficial use(s) provided that: i. it no longer contains contaminants that will migrate into the environment; and ii. it contains water of a quality that is demonstrated to be suitable for its intended beneficial use(s); and iii. the administering authority, the holder of the environmental authority and the landholder agree in writing that the dam will be used by the landholder following the cessation of the environmentally relevant activity(ies). Register of Regulated Dams G27 A Register of Regulated Dams must be established and maintained by the holder for each regulated dam.

    page 34Rehabilitation, Regulated structures
  113. G28

    The holder must provisionally enter the required information in the Register of Regulated Dams when a design plan for a regulated dam is submitted to the administering authority. Permit Environmental authority EPML00961613 Springsure Creek Coal Project

    page 34Regulated structures
  114. G29

    The holder must make a final entry of the required information in the Register of Regulated Dams once compliance with condition G10 has been achieved.

    page 35Regulated structures
  115. G30

    The holder must ensure that the information contained in the Register of Regulated Dams is current and complete on any given day.

    page 35Regulated structures
  116. G31

    All entries in the Register of Regulated Dams must be approved by the chief executive officer for the holder of this authority, or their delegate, as being accurate and correct.

    page 35Regulated structures
  117. G32

    The holder must, at the same time as providing the annual return, supply to the administering authority a copy of the records contained in the Register of Regulated Dams, in the electronic format required by the administering authority. Schedule H - Sewage Treatment Condition Condition number

    page 35Regulated structures, Monitoring and reporting
  118. H1

    Treated sewage effluent is not permitted to be released to land or waters.

  119. H2

    Treated sewage effluent must be directed to wet weather storage identified in the Plan of Operations or alternative measures must be taken to store/lawfully dispose of effluent.

  120. H3

    Treated sewage effluent must only be supplied to another person or organisation that has a written plan detailing how the user of the treated sewage effluent will comply with their general environmental duty under section 319 of the Act whilst using the treated sewage effluent. Schedule J - Land and rehabilitation Condition Condition number

    page 35Rehabilitation
  121. J1

    Strategic cropping land If there is any inconsistency between the Strategic Cropping Land Protection Decision made pursuant to the Strategic Cropping Land Act 2011 and this environmental authority, the Strategic Cropping Land Protection Decision prevails to the extent of the inconsistency.

  122. J2

    Topsoil management Topsoil must be strategically stripped ahead of mining in accordance with a Topsoil Management Plan.

    page 35Land and soil
  123. J3

    A topsoil inventory that identifies the topsoil requirements and availability of suitable topsoil on site must be detailed in the Plan of Operations.

    page 35Land and soil
  124. J4

    Topsoil and subsoil must be managed to ensure stability and to minimise the release of contaminants. a)

    page 35Land and soil
  125. J5

    Rehabilitation Land disturbed by mining must be rehabilitated in accordance with Appendix 1: Rehabilitation Requirements and Figure 2: Springsure Creek Coal Project Rehabilitated Final Landform. Permit Environmental authority EPML00961613 Springsure Creek Coal Project

    page 35Rehabilitation
  126. J6

    Rehabilitation must be undertaken without unnecessary delay, or as soon as possible. So as to minimise the amount of time land is out of production or not in a suitably stable form, rehabilitation must commence as soon as it safe and practical to do so after the causative disturbance has ceased, and once there are no further physical or biological impediments to the successful rehabilitation of the subject area of land. .

    page 36Rehabilitation
  127. J7

    Rehabilitation work must be completed on or before 30 July 2048.

    page 36Rehabilitation
  128. J8

    A Rehabilitation Management Plan must be developed by an appropriately qualified and experienced person and submitted to the administering authority for approval at least three (3) months prior to the commencement of mining activities.

    page 36Rehabilitation
  129. J9

    The Rehabilitation Management Plan must: a) provide for the effective management of actual and potential environmental impacts and for the rehabilitation of significantly disturbed land resulting from the mining activities carried out under this environmental authority; b) be developed in accordance with the administering authority's Guideline - Rehabilitation requirements for mining projects and must include: 1. measures to ensure that rehabilitation objectives defined in Appendix 1: Rehabilitation requirements are met; 2. justification of the rehabilitation indicators defined in Appendix 1: Rehabilitation requirements, including how the relationship between the indicator and the objective has been established; 3. justification of the completion criteria defined in Appendix 1: Rehabilitation requirements, including their suitability for determining post mine land use; 4. rehabilitation methods applied to each domain; 5. landform design criteria; 6. schematic representation of final landform; 7. rehabilitation monitoring and maintenance requirements including how rehabilitation indicators and completion criteria will be monitored, measured and reported; and 8. a program for monitoring all progressive rehabilitation including sampling intensity and statistical analysis.

    page 36Rehabilitation, Monitoring and reporting
  130. J10

    A Post Closure Management Plan for the site must be developed by a suitably qualified and experienced person and submitted to the administering authority for approval at least eighteen (18) months prior to the finalisation of coal mining on site and implemented for a nominal period of: a) at least thirty (30) years following the finalisation of coal mining on site; or b) a shorter period if the site is proven to be geotechnically and geochemically stable and it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the administering authority that no release of contaminants from the site will result in environmental harm. Permit Environmental authority EPML00961613 Springsure Creek Coal Project

  131. J11

    The Post Closure Management Plan must include the operation, monitoring and maintenance of the following: a) wastewater collection and reticulation systems; b) wastewater treatment systems; c) groundwater quality monitoring network; d) surface water quality; e) groundwater quality; f) seepage rates; g) erosion rates; h) integrity and stability of slopes, ramps and voids; and i) the health and resilience of vegetation cover.

    page 37Groundwater, Surface water, Land and soil, Biodiversity, Monitoring and reporting
  132. J12

    Subsidence A Subsidence Management Plan must be developed by an appropriately qualified and experienced person and submitted to the administering authority for approval at least three (3) months prior to the commencement of mining activities. Permit Environmental authority EPML00961613 Springsure Creek Coal Project

    page 37Subsidence
  133. J13

    The Subsidence Management Plan must: a) provide for the proper and effective management of the actual and potential environmental impacts resulting from the mining activity and to ensure compliance with the conditions of this environmental authority; b) be developed in accordance with Appendix 2: Watercourse Subsidence; c) describe the proposed impacts of subsidence on any land, watercourse and floodplain including but not limited to: i. physical condition of surface drainage: - erosion; - areas susceptible to higher levels of erosion such as watercourse confluences; - incision processes; - stream widening; - tension cracking; - lowering of bed and banks; - creation of instream waterholes; - changes to local drainage patterns; ii. overland flow: - capture of overland flow by subsided long-wall panels; - increased overbank flows due to lowering of high bank of watercourses; - the portion of local and large scale catchment likely to be captured by subsided long-wall panels and the associated impacts on downstream users; iii. water quality: - surface water; - groundwater; iv. land condition: current land condition to be impacted by subsidence; v. infrastructure: detail of existing infrastructure (pipelines, railway, powerlines and haul roads) should be identified where there is a potential impact from effects of land subsidence; d) propose options for mitigating any impacts associated with subsidence and how these mitigation methods will be implemented; e) describe cumulative impacts on watercourses or catchments; f) describe impacts on groundwater; g) describe contingency procedures for emergencies; and

    page 38Groundwater, Surface water, Subsidence, Land and soil
  134. J14

    The Subsidence Management Plan must be reviewed each calendar year and a report prepared by an appropriately qualified and experienced person. The report must: a) assess the plan against the requirements under condition J13; b) include recommended actions to ensure actual and potential environmental impacts are effectively managed for the coming year; and c) identify any amendments made to the Subsidence Management Plan following the review.

    page 38Subsidence, Monitoring and reporting
  135. J15

    The holder of this environmental authority must attach to the review report required by condition J14, a written response to the report and recommended actions, detailing the actions taken or to be taken by the environmental authority holder on stated dates: a) to ensure compliance with this environmental authority; and b) to prevent a recurrence of any non-compliance issues identified. Permit Environmental authority EPML00961613 Springsure Creek Coal Project

    page 38Monitoring and reporting
  136. J16

    The review report required by condition J14 and the written response to the review report required by condition J15 must be submitted to the administering authority upon request.

    page 39Monitoring and reporting
  137. J17

    Annual inspection of subsidence The holder of this environmental authority must arrange for each subsided longwall panel to be inspected annually by a suitably qualified and experienced person, in accordance with conditions J18 through J20.

    page 39Subsidence
  138. J18

    The annual inspection must be conducted between 1 April and 1 November each year.

  139. J19

    At each annual inspection, the condition of each subsided longwall panel must be assessed, including the structural, geotechnical and hydraulic adequacy of the subsided longwall panel and the adequacy of the works with respect to the Subsidence Management Plan.

    page 39Subsidence
  140. J20

    For each inspection, copies of a report certified by the suitably qualified and experienced person, including any recommendations to ensure the integrity of each subsided longwall panel must be provided to the administering authority upon request.

    page 39Subsidence, Monitoring and reporting
  141. J21

    Overland flow The subsided longwall panels must not result in the capture of significant overland flow and must allow water to drain from the panel. Ponding greater than 200m2 is not to occur over subsided longwall panels after the adjacent panel has been completed or after a period of twelve (12) months if there is no adjacent panel to be developed.

    page 39Subsidence
  142. J22

    Contaminated land Contaminants must not be released to land, other than contaminants that are authorised to be released under this environmental authority.

  143. J23

    The environmental authority holder must ensure that vehicle loads (including trains) are secure prior to transporting materials off the mining lease to minimise windblown emissions (i.e. coal dust) or spillage of any material during transport.

  144. J24

    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.

    page 39Monitoring and reporting
  145. J25

    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 J1.

    page 39Rehabilitation, Monitoring and reporting
  146. J26

    Chemicals and flammable or combustible liquids All explosives, hazardous chemicals, corrosive substances, toxic substances, gases and dangerous goods must be stored and handled in accordance with the current Australian standard where such is applicable. Where no relevant Australian standard exists, such materials must be stored within an on-site containment system and controlled in a manner that prevents environmental harm.

    page 39Waste
  147. J27

    Mining waste Any mine waste generated as a result of mining activities must not be stored or disposed of on site. Permit Environmental authority EPML00961613 Springsure Creek Coal Project

    page 39Waste
  148. J28

    Acid mine drainage and leachate management Subject to the release limits defined in Schedule C - Water, all reasonable and practicable measures must be implemented to prevent hazardous leachate being directly or indirectly released or likely to be released as a result of the activity to the environment.

    page 40Waste
  149. J29

    Infrastructure All buildings, structures, mining equipment and plants erected and/or used for the mining activities must be removed from the site prior to surrender, except where agreed in writing by the administering authority.

  150. J30

    Exploration Disturbance due to exploration activities in areas not scheduled to be mined must be rehabilitated in accordance with the administering authority's Code of Environmental Compliance for Exploration and Mineral Development Projects. Schedule K: Biodiversity Condition Condition number

    page 40Rehabilitation