Notice
Information request
Provide all relevant information in accordance with the Guideline Application requirements for activities with impacts to water (DETSI, 2026) 6 . The revised application must also include: a) Investigate, nominate and implement groundwater monitoring bores within and surrounding the proposed UGM TSF at appropriate and representative locations. The bores must be located in areas to effectively capture baseline conditions and detect potential impacts from the proposed activity. b) Undertake and submit detailed groundwater monitoring information including:
12
Groundwater
It is stated the UGM TSF is determined to be of negligible risk to all environmental values (WTS, 2025). There is no understanding of groundwater environmental values within the UGM TSF footprint or close proximity. To support the assertion made, groundwater environmental values must be investigated. This information cannot be delayed via proposed conditioning and must be provided to support the application to understand the baseline conditions, the predicted and potential impacts and risks to groundwater to appropriately inform the mitigation and management measures. The application material, although related to the Mundic Creek Catchment and not the UGM TSF, identifies seepage may occur through the shallow bedrock. It is also stated groundwater flow and influence is not understood and the influence of the OCP and western dump on the UGM TSF is unknown. A comprehensive understanding on all seepage flows and pathways from the UGM TSF must be provided. Further, the high liquid content of the tailing’s slurry, coupled with the intention to store water on the facility under extreme climatic events increases the potential for seepage and groundwater contamination, necessitating a comprehensive groundwater assessment.
i.
Background quality and characteristics.
ii.
Groundwater level and depth.
iii.
Hydraulically conductivity, transmissivity and flow rate.
iv.
Seasonal variations and influences.
As per DES (2021) 7 , a minimum of 18 samples over at least 12 and preferably 24 months is required to calculate limits. Alternatively, if there is urgency in the application, the department may consider a minimum of 8 monthly datapoints, if the concentrations are relatively stable and consistent.
c) Provide further detail on the composition of tailings material including:
i.
Identification of potential contaminants of concerns.
6 Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation, Guideline - Application requirements for activities with impacts to water (ESR/2015/1837).
7 DES (2021). Using monitoring data to assess groundwater quality and potential environmental impacts. Version 2. Department of Environment and Science (DES),
Queensland Government, Brisbane.
Page 10 of 20 • ESR/2016/3447 • Version 4.02 • Last reviewed: 29 OCT 2025
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