6.7.5.2 Assess groundwater dependence Review of resources such as the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) atlas and the wetland mapping were reviewed in addition to evaluating factors such as REs present on site, depth to groundwater table, and the rooting depth of the dominant species related to each RE. An assessment of vegetation groundwater dependency was assessed by considering recently obtained groundwater data and a subsequent field validation survey. Initial monitoring from recently installed groundwater bores within the UMG TSF footprint indicated a static water level of approximately 21 meters below ground surface at the base of UMG TSF. The UMG TSF footprint is characterised by rugged, deeply incised terrains developed on competent bedrock units, with prominent ridgelines, escarpments and incised drainage features that reflect long term the landscape evolution. The proposed TSF is located within a natural topographic basin, with ground elevations across the footprint varying significantly. The lowest point of the proposed TSF footprint occurs at approximately 322 m AHD, while the surrounding ridgeline rises to elevations of up to approximately 405 m AHD, suggesting the depth to groundwater will be significantly lower than the tree rooting depths of the regional ecosystems. The natural environment within the UMG TSF footprint does not appear reliant on groundwater. A field survey was undertaken as part of the study to determine the potential connection between vegetation and groundwater usage. The survey was timed to occur during March 2026 to determine the potential connection between vegetation and groundwater usage. During the survey no additional groundwater expression points were observed and the survey findings confirmed the previous ecological surveys and desktop mapping activities. Any potential impacts to groundwater will be managed through avoidance strategies, mitigation measures and monitoring programs detailed within this document and the seepage management plan. The forward work plan in Section 9 includes commitments for further investigative works to characterise groundwater and updated existing site wide groundwater models.
Project number: 25B061
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