Data as at 14 September 2026 · from the Queensland EP Act public register
P-EA-100316883 · Star Coal Project
Coal environmental authority P-EA-100316883 (Star Coal Project), Granted. 124 conditions indexed. No PRC plan.
- Status
- Granted
- Holders
- CONSTELLATION MINING PTY LTD
- PRC plan
- None
- How it was read
- Numbered conditions
- Register
- Register record · Instrument PDF
Conditions
124 numbered conditions read from the current instrument. Page numbers link into the register PDF.
- A1
Coal extraction The environmental authority holder is approved for a maximum coal extraction total of 1.54 million tonnes of run of mine (ROM) coal in accordance with the conditions of this environmental authority.
- A2
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.
- A3
Authorised activities In carrying out the mining activities authorised by this environmental authority, the holder of this environmental authority must not exceed a total disturbance footprint of 209.5 ha1 and must be located in the authorised disturbance area depicted in Figure 1 - Authorised Disturbance Area2. 1The total disturbance footprint does not include exploration activities. 2Exploration activities can be undertaken outside of the Authorised Disturbance Area within the tenure boundaries, excluding areas of Matters of State Environmental Significance (MSES) and Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES).
- A4
Commencement of activities The environmental authority holder must: (a) provide a written statement advising the administering authority of the date for when activities will commence (the commencement date) under this environmental authority; and (b) provide the written statement no later than fourteen (14) days after the commencement of activities.
- A5
Maintenance of measures, plant and equipment The holder of the environmental authority must: (a) install all measures, plant and equipment necessary to ensure compliance with the conditions of this environmental authority; (b) maintain such measures plant and equipment in a proper and efficient condition; (c) operate such measures, plant and equipment in a proper and efficient manner; and Innovation OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100316883 Star Coal Project (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.
- A6
Documentation and record keeping Except where specified otherwise in another condition of this environmental authority, monitoring data and/or reports required by this environmental authority must be kept for a period of not less than six (6) years.
- A7
Monitoring Monitoring, or determinations, or both, required under any condition of this environmental authority must be conducted by an appropriately qualified person.
- A8
Upon request from the administering authority, copies of monitoring results, records, registers, management plans and reports required by the conditions of this environmental authority must be made available and provided to the administering authority within: (a) ten (10) business days; or (b) an alternative timeframe agreed between the administering authority and the environmental authority holder.
- A9
Risk Management The holder of this environmental authority must 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.
- A10
Notification of emergencies, incidents and exceptions The holder of this environmental authority must notify the administering authority, 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. Innovation OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100316883 Star Coal Project
- A11
The notification provided to the administering authorised as required by Condition A10 must include but not be limited to the following information: (a) the holder of the environmental authority; (b) the location of the emergency or incident; (c) the number of the environmental authority; (d) the name and telephone number of the designated contact person; (e) the time of the release; (f) the time the holder of the environmental authority became aware of the release; (g) the suspected cause of the release; (h) the environmental harm caused, threatened, or suspected to be caused by the release; and (i) actions taken to prevent any further release and mitigate any environmental harm caused by the release.
- A12
Within ten (10) business days following the initial notification of an emergency or incident in accordance with Condition A10, or receipt of monitoring results, whichever is the latter, the environmental authority holder must provide further written advice 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 measures to prevent a recurrence of the emergency or incident.
- A13
Measures identified under Condition A12 must be implemented within twenty-eight (28) days of the investigation required by Condition A12 being finalised; or a longer period agreed to in writing by the administering authority.
- A14
Complaints An investigation must be undertaken within twenty-eight (28) days (or a longer period agreed to in writing by the administering authority) into all complaints received to determine: (a) the potential circumstances and actions on site that may have contributed to the complaint; and (b) reasonable measures that will be implemented to address the complaint. Innovation OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100316883 Star Coal Project
- A15
The following details must be recorded for all environmental complaints received: (a) date and time the complaint was received; (b) if authorised by the person making the complaint, their name and contact details; (c) nature and details of the complaint; (d) investigations carried out in response to the complaint as required by Condition A14; (e) the results of investigations; and (f) measures taken under Condition A14.
- A16
Measures identified under Condition A14 must be implemented within: (a) twenty-eight (28) business days of the investigation required by Condition A14 being finalised; or (b) a longer period agreed to in writing by the administering authority.
- A17
Third Party Reporting The holder of this environmental authority must: (a) within one (1) year of commencement as notified under Condition A4 of this environmental authority, obtain from a third party to report on compliance with the conditions of this environmental authority; (b) obtain further such reports at regular intervals not exceeding three (3) years from the completion of the report referred to above; and (c) provide each report to the administering authority within thirty (30) days of its completion.
- A18
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 I: Regulated Structures 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. Innovation OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100316883 Star Coal Project Schedule B: Air Condition Condition number
- B1
Dust nuisance Unless authorised by this environmental authority, the release of contaminants to air must not cause environmental harm or an exceedance of the limits in Table B1 - Ambient air quality limits at a sensitive or commercial place.
- B2
When requested by the administering authority or as a result of a complaint (which in the opinion of the authorised officer is neither frivolous nor vexatious nor based on mistaken belief), dust or particulate monitoring must be undertaken: (a) at a place or places relevant to the potentially affected sensitive or commercial place as agreed upon with the administering authority; (b) for a monitoring period as agreed upon with the administering authority; (c) for the relevant contaminant limits, averaging periods and in accordance with the methods specified in Table B1 --Ambient air quality limits agreed upon with the administering authority; and (d) The results of the monitoring undertaken are to be notified to the administering authority within fourteen (14) days following completion of monitoring.
- B3
Dust Management Plan A Dust Management Plan must be developed and implemented for all stages of the mining activities. Innovation OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100316883 Star Coal Project Table B1 --Ambient air quality limits Quality Air Quality Averaging Monitoring Standard Characteristic Limit Period Particulate Matter less than 10m in 50-g/m3 24-hour (a) Australian Standard AS3580.9.6 Methods aerodynamic for sampling and analysis of ambient air-- diameter (PM10) 25-g/m3 24-hour Determination of suspended particulate matter--PM10 high volume sampler with Particulate matter size-selective inlet - Gravimetric method; with an or aerodynamic diameter of less (b) Australian Standard AS3580.9.9 Methods than 2.5 for sampling and analysis of ambient air-- micrometres Determination of suspended particulate (PM2.5) matter-- PM10 low volume sampler-- Total particulate Gravimetric method; or matter suspended in the atmosphere (c) Any alternative method of monitoring (TSP) PM10 which may be permitted by the `Air Quality Sampling Manual' as published Dust deposition from time to time by the administering authority. 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. 90-g/m3 One (1) year The most recent version of averaging time AS/NZ3580.9.3:2003 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air--Determination of 120mg/m2/day Monthly suspended particulate matter--Total suspended particulate matter (TSP)--High volume sampler gravimetric method; the most recent version of Australian Standard AS3580.0.1 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air--Determination of particulate matter--Deposited matter - Gravimetric method Innovation OFFICIAL Permit
- B4
The Dust Management Plan required by Condition B3 must include: (a) a preventative management system for dust control; (b) Trigger Action Response Plan; (c) site background (contextual information); (d) proposed works and potential impacts & impact analysis; (e) site risk assessment; (f) design of an internal operational monitoring program including objectives, separate from any compliance monitoring or limits/levels required by Condition B2; (g) performance criteria and monitoring methods; (h) number and location of monitoring sites; (i) quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) requirements; (j) stakeholder consultation; (k) roles and responsibilities; and (l) reports.
- B5
The Dust Management Plan required by Condition B3 must be reviewed annually by 1 August each calendar year and submitted to the administering authority on request. The review must be documented and: (a) include a statement that the review has been undertaken by an appropriately qualified person; and (b) assess the plan against the requirements of Condition B4: (i) include recommended actions to ensure actual or potential environmental impacts are actively managed; and (ii) provide details and timelines of the actions to be taken; and (c) identify any amendments made to the Dust Management Plan.
- B6
Odour The release of noxious or offensive odour(s) or any other noxious or offensive airborne contaminant(s) resulting from the mining activity must not cause an environmental nuisance at any sensitive place or commercial place, or both. Innovation OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100316883 Star Coal Project Schedule C: Waste Management Condition Condition number
- C1
Burning Waste Unless otherwise permitted by the conditions of this environmental authority or with prior approval from the administering authority and in accordance with a relevant standard operating procedure, waste must not be burned.
- C2
The holder of this environmental authority may burn vegetation cleared in the course of carrying out extraction activities provided that the activity does not cause environmental nuisance at any sensitive place or commercial place.
- C3
Storage and Disposal of Tyres Tyres must be stored and disposed of in accordance with the Operational policy - most recent revision available. Innovation OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100316883 Star Coal Project
- C4
Waste Management A Waste Management Plan, in accordance with the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011, must be developed and implemented, and must at a minimum: (a) describe how the resource activity recognises and applies the waste and resource management hierarchy; (b) identify the waste streams from the project; (c) include a program for safe recycling or disposal of all wastes- reusing and recycling where possible; (d) the waste management control strategies must consider: (i) the type and amounts of wastes generated by the activities; (ii) segregation of the wastes; (iii) storage of the wastes; (iv) transport of the wastes; (v) monitoring and reporting matters concerning the waste; (vi) emergency response planning; (vii) disposal, reuse and recycling options; (e) detail the hazardous characteristics of the waste generated (if any); (f) cover a disposal procedure for hazardous wastes; (g) outline the process to be implemented to allow for continuous improvement of the waste management systems; (h) identify responsible staff (positions) for implementing, managing and reporting the Waste Management Plan; and (i) cover a staff awareness and induction program that encourages reuse and recycling. Innovation OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100316883 Star Coal Project
- C5
Regulated waste records must be kept for five (5) years, and must include the following information: (a) date of pickup of waste; (b) description of waste; (c) cross reference to relevant waste transport documentation; (d) quantify of waste; (e) origin of the waste; (f) destination of the waste; and (g) intended fate of the waste, for example, type of waste treatment, reprocessing or disposal. Note: Records of documents maintained in compliance with a waste tracking system established under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 or any other law for regulated waste will be deemed to satisfy this condition.
- C6
Records of trade and regulated wastes or material leaving MDL3052 for recycling or disposal, including the final destination and method of treatment, must be in accordance with the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011. Innovation OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100316883 Star Coal Project Schedule D: Acoustic Condition Condition number
- D1
Noise Unless authorised by this environmental authority, noise resulting from the mining activities must not cause an environmental nuisance or an exceedance of the limits identified in Table D1 - Noise limits at any sensitive or commercial place.
- D2
All monitoring of noise emissions from the activity must be undertaken when the activity is in operation.
- D3
When requested by the administering authority or as a result of a complaint (which in the opinion of the authorised officer is neither frivolous nor vexatious nor based on mistaken belief), noise monitoring must be undertaken: (a) at a place or places relevant to the potentially affected sensitive or commercial place as agreed upon with the administering authority; (b) for a monitoring period as agreed upon with the administering authority; (c) for the relevant noise limits and in accordance with the methods specified in Table D1 -- Noise limits agreed upon with the administering authority; and (d) the results of the monitoring undertaken are to be notified to the administering authority within fourteen (14) days following completion of monitoring.
- D4
All noise monitoring conducted as per Condition D3 must be completed in accordance with the following noise monitoring requirements: (a) all noise monitoring must be conducted in accordance with the administering authority's most recent version of the Noise Measurement Manual; (b) source noise levels must be expressed as component noise level for the purposes of comparison with noise limits; (c) taken using a class 1 sound level meter as classified under AS IEC 61672, and must be calibrated in accordance with the most recent version of the Australian Standard; (d) record all equipment in operation, and the mode of operation at the time of the noise measurement; and (e) monitoring locations must be relevant to the matter(s) under investigation. Innovation OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100316883 Star Coal Project
- D5
If the administering authority's request for noise monitoring is in relation to a complaint and results exceed the limits in Table D1 - Noise limits, then the environmental authority holder must: (a) address the complaint including the use of appropriate dispute resolution if required; and (b) implement noise abatement measures so that emissions of noise from the activity do not result in further environmental nuisance.
- D6
Low Frequency Noise Noise emissions from mining activities, when including substantial low frequency noise, must not cause an overall sound pressure level at a noise sensitive place exceeding 50dB(Z). Note: "Substantial low frequency noise" means a noise emission that has an unbalanced frequency spectrum shown in one-third octave band measurements, with a predominant component located within the frequency range 10 to 200 Hz.
- D7
Blasting Vibration and/or air blast overpressure resulting from blasting must not cause an environmental nuisance at any sensitive or commercial place.
- D8
The holder of this environmental authority must develop and implement a blast monitoring program to monitor compliance with Table D2 - Blasting Vibration and Overpressure Limits for: (a) at least 50% of all blasts undertaken on this site in each month at the nearest and most affected sensitive place(s) or commercial place(s); and (b) all blasts conducted during any time period specified by the administering authority at the nearest and most affected sensitive place(s) or commercial place(s) or another such place to investigate an allegation of environmental nuisance caused by blasting.
- D9
If the results of blast monitoring undertaken as per Condition D8 exceed the limits in Table D2 - Blasting noise limits, then the environmental authority holder must investigate and report to the administering authority within fourteen (14) days following completion of monitoring.
- D10
The investigation of blast monitoring undertaken in accordance with Condition D9 must include: (a) location of blast(s) within the mining area (including bench level); (b) atmospheric conditions including temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and wind direction; Innovation OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100316883 Star Coal Project (c) location, date and time exceedance was recorded; and (d) abatement measures to ensure so that airblast overpressure does not result in further environmental nuisance. Table D1 - Noise Limits Noise level Monday to Saturday Sundays and Public Holidays measured in 7am - 6pm 6pm - 10pm 10pm - 7am 7am - 6pm 6pm - 10pm 10pm - 7am dB(A) Noise measured at a nuisance sensitive or commercial place LAeq adj 1hr 35 35 30 35 35 30
- E1
The holder of this environmental authority must not release contaminants, directly or indirectly, to groundwater.
- E2
Groundwater quality and standing water level Groundwater must be monitored: (a) at the locations, and frequencies described in Figure 2 - Groundwater Monitoring Locations, and Table E1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency; and (b) for relevant standing water level triggers identified in Table E1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency; and (c) for quality characteristics identified in Table E2 - Groundwater quality triggers.
- E3
Groundwater Quality Triggers Groundwater contaminant trigger limits as per Table E2 - Groundwater quality triggers must be reviewed and a report submitted to the administering authority within two (2) years of notification of the `commencement of activities' as required under Condition A4, including: (a) an assessment determining if the groundwater monitoring network is fit for purpose including frequency of monitoring; (b) monitoring results of the baseline site-specific groundwater, containing a minimum of twelve (12) samples collected in accordance with the Groundwater Sampling and Analysis - A Field Guide; (c) evaluate whether the replacement of interim trigger values for site specific values are appropriate for all parameters and provide site-specific trigger values to replace `TBA' value specified in Table E2 - Groundwater quality triggers; and (d) identify and interpret any trends in the groundwater network monitoring data.
- E4
Standing Water Level (SWL) SWL triggers as per Table E1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency must be reviewed, and a report submitted to the administering authority within two (2) years of notification of the `commencement of activities' as required under Condition A4, including: (a) an assessment determining if the groundwater monitoring network is fit for purpose including frequency of monitoring; Innovation OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100316883 Star Coal Project (b) monitoring results of the baseline site-specific groundwater, containing a minimum of twelve (12) samples; and (c) identify and interpret any trends in the groundwater network monitoring data.
- E5
Exceedance Investigation If quality characteristics of groundwater from monitoring bores identified in Table E1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency exceed any of the trigger levels stated in Table E2 - Groundwater quality triggers for three (3) consecutive monitoring events, the holder of this environmental authority must undertake an investigation to determine whether the result is directly associated with mining activities within twenty- eight (28) days of receiving the final result, and: (a) if the investigation determines the result is not caused by mining activities, then no action is to be taken other than a review of the relevant trigger limit(s). (b) if the investigation determines the result is caused by mining activities, then within three (3) months: (i) determine whether environmental harm has occurred; (ii) detail any actions required to mitigate the environmental harm; and (c) submit the results and investigation to the administering authority via WaTERS.
- E6
Groundwater standing water level In the event that groundwater fluctuations exceed the SWL trigger levels detailed in Table E1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency, the holder of this environmental authority must undertake an investigation to determine whether the result is directly associated with mining activities within twenty-eight (28) days of receiving the result, and: (a) if the investigation determines the result is not caused by mining activities, then no action is to be taken other than a review of the relevant trigger limit(s). (b) if the investigation determines the result is caused by mining activities, then within three (3) months: (i) determine whether environmental harm has occurred; (ii) detail any actions required to mitigate the environmental harm; and (c) submit the results and investigation to the administering authority via WaTERS.
- E7
Groundwater Monitoring and Management Plan Prior to `commencement of activities' as notified under Condition A4 of this environmental authority, a Groundwater Monitoring and Management Plan (GMMP) must be developed, and implemented. Innovation OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100316883 Star Coal Project
- E8
The GMMP required by Condition E7 must: (a) provide a hydrogeological conceptual groundwater model; (b) identify all potential sources of contamination to groundwater from the activities; (c) identify all environmental values that may be impacted; (d) detail groundwater levels in all identified hydrogeological units present across and adjacent to the site to confirm existing groundwater flow paths; (e) identify all potential groundwater impacts due to the activities authorised under this environmental authority and propose monitoring and mitigation where required; (f) outline groundwater monitoring and data analysis and confirm it achieves the following objectives: (i) detect any impacts to groundwater quality due to the activities authorised under this environmental authority; (ii) detect any changes to groundwater level due to the activities authorised under this environmental authority; (iii) determine compliance with Condition E8; (iv) determine trends in groundwater quality; and (v) determine any interaction or impact from groundwater on surface water; (g) document groundwater management and monitoring methodologies undertaken for the duration of all the activities authorised under this environmental authority; (h) document a process of how a contaminant trigger investigation will be conducted, where triggers are used in Table E2 - Groundwater quality triggers; (i) provide an appropriate quality assurance and quality control program; and (j) include a review process to identify improvements to the program that includes addressing any comments provided by the administering authority; and (k) include stygofauna monitoring requirements to identify the presence of stygofauna communities and, if identified, detect any potential impacts due to mining and rehabilitation activities.
- E9
Annual Groundwater Monitoring Review The groundwater monitoring data must be reviewed on an annual basis. The review must include the assessment of groundwater levels and quality data, long term trends of the data and the suitability of the monitoring network. The review report must be submitted to the administering authority, and all groundwater data must be submitted in electronic form via WaTERS within twenty-eight (28) days of the environmental authority holder receiving the report. Innovation OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100316883 Star Coal Project
- E10
Bore construction and maintenance and decommissioning The construction, maintenance and management, and decommissioning of groundwater bores (including groundwater monitoring bores) must be undertaken in a manner that prevents or minimises impacts to the environment and ensures the integrity of the bores to obtain accurate monitoring. Innovation OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100316883 Star Coal Project Table E1 - Groundwater monitoring locations and frequency Monitoring Location Aquifer Screen Surface SWL Monitoring Location (GDA 2020, Zone 55) depth (m) RL (m) Investigation Frequency BF838W Easting Northing Trigger Level 710107 7397309 186 BF839W (mAHD) BF840W 710128 7396064 210 BF844W 710136 7396065 Fresh 44-50 171 146.04 BF845W 708892 7392603 sandstone - 21-27 189 707962 7394354 44-50 187 154.27 BF846W Rewan 44-50 703909 7391949 Formation 59-68 203 145.89 BF848W 36-45 163.18 BF849W 704106 7394606 Fresh 72-78 194 BF850W 703844 7396496 sandstone/ 74-80 202 138.21 Quarterly BR851W 706931 7397733 siltstone - 58-67 169 185.27 707394 7396125 50-68 187 Rewan 168.42 Formation 166.37 Fresh siltstone 124.37 - Rangal Coal 135.10 Measures Fresh siltstone - Rangal Coal Measures Aries Coal Seam - Rangal Coal Measures Fresh sandstone/ siltstone - Rewan Formation Fresh sandstone - Rewan Formation Fresh siltstone
- F1
Contaminants must not be released to any waters unless permitted under the conditions of this environmental authority.
- F2
The release of mine affected water is not permitted under this environmental authority.
- F3
Water monitoring and sampling must address and comply with the latest version of the Queensland Government's 'Monitoring and Sampling Manual 2018 - Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009' unless otherwise approved by the administering authority.
- F4
The following information must be recorded for all surface water, sediment, and biological monitoring: (a) the date on which the sample or in-situ record was taken; (b) the time at which the sample or in-situ record was taken; (c) the location co-ordinates and description of the monitoring point at which the sample was taken; (d) the flow rate in the receiving environment at the time of sampling; (e) the results of all monitoring; and (f) details of any exceedances of the conditions of this environmental authority.
- F5
Receiving Environment Monitoring Program On or before the notification of the `commencement of activities' as required under Condition A4; a Receiving Environment Monitoring Program (REMP) Design Document must be: (a) prepared in accordance with Condition F8; and (b) submitted to the administering authority. For the purposes of the REMP, the receiving environment refers to the waters of the Wildhorse Creek and connected or surrounding waterways within 15 km downstream of the mining activity.
- F6
Any comments made by the administering authority on the REMP Design Document must be addressed to the reasonable satisfaction, and within an agreed timeframe with the administering authority. Innovation OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100316883 Star Coal Project
- F7
At the notification of the `commencement of activities' as required under Condition A4, a Receiving Environment Monitoring Program (REMP) that has been prepared in accordance with the REMP Design Document must be implemented. Innovation OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100316883 Star Coal Project
- F8
The REMP Design Document must at a minimum: (a) address and comply with the latest version of the administering authority's (b) determine the optimal monitoring locations for the purpose of establishing baseline water quality conditions to populate Table F2 - REMP Monitoring Point Locations; (c) identify, describe and monitor any adverse impacts to surface water environmental values, quality, and flows; (d) provide a framework to assess the long-term condition or state of surface waters, sediment, and aquatic ecosystem health; (e) identify and describe all environmental values of the receiving environment; (f) assess the receiving environment monitoring results against water quality objectives in Table F1 - Water quality objectives for potential contaminants; (g) include a risk assessment of the potential impacts of the activity and propose appropriate mitigation measures; and assess the status of and any change to aquatic ecosystem health including aquatic flora and fauna within and immediately surrounding the project area; (h) assess the status of and any change to riparian vegetation health within and immediately surrounding the project area; (i) apply procedures and/or guidelines from ANZG 2018 and other relevant standards and guideline documents; (j) describe sampling and analysis methods and quality assurance and control; and (k) incorporate stream flow and hydrological information in the interpretations of water quality and biological data.
- F9
A REMP Annual Report must be submitted to WaTERS annually.
- F10
The REMP Annual Report required by Condition F9 must: (a) be prepared by an appropriately qualified person; and (b) outline the findings of the REMP, including but not limited to: (i) an assessment of long-term upstream water quality; (ii) an assessment of the long-term condition or state of surface waters, sediment and aquatic ecosystem health; (iii) recommendations for further investigation or actions; (iv) recommendations for changes or improvements to the monitoring program; (v) recommendations for potential changes to management of the authorised activity to minimise impacts; (vi) all monitoring results; and Innovation OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100316883 Star Coal Project (vii) a description of all conclusions formed.
- F11
Water Management Plan A Water Management Plan must be developed, prior to the notification of `commencement of activities' as required under Condition A4, and implemented for all stages of mining activities.
- F12
The Water Management Plan required by Condition F11 must: (a) provide for effective water management of actual and potential environmental impacts resulting from the mining activity; and (b) include: (i) a study of the source of contaminants; (ii) a water balance model for the site; (iii) a water management system for the site; (iv) a map showing the water management system for the site; (v) measures to manage and prevent saline mine drainage; (vi) measures to manage and prevent neutral mine drainage; (vii) measures to manage and prevent acid metalliferous drainage; (viii) contingency procedures for incidents and emergences; and (ix) a program for monitoring and review of the effectiveness of the water management plan.
- F13
On an annual basis, the Water Management Plan must be updated and re-issued (in accordance with the requirements of Conditions F11 and F12) or reviewed. The update or review must be commenced by 30 November each calendar year. Where a review is undertaken, the review must be documented and: (a) include a statement that the review has been undertaken by an appropriately qualified person; and (b) assess the plan against the requirements of Conditions F11 and F12; (i) include recommended actions to ensure actual or potential environmental impacts are actively managed; and (ii) provide details and timelines of the actions to be taken; and (c) identify any amendments made to the Water Management Plan.
- F14
A copy of the Water Management Plan must be kept up to date following each annual review and must be provided to the administering authority on request. Innovation OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100316883 Star Coal Project
- F15
Water re-use Mine-affected water may be piped or trucked or transferred by some other means that does not contravene the conditions of this environmental authority and deposited into artificial water storage structures, such as farm dams or tanks, or used directly at properties owned by the environmental authority holder or a third party (with the consent of the third party).
- F16
If the responsibility of the water contaminated by mining activities (the water) is given or transferred to a third party in accordance with Condition F15, then: (a) the responsibility for the water must only be given or transferred in accordance with a written agreement (the third-party agreement); and (b) include in the third-party agreement a commitment from the third party utilising the water to use the water in such a way as to prevent environmental harm or public health incidents and specifically make the person away of the General Environmental Duty (GED) under section 319 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994, environmental sustainability of the water disposal, and protection of environmental values of waters.
- F17
Stormwater and water sediment controls Prior to the notification of the `commencement of activities' as required under Condition A4, an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan must be developed by an appropriately qualified person and implemented for all stages of the mining activity.
- F18
The Erosion and Sediment Control Plan must demonstrate how erosion and sediment control measures detailed in the plan adequately minimise the release of sediment to receiving waters and must include at least the following: (a) assessment of the size and characteristics of all catchment areas; (b) assessment of relevant properties of soils, including sodic dispersive soils and waste materials; (c) identification of receiving waters environmental values, water quality objectives and management intent; (d) specification of minimum design criteria for erosion and sediment control structures to achieve management intent of receiving waters; (e) locations and descriptions of all erosion and sediment control measures; and (f) an audit schedule to ensure erosion and sediment controls are maintained. Innovation OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100316883 Star Coal Project
- F19
On an annual basis, the Erosion and Sediment Control Plan must be updated and re- issued (in accordance with the requirements of Conditions F17 and F18) or reviewed. The update or review must be commenced by 30 November each calendar year. Where a review is undertaken, the review must be documented and: (a) include a statement that the Erosion and Sediment Control Plan has been reviewed by an appropriately qualified person; (b) assess the plan against the requirements under Condition F18; (c) include recommended actions to ensure actual and potential environmental impacts are effectively managed; (d) provide details and timelines of actions to be taken; and (e) identify any amendments made to the Erosion and Sediment Control Plan.
- F20
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 F17; and (b) water management infrastructure that is installed and operated in accordance with a Water Management Plan that complies with Condition F11, for the purpose of ensuring water does not become mine-affected water. Innovation OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100316883 Star Coal Project Table F1 - Water quality objectives for potential contaminants Quality Parameter Trigger Levels Comment Aluminium (pH >6.5) (-g/L) Arsenic 55 Aquatic ecosystem protection Cadmium 13 based on 95% for SMD Chromium 0.2 Aquatic ecosystem protection Cobalt 1 based on 95% for SMD Copper 1.4 Aquatic ecosystem protection 1.4 based on 95% for SMD Fluoride Iron 2,000 Aquatic ecosystem protection Lead 300 Manganese 3.4 ANZG (2018) Aquatic Mercury 1,900 ecosystem protection Molybdenum 0.2 Aquatic ecosystem protection 150 based on 95% for SMD Nickel Stock watering based on Selenium 11 ANZECC & ARMCANZ 11 (2000) Uranium Aquatic ecosystem protection 1 Aquatic ecosystem protection Vanadium based on 95% for SMD Zinc 10 Aquatic ecosystem protection Ammonia 8 based on 95% for SMD Total Nitrogen 900 Aquatic ecosystem protection Petroleum hydrocarbons 775 Stock watering based on (C6-C9) 20 ANZECC & ARMCANZ Petroleum hydrocarbons 100 (2000) (C10-C36) 110,000 Aquatic ecosystem protection Suspended Solids 10,000 based on 95% for SMD Sulfate Aquatic ecosystem protection based on 95% for SMD For aquatic ecosystem protection, based on LOR for ICPMS Aquatic ecosystem protection based on LOR for ICPMS Aquatic ecosystem protection based on 95% for SMD Aquatic ecosystem protection based on 95% for SMD Aquatic ecosystem protection
- G1
Treated sewage effluent may only be released to land in accordance with the conditions of this approval as follows: (a) within a suitable irrigation area (minimum of one (1) ha, excluding buffer zones) to be selected based on the location of mine infrastructure areas and associated sewage treatment plant(s) in accordance with Condition G2; (b) haul roads and areas of mining activity for the purpose of dust suppression; and (c) for firefighting.
- G2
All effluent released from the treatment plant into the nominated irrigation area identified in Condition G1(a) must be monitored at the frequency, and for the parameters specified in Table G1 - Contaminant release limits to land.
- G3
Irrigation with treated effluent must be carried out in a manner such that: (a) vegetation is not damaged; (b) there is no surface ponding of effluent; and (c) there is no run-off of effluent.
- G4
If irrigation areas are accessible to employees or the general public, prominent signage must be provided advising that effluent is present and care should be taken to avoid consuming or otherwise coming into unprotected contact with the effluent.
- G5
The daily volume of treated effluent used for irrigation must be measured and records kept of the volume of effluent released.
- G6
When circumstances prevent the irrigation or beneficial reuse of treated sewage effluent, such as during or following rain events, waters must be directed to a wet weather storage or alternative measures must be taken to store/lawfully dispose of effluent.
- G7
Water or stormwater contaminated by irrigation activities must not be released to any waters or the bed and banks of any waters.
- G8
Treated sewage effluent must only be supplied to another person 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 while using the treated sewage effluent. Note: The supply of treated wastewater for re-use is regulated under the Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008. Innovation OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100316883 Star Coal Project Table G1 - Contaminant release limits to land Contaminant Unit Release limit Limit type Monitoring Frequency 5 day biochemical oxygen Monthly demand (BOD) mg/L 20 Maximum Total suspended solids Nitrogen mg/L 30 Maximum Phosphorus mg/L 30 Maximum E-coli mg/L 15 Maximum pH CFU/100ml 1,000 Maximum pH units 6.0 - 9.0 Range Innovation OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100316883 Star Coal Project Schedule H: Land Condition Condition number
- H1
All areas significantly disturbed by mining activities must be rehabilitated to achieve the following rehabilitation goals: (a) safe to humans and wildlife; (b) geotechnically stable; (c) non-polluting; and (d) self-sustaining for the post-mining land use of grazing pasture.
- H2
All areas significantly disturbed by mining activities must be rehabilitated to grazing pasture in accordance with Table H1 - Rehabilitation Completion Criteria.
- H3
Condition H1 does not apply if a mining lease application overlying MDL 3052 is granted within five (5) years of the completion of extraction of coal from the bulk sample pit.
- H4
The environmental authority holder of the environmental authority must commence the rehabilitation processes on all areas disturbed by activities, apart from those areas currently being utilised, as soon as practicable and at least within five (5) year timeframe in Condition H3. Innovation OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100316883 Star Coal Project
- H5
Rehabilitation Management Monitoring Program Following the commencement of rehabilitation works, the environmental authority holder must implement an annual rehabilitation monitoring program that details the outcomes of the previous year's rehabilitation activities in an annual rehabilitation report and submit it to the administering authority by 31 July each year.
- H6
The annual rehabilitation report must: (a) include the rehabilitation monitoring results; (b) include the monitoring results from the following reference sites: Reference GDA2022, Zone 55 Site Easting Northing
- RF3
705615 7395086 (c) where a reference site has been replaced following the previous annual report, provide justification for the appropriateness of this change; and (d) include any actions and recommendations to rectify or improve, areas of rehabilitation that are of concern.
- H7
Infrastructure All buildings, structures, mining equipment and plant erected and/or used for the mining activities must be removed from the site prior to surrender, except were agreed in writing with the landholder.
- H8
Contaminated land Before applying for surrender of MDL3052, the holder must (if applicable) provide to the administering authority a site investigation report under the Act, in relation to any part of the MDL 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. Innovation OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100316883 Star Coal Project
- H9
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 post-mining land use.
- H10
Chemicals and flammable or combustible liquids All flammable and combustible liquids must be contained within an on-site containment system and controlled in a manner that prevents environmental harm and maintained in accordance with the current edition of AS1940 - Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids.
- H11
All chemicals and flammable or combustible liquids stored on site that have the potential to cause environmental harm must be stored in or serviced by an effective containment system that is impervious to the materials stored and managed to prevent the release of liquids to waters or land. Where no relevant Australian standard exists, store such materials within an effective on-site containment system. The environmental authority holder must minimise the potential for contamination of land and water by diverting stormwater around contaminated areas and facilities used for the storage of chemicals and flammable or combustible liquids.
- H12
Exploration Unless otherwise stated by a condition of this environmental authority, disturbance due to exploration activities in areas not authorised to be mined must be rehabilitated in accordance with provision detailed in the Eligibility criteria and standard conditions for Innovation OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100316883 Star Coal Project Table H1 - Rehabilitation Completion Criteria Mine domain Mine feature Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Indicators Completion criteria Retained name goal objectives Infrastructure Dams, water N/A N/A Formal agreement for A formal agreement is in place between Constellation All domains retention of infrastructure in Mining Pty Ltd and the underlying landholder(s) for management place. any infrastructure that may be retained. Responsibility for the performance of these infrastructure, structures is also transferred to the landholder subject to the agreement. roads, etc. retained by the underlying landholder with formal agreement. Dams, Waste Long-term Structurally safe for Contaminated land Evidence provided by SQP in contaminated land rock dump, Roads Safety humans and animals assessment assessment report that: and Infrastructure with no hazardous (where not materials present a) land is not contaminated land; or retained), topsoil b) where land is identified as contaminated stockpiles and backfilled pit. land, action has been taken to remediate the land to prevent serious environmental harm to a person, animal or another part of the environment; or c) where land is identified as contaminated land, it can be used for stated uses with further management. Demonstrate stability Areas are assessed as by a SQP as meeting the following maximum slope criteria: Roads and MIA 10% (5.7-) areas OFFICIAL Permit
- I1
Consequence Category The consequence category of any structure must be assessed by a suitably qualified and experienced person in accordance with the Manual for Assessing Consequence the following times: (a) prior to the design and construction of the structure; or (b) prior to any change in its purpose or the nature of its stored contents.
- I2
A consequence assessment report and certification must be prepared for each structure assessed and the report may include a consequence assessment for more than one structure.
- I3
Certification must be provided by the suitably qualified and experienced person who undertook the assessment, in the form set out in the Manual for Assessing Consequence
- I4
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 Note: Certification of design and construction may be undertaken by different persons.
- I5
Construction of a regulated structure is prohibited unless: (a) the holder has submitted a consequence category assessment report, and certification to the administering authority; and (b) certification for the design, design plan, and the associated operating procedures has been certified by a suitably qualified and experienced person in compliance with the relevant condition of this authority.
- I6
Certification must be provided by the suitably qualified and experienced person who oversees the preparation of the design plan in the form set out in the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Structures Innovation OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100316883 Star Coal Project
- I7
Regulated structures must: (a) be designed and constructed in accordance with and conform to the requirements of the Manual for Assessing Consequence Categories and (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; and (c) for dams associated with a failure to contain; have the floor and sides of the dam designed and constructed to prevent or minimise the passage of the wetting front and any entrained contaminants through either the floor or sides of the dam during the operational life of the dam and for any period of decommissioning and rehabilitation of the dam.
- I8
Certification by a suitably qualified and experienced person who supervises the construction must be submitted to the administering authority on the completion of construction of the regulated structure, and state that: (a) the `as constructed' drawings and specifications meet the original intent of the design plan for that regulated structure; and (b) construction of the regulated structure is in accordance with the design plan. Innovation OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100316883 Star Coal Project
- I9
Operation of a regulated structure Operation of a regulated structure is prohibited unless: (a) the holder has submitted to the administering authority; (b) one electronic copy of the design plan and certification of the design plan in accordance with Conditions I4 to I6; (c) a set of `as constructed' drawings and specifications; (d) certification of those `as constructed' drawings and specifications in accordance with Condition I8; (e) 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; (f) the requirements of this authority relating to the construction of the regulated structure have been met; (g) the holder has entered the details required under this authority, into a Register of Regulated Structures; and (h) there is a current operational plan for the regulated structure (except where the structure does not require operating procedures such as for levees).
- I10
Each regulated structure must be maintained and operated for the duration of its operational life until decommissioned and rehabilitated in a manner that is consistent with the current operational plan and, if applicable, the current design plan and associated certified `as constructed' drawings.
- I11
Mandatory Reporting Level Conditions I12 to I15 inclusive only apply to Regulated Structures which have not been certified as low consequence category for `failure to contain - overtopping'.
- I12
The Mandatory Reporting Level (the MRL) must be marked on a regulated dam in such a way that during routine inspections of that dam, it is clearly observable.
- I13
The holder must, as soon as practical and within forty-eight (48) hours of becoming aware, notify the administering authority when the level of the contents of a regulated dam reaches the MRL.
- I14
The holder must immediately on becoming aware that the MRL has been reached, act to prevent the occurrence of any unauthorised discharge from the regulated dam.
- I15
The holder must record any changes to the MRL in the Register of Regulated Structures. Innovation OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100316883 Star Coal Project
- I16
Design storage allowance The holder must assess the performance of each regulated dam or linked containment system over the preceding November to May period based on actual observations of the available storage in each regulated dam or linked containment system taken prior to 1 July of each year.
- I17
By 1 November of each year, storage capacity must be available in each regulated dam (or network of linked containment systems with a shared DSA volume), to meet the DSA volume for the dam (or network of linked containment systems).
- I18
The holder must, as soon as possible, and within 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.
- I19
The holder must, immediately on becoming aware that a regulated dam (or network of linked containment systems) will not have the available storage to meet the DSA volume on 1 November of any year, act to prevent the occurrence of any unauthorised discharge from the regulated dam or linked containment systems.
- I20
Annual Inspection Each regulated structure must be inspected each calendar year by a suitably qualified and experienced person. Innovation OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100316883 Star Coal Project
- I21
At each annual inspection, the condition and adequacy of all components of the regulated structure must be assessed and a suitably qualified and experienced person must prepare an annual inspection report containing details of the assessment and include recommended actions to ensure the integrity of the regulated structure. Regulated structures must be assessed: (a) against the most recent hazard assessment report and design plan (or system design plan); (b) against recommendations contained in previous annual inspections reports; (c) against recognised dam safety deficiency indicators; (d) for changes in circumstances potentially leading to a change in hazard category; (e) for conformance with the conditions of this authority; (f) for conformance with the `as constructed' drawings; (g) for the adequacy of the available storage in each regulated dam, based on an actual observation or observation taken after 31 May each year but prior to 1 November of that year of accumulated sediment, state of the containment barrier and the level of liquids in the dam (or network of linked containment systems); and (h) for evidence of conformance with the current operational plan.
- I22
The suitably qualified and experienced person who prepared the annual inspection report must certify the report in accordance with the Manual for Assessing Consequence
- I23
The environmental authority 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.
- I24
Transfer arrangements The holder must provide a copy of any reports, documentation and certifications prepared under this authority, including but not limited to any Register of Regulated Structures, consequence assessment, design plan, and other supporting documentation, to a new holder on transfer of this authority. Innovation OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100316883 Star Coal Project
- I25
Register of Regulated Structures A Register of Regulated Structures must be established and maintained by the holder for each regulated dam.
- I26
The holder must provisionally enter the required information in the Register of Regulated Structures when a design plan for a regulated dam is submitted to the administering authority.
- I27
The holder must make a final entry of the required information in the Register of Regulated Structures once compliance with Conditions I9 and I10 has been achieved.
- I28
The holder must ensure that the information contained in the Register of Regulated Structures is current and complete on any given day.
- I29
All entries in the Register of Regulated Structures must be approved by the chief executive officer for the holder of this authority, or their delegate, as being accurate and correct.
- I30
The holder must, at the same time as providing the annual return, supply to the administering authority a copy of the records contained in the Register of Regulated Structures, in the electronic format required by the administering authority. Innovation OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100316883 Star Coal Project Schedule J: Biodiversity Condition Condition number
- J1
Prescribed environmental matters - Matters of State Environmental Significance Impacts to Matters of State Environmental Significance (MSES) as a result of carrying out the activity must only occur within the locations and to the maximum extents stated in Table J1 - Authorised residual impacts to prescribed environmental matters, and as depicted in Figure 3 - Authorised Impact to Vulnerable Wildlife Habitat, Denisonia maculata and Geophaps scripta scripta
- J2
All impacts to MSES must be determined, documented, and mapped by an appropriately qualified person.
- J3
Records of impacts to MSES as per Condition J2 must be kept for a period of not less than six (6) years from the time the impact occurs and include: (a) the size and extent of impact; and (b) details about the condition of the MSES (e.g. dominant vegetation and remnant status). Table J1 - Authorised residual impacts to prescribed environmental matters. Prescribed environmental Location of impact Maximum impact Offset Requirement matters - matter of State area under environmental significance Environmental (MSES) Offsets Act 2014 Habitat for an animal that is Figure 3 - Authorised 209.5ha No vulnerable wildlife - Impact to Vulnerable Ornamental snake (Denisonia Wildlife Habitat, maculate) Denisonia maculata and Geophaps scripta scripta Habitat for an animal that is Figure 3 - Authorised 209.5ha No vulnerable wildlife - Squatter Impact to Vulnerable pigeon (southern) (Geophaps Wildlife Habitat, scripta scripta) Denisonia maculata and Geophaps scripta scripta END OF CONDITIONS Innovation OFFICIAL Permit Environmental authority P-EA-100316883 Star Coal Project Definitions Words and phrases used throughout this environmental authority are defined below. Where a definition for a term used in this environmental authority is not provided within this environmental authority, but is provided in the EP Act 1994 or subordinate legislation, the definition in the EP Act or subordinate legislation must be used. `acid metalliferous drainage' means drainage that is characterised by low pH, elevated metal concentrations, high sulfate concentrations and high salinity. `acid mine drainage' means any contaminated discharge emanating from a mining activity formed through a series of chemical and biological reactions when geological strata is disturbed and exposed to oxygen and moisture. `affected person' is someone whose drinking water can potentially be impacted as a result of discharges from a dam or their life can be put at risk due to dwellings or workplaces being in the path of a dam break flood.