MINING OPERATIONS (RIX S CREEK MINE)

Transcription

1 BLOOMFIELD MINING OPERATIONS (RIX S CREEK MINE) Water Management Plan Ver Date Description By Chk App /3/10 1/11/11 Final Draft Revision Ver 2. JH JH KH JD SD GB 3 5/4/13 Version 3. JH JD GB 3a 20/1/2014 Update of Trigger levels for TARPs JH JD GB BLOOMFIELD GROUP INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS File Name: Site Water Management Plan Ver 3a Rix's

2 BLOOMFIELD MINING OPERATIONS Water Management Plan CONTENTS PART A WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN 3 OVERVIEW 3 SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES 4 RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER PLANS 4 Report Structure 5 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 6 METEOROLOGICAL MONITORING 6 PART B - SITE WATER BALANCE 7 Condition of Approval 7 Sources of Water 7 Water Use 8 Site Water Balance 9 Usage and on Site Management 11 Management of Water Levels in Old Underground Workings 11 Conclusion 12 PART C -EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL PLAN 12 Conditions of Approval 12 Objectives of ESCP 12 Potential Impacts from Mining Operations 13 ESCP Control Measures 14 Monitoring of ESCP Controls 15 Reporting and Performance Outcomes 16 PART D - SURFACE WATER MONITORING 17 Conditions of Approval 17 Environmental Protection Licence 17 Hydrology and Baseline Data 18 Surface Water Impact Assessment Criteria 19 Surface Water Monitoring Program 19 PART E - GROUNDWATER MONITORING 22 Approval Conditions 22 Baseline data 22 Groundwater Impacts 25 Groundwater Impact Assessment Criteria 25 Groundwater Water Monitoring Plan 26 PART F - SURFACE AND GROUNDWATER RESPONSE PLAN 28 Response Action 29 Investigation and Reporting of Exceedances 29 COMPLAINTS 30 AUDIT AND REVIEW 30 General Conditions of Review 30 Document Management 30 Appendix A.-Water Management Plan for Rix s Creek Open Cut Coal Mine. JP Environmental. May Appendix B.- Rix s Creek Gap Study. AQUATERRA. February 2010 Appendix C-Rix s Creek Annual Groundwater Monitoring Report. RPS Aquaterra. October 2011 Appendix D-Management Plan- Copy of Approval- DPE. Appendix E- Evidence of Consultation. File Name: Site Water Management Plan Ver 3a Rix's Page 2 of 37

3 BLOOMFIELD MINING OPERATIONS Water Management Plan PART A WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN OVERVIEW Approval was granted by the Minister for Planning on 19 October 1995 for the Construction and Operation of Surface Coal Mine Extensions at Rix s Creek Coal Mine. The Minister approved a modification to the above approval on 27 August 2009 for the Rix s Creek Mine Cut and Cover Tunnel, under Part 4 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, The relevant conditions from Schedule 2 relating to water management are reproduced below: Condition 15. The Applicant shall prepare and implement a Water Management Plan (WMP) for the development to the satisfaction of the Director-General. This Plan must: (i) be prepared in consultation with the Office of Water by a suitably qualified expert whose appointment has been approved by the Director-General; (ii) be submitted to the Director-General by 31 March 2010; and (iii) include: a site water balance for the development, which includes details of sources and security of water supply, on site water use and management and off site water transfers and investigates and describes measures to minimise water use by the development; details on the diversion of Rix s Creek, including updates on monitoring and rehabilitation; a surface water monitoring program with: detailed baseline data of surface water flows and quality in the watercourses that could be affected by the development; surface water impact assessment criteria, including trigger levels for investigating potentially adverse surface water impacts of the development; a program to monitor surface water flows and quality in the watercourse that could be affected by the development. a groundwater monitoring program with: detailed baseline data of groundwater levels, yield and quality in the region, and privately owned groundwater bores, which could be affected by the development; groundwater impact assessment criteria, including trigger levels for investigating any potentially adverse groundwater impacts of the development; and a program to monitor: groundwater inflows to the open cut mining operations; and impacts of the development on the regions aquifers, any groundwater bores, and surrounding watercourses, including monitoring to the western boundary of the mine lease ; and a surface and groundwater response plan which describes the measures and/or procedures that would be implemented to: respond to any exceedances of the surface water and groundwater assessment criteria; offset the loss of any baseflow to the surrounding watercourse and/or associated creeks caused by the development; compensate landowners of privately-owned land whose water supply is adversely affected by the development; and mitigate and/or offset any adverse impacts on groundwater dependent ecosystems or riparian vegetation. Erosion and Sediment Control Plan 15A. The Applicant shall prepare and implement an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan. This Plan must: (i) be consistent with the requirements of the Managing Urban Stormwater: Soils and Construction Manual (Landcom 2004, or its latest version); (ii) identify activities that could cause soil erosion and generate sediment; (iii) describe measures to minimise soil erosion and the potential for transport of File Name: Site Water Management Plan Ver Rix's Page 3 of 36

4 BLOOMFIELD MINING OPERATIONS Water Management Plan sediment to downstream waters; (iv) describe the location, function, and capacity of erosion and sediment control structures; and (v) describe what measures would be implemented to monitor and maintain the structures over time. Figure 1 Rix s Creek Mine Site SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES The WMP addresses water management issues for Rix s Creek Mine (refer to Figure 1). The purpose of the WMP is to: address the relevant condition of the Approval; address relevant commitments made in the Environmental Assessment process; and address statutory requirements and relevant guidelines. The WMP aims to ensure that the quality of water leaving the Rix s Creek Mine site meets the appropriate quality standard. The plan includes a strategy to manage surface water including erosion and sediment controls, a ground and surface water monitoring program and develops a response program to mitigate potential impacts on surface and ground water. RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER PLANS The Environmental Management Strategy for the site establishes a frame work for environmental monitoring. The WMP is an integral component of the EMP and supports the overall environmental objectives for the site. File Name: Site Water Management Plan Ver Rix's Page 4 of 36

5 BLOOMFIELD MINING OPERATIONS Water Management Plan Report Structure The water management plan is an integrated document that addresses the management of water within the Rix s Creek mine site as shown on Figure 1. The document has been designed to address the requirements of Condition 15, Schedule 2 of the Approval. Water Management Plan PART A Site Water Balance PART B Erosion and Sediment Control Plan PART C Surface Water Monitoring Plan PART D Groundwater Monitoring Plan PART E Surface and Groundwater Response Plan PART F Figure 2 Structure of the Water Management Plan In accordance requirements of the Approval, suitably qualified experts were engaged to prepare the WMP. Due to the complexity of the site and water management issues, two specialist consultancies were engaged to address the various requirements. Reports were provided by the consultants and are provided in full as Appendices to this document. They include the following: Site water balance, prepared JP Environmental (Appendix A Section 5 Operational Water Management (page 9), Water Management Plan for Rix s Creek Open Cut Coal Mine. JP Environmental. Rev 2 May ); Updated March Erosion and sediment control plan prepared by JP Environmental (Appendix A Section-(Appendix E) Erosion and Sediment Control Plan, Water Management Plan for Rix s Creek Open Cut Coal Mine. JP Environmental. March ); Surface water monitoring, and surface response plan prepared JP Environmental (Appendix A Section 6 Surface Water Quality Monitoring (page 17), Section Appendix C Surface Water Assessment Criteria, Trigger Levels and Response Plan, Water Management Plan for Rix s Creek Open Cut Coal Mine. JP Environmental. March ); Groundwater monitoring and groundwater response plan prepared by Aquaterra (Appendix B Section 5 Monitoring Requirements (page 25), Section 6 - Response Plan (page 27), Rix s Creek Gap Study. AQUATERRA. February 2010) Rix s Creek Annual Groundwater Monitoring Report. Prepared by RPS Aquaterra. (Appendix C - Rix s Creek Annual Groundwater Monitoring Report. RPS Aquaterra. October 2011) File Name: Site Water Management Plan Ver Rix's Page 5 of 36

6 BLOOMFIELD MINING OPERATIONS Water Management Plan ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The company directors are responsible for the overall environmental performance of Rix s Creek Mine. Senior operational managers have direct responsibility for their areas of control while the environmental officer provides direction and advice to ensure that site environmental conformance is maintained. The principal environmental and operational managers are shown in Table 1. Table 1 Operational Site Management Team Position Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Deputy Chief Executive Officer Board of Directors General Manager of Mining Mine Manager/Manager Mining Engineering Senior Environmental Officer Environmental Officer Name John Richards Brett Lewis Reg Crick, Paul Taylor, Garry Bailey Luke Murray John Hindmarsh Jason Desmond METEOROLOGICAL MONITORING In accordance with the Approval, a meteorological station is installed on site. The station is located on the northern side of the New England Highway. The location has been approved by DECCW. The meteorological station monitors the following: rainfall; temperature; relative humidity; wind speed; wind direction; and Sigma theta. The station provides accurate recording of weather data such as rainfall to assist with the management of water on site. File Name: Site Water Management Plan Ver Rix's Page 6 of 36

7 BLOOMFIELD MINING OPERATIONS Water Management Plan PART B - SITE WATER BALANCE A detailed report on the site water balance prepared by JP Environmental is provided in Appendix A (Section 5 Operational Water Management, 5.1 Site Water Balance. Page 9) and should be referred to for detail. The key findings are summarized in the following section of the WMP. Condition of Approval Condition 15 of Schedule 2 addresses the specific requirements for the site water balance. a site water balance for the development, which includes details of sources and security of water supply, on site water use and management and off site water transfers and investigates and describes measures to minimise water use by the development. Sources of Water The water balance addresses those areas and activities assessed on the site which includes: groundwater inflow to the mine pits; various catchments that will be modified over time in terms of: the location to which surface runoff will drain; the runoff characteristics of the different land surfaces as mining progresses (existing natural conditions, mine pit, haul roads, placed overburden and rehabilitated overburden); Table 2. Contributing Catchments to Rix s Creek Storages Catchment 2009 Runoff Area Runoff Classification Title Area (ha) (ML) (ha) (ML) North Pit Unconsolidated/Disturbed Catchment Mine spoil West Pit Unconsolidated/Disturbed Catchment Old North Pit Catchment Tailings Dam Catchment South Pit Tailings Dam Administration/ Work shop/chpp Catchment Mine spoil Unconsolidated/Disturbed Mine spoil Unconsolidated/Disturbed Mine spoil Disturbed Rail Loader Tunnel Disturbed CWD4-DWD4 Catchment Undisturbed Catchment TOTAL File Name: Site Water Management Plan Ver Rix's Page 7 of 36

8 BLOOMFIELD MINING OPERATIONS Water Management Plan Water Use A schematic diagram of the water balance for the site is provided in Figure 3. Used of water on site have been assessed and include:- mine water use for dust suppression; evaporation from storages and tailings emplacement; CHPP for processing coal, with losses in; Water in product coal; Entrained in process waste; Water in coarse reject; and Water in tailings which is recycled. Figure 3 Schematic Diagram of Rix s Creek Mine Site Water Management System. File Name: Site Water Management Plan Ver Rix's Page 8 of 36

9 BLOOMFIELD MINING OPERATIONS Water Management Plan Site Water Balance Summary water balance statistics are presented in Table 3 for the site using the OPSIM model. The response of current site storage capacity to differing climatic conditions has been evaluated in OPSIM by subjecting the current water management system to a synthetic rainfall period from 1889 to 2012 The OPSIM model develops a daily water balance for the mine site for wide ranging climatic conditions by utilising Data Drill evaporation and rainfall data for 120 years from 1 January 1889 to 31 December 2012 to generate catchment runoff estimates. The model provides for pumping and accumulation of mine water, transfer of mine water between dams, losses related to the CHPP, dust suppression and licensed discharges (if required). Table 3 Summary of Water Balance Sample Static Water Balance INPUTS Sample Static Water Balance 2009 Volume (ML/annum) 2012 Volume (ML/annum) Groundwater Rainfall-Runoff 1, Recycled (Tails decant + runoff + seepage + groundwater) Imported Poor & Fresh 0 0 Water from ROM Coal Recycled to CPP (Tails + runoff + seepage not included in total *) Total Inputs 1,867 1,169 OUTPUTS Dust Suppression Evaporation - Mine Water Dams Evaporation - Tailings Dams Entrained in Process Waste Water in Product Coal Discharged 0 0 Water in Tailings (not included in total*) Water in Coarse Reject (not included in total*) Total Outputs 1,867 1,439 Water consumed from onsite storages to balance demand 269 * Note: As a first preference contaminated water is used in the coal preparation plant and for dust suppression before water from clean water dams is utilised (Ref [1]). File Name: Site Water Management Plan Ver Rix's Page 9 of 36

10 BLOOMFIELD MINING OPERATIONS Water Management Plan Figure 4 Water Balance Schematic (2009 volumes). File Name: Site Water Management Plan Ver Rix's Page 10 of 36

11 BLOOMFIELD MINING OPERATIONS Water Management Plan Usage and on Site Management The following details the standard operating strategies used for differing climatic conditions. Operating strategy for average conditions: Store surplus water in dedicated in-pit storage areas. Optimise water transfers between sites. Maximise dewatering capacity at the operating pits. Minimise importation of water. Maximise diversion of clean runoff waters away from the mine water system. Operating strategy for wetter than average conditions: Store surplus water in dedicated in-pit storage areas. Manage water transfers between sites to maximise available storage at the nearest point to the operating pits. Maximise dewatering capacity at the operating pits. Minimise importation of water from external sources e.g. Rix s Creek. Maximise diversion of clean runoff waters away from the mine water system. Operating strategy for dryer than average conditions: Maximise dewatering of all in-pit voids. Maximise consumption from storage dams. As required, supplement supplies from licensed extraction points (refer to Appendix A Section 5.4.3). Maximise interception of allowable quota for clean runoff waters. Management of Water Levels in Old Underground Workings During May 2012 following a wet period, surface seepage was found to be occurring from an area of old underground workings. At this time the water level in the Old North Pit was 2m above the level of the surface seepage elevation. Investigations led to the conclusion that a blockage had occurred in the old mine workings, which had raised the water level in the northern section of these working. The water has then found a path to the surface through subsidence cracking from the old workings. These old workings date from 1870 s to 1930 s and were at a shallow depth of cover which would allow cracking from the workings to the surface. In an attempt to manage this situation to prevent any further incidence of water seepage from the old underground workings, the following measures have been put in place:- The level of water in the Old North Pit water storage is to be maintained below a maximum level of 78m AHD. This corresponds to the level at which the seepage presented on the surface Continue weekly water level monitoring program of:- Old North Pit, South Pit, Borehole into old underground workings, shaft into old underground workings, Piezometer 5, old working borehole 1, old working borehole 2. File Name: Site Water Management Plan Ver Rix's Page 11 of 36

12 BLOOMFIELD MINING OPERATIONS Water Management Plan Conclusion The water balance model concludes that the project will: be capable of meeting all water needs for dust suppression from the groundwater inflows and surface runoff into the mine pits; and provide a net surplus of water that will contribute to the water available to supply the Rix s Creek CHPP. PART C-EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL PLAN The objective of the erosion and sediment control plan (ESCP) is to ensure that the discharge of all water from the site is managed and that it meets appropriate quality standards. The ESCP covers the area included in Development Consent (DA49/94) as shown in Figure 1. The ESCP for the site was prepared by JP Environmental and is presented in full in Appendix A. (Section 8 Erosion and Sediment Control, Appendix E - Erosion and Sediment Control Plan). Key elements of the plan are summarised in the following sections of the WMP. Conditions of Approval Condition 15A of Schedule 2 specifies the requirements for the preparation of the erosion and sediment control which are reproduced as follows: Erosion and Sediment Control Plan 15A. The Applicant shall prepare and implement an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan. This Plan must: (i) be consistent with the requirements of the Managing Urban Stormwater: Soils and Construction Manual (Landcom 2004, or its latest version); (ii) identify activities that could cause soil erosion and generate sediment; (iii) describe measures to minimise soil erosion and the potential for transport of sediment to downstream waters; (iv) describe the location, function, and capacity of erosion and sediment control structures; and (v) describe what measures would be implemented to monitor and maintain the structures over time. Objectives of ESCP The objectives for Erosion and Sediment Control include: Minimise erosion and sedimentation of undisturbed land, watercourses and water bodies; and Minimise topsoil loss from areas disturbed by mining activities. File Name: Site Water Management Plan Ver Rix's Page 12 of 36

13 BLOOMFIELD MINING OPERATIONS Water Management Plan Potential Impacts from Mining Operations Substantial land disturbance has already occurred in the Hunter Valley from agriculture and previous mining activities. Further disturbance will result from the continuation of mining at the Rix s Creek site, which has the potential to alter existing surface water flow patterns. Activities that have the potential to cause erosion are: Vegetation clearing and topsoil stripping; Stockpiling of topsoil; Construction of roads and infrastructure; and Construction of overburden dumps. Potential impacts from these activities include: Increased surface erosion from disturbed and rehabilitated areas through the removal of vegetation and stripping of topsoil; Increased sediment and pollutant load entering the natural water system; and Siltation or erosion of watercourses and waterbodies. File Name: Site Water Management Plan Ver Rix's Page 13 of 36

14 BLOOMFIELD MINING OPERATIONS Water Management Plan ESCP Control Measures On the Rix s Creek site runoff from undisturbed natural areas is where possible diverted away from operational areas and allowed to flow off the site in natural watercourses. The runoff from operational areas ie. Areas disturbed by mining activities; along with groundwater encountered by the mining operation is contained on site and used for mining purposes. Erosion and sediment control structures constructed on site to contain sediment and minimise erosion and are generally associated with structures to diver runoff from undisturbed area and rehabilitation areas post mining are generally designed with the capacity to contain a 1 in 20 year 1 hour rainfall event. Structures to contain water on site from operational areas are generally designed to contain a 1 in 100 year 24 hour rainfall event. These structures are listed in Table 4. Table 4. Mining Operation Water Storages. Storage Storage Capacity (ML) Old North Pit 818 to RL 78m AHD West Pit Storage Dam DWD Tailings Dam 2500 to top level DWD1 28 DWD 2 16 CWD DWD Rail Loader Dams 38 Any surplus water after a rainfall event will be contained with the opencut pits and then will be pumped to the above storages to prevent impacts on mining operations. Through its Environmental Management System (EMS), Rix s Creek has established Environmental Standards and Procedures that will be followed during construction, operation and decommissioning of its mining operations at Rix s Creek: Construction. To minimise the potential for sediment generation during the construction phase the following will be undertaken: Prior to the disturbance of land, appropriate erosion and sediment controls will be established; Where practicable, runoff from undisturbed catchments will be diverted around the construction activities via diversion drains and banks which direct water into the natural watercourses; Runoff from disturbed areas will be retained on site in sediment dams and allowed to settle prior to discharge into the natural system. Operations. Sediment and erosion control will be designed to ensure effective management of clean surface water and sediment laden runoff. Sediment mobilisation and erosion will be minimised by: Installing erosion and sediment controls prior to the disturbance of any land; Minimising the extent of disturbance to the extent that is practical; Reducing the rate of water flow across the ground particularly File Name: Site Water Management Plan Ver Rix's Page 14 of 36

15 BLOOMFIELD MINING OPERATIONS Water Management Plan on exposed surfaces and in areas where water concentrates; Progressively rehabilitating disturbed land and constructing drainage controls to improve stability of rehabilitated land; Ripping of rehabilitation areas to promote infiltration; Protecting natural drainage lines and watercourses by constructing erosion control devices which include sediment retention dams and diversion banks and channels. Steep gradients will require the installation of a rock riprap, geotextile fabric sediment filters or other suitable measures; and Restricting access to rehabilitated areas. Decommissioning. Rix s will develop a detailed decommissioning plan for each pit prior to the final year of mining. Each mining pit will be rehabilitated in stages and sediment and erosion management controls modified where necessary on an ongoing basis. Sediment and erosion control devices will remain in place where necessary until rehabilitated surfaces are stable. Sediment dams will remain as farm dams to enhance the value of the resultant land for agricultural purposes and biodiversity value. Surface water will be diverted away from the final void. Monitoring of ESCP Controls The current Rix s Creek water monitoring program monitors upstream and downstream surface waters and key water storages at the site. All data is reviewed regularly as part of compliance procedures. Monitoring includes real time weather monitoring, quarterly assessment of all erosion control and sediment retention devices and monthly and annual surface water quality monitoring. Sampling and analysis is undertaken in accordance with ANZECC 2000, Environmental Protection License 3391 and Rix s Creek Development Consent (DA 49/94) Part of the environmental management system undertaken across the Rix s Creek site included the undertaking of quarterly environmental site inspections. These inspections involve the completion of environmental checksheets looking at specific environmental aspects of the operation. This include erosion and sediment control structures looking specifically at their function including:- Drainage - Water directed to diversion Trap Walls - Free from excessive erosion/ damage Trap Capacity - Silt build-up less than 20% Drains - Free from excessive erosion/ damage Drains - Free from blockages A program of maintenance is then implemented to undertake any necessary actions/repairs to ensure the structures will function as designed to control erosion and prevent sediment movement. File Name: Site Water Management Plan Ver Rix's Page 15 of 36

16 BLOOMFIELD MINING OPERATIONS Water Management Plan Reporting and Performance Outcomes Details of the monitoring program and the effectiveness of water management structures and sediment control devices are reported in the AEMR. Performance against the objectives of this ESCP will also be reported in the AEMR. These objectives will be achieved if: Measured water quality in waterways and waterbodies is within surface water trigger levels or acceptable limits; No active erosion is observable in rehabilitated areas; No increase in erosion/siltation is observable in watercourses downstream of the mine; and Disturbance is restricted to areas shown in the Mining Operation Plan (MOP). File Name: Site Water Management Plan Ver Rix's Page 16 of 36

17 BLOOMFIELD MINING OPERATIONS Water Management Plan PART D- SURFACE WATER MONITORING The Surface Water Monitoring Program sets out parameters, sampling frequency, monitoring period and reporting requirements and is provided in Appendix A (Section 6 Surface Water Quality Monitoring). Conditions of Approval Condition 15 of Schedule 2 specifies the requirements for the preparation of the surface water monitoring program, reproduced as follows: a surface water monitoring program with: detailed baseline data of surface water flows and quality in the watercourses that could be affected by the development; surface water impact assessment criteria, including trigger levels for investigating potentially adverse surface water impacts of the development; and a program to monitor surface water flows and quality in the watercourse that could be affected by the development. Environmental Protection Licence The water management plan takes into consideration the Environment Protection Licence (No 3391) to not pollute waters and undertake ambient water quality monitoring. Grab Samples to be collected monthly and analyzed for Conductivity, Total Suspended Solids and ph. File Name: Site Water Management Plan Ver Rix's Page 17 of 36

18 BLOOMFIELD MINING OPERATIONS Water Management Plan Hydrology and Baseline Data A summary of baseline data for surface water quality and trigger levels detailed in Appendix A (Section Appendix B Table 3-1 and Table 3-2. of the report Surface Water Monitoring Program Rix s Creek Open Cut Coal Mine. Appendix B of JP Environmental Water Management Plan for Rix s Creek Open Cut Coal Mine). Key parameters to be monitored include:-ec, ph and TSS. Baseline data for surface water storages and Rix s Creek are outlined in Table 5, data for mine water storages is shown in Table 6. Table 5. Baseline Data Surface Water Storages & Watercourse Monitoring Parameter Mean of data ph Total Suspended Solids (mg/l) Total Dissolved Solids (mg/l) Electrical Conductivity (us/cm) Site 1 Rail Underpass Site 2 New England Hwy Site 3 Maison Dieu Bridge Site 10 Below operation Maison Dieu Industrial Estate Catchment Above Junction with Industrial Estate Catchment Site 4 - CWD Site 5 CWD Site 6 CWD Table 6. Baseline Data Mine Water Storages Total Parameter Mean ph Suspended of data Solids (mg/l) Total Dissolved Solids (mg/l) Electrical Conductivity (us/cm) DWD DWD CWD4 DWD File Name: Site Water Management Plan Ver Rix's Page 18 of 36

19 BLOOMFIELD MINING OPERATIONS Water Management Plan Surface Water Impact Assessment Criteria Trigger levels for investigating potentially adverse surface water impacts are specified. The trigger levels are defined as: Environment Protection Licence 3391 water quality limits; Rix s Development Consent DA 49/94; Relevant ANZECC Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality (2000) 1 NSW Lowland Rivers; The 95 th percentile maximum value and the 5 st percentile minimum value; and/or Where data measurements show increasing divergence from the previous data or from the established or predicted trend. Trigger levels only apply where the measured results are attributed to mining operations. The original trigger levels for response were originally set at the 99 th percentile and 1 st percentile levels. These have been revised following consultation with DP&I to the 95 th and 5 th percentile to trigger investigation to see if the water quality has been influenced by mining activities. Ignore the following section in the report Water Management Plan For Rix s Creek Open Cut Coal Mine by (JP Environmental March 2010) section Appendix A (Section Appendix C: Surface Water Impact Criteria Trigger Levels and Response Plan Rix s Creek Open Cut Coal Mine). Surface Water Monitoring Program The plan provides the locations of surface water monitoring and ground water monitoring locations. The location of surface water monitoring points are shown on Figure 5. The monitoring schedule outlines the frequency and analysis required at each location is shown in Table 4. Table 4 Surface Water Monitoring Schedule and Locations Watercourse Monitoring Parameter ph, EC, TSS, TDS 1 Major Ions 2 Frequency Special 3 Monthly Annual Rix s Creek Grab Sample Locations Site 1 Rail Underpass Site 2 New England Highway Site 3 Maison Dieu Bridge Site 10 Below Operation Maison Dieu Industrial Estate Catchment Branch Above Junction with Industrial Estate Catchment 1 EC Electrical Conductivity; TSS Total Suspended Solids; TDS Total Dissolved Solids. 2 Comprehensive analysis includes major ions AL, As, B, Ba, Be, Ca, CaCO3, Total Cl, Cd, Co, CO 3, Cu, F, Fe (soluble), HCO 3, Hg, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, NH3, Ni, NO 2, NO 3, OH, P, Pb, Rb, Sb, Se, Si, SO 4 (or S), Sr, Zn. 3 Special sampling occurs when sufficient runoff is generated to create flow. 1 Australian and New Zealand Environment Conservation Council File Name: Site Water Management Plan Ver 3a Rix's Page 19 of 36

20 Baseline and Impact Criteria - Water Course Monitoring Parameter ph Total Suspended Solids (mg/l) Total Dissolved Solids (mg/l) Electrical Conductivity (us/cm) Impact Criteria Location (Sampling period) No Of Samples Mean SD Maximum Minimum Trigger Trigger Trigger Trigger Levels No Of Mean SD Maximum Minimum Levels No Of Mean SD Maximum Minimum Levels No Of Mean SD Maximum Minimum Levels Samples Samples Samples 95% 5% 95% 5% 95% 5% 95% 5% RIXS CREEK GRAB SAMPLE LOCATIONS Site 1 - Rail Underpass ( ) Site 2 - New England Hwy ( ) Site 3 - Maison Dieu Bridge ( ) Site 10 - Below Operation ( ) Maison Dieu Industrial Estate Catchment Basin ( )* Above Junction with Industrial Estate Catchment ( )* * Insufficient data to establish accurate baseline impact criteria. However availabl results have been included. Baseline and Impact Criteria - Water Course Monitoring Parameter ph Total Suspended Solids (mg/l) Total Dissolved Solids (mg/l) Electrical Conductivity (us/cm) Impact Criteria Location (Sampling period) No Of Samples Mean SD Maximum Minimum Trigger Trigger Trigger Trigger Levels No Of Mean SD Maximum Minimum Levels No Of Mean SD Maximum Minimum Levels No Of Mean SD Maximum Minimum Levels Samples Samples Samples 95% 5% 95% 5% 95% 5% 95% 5% CLEAN WATER DAMS Site 4 - CWD1 ( ) Site 5 - CWD2 ( ) Site 6 - CWD6 ( ) MINE WATER DWD1 ( ) DWD2 ( ) CWD4-DWD4 ( ) DWD3-West Pit Catchment ( )* Sediment Dam Pit 3 - East (2002)* Sediment Dam Pit 3 - West (2002)* Rail Loader Tunnel Water (2002)* * Insufficient data to establish accurate baseline impact criteria. However availabl results have been included.

21 BLOOMFIELD MINING OPERATIONS Mine Site Storage Dam Monitoring Water Management Plan Mine Site Storage Dam Monitoring Parameter ph, EC, TSS, TDS 1 Major Ions 2 Frequency Special 3 Monthly Annual Clean Water Dams Site 4 Clean Water Dam 1 (CWD1) Site 5 Clean Water Dam 2 (CWD2) Site 6 Clean Water Dam 6 (CWD6) Discharge Water Dirty Water Dam 1 Dirty Water Dam 2 Clean Water Dam 4 (CWD4- DWD4) West Pit Catchment Sediment Dam Pit 3 East Sediment Dam Pit 3 West Rail Loader Tunnel Water 1 EC Electrical Conductivity; TSS Total Suspended Solids; TDS Total Dissolved Solids. 2 Comprehensive analysis includes major ions AL, As, B, Ba, Be, Ca, CaCO3, Total Cl, Cd, Co, CO 3, Cu, F, Fe (soluble), HCO 3, Hg, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, NH3, Ni, NO 2, NO 3, OH, P, Pb, Rb, Sb, Se, Si, SO 4 (or S), Sr, Zn. 3 Special sampling occurs when sufficient runoff is generated to create flow and one sample of the flow event will be collected and analysed. File Name: Site Water Management Plan Ver Rix's Page 20 of 36

22 BLOOMFIELD MINING OPERATIONS Water Management Plan Figure 5 Surface Water Monitoring Locations File Name: Site Water Management Plan Ver Rix's Page 21 of 36

23 BLOOMFIELD MINING OPERATIONS Water Management Plan PART E- GROUNDWATER MONITORING Approval Conditions The Groundwater Monitoring Plan is an integral component of the WMP. The plan identifies locations and schedule for monitoring. Condition 15 of Schedule 2 specifies the requirements for the preparation of a groundwater monitoring program, reproduced as follows: a groundwater monitoring program with: detailed baseline data of groundwater levels, yield and quality in the region, and privately owned groundwater bores, which could be affected by the development; groundwater impact assessment criteria, including trigger levels for investigating any potentially adverse groundwater impacts of the development; and a program to monitor: groundwater inflows to the open cut mining operations; and impacts of the development on the regions aquifers, any groundwater bores, and surrounding watercourses, including monitoring to the western boundary of the mine lease. Baseline data A number of groundwater monitoring sites have been identified to enable the development of a suitable groundwater monitoring and response plan. In May 2010, five standpipe piezometer monitoring bores were installed (BH1 to BH5) and along with an existing production bore (20BL170864), these make up the monitoring network. Baseline monitoring commenced in May 2010, with regular monthly monitoring of field parameters including:- Electrical conductivity (EC), Total dissolved solids (TDS) and ph. Quarterly sampling was undertaken for comprehensive laboratory analysis of a broader suite of parameters including: Physical properties (EC, TDS, and ph); Major cations and anions (Ca, Mg, Na, K, Cl, SO4, HC)3 and CO3); Nutrients; and Dissolved metals. A summary of the baseline groundwater results until October 2011 is contained in Appendix C. Rix s Creek Annual Groundwater Monitoring Report. RPS Aquaterra. October A summary of the monitoring follows:- Hydrological conceptualization. The Rix s Creek mining operation is confined within a geological basin structure, which hosts the Permian coal reserves which are part of the Whittingham Coal Measures. The basin lies in north south orientation. The syncline is approximately 8km long and 3km wide and lies between Camberwell and Darlington Anticlines. The Syncline is asymmetrical, the western limb generally dipping at a steeper angle than the eastern limb. The main aquifer unit is the hard rock system in the Permian coal measures. The groundwater flow within the hard rock is predominantly confined to the cleat fractures in the coal seams. This means the coal seams themselves from the main aquifer with the hard rock system. The hydraulic conductivity (permeability) of the coal seams is File Name: Site Water Management Plan Ver Rix's Page 22 of 36

24 BLOOMFIELD MINING OPERATIONS generally low (0.01 to 0.05m/d). Water Management Plan Topography and Surface Water Features. In the project area Rix s Creek is a losing (influent) stream. The elevation of the bottom of the Creek is above the groundwater level and therefore the Creek does not receive a base flow contribution from groundwater. Groundwater Levels. Groundwater levels in the monitoring network have remained relatively constant. The baseline groundwater data on the Permian coal measures demonstrate the following: - The average groundwater level in the upper and lower Arties seam near the middle of the basin (BH1) is 49.1m AHD approximately 35m above the base of the Arties seam at 84m AHD. - The groundwater levels screened in the Lower Barrett seam near the outcrop (BH2) suggest the seam was depressurized in this area prior to the initiation of the monitoring program. - Monitoring bores BH1 and BH2 (coal measures) showed no response to high rainfall averages indicating slow recharge times and limited hydraulic connectivity with overburden material. Monitoring bores BH3 and BH4 monitoring the regolith at the project site. The groundwater levels in the regolith showed that; - Over the monitoring period the average groundwater elevation at BH4 was 60.5m AHD (3.22m below ground level). The groundwater level in the regolith therefore remained below the floor of Rix s Creek 61m AHD. - The shallow regolith bores (BH3 and BH4) showed not response to rainfall events over the monitoring period. Groundwater levels at these bores were stable across the period indicating low infiltration and high surface runoff. - Above average rainfall in the project area is shown to contribute to flow events in Rix s Creek however, water levels at BH4 are seen to be only marginally effected. This demonstrated limited hydraulic connectivity between Rix s Creek and the groundwater in the regolith. - The average groundwater levels in the regolith and shallow coal measures east of the waste dump BH3 show a groundwater elevation of 96.5m AHD (3.47m below ground level. Groundwater Chemistry Salinity - The average EC values of the groundwater sampled from bores in the coal measures (BH1, BH2 and BH5) ranged between 4.74 to 11.01mS/cm showing high levels of salinity. The average EC values within the regolith (BH3 and BH4) is also high ranging from 5.27 to >20mS/cm. Over the monitoring period EC levels are shown to remain constant in the coal seams and the regolith. This indicated limited connectivity with surface water and no water quality impacts from mining operations. Major Ions - A Piper Trillinear Diagram plot of the groundwater samples from the colluviums and Permian coal measures, together with one sample from Rix s Creek surface flow shows that differences can be seen between the colluviums groundwaters, Permian coal measures and surface water flows in Rix s Creek. The fact that chemical differences exist indicates that File Name: Site Water Management Plan Ver Rix's Page 23 of 36

25 BLOOMFIELD MINING OPERATIONS Water Management Plan there is poor mixing of groundwater between the colluviums, coal measures and the occasional surface water flows, confirming that there is a lack of hydraulic continuity between each. Dissolved Metals - Comparison of the results for analyses of dissolved metals against the ANZEC guideline values for the protection of Freshwater Ecosystems (ANZECC, 200) show a number of exceedances of the guideline values as follows; - Arsenic, chromium, cadmium, copper, nickel and zinc. See Table 3.2 Appendix C. Nutrients - Total nitrogen concentrations in all piezometers ranged from 0.6 to 8.9mg/l. These are above the freshwater ecosystem protection guideline limit of 0.35mg/l (Total N); - Total kjeldahl nitrate concentration in piezometers BH2, BH3, BH4 and BH5 range from 0.6 to 8.8mg/l. These exceed the freshwater ecosystem protection guideline limit of 0.25mg/l; - Total phosphorus concentrations in all piezometers ranged from 0.06 to 0.038mg/l. These are above the freshwater ecosystem protection guideline limit of 0.02mg/l (Total P). Conclusions...base line groundwater monitoring data collected indicated that: - Historic mining in the area has had limited impacts on groundwater level. Drawdown impacts observed have been restricted to areas immediately adjacent to the open cut pits with no regional groundwater level impacts associated with mining activity; - Rix s Creek is a losing stream with limited hydraulic connectivity to the colluviums/regolith within the Rix s Creek project area; and - Groundwater quality show high levels of salinity and slightly elevated levels of trace metals indicating slow recharge and low permeability leading to prolonged groundwater residence times with the coal seams. File Name: Site Water Management Plan Ver Rix's Page 24 of 36

26 BLOOMFIELD MINING OPERATIONS Water Management Plan Groundwater Impacts The development of open cut mines has the potential to form a sink into which groundwater will flow from the coal measures and therefore control the piezometric head immediately around the pit. Due to the very low hydraulic conductivities of the mined seams and minor seepages noted to date, this impact is expected to be limited to the area immediately around the pits. There are likely to be limited regional groundwater level drawdown impacts as a result of current mine activities and these will be confined to the basin structure that contains the RCCP. Other mining activities that have the potential to impact groundwater levels and quality are: Tailings emplacement area - groundwater pollution; Spoils and emplacement contribution of salt to surface water and groundwater; Surface water bodies these may locally control groundwater levels in surrounding spoil and Permian strata; and Waste dumps & Coal Handling plant surface water runoff and associated water quality issues. Low pit inflows observed to date, combined with the lower hydraulic conductivities of the mined coal seams expected at depth, suggest that groundwater drawdown from mining in the proposed continuation of mining will not emanate outside the basin structure (which falls within the Mine Lease). Groundwater Impact Assessment Criteria Impact assessment criteria are recommended for: Mine inflow rate; Mine inflow water quality; Near surface groundwater levels, in particular groundwater levels near Rix s Creek; Creeks; Impacts on superficial groundwater levels and/or creek base flows; and Impacts on existing licensed users. File Name: Site Water Management Plan Ver Rix's Page 25 of 36

27 BLOOMFIELD MINING OPERATIONS Water Management Plan Groundwater Water Monitoring Plan The groundwater monitoring program for baseline monitoring data collection commenced in May 2010 until October 2011 and involved; Regular monthly monitoring of field parameters including:- Electrical conductivity (EC), Total dissolved solids (TDS) and ph. Quarterly sampling was undertaken for comprehensive laboratory analysis of a broader suite of parameters including: Physical properties (EC, TDS, and ph), Major cations and anions (Ca, Mg, Na, K, Cl, SO4, HC)3 and CO3), Nutrients, and Dissolved metals. Now the baseline monitoring has been completed ongoing groundwater monitoring will include: Piezometer BH 1which targets the mined coal seam(s) in the proposed extension area to the north of Pit 3. Four standpipe piezometers (BH2, BH3,BH 4, & BH 5) which target the operational and backfilled areas near the tailings dam, waste dumps and final void, and will monitor impacts associated with ongoing mining operations and mine closure. BH6 - located to the west of the operation, has not been installed at this stage due to not having access at this stage to the land. The location was selected to provide information in relation to post mining ground water. One existing bore (20BL170864) which intercepts the underground workings Quarterly measurement of water levels in the proposed network of piezometers to be monitored through the life of the project. Quarterly field readings of electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS) and ph. Should a sudden change in EC or ph be observed, then repeat sampling should be undertaken of full comprehensive analysis. Annual collection of water samples from all standpipe piezometers for laboratory analysis of a broader suite of parameters: Physical properties (EC, TDS and ph), Major cations and anions (Ca, Mg, Na, K, Cl, SO4, HCO3 and CO3), Nutrients, and Dissolved metals. Record pump time from the pit to estimate the volume of mine water pumped from the open cut mine. File Name: Site Water Management Plan Ver Rix's Page 26 of 36

28 BLOOMFIELD MINING OPERATIONS Water Management Plan Figure 6 Groundwater Monitoring Locations File Name: Site Water Management Plan Ver Rix's Page 27 of 36

29 BLOOMFIELD MINING OPERATIONS Water Management Plan PART F- SURFACE AND GROUNDWATER RESPONSE PLAN Surface Water Response Plan Rix s Creek will monitor potential negative effects on the surrounding environment by monitoring data trends over time. Water quality criteria to be monitored (surface and groundwater) includes: Electrical Conductivity (EC); ph; and, Total Suspended Solids (TSS) measured for surface water only. Trigger Levels Key parameters EC, ph and TSS will be measured in accordance with the monitoring programme. Trigger levels are derived from: Relevant Environment Protection Licence 3391 water quality limits; Rix s Creek Development Consent DA 49/94; Relevant ANZECC 2 Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality (2000) NSW Lowland Rivers; and, The 95th percentile maximum value and the 5st percentile minimum value and/or where data measurements show increasing divergence from the previous data or from the established or predicted trend. Trigger levels apply only where the measured results are attributed to mining operations. Groundwater Response Plan In the event of any unexpected adverse impacts or water quality degradation, Rix s Creek will commission an assessment of the causes, will develop a staged response program satisfactory to NSW P&I to mitigate the adverse impacts, and will attempt to establish and implement measures to limit further adverse impact. The identification process and response protocols to potential adverse outcomes are provided in the trigger action response plan (TARP). The responses proposed incorporate a staged assessment and development of management measures deemed appropriate for each individual event should it occur. The monitoring data collected over time from the proposed groundwater monitoring network will provide guidelines for trigger levels. Specific trigger levels will be developed to alert Rix s Creek personnel to observed parameter responses which are outside of normal variation and/or predicted responses, or where observed parameter values do not follow anticipated trends. The response plan is designed to include both current, ongoing operations and future mine expansion. 2 Australian and New Zealand Environment Conservation Council File Name: Site Water Management Plan Ver 3a Rix's Page 28 of 36

30 BLOOMFIELD MINING OPERATIONS Water Management Plan Response Action In the event the monitoring results show an exceedance of the adopted water quality trigger values, an investigation into the potential sources and/or causes will be undertaken. If the company is found that it could be responsible for the exceedance further actions will be taken to address the matter. The response actions listed below will be initiated. An action plan will be prepared to reflect these actions. Once an exceedance is detected the circumstances of the event will be immediately investigated including a review of relevant monitoring data, meteorological conditions etc; An assessment will be made to determine the reason for the exceedance, the potential magnitude of the impact and the level of future risk; If assessed as being caused by the mining operation, and it is further assessed to be likely to cause an adverse impact on an existing use of surface water, then an appropriate preventative and/or remedial strategy will be prepared for discussion with relevant authorities including the NSW Primary Industries Minerals & Petroleum and Office of Water, the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, and NSW Planning and Infrastructure, which may comprise: Additional monitoring including assessment of ecological aspects; Modification of mine water management procedures; Modification to mine water management facilities; or (If appropriate) change to operations. A response/mitigation plan will be implemented to the satisfaction of the relevant authorities such as NOW, OEH and NSW P&I; and If it is found that downstream water users have been adversely impacted the landholder(s) will be consulted regarding the provision of an alternative water supply or some other appropriate agreement negotiated between the parties. Investigation and Reporting of Exceedances The report will: (a) describe the date, time and nature of the exceedance/ incident; (b) identify the cause (or likely cause) of the exceedance/ incident; (c) describe what action has been taken to date; and (d) describe the proposed measures to address the exceedance/incident. File Name: Site Water Management Plan Ver Rix's Page 29 of 36

31 BLOOMFIELD MINING OPERATIONS Water Management Plan COMPLAINTS The Bloomfield Group Environmental Management Strategy details the procedures for addressing complaints including water related issues that may by raised the community. All complaints from the community and/or government agencies are recorded. Details for each are kept including: date and time of complaint; method by which the complaint was made; personal details of the complainant which were provided by the complainant or, if no such details were provided, a note to that effect; nature of the complaint; the action(s) taken in relation to the complaint, including any follow up contact with the complainant; and if no action was taken, the reason why no action was taken. The complainant will be followed up to explain the outcome of the investigations. AUDIT AND REVIEW The ongoing effectiveness and efficiency of this management system is monitored as part of the operation s day to day management. Feedback from this and other more formal reviews and/ or following special occurrences, form the basis for system improvement and re-design. The WMP will be examined on an annual basis when the Annual Environmental Management Report is prepared and if deemed necessary will be modified. General Conditions of Review In general Management Systems are reviewed and up-dated conditional as follows: Every three years; or Whenever there is a significant change to relevant legislation; or If required to do so by the Regulations; or Whenever there is a significant change to the operations; or If required (in writing) to do so by government department; or Whenever control measures are found to be ineffective either through: changes to the working environment; or changes to operating systems; or subsequent risk assessments; or the findings of an audit; or following a fatality or dangerous incident that could reasonably have been expected to result in a fatality; or following an assessment of a related safety alert. Document Management Copies of this document are managed under the Group Document Management, Management System. This document and other relevant documents are kept on site and are available to all employees. File Name: Site Water Management Plan Ver Rix's Page 30 of 36

32 BLOOMFIELD MINING OPERATIONS Water Management Plan APPENDIX A Water Management Plan For Rix s Creek Open Cut Coal Mine (JP Environmental March 2010) File Name: Site Water Management Plan Ver Rix's Page 31 of 36

33 BLOOMFIELD MINING OPERATIONS Water Management Plan File Name: Site Water Management Plan Ver Rix's Page 32 of 36

34 Rixs Creek Pty Ltd Water Management Plan Rixs Creek Open Cut Coal Mine Rev 2: Issued 21 st May 2010 Prepared by: JP Environmental 1/236 Hannell Street Maryville NSW 2293 ABN:

35 CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION PURPOSE OBJECTIVES & TARGETS ACCOUNTABILITIES OPERATIONAL WATER MANAGEMENT Site Water Balance Onsite Storage Capacity Standard Operating Strategies The Water Management System Saline Water CHPP Water Supply Tailings Water Runoff Water Undisturbed Catchment Unconsolidated/ Disturbed Mine spoil Rehabilitated Mine Spoil Water Disposal Licensed Water Extraction Imported Fresh Water SURFACE WATER QUALITY MONITORING GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN PROCESS Planning Implementation and Review FUTURE PROJECTS GLOSSARY REFERENCES DOCUMENT CONTROL...20 FIGURES...21 List of Tables: Table 3-1 Water Management Objectives and Targets Table 5-1 Sample Static Water Balance (2009) Table 5-2 Table 5-3 Table 5-4 Contributing Catchments to RXC Storages Current Maximum Dam Storage Capacities at RXC Licensed Water Extraction Points 2

36 List of Figures: Figure 1: Rixs Creek Coal Mine Regional Locality Plan Figure 2: Rixs Creek Site Layout Figure 3: Sample Water Balance Schematic (Approximates 2009).. 24 Figure 4: Rixs Creek Catchment Plan 25 Figure 5: OPSIM: Forecast Simulated Climatic Ranges for Storage Water...26 Figure 6: OPSIM: Storage Exceedence as Percentage of Time Figure 7: Rixs Creek Water Management Infrastructure Plan Figure 8: Rixs Creek OPSIM System Schematic Figure 9: Surface Water Sampling Locations..30 Figure 10: Erosion and Sediment Control Infrastructure.31 APPENDIX A Consolidated Development Consent DA 49/94 APPENDIX B Surface Water Monitoring Programme APPENDIX C Surface Water Assessment Criteria, Trigger Levels and Response Plan APPENDIX D Groundwater Monitoring Programme APPENDIX E Erosion and Sediment Control Plan 3

37 1 INTRODUCTION This Water Management Plan (WMP) has been prepared to meet the operational needs of Rixs Creek Pty Ltd, Rixs Creek Colliery (RXC) open cut coal mine. RXC is located in the Upper Hunter Valley approximately 7km northwest of Singleton (Figure 1). The sites general arrangement is shown on Figure 2. The RXC complex consists of: Two open cut pit areas. These are described as the North Pit and the West; The coal handling and preparation plant (CHPP) is located on the eastern side of the site adjacent to the administration and workshop area; The train loading facilities are located at the northeast of the site and are shared with Camberwell open cut coal mine to the north. This WMP has been prepared to comply with Conditions 15 and 15A of the Consolidated Development Consent DA49/94 (Appendix A). The WMP is also prepared to comply with the following. Commitments made in various Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) and Statements of Environmental Effects (SEE); Relevant legislation. The aforementioned Reference Documents relevant to water management are found in the RXC EMS. The various EIS and SEE also describe the sites locality, history, products, markets, scale of operations, hydrology, hydrogeology, geology, and its setting in the local and regional catchment. The Reference Documents address water management impacts at site, local and regional scales. The WMP has a notional seven (7) year life, a timescale similar to the Mining Operations Plans (MOPs), as approved by the Department of Primary Industry - Minerals and Resources Section (DMR). This WMP is based on the sites current MOP. The purpose of the WMP is to detail annual water management activities at RXC. The WMP is reviewed annually and developed to meet the requirements of RXC s annual operations. The WMP is to be reviewed as follows. Annually as part of the RXC s annual planning process; Whenever the MOP is changed; and/or Whenever there is a significant change to mining operations. The WMP will be updated if deemed necessary following the abovementioned reviews. 4

38 2 PURPOSE The WMP is designed to guide water management to comply with the business and operational needs at RXC in conjunction with regulatory and other commitments for the site. To achieve this purpose the Plan will: Define accountabilities for operation of the water management system; Describe the water management system. Describe the water balance. Describe sediment and erosion control practices. Provide a water monitoring programme and action plan. Ensure compliance with Development Consent conditions and Environment Protection Licence (EPL) No Minimise impacts on neighbours and the environment. 5

39 3 OBJECTIVES & TARGETS Table 3-1 outlines the core objectives and targets of the WMP. Table 3-1 Water Management Objectives and Targets Water Management Objectives and Targets Rixs Creek WMP Objectives 1. Protect the wider environment and especially Rixs Creek from the impacts of mining and processing operations. 2. Ensure water management practices meet the legal requirements, other obligations and stakeholder expectations of the RXC site. 3. Manage the water system so mining or processing operations are not interrupted. 4. Ensure communication channels between stakeholders and RXC are maintained. 5. Improve the operation of the water management system. Targets 1.1 Zero intake of fresh water from off site. 1.2 Zero unplanned releases of polluted water from site when rainfall events are less than 1:100 ARI (24hr) (equivalent to target 2.1 below). 2.1 Zero Penalty Infringement Notices for breaches of Environment Protection Licence (EPL) Meet all the reporting requirements of RXC s EPL s, Development Approvals (DA), MOP, EIS s, SEE s and other applicable documents. 2.3 Implement all actions that are agreed to in Community Consultation Committee (CCC) meetings. 3.1 Zero days of lost CHPP production due to an inadequate water supply (includes storage capacity). 3.2 Zero days of lost open cut production due to the dewatering system not meeting nominated dewatering rates (includes storage capacity). 3.3 Zero days of lost open cut production due to water diversion systems failing at less than the design average recurrence interval (ARI). 4.1 Discuss water management issues at every CCC meeting. 4.2 Respond to all external water complaints. 4.3 Report against performance in AEMR. 5.1 Refer to targets set in the WMP 6

40 4 ACCOUNTABILITIES ROLE ACCOUNTABILITY Mine Manager Ensure a site WMP is prepared, implemented & maintained. Incorporate surface & ground water management into short & medium term mine plans. Specifically ensure that: - The open cut & coal handling and preparation plant (CHPP) are protected from sudden inrushes of water. - Adequate storage is available to enable ongoing production through all foreseeable wet & dry climatic conditions. - Contingency plans are in place for climatic extremes. Ensure that water is managed in compliance with the WMP & RXC s current operating procedures within the area of accountability. Ensure all water pipelines & control structures in the mining area are regularly inspected, maintained & promptly repaired. Specifically: - Maintain full dewatering capability at all times. - Ensure systems to protect against sudden inrushes of water are fully operational at all times. - Prevent spills, leaks and unlicensed discharges. Ensure water supply from the mine meets supply demands of the CHPP s. Ensure mine water storage dams are designed in accordance with this WMP. Ensure contingency plans for climatic extremes are adhered to. - Communicate the WMP to your team. Manager Coal Preparation Plant Ensure that water is managed in compliance with the WMP & RXC s current operating procedures within area of accountability. Delegate a representative for the Water Management Operations Team. Ensure all water pipelines & control structures in the CHPP areas are regularly inspected, maintained & promptly repaired. Specifically: - Prevent spills, leaks and unlicensed discharges. - Ensure efficient recycling of mine water. Ensure water storage dams are designed in accordance with this WMP. Ensure contingency plans for climatic extremes are adhered to. Communicate the WMP to your team. 7

41 ROLE ACCOUNTABILITY Manager Maintenance Ensure that water is managed in compliance with the WMP & RXC s current operating procedures within area of accountability. Delegate a representative for the Water Management Operations Team. Ensure planned maintenance schedules are implemented to maximise the availability of fixed and mobile pumps in the mining area. Ensure all water pipelines & control structures in the maintenance areas are regularly inspected, maintained & promptly repaired. Specifically: - Prevent spills, leaks and unlicensed discharges. Ensure contingency plans for climatic extremes are adhered to. Communicate the WMP to your team. RXC Environmental Officer Preparation, implementation & maintenance of the site WMP. Prepare site water balances to define water use, storage & discharges; and to monitor and forecast site water management needs. Design, budget for & arrange the construction, inspection & maintenance of clean, sediment, erosion control & mine water drains & dams. Ensure water is ordered as required from State Water and administered in accordance with the Water Management Act Coordinate mine water disposal. Note: Rix s Creek is a member of the Hunter River Salinity Trading Scheme (HRSTS) but does not discharge under the scheme (Ref [1]). Advise Operations Managers on water metering requirements. Design, implement and maintain a water monitoring programme. 8

42 5 OPERATIONAL WATER MANAGEMENT 5.1 Site Water Balance An example of a static water balance for RXC is presented in Table 5-1. The example is based on an approximation of the 2009 calendar year. A simplified schematic of this water balance is included as Figure 3. Table 5-1 Sample Static Water Balance (2009) Sample Static Water Balance (2009) INPUTS Volume (ML p.a.) Groundwater 22 Rainfall-Runoff 1728 Imported Poor & Fresh 0 Water from ROM Coal 117 Recycled to CPP (Tails + runoff + seepage - not included in total*) 587 OUTPUTS Total Inputs 1867 Dust Suppression 208 Evaporation - Mine Water Dams 378 Evaporation - Tailings Dams 204 Entrained in Process Waste 85 Water in Product Coal 125 Discharged 0 Pumped to Storage (increase) 867 Water in Tailings (not included in total*) 382 Water in Coarse Reject (not included in total*) 197 Total Outputs 1867 * Note: As a first preference contaminated water is used in the coal preparation plant and for dust suppression before water from clean water dams is utilised (Ref [1]). 9

43 The water balance will vary according to climate conditions and production rate. The example is based on an approximation of the 2009 calendar year. The water balance is for a coal production rate of mtpa ROM and mtpa of product, as reported in RXC 2009 Annual Environmental Management Report (AEMR). Elements of the water balance affected by climate show the largest variation year to year. A static water balance is a useful tool for demonstrating historical data, and for synthesising different single scenarios e.g. wet year versus dry year etc, but it is cumbersome to use as a predictive tool or to demonstrate multiple scenarios. The OPSIM dynamic water balance model was used to prepare the data for the static water balance. OPSIM can be used to simulate historical conditions or to forecast probable future performance of the water management system. There was limited site data available for a robust calibration, so data was interpolated from similar adjacent operations. The response of current site storage capacity to differing climatic conditions has been evaluated in OPSIM by subjecting the current water management system to a synthetic rainfall period from 1889 to A synthetic rainfall and evaporation data set interpolated by the Bureau of Meteorology from point observations and supplemented by mine site data has been used in model calibration and long term statistical assessments of runoff. The data set was obtained from the Data Drill service provided by the Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management. The OPSIM model develops a daily water balance for the mine site for wide ranging climatic conditions by utilising Data Drill evaporation and rainfall data for 120 years from 1 January 1889 to 31 December 2009 to generate catchment runoff estimates. Figure 4 shows the catchments of the mine site which have been used to estimate rainfall runoff and Table 5-2 details the catchment sizes, classifications and runoff. The model provides for pumping and accumulation of mine water, transfer of mine water between dams, losses related to the CHPP, dust suppression and licensed discharges (if required). Runoff from each of the catchments is calculated on a daily basis and distributed around the mine site according to the water management system described above. Daily water demands (including evaporation and losses to tailings) are then applied to the water storage facilities and a water balance calculated. The first cycle of the model uses rainfall data commencing in 1892 and ending in The second cycle of the model uses a 7 year period of rainfall data offset by one year, commencing in 1893 and ending in For each subsequent cycle of the model, the rainfall data used is offset by one year until the mine water system has been tested for 113 iterations against 120 years of rainfall data. The initial storage conditions in all dams at the start of each model cycle have been assigned the values at or near 1 st January 2010 as recommended by the site Environmental Officer. 10

44 Table 5-2 Contributing Catchments to RXC Storages. Contributing Catchments to RXC Storages Catchment Title Area (ha) Runoff (ML) Classification North Pit Catchment Unconsolidated/ Disturbed Mine spoil West Pit Catchment Old North Pit Catchment Unconsolidated/ Disturbed Mine spoil Unconsolidated/ Disturbed Mine spoil Tailings Dam Catchment Administration/Workshop/CHPP Catchment Disturbed Rail Loader Tunnel 55 Disturbed Unconsolidated/ Disturbed Mine spoil CWD4-DWD4 Catchment Undisturbed Catchment 5.2 Onsite Storage Capacity Providing sufficient storage capacity for water provides a buffer against drought and flood interruptions to the business and mitigates unlicensed discharge of polluted water offsite. Surplus mine water at RXC is stored primarily within the North and West Pit catchments and within two dams (DWD1 and CWD4-DWD4). In addition to the main water stores for mine water there are also smaller dams (DWD2 and rail loader tunnel dam). These dams provide buffer storage for production and ancillary demands. Clean runoff water is collected across the RXC site where it is stored to allow sedimentation prior to discharge into Rixs Creek. All available current storage capacities for major dams at RXC are included in Table

45 Table 5-3 Current Maximum Dam Storage Capacities at RXC. Current Maximum Dam Storage Capacities at RXC STORAGE NAME Spillway Volume (ML) Storage Capacity (ML) North Pit Storage/Old North Cut (in-pit) West Pit Storage Dam N/A 33.5 Tailings Dam 2500 N/A DWD1 N/A 28 DWD2 N/A 16 CWD4-DWD4 (was CWD4) N/A 335 Rail Loader N/A 38 CWD1 N/A 10 CWD2 N/A 10 CWD6 N/A 75 Sediment Dam Pit 3 - East N/A 10 Sediment Dam Pit 3 - West N/A 10 Sediment Dam - North N/A 10 N/A = Not available Note: The locations of the storage dams listed in Table 5-3 are shown on Figure 7 The forecasted site water storage levels produced using OPSIM are presented graphically in Appendix B. Selected characteristic cycles are presented as climatic forecast parameters for the 7 year life of the WMP. Figure 5 shows the possible range of pit storage levels from the simulation against the rainfall data set, providing a simple indication of system stress when exposed to varied climatic conditions. Figure 6 shows the simulated storage volumes over the life of the WMP and the percentage of time that these levels are likely to be exceeded. Values derived are based on simulations of the historical period, and have the potential to change under differential future climate regimes. To provide adequate risk mitigation for storage of mine water, a total storage volume of approximately 6240ML is required in the 7 year period of the WMP. To provide adequate risk mitigation for drought events in the 7 year period a starting storage of approximately 2190ML is required. 12

46 It is important to note that a large out-of-pit storage capacity does not eliminate interruptions to mining. Water can only be removed from pit at the maximum rate allowed by the dewatering system. There will always be some residence time for accumulated water in pit after heavy rainfall. Planning, implementing and maintaining systems to divert and prevent sudden inflows will have a more marked effect on residence time in pit than increasing dewatering rates. It is also important to understand that there is no causal relationship between a given statistical climatic year and the level of storage accumulated on site from runoff. It is possible to have an operational requirement to extract water from an offsite source for most of the year due to low rainfall, and then have the site inundated from a single intense rainfall event. Consequently a drier than average year can produce high levels of runoff and vice versa. Factors relating to seasonal rainfall variation, delayed mine pit seepage, evapo-transpiration, catchment infiltration and runoff capacity may have various influences on a given storage capacity at any time. 5.3 Standard Operating Strategies The following details the standard operating strategies used for differing climatic conditions. Operating strategy for average conditions: Store surplus water in dedicated in-pit storage areas Optimise water transfers between sites Maximise dewatering capacity at the operating pits. Minimise importation of water. Maximise diversion of clean runoff waters away from the mine water system. Operating strategy for wetter than average conditions: Store surplus water in dedicated in-pit storage areas Manage water transfers between sites to maximise available storage at the nearest point to the operating pits. Maximise dewatering capacity at the operating pits. Minimise importation of water from external sources e.g. Rixs Creek. Maximise diversion of clean runoff waters away from the mine water system. Operating strategy for dryer than average conditions: Maximise dewatering of all in-pit voids. Maximise consumption from storage dams. As required, supplement supplies from licensed extraction points (refer to Section 5.4.3) Maximise interception of allowable quota for clean runoff waters. 13

47 5.4 The Water Management System The RXC water management system is a network of infrastructure (i.e. dams, pipelines, contours) to control the movement of water around the site and prevent unscheduled release off site. The elements of the water management system (as of March 2010) are depicted geographically in Figure 7 Rixs Creek Water Management Infrastructure Plan and in a simplified site schematic in Figure 8 Rixs Creek OPSIM System Schematic. Future changes to the site water management system will be updated (if required) in the WMP following each annual review and attached in the appendices. Water is managed according to type. Water type is determined by catchment area, quality and use. The main types of water managed at RXC include: Saline water; Runoff water; Licensed water extraction; and Imported Fresh Water Saline Water Water used in production at RXC is predominantly saline due to interaction with high salinity components within coal seams, saline mine spoils and during coal preparation. Saline water cannot be released from site except for opportunistic discharges under the HRSTS, however RXC operates as a nil discharge facility under the HRSTS (Ref [1]). The Department of Environment and Climate Change requires saline water to be stored in facilities which have the capacity to contain runoff from rainfall events up to 1:100 ARI 24 hour duration storm. There are three main streams of saline water managed on the RXC site: Mine Water CHPP Water Supply Tailings Water Mine water consists of rainfall-runoff, groundwater seepage, spoils seepage and tailings dam seepage that accumulates at low points in the open cut pits. Mine water is pumped to out-of-pit storage dams or to available in-pit storages using mobile diesel pumps and relocatable High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipelines. Priority is given to water that accumulates in active mining areas, followed by areas to be mined in the short term, and lastly, currently inactive mining areas. Mine water is directed primarily to out-of-pit storage Dirty Water Dam 1 (DWD1) which overflows into CWD4-DWD4. Water can be pumped from DWD1 and CDW4- DWD4 for use in the CHPP and can also be directed to DWD2 where it is stored and used for dust suppression. Settled tailings dam water is also directed into DWD1 for reuse in the CHPP. Once the CHPP receiving storages (i.e. DWD1 and CWD4-DWD4) are full, dewatering is diverted to the Old North Pit Storage Dam. Current storage capacities for all major dams at RXC are included in Table

48 CHPP Water Supply The bulk of the RXC CHPP water is drawn from water recycled from the tailings dams and mine water from the open cut pits via DWD1. The quality is typically poorer than mine water due to concentration of salts in the recycling process. A direct feed from Rail Loader Tunnel Storage Dam supplies dust suppression systems for the coal stockpiles located adjacent to the rail loop at the northeast of RXC (Figure 2) Tailings Water Tailings are managed in accordance with RXC Environmental Procedures for coarse rejects and tailings disposal. Fine reject from the CHPP process is pumped as slurry to the tailings dam. The density of the slurry is generally kept at the optimum density that minimises the volume of water pumped whilst maintaining a viscosity that prevents settlement of solids in the tailings pipelines. Variations to tailings density can have major impacts on the volume of water required to feed the CHPP. The tailings dam is located in Pit 2 void which is situated to the east of West Pit and is designed to comply with DMR requirements whereby the maximum storage level is below natural ground level to prevent potential overflow into Rixs Creek. The embankments of the tailings dam are triangular in shape and consist of undisturbed ground to the northeast and northwest and uncompacted mine spoil to the south. Therefore seepage may flow away from the impoundment in a southerly direction and this flow cannot be measured. This represents a source of potential uncertainty in the water balance as this seepage may be a major component. Mixing of the tailings seepage in pit low points with other water sources introduces further complexity into any water balance calculations. Once the fine reject settles out, the water is either decanted off the surface of the tailings impoundment and is pumped back to the CHPP for re-use, or it seeps to low points in the open cut where it is recovered via the dewatering system. The current alignment of the tailings system is shown in Figure Runoff Water Runoff waters vary in quality depending on the characteristics of the catchment area. Runoff water is captured or diverted away from the mine water system dependent on quality, climatic conditions and production requirements. Current catchments at RXC are shown on Figure 4 and detailed in Table 5-2. Broadly runoff water can be split into four types based on catchment characteristics: Undisturbed Catchment Unconsolidated/ Disturbed Mine spoil Rehabilitated Mine Spoil. Active & Saline Mining Catchment Areas. Mine water from active mining areas has been discussed in Section

49 Undisturbed Catchment Undisturbed catchments are normally diverted for several reasons. Diversion of clean water catchments minimises the impact of the mine on a natural resource. Secondly, under the Water Management Act 2000 only 10% of runoff from undisturbed clean catchment can be harvested. Finally, appropriately designed diversion structures will prevent inundation of the operating pits after heavy rainfall. North and West Pit at RXC are surrounded by natural landforms that slope inwards towards the active mining areas. Clean water diversion structures have been installed to divert clean water away from the active pits in average rainfall conditions. The catchment areas and the diversion structures are progressively changing with the westward advancing highwall of North Pit and the northward advancing wall of West Pit. Clean catchment which has been disturbed by mining or ancillary operations will produce sediment laden runoff water. Prior to release from site this water will need to be treated to minimise sediment load. RXC has committed in various environmental assessment documents to maintain sediment control structures to manage this quality of runoff. Catchment runoff and sediment control dams will be designed to comply with the Soils and Construction, Managing Urban Stormwater (2004) Manual (this approximates a 1:20 ARI design storm). Overflow structures (such as spillways) will be built to pass peak flows from a 1:100 ARI storm. Existing rehabilitation structures may not currently meet this standard and may not be required to due to the advanced condition of rehabilitated areas Unconsolidated/ Disturbed Mine spoil Based on exposed area, unconsolidated mine spoil contributes the most significant volume of water from rainfall runoff into active pits. Due to the high porosity of mine spoil the large majority of incident rainfall actually reaches the pit as seepage through the mine spoil. Most water would reach the active pit in a matter of hours or days. However amongst block tipped spoil heterogeneous layering will delay breakthrough of seepage for longer periods. To mitigate production impacts plans should be prepared for the installation and management of temporary drainage between the spoil landform and the active mine area. The drainage should divert water away, or temporarily capture it long enough for it to be pumped away Rehabilitated Mine Spoil The fate of runoff from rehabilitated mine spoil will be determined by commitments in the Mine Operations Plan (MOP). Sediment laden runoff will be managed in the same way as disturbed clean catchment Water Disposal Saline water is not required to be disposed of off site by RXC. RXC operates as a nil discharge facility under the HRSTS (Ref [1]). Current water balances indicate that this will be the case for the foreseeable future. 16

50 5.4.3 Licensed Water Extraction At times additional water may be extracted from one of RXC licensed extraction points as detailed in Table 5-4. Table 5-4 Licensed Water Extraction Points Licensed Water Extraction Points Extraction Point License Number Maximum Volume (ML/annum) Rixs Creek 20Sl Stone Quarry Gully 20Sl Black Bottle Creek 20SL Old Underground Workings 20BL Open Cut Groundwater Seepage 20BL Imported Fresh Water On rare occasions fresh water may need to be imported from the local water authority (i.e. Singleton Shire Council). 6 SURFACE WATER QUALITY MONITORING Surface water monitoring will be completed to measure the effectiveness of RXC s operational controls and this WMP. Surface Water Quality Monitoring will be undertaken in accordance with RXC Surface Water Monitoring Programme (Appendix C). The Surface Water Monitoring Programme sets out parameters, sampling frequency, monitoring period and reporting requirements. Figure 9 shows the location of surface water monitoring points at RXC. The Surface Water Impact Assessment Criteria, Trigger Levels and Response Plan for RXC are included in Appendix D. 7 GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN A Groundwater Management Plan for RXC has been prepared by Aquaterra Pty Ltd and is located in Appendix E. The Groundwater Management Plan includes a Groundwater Monitoring Programme and Groundwater Impact Assessment Criteria, Trigger Levels and Response Plan. Groundwater Monitoring will be completed to measure the effectiveness of RXC s operational controls and the Groundwater Monitoring Programme will detail the parameters, sampling frequency, monitoring period and reporting requirements. 17

51 8 EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL An Erosion and Sediment Control Management Plan (Appendix F) for RXC has been compiled to comply with Development Consent Conditions detailed in DA 49/94 and are designed to achieve best practice erosion and sediment control at RXC. Figure 10 shows the layout of the erosion and sediment control infrastructure at RXC. 9 WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN PROCESS The process intends to provide a reproducible and consistent approach to managing water generated by RXC with the aim of achieving the purpose of the WMP. The process will follow a continual improvement model with the following elements: Planning Implementation Review 9.1 Planning Each year the WMP will be reviewed and amended as required to reflect annual operating procedures for RXC. The plan will include: Water balance for the coming year Improvement projects Updated water management system plan Improvement projects will be determined through consultation with the mine planning team, the mine operations manager and will reflect the requirements of the Annual Operating Plan and Environmental Objectives and Targets for the site. The annual planning process will be the driver for change in the 7 year WMP. Future Capital Works for the period of the plan are discussed in Section Implementation and Review The WMP will be authorised and implemented by the Mine Manager. The Plan will be reviewed: Annually as part of the company annual planning process; and Whenever the MOP is changed. The Plan will be updated, if required, based on the abovementioned reviews of the plan. 18

52 10 FUTURE PROJECTS Future projects at RXC include installing a new haul road and underpass under the New England Highway. These works will include the construction of surface water drainage diversion channels and sediment dams North of West Pit which divert surface runoff towards where Rixs Creek flows between West Pit and the Tailings Dam. Other future projects at Rixs Creek will include improvements to water metering and related record keeping. Recording water used for dust supression and water flows to the CHPP and from the CHPP to the tailings dam will help improve RXC s overall Water Management Strategies in the future. 11 GLOSSARY AEMR ARI CCC CHPP DA DMR EIS EPL HRSTS MOP OPSIM ROM RXC SEE WMP Annual Environmental Management Report Average Reoccurrence Interval Community Consultation Committee Coal Handling and Preparation Plant Development Application Department of Mineral Resources Environmental Impact Statement Environmental Protection License Hunter River Salinity Trading Scheme Mine Operations Plan Dynamic computer water balance model used to forecast the future performance of the water management system Run of Mine Rixs Creek Statements of Environmental Effect Water Management Plan 12 REFERENCES [1] Annual Environmental Report 2008, Rix s Creek Pty Ltd,

53 13 DOCUMENT CONTROL Document Authorised: Name: John Hindmarsh Role: Environmental Officer Signature: Date: Revision # Date Changes Person 0 1 March 2010 Original John Hindmarsh 20

54 FIGURES 21

55 Rixs Creek Coal Mine Regional Locality Plan Projection: MGA Z56 Date: 22/01/10 Location: Rixs Creek Contour Interval: N/A Plan By: JG LGA: Singleton Shire Source: N/A Version: 01 Project: Layout: Our Ref: Rixs Creek WMP A4 Job # 9020 Liddell Power Station Liddell Bayswater Power Station Mt Owen Ravensworth East Narama Jerry's Plains Hunter Valley Operations Maison Dieu Camberwell Rixs Creek Coal Mine Singleton Wambo Warkworth Bulga Mt Thorley Bulga 0 4 kilometres 8 Rixs Creek Coal Mine Lease Boundary JP Environmental for Rixs Creek Pty Ltd, Rixs Creek Colliery Figure 1

56 Rixs Creek Site Layout Projection: MGA Z56 Date: 22/01/10 Project: Rixs Creek WMP Location: Rixs Creek Contour Interval: N/A Plan By: JG Layout: A4 LGA: Singleton Shire Source: N/A Version: 01 Our Ref: Job # 9020 Rail Loop Coal Loading Area North Pit Administration and Workshop Old North Pit Coal Preparation Plant Contractors Pad West Pit Tailings Dam metres 1,000 Rixs Creek Mine Lease Boundary Site Buildings JP Environmental for Rixs Creek Pty Ltd, Rixs Creek Colliery Figure 2

57 Groundwater 22 ML (E) Coarse Reject 197ML (M) LEGEND Affected mainly by geometry e.g. depth, length, & geology. Affected mainly by climate Rain 1728ML (E) Evaporation 582ML (E) Tails 382ML (M) Affected mainly by process e.g. production rate, moisture control. Affected mainly by climate and process. Affected by geometry, geology & process (M) = Measured (E) = Estimated Dust Suppression 208ML (M) HRSTS Discharges 0ML (M) Lost to Tails & Spoil 85ML (E) Storage 867ML (E) Open Cut Pits Dewater 587ML (E) ROM Coal 117ML (E) Coal Processing Plant Internal Recycling 0ML (E) River/Imported (Fresh) 0ML (M) Product Coal (E) 125ML Figure 3 Sample Water Balance Schematic for RXC 24

58 Rixs Creek Catchments Projection: MGA Z56 Date: 05/02/10 Project: Rixs Creek WMP Location: Rixs Creek Contour Interval: N/A Plan By: JG Layout: A4 LGA: Singleton Shire Source: N/A Version: 01 Our Ref: Job # 9020 North Pit ha Storage Dam CWD4-DWD ha Old North Pit 74.48ha Administration Workshop CHPP 25.03ha West Pit ha Tailings Dam 31.84ha metres 1,000 Rixs Creek Coal Mine Lease Boundary Catchment Boundary JP Environmental for Rixs Creek Pty Ltd, Rixs Creek Colliery Figure 4

59 Minimum % % % % % % % % % Maximum Date 06/ / / / / / / / /2014 Total Volume on Site (ML) 12/ / / / /2016 Figure 5 OPSIM: Forecast Simulated Climatic Ranges for Water Storages.

60 7000 Minimum % % % TotalVolumeonSite(ML) % % % % % % Maximum PercentageofTimeStorageLevelisExceeded Figure 6 OPSIM: Storage Exceedence as Percentage of Time. 27

61 Rixs Creek Water Management Infrastructure Projection: MGA Z56 Date: 30/02/10 Location: Rixs Creek Contour Interval: N/A Plan By: JG LGA: Singleton Shire Source: N/A Version: 01 Project: Layout: Our Ref: Rixs Creek WMP A4 Job # 9020 Rail Loader Tunnel Water Sediment Dam - North North Pit Sump Old North Pit Storage Clean Water Dam 4 (CWD4-DWD4) Dirty Water Dam 1 (DWD1) North Pit Sump West Pit Storage Old Underground Mine Bore Clean Water Dam 6 (CWD6) West Pit Upper Sump West Pit Middle Sump Dirty Water Dam 2 (DWD2) Clean Water Dam 2 (CWD2) Tailings Dam Clean Water Dam 1 (CWD1) West Pit Lower Sump West Pit Middle Sump Sediment Dam Pit 3 - West Sediment Dam Pit 3 - East metres 1,000 Storage Dams Clean Mine Water Sediment Tailings Rixs Creek Mine Lease Boundary Hydroline Drainage Line Contour Drainage Line Pipeline Potential Water Extraction Point JP Environmental for Rixs Creek Pty Ltd, Rixs Creek Colliery Figure 7

62 WeM Pit St1>rage (in-pit) North Pit Storage (in-pit) Old North Pit Catchment Dam Rail Loc-der Tunnel Storage Dam A s West Pit Storage Dam ~ :!("b. DWDl A=s :&... 1 CWD4-DWD4 Tailings Darn Administration Irrigation Potable Water Supply Singleton Shire Council DWD2 ;'?s Workshl>ps Figure 8. OPSIM System Scheme~tic for Rix's Creek 2010

63 Water Sampling Locations Projection: MGA Z56 Date: 22/01/10 Project: Rixs Creek WMP Location: Rixs Creek Contour Interval: N/A Plan By: JG Layout: A4 LGA: Singleton Shire Source: N/A Version: 01 Our Ref: Job # 9020 Rail Loader Tunnel Water CL Railway Underpass (Site 1) Clean Water Dam 4 Dirty Water Dam 1 Clean Water Dam 6 (Site 6) New England Highway (Site 2) Dirty Water Dam 2 West Pit Catchment Dam Clean Water Dam 2 (Site 5) Clean Water Dam 1 (Site 4) Sediment Dam Pit 3 - West Sediment Dam Pit 3 - East Rixs Creek Above Industrial Estate Junction Below Operation (Site 10) Maison Dieu Industrial Estate Catchment Branch ,000 metres Maison Dieu Bridge (Site 3) Storage Dams Clean Mine Water Sediment Tailings Rixs Creek Mine Lease Boundary Water Sample Location - Monthly Water Sampling Location - Discharge Event JP Environmental for Rixs Creek Pty Ltd, Rixs Creek Colliery Figure 9

64 Rixs Creek Erosion and Sediment Control Structures Projection: MGA Z56 Date: 09/03/10 Project: Location: Rixs Creek Contour Interval: N/A Plan By: JG Layout: LGA: Singleton Shire Source: N/A Version: 02 Our Ref: Rixs Creek WMP A4 Job # 9020 Sediment Dam - North 10ML Sediment Dam Pit 3 - West 10ML Sediment Dam Pit 3 - East 10ML metres 1,000 Storage Dams Clean Mine Water Sediment Tailings Rixs Creek Mine Lease Boundary Drainage Line Contour Drainage Line JP Environmental for Rixs Creek Pty Ltd, Rixs Creek Colliery Figure 10

65 APPENDIX B Surface Water Monitoring Programme

66 Surface Water Monitoring Programme Rixs Creek Open Cut Coal Mine March 2010

67 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 PURPOSE SURFACE WATER MONITORING PROGRAMME BASELINE DATA & IMPACT ASSESSMENT CRITERIA...6 List of Tables: Table 2-1 Table 2-2 Table 3-1 Table 3-2 Watercourse Monitoring Mine Site Storage Dam Monitoring Baseline Data and Trigger Levels Watercourse Monitoring Baseline Data and Trigger Levels Mine Site Storage Dams 2

68 1 PURPOSE This document provides a summary of the surface water monitoring program for Rixs Creek Pty Ltd, Rixs Creek Colliery (RXC) open cut coal mine for the period (at most sampling locations). The monitoring locations are shown on Figure 9 in the main Water Management Plan Report for Rixs Creek Coal Mine and are subject to change. Monitoring locations will be updated as required to align with management needs and to accommodate progression of mining. 3

69 2 SURFACE WATER MONITORING PROGRAMME Table 2-1 details the Surface Water Monitoring Programme for RXC s watercourses. Table 2-1 Watercourse Monitoring Watercourse Monitoring Parameter ph, EC, TSS, TDS 1 Major Ions 2 Frequency Special 3 Monthly Annual Rixs Creek Grab Sample Locations Site 1 Rail Underpass Site 2 New England Highway Site 3 Maison Dieu Bridge Site 10 Below Operation Maison Dieu Industrial Estate Catchment Branch Above Junction with Industrial Estate Catchment 1 EC Electrical Conductivity; TSS Total Suspended Solids; TDS Total Dissolved Solids. 2 Comprehensive analysis includes major ions AL, As, B, Ba, Be, Ca, CaCO3, Total Cl, Cd, Co, CO 3, Cu, F, Fe (soluble), HCO 3, Hg, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, NH3, Ni, NO 2, NO 3, OH, P, Pb, Rb, Sb, Se, Si, SO 4 (or S), Sr, Zn. 3 Special sampling occurs when sufficient runoff is generated to create flow. 4

70 Table 2-2 details the Surface Water Monitoring Programme for RXC s Storage dams. Table 2-2 Mine Site Storage Dam Monitoring Mine Site Storage Dam Monitoring Parameter ph, EC, TSS, TDS 1 Major Ions 2 Frequency Special 3 Monthly Annual Clean Water Dams Site 4 Clean Water Dam 1 (CWD1) Site 5 Clean Water Dam 2 (CWD2) Site 6 Clean Water Dam 6 (CWD6) Discharge Water Dirty Water Dam 1 Dirty Water Dam 2 Clean Water Dam 4 (CWD4-DWD4) West Pit Catchment Sediment Dam Pit 3 East Sediment Dam Pit 3 West Rail Loader Tunnel Water 1 EC Electrical Conductivity; TSS Total Suspended Solids; TDS Total Dissolved Solids. 2 Comprehensive analysis includes major ions AL, As, B, Ba, Be, Ca, CaCO3, Total Cl, Cd, Co, CO 3, Cu, F, Fe (soluble), HCO 3, Hg, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, NH3, Ni, NO 2, NO 3, OH, P, Pb, Rb, Sb, Se, Si, SO 4 (or S), Sr, Zn. 3 Special sampling occurs when sufficient runoff is generated to create flow. 5

71 3 BASELINE DATA & IMPACT ASSESSMENT CRITERIA A summary of baseline data for surface water quality and trigger levels detailed in Table 3-1 and Table 3-2. Key parameters EC, ph and TSS will be monitored in accordance with Section 2. Trigger levels for investigating potentially adverse surface water impacts are specified. The trigger levels are defined as: Environment Protection Licence 3391 water quality limits; RXC Development Consent DA 49/94; Relevant ANZECC 1 Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality (2000) NSW Lowland Rivers; The 99 th percentile maximum value and the 1 st percentile minimum value 2 ; and/or Where data measurements show increasing divergence from the previous data or from the established or predicted trend. Trigger levels only apply where the measured results are attributed to mining operations. The response to trigger levels is detailed in the main Water Management Plan Report for Rixs Creek (2010) Appendix C: Impact Assessment Criteria, Trigger Levels and Response Plans. 1 The Australian and New Zealand Environment Conservation Council (2000) 2 99% is the 99 th percentile. 1% is the 1 st percentile. Trigger level 1 is equal to the 99 th percentile and 1 st percentile values. The 99 th and 1 st percentile values are calculated with available baseline data. Baseline results identified as outliers are excluded from the dataset when calculating the 99 th and 1 st percentile. Where baseline sample number is less than 20 the 99 th percentile and 1 st percentile will be reviewed on an annual basis to establish a robust trigger level. 6

72 Table 3-1 Baseline Data and Trigger Levels Watercourse Monitoring Parameter Impact Criteria Baseline and Impact Criteria - Watercourse Monitoring ph Total Suspended Solids (mg/l) Total Dissolved Solids (mg/l) Electrical Conductivity (μs/cm) 1 Stage 1 2 Stage 2 1 Stage 1 3 Stage 2 1 Stage 1 3 Stage 2 1 Stage 1 3 Stage 2 No. of Trigger Level Mean SD Trigger Level Trigger Level Mean Trigger Level Trigger Level Samples Mean SD Trigger Level No. of Trigger Level Trigger Level No. of SD Samples Samples Mean SD No. of Samples 99% 1% 99% 1% 99% 1% 99% 1% 99% 1% 99% 1% 99% 1% 99% 1% Location (Sampling Period) RIXS CREEK GRAB SAMPLE LOCATIONS Site 1 Rail Underpass ( ) Site 2 New England Hwy ( ) Site 3 Maison Dieu Bridge ( ) Site 10 Below Operation ( ) Maison Dieu Industrial Estate Catchment Branch ( )* Above Junction with Industrial Estate Catchment ( )* * Insufficient data to establish accurate baseline impact criteria. However available results have been included. 1 Stage 1 Trigger Level is equal to the 99 th percentile value and the 1 st percentile value. 2 Stage 2 Trigger Level for ph is equal to the 99 th percentile Value plus 1.0 ph unit and the 1 st percentile value minus 1.0 ph unit. 3 Stage 2 Trigger Level for EC, TSS and TDS is equal to twice the 99 th percentile value and half the 1 st percentile value. 7

73 Table 3-2 Baseline Data and Trigger Levels Mine Site Storage Dams Parameter No. of Samples Mean SD Baseline and Impact Criteria - Mine Site Storage Dams ph Total Suspended Solids (mg/l) Total Dissolved Solids (mg/l) Electrical Conductivity (μs/cm) 1 Stage 1 2 Stage 2 1 Stage 1 3 Stage 2 1 Stage 1 3 Stage 2 1 Stage 1 3 Stage 2 Trigger Level Trigger Level No. of Trigger Level Trigger Level Samples Mean SD Trigger Level Trigger Level No. of Mean SD Trigger Level Trigger Level No. of SD Samples Samples Mean 99% 1% 99% 1% 99% 1% 99% 1% 99% 1% 99% 1% 99% 1% 99% 1% Location (Sampling Period) CLEAN WATER DAMS Site 4 CWD1 ( ) Site 5 CWD2 ( ) Site 6 CWD6 ( ) Location (Sampling Period) DISCHARGE WATER DWD1 ( ) DWD2 ( ) CWD4-DWD4 ( ) West Pit Catchment ( )* Sediment Dam Pit 3 East (2002)* Sediment Dam Pit 3 West (2002)* Rail Loader Tunnel Water (2002)* * Insufficient data to establish accurate baseline impact criteria. However available results have been included. 1 Stage 1 Trigger Level is equal to the 99 th percentile value and the 1 st percentile value. 2 Stage 2 Trigger Level for ph is equal to the 99 th percentile Value plus 1.0 ph unit and the 1 st percentile value minus 1.0 ph unit. 3 Stage 2 Trigger Level for EC and TSS is equal to twice the 99 th percentile value and half the 1 st percentile value. 8

74 APPENDIX C Surface Water Assessment Criteria, Trigger Levels and Response Plan

75 Surface Water Impact Assessment Criteria, Trigger Levels and Response Plan Rixs Creek Open Cut Coal Mine February 2010

76 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION Impact Assessment Criteria Trigger Levels Response Plan for Water Quality Impact Assessment FLOW IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND RESPONSE Impact Assessment Criteria Trigger Levels Loss of Flow from Ephemeral Water Courses Loss of Flow from Permanent Water Courses Piezometric Surface Trends Zone of Depressurisation Ecosystem Condition Response Plan for Flow Impact Assessment Loss of Flow from Ephemeral Watercourses Loss of Flow from Permanent Water Courses Piezometric Surface Trends Zone of Depressurisation Ecosystem Condition RELEASE CRITERIA...7 2

77 1 INTRODUCTION Water quality impact assessment criteria and response plans have been developed to address the requirements of the following specific development consents / project approvals for Rixs Creek Pty Ltd, Rixs Creek Colliery (RXC) open cut coal mine. RXC Consolidated Development Consent DA 49/ Impact Assessment Criteria RXC will monitor potential negative effects on the surrounding environment by monitoring data trends over time. Criteria to be assessed for water quality (surface and groundwater) include: Electrical Conductivity (EC); ph; and, Total Suspended Solids (TSS) measured for surface water only. 1.2 Trigger Levels Key parameters EC, ph and TSS will be measured in accordance with the monitoring programme. Trigger levels are derived from: Relevant Environment Protection Licence 3391 water quality limits; RXC Development Consent DA 49/94; Relevant ANZECC 1 Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality (2000) NSW Lowland Rivers; and, The 99th percentile 2 maximum value and the 1st percentile minimum value and/or where data measurements show increasing divergence from the previous data or from the established or predicted trend. Trigger levels apply only where the measured results are attributed to mining operations. 1 Australian and New Zealand Environment Conservation Council 2 The 99th and 1st percentile values are calculated with available baseline data. Baseline results identified as outliers are excluded from the dataset when calculating the 99th and 1st percentile. Where the baseline sample number is less than 20, the 99th and 1st percentile will be reviewed on annual basis to establish a robust trigger level. 3

78 1.3 Response Plan for Water Quality Impact Assessment The response plan for surface water quality impact assessment describes contingency measures which may be enacted in the event that trigger levels are met or exceeded. The process for response to surface water trigger levels for investigating potentially adverse surface water impacts is described in three stages: Stage 1 When three consecutive data measurements, taken in accordance with the frequency detailed in the RXC Surface Water Monitoring Programme, meet or exceed a trigger level, the monitoring location is deemed to have exhibited a potential for adverse water impact. The response is to increase frequency of monitoring at the location, e.g. monthly to weekly or quarterly to monthly. If a licence limit is exceeded, response is in accordance with licence conditions. Stage 2 Where evaluation of additional monitoring indicates adverse trends and/or the result exceeds the second stage 3 trigger value, further investigation will be undertaken immediately to determine the source and magnitude of the impact. The outcome of the investigation may necessitate remedial actions. Remedial actions for surface water may include: Intercepting and pumping impacted water into the mine water management system; Establishing containment or diversion systems; and/or Modifying any activity that may be degrading the water quality. Monitoring and reporting will be undertaken to measure the effectiveness of the remedial actions for groundwater. Stage 3 Where assessment of remedial action indicates no improvement to the water quality, further action will be taken commensurate to the magnitude of the impact and feasibility of the response. Additional actions may include: Construction of dams, drains and permanent pumping systems to permanently contain surface water; Modification to Consent and/or Licence conditions; and/or Modification or cessation of mining activities deemed to the causing the impact, until a solution can be developed and approved. 3 Stage 2 Trigger Level for EC and TSS is equal to twice the 99th percentile value and half the 1st percentile value. Stage 2 Trigger Level for ph is equal to the 99th percentile value plus 1.0 ph unit and the 1st percentile value minus 1.0 ph unit. 4

79 2 FLOW IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND RESPONSE Water flow impact assessment and response plans have been developed to address the requirements of the following specific development consents / project approvals for Rixs Creek Pty Ltd (RXC) open cut coal mine. RXC Consolidated Development Consent DA 49/ Impact Assessment Criteria RXC will monitor potential negative effects on the surrounding environment by monitoring data trends over time. Criteria to be assessed for water flow (surface and groundwater) include: Flow in ephemeral watercourses; Flow in permanent water courses; Piezometric surface trends; Zone of depressurisation; and, Ecosystem condition. 2.2 Trigger Levels Trigger levels provide the measurable basis for identifying adverse water trends and the basis on which to consider implementing contingency measures, provided there is a large enough data set to provide statistically robust values. Trigger levels have been developed for the following criteria Loss of Flow from Ephemeral Water Courses Surface water flows are not monitored in the ephemeral water courses due to intermittent flow regimes. However there is a goal to develop site specific surface water impact assessment criteria, trigger levels and closure assessment criteria. NSW Office of Water (NOW) will be consulted as part of the assessment criteria development process Loss of Flow from Permanent Water Courses There are no permanent surface water courses that flow through RXC s mining lease. Pit inflows will be estimated by monitoring groundwater elevations within alluvium between Rixs Creek Pits. Inflows will be compared against predicted levels in the RXC Groundwater Management Plan (Appendix D) located in the main Water Management Plan for Rixs Creek Open Cut Coal Mine (2010). 5

80 2.2.3 Piezometric Surface Trends Refer to the Groundwater Management Plan (Appendix D) in the Water Management Plan for Rixs Creek Open Cut Coal Mine (2010) for criteria to assess increasing divergence from previous data or from the established or predicted trend Zone of Depressurisation Refer to the Groundwater Management Plan (Appendix D) in the Water Management Plan for Rixs Creek Open Cut Coal Mine (2010) for criteria to assess depressurisation from the works that is attributable to RXC mining operations Ecosystem Condition The Rixs Creek Coal Mine EIS (1994) states that the lease area does not contain any significant habitat areas due to the site being extensively disturbed from previous land uses and there is no flora or fauna of ecological significance. 2.3 Response Plan for Flow Impact Assessment The response plan describes contingency measures which will be enacted in the event that trigger levels are met or exceeded Loss of Flow from Ephemeral Watercourses Surface water flows are not monitored in the ephemeral water courses due to intermittent flow regimes. However there is a goal to develop site specific surface water impact contingency measures. NSW Office of Water (NOW) will be consulted as part of the assessment criteria development process Loss of Flow from Permanent Water Courses There are no permanent surface water courses that flow through RXC s mining lease. Loss of groundwater flow contingency measures are detailed in RXC Groundwater Management Plan (Appendix E) located in the main Water Management Plan for Rixs Creek Open Cut Coal Mine (2010) Piezometric Surface Trends Refer to the Groundwater Management Plan (Appendix D) in the Water Management Plan for Rixs Creek Open Cut Coal Mine (2010) for contingency measures in the event of increasing divergence from previous data or from the established or predicted trend. 6

81 2.3.4 Zone of Depressurisation Refer to the Groundwater Management Plan (Appendix D) in the Water Management Plan for Rixs Creek Open Cut Coal Mine (2010) for contingency measures in the event of depressurisation from the works that is attributable to RXC mining operations. Note: Contingency measures for private landholders may be triggered if the inferred zone of depressurisation extends to private landholders bores and is a result of RXC mining operations Ecosystem Condition If any flora and/or fauna of ecological significance are identified in the future the WMP will be modified during the annual review process. 3 RELEASE CRITERIA The water monitoring programme will be used to develop criteria, which if met, can be used to release RXC from further obligation to maintain the post mining landform. The release criteria are proposed when monitored parameters have returned to the following. Normal (i.e. natural variation); An acceptable range (i.e. acceptable impacts as proposed in the EIS); and/or An acceptable range after a departure from trends and actions are in place to prevent a recurrence. Release criteria will be used for staged release of land. Staged release will also include allowance to remove monitored points or parameters from the monitoring programme. Where quality data indicates satisfactory progress to achieving release criteria, monitoring frequency will be reduced (eg. monthly to quarterly, quarterly to six monthly) Release criteria will be developed progressively, and agreed with relevant agencies at least five years prior to mine closure. 7

82 APPENDIX D Groundwater Management Plan

83 Water and Environment RIX'S CREEK GAP STUDY Prepared for Rix's Creek Mine Date of Issue 24 February 2010 Our Reference S66B/005b As part of Aquaterra s commitment to the environment this PDF has been designed for double sided printing and includes blank pages as part of the document.

84 RIX'S CREEK GAP STUDY Prepared for Rix's Creek Mine Date of Issue 24 February 2010 Our Reference S66B/005b

85 RIX'S CREEK GAP STUDY Date Revision Description Revision A 9/2/2010 Draft to client Revision B 24/2/2010 Second draft to client Revision C 22/3/2010 Final to client Name Position Signature Date Originator J van den Akker Project Hydrogeologist 22/3/2010 A Fulton Senior Hydrogeologist 22/3/2010 Reviewer D Hunt Principal Hydrogeologist 22/3/2010 Location Address Issuing Office Sydney Suite Pacific Highway Pymble NSW 2073 Australia Tel Fax Our Reference S66B/005b

86 RIX'S CREEK GAP STUDY EXECUTIVE SUMMARY EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Rix s Creek Coal Project (RCCP) is located approximately 1.5km north of Singleton in the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales. The project commenced in 1990 and currently comprises of two open cut pits and associated Coal Handling and Preparation Plant (CHPP) and associated rail siding and infrastructure. Currently, there is no groundwater monitoring program implemented for the Rix s Creek Coal Project and as such Aquaterra have been engaged to identify a number of groundwater monitoring sites to enable the development of a suitable groundwater monitoring and response plan. In our assessment we applied the Draft Groundwater Monitoring Guidelines for Mine Sites within the Hunter Region (DIPNR, 2004). This report describes the present state of the groundwater environment within the mine site and immediate surroundings and assesses the potential mining risks to groundwater levels and quality, and to existing groundwater users (both Groundwater Dependant Ecosystems and licensed bores). The assessment of existing data has enabled us to develop a groundwater monitoring network geared towards developing a Groundwater Monitoring and Response Plan for mine operations, whilst also taking into account monitoring requirements of future mine operations such as the planned expansion (EIS requirements) and void rehabilitation (Final Void Management Plan). The assessment of existing data suggests there are no major hydrogeological concerns with current and future mine development and as such we recommend that 7 monitoring bores (the minium required by the Groundwater Monitoring Guidelines) are sufficient to monitor the potential impacts. The spatial distribution of groundwater monitoring bores has been geared towards potential groundwater impacts associated with: ongoing mining related activities (i.e. ground water quality issues associated tailings, stockpiles, waste dumps), proposed open cut expansion (define base line conditions to fulfil EIS requirements) ; and mine closure (final void management plan). Our Reference S66B/005b

87 RIX'S CREEK GAP STUDY CONTENTS CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION BACKGROUND REPORT OBJECTIVES RELEVANT STATE POLICIES AND GUIDELINES MINE OPERATIONS HISTORIC UNDERGROUND MINING (PRE 1990) EXISTING OPEN CUT MINE OPERATION ( ) FUTURE MINE OPERATIONS ( ) WATER SUPPLY DESCRIPTION OF THE EXITING ENVIRONMENT TOPOGRAPHY AND SURFACE WATER FEATURES GEOLOGY HYDROGEOLOGY POTENTIAL GROUNDWATER IMPACTS POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF MINING OPERATIONS HISTORIC UNDERGROUND MINING CURRENT OPEN CUT MINING CONTINUATION OF MINING MINE CLOSURE GROUNDWATER RECEPTORS GROUNDWATER DEPENDANT ECOSYSTEMS EXISTING LICENSED BORES MONITORING REQUIREMENTS AREA ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS MINE OPERATIONS TESTING AND SAMPLING SURVEYING WATER LICENSING RESPONSE PLAN CONTINGENCY MEASURES TRIGGER ACTION RESPONSE PLAN (TARP) RESPONSE ACTION RECOMMENDATIONS Our Reference S66B/005b i

88 RIX'S CREEK GAP STUDY CONTENTS 7.1 PIEZOMETER LOCATIONS PIEZOMETER CONSTRUCTION TESTING AND MONITORING ANTICIPATED COSTS DRILLING COSTS AQUATERRA COSTS TABLES Table 5.1: Groundwater Monitoring Frequency Table 6.1: Example Trigger Action Response Plan (TARP) Table 7.1: Proposed Monitoring Bores FIGURES Figure 1: Rix's Creek Coal Project Locality Plan... 3 Figure 2: Historic, Current and Future Mine Operations... 7 Figure 3: Topography and surface water features Figure 4: Geological Map Figure 5: Coal Seam Elevations Figure 6: Proposed Groundwater Monitoring Network Figure 7: Licensed Users ii Our Reference S66B/005b

89 RIX'S CREEK GAP STUDY INTRODUCTION 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 BACKGROUND The Rix s Creek Coal Project (RCCP) is located approximately 1.5km north of Singleton in the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales. The project currently includes two open cut mines (Pit 1 and Pit 3), and associated Coal Handling and Preparation Plant (CHPP) and associated rail siding and infrastructure (Figure 1). The mine has been developed in a staged manner, with the infrastructure and open cut mine developed concurrently commencing in July Historically, underground mining activities have occurred to the east of the existing southern open cut (Pit 1). An extension to the Rix s Creek Coal Mine is planned for the future. The location of the extension is north to the north east of Pit 3 within the lease boundary (Figure 2). Currently, there is no groundwater monitoring program implemented for the Rix s Creek Coal Project. The Draft Groundwater Monitoring Guidelines for Mine Sites within the Hunter Region (DIPNR, 2004) provide the following guidance in relation to the design of groundwater monitoring regimes: Groundwater monitoring programs must be set up such that it can be clearly recognised if an unacceptable impact has been reached and remedial strategies warranted by comparing predicted impacts pre-mining with monitoring data collected during the different phases of mining including the expansion and post-mining stages (DIPNR, 2004). The objectives of establishing a groundwater monitoring network, as stated in the DIPNR Guidelines are to: Permit the collecting of a sufficient and reliable level of data such that any interpretation based on that data should accurately represent the condition of the natural resource at the time of sampling. Provide a mechanism for monitoring the impact of mining developments on the groundwater system and to relate it to the predictions made during the environmental impact assessment process. Initiate any required remediation and restoration program where there is degradation of the groundwater regime beyond the approvals in the development application. As part of the Notice of Modification to the development consent (DA 49/94), the NSW Office of Water (NOW), require a groundwater monitoring program for RCCP that addresses the following issues: Detailed baseline data of groundwater levels, yield and quality in the region, and privately owned groundwater bores, which could be affected by the development; Groundwater impact assessment criteria, including trigger levels for investigating any potentially adverse groundwater impacts of the development; A program to monitor groundwater inflows to the open cut mining operations, and impacts of the development on the regions aquifers, any groundwater bores, and surrounding watercourses. The groundwater monitoring program will allow early identification any unexpected issues that occur in relation to groundwater, and therefore allow for early intervention to prevent adverse impacts. The groundwater monitoring program will also provide the baseline information that will be required for the Final Void Management Plan. In addition, RCCP will need baseline information for the EA for the proposed extension, and the monitoring program can be used to provide this information Implementation of a groundwater monitoring plan for RCCP will require installation of piezometers with ongoing monitoring and testing. As such Aquaterra have been engaged to identify suitable groundwater monitoring sites to enable the development of a groundwater monitoring and response plan. This has been conducted based on an assessment of the sites Our Reference S66B/005b Page 1

90 RIX'S CREEK GAP STUDY INTRODUCTION environment (geology, hydrogeology, hydrology, and existing groundwater users) and risks posed by the existing and proposed site operations (planned expansion and mine closure). 1.2 REPORT OBJECTIVES This report describes the present state of the groundwater environment within the mine site and immediate surroundings and assesses the potential mining risks to groundwater levels, quality, and other groundwater users (both Groundwater Dependant Ecosystems and DWE licensed bores). The assessment of existing data has enabled us to develop a groundwater monitoring network that is geared towards developing a Groundwater Monitoring and Response Plan for mine operations, whilst also taking into account monitoring requirements for the continuation of mining in the Western Pit (EA requirements) and void rehabilitation (Final Void Management Plan). This report is structured as follows: Section 2 outlines the historic, current and future mining activities and gives a brief summary of the mining operations and water supply demands of the project, Section 3 describes the existing environment (geology, hydrogeology, hydrology, and existing groundwater users), Section 4 identifies the groundwater related receptors and risks from current and future mining activities, Section 5 outlines the monitoring requirements adopted from the groundwater monitoring guidelines for mine sites within the Hunter region, Section 6 outlines the requirements for a Groundwater Response Plan, Section 7 outlines our recommendations for the development of a groundwater monitoring network; and Section 8 outlines the predicted cost for establishing a groundwater monitoring network. 1.3 RELEVANT STATE POLICIES AND GUIDELINES This report has also been prepared with due consideration of relevant state policies and guidelines including: Groundwater Monitoring Guidelines For Mine Sites Within the Hunter Region (DPI) National Water Quality Management Strategy Guidelines for Groundwater Protection in Australia (ARMCANZ / ANZECC). NSW Groundwater Policy Framework Document (DLWC). NSW Groundwater Quality Protection Policy (DLWC). NSW Groundwater Quantity Management Policy (DLWC). NSW State Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems Policy (DLWC). Murray-Darling Basin Commission Groundwater Flow Modelling Guidelines (MDBC). Hunter Groundwater Water Sharing Plan (DECCW). Guidelines for the Assessment and Management of Groundwater Contamination (DEC). Page 2 Our Reference S66B/005b

91 Oak Park Camberwell Ashton Coal Operations FO Y BR OO FAL BROOK K Rix's Creek Mine Camberwell Mine 0 Obanvale 750 1,500 3,000 Meters Legend Pit 1 Towns Water Course Type Perennial Rix's Creek Coal Operations Non-perennial Principal Road Underground Workings Mine lease Pit 3 ER RI VE R TER NT E NT HU HUN HU RIVE R Rix' s Cr eek Pit 2 R IVE RR Dunolly Darlington Singleton Hts Combo Project: S66 Date: 18/11/2009 Drawing No. 002 Revision : A Drawn: JVDA Datum: WGS1984 Figure 1 Rix's Creek Coal Project

92 RIX'S CREEK GAP STUDY MINE OPERATIONS 2 MINE OPERATIONS 2.1 HISTORIC UNDERGROUND MINING (PRE 1990) Historical underground workings are located on the eastern side of the coal basin and span from the south of pit 1 to the east of Pit 2. The approximate outline of the limit of extraction of the underground workings in the Barrett seam is shown on Figure EXISTING OPEN CUT MINE OPERATION ( ) Rix s Creek Mine has been in operation since The mining at Rix s Creek is via a multiseam bench system open cut operation, which mines up to nine seams and associated splits. In 1992 mining operation was focused to the north of the underground workings (Pit 1) into the Liddell and Arties Seams and to the South of the Highway (Pit 2) into the Barrett Seams and Hebden seams, as part of Stage 2 (Figure 2). Stage 3 and Stage 4 allowed for continued operation in Pits 1 and 2 with the commencement of Pit 3 into the Liddell seams. Pit 2 has been fully mined and is now an approved tailings emplacement area (Figure 2). Mining is currently focused on Pits 1 and Pits 3 which are being mined down to the Liddell and Barrett seams respectively. Mining of Pit 1 scheduled to finish in 2015, whilst mining in Pit 3 will be continued towards the north, after the current mining consent expires in 2016 The Camberwell Open cut mine in the north, mines down to the Barrett seam. 2.3 FUTURE MINE OPERATIONS ( ) The continuation of mining in West pit shell (Pit 3) will cover an area of approximately 245ha, and extraction will be carried out to the base of the Barrett seam (110 to -100mAHD). The extension will commence after the current consent expires in 2016, to the south and progress to the North West, and run for approximately 15 years at full extraction rates. The proposed mining footprint (for the period ) is shown on Figure 2. The final void of the pit will be located in the Northern corner of the open cut. 2.4 WATER SUPPLY Groundwater abstraction licences have been allocated for pit excavations (20BL170863), where minor groundwater seepages are evident, and to a bore, which intercepts the underground workings (20BL170864). In the past groundwater has occasionally been soured from the bore, however, the bore is no longer relied upon for water supply. Both licenses allow for the abstraction of 100ML per annum. Approximately 3ML of water per day is used by the mine for dust suppression (1ML) and in the coal preparation plant (2ML). A large portion of this water is recycled from the tailing emplacement area and from dirty water dams which contain runoff from disturbed areas. Our Reference S66B/005b Page 5

93 Camberwell Pit Rix's Creek Coal Project Obanvale Pit ,500 Meters WATTLE PONDS CREEK Legend Water Course Type Non-perennial Perennial West Void Extension Mine lease Historic - Underground Workings Current Mine foot print Pit 3 Pit 2 Project: S66 Drawing No. 003 Drawn: JVDA Date: 18/01/2010 Revision : A Datum: WGS1984 Figure 2 Historic, Current and Future Mine Operations

94 RIX'S CREEK GAP STUDY DESCRIPTION OF THE EXITING ENVIRONMENT 3 DESCRIPTION OF THE EXITING ENVIRONMENT 3.1 TOPOGRAPHY AND SURFACE WATER FEATURES The Rix s Creek Mine is located within mining lease 1432, which covers an area of 1,846ha (18.46km 2 ). It consists mostly of cleared grazing lands with land elevation ranging from 160m AHD (Australian Height Datum) in the north west and north east, to topographical lows in the centre of the lease (60mAHD), where the existing open cut pits are situated (Figure 3). The natural topography at the western end of the mine exhibit gentle undulations and direct natural surface drainage towards Rix s Creek, an ephemeral stream which runs in NE to SW direction through the mine and connects to the Hunter River towards the south. Runoff from undisturbed areas is directed away from mining operations through diversion banks, which direct runoff into natural water courses or into a number clean water dams. Clean water dams overflow into natural drainage systems. 3.2 GEOLOGY Coal reserves within the Rix s Creek mining lease are mostly within the Foybrook Formation of the Vane Sub-Group (Hebden to Lemington seams), which is part of the Whittingham Coal Measures, the basal coal-bearing sequence of the Singleton Super group. Regional surface geology is shown on Figure 4. The Rix s Creek coal basin lies in north south orientation (Figure 5). The syncline is approximately 8km long by 3km wide and lies between the Camberwell and Darlington Anticlines. The syncline is asymmetrical, the western limb generally dipping at a steeper angle than the eastern limb (Figure 5). The major coal seams identified in the Rix s Creek syncline are (in descending stratigraphic order) the Lemington, Pikes Gully, Liddell, Barrett and Hebden seams. The target coal seams are dispersed as several splits, separated by interburden sediments which comprise alternating sandstone, siltstone, conglomerate, mudstone and shale, as well as occasional minor coal seams. Interburden between the Barrett and Upper Hebden seams increases to >20m in the northern and western regions, rendering the Upper Hebden seam uneconomical to mine. Sub-cropping to the east and west of the mine area are the Pikes Gully, Arties, Upper to Lower Liddell, Barrett and Hebden seams. Pits 1 and 3 are being mined down to the bottom of the Liddell and Barrett seams, respectively. The elevations of the Upper Liddell and Barrett coal seams along with the geological cross sections are presented in Figure 5. Mining of the Camberwell Open Cut pit to the north is being carried out down to the Barrett Seam. 3.3 HYDROGEOLOGY The main aquifer beneath the project site consists of a hard rock system in the Permian coal measures. Because of the impermeable nature of the interburden sediments, groundwater flow within the hard rock is predominantly confined to the cleat fractures in the coal seams. This means the coal seams themselves form the main aquifer within the hard rock system. Groundwater flow in the Permian rocks is dominated by fracture flow, particularly in the coal seams. Groundwater levels in the upper part of the Permian coal measures generally reflect the local topography, with higher groundwater levels in elevated areas and lower levels in the valleys. On the evidence of observations made during our visit to site there were no major, measureable groundwater inflows into the open cut mines. However, small seepages were observed at a number of locations along the SW wall of Pit 1. The seepages became increasingly apparent in coal seams to the south and corresponded to reduction in depth cover. Based on the observations made during our site visit and hydrogeological investigations conducted at neighboring mines, it is postulated that the hydraulic conductivity (permeability) of the coal seams are generally low (0.01 to 0.05m/d), but higher seam permeabilities can Our Reference S66B/005b Page 9

95 RIX'S CREEK GAP STUDY DESCRIPTION OF THE EXITING ENVIRONMENT expected to be found in weathered areas close to the outcrop. Generally, the hydraulic conductivity of the coal seams declines rapidly with greater depth of cover. The unconsolidated regolith comprises clay-bound and silt-bound sands and gravels. Minor alluvium, associated with Rix s Creek exists to the south of the mine lease (Figure 4). The creek is ephemeral (no groundwater contribution), and as such there are no GDE s associated with the creek. Page 10 Our Reference S66B/005b

96 Rix's Creek ,000 Meters Legend Mine lease Water Course Type Non-perennial Perennial Surface elevelation (mahd) Project: S66 Drawing No. 004 Drawn: JVDA Date: 15/01/2010 Revision : A Datum: WGS1984 Figure 3 Topography and surface water features

97 Camberwell Oak Park FOY BROOK FAL BROOK Glennies Creek Rix's Creek Coal Project Obanvale ,500 3,000 Meters Legend HUNTER RIVER Rix's Creek Coal Project WATTLE PONDS CREEK Towns Principal Road Mine lease Geology Unit Name Water Course Type Non-perennial Perennial Branxton Formation Isismurra Formation Mount Johnstone Formation Mulbring Siltstone Muree Sandstone Narrabeen Group Newcastle Coal Measures Saltwater Creek Formation Vane Subgroup, Archerfield Sandstone Wittingham Coal Measures Alluvium WOLLOMBI BROOK Rix's Creek Hunter River Dunolly Darlington HUNTER RIVER Combo Project: S66 Drawing No. 005 Date: 15/01/2010 Revision : A Singleton Hts Singleton Redbournburry Drawn: JVDA Datum: WGS1984 HUNTER RIVER Figure 4 Geological Map

98 RIX'S CREEK GAP STUDY POTENTIAL GROUNDWATER IMPACTS 4 POTENTIAL GROUNDWATER IMPACTS 4.1 POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF MINING OPERATIONS This hydrogeological assessment takes into account existing mine areas and the proposed continued mining activities discussed in Section 2 of this report HISTORIC UNDERGROUND MINING Underground workings, which extend down to the Barrett seam, exist to the south of Pit 1 and east of pit 3. Licensed bore BL intercepts the underground workings and was previously relied upon for a water supply. It is believed that a connection was made with these workings during the excavation of Pit 2 (now the tailings emplacement area) (Figure 2). Groundwater inflows were observed during the excavation of Pit 2 (which was excavated below the elevation of the underground workings), and hence dewatering from the underground workings was required to limit groundwater flows into the Pit (Figure 5) CURRENT OPEN CUT MINING The development of open cut mines has the potential to form a sink into which groundwater will flow from the coal measures and therefore control the piezometric head immediately around the pit. Due to the very low hydraulic conductivities of the mined seams and minor seepages noted to date, this impact is expected to be limited to the area immediately around the pits. There are likely to be limited regional groundwater level drawdown impacts as a result of current mine activities, and these will be confined to the basin structure that contains the RCCP. Other mining activities that have the potential to impact groundwater levels and quality are: Tailings emplacement area- groundwater pollution Spoils and emplacement contribution of salt to surface water and groundwater Surface water bodies these may locally control groundwater levels in surrounding spoil and Permian strata. Waste dumps & Coal Handling plant surface water runoff and associated water quality issues CONTINUATION OF MINING The proposed northward extension to Pit 3 will mine down to depths of -100mAHDm. As discussed in Section above, excavations below the water table have the potential to control piezometric head around the pit. The amount and rate at which groundwater flows into the pit and extent of the drawdown will depend on aquifer properties of the mined coal seams (i.e. hydraulic conductivity). Low pit inflows observed to date, combined with the lower hydraulic conductivities of the mined coal seams expected at depth, suggest that groundwater drawdown from mining in the proposed extension area will not emanate outside the basin structure (which falls within the Mine Lease). Even though impacts should be low, some baseline studies will be required as part of the Environmental Assessment (EA) process, and a groundwater monitoring network will be required to provide pre-mining baseline information against which actual mining impacts can be compared. Our Reference S66B/005b Page 15

99 Lower Barrett Elevation Upper Liddell Elevation Rix's Creek Coal Project ,000 2,000 Meters Legend Water Course Type Non-perennial Perennial Mine foot print Underground Workings Mine lease Project: S66 Drawing No. 006 Drawn: JVDA Date: 15/01/2010 Revision : A Datum: WGS1984 Figure 5 Coal Seam Elevations (mahd) (Upper Liddell and Lower Barrett coal seams)

100 RIX'S CREEK GAP STUDY POTENTIAL GROUNDWATER IMPACTS MINE CLOSURE Final Void Management Plan The proposed rehabilitation layout for 2012 is shown on Figure 6. Whilst mine rehabilitation may involve reinstating the land surface, the underlying backfill aggregate will consist of a mix of rock mineralogy formed from the various coal seam interburden and overburden layers. This backfill will contain a mix of particle shapes, textures, strength, and weathering characteristics, which will have significantly different hydrogeological characteristics to the pre-mining rock mass, leading to enhanced recharge and permeability. This enhanced recharge in spoil backfill areas around Rix s Creek has the potential to elevate groundwater levels around the creek and thereby promote saline groundwater seepages into the Creek. In addition, the potential for acid mine drainage may also exist. While a previous EIS has considered this impact to be unlikely (due to low sulphur content of the coal), groundwater monitoring should be put in place to confirm this prior to the final rehabilitation and long term recovery of groundwater levels. In order to minimize any potential adverse impacts associated with the final void, design criteria and specifications for the void will be based on groundwater modeling predictions and an assessment of post mining groundwater equilibrium. This will require actual baseline monitoring data in order to validate any model that is constructed. The groundwater monitoring program must therefore: be established prior to mine closure, be designed to allow identification and understanding of the primary impact mechanisms associated with the open void, and be extended beyond the active mine life, in order to assess the potential for long term impacts. 4.2 GROUNDWATER RECEPTORS GROUNDWATER DEPENDANT ECOSYSTEMS No Groundwater Dependant Ecosystems have been identified in and around the mine lease. The existing mine footprint is situated upstream of Rix s Creek. There are no alluvium deposits associated with the creek in this area (Figure 7). Surface water monitoring data (EC and flow observations) obtained from the creek shows very low EC (<200uS/cm) and occasional flows. This suggests that flow in Rix s Creek is almost entirely derived from surface water runoff. As there is no alluvium in the mining area and no apparent base flow contributions, the pumping or interception of groundwater from current or future mining activities should not impact on flows in the creek. The only risks to the creek therefore relate to water quality impacts associated with mine backfilling, as outlined under Section EXISTING LICENSED BORES With the exception of licensed bore GW052121, all registered water bores or wells are located more than 4.5km from the centre of the mine lease. The locations of the known bores and wells are shown on Figure 7. A review of geological data obtained from the DWE groundwater database, shows that licensed bores are generally <16m deep and target alluvial deposits, associated with the Hunter River (Figure 7). The alluvium aquifers targeted by existing users does not extended into the mined area and are considered to be in hydraulic isolation to the mined aquifers (coal seams). Hence, there will be no groundwater impacts to existing users from current and future mining. Bore GW is located 2.38km to the east of the underground workings and targets a coal measure within the Darlington Anticline (Maitland Group). The bore is 30.5m deep and is screened from 24.5 to 30.5m. Mining activities are not expected to impact this bore as the bore is located at distance outside of the basin structure and hence should be outside of the influence of drawdown from the pit. The deepest mined seam within the pit (the Barrett seam) outcrops around 2.2km to the west this bore (Figure 7). Our Reference S66B/005b Page 19

101 Rix's Creek Coal Project!. 2!. 6!. 3 WATTLE PONDS ,620 Meters!. 1!. 5!. 20BL Legend!. Proposed monitoring bores Mine lease Underground Workings Proposed rehabilitation Y2012 Emplacement Y2012 Rehab area Y2012 Spoil Remaining Voids West Void Extension Water Course Type Non-perennial Perennial!. 4 Project: S66 Drawing No. 007 Drawn: JVDA Date: 15/01/2010 Revision : A Datum: WGS1984 Figure 6 Proposed Groundwater Monitoring Network

102 Ravensworth GW FAL BROOK GW GW GW GW GW GW Rix's Creek Coal Project GW GW GW FAL BROOK Camberwell GW GW Oak Park FOY BROOK GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW Glennies Creek GW GW GW GW Obanvale 0 1,000 2,000 4,000 Meters Legend Towns 4.4km radial Lower Barrett outcrop Water Course Type Non-perennial Geology Unit Name Branxton Formation Isismurra Formation Mount Johnstone Formation Mulbring Siltstone GW GW Perennial West Void Extension Muree Sandstone Narrabeen Group Mine lease Newcastle Coal Measures Underground Workings Saltwater Creek Formation GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW WOLLOMBI BROOK GW GW GW GW GW GW GW Gouldsville Rix's Creek Hunter River HUNTER RIVER GW GW GW GW GW GW Combo GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW HUNTER RIVER WATTLE PONDS CREEK GW GW Dunolly GW GW Darlington GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW Singleton Redbournburry GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW015098GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW GW Mine foot print Licensed Bores Depth range (m)!. 0-16! ! ! ! Project: S66 Drawing No. 007 Drawn: JVDA Vane Subgroup, Archerfield Sandstone Wittingham Coal Measures Alluvium Date: 15/01/2010 Revision : A Datum: WGS1984 Figure 7 Licensed Users

103 RIX'S CREEK GAP STUDY MONITORING REQUIREMENTS 5 MONITORING REQUIREMENTS In accordance with the monitoring requirements set out in the Draft Groundwater Monitoring Guidelines for mine sites within the Hunter Region, the recommended density, locations and frequency of monitoring bores have been adopted after consideration of the following factors: Area of the mine lease Mine operations o Historic underground mining o Current open cut mining o Future (expansion and mine closure) o Other mining activities, tailings, dams, stockpiles, effluent and stage facilities. Existing users (GDE s and licensed groundwater users) 5.1 AREA The Rix s Creek Coal Mine covers an area of 18.46m 2. As such, monitoring for the potential impacts requires selecting observation points at enough locations that will allow any significant changes in the groundwater regime from one annual monitoring report to the next to be observed. Based on the area of the mine lease (18.45m 2 ) the minimum number of monitoring bores required, as specified by DIPNR 2003 for the Hunter Region (in addition to the existing bore 20BL170864) is ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS The assessment of potential impacts discussed in Section 4 of this report showed that mining will pose a low risk, particularly to existing users. The existing and proposed mines are also well away from any areas that could be considered sensitive in terms of the Water Sources described in the Hunter Unregulated River and Alluvium Water Sharing Plan (e.g. the Hunter River Alluvium). As there are no major hydrogeological concerns with current and future mine development, we consider that a satisfactory groundwater monitoring program can be established through the addition of 6 new piezometers on site. 5.3 MINE OPERATIONS The spatial distribution of groundwater monitoring bores should be geared towards monitoring potential groundwater impacts associated with i) ongoing mining related activities (i.e. ground water quality issues associated tailings, stockpiles, waste dumps etc), ii) proposed open cut expansion and iii) mine closure (final void management plan). The activities and associated risks that require monitoring are summarised as follows: Ongoing Mining Related Activities bores have been positioned to help understand the hydraulic influence from tailings dams, underground workings, spoil and surface water storage areas, as well as water quality impacts associated with these, and other features (e.g. waste dumps, coal handling area etc.). Continuation of Mining in Pit 3 - Prior to the extension of Pit 3, monitoring bores need to be installed to monitor and benchmark the pre extension variations in groundwater levels and quality. Aquifer properties of the mined coal seams (Barrett and Liddell) should be confirmed through hydraulic testing of monitoring bores. Information gained from this will also be used to assess the potential for groundwater inflows and groundwater monitoring predictions as part of the final void management plan. If the monitoring bores are situated in the mine path, replacement bore(s) may need to be constructed after mining has progressed beyond the observation point. Mine rehabilitation - The design of the groundwater monitoring network should address potential issues associated with mine closure. The installation of shallow monitoring bores within the regolith near the creek around the backfilled areas will help assess the effects that enhanced recharge and permeability might have on groundwater levels near the Our Reference S66B/005b Page 25

104 RIX'S CREEK GAP STUDY MONITORING REQUIREMENTS creek. This will help identify how the post mining pit void water levels are likely to behave, and hence allow the risk that migration of saline waters within the pit might have on the surface waters in Rix s creek. In addition, shallow monitoring bores around the void will help to detect or confirm the absence of any risk due to acid drainage from the pit area. 5.4 TESTING AND SAMPLING The DIPNR recommended key indicators for regional resource evaluation and management include electrical conductivity, ph, major anions (C03, HCO3, SO4, Cl, NO3), cations (Ca, Mg, Na, K) including two target heavy metals commonly associated with the seam mined. Water levels should be measured to within an accuracy of ± 0.3 centimetres. The recommended frequency of water level and quality measurements is shown in Table 5.1. This is based on the issues described previously and the likely rate of response of the groundwater system to change. As there are no major hydrogeological concerns with the RCCP, we have generally applied the minimum monitoring requirements (recommended by DIPNR). Quarterly sampling is recommended for ph, EC and water levels, and half yearly for major cations, anions and the target heavy metals. Any monitoring network should be reviewed regularly to determine the efficiency of the program and if more or less observation sites are required. Hydraulic testing to determine aquifer permeabilities (via slug test and/or constant rate tests CRT) is also recommended to support the mine closure plan and EA for the continuation of mining in Pit 3. The groundwater monitoring program should 1) be established prior to mine closure and 2) be extended beyond the active mine life, in order to assess the potential for long term impacts. Groundwater level and water quality measurements should continue until such time as an adequate correlation can be demonstrated between satisfying the predictions made in the EA & Void Closure Plan with that observed at the mine site. For water level monitoring, a minimum time of 10% of the predicted re-pressurisation time (to a maximum of 10 years), is recommended, unless specific circumstances require additional time (DIPNR 2003) Table 5.1: Groundwater Monitoring Frequency Current Mining Continuation of Mining (Pit 3) Mine Closure Water Levels Quarterly Quarterly Quarterly Water Quality Quarterly for field parameters and half yearly for major ions and metals Quarterly for field parameters and half yearly for major ions and metals Hydraulic testing Once - - Quarterly for the first year then yearly 5.5 SURVEYING Each monitoring bore must be surveyed relative to the Australian Height Datum. 5.6 WATER LICENSING Groundwater licences under Part 5 of the Water Act 1912 are required for any extraction of water from the mine, production bores, or monitoring piezometers. Although licensing of activities, water use, water works and approvals is currently effected under the Water Act (1912), it is anticipated that the Water Act will be repealed in 2010, and will be replaced by the Water Management Act (2000) (WMA). Any Part 5 groundwater licences would be transitioned to Access Licences under the WMA. Page 26 Our Reference S66B/005b

105 RIX'S CREEK GAP STUDY RESPONSE PLAN 6 RESPONSE PLAN 6.1 CONTINGENCY MEASURES In the event of any un expected adverse impacts or water quality degradation, Rix s Creek will commission an assessment of the causes, will develop a staged response program satisfactory to DoP to mitigate the adverse impacts, and will attempt to establish and implement measures to limit further adverse impact. The identification process and response protocols to potential adverse outcomes are provided in the trigger action response plan (TARP) provided in Section 6.2. The responses proposed incorporate a staged assessment and development of management measures deemed appropriate for each individual event should it occur. The monitoring data collected over time from the proposed groundwater monitoring network will provide guidelines for trigger levels. Specific trigger levels will be developed to alert Rix s Creek personnel to observed parameter responses which are outside of normal variation and/or predicted responses, or where observed parameter values do not follow anticipated trends. The response plan is designed to include both current, ongoing operations and future mine expansion. 6.2 TRIGGER ACTION RESPONSE PLAN (TARP) The Trigger Action Response Plan (TARP) provides appropriate triggers and corresponding response actions for prevention or mitigation of adverse impacts to nearby water users or the natural environment as a result of mining. The monitoring program outlined in Section 5 has been designed to detect changes to groundwater levels, groundwater quality or inflow rates, or to indicate that an abnormal condition relating to mining has developed. The first objective of the TARP is to detail baseline data which will be obtained from the proposed groundwater monitoring network. The risks identified in Section 4, mainly concern mining operations after the current consent condition expires in 2016 (i.e. risks associated with continued mining of Pit 3 and mine closure). Hence, there is sufficient time to characterise baseline conditions and once established, trigger levels will be set and revised as part of a Groundwater Response Plan. After baseline conditions are established, trigger levels will be set for particular impacts at which a response is needed, and to help define an appropriate response in each case (Table 6.1). The trigger levels detailed in Table 6.1 currently serve as an indication and should be reviewed once monitoring data comes to hand. Aspects assessed to be at risk are summarised in Section 4 of this report. These include both predicted and unpredicted impacts, and include: Groundwater level Groundwater quality Hydraulic connection to Rix s Creek post mine closure. Groundwater users (Private Bores) 6.3 RESPONSE ACTION In the event of any exceedence of trigger levels, the following response action would be initiated: Refer the matter to an independent hydrogeologist for review. Assessment by him/her to determine the reason for the exceedence. If assessed as being caused by the mining operation, and it is further assessed to be likely to cause an adverse impact on an existing beneficial or environmental use of surface water or groundwater, then an appropriate preventative and/or remedial strategy would be recommended, which may comprise: Our Reference S66B/005b Page 27

106 RIX'S CREEK GAP STUDY RESPONSE PLAN o Additional monitoring; o Modification to mine plans; o Provision of alternative water supply or other agreed compensation; or o (If appropriate) change to operations. The above response program would be carried out in consultation with NOW and DII- Minerals. Page 28 Our Reference S66B/005b

107 RIX'S CREEK GAP STUDY RESPONSE PLAN Table 6.1: Example Trigger Action Response Plan (TARP) Aspect Parameter Frequency Purpose Trigger Action Responsibility Timing Purpose Groundwater monitoring Groundwater level in piezometer Quarterly To provide baseline water level data and to identify water level impacts associated with mining activities Shallow/near surface groundwaters: A change in groundwater level of +/- 5m from baseline levels (to be refined once seasonal baseline levels are captured) Repeat water level monitoring to confirm. Refer the matter to an independent hydrogeologist for review Rix's Creek Environmental Officer Inform relevant agencies within 7 days. Investigation initiated within 1 week Inform agencies of baseline assessment an monitoring. Identify, investigate and report on impacts to groundwater levels. Groundwater quality in piezometer Quarterly: ph, EC, TDS Half yearly: Cations, Anions, Nutrients & Dissolved metals To provide baseline water quality data and to identify water quality impacts, associated with TSF, emplacement/rehab/ backfill areas and acid drainage post mining An observed increase or decrease in salinity by more than 25 percent outside baseline conditions sustained over a consecutive 6 month period Repeat groundwater sampling to confirm. Refer the matter to an independent hydrogeologist for review Rix's Creek Environmental Officer Inform relevant agencies within 7 days. Investigation initiated within 1 week Inform agencies of baseline assessment an monitoring. Identify, investigate and report on impacts to groundwater quality. Hydraulic connection with near surface groundwaters near Rix's Creek AND water quality impacts to Rix's Creek Groundwater level in piezometer Monthly To identify any elevated groundwater levels and therefore baseflow contributions to Rix's Creek post mine rehabilitation Shallow/near surface groundwaters: A change in groundwater level of +/- 5m outside baseline levels (to be refined once seasonal baseline levels are captured) Repeat water level monitoring to confirm. Refer the matter to an independent hydrogeologist for review Rix's Creek Environmental Officer Inform relevant agencies within 7 days. Investigation initiated within 1 week Identify, investigate and report on water level impacts to near surface groundwaters associated with Rix's Creek Coal Measures: Nil Our Reference S66B/005b Page 29

108 RIX'S CREEK GAP STUDY RESPONSE PLAN Groundwater quality in piezometer Quarterly: ph, EC, TDS Half yearly: Cations, Anions, Nutrients & Dissolved metals Identify any water quality (salinity) impacts to the creek post mining An observed increase in salinity by more than 25 percent outside baseline values sustained over a consecutive 6 month period and/or water quality parameters (ph, TSS, TDS, etc) in exceedence of baseline values Repeat groundwater sampling to confirm. Refer the matter to an independent hydrogeologist for review Rix's Creek Environmental Officer Inform relevant agencies within 7 days. Investigation initiated within 1 week Identify, investigate and report on water quality impacts to near surface groundwaters associated with Rix's Creek Mine inflows Flow rate As required Identify unexpected high mine inflows and whether this will impact surrounding GW users (only applies to future mine extensions). Where predictions exist, an observed inflow rate more than 25 percent greater than predictions, or greater than current licensed volume at any stage during the mine life sustained for 3 consecutive months Refer the matter to an independent hydrogeologist for review Rix's Creek Environmental Officer Inform relevant agencies within 7 days. Investigation initiated within 1 week Identify, investigate and report on drawdown impacts to existing users Water quality of mine inflows Opportunistic: ph, EC, TDS Opportunistic /Yearly: Cations, Anions, Nutrients & Dissolved metals An observed increase or decrease in salinity of more than 25 percent outside baseline conditions sustained over a consecutive 6 month period Repeat water quality sampling to confirm. Refer the matter to an independent hydrogeologist for review Rix's Creek Environmental Officer Inform relevant agencies within 7 days. Investigation initiated within 1 week Identify, investigate and report on water quality impacts and determine whether a new source of inflows has occured Licensed users (if identified, and only in areas where impacts are known to be occurring) Water level in registered bore(s) Quarterly Monitor potential water level impacts to existing registered bores An additional drawdown of 5m relative to the predicted drawdown Refer the matter to an independent hydrogeologist for review Rix's Creek Environmental Officer Inform relevant agencies within 7 days. Investigation initiated within 1 week Ensure water supply is maintained Page 30 Our Reference S66B/005b

109 RIX'S CREEK GAP STUDY RESPONSE PLAN Water quality of registered bores(s) Quarterly: ph, EC, TDS Monitor potential water quality impacts to existing registered bores An observed decrease in water quality by more than 25 percent outside baseline values over a consecutive 6 month period Repeat water quality sampling to confirm. Refer the matter to an independent hydrogeologist for review Rix's Creek Environmental Officer Inform relevant agencies within 7 days. Investigation initiated within 1 week Ensure water quality is maintained Our Reference S66B/005b Page 31

110 RIX'S CREEK GAP STUDY RECOMMENDATIONS 7 RECOMMENDATIONS 7.1 PIEZOMETER LOCATIONS Figure 6 presents a composite plan of the mine lease area, showing our proposed monitoring test sites. These consist of: Two standpipe pizometers (piezo s 1 and 2) which target the mined coal seam(s) in the proposed extension area to the north of Pit 3. These will provide baseline groundwater information. Four standpipe piezometers (piezo s 3, 4, 5 & 6) which target the operational and backfilled areas near the tailings dam, waste dumps and final void, and will monitor impacts associated with ongoing mining operations and mine closure. One existing bore (20BL170864) which intercepts the underground workings. The number and locations of the monitoring bores are geared towards the issues detailed in Section 4 of this report. The main purpose of the monitoring system is to satisfy the minimum requirements for monitoring as set out by NOW (and based on the DPNR guidelines). However, the network has also been set up to provide other information that will be useful to the mine closure plan and expansion plans. Table 7.1 lists the monitoring objective for each monitoring bore. The proposed monitoring piezometers are currently plotted in ideal locations, however the actual location will be refined in consultation with RCCP to ensure that they are suitably placed and will not interfere with mine operations. 7.2 PIEZOMETER CONSTRUCTION Monitoring bore or standpipes should be constructed in accordance with the DIPNR standards for the construction of monitoring bores as per the Australian Drilling Industry Association endorsed techniques. We recommend that monitoring bores are completed with 50mmm diameter (Class 9) PVC. The length of screens will vary from 3-9m (according to thickness of the target strata), machine slotted, followed by a 1m sump. The gravel pack should extend to 4m above the screen, followed by a 2m bentonite cap, placed above the gravel pack. The rest of the annulus should be backfilled with cuttings and a cement pad should be placed at the ground surface. 7.3 TESTING AND MONITORING We recommend that hydraulic testing and monitoring of proposed piezometers should be carried out as per the frequency outlined in Table 5.1, however this will be reviewed as part of the GWMP. Page 32 Our Reference S66B/005b

111 RIX'S CREEK GAP STUDY RECOMMENDATIONS Table 7.1: Proposed Monitoring Bores Monitoring Piezometer Easting Northing Ground Elevation Estimated Depth (m) Location Aquifer Targeted Purpose WGS 1984 (mahd) Middle of basin Barrett Continuation of Mining in Pit 3: Obtained baseline groundwater levels, water quality and hydraulic conductivity prior to extension North of basin, closer to outcrop Barrett Continuation of Mining in Pit 3: Obtained baseline groundwater levels, water quality and hydraulic conductivity prior to the extension <25 South east of waste dump / backfill area Regolith/backfill Mine Closure: Monitor impacts associated with mine closure i.e potential for salt leachate, acid drainage and other water quality impacts associated with enhanced recharge <25 Underground working / backfill area Regolith/backfill Mine Closure: Monitor impacts to Rix s Creek, associated with spoil back filling / mine closure i.e potential for salt leachate, and other water quality impacts associated with enhanced recharge South of Rix s Creek / backfill area Coal seams (Barrett) Mine operations: Monitor water quality and hydraulic influence from the tailings dam <25 Adjacent final void Regolith/backfill Mine Closure: Monitor the potential impacts of the final void i.e enhanced recharge, elevated water levels and salinity impacts. 20BL (Existing) Above Underground workings All mined coal seams Mine operations: Monitor water quality hydraulic influence from underground workings and tailings Our Reference S66B/005b Page 33

112

113 APPENDIX E Erosion and Sediment Control Plan

114 Erosion and Sediment Control Management Plan Rixs Creek Open Cut Coal Mine March 2010

115 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION OBJECTIVES EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL CRITERIA AND GUIDELINES EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL MEASURES Potential Impacts from Mining Operations Control Measures Construction Operations Decommissioning Monitoring, Reporting And Performance Outcomes Monitoring Reporting and Performance Outcomes...6 List of Tables Table 4-1 Rixs Creek Erosion and Sediment Control Structures Attachment A Attachment B Attachment C Attachment D Attachment E Attachment F Agency Consultation Construction Control Measures Operational Control Measures Decommissioning Control Measures Monitoring Control Measures Reporting Control Measures 2

116 1 INTRODUCTION This Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP) has been compiled to ensure that Rixs Creek Pty Ltd, Rixs Creek Colliery (RXC) comply with Development Consent Conditions (DA 49/94) and achieve best practice erosion and sediment control management at the RXC open cut coal mine located in the Hunter Valley (refer to Figure 1 in the Water Management Plan for Rixs Creek Open Cut Coal Mine (2010)). Potential impacts resulting from altered surface water flows and increased erosion and sediment mobilisation from mining activities have been investigated in the Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) for RXC. The EIS s address the environmental issues associated with construction activities and mining. This ESCP details the sediment and erosion control management practices that RXC will implement at RXC to mitigate potential impacts on land and water resources within and beyond the area disturbed by mining and its associated activities. These practices represent best practice management, in addition to other standard practices currently employed by RXC at the RXC site. Erosion control measures will be established and a monitoring program undertaken to ensure that surface waters are not affected beyond the criteria designated in the mine s Licence and Consent conditions. The results of this monitoring will be reported in the mine s Annual Environmental Management Report (AEMR). This management plan has been prepared in consultation with the NSW Office of Water (NOW). Correspondence in relation to the preparation of the ESCP is attached as Attachment A. 2 OBJECTIVES The objectives for Erosion and Sediment Control include: Minimise erosion and sedimentation of undisturbed land, watercourses and waterbodies; and Minimise topsoil loss from areas disturbed by mining activities. 3 EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL CRITERIA AND GUIDELINES All erosion and sediment control devices will be designed and constructed according to the guidelines Managing Urban Stormwater: Soils and Construction Volume 2E Mines and Quarries (DECC NSW 2008). Recommendations from the Draft Guidelines for Establishing Stable Drainage Lines on Rehabilitated Minesites (DLWC, 1999) will also be incorporated. The Australian Water Quality Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Waters (ANZECC, 2000) or the site specific impact criteria (where determined) will be used as a guide for the concentration of suspended particulate matter or turbidity released from the site. 3

117 4 EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL MEASURES 4.1 Potential Impacts from Mining Operations Substantial land disturbance has already occurred in the Hunter Valley from agriculture and previous mining activities. Further disturbance will result from the continuation of mining at RXC, which has the potential to alter existing surface water flow patterns. Activities that have the potential to cause erosion are: Vegetation clearing and topsoil stripping; Stockpiling of topsoil; Construction of roads and infrastructure; and Construction of overburden dumps. Potential impacts from these activities include: Increased surface erosion from disturbed and rehabilitated areas through the removal of vegetation and stripping of topsoil; Increased sediment and pollutant load entering the natural water system; and Siltation or erosion of watercourses and waterbodies. 4.2 Control Measures Through its Environmental Management System (EMS), RXC has established Environmental Standards and Procedures that will be followed during construction, operation and decommissioning of its mining operations at RXC Construction Construction activities generally require the removal of vegetation and disturbance to the land surface. Some activities may also require fill to be imported to the construction site. Wherever possible fill from the local area will be used rather than fill from outside the area. Prior to the disturbance of land, appropriate erosion and sediment controls will be established and approved by RXC s Environmental Officer at RXC. Erosion and sediment control measures that may be used include settling ponds, silt fences and hay bales. These will be consistent with Managing Urban Stormwater: Soils and Construction Volume 2E Mines and Quarries (DECC NSW 2008). Where practicable, runoff from undisturbed catchments will be diverted around the construction activities via diversion drains and banks which direct water into the natural watercourses. Runoff from disturbed areas will be retained on site in sediment dams and allowed to settle prior to discharge into the natural system. Drains, diversion banks and channels will be compacted and stabilised as they are constructed. Detailed construction control measures are presented in Attachment B. 4

118 4.2.2 Operations Sediment and erosion control will be designed to ensure effective management of clean surface water and sediment laden runoff. Sediment mobilisation and erosion will be minimised by: Installing erosion and sediment controls prior to the disturbance of any land; Minimising the extent of disturbance to the extent that is practical; Reducing the rate of water flow across the ground particularly on exposed surfaces and in areas where water concentrates; Progressively rehabilitating disturbed land and constructing drainage controls to improve stability of rehabilitated land; Ripping of rehabilitation areas to promote infiltration; Protecting natural drainage lines and watercourses by constructing erosion control devices which include sediment retention dams and diversion banks and channels. Steep gradients will require the installation of a rock riprap, geotextile fabric sediment filters or other suitable measures; and Restricting access to rehabilitated areas. The location of the erosion and sediment control structures for each site are described in Table 4-1 and are shown on Figure 10 in the main report (i.e. Water Management Plan for Rixs Creek Open Cut Coal Mine (2010)). Detailed operation control measures are presented in Attachment C. Table 4-1 Rixs Creek Erosion and Sediment Control Structures Current Maximum Dam Storage Capacities at RXC STORAGE NAME Spillway Volume (ML) Storage Capacity (ML) North Pit Storage/Old North Cut (inpit) West Pit Storage Dam N/A 33.5 Tailings Dam 2500 N/A DWD1 N/A 28 DWD2 N/A 16 DWD4 (was CWD4) N/A 335 Rail Loader N/A 38 CWD1 N/A 10 CWD2 N/A 10 CWD6 N/A 75 Sediment Dam Pit 3 - East N/A 10 Sediment Dam Pit 3 - West N/A 10 Sediment Dam North N/A 10 N/A = Not available 5

119 4.2.3 Decommissioning RXC will develop a detailed decommissioning plan for each pit prior to the final year of mining. Each mining pit will be rehabilitated in stages and sediment and erosion management controls modified where necessary on an ongoing basis. Sediment and erosion control devices will remain in place where necessary until rehabilitated surfaces are stable. Sediment dams will remain as farm dams to enhance the value of the resultant land for agricultural purposes and biodiversity value. Surface water will be diverted away from the final void. Control measures are presented in Appendix C. 5 Monitoring, Reporting And Performance Outcomes 5.1 Monitoring The current RXC water monitoring program monitors upstream and downstream surface waters and key water storages at the site. All data is reviewed regularly as part of compliance procedures. Monitoring includes real time weather monitoring, quarterly assessment of all erosion control and sediment retention devices and monthly and annual surface water quality monitoring. Sampling and analysis is undertaken in accordance with ANZECC 2000, Environmental Protection License 3391 and RXC Development Consent (DA 49/94). Records of desilting of sediment control structures are maintained includes the date desilting commenced. Monitoring control measures are presented in Attachment E. 5.2 Reporting and Performance Outcomes Details of the monitoring program and the effectiveness of water management structures and sediment control devices are reported in the AEMR. Performance against the objectives of this ESCP will also be reported in the AEMR. These objectives will be achieved if: Measured water quality in waterways and waterbodies is within surface water trigger levels or acceptable limits; No active erosion is observable in rehabilitated areas No increase in erosion/siltation is observable in watercourses downstream of the mine; and Disturbance is restricted to areas shown in the Mining Operation Plan (MOP). Reporting control measures are presented in Attachment F. 6

120 ATTACHMENT A AGENCY CONSULTATION

121 ATTACHMENT B CONSTRUCTION CONTROL MEASURES CONTROL MEASURE RESPONSIBILITY TIMING/ FREQUENCY 1. All Contractors must attend a RXC Induction prior to commencing work on-site. The induction will ensure an awareness and understanding of the erosion and sediment control objectives and incident response procedures. 2. All major contracts will be required to undertake a Safety and Environmental Risk Assessment prior to commencing work on site. This will be done with a representative(s) of RXC and will be signed off by both the Contractor and RXC. Copies of the risk assessment will be kept by both RXC and the Contractor. 3. All sedimentation dams will be designed to control and treat runoff from a 1 in 20 year storm event. 4. All erosion and sediment control devices including dams, sediment fences and banks and channels will be consistent with Managing Urban Stormwater: Soils and Construction Volume 2E Mines and Quarries (DECC NSW 2008). Recommendations from the Draft Guidelines for Establishing Stable Drainage Lines on Rehabilitated Minesites (DLWC, 1999) will also be incorporated RXC Mine Manager/ All new Contract staff to attend Contractor/ Environmental Officer Environmental Officer Environmental Officer Ongoing Prior to the commencement of work On-going As required RELEVANT PROCEDURE As per RXC procedures As per RXC procedures Managing Urban Stormwater: Soils and Construction V2E Mines and Quarries V.1 (2008) As noted

122 CONTROL MEASURE RESPONSIBILITY TIMING/ FREQUENCY 5. Where practicable runoff from undisturbed catchments will be diverted around the construction areas via diversion drains and banks to discharge into natural watercourses. 6. All runoff from disturbed areas will be diverted via perimeter channels and diversion drains into sediment retention dams before release into natural watercourses. 7. Sediment will be settled out before the treated runoff overflows/discharges into natural watercourses. 8. Scour protection will be provided where runoff joins the natural drainage channel, as required. Environmental Officer Environmental Officer Environmental Officer Environmental Officer As required At all times As required As required RELEVANT PROCEDURE Managing Urban Stormwater: Soils and Construction V2E Mines and Quarries V.1 (2008) Managing Urban Stormwater: Soils and Construction V2E Mines and Quarries V.1 (2008) Managing Urban Stormwater: Soils and Construction V2E Mines and Quarries V.1 (2008) Managing Urban Stormwater: Soils and Construction V2E Mines and Quarries V.1 (2008)

123 CONTROL MEASURE RESPONSIBILITY TIMING/ FREQUENCY 10. All surface water management structures will be inspected quarterly to ensure the integrity of the system is maintained. Silt fencing will be inspected weekly and after significant rainfall events. 11. All sediment dams will be inspected quarterly to ensure they have at least 75% of their capacity available for runoff/sediment retention. Desilting will be undertaken as soon as practicable, with silt being disposed of to an area approved by RXC. 12. Topsoil will be stockpiled for reuse and all stockpiles will be protected by temporary erosion control works. 13. The contractor will minimise the extent of clearing to that which is essential and will limit traffic to cleared areas by barriers and signage. 14. All erosion and sediment control measures will remain in place until exposed areas are rehabilitated and stabilised. Environmental Officer Environmental Officer Environmental Officer Environmental Officer Environmental Officer Quarterly Quarterly As required As required As required RELEVANT PROCEDURE As per RXC procedures As per RXC procedures As per RXC procedures As per RXC procedures Managing Urban Stormwater: Soils and Construction V2E Mines and Quarries V.1 (2008)

124 ATTACHMENT C - OPERATIONAL CONTROL MEASURES CONTROL MEASURE RESPONSIBILITY TIMING/ FREQUENCY 1. All Contractors must attend a RXC Induction prior to commencing work on-site. The induction will ensure an awareness and understanding of the erosion and sediment control objectives and incident response procedures. 2. All sedimentation dams will be designed to control and treat runoff from a 1 in 20 year storm event. Mine Manager / All new Contract staff to attend Environmental Officer Ongoing Ongoing RELEVANT PROCEDURE As per RXC procedures Managing Urban Stormwater: Soils and Construction V2E Mines and Quarries V.1 (2008) 3. All surface drainage systems on rehabilitated areas will be designed to be consistent with Guidelines for Establishing Stable Drainage Lines on Rehabilitated Minesites (Draft) (DLWC 1999). Environmental Officer As Required As noted 4. All erosion and sediment control devices including dams, sediment fences and banks and channels will be consistent with Managing Urban Stormwater: Soils and Construction Volume 2E Mines and Quarries (DECC NSW 2008). Recommendations from the Draft Guidelines for Establishing Stable Drainage Lines on Rehabilitated Minesites (DLWC, 1999) will also be incorporated Environmental Officer As Required As noted 5. Where practicable, runoff from undisturbed catchments will be diverted around the mine via diversion drains and banks to prevent erosion of cleared or rehabilitated areas. Environmental Officer Ongoing Managing Urban Stormwater: Soils and Construction V2E Mines and Quarries V.1 (2008)

125 CONTROL MEASURE RESPONSIBILITY TIMING/ FREQUENCY 6. All runoff from disturbed and rehabilitated areas will be diverted via contour banks and diversion drains into a system of sediment retention dams before release into natural watercourses. 7. Sediment will be allowed to settle out before the treated runoff overflows into natural watercourses. 8. Erosion control structures will be grassed to improve their stability, and scour protection will be provided where treated runoff joins the natural drainage channel. 9. The results of the water monitoring program and the effectiveness and performance of the soil and erosion control system will be reviewed regularly. 10. All surface water management structures will be inspected quarterly to ensure the integrity of the system is maintained. Silt fencing will be inspected weekly and after significant rainfall events. 11. All sediment dams will be inspected quarterly to ensure they have at least 75% of their capacity available for sediment retention. Desilting will be undertaken as soon as practicable, with silt being disposed of to an area approved by RXC. Manager Technical Services/Manager Mining Ongoing RELEVANT PROCEDURE Managing Urban Stormwater: Soils and Construction V2E Mines and Quarries V.1 (2008) Mine Manager As required Managing Urban Stormwater: Soils and Construction V2E Mines and Quarries V.1 (2008) Mine Manager As Required As per RXC procedures Environmental Officer Environmental Officer Environmental Officer Monthly Quarterly Quarterly As per RXC procedures As per RXC procedures As per RXC procedures

126 CONTROL MEASURE RESPONSIBILITY TIMING/ FREQUENCY 12. Progressive rehabilitation of mined areas will be undertaken as soon as possible. Reshaped areas awaiting revegetation will be cultivated on the contour to maximise infiltration. 13. Topsoil will be stockpiled for reuse and all stockpiles will be protected by temporary erosion control works such as bunding, silt fences and hay bales. 14. The extent of clearing will be restricted to that which is essential and access to all cleared areas will be controlled. 15. All erosion control and sediment control measures will remain in place until exposed areas are rehabilitated and stabilised. Mine Manager / Environmental Officer Mine Manager / Environmental Officer As Required As required RELEVANT PROCEDURE Managing Urban Stormwater: Soils and Construction V2E Mines and Quarries V.1 (2008) Managing Urban Stormwater: Soils and Construction V2E Mines and Quarries V.1 (2008) Mine Manager As required As per RXC procedures Mine Manager As required Managing Urban Stormwater: Soils and Construction V2E Mines and Quarries V.1 (2008)

127 ATTACHMENT D - DECOMMISSIONING CONTROL MEASURES CONTROL MEASURE RESPONSIBILITY TIMING/ FREQUENCY 1. All Contractors must attend a RXC Induction prior to commencing work on-site. The induction will ensure an awareness and understanding of the erosion and sediment control objectives and incident response procedures. 2. All major contracts will be required to undertake a Safety and Environmental Risk Assessment prior to commencing work on site. This will be done with a representative(s) of RXC and will be signed off by both the Contractor and RXC. Copies of the risk assessment will be kept by both RXC and the Contractor. 3. All contractors will abide by all appropriate Control Measures outlined in Appendices B and C. 5. Runoff from undisturbed areas will continue to be diverted around disturbed areas until rehabilitation works are completed. 6. Runoff from disturbed areas will continue to be diverted into sediment retention dams until the disturbed areas are stabilised. Once stabilised, sediment dams may remain as farm dams to enhance the value of the land for agriculture. Environmental Officer to coordinate All Contract staff to attend Contractor/ Mine Manager Ongoing Prior to the commencement of work RELEVANT PROCEDURE As per RXC procedures As per RXC procedures Contractor As required As noted Environmental Officer Environmental Officer Ongoing Ongoing Managing Urban Stormwater: Soils and Construction V2E Mines and Quarries V.1 (2008) Managing Urban Stormwater: Soils and Construction V2E Mines and Quarries V.1 (2008)

128 CONTROL MEASURE RESPONSIBILITY TIMING/ FREQUENCY 7. Erosion and sediment control structures will remain in place to divert water away from the final void. 8. Rehabilitation measures including water management structures will be regularly checked to determine their integrity and effectiveness. Environmental Officer Environmental Officer At all times Monthly RELEVANT PROCEDURE Managing Urban Stormwater: Soils and Construction V2E Mines and Quarries V.1 (2008) Managing Urban Stormwater: Soils and Construction V2E Mines and Quarries V.1 (2008)

129 ATTACHMENT E - MONITORING CONTROL MEASURES CONTROL MEASURE RESPONSIBILITY TIMING/ FREQUENCY 1. Monitoring of weather conditions, including but not limited to rainfall, wind speed and direction and temperature will be undertaken at a weather station 2. Monitoring of water quality from sedimentation dams will be undertaken during overflow events. This will include measurement of suspended solids, ph and EC or as required by EPA Licence Conditions. 3. All sediment dams will be inspected quarterly to ensure they have at least 75% of their capacity available for sediment retention. Desilting will be undertaken as soon as practicable, with silt being disposed of to an area approved by RXC. Details will be recorded on inspection logs. 4. Visual inspection of sediment and erosion control safeguards (dams, sediment traps, contour banks, channels and diversions, silts fences and hay bales) will be undertaken quarterly and after periods of heavy rainfall to ensure their structural integrity. Excess sediment will be removed from banks and drains. 5. The results of the water monitoring program and the effectiveness of sediment and erosion management will be reported in the AEMR. Environmental Officer Environmental Officer Environmental Officer Environmental Officer Environmental Officer Ongoing As required until a consistent data set is developed Quarterly Quarterly Annually RELEVANT PROCEDURE As per RXC procedures RXC EPL 3391 As per RXC procedures As per RXC procedures As per RXC procedures

130 ATTACHMENT F- REPORTING CONTROL MEASURES CONTROL MEASURE RESPONSIBILITY TIMING/ FREQUENCY 1. Erosion and sediment monitoring results, reviews of performance and responses will be reported through RXC internal performance measurement process. 2. The results of the erosion and sediment monitoring program will be reported in the AEMR. 3. Details will be included in the AEMR of any remedial measures undertaken to correct situations where erosion or heavy sediment deposition has occurred. Environmental Officer Environmental Officer Environmental Officer As required Annually Annually RELEVANT PROCEDURE As per RXC procedures As per RXC procedures As per RXC procedures

131 BLOOMFIELD MINING OPERATIONS Water Management Plan APPENDIX D Management Plan- Copy of Approval DPE File Name: Site Water Management Plan Ver 3a Rix's

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