– Assess the potential impacts of identified seepage pathways in stage 2 on groundwater receptors, evaluate implications for consequence categorisation, and determine whether mitigation or management measures may be required. ∕ Stage 4 – TSF Design Refinement and Monitoring Framework Definition – Refine the TSF design and define monitoring and management requirements in response to the assessed seepage behaviour and level of risk identified in stage 3, with the aim of improving control and verification of seepage processes. ∕ Stage 5 – Monitoring Implementation and Performance Evaluation – Implement monitoring and management measures to verify seepage behaviour, compare observed conditions against predictions, and evaluate system performance to support ongoing refinement of the conceptual understanding and seepage management approach defined in stage 4. The seepage management at this stage of the Project, Stage 1, is focused on closing the key knowledge gaps identified, particularly those influencing confidence in predicted seepage pathways, magnitudes, and receptor connectivity. This is achieved through the design of targeted field investigations and groundwater monitoring programs aimed to provide the data required to test and validate the hydrogeological conceptual model and supporting future numerical simulations. As new geological, hydrogeological, and monitoring information becomes available, the conceptual hydrogeological model modelling outcomes will be progressively reviewed and updated, allowing seepage risks to be reassessed and management measures refined.
5.9.1 Seepage plan limitations The SMP has been developed on the following limitations: ∕
The SMP based on the information available at the time of preparation and reflects the current level of understanding of hydrogeological and geological conditions at the proposed UMG TSF; ∕ The SMP is underpinned by a conceptual understanding of seepage processes that is subject to uncertainty due to limitations in site specific data, including groundwater levels, stratigraphy, and hydraulic properties; ∕ Identification of potential seepage pathways and groundwater responses is indicative and will require verification and refinement as additional site data becomes available. Targeted field investigations and monitoring are required to address key data gaps and improve confidence in the conceptualisation of seepage behaviour; ∕ The SMP does not provide quantitative predictions of seepage rates, volumes, or impacts to receptors and should not be interpreted as a definitive assessment of seepage performance; ∕ The SMP does not incorporate detailed TSF design elements, operational controls, or closure conditions, which will be progressively defined as Project design advances; ∕ This document should be considered a live framework that will be reviewed and updated as further geological, hydrogeological, and monitoring data are collected and interpreted; and ∕ Conclusions and management measures presented in this SMP are therefore subject to change in response to improved site understanding, outcomes of field investigations, and ongoing regulatory review. Seepage management Stage 1 At this stage of the Project, seepage management for the proposed UMG TSF is preliminary and adaptive, reflecting limited site-specific data and early design development. Accordingly, this SMP is implemented as a live document, to be updated as the Project progresses and the site’s hydrogeological understanding improves. Rather than defining final seepage controls, the SMP 5.9.2
Project number: 25B061
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