Annual Review · 2018-12-01 · The coking coal has high energy, favourable ash chemistry and high ash fusion temperatures. All of the coking coal is sold to Asian markets. Thermal

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Page 2

June 2013

Duralie Coal Pty Ltd Page 3

Annual Review June 2013

CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................... 7

1.1 COAL PRODUCTS AND MARKETS ..................................................................................... 7

1.2 CONSENTS, LEASES, LICENCES AND OTHER APPROVALS ......................................... 8 1.2.1 Status of Leases, Licences, Permits and Approvals ...................................................... 8 1.2.2 Amendments to Approvals/Licences during the Reporting Period ............................... 10

1.3 MINE CONTACTS ................................................................................................................ 11

1.4 ACTIONS REQUIRED AT PREVIOUS AR REVIEW ........................................................... 11

2 SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS ................................................................................................. 12

2.1 EXPLORATION .................................................................................................................... 12 2.1.1 Reserve/Resource Status ............................................................................................ 12 2.1.2 Estimated Mine Life ...................................................................................................... 12 2.1.3 Recovery / Dilution ....................................................................................................... 12

2.2 MINING ................................................................................................................................. 12 2.2.1 Mining Equipment and Method ..................................................................................... 13 2.2.2 ROM Production History and Forecast ......................................................................... 13

2.3 COAL HANDLING AND BENEFICATION ........................................................................... 14 2.3.1 Coal Washery Rejects Management ............................................................................ 14 2.3.2 ROM Coal Processing On Site ..................................................................................... 14 2.3.3 Saleable Coal Production ............................................................................................. 14 2.3.4 Coal Stockpile Capacity (ROM) .................................................................................... 15 2.3.5 Product Transport ......................................................................................................... 15

2.4 WASTE MANAGEMENT AND RECYCLING ....................................................................... 15 2.4.1 Chemical Characterisation of Wastes .......................................................................... 15 2.4.2 Sewerage Treatment and Disposal .............................................................................. 16 2.4.3 Fuel Containment ......................................................................................................... 16 2.4.4 Oil and Grease Containment and Disposal .................................................................. 16 2.4.5 Used Tyres ................................................................................................................... 16 2.4.6 Rubbish Disposal .......................................................................................................... 16

2.5 WATER MANAGEMENT ...................................................................................................... 17 2.5.1 Water Supply and Demand .......................................................................................... 17

2.6 HAZARDOUS AND EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS MANAGEMENT ....................................... 18 2.6.1 Status of Dangerous Goods Approval .......................................................................... 18

2.7 OTHER INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT .................................................................... 19 2.7.1 Dams Safety Committee .............................................................................................. 19

3 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND PERFORMANCE .................................................. 19

3.1 CORPORATE ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ........................................................................ 19

3.2 REVIEW OF ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE ............................................................ 20 3.2.1 EPA Environment Protection Licence .......................................................................... 20 3.2.2 Project Approval Conditions ......................................................................................... 20



3.3 METEOROLOGICAL MONITORING ................................................................................... 21 3.3.1 Rainfall .......................................................................................................................... 21 3.3.2 Evaporation .................................................................................................................. 22 3.3.3 Wind Speed and Direction ............................................................................................ 22 3.3.4 Temperature ................................................................................................................. 23

3.4 AIR QUALITY ....................................................................................................................... 23 3.4.1 Dust Control Procedures .............................................................................................. 23 3.4.2 Dust Monitoring and Criteria ......................................................................................... 24 3.4.3 Review of Dust Monitoring Results .............................................................................. 24 3.4.4 Reporting ...................................................................................................................... 27

3.5 SEDIMENT AND EROSION CONTROL .............................................................................. 27

3.6 SURFACE WATER ............................................................................................................... 28 3.6.1 Surface Water Management ........................................................................................ 28 3.6.2 Surface Water Monitoring ............................................................................................. 30 3.6.3 Biological Monitoring .................................................................................................... 32 3.6.4 Riparian Vegetation Monitoring .................................................................................... 33 3.6.5 Ecotoxicity Testing Program ......................................................................................... 34

3.7 GROUNDWATER ................................................................................................................. 34 3.7.1 Groundwater Management ........................................................................................... 34 3.7.2 Groundwater Monitoring ............................................................................................... 34 3.7.3 Groundwater Depressurisation ..................................................................................... 35 3.7.4 Reporting ...................................................................................................................... 36

3.8 IRRIGATION ......................................................................................................................... 36 3.8.1 Irrigation Area Soil and Vegetation Monitoring ............................................................. 37 3.8.2 Re-establishment of Coal Shaft Creek ......................................................................... 38

3.9 MANAGEMENT OF BIODIVERSITY ................................................................................... 38 3.9.1 Giant Barred Frog Report ............................................................................................. 38 3.9.2 Nest Box Program ........................................................................................................ 39 3.9.3 Weed Control ................................................................................................................ 39 3.9.4 Feral Animal Control ..................................................................................................... 40

3.10 VIBRATION AND AIRBLAST .............................................................................................. 40 3.10.1 Blast Criteria and Control Procedures .......................................................................... 40 3.10.2 Review of Blast Monitoring Results .............................................................................. 40 3.10.3 Overpressure Results ................................................................................................... 40 3.10.4 Review of Vibration Results ......................................................................................... 41

3.11 NOISE ................................................................................................................................... 41 3.11.1 Noise Criteria and Control Procedures ......................................................................... 41 3.11.2 Review of Noise Survey Results .................................................................................. 41 3.11.3 Rail Noise Monitoring ................................................................................................... 45 3.11.4 Mobile Plant Noise Assessments ................................................................................. 45

3.12 LANDSCAPING AND VISUAL SCREENENG ..................................................................... 45

3.13 CULTURAL AND NATURAL HERITAGE CONSERVATION ............................................. 46

3.14 SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION INCIDENCE .................................................................... 47

3.15 BUSH FIRE MANAGEMENT ................................................................................................ 47

3.16 AGRICULTURAL REPORT .................................................................................................. 48 3.16.1 Cropping ....................................................................................................................... 48 3.16.2 Grazing ......................................................................................................................... 48



4 COMMUNITY RELATIONS....................................................................................................... 48

4.1 COMMUNITY CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE .................................................................... 48

4.2 ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLAINTS ...................................................................................... 49

4.3 LIAISON AND COMPLAINT RESOLUTION ........................................................................ 49

4.4 EMPLOYMENT STATUS AND DEMOGRAPHY ................................................................. 50

4.5 EMPLOYEE ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS TRAINING ............................................... 50

5 REHABILITATION .................................................................................................................... 50

5.1 REHABILITATION PRINCIPLES ......................................................................................... 50

5.2 TOPSOIL STRIP VOLUMES AND TOPSOIL RESERVES ................................................. 51

5.3 REHABILITATION MONITORING ....................................................................................... 51

5.4 REHABILIATION PROGRESS............................................................................................. 52

5.5 FINAL VOID TREATMENT ................................................................................................... 53

6 ACTIVITIES PROPOSED IN THE NEXT AR PERIOD ............................................................. 54

6.1 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ................................................................................... 54

6.2 REHABILITATION ................................................................................................................ 54

7 REFERENCES .......................................................................................................................... 55

8 LIST OF PLANS (APPENDIX 1) ............................................................................................... 56

9 LIST OF APPENDICES ............................................................................................................ 56



LIST OF TABLES

Table 1 Table 2 Table 3 Table 4 Table 5 Table 6 Table 7 Table 8 Table 9 Table 10 Table 11 Table 12

Table 13 Table 14

Tables 15 to 22 Table 23 Table 24

Table 25 Table 26

Typical Coal Qualities of Stratford Coal Products Current Mining Equipment Monthly ROM Coal Production Product Coal Produced by Month (Duralie and Stratford Mines) Stored Water Duralie Mine Monthly Rainfall Records Monthly Minimum, Average and Maximum Evaporation Rates Monthly Minimum, Average and Maximum Wind Speeds by Month Dominant Wind Directions by Month Monthly Minimum, Average and Maximum Air Temperatures by Month Dust Deposition Gauge Results High Volume Air Sampler Results Riparian Health Scoring System Riparian Vegetation Health Monitoring Results - 12 July 2012 Contributed Mine Noise During Surveys Aboriginal Heritage Sites within EA Study Area Summary of 2013 Landscape Function Indices Summary of Main Rehabilitation Works Rehabilitation Summary



1 INTRODUCTION

This Annual Review (AR) covers the environmental protection, pollution control and rehabilitation activities at the Duralie Coal Mine for the period 31 July 2012 to 30 June 2013. Where applicable, comparisons of performance have been undertaken against the plans outlined in the Environmental Assessment (EA) and regulatory requirements. Environmental activities planned for the next 12 months are also discussed. The Duralie Coal Mine is located approximately 80km north of Newcastle in New South Wales, between the villages of Stroud Road and Wards River. Refer Figure 1 (Appendix 1). Coal was first discovered in the Gloucester Basin in 1855 and some limited, small scale mining by hand followed. In 1970-71 an extensive drilling programme identified coal in the Duralie area. Extensive development planning and environmental investigations took place between 1981 and 1984. Additional exploration and feasibility studies were carried out in 1993. Development Consent for the mine was granted by the NSW Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning on 21 August 1997 and Mining Lease Number 1427 was issued by the NSW Minister for Mineral Resources on 6 April 1998. In October 1998 a Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE) was produced to consider proposed alterations to the Duralie Mine. These proposed alterations were approved by the NSW Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning on 5 February 1999. Construction commenced in June 2002 with mining production commencing in March 2003 and the first coal railed to the Stratford Mine for processing in the same month. Duralie Coal Pty Ltd (DPCL) received Project Approval in November 2010 for mining activities to extend until 31 December 2021. Duralie Mine consists of an open-cut, truck and excavator mine producing run of mine (ROM) coal which is processed at the Stratford Coal Mine Coal Handling and Processing Plant (CHPP).

1.1 COAL PRODUCTS AND MARKETS

The Duralie mine produces two ROM products which are processed and blended with other ROM coals at the Stratford CHPP. Stratford CHPP produces a coking coal and a range of thermal coal products for export.

The coking coal has excellent coking properties with fluidity, rank, swell and dilatation significantly higher than the majority of coking coal products exported through the Port of Newcastle.

The coking coal has high energy, favourable ash chemistry and high ash fusion temperatures. All of the coking coal is sold to Asian markets. Thermal coal is sold through export trading companies through 12 month contracts and is largely sold into Japanese and South East Asian markets.

Typical coal product qualities are shown in Table 1.



Table 1 - Typical Coal Qualities of Stratford Coal Products

Parameter

Gloucester Semi-hard

Coking Coal Gloucester Thermal Coal

Total Moisture 9% 6 to 7% Inherent Moisture (ad) 1.5% 1.3% Ash (ar) 9.9 % 19-24% Volatile Matter 33-34% 24-32% Total Sulphur 1.05% 0.8-2.5% Fixed Carbon (ar) 55% CSN 8.5 Not applicable Fluidity >5000ddpm Not applicable Calorific Value 7550 Kcal/kg 5750-6300 Kcal/kg HGI 55 52-60 Size 0 to 50mm 0 to 50mm

1.2 CONSENTS, LEASES, LICENCES AND OTHER APPROVALS

1.2.1 Status of Leases, Licences, Permits and Approvals The Duralie Mine has the following approvals: Mining Lease No. 1427 dated 6 April 1998 issued by the Minister for Minerals Resources. The

lease was issued for a period of 21 years.

Development Consent issued by the Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning dated 5 February 1999. The consent is limited to a period of 21 years from the date of a grant of a Mining Lease in respect of the Development.

Department of Land & Water Conservation (DLWC) permit issued under the Rivers and Foreshores Improvement Act 1948 dated 4 June 2002 for the construction of a culvert crossing from protected land in or near the protected water known as: tributary of Karuah River (Permit Number 701).

Department of Land & Water Conservation (DLWC) permit issued under the Rivers and Foreshores Improvement Act 1948 dated 4 June 2002 for the construction of the rail siding and culvert crossing across Coal Shaft Creek (Permit Number 704).

Environment Protection Licence (EPL) No. 11701 issued by the Environment Protection Authority on 4 September 2002.

Interim Mining Operations Plan (IMOP) (for period up until 31 December 2002 - Construction)

approved by the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) on 13 September 2002.

DLWC Bore Licence for the Duralie Open Cut (20BL168404) dated 23 September 2002.

DLWC Bore Licence for monitoring bores (20BL168539) dated 31 October 2002.

DIPNR licence - 20SL060324 – relating to diversion of Coal Shaft Creek. This licence was replaced by Approval Number 20WA202053 under the Karuah River Water Sharing Plan.

Mining Operations Plan (MOP) approved by the DMR on 28 February 2003.

Modification to Development Consent 24 September 2003 (relating to Coal Shaft Creek).

Site Water Management Plan approved by the DIPNR on 25 September 2003.



Modification to existing DIPNR licence 20SL060324, dated 2 October 2003.

Irrigation Management Plan approved by the DIPNR on 22 December 2003.

DIPNR Bore Licence 20BL168539 had three bores added on 2 February 2004.

Variation to Environment Protection Licence 11701 effective 9 February 2004.

MOP Amendment approved by the DMR on 18 October 2004 (relating to an irrigation area access

road).

An attachment to the MOP by way of DCL correspondence to the Department of Primary Industries – Mineral Resources (DPI-Minerals) dated 29 April 2005 (relating to exploration drilling within the mining lease) – approval given via email received 2 May 2005.

Modified Irrigation Management Plan approved by the DIPNR on 23 August 2005.

Variation to Environment Protection Licence 11701 effective 13 December 2005.

Variation to Environment Protection Licence 11701 effective 3 March 2006.

Approval by DPI – Minerals on 19 July 2006 for exploration drilling within an area described with

the “Twin Houses Review of Environmental Factors - May 2006”.

Development Consent issued by the Minister for Planning dated 30 July 2006. This consent modifies the Development Consent granted by the Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning on 5 February 1999. The new Consent permitted the mining of the “Duralie Extended” area.

Altered MOP plans following the approval of the “Duralie Extended” area were submitted to DPI – Minerals.

Environmental Management Strategy and Blast Monitoring Program approved by the Department

of Planning (DoP) on 4 April 2007.

Air Quality and Noise Monitoring Programs approved by DoP on 24 May 2007.

Approval by Great Lakes Council dated 24 May 2007 to erect a telecommunications tower on the Duralie Coal Mine site.

Alterations to the MOP (eastern highwall realignment, drainage realignment) were submitted to

DPI-Minerals in correspondence dated 21 June 2007 and approved via correspondence dated 30 July 2007.

Rehabilitation Management Plan approved by DoP on 31 October 2007

Revised Noise Monitoring Program approved by DoP on 27 November 2007.

Revised Environmental Monitoring Program and Site Water Management Plan approved by DoP

on 2 June 2008.

Alterations to the MOP (additional eastern highwall realignment, north eastern diversion channel) were submitted to the DPI-Minerals in correspondence dated 27 May 2008 and approved via correspondence dated 18 August 2008.

Alterations to the MOP (proposed diversion drain for proposed Auxiliary Dam No. 1) were

submitted to the DPI-Minerals in correspondence dated 31 July 2008 and approved via correspondence dated 18 August 2008.



Modification to Development Consent to allow construction of three auxiliary water storage dams by DoP on 3 December 2008.

Revised Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (Auxiliary Dams Addendum); revised Site Water

Balance; revised Surface Water Management and Monitoring Program; revised Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Plan; and revised Irrigation Management Plan by DoP on 15 December 2008.

Modification to Development Consent approving pit extension within Mining Lease 1427 by DoP on

28 October 2009.

Variation to Environment Protection Licence dated 27 November 2009.

Variation to Environment Protection Licence dated 13 April 2010.

Approval by DoP of a revised Noise Monitoring Program in May 2010.

Project Approval for the Duralie Extension Project (DEP) dated 26 November 2010.

Issuing of Mining Lease 1646 by the Minister for Primary Industries on 4 January 2011.

Approval of a Waste Management Plan by the Department of Planning & Infrastructure (DoPI) on 30 March 2011.

Approval of an Environmental Management Strategy by the DoPI on 21 July 2011. Environmental Management Strategy (revised), DoPI approved as of 30 June 2013. Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan, State approved 29 March 2012. Biodiversity Management Plan, State approved 29 March 2012. Blast Management Plan, State approved 6 March 2012. Giant Barred Frog Study and Giant Barred Frog Management Plan, State approved 6 March 2012. Heritage Management Plan (revised), DoPI approved as of 30 June 2013. Noise Management Plan (revised), DoPI approved as of 30 June 2013. Waste Management Plan, State approved 6 March 2012. Water Management Plan, State approved 2 August 2012. Study of Dust Emissions from Rail Transport, State approved 22 March 2012. Rehabilitation Management Plan (revised), DoPI approved as of 30 June 2013.

1.2.2 Amendments to Approvals/Licences during the Reporting Period Modification to Project Approval (08_0203) for the Duralie Extension Project was granted by

the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure on 1 November 2012 regarding Duralie rail hours. The expiry of this licence remains 31 December 2021.

Variation to EPA Environment Protection Licence 11701 was received on 21 March 2013 in

accordance with notice number 1508851.



Groundwater Licence – Duralie Coal Open Cut (20BL168404) issued under Part 5 of the NSW Water Act, 1912 by the Department of Land and Water Conservation (now NSW Office of Water) in September 2002 was renewed on 23 September 2012. The licence is valid to 22 September 2017.

1.3 MINE CONTACTS

Site personnel responsible for mining, rehabilitation and environmental issues at the end of the reporting period were: Duralie Coal – Mine Manager - Duralie: Mr Simon Budden Leighton Contractors - Project Manager: Mr Matthew Joyce Leighton Contractors - Mining Superintendent: Mr Col Weildon Duralie Coal - Manager Environment & Community: Mr Tony Dwyer

1.4 ACTIONS REQUIRED AT PREVIOUS AR REVIEW

In accordance with Condition 4 Schedule 5 of the NSW Project Approval (08_0203) DCPL has undertaken a review and update of the Duralie Coal Mine’s (DCM) Environmental Management Plans to reflect outcomes of the 2012 Annual Review and changes to Project Approval (08_0203) as a result of the Duralie Rail Hours Modification. A list of reviewed documents and those approved as of 30 June 2013 is provided below.

Documents reviewed: Environmental Management Strategy Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas MP Biodiversity MP Blast MP Giant Barred Frog MP Heritage MP Noise MP Rehabilitation MP Water MP Waste MP Approved by DoPI as of 30 June 2013: Environmental Management Strategy Heritage MP Noise MP Rehabilitation MP



2 SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS

2.1 EXPLORATION

DCPL exploration activities are continuing to delineate the Weismantel and Clareval seams in the North West Duralie area, within ML 1646.

2.1.1 Reserve/Resource Status

Coal reserves for the Duralie Mine (within the current approved footprint) at the end of the reporting period have been estimated at 10.51 million tonnes, consisting of 8.58 million tonnes for the Clareval Seam and 1.93 million tonnes for the Weismantel seam.

2.1.2 Estimated Mine Life

Under the November 2011 Project Approval (DoPI 2011), mining operations are permissible until 31 December 2021.

2.1.3 Recovery / Dilution

Mining losses and dilutions are expected to be minimal due to relatively simple geological structure, the thickness of the seam (10-12m normal thickness) and the bulk nature of the mining operation. The long term trend of coal losses of less than 2% and dilutions of less than 5% is expected to continue.

2.2 MINING Duralie is an open cut operation with a current operating stripping ratio (volume of overburden per tonne of coal) within the range 4.5:1 to 5:1. All mining operations are by truck and hydraulic excavator or shovel.

The Duralie Mine is located approximately 20km south of the Stratford Mine facilities. The workings extract coal from the Weismantel and Clareval seams at the base of the Gloucester Coal Measures. The deposit forms a synclinal structure with the open cut area located at the southernmost crop line within the main axis of the Gloucester Basin. The open cut area forms a reversed “J” shape with mining commencing in the north east part of the pit progressing southward toward the “nose” of the axis then to the north-west in a narrow trench. The operation is now situated on the west limb of the syncline with seams dipping at about 50 degrees west. Approval of ML1646 has allowed an extension of the Weismantel pit to the North West of current operations and the inclusion of the Clareval seam parallel and to the west of the Weismantel seam. Two types of waste have been identified within the deposit. They are categorised as potentially acid forming (PAF) or non-acid forming (NAF). Identification is undertaken in the exploration phase through geochemical anaylsis of drill cores, incorporation of geochemical results into mine modelling and survey of mine model into operational areas. In the early stages of the mining operation PAF waste was placed within compacted clay cells within the out of pit waste dump. The purpose of the clay cells is to limit the potential for oxygen and water to reach the PAF material such that an acidic leachate is not produced (it should be noted that oxidation of pyrite to sulphate is required in order to produce acid). Once sufficient in pit void was available, PAF wastes were deposited below the predicted final groundwater table recovery level. This level was deemed to be of a sufficient depth to ensure a recovering water table would submerge all the deposited PAF material and hence largely prevent oxygen reaching that material. Agricultural lime is spread across placed PAF materials to reduce the risk of acid formation prior to clay encapsulation or submersion. The deposition of the Weismantel and Clareval seam has been influenced by the proximity of marine environments resulting in typically high sulphur content over the first half a metre of the seam.



Additionally, moderately high inherent sulphur exists throughout the remainder of the seam. Dips within the deposit vary from a shallow 5 degrees to an almost vertical profile. Consequently, a method of horizontal 3m to 4m benches is used as the primary extraction method. An average of 5m of free dig material is generally experienced at Duralie after which all waste material generally requires blasting. During the reporting period, mining of coal and waste rock was ongoing within “Strips 13-15” (Weismantel Pit), “Blocks 3-4” (Clareval Pit) and the Southern Limb (Clareval Pit). During the reporting period waste rock produced was used for Weismantel pit backfilling and to progress the Weismantel out of pit waste dump. Surface facilities at the mine and current mine development as at 30 June 2013 are indicated within Figure 3, provided in Appendix 1. The truck fleet currently comprises predominantly Cat 785XQ model trucks supported by a lesser number of attenuated Cat 789 trucks.

2.2.1 Mining Equipment and Method

The mining equipment currently in use at Duralie is listed in Table 2 provided below.

Table 2 - Current Mining Equipment (Typical Configuration)

Plant Item Number Excavators 4 Haul Trucks 16 Drills 2 Dozers Water Carts

5 2

Graders 2 Loader (ROM feed) 1

The mining sequence is summarised below:

Fauna/flora assessment (as required) is undertaken.

A sedimentation control plan is prepared for the area to be disturbed (or an existing plan utilised).

Sedimentation controls are implemented (as required).

Tree clearing is limited to the minimum required for ongoing operations and undertaken ahead of

the advancing face or dump. The distance is generally limited to 100m. Topsoil is removed in accordance with a topsoil stripping plan.

Overburden removal is undertaken by a hydraulic excavator in backhoe configuration.

Generally, the first one to five metres of clay overburden is ripped and/or free-dug. Deeper overburden requires blasting prior to excavation.

Overburden waste material is deposited within/above a void section of the mining excavation.

2.2.2 ROM Production History and Forecast

Actual ROM production for the reporting period is listed in Table 3 below by month.



Table 3 - Monthly ROM Coal Production

MONTH ROM PRODUCTION* (tonnes)

July 2012 258,047 August 2012 216,395

September 2012 186,816 October 2012 206,707

November 2012 209,113 December 2012 104,575 January 2013 123,670 February 2013 178,023

March 2013 152,546 April 2013 228,959 May 2013 194,207 June 2013

Total Annual 183,108 2,242,166

* train weight received at Stratford Mine site

Total ROM production (July 2012 - June 2013) was 2.24 million tonnes. Total waste mined (July 2012 - June 2013) was 10.86 million bench cubic metres (bcm). ROM production forecast for next reporting period will be 2.3 million tonnes.

2.3 COAL HANDLING AND BENEFICATION

2.3.1 Coal Washery Rejects Management Rock greater than 140 mm is removed from ROM coal using a rotary breaker at the Duralie Mine.

The separated rock is conveyed to a bin from which it is loaded out and trucked to be buried on site as potentially acid forming (PAF) waste. All other reject fractions are generated at the Stratford Mine and deposited along with processing waste fractions produced from the washing of Bowens Road North and Stratford deposit coals.

Refer to the Stratford Coal Mine AR for details regarding the handling and disposal of reject

material at the Stratford site.

2.3.2 ROM Coal Processing On Site ROM coal is processed through a rotary breaker to produce a coal fraction less than 140 mm. The essential elements of the coal processing plant on site and their design capacities are as follows: ROM conveyor handling rate 1400 tph Train load out rate 2400 tph

2.3.3 Saleable Coal Production Product coal utilising Duralie ROM coal is produced at the Stratford Mine site. Blending of Duralie ROM coal with other ROM coals and rewashed reject material occurred during processing to produce a saleable product coal. Saleable coal production for the period July 2012 to June 2013 was 2.31 million tonnes comprising 0.99 million tonnes of coking coal and 1.32 million tonnes of thermal coal. Actual coal production to date by month is shown in Table 4.



Table 4 - Product Coal Produced by Month for Duralie and Stratford Mines

MONTH MONTHLY PRODUCT COAL (tonnes) Coking Coal Thermal Coal Total Product Coal

July 2012 118,572 140,909 259,481 August 2012 83,760 124,190 207,950 September 2012 79,570 136,558 216,126 October 2012 127,031 98,891 225,922 November 2012 92,322 113,763 206,085 December 2012 7,980 69,793 77,774 January 2013 65,411 75,421 140,832 February 2013 85,317 101,546 186,863 March 2013 86,954 97,325 184,279 April 2013 94,149 141,703 235,852 May 2013 55,252 97,721 152,973 June 2013 Annual

96,831 993,150

126,415 1,324,236

223,246 2,317,386

2.3.4 Coal Stockpile Capacity (ROM)

Duralie ROM coal stockpile capacity 15,000 tonnes Stratford ROM coal stockpile capacity 100,000 tonnes

2.3.5 Product Transport All ROM coal is transported from site to Stratford Coal Mine by rail. The approved hours of operation of the Duralie shuttle train are between 6 am and midnight (i.e. 18 hours). In exceptional circumstances, the Duralie shuttle train may operate on the North Coast Railway between midnight and 1 am in accordance with Condition 8, Schedule 2 of the NSW Project Approval.

2.24 million tonnes of ROM coal was transported from the Duralie Mine in the reporting period.

956 train movements (Duralie-Stratford-Duralie circuit) occurred during the July 2012 to June 2013 period. There was a maximum daily movement of 4 trains. Rail movements are recorded on the Duralie Coal website on a fortnightly basis.

2.4 WASTE MANAGEMENT AND RECYCLING

2.4.1 Chemical Characterisation of Wastes Waste rock has been previously analysed as part of the EIS and DEP EA. Chemical characterisation of wastes during the reporting period has consisted of:

geochemical (NAG – nett acid generating) testing of waste rock profiles. Chemical characterisation of wastes was also supported by assessment of pit sump and other mine water pH’s. To date, there have been only isolated incidences of acid formation. Acidic water, when found, has been treated by ground limestone addition.



2.4.2 Sewerage Treatment and Disposal Sewage treatment at the mine site involves a single system that manages all generated sewage. Sewage is processed using a Garden Master 7100 Elite Aerated Waste Water Treatment System. The system works on the combined principles of primary settlement and aerobic treatment. Treated effluent is discharged via a spray system into a grassed area located to the southwest of the Main Office. The sewage treatment facility is registered with Great Lakes Council.

2.4.3 Fuel Containment Fuel (diesel) storage at the mine site consists of two 100,000 litre capacity above ground bunded storage tank. The storage area is subject to Dangerous Goods Acknowledgement Number 35/036328 (Workcover NSW). Potential hydrocarbon contaminated runoff from fuel fill points is captured and directed through an oil water separator. Dirty water runoff from the fuel pad is captured and directed the main water dam.

2.4.4 Oil and Grease Containment and Disposal Bulk oil is stored within a bunded area. Used engine oils (lubricating oils), hydraulic oils and grease are recovered during plant and vehicle servicing in the workshop and in the field. Within the workshop area, separate bunded areas hold a 28,000 litre waste oil tank and bulk storage of oils, greases and lubricants (tanks and drums). A washpad is utilised to clean vehicles and plant either prior to leaving site or for general servicing/repair. Off the washpad is a concrete sump which serves to trap silt and from which oil is removed using a skimmer. Waste oil collected is removed from site by a commercial contractor for subsequent recycling off-site. In addition, Aurizon – the train contractor at site – provides temporary storage for waste oil prior to periodic removal by the waste oil contractor who services the Duralie site. Waste oil is stored in 200 litre drums mounted upon a bunding device. Contractors are generally required to manage and remove from site all waste oil generated during their operations.

2.4.5 Used Tyres Tyres were buried within backfill during the reporting period. Disposal was undertaken in accordance with earlier received advice from the EPA in the following manner: Tyres are placed in discrete lots and buried with a minimum cover of 5 metres; Disposal sites are adequately recorded for future reference. The depth of disposal is also

recorded; Tyres stockpiled for disposal are adequately protected from fires; and Tyres disposed of are not placed with any other combustible material.

2.4.6 Rubbish Disposal All domestic rubbish (e.g. food scraps, paper etc) is deposited in industrial rubbish bins which are periodically emptied by a waste contractor for subsequent disposal.



Scrap metal produced by the Leighton Mining workshop is collected and transferred off site by a scrap metal merchant. The merchant collects the scrap metal whenever the bins become full. Paper, cardboard, aluminium drink cans and other recyclables are collected for recycling. All contractors are responsible for the collection and removal of their own rubbish.

2.5 WATER MANAGEMENT The main principles of the water management system on-site are to: Minimise the generation of dirty water;

Minimise storage requirements by maximising re-use of dirty water;

Remove potential impacts on downstream water resources by provision of secure containment

on site and disposal by irrigation re-use;

Implement a fail-safe system, whereby under extreme events in excess of design capacity, dirty waters would spill to the mine pit and not to the clean water catchments; and

Not allow sediment laden water having an elevated suspended solids concentration to be

discharged off site.

2.5.1 Water Supply and Demand

The main water supply storage on-site for use in dust suppression is the Main Water Dam (MWD) (monitoring point SW3) located to the northwest of the Industrial Area. The MWD, Auxiliary Dam 1 (AD1) and Auxiliary Dam 2 (AD2) are the principal permanent mine water storages on-site. Water from these dams comprises pit produced water (runoff to/rainfall/seepage to), water from specific sediment dams and surface water runoff from the Industrial area. The principal water losses in the water system are:

Water applied to land by means of irrigation.

Water used for dust suppression.

Evaporation from the Main Water Dam, Auxiliary Dam 1 and Auxiliary Dam 2.

Water retained in ROM coal and railed to Stratford.

Mine water stored volume increased by 434 ML during the reporting period.

The Mine Water Dam’s current storage capacity is 1405 ML whilst Auxiliary Dam 1 can contain 462 ML and Auxiliary Dam 2 has a storage capacity of 2870 ML. At the completion of the reporting period the Mine Water Dam contained 1013 ML, Auxiliary Dam 1 held 262 ML and Auxiliary Dam 2 stored 2087 ML. It is estimated that 834 ML of water was pumped from the mine workings during the twelve month period ending 31 December 2012. This water has its origins in groundwater inflows, seepage through out of pit/in pit waste material, runoff and incident rainfall. The volume of groundwater calculated reporting to the two open cut pits in 2012 was 319 ML – note that this includes seepage from adjacent in-pit waste rock which would be recharged by irrigation of the waste rock emplacement at its southern end. This compares with approximately 222 ML predicted for 2012 by groundwater modelling as part of EA studies (GCL, 2010) for the two pits. DCPL holds an existing Bore Licence (20BL168404) issued by the NSW Department of Primary Industries, that allows for up to 300 ML of groundwater to be extracted from “works” in any 12 month period.



2.5.2 Site Water Balance

A review of the Main Water Dam balance 2012 is as follows: Figures are based on Duralie Mine Site Water Balance Review for 2012 calendar year.

Inflows (Megalitres per annum) Rainfall runoff 766 Pump from open cut pits 771 Pump from other storages 63 MWD diversion seepage 141 First flush capture 23 Total Inflow 1764

Outflows (Megalitres per annum) Irrigation 946 Evaporation 558 Haul Road (dust suppression) 204 AD1 net seepage loss** 6

Total Outflow 1714 Start of 2012 year total storage volume 2338 End of 2012 year total storage volume 2494

Total water stored at the Duralie Coal Mine is presented in Table 5 (Volumes reported are at 30-June-2013).

Table 5 - Stored Water

Volumes Held (Mega Litres) Start of

Reporting Period

At end of Reporting Period

Storage Capacity

Dirty Water 2928 3362 4591 Contaminated Water 0 0 0 Controlled Discharge Water na na na

2.6 HAZARDOUS AND EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS MANAGEMENT Hazardous materials are stored and used in accordance with relevant safety data sheets (SDS). SDS’s are kept in a file inside the First Aid Room and are available from an online database on the company intranet.

2.6.1 Status of Dangerous Goods Approval An “Acknowledgement of Notification of Dangerous Goods on Premises” (Acknowledgement Number 35/036328) with an expiry date of 21 January 2015 issued by Workcover NSW is held by Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd. This Acknowledgement addresses:



Above-ground tanks (diesel) External magazine (detonators and boosters) Above-ground tank (oxidising liquid) Roofless bulk storage (ammonium nitrate)

2.7 OTHER INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT

2.7.1 Dams Safety Committee The Main Water Dam, Auxiliary Dam 1 and Auxiliary Dam 2 are all prescribed under the Dams Safety Act 1978. Plans for the prescribed dams have now been combined into single documents. A DCM Prescribed Dams Operation and Maintenance Manual was prepared and approved by the DSC in July 2013. A Prescribed Dams Safety Emergency Plan (DSEP) has been prepared in consultation with the DSC and is currently being review by the SES. Routine visual inspections of the prescribed dams are undertaken three (3) times per week. Monthly monitoring of piezometers terminating beneath the dam’s clay core and within the clay core is also undertaken and water levels interpreted. Monuments located along the crests of the dams were surveyed for any indication of movement during the reporting period.

3 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND PERFORMANCE

3.1 CORPORATE ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY Yancoal Australis Ltd’s Environment and Community Policy states: Objective Yancoal is committed to operating as an environmentally and socially responsible corporate entity. We will strive to be a valued and respected member of the communities in which we operate.

Scope This policy applies to all Yancoal activities and operations. Statement Yancoal accepts its responsibility to conduct its operation in a lawful and environmentally sound manner and to work in consultation with the community and other stakeholders. We will —

Identify, assess and manage potential environmental aspects, impacts and community risks.

Implement and validate an effective documented environment and community relations management system.

Strive for continual improvement in environmental performance Provide the resources and training to our employees necessary to achieve our objectives. Deliver outcomes that meet or exceed our licences and approvals. Comply with applicable legislation and regulations. Foster positive relationships with regulatory agencies and community representatives. Be accountable for our actions. We will strive for excellence in environmental management and in the establishment of

effective and sustainable community relationships.



3.2 REVIEW OF ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE A brief review of environmental performance in relation to the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) issued Environment Protection Licence (EPL) 11701, together with NSW Project Approval conditions, is provided below. This performance is further discussed in the sections on environmental management activities and environmental monitoring.

3.2.1 EPA Environment Protection Licence

Records of environmental monitoring activities have been kept. A record of pollution complaints has been maintained including the date and time of the

complaint, method of complaint lodgement, personal details of the complainant (name and telephone number), the nature of the complaint, action taken and any follow-up contact with the complainant.

A copy of this AR will be been forwarded to the DoPI and uploaded to the Duralie Coal website

(www.duraliecoal.com.au).

No reportable incidents involving blasting occurred during the reporting period (a blast over pressure above 120 dB(L) and/or ground vibration over 10mm/s) – refer Section “Vibration and Airblast”.

Dust suppression measures are in place. Dust monitoring to date (dust deposition gauges, high

volume (PM10) air samplers and a TEOM monitor) shows that current dust suppression systems have been effective and dust levels were below limits set by EPA (upon exclusion of non-dust contamination of dust deposition gauges).

Quarterly noise compliance monitoring was undertaken in July 2012, October 2012, January

2013 and April 2013. The surveys determined that monitored mine operational noise at the time of the surveys complied with EPA noise level criteria at all monitored locations.

There were no sediment dam spills during the reporting period.

A Pollution Incident Response Management Plan (PIRMP) was prepared and approved during

the reporting period.and is available on the DCPL website.

Pollution Reduction Program (PRP) requirements have been met and monitoring will continue in the coming reporting period.

3.2.2 Project Approval Conditions Project Approval conditions which were met during this reporting period include those related to operation of a meteorological station, operation of dust deposition gauges and high volume (PM10) air samplers, operation of a real-time noise unit, operation of real-time dust unit, operation of inversion towers, operation of a telephone complaints line, operation of a community consultative committee, biological monitoring, ecotoxicity testing, blast monitoring, protection of Aboriginal and European heritage sites, monitoring of topsoil for Aboriginal artefacts, operation of a “blasting hotline”. Environmental monitoring data was regularly reported as required by the project approval and associated management plans. DCPL has met its obligations stemming from the LEC Court Orders dated 10 November 2011 with regard to the 2010 Project Approval. The following documents have been approved and are available on the Duralie Coal Website (www.duraliecoal.com.au):



Environmental Management Strategy, approved May 2013 Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan, approved 29 March 2012 Biodiversity Management Plan, approved 29 March 2012 Blast Management Plan, State approved 6 March 2012 Giant Barred Frog Study and Giant Barred Frog Management Plan, approved 6 March 2012 Heritage Management Plan, approved May 2013 Noise Management Plan, approved May 2013 Waste Management Plan, approved 6 March 2012 Water Management Plan, approved 2 August 2012 Study of Dust Emissions from Rail Transport, approved 22 March 2012 Rehabilitation Management Plan, approved May 2013

3.3 METEOROLOGICAL MONITORING

A meteorological station (i.e. weather station) is operated at the mine site as required by the Project Approval Conditions. The location of the station is shown on Figure 2 (Appendix 1).

3.3.1 Rainfall Table 6 provided below summarises the rainfall record obtained from the site Weather Station rain gauge. Graphical representation of the historical average and monthly recorded rainfall during the reporting period is provided in Appendix 2.

Table 6 - Duralie Mine - Monthly Rainfall Records

MONTH YEAR STROUD DISTRICT 2013 (To Date) 2012 AVERAGE2 Monthly

Total (mm) No. of Rain

Days/Month1 Monthly

Total (mm) No. of Rain

Days/Month1 1889-2010

January 127.4 10 145.4 15 115.3 February 210.8 14 296.8 13 125.0 March 159.0 9 82.8 13 147.3 April 67.4 10 73.2 12 100.9 May 49.6 8 9.6 7 91.5 June 119.4 17 93.4 15 101.1 July 66.4 13 75.1 August 32.4 5 65.3 September 8.8 4 63.1 October 12.0 4 78.3 November 55.8 11 83.3

December 119.8 11 100.8

TOTAL FOR YEAR 733.6 68 996.2 133 1147.0 Notes: 1. No. of Rain Days/Month - the number of days in the month on which rain fell. (When tipping bucket rain gauge data used, a “rain day” by definition requires a

minimum recording of >0.25mm comprising dew, heavy fog or light rain (or a combination thereof)).

2. Average based on Stroud Post Office records until mine site weather station commissioned in 2002.

The 2012 calendar year rainfall total was lower than the long-term district average with three of the twelve months in this period exceeding their respective long term average. The rainfall total for the reporting period (July 2012 to June 2013) was 1028.8 mm.



The four driest months for the reporting period were (in order): September 2012, October 2012, August 2012 and May 2013. The wettest months for the reporting period were (in order): February 2013, March 2013 and January 2013.

3.3.2 Evaporation

Table 7 shows minimum, average and maximum evaporation rates for the reporting period. The graphical representation of the daily minimum, average and maximum evaporation rates recorded for each month during this review period is provided in Appendix 2.

Table 7 - Monthly Minimum, Average and Maximum Evaporation Rates

MONTH MINIMUM

EVAPORATION RATE (mm/day)

AVERAGE EVAPORATION RATE

(mm/day)

MAXIMUM EVAPORATION RATE

(mm/day) July 2012 -- -- -- August 2012 -- --- -- September 2012 1.7 5.8 3.2 October 2012 1.4 6.6 3.7 November 2012 0.7 6.6 3.4 December 2012 0.7 6.2 3.5 January 2013 0.5 7.6 3.6 February 2013 1.0 4.5 2.8 March 2013 0.5 3.3 2.4 April 2013 0.7 2.8 1.7 May 2013 0.4 3.2 1.4 June 2013 0.2 2.6 0.9

3.3.3 Wind Speed and Direction Table 8 below indicates the monthly average and maximum wind speeds for the period July 2012 to June 2013, inclusive. The graphical representation of the daily average and maximum wind speeds recorded for each month during this period is provided in Appendix 2.

Table 8 - Monthly Average and Maximum Wind Speeds

MONTH AVERAGE WIND SPEED

(k/hr)

MAXIMUM WIND SPEED RECORDED

(k/hr) July 2012 8 38.1 August 2012 10.2 58.9 September 2012 8.8 53.3 October 2012 9.4 59.5 November 2012 9.3 53.9 December 2012 9.8 56.8 January 2013 9.6 43 February 2013 9.7 50.2 March 2013 8.4 43.4 April 2013 5.7 35.6 May 2013 7.2 42.4 June 2013 7.1 48.3



Table 9 provided below summarises the dominant wind directions for each month from July 2012 to June 2013, inclusive. Monthly wind roses are provided in Appendix 2.

Table 9 - Dominant Wind Directions by Month

MONTH DOMINANT WIND DIRECTIONS

July 2012 N

August 2012 SW, WSW

September 2012 WSW

October 2012 S

November 2012 S

December 2012 SSW

January 2013 ENE

February 2013 ENE

March 2013 ENE

April 2013 SSW

May 2013 W

June 2013 SW

3.3.4 Temperature Table 10 summarises monthly air temperatures.

Table 10 - Monthly Minimum, Average and Maximum Air Temperatures

MONTH MINIMUM

AIR TEMP RECORDED

(deg C)

AVERAGE AIR TEMP

(deg C)

MAXIMUM AIR TEMP

RECORDED (deg C)

July 2012 0.9 11.2 20.1 August 2012 0.2 12.0 30.1 September 2012 2.6 15.6 33.8 October 2012 4.0 17.2 37.1 November 2012 9.6 20.3 36.7 December 2012 10.6 22.2 40.3 January 2013 15.4 24.0 42.8 February 2013 14.0 21.2 34.0 March 2013 12.7 20.9 32.6 April 2013 6.6 17.0 39.3 May 2013 2.9 13.9 28.3 June 2013 2.4 12.3 22.7

The graphical representation of the daily minimum, average and maximum atmospheric

temperatures recorded for each month is provided in Appendix 2.

3.4 AIR QUALITY

3.4.1 Dust Control Procedures Dust is controlled by methods which include:



Minimising disturbed areas, Prompt reshaping, topsoiling and revegetation; Watering haul roads and other dust generating roads; Utilising water sprays on the drill; Water sprays on the ROM dump hopper and transfer point between the ROM and train loading

bins; and Water sprays during train coal loading; Modifying operations during adverse weather conditions.

3.4.2 Dust Monitoring and Criteria DCPL has an Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan (AQMP) (Duralie Coal 2012a) that establishes a dust management strategy which:

Identifies air quality criteria; Outlines proactive and responsive dust management and control measures; Establishes dust management protocols; Formulates an air quality monitoring programme; Establishes stakeholder consultation protocols; and Details reporting and review requirements.

A Revision of the AQMP was approved in 2012 and has been revised to reflect outcomes of the 2012 Annual Review. In order to monitor air quality (dust) surrounding the mine site, DCPL utilises a network of eleven (11) static dust fallout gauges, four (4) high volume PM10 air samplers, one real time dust monitor (TEOM) and a meteorological monitoring station (i.e. weather station). The locations of these monitoring sites are shown on Figure 2 (Appendix 1). Two dust gauges (D1 & D2) were removed from the Duralie Coal EPL11701 during the reporting period, leaving nine (9) static dust fallout gauges. Monthly dust fallout levels are measured so that dust deposition rates in g/m2/month can be determined at private or company owned residences surrounding the mine and within the village of Wards River. The EPA annual average limit for dust deposition is 4.0g/m2/month. The high volume air samplers (HVAS) (PM10) are set up near company owned rural dwellings along Johnsons Creek Road (“Hattam” – located to the northeast of the mine, “Twin Houses” – located to the east of the mine and “High Noon” – located to the south of the mine). Additionally, a HVAS unit is located on private land along the Bucketts Way (“Edwards” – located west of the mine). Sampling occurs for a 24 hour period every 6 days in accordance with AS 2724.3. The EPA goal for air quality is an annual average limit of 30ug/m3/day and a National Environmental Protection Measure (NEPM) 24-hour average limit of 50ug/m3/day. A Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalance (TEOM) analyser measuring PM10 and PM2.5 continuously began measuring dust levels in April 2012. Following the monitoring of 12 months real-time dust the data was analysed to develop dust management trigger levels which will be implemented in a dust management protocol in the coming reporting period in accordance with the AQMP.

3.4.3 Review of Dust Monitoring Results

3.4.3.1 Dust Deposition Gauges

Table 11 shows the dust deposition results for eleven (11) dust deposition gauges. D1 and D2 were removed during the reporting period therefore an annual amount of data is not available. Gauge D7 is located within the Village of Wards River.



Table 11 – Dust Deposition Gauge Results

Jul-12 Aug-12 Sep-12 Oct-12 Nov-12 Dec-12 Jan-13 Feb-13 Mar-13 Apr-13 May-13 Jun-13

D1 2.7 13.6 7.7 7.9 5.7 5.1VI 1.9 4.0VIS 1.5 2.4 NR NR

D2 1.7 1.9 2.8 2.2 11.7VIS 1.8 0.9 5.5VIS 1.0 1.8 NR NR

D3 1.7 1.6 8.2VI 1.0 3.6 3.8 0.7 1.6 2.4 1.6 4.3VIS 3.5

D4 0.4 0.7 4.0VI 0.5 0.7 1.7 0.8 1.1 0.3 0.5 0.2 1.0

D5 0.5 1.6 0.8 0.6 0.9 2.0 2.9 1.1 3.1 2.8 2.3 11.2VIS

D7 0.4 0.7 0.7 0.4 0.4 0.8 1.1 0.7 1.5 0.7 0.4 0.5

D8 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.5 1.1 2.7 0.8 0.9 0.3 0.6 0.4 0.5

D9 0.6 18.1VI 0.6 0.5 0.7 1.9 0.8 1.3 0.3 2.3 0.7 0.8

D10 0.5 3.2 1.4 1.2 7.1 3.2 1.2 1.5 0.8 3.4 0.5 0.5

D12 0.5 0.6 0.9 0.5 1.0 1.6 1.2 1.1 0.6 0.8 0.7 0.7

D13 0.5 0.5 0.4 2.2 33.1VIS 3.8 0.9 0.9 0.4 1.1 0.5 0.4EPA limit 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0

Notes/excluded results: “I” = significant insect contamination “V” = significant vegetation present

“S” = significant polysaccharide slime present “NR” = No result - Dust gauge removed from licence

Dust levels recorded had an average value of 1.6 g/m2/month (contaminated results not counted). On five (5) occasions (after excluded results) during the reporting period a deposition gauge result exceeded 4 g/m2/month (four for gauge D1 and once for D10) and elevated values were at times affected by various degrees of contamination from insects, bird droppings, vegetation (seeds/grasses) and algae. Dust gauge D1 had, on occasion, higher results – largely attributed to the close proximity of the gauge to on site vehicular traffic. This gauge was removed from the EPL in March 2013 as was dust gauge D2 as they were deemed to be no longer representative of offsite receivers. The results should be compared with the EPA annual average upper limit of 4 g/m2/month. The only gauge exceeding the criteria at the end of the reporting period was D1 which is now removed. Graphical representation of dust gauge results is provided in Appendix 3. Note that this graph includes all results including those with significant quantities of non-dust contamination. Contamination of all samples routinely occurred, primarily from bird droppings, insects and vegetation. Graphical representation of the annual rolling averages for dust deposition gauges is provided in Appendix 3. Results of depositional dust monitoring were generally similar to previous reporting periods and are in concurrence with the Duralie Environmental Assessment (EA) (2010) which predicts the annual average criteria of 4 g/m2/month will not be exceeded at any receiver and that project only incremental increases in annual average dust deposition will not exceed the applicable 2 g/m2/month EPA criterion at any receiver.

3.4.3.2 High Volume (PM10) Dust Samplers

Table 12 shows the PM10 high volume air sampler (HVAS) monitoring results for the four HVAS in ug/m3/day (24 hours) for the monitoring sites at “High Noon”, “Twin Houses”, “Hattam” and “Edwards” during the reporting period. Analytical data indicated that all monitoring locations (in terms of monitored days) did not exceed the National Environmental Protection Measure (NEPM) of 50 ug/m3/day during the reporting period. The results during the reporting period by monitoring location were: “High Noon” 1.0 to 32.0 ug/m3/day, “Twin Houses” 1.5 to 44.6 ug/m3/day, “Hattam” 4.0 to 39.3 ug/m3/day and “Edwards” 3.0 to 29.0 ug/m3/day. HVAS results were generally similar to those recorded in previous reporting periods. Graphical representation of HVAS results are provided in Appendix 3.



Table 12 – High Volume Air Sampler (PM10) Results - Reported as ug/m3/day

Date High Noon Twin Houses Hattam Edwards 2-Jul-12 6.2 8.4 9.6 9.6 8-Jul-12 3.9 6.8 7.2 7.2

14-Jul-12 5.5 5.5 6.2 6.2

20-Jul-12 8.1 10.5 12.8 12.8 26-Jul-12 6.2 6.7 7.3 7.3 1-Aug-12 6.4 9.5 11.5 11.5 7-Aug-12 7.4 9.8 9.9 9.9

13-Aug-12 6.8 8.4 9.0 9.0 19-Aug-12 3.6 5.9 6.5 6.5 25-Aug-12 6.1 14.0 7.8 7.8 31-Aug-12 9.9 15.1 14.2 14.2 6-Sep-12 28.7 39.3 34.0 34.0

12-Sep-12 25.3 25.6 27 27

18-Sep-12 7.4 7.2 7.7 7.7 24-Sep-12 16.4 24 23.9 23.9 30-Sep-12 15.3 44.6 39.3 39.3

6-Oct-12 32 37 32 32 12-Oct-12 4.6 10.2 5.4 5.4 18-Oct-12 22.1 25 22.2 22.2 24-Oct-12 16.2 16.5 14.9 14.9 30-Oct-12 20.2 19.7 18.8 18.8 5-Nov-12 19.8 17.1 19.3 19.3

11-Nov-12 7.6 8.5 8 8 17-Nov-12 10 10.4 10 10 23-Nov-12 12 13 12.2 12.2

29-Nov-12 22.9 22.5 14 14 5-Dec-12 23.4 20.6 18.5 18.5

11-Dec-12 5.9 4.9 5.6 5.6 17-Dec-12 19.2 20.2 19.5 19.5 23-Dec-12 8.3 9.2 13.8 13.8 29-Dec-12 16.8 18.1 19.7 19.7

4-Jan-13 10 11.8 21.5 21.5 10-Jan-13 17.7 18.7 20.4 20.4 16-Jan-13 15.5 16 17.1 17.1 22-Jan-13 13.7 14.5 13.9 13.9 28-Jan-13 7.1 5.8 5.4 5.4 3-Feb-13 10 9 11.7 11.7 9-Feb-13 17.1 17.1 16.1 16.1

15-Feb-13 5.5 7.2 5.4 5.4 21-Feb-13 11.3 13.6 6.7 6.7 27-Feb-13 12.7 12.7 12 12

5-Mar-13 9.6 9.8 9.6 9.6 11-Mar-13 8 17-Mar-13 16.1 20.6 16.8 16.8 23-Mar-13 11.9 12 10.7 10.7 29-Mar-13 12.6 12.7 11.6 11.6

4-Apr-13 7.6 8 8.8 8.8



Table 12 (continued) – High Volume Air Sampler (PM10) Results - Reported as ug/m3/day

Date High Noon Twin Houses Hattam Edwards 10-Apr-13 6.8 9.9 7.3 7.3 16-Apr-13 10.9 11.5 11.1 11.1 22-Apr-13 8.6 10.8 8 8.9 28-Apr-13 12.1 28.8 13.4 16.1 4-May-13 17 20.1 19.2 20.3

10-May-13 4.4 7.2 6.5 7.4 16-May-13 3.7 6.4 4.6 3.2 22-May-13 9.4 12.7 10 14.1 28-May-13 4.6 4.8 4 4.4

3-Jun-13 5.2 6.1 7 6.9 9-Jun-13 1 1.5 4.9 5

14-Jun-13 3.8 6.1 6 3 20-Jun-13 4.3 4.8 4.9 5.1 26-Jun-13 4.9 4.6 5.2 7

Graphical representation of the annual rolling average for the four HVAS during the reporting period is provided in Appendix 3. The rolling average for the “High Noon” was 11.4, “Twin Houses” was 13.7, “Hattam” was 12.8 and Edwards was 11.7 ug/m3/day. Thus, annual averages for all sampling locations were below the 30 ug/m3/day EPA limit. Results of HVAS monitoring are in concurrence with the Duralie Environmental Assessment (EA) (2010) which predicts the annual average PM10 criteria of 30 µg/m3 will not be exceeded at any receiver and that project only 24 hour PM10 concentrations will not be above the 50 µg/m3 EPA assessment criteria at any privately owned receiver with the exception of “Hattam” which is in close proximity to the mining operations. However “Hattam” did not exceed the 50 µg/m3 24 hour limit on any occasion during this reporting period.

3.4.3.3 TEOM (PM10)

A Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalance analyser (TEOM) which measures PM10 on a real-time continuous basis was installed by DCPL in April 2012. 24 hour average results for the reporting period and graphical representation of the running/cumulative average of PM10 results are provided in Appendix 3. The annual average from 1 July 2012 to 30 June 2013 is 11.1 ug/m3 for PM10.

3.4.4 Reporting Air quality data is provided quarterly to the CCC.

3.5 SEDIMENT AND EROSION CONTROL The mine had the following dedicated erosion and sediment control structures in use during the reporting period;

Five (5) access road sediment dams – designated as SD1 to SD5 (removed from EPL 11701 in Apr 2013 Two (2) rail siding sediment dams – designated as RS1 and RS6 Two (2) waste emplacement sediment dam – designated as VC1 and ESD Sediment dam sizing is based on providing sufficient capacity to hold runoff from a 1 in 20 year, 1

hour duration rainfall event (for a given catchment). Runoff in excess of such an event will result in a dam spilling in accordance with the design criteria. The quality of water collecting within sediment dam



is managed (where practical) to minimise suspended sediment load. This is achieved by a combination of promoting stabilising groundcover within the dam’s catchment and introduction of a flocking agent such as gypsum (as required). Sediment dams are inspected following receipt of sufficient rain whereby such dams have the potential to spill. In addition to dedicated sediment dams, clean water is directed around disturbed areas (where practical) using diversion drains/bunds or in the case of Coal Shaft Creek, a creek diversion (refer discussion under Water Management) in order to minimise sediment laden water.

No sediment dam spills occurred during the reporting period. It should be noted that at all times pumping (where possible) of sediment dams in order to prevent or limit the amount of spilling water was undertaken. Prioritisation of pumping operations also took into account the likely quality of spilling water when a dam was considered vulnerable to spilling. The control of sediment generation and erosion is primarily controlled by: Timely progressive rehabilitation and vegetation establishment on disturbed areas (e.g.

completed sections of the overburden dump) to minimise the area exposed to erosion; The direction of runoff from disturbed areas into sediment dams; and The placement of silt fences, silt rolls (gravel filled), straw bales, geotextile fabric and/or rock in

order to either trap or restrict the generation of silt or to dissipate flow energy.

All elements of sediment control are regularly monitored and maintained. Sediment dams are cleaned out when the storage volume is substantially reduced by sediment deposition (i.e. when 30% of storage volume is lost to sediment build up) and inspected after major rainfall events. Sloping areas under rehabilitation are stabilised by structural controls such as bench drains and contour banks (if required) to break up the effective slope length exposed to erosion. Final slopes will generally not exceed 14 degrees which will aid in the control of erosion and sediment generation.

3.6 SURFACE WATER

3.6.1 Surface Water Management Surface water management is divided into the management of clean and dirty water as outlined below. Dirty water comprises both mine water and sediment laden/turbid water. Section 3.5 covers management of runoff from the overburden dump and sediment and erosion control.

3.6.1.1 Clean Water Management The main objective of clean water management is the segregation of clean from dirty water by the construction of diversion drains around disturbed areas, thereby minimising the quantity of dirty water generated.

Surface water controls aim to prevent clean runoff water from entering the open mining pit and overburden dumping areas where practical. The main structures are: Diversion of Coal Shaft Creek. The diversion channel (built in stages) is required until the creek

can be re-established at the conclusion of mining;

Main Water Dam (MWD) diversion drain. This drain intercepts runoff from the catchment above the MWD and delivers that water to Coal Shaft Creek.



Auxiliary Dam 1 (AD1) and Auxiliary Dam 2 (AD2) diversion drains.

Flood control embankments to prevent inundation of mining areas;

A culvert under the Main Coal Haul Road which allows Coal Shaft Creek to flow through the site; and

Various runoff control drains/bunds about disturbed areas designed to divert clean water runoff

around those areas. The main elements of the clean water diversion system are shown in Figure 3 (Appendix 1).

3.6.1.2 Dirty Water Management Dirty water management refers to the control, collection and re-use of water which may have become contaminated by mining operations and associated activities or which by its nature is considered to be undesirable for release to the environment. Dirty water comprises mine water and sediment laden/turbid water. Mine water is water that has come into contact with mining activities. Sediment laden/turbid water has come into contact with disturbed areas but predominantly not core mining areas. Mine waters are typically characterised by higher salinity and on occasion lower pH. Sediment laden waters are characterised by elevated suspended solids and elevated turbidity. The main objectives of the dirty water control facilities are:

On site storage to prevent escape to Coal Shaft Creek and Mammy Johnsons River; and

Management of the stored quantity of dirty water by irrigation. The principal sources of dirty water are: (a) Mine Water

Incident rainfall

Groundwater seeping into mining pits;

Rainfall induced runoff and seepage from active sections of the overburden dump; and

Rainfall induced runoff from the Industrial Area.

(b) Sediment Laden Water

Rainfall induced runoff from roads;

Rainfall induced runoff from areas stripped of topsoil (typically exposing clays);

Rainfall induced runoff from areas yet to adequately vegetate within sediment dam catchments; and

Direct rainfall falling on sediment laden water storages.

Dirty water uses and losses are:



Evaporation and seepage losses from water storages; Haul road dust suppression;

Railed coal dust suppression;

Water retained in product coal railed to the Stratford Mine; and

Stored water applied to land via irrigation (evapotranspiration). The dirty water storages on site are:

Main Water Dam (MWD) Auxiliary Dam 1 (AD1) Auxiliary Dam 2 (AD2) Sediment Dam VC1 (waste dump) Sediment Dams RS1 and RS6 (rail siding dams)

The locations of mine and sediment laden water storage areas are shown in Figure 3 (Appendix 1).

3.6.2 Surface Water Monitoring

DCPL monitors surface water quality on and surrounding the mine site by sampling from a series of selected locations. These locations comprise both streams and water storage structures. A meteorological monitoring station (i.e. weather station) provides site rainfall data. The locations of these monitoring sites are shown on Figure 2 (Appendix 1). Surface water monitoring is conducted in accordance with the Duralie Coal Mine Water Management Plan (Duralie Coal 2012e) and the EPA Environment Protection Licence (EPL) 11701. Surface water is sampled and analysed on a weekly, monthly, event basis or following a sediment dam spill. Collected waters are analysed for a suite of physical and chemical parameters. Results are compared with the Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council (ANZECC) Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality (2000) (Aquatic Ecosystems Table 3.4.1 referencing slightly to moderately disturbed systems) and EPA requirements. Use of the Aquatic Ecosystems criteria is considered of most.

3.6.2.1 Review of Water Monitoring Results

3.6.2.2 Local Streams

Reference should be made to accompanying data tables provided in Appendix 4:

SW1 – Karuah River SW2 – Coal Shaft Creek SW2 Rail Culvert – Coal Shaft Creek SW2 Upstream – Coal Shaft Creek SW6 – Former RS3/4 Culvert SW9 – Un-named Tributary SW10 – Coal Shaft Creek GB1 – Mammy Johnsons River Highnoon – Mammy Johnsons River



Site 9 – Karuah River Site 11 – Mammy Johnsons River Site 12 – Mammy Johnsons River Site 15 - Mammy Johnsons River Site 19 – Karuah River

Comments on analysed parameters during the reporting period are as follows: pH at all sites was generally within the ANZECC guidelines. pH ranged from 6.2 (SW6, 28/1/13

& SW9, 23/2/13) to 8.6 (SW2 Rail Culvert, 27/9/12). Electrical conductivity (EC) across all sites ranged about the ANZECC nominated band. EC

above the ANZECC range is attributed to lower stream flows and groundwater influence under low flow regime (especially obvious during periods of drought). EC was generally higher within Mammy Johnsons River than in the Karuah River, a trend which has been observed in previous monitoring periods. EC was generally higher within Coal Shaft Creek when compared to Mammy Johnsons River which has also been observed in previous reporting periods.

Turbidity readings were generally low at all sampling locations, with the exception being when flows were high after rainfall events.

Total suspended particulate (TSS) results in terms of average concentrations were generally similar within Mammy Johnsons and Karuah Rivers. SW6 demonstrated the highest TSS result. There is no stated ANZECC guideline for TSS. Elevated TSS results typically were recorded during high flow events.

Sulphate concentrations recorded at all sites were generally low (no stated ANZECC guideline). The highest sulphate concentration recorded (1540 mg/l) was for a sample collected at Site SW3 Major on 4 April 2013.

Manganese concentrations recorded were generally low and within the ANZECC guideline. However, concentrations above the ANZECC guideline were recorded in two samples taken from Site SW2 Upstream (10 and 19 December 2012 and 3 January 2013, all under trickle flow). The highest result was 3.75 mg/l recorded for the 10 December sample.

Iron concentrations at all sites were typically quite low (no stated ANZECC guideline). Highest concentration recorded (15 mg/l) was for a sample collected at Site SW6 on 27 June 2013.

Zinc concentrations at all sites were also generally low. However, zinc results were quite commonly in excess of the ANZECC guideline which is extremely low. Highest concentration recorded (0.72 mg/l) was for a sample collected at Site SW2 RC on 27 March 2013.

Aluminium concentrations at all sites were generally low. Again, the ANZECC guideline for this metal is quite low. As such, the ANZECC guideline was exceeded on a regular basis across multiple sites. The highest reading recorded was from Site SW6 on 24 may 2013 (17.5 mg/l).

For calcium, magnesium and chloride concentrations there are no stated ANZECC guidelines. Calcium concentrations ranged from 2 to 87 mg/L and magnesium concentrations ranged from 1 to 94 mg/L. Chloride concentrations were reasonably variable across the monitored sites (between 8 and 569 mg/l – maximum chloride concentration occurring at Site SW2 Upstream (Coal Shaft Creek) on 16 October 2012). Elevation in chloride concentration is routinely observed under low stream flows.

The above results were consistent with previous year’s results. No anomalous results were identified.

Comments on extended suite of analysed parameters during the reporting period are as follows:

Analytes which do not exceed ANZECC guidelines at any sampled site:

Arsenic, Nickel, Boron, Mercury, Selenium, Silver, Ammonia.

Analytes which do exceed ANZECC guidelines at sampled sites:

Cadmium – exceedance recorded at SW10 on 16 January 2013 (0.012 mg/l). Copper –exceedances recorded at all sites with the exception Site 15. Greatest

exceedance was for a sample taken at Highnoon on 8 January 2013 (0.013mg/l).



Chromium - exceedances recorded at SW2 RC, SW2 Upstream, SW9, SW10, GB1, Highnoon, Site 9, Site 12, Site 15 and Site 19.

Lead - exceedance recorded at Highnoon on 23 February 2013 (0.004 mg/L)

Generally, analytical results for routine monitoring displayed a similar structure to the previous reporting period. Surface water monitoring results were consistent with predictions made in the Environmental Assessment (2010). In addition, an independent environmental audit that was undertaken during the 2011-2012 reporting period concluded that “surface water monitoring did not demonstrate any significant changes in water quality in the natural waterways that would be attributable to the Duralie Mine operations and activities during the 2008 to 2011 period” (Aemc 2011). Surface water monitoring results during the reporting period were generally similar to those recorded during 2008 to 2011.

3.6.2.3 Mine Water

Mine water, in a practical sense, comprises water that is generated within the mine workings, waste rock emplacements (prior to reshaping and topsoiling), storage areas for such water and runoff from areas where coal is handled. Mine water is generally characterised by elevated EC, elevated sulphate concentrations and low turbidity/TSS. The three principal mine water storage areas are the Main Water Dam (sampling location SW3 major), Auxiliary Dam 1 (AD1) and Auxiliary Dam 2 (AD2). Monitoring of mine water quality is also conducted within the Weismantel pit (sampling location SW4) and the Clareval pit (sampling location Clareval). Monitoring for SW3 (major) during the reporting period indicated, on average, a moderate EC (2789 uS/cm), slightly alkaline pH (7.8) and low miscellaneous metals concentration. Similar monitoring for SW4 on average indicated an EC of approximately 4286 uS/cm, slightly acidic pH (6.5) and elevated sulphate, calcium and chloride concentrations. Sulphate has its origin in sulphides present within the pit rock and coal, calcium from liming of wastes and chloride from the former marine environment. On the basis of mine water quality behaviour to date, a significant change in water quality throughout the mine life is not anticipated.

3.6.3 Biological Monitoring

As part of Duralie Coal’s environmental monitoring program, Invertebrate Identification Australasia was commissioned to conduct biological monitoring of the streams near the mine. An environmental assessment of the aquatic ecosystems of Mammy Johnsons River and the Karuah River above the junction with Mammy Johnsons River was made prior to the commencement of mining operations.

Biological monitoring has been conducted during approximately March and September each year since the start of mining operations.

Monitoring during this reporting period was conducted during September 2012 and March 2013 and involved sampling from seven sites. The September survey identified a total of 76 genera in 53 families. The results for the February survey were 64 species in 43 families.

The September 2012 report found that “there has been a consistent high level in ecosystem condition compared with the same period in previous years and there is no evidence of any adverse effects on the aquatic macroinvertebrate community over the last six months. Therefore, there appears to no adverse effects on the aquatic ecosystem as a result of the mine’s operations.” (Invertebrate Identification Australasia 2012).

The March 2013 report reached the same conclusion and stated that “any changes in the community such as reduction in biodiversity were the result of increased scour from the high rainfall/flow events just prior to the survey with the trends being consistent across all sites.” (Invertebrate Identification Australasia 2013).

Copies of the reports are provided in Appendix 4.



3.6.4 Riparian Vegetation Monitoring

The Riparian Vegetation “Health” Monitoring program is conducted in accordance with the Duralie Coal Mine Water Management Plan (Duralie Coal, 2012e). Visual monitoring and photography is conducted in order to detect any potential change in the quality and quantity of riparian vegetation. The unnamed Tributary, Coal Shaft Creek and Mammy Johnsons River are monitored on an annual basis for signs of leaf scorching, desiccation and dieback. Riparian health monitoring includes the development of a photographic database of riparian vegetation at fixed photo points. Riparian vegetation health monitoring was conducted in December 2012. Results are presented in Table 14. Scores are based on the scoring system presented in Table 13. All sites scored low for scorch and desiccation. Some canopy thinning was observed at Unnamed Tributary (M8).

Table 13 - Riparian Health Scoring System Leaf Scorch Desiccation Dieback Note: Standing in a central point leaf scorch, desiccation and dieback are scored from the visible range of vegetation Rank Description Rank Description Rank Description 0 No signs of leaf scorch 0 No signs of desiccation 0 No signs of dieback 1 <5 minor branches affected 1 <5 minor branches affected 1 <5 minor branches affected 2 2 2 3 3 3 15 moderate branches

affected 4 4 4 5 25 moderate branches

affected 5 25 moderate branches

affected 5 Stage 1: Canopy thinning

6 6 6 7 7 7 Stage 2: Crown defoliation 8 8 8 9 9 9 Stage 3: Epicormic growth 10 >50 major branches

affected 10 >50 major branches

affected 10 Stage 4: Tree death

Table 14 - Riparian Vegetation Health Monitoring Results - December 2012

Site Photo Number and Aspect Coordinates Scores Comments:

Easting Northing Scorch Dessication Dieback

MJR1 (M1) 1 East bank looking N 400699 6431029 1 1 2 Very low flow

2 West bank looking S 400694 6431026 Dieback on tips of fresh growth

MJR2 (M4) 1 East bank looking N Ref. Gauge Board 1 0 0 Very low flow

2 West bank looking S Ref. opp Gauge Board

CSC (M3) 1 Creek bed looking NW 400770 6425411 0 2 0 No flow

2 Creek bed looking S 400770 6425411

3 Upperbank looking NW 400772 6425420

4 Upperbank looking S 400772 6425420

UNT (M8) 1 Creek bed looking W 400205 6430116 0 1 5 No flow, No pools

2 Creek bed looking E 400205 6430116 Additional photos of Dieback

3 North upper bank looking W 400226 6430135

4 North upper bank looking E 400226 6430135

Euc canopies eaten by christmas beetles, Lower vegetation has light silt coating from flooding



3.6.5 Ecotoxicity Testing Program

In accordance with the Surface Water Management Plan and Condition 29(b) of Project Approval (08_0203), DCPL commenced ecotoxicity testing of samples taken from selected water monitoring sites in Mammy Johnsons River and Coal Shaft Creek during the 2013 reporting period. The ecotoxicity testing programme is required to be undertaken quarterly. At the time of writing, only one round of ecotoxicity test work had been completed and the results are currently undergoing review. Once further sampling and test work has been completed and a more robust data set collected for interpretation, DCPL will review/analyse the ecotoxicity testing results and provide a summary of the results in the 2014 Annual Review.

3.7 GROUNDWATER

3.7.1 Groundwater Management Groundwater is monitored in order to determine whether the mine is having an observable impact on groundwater resources in the area. DCPL monitors groundwater quality on and surrounding the mine site by sampling from a series of selected locations (bores). The location of these bores is shown in Figure 2 (Appendix 1). Groundwater monitoring is conducted in accordance with the Duralie Coal Mine Water Management Plan (Duralie Coal 2012e). Collected waters are analysed for a suite of physical and chemical parameters. Results are evaluated for observable trending.

3.7.2 Groundwater Monitoring

Monitoring of groundwater re-commenced in October 2002 in accordance with the original “Surface and Groundwater Monitoring Plan”. It should be noted that five (5) deep groundwater bores had been monitored for several years prior to commencement of mine construction. The construction and early mining groundwater bore network was expanded to ten (10) bores – made up of a compliment of deep and shallow bores to obtain samples from different aquifers. During 2004 the monitoring network was expanded by a further three (3) bores for the purpose of sampling groundwater within the proposed (“Type 2”) mine water irrigation area (identified as “SI” bores). In 2007 an additional piezometer (designation “DB7W) located between northern future mine workings and Mammy Johnsons River was installed. Monitoring commenced at bores DB8W, DB9W and DB10W in 2009. These bores lie between the then northern extent of the Weismantel Pit and Mammy Johnsons River. In accordance with Project Approval requirements three additional bores were installed during the reporting period. DB11W was installed to the north of the advancing pits for the purpose of monitoring mine induced drawdown. WR1 and WR2 were installed on the southern and eastern perimeters of the waste emplacement for the purpose of monitoring groundwater table recovery within the backfilled void. Monitoring of these bores will commence in the next reporting period. Additionally, pressure sensors have been installed in monitoring bores DB3W, BH4BW, DB11W, WR1 and WR1 to monitor groundwater levels on a daily basis. Results will be reported in the AR 2014. Reference should be made to accompanying data tables for each monitoring well provided within Appendix 4. Comments on analysed parameters for monitoring conducted during the reporting period are as follows:

Depth to groundwater was comparable with recent historical data for most monitored wells.



However, bores DB2W and DB4W continued to show recovery from aquifer drawdown (refer to Groundwater Depressurisation below). Bores SI1W and SI2W show a rising of the water table about the bores during the reporting period due to the filling of AD2 and not the result of irrigation within the catchment;

pH is comparable with historical data with fluctuations apparent. pH in the reporting period varied from a slightly acidic 5.5 (DB5W in February 2013) to a neutral 7.2 (several wells);

Electrical conductivity generally showed a high degree of variability across many of the wells as has historically been the case. This would appear to reflect the cycle of dry and wet conditions. Shallow wells intercept generally low conductivity alluvial aquifers, whilst deep wells associated with coal measures generally have higher conducivity;

Calcium and magnesium concentrations across all wells tended to fluctuate within reasonably tight ranges;

Sulphate concentrations varied across wells. Well SI2W exhibited the widest range of any well spanning over 83 mg/l;

Aluminium concentrations are quite low (often being close to the limit of analytical detection) in all the deeper wells but comparatively higher in the shallower wells. The highest concentration recorded was 169 mg/l (BH4BW in August 2012);

Iron concentrations showed no common trend with rises and falls across wells generally. Concentrations showed a wide range from a low of <0.05 mg/l (SI1W & SI2W) to a high of 198 mg/l (BH4BW in August 2012);

Manganese concentrations across all wells were not high with the highest being 6.87 mg/l within BH4BW in May 2013; and

Zinc concentrations were essentially low and not inconsistent with available historical data.

It would appear from the data comparison that groundwater quality is varying in a random manner, such that some parameters are increasing, some decreasing and some remaining static when compared with historical information. This is considered to be the most common expectation of a natural groundwater system. On the basis of the above, no mine operational activities are believed to have influenced groundwater quality as was the expectation stated in the EA. It should be noted that the EA (2010) described groundwater in the Project area as being characterised by the following parameters/ranges:

pH – 6.0 to 8.0 Electrical conductivity – 100 to 7600 uS/cm

For this reporting period, the groundwater pH range for bores likely to be influenced by the coal measures was between 5.5 and 7.2. This is a generally similar range to that noted in the EA. Similarly, the electrical conductivity range for the bores was 90 to 7300 uS/cm. These results are generally similar to and within the range noted in the EA.

3.7.3 Groundwater Depressurisation

Depth to water information from piezometer monitoring shows that bore water levels are generally consistent between bores and with the EA (2010) predictions. The four bores to the west of the open cut pit (SI1W, SI2W, SI3W & DB6W) are all above or close to maximum predicted levels. Three bores (DB1W, DB2W & DB4W) located to the east and south of the Weismantel open cut pit have previously exhibited water levels higher than the maximum predicted drawdown levels. By May 2011, bore DB1W had fully recovered any mine operational induced drawdown. By May 2013 bore DB2W had fully recovered and DB4W had recovered 89% of drawdown observed since June 2003. DB4W continued to recover during the current reporting period. Another bore, DB5W, located south of the Weismantel open cut pit was observed to have fully recovered its mine operational induced drawdown.



Three graphs showing depth to water data by like groups of piezometers (in terms of location relative to the mining area) are provided in Appendix 4. The three graphs represent piezometers located between the mining excavation and Mammy Johnsons River, a single piezometer sited hydraulically upgrade of the mining excavation and the three piezometers located within the western (“Type II”) irrigation area. The data has been plotted in terms of actual depth to water measurement (top of casing to top of aquifer) minus the minimum depth to water reading recorded for that piezometer. These plots show relative movement of the aquifer over time and comparisons can be made with pre-mining conditions. The first graph (“Pit-River Groundwater Bore RL Change”) shows that the maximum drawdown (expected to be largely induced by mining activity) displayed by a bore, for which extended monitoring has been conducted, is seven (7) metres – within bore DB2W. Progressive backfilling of the void has now resulted in significant recovery of the groundwater table. The second graph (“DB6W Bore RL Change”) shows that the aquifer being monitored is currently lower than prior to mining commencing in this general vicinity.

The third graph (“Western Irrigation Area Bore RL Change”) indicates that depth to top of aquifer has varied by up to approximately four (4) metres within these piezometers since irrigation commenced. Note that these piezometers would be expected to show depth to water fluctuations without irrigation simply as a consequence of rainfall episodes. Changes in the depth to water at SI1W and SI2W during the reporting period are the result of the filling of AD2 which is located hydraulically upgrade. An independent environmental audit conducted during the 2011/12 reporting period concluded that “no mine operational activities are believed to have influenced groundwater quality and that depth to water collected from piezometers monitoring demonstrates that bore water levels are generally consistent within bores and consistent with the EIS (1996) and the EA (2010) predictions” (aemc, 2011). Results for the current reporting period are consistent with results from previous years and generally similar to and within the range noted in the EA.

3.7.4 Reporting Water monitoring data is also provided quarterly to the CCC.

3.8 IRRIGATION

The Duralie Coal Mine operates under a continual stored water surplus. There is only minimal requirement for process water on site – e.g. for dust suppression and fire fighting. Development consent and project approval precludes the disposal of mine water to the local creek/river system. As a consequence, mine water accumulates on site if not actively drawn down.

Irrigation, as proposed within the Duralie EIS and EA, is used to draw down stored water. Irrigation currently consists substantially of a network of fixed sprays in the Type I, II and IV irrigation areas supported by evaporative fans and travelling irrigators in the Type V irrigation area (waste rock emplacement). The application of mine water is subject to the Water Management Plan (Duralie Coal 2012e). In order to ensure irrigation of mine water does not have an unacceptable adverse impact upon the environment (particularly soils, vegetation, off site water quality etc) appropriate monitoring is undertaken. The monitoring includes (or in the past has included) evaluation of irrigation source water quality, soil moisture levels, runoff water quality from areas under irrigation, soil macroinvertebrates, plant species diversity and pasture biomass. Determination of soil moisture levels to rank irrigation priorities is undertaken using a combination of automated moisture probe sensing and manual downloading of “Gbug” sensor/loggers. An on-site irrigation system of pumps, piping and water distribution equipment is used to supply water



from the MWD to the DCM irrigation areas. The irrigation system comprises:

Type I (MWD catchment) – PPD10, 10 fixed sprays, spray radius 30m, total area 2.8 ha Type II (Upslope MWD) – PPD8 & 10, 245 fixed sprays, spray radius 30m, total area 69.3 ha Type III – NOT IN USE, 68 fixed sprays, spray radius 30m, total area 19.2 ha (not operational) Type IV (Rehabilitated waste emplacement) – PPD 9, 52 fixed sprays, spray radius 15 m,

total area 3.7ha Type V (Waste emplacement) – PPD7, 2 evaporative sprays and 1 travelling irrigator, total

area 2 ha (estimated) No irrigation currently occurs within Type III irrigation areas located in the catchment of Coal Shaft Creek above Dam 3. During 2012 a total of 946ML of mine water was irrigated within Type II, IV & V areas (compared with 303 ML the previous reporting period). Indicative soil sampling within irrigated areas has been undertaken in August each year since 2005 and tested for analytes of interest, namely bicarbonate alkalinity, chloride, sulphate, calcium, sodium and magnesium concentrations in order to determine whether there was any significant salt accumulation within irrigated topsoils. It should be noted that there is naturally occurring variation in elemental composition between locations and even about an actual location. This situation is clearly indicated by analytical results from the non-irrigated sampling site (“Reference” site). Analytical results are provided below and in Appendix 3. Water quality for the Main Water Dam (“SW3”) in terms of a comprehensive metals suite was undertaken on a monthly basis during the review period. Analytical results are provided in Appendix 4.

3.8.1 Irrigation Area Soil and Vegetation Monitoring

Irrigation area monitoring is conducted in accordance with the Duralie Coal Mine Water Management Plan (Duralie Coal 2012e) which incorporates the Irrigation Management Plan (IMP) as an attachment of the Surface Water Management (SWMP). The monitoring is consistent with the scope of annual soil and vegetation irrigation areas surveys as described in Section 8.3 of the SWMP. The monitoring report (Horizon Environmental, 2013) concluded that there has been no significant detrimental effect on soil properties, or suitability of soil in irrigated areas for future agricultural use, i.e. grazing on native pasture. Of the potential heavy metal and metalloid contaminants screened, only the concentration of aluminum in the main water dam warranted a site-based assessment of cumulative contaminant loading to the irrigation area. Results of the site-based assessment indicated that exchangeable aluminum levels were below detection limits in all of the soils tested. Also, irrigation water and soil pH was not low enough for aluminum to remain in solution. Therefore, no significant detrimental effect was identified. Soil salinity has increased in irrigation areas relative to the reference sites. The size of the increase is unlikely to cause measureable decreases in pasture productivity in the short or long term. However, there may be transient, detrimental effect of prolonged irrigation with saline water from the mine water dam on pasture production that needs to be monitored. Understanding the sensitivity of future soil salinity to a range of solute loading levels would assist irrigation management. Annual soil monitoring with time series analysis using control charts to track soil salinity in impacted areas against reference sites is warranted. Two reference sites were established in this study to account for variation between soils formed on volcanic rocks and those associated with sedimentary geology. The volcanic soil reference site (DUR7) is most relevant to assess impacts in the irrigation areas. The sedimentary soil reference site (DUR5) is more relevant to assessing the status of soil development on rehabilitated mine waste.



The surface soils of the irrigation areas are relatively high in organic carbon. Most of the soil nitrogen appears to be associated with organic matter. Irrigation appears to increase soil carbon content and total soil nitrogen, possibly by increasing pasture productivity during periods of drought. However, the surface soils have low levels of other major nutrients (extractable phosphorus and potassium) that will limit productivity. Also, micronutrients are deficient and pasture production would benefit from fertilizer application. The permeability of reference and irrigation area soils was very low. The soils are not particularly dispersive. However, there appears to be a general lack of soil porosity to depth that may promote waterlogging. The lack of soil porosity is likely to be due to over-clearing for pasture. The native pasture environment appears to be degraded to the point where infiltration into the subsoil is reduced. Deep ripping combined with revegetation and pasture improvement is warranted to improve landscape productivity and water use. There does not appear to be a detrimental effect on ground cover or pasture composition in the irrigated pastures compared with the dryland reference sites. Annual monitoring will not measure pasture growth accurately but will provide a relative assessment of pasture condition over time. Pasture growth depends on a range of factors including grazing pressure, seasonal variation as well as local soil conditions. Although pasture growth rate monitoring is a requirement of the IMP pasture condition monitoring is more achievable and relevant.

3.8.2 Re-establishment of Coal Shaft Creek

No additional works associated with the re-establishment of Coal Shaft Creek occurred during this reporting period. CSC Diversion – a photographic surveillance record of key structures along the diversion is undertaken annually and was conducted during December 2012.

3.9 MANAGEMENT OF BIODIVERSITY

The Duralie Coal Mine Annual Biodiversity Report contains a review of DCPL’s environmental performance and progress against the requirements of the Duralie Coal Biodiversity Management Plan (Greening Australia 2012) covering the mining lease rehabilitation and biodiversity offset areas. The Annual Biodiversity Report is included in Appendix 7. DCPL endeavour to properly manage native fauna and flora which are either impacted or have the potential to be impacted by mining operations. In keeping with this philosophy a Vegetation Clearance Protocol (VCP) was prepared as part of the Biodiversity Management Plan which provides details on flora and fauna management strategies. Under the VCP, pre-clearance surveys and habitat assessment are undertaken in areas of native vegetation prior to disturbance. “Habitat” trees are those trees considered to have the potential to provide shelter for arboreal animals (eg via hollows etc). Upon felling of habitat trees, any fauna recovered during the felling operation are relocated to suitable alternative habitat. Areas cleared of vegetation during the reporting period include the Weismantel and Clareval pit advancements. During the vegetation clearance operations no threatened species were observed or encountered. At the end of the reporting period a total of 105 tree hollows from 37 trees had been removed.

3.9.1 Giant Barred Frog Report Annual monitoring of the Giant Barred Frog population is conducted in accordance with the Duralie Coal Mine Giant Barred Frog Management Plan (GBFMP) (Duralie Coal 2012f). The monitoring is undertaken to observe the potential impact of the Project on the Giant Barred Frog population and



whether a greater than negligible impact on the Giant Barred Frog population has occurred as a result of rainfall runoff from the mine’s irrigation areas. Monitoring results are used to assess the Project against performance measures detailed in the GBFMP. Annual Giant Barred Frog monitoring has been undertaken since 2010 and was continued during the reporting period. Monitoring results will be reported in the 2014 AR.

3.9.2 Nest Box Program

The Duralie Coal Nest Box Program is conducted in accordance with the Duralie Coal Biodiversity Management Plan (Greening Australia 2012). The first nest boxes were installed in February 2013 followed by monthly monitoring beginning in March 2013. Monthly monitoring will continue for the first year followed by twice annual monitoring in autumn and spring. A monitoring report will be prepared annually beginning in 2014. A summary of results of nest box monitoring during the reporting period, conducted by Australian Museum Business Services (AMBS 2013), are presented below. The initial stage of the project involved the installation of 18 nest boxes targeting the Squirrel Glider (Petaurus norfolcensis). Results of the first monthly monitoring of the nest boxes in March 2013 found one nest box (S3) occupied by two Sugar Gliders (Petaurus breviceps), while scats likely to be from an Antechinus spp. were found in next box S4 and on the lid of nest box S11. All other observations were of invertabrates. Nest box occupation during the initial stages of the program is expected to be low and the occupation of one of the nest boxes is encouraging. The second monthly monitoring of the nest boxes was performed in April 2013. Results show three of the nest boxes were occupied by Sugar Gliders (Petaurus breviceps). At another nest box a glider partially exited the hole on approach to the tree but sighting was limited and it could not be determined if the individual was a Sugar Glider or Squirrel Glider. Two nest boxes contained leaf nests likely to be from either Sugar Gliders or Squirrel Gliders. During the third monthly monitoring of the nest boxes in May 2013, nine nest boxes were either occupied by vertebrates at the time of the survey or showed signs of occupation. One nest box was occupied by two Squirrel Gliders (Petaurus norfolcensis), the first record of the species during the nest box program. The occupation of 50% of the nest boxes in three months of installation is encouraging, although only one nest box contained the target species. The June monitoring survey showed eleven of the eighteen nest boxes occupied by vertabrates or showing signs of occupation. This is an occupation rate of 55 to 60% four months after installation. The target species (Squirrel Glider) was observed for a second consecutive month. One nest box was occupied for the first time this month by Sugar Gliders. One nest box contained two Gould’s Wattled Bats (Chalinolobus gouldii).

3.9.3 Weed Control

Weed spraying to control wild cotton, wild tobacco, thistles, blackberry and acacia in various areas such as along the site access road, on the Mine Water Dam outer embankment, within the Type II & III irrigation areas, adjacent to the Mine Water Dam diversion drain, Tombstone area and other areas within the mining lease has been undertaken in previous reporting periods. Weed control activities where undertaken during the spring and summer periods of 2012-2013 in accordance with the DCM Biodiversity Management Plan. Weed spraying within the Mining Lease area mainly targeted Giant Parramatta Grass, Blackberry, Lantana, St John’s Wort and Wild Tobacco. Greening Australia were contracted to undertake an initial weeds assessment of the offset area. The survey information will facilitate the development of a strategic approach to the control of priority weeds and allow contractors to locate infestation using mapping files. Additionally it will assist in tracking weeds to gauge the effectiveness of control measures and the potential spread and future distribution.



3.9.4 Feral Animal Control

Feral animal control is included as a component of the BMP. During the reporting period a feral animal survey was conducted covering the mining lease and offset areas. A summary of this survey is included in the Duralie Coal Mine Annual Biodiversity Report included in Appendix 7. No controls have been undertaken during the year.

3.10 VIBRATION AND AIRBLAST

3.10.1 Blast Criteria and Control Procedures Blasting is conducted in accordance with a Blasting Management Plan (BMP). The requirement to monitor blasts for ground vibration and overpressure and associated limit conditions are contained within Project approval documentation. Permanent blast monitors during the reporting period were located on the Schultz Property (Bucketts Way, south west of mine); Mahony Property; Fisher-Webster Property and the former Weismantels Inn. The locations of the permanent blast monitoring locations are shown on Figure 2 (Appendix 1). The EPL conditions state that overpressure caused by blasting at monitored locations may exceed 115 dB(L) for 5% of blasts during the reporting period but must not exceed 120 dB(L) at any time. Similarly, ground vibration at monitored locations caused by blasting may exceed a peak particle velocity of 5 mm/s for 5% of blasts during the reporting period but not exceed 10 mm/s. A “blasting hotline” was established to satisfy a Project Approval condition issued in 2011 (DoPI 2011). This system allows the public to telephone a dedicated number (65 384 213) and be advised of intended blasts. Persons living within two (2) kilometres of an active or approved operational area can also request advice of blasting. Such advice is delivered by mobile telephone text messaging or a telephone voice call. Building condition surveys of several privately owned dwellings located in the vicinity of the mine are routinely carried out by an independent structural engineer. In addition, surveys may be commissioned following an approach by a landowner concerned about dwelling damage which they consider may be related to mining activity.

During the reporting perioded building condition surveys were conducted at one privately owned dwelling and at the former Weismantels Inn.

3.10.2 Review of Blast Monitoring Results The airblast overpressure and ground vibration results for all blasts undertaken during the reporting period are shown in Appendix 5.

3.10.3 Overpressure Results During the review period (period ending 30 June 2013) there were no blasts where overpressure exceeded 120 dBL. In addition, there were two (2) blasts where overpressure exceeded 115 dBL. Both blasts recorded an overpressure in excess of 115 dBL at the Mahony monitor alone. The two overpressure exceedances are below the allowed 5% of total blast exceedances in the annual monitoring period.



3.10.4 Review of Vibration Results During the review period (period ending 30 June 2013) there were no blasts where ground vibration exceeded 5 mm/s.

3.11 NOISE

3.11.1 Noise Criteria and Control Procedures

The current Noise Management Plan (NMP) (Duralie Coal 2012c) was approved by the DoPI in June 2013 and provided for altered noise monitoring locations deemed necessary as a consequence of changes to property ownership. Designated monitoring locations resulting from consultation with the OEH in June 2011 are “NM1 Woodley”, “NM2 Zulumovsky North”, “NM3 Mahony” and “NM3 Fisher-Webster”. Four (4) noise surveys were conducted during the reporting period. These surveys were conducted during July 2012, October 2012, January 2013 and April 2013. A Sentinex real-time noise monitor which continuously measures the noise emissions generated by mining operations has been operating since June 2012. Real time noise data is stored on the DCM company server and on an online repository.

3.11.2 Review of Noise Survey Results The results of the July 2012, October 2012, January 2013 and April 2013 surveys are provided in Tables 15 to 22. Noise monitoring locations are shown on Figure 2 (Appendix 1). Noise Survey Reports are available at the Duralie Coal website (www.duraliecoal.com.au).

Table 15 – Contributed Mine Noise (LAeq15 min) During July 2012 Surveys

Monitoring Mine Contribution

Mine Contribution

Mine Contribution

Noise Critera (day/evening/night)

Excursion dB(A)

Location LAeq(15 minute)

for Day 24-25/07/2012

LAeq(15 minute)

for Evening 23/07/2012

LAeq(15 minute)

for Night 23-25/07/2012

LAeq(15 minute)

LAeq(15 minute)

NM1 Woodley 23 Nil Nil, 18 35/35/35 0 NM2 Zulumovski Nth Nil 35 26, Nil 35/35/35 0 NM3 Mahony 28 Nil 28, 20 35/35/35 0 NM4 Fisher-Webster 30 35 27, Nil 35/35/37 0 REF1 Hattam^ 34 30 35, 32 N/A N/A Additional Monitoring Location Gillard nil Nil Nil, 23 35/35/35 0

^ Note that Hattam is the GCL owned dwelling used as a Reference noise monitoring location N/A = not applicable



Table 16 – Contributed Mine Noise (LA11 min) During July 2012 Surveys


Noise Criteria (night) Excursion dB(A)

Location LA1(1 minute)

for Night 23-25/07/2012

LA1(1 minute)

LA1(1 minute)

NM1 Woodley Nil, 26 45 0, 0 NM2 Zulumovski Nth 33, Nil 45 0, 0 NM3 Mahony 35, 28 45 0, 0 NM4 Fisher-Webster 32, nil 45 0, 0 REF1 Hattam^ 40, 38 N/A N/A Additional Monitoring Location Gillard

Nil, 32 45 0, 0

^ Note that Hattam is the GCL owned dwelling used as a Reference noise monitoring location N/A = not applicable Mine operating noise emissions were below the corresponding noise criteria during all attended noise measurements over all survey periods at all privately owned residences during the July 2012 surveys.

Table 17 – Contributed Mine Noise (LAeq15 min) During October 2012 Surveys


Mine Contribution

Mine Contribution


Excursion dB(A)


for Day 24/10/2012

LAeq(15 minute)


LAeq(15 minute)

for Night 22-24/10/2012

LAeq(15 minute)

LAeq(15 minute)

NM1 Woodley Nil Nil Nil, 28 35/35/35 0/0/0,0 NM2 Zulumovski Nth 42 40 41, 29 35/35/35 7/5/6,0 NM3 Mahony 42 35 32, 35 35/35/35 7/0/0,0 NM4 Fisher-Webster 31 35 36, 31 35/35/37 0 REF1 Duralie Road^ 56 50 45, 53 N/A N/A Additional Monitoring Location Gillard nil Nil 22, Nil 35/35/35 0

^ Note that Duralie Road is the GCL owned land used as a Reference noise monitoring location N/A = not applicable

Table 18 – Contributed Mine Noise (LA11 min) During October 2012 Surveys


Noise Criteria (night) Excursion dB(A)

Location LA1(1 minute)

for Night 22-24/10/2012

LA1(1 minute)

LA1(1 minute)

NM1 Woodley Nil, 36 45 0, 0 NM2 Zulumovski Nth 46, 34 45 1, 0 NM3 Mahony 36, 40 45 0, 0 NM4 Fisher-Webster 42, 38 45 0, 0 REF1 Duralie Road^ 49, 57 N/A N/A Additional Monitoring Location Gillard

27, Nil 45 0, 0

^ Note that Duralie Road is the GCL owned land used as a Reference noise monitoring location N/A = not applicable Mine operating noise emissions were below the corresponding noise criteria during all attended noise measurements over all survey periods at the Gillard, Fisher-Webster and Woodley during the October 2012 surveys. Mine operating noise emissions at the Zulumovski and Mahony monitoring locations exceeded the criteria for the October 2012 survey period. Wind speed at the time of each excursion exceeded the 3m/s at 10m above ground level criterion (with regard to assessing compliance of the measured noise levels) as set out in Section L3.8 of the EPL 11701. Thus the noise limits do not apply to these monitoring locations at these times and mine operating noise emissions complied with the criteria set out in EPL 11701. It is concluded that the noise emissions produced by Duralie Coal Mine during the October 2012 noise



surveys complied with noise criteria on the basis of the wind speeds that were prevalent during the monitoring periods at each location.

Table 19 – Contributed Mine Noise (LAeq15 min) During January 2013 Surveys


Mine Contribution

Mine Contribution


Excursion dB(A)


for Day 15/01/2013

LAeq(15 minute)


LAeq(15 minute)

for Night 14-15/01/2013

LAeq(15 minute)

LAeq(15 minute)

NM1 Woodley Nil Nil Nil, 26 35/35/35 0/0/0,0 NM2 Zulumovski Nth 34 43 25, Nil 35/35/35 0/8/0,0 NM3 Mahony 35 33 27, 30 35/35/35 0/0/0,0 NM4 Fisher-Webster Nil 36 29, 28 35/35/37 0/1/0,0 REF1 Duralie Road^ 53 57 56, 56 N/A N/A Additional Monitoring Location Gillard nil nil Nil, 27 35/35/35 0/0/0

^ Note that Duralie Road is the GCL owned Land used as a Reference noise monitoring location N/A = not applicable

Table 20 – Contributed Mine Noise (LA11 min) During January 2013 Surveys

Monitoring Mine

Contribution Noise Criteria (night) Excursion

dB(A) Location LA1(1 minute)

for Night 14-15/01/2013

LA1(1 minute)

LA1(1 minute)

NM1 Woodley Nil, 34 45 0, 0 NM2 Zulumovski Nth 34, Nil 45 0, 0 NM3 Mahony 36, 38 45 0, 0 NM4 Fisher-Webster 36, 35 45 0, 0 REF1 Duralie Road^ 60, 60 N/A N/A Additional Monitoring Location Gillard

Nil, 32 45 0, 0

^ Note that Duralie Road is the GCL owned Land used as a Reference noise monitoring location N/A = not applicable Mine operating noise emissions were below the corresponding noise criteria during all attended noise measurements over all survey periods at the Gillard, Woodley and Mahony and at Zulumovski and Fisher-Webster locations during the Day, Night 1 and Night 2 monitoring periods for the January 2013 surveys. Noise criteria at the Fisher-Webster and Zulumovski monitoring locations during the evening survey were not applicable. This is due to the presence of elevated winds, which exceeded the wind speed condition of 3m/s set out in Section L3.8 of the EPL 11701. It is concluded that the noise emissions produced by Duralie Coal Mine during the January 2013 noise surveys complied with noise criteria on the basis of the wind speeds that were prevalent during the monitoring periods at each location.



Table 21 – Contributed Mine Noise (LAeq15 min) During April 2013 Surveys


Mine Contribution

Mine Contribution


Excursion dB(A)


for Day 16/04/2013

LAeq(15 minute)


LAeq(15 minute)

for Night 17-18/04/2013

LAeq(15 minute)

LAeq(15 minute)

NM1 Woodley Nil Nil 27, 23 35/35/35 0/0/0,0 NM2 Zulumovski Nth Nil 40 25, 34 35/35/35 0/5/0,0 NM3 Mahony Nil Nil Nil, 26 35/35/35 0/0/0,0 NM4 Fisher-Webster Nil 35 Nil, 27 35/35/37 0/0/0,0 REF1 Duralie Road^ 64 59 62, 61 N/A N/A Additional Monitoring Location Gillard Nil Nil Nil,Nil 35/35/35 0/0/0

^ Note that Duralie Road is the GCL owned Land used as a Reference noise monitoring location N/A = not applicable

Table 22 – Contributed Mine Noise (LA11 min) During April 2013 Surveys

Monitoring Mine

Contribution Noise Criteria (night) Excursion

dB(A) Location LA1(1 minute)

for Night 17-18/04/2013

LA1(1 minute)

LA1(1 minute)

NM1 Woodley 38, 27 45 0, 0 NM2 Zulumovski Nth 31, 39 45 0, 0 NM3 Mahony Nil, 38 45 0, 0 NM4 Fisher-Webster Nil, 35 45 0, 0 REF1 Duralie Road^ 64, 69 N/A N/A Additional Monitoring Location Gillard

Nil,Nil 45 0, 0

^ Note that Duralie Road is the GCL owned Land used as a Reference noise monitoring location N/A = not applicable Mine operating noise emissions were below the corresponding noise criteria at all attended noise measurements over all survey periods at the Gillard, Woodley, Mahony and Fisher-Webster locations and at Zulumovski locations during the Day, Night 1 and Night 2 survey periods for the April 2013 surveys. Noise criteria at the Zulumovski monitoring location during the evening survey were not applicable. This is due to the presence of a strong temperature inversion, which exceeded the conditions set out in Section L3.8 of the EPL 11701. It is concluded that the noise emissions produced by Duralie Coal Mine during the April 2013 noise surveys complied with noise criteria on the basis that the inversion strength prevalent during the monitoring period at the Zulumovski monitoring location during the evening survey period was a G Class Strong Inversion. As the inversion strength was strong the noise criteria do not apply and DCM is deemed to be compliant with its conditions of consent. The 2010 EA provides predictions on mine contributed noise emissions for various operational years. Year 3 is the most applicable predictive year available. In terms of the four EPA licensed monitoring locations (“Woodley”, “Zulumovski”, “Mahony” and “Fisher-Webster”) predicted mine contributed noise emissions were consistent with measured values for all locations. In the case of “ex-Hattam” (July 2012 Survey) and “Duralie Road” (October 2012, January and April 2013 Surveys) recorded mine contributed noise values on occasion were greater than predicted emissions. It should be noted that the “ex-Hattam” property is owned by DCPL and Duralie Road” is within the DCPL Mine Lease, and noise impacts are expected due to proximity to mine operational areas.



3.11.3 Rail Noise Monitoring

The NMP (Duralie Coal 2012c) requires that rail noise monitoring is undertaken on a quarterly basis at existing Wards River and Craven locations. Rail noise monitoring and reporting against rail noise criteria described in section 4 of the NMP is undertaken for general information purposes only (i.e. they are not DCM compliance requirements). Rail noise monitoring was conducted at two locations along the train line between Duralie and Stratford Coal Mines during the October 2012, January and April 2013 Noise Surveys. Rail Noise Survey results are included in the Noise Survey reports which are available at the Duralie Coal website (www.duraliecoal.com.au). Noise emissions from the Duralie Shuttle Train complied with the goal level of 85dB(A)LMax pass-by noise and 65dB(A)Leq at the Craven monitoring location but failed to comply with the goal levels set out in the NMP at the Wards River location for both the October 2012 and January 2013 attended surveys. The log average of the results for each train pass-by measurement at each monitoring location during the unattended surveys in October 2012 and January 2013 failed to reach the goals of 85dB(A)LMax

pass-by noise and 65dB(A)Leq. However it is noted that the above mentioned unattended monitoring results may be affected by the presence of extraneous noise sources, such as wildlife, domestic and traffic noise which is inherent due to this form of unattended monitoring and cannot be screened out of the measurement. During the April 2013 survey, noise emissions from the Duralie Shuttle Train complied with the goal of 85dB(A)LMax pass-by noise at the Craven monitoring location but failed to comply with the goal level of 65dB(A)Leq. The Wards River monitoring location failed to meet both 85dB(A)LMax and 65dB(A)Leq goal levels. It is considered that these exceedances were attributable to the influence of horn blasts from the locomotives during each of the train pass-by attended surveys at both the Wards River and Craven monitoring locations. The log average of the results for the train pass-by measurements at each monitoring location during the unattended surveys in April 2013 failed to comply with the goals of 85dB(A)LMax pass-by noise and 65dB(A)Leq. during a number of pass-by events.

3.11.4 Mobile Plant Noise Assessments

The DCM fleet of mobile plant including haul trucks, excavators, dozers, graders and other items are annually assessed for sound power levels (SWL). Availability of mobile plant for noise testing is subject to production requirements and servicing/maintenance/breakdowns. Noise assessments of mobile plant and equipment occurred in March 2013. Four mobile plant exceeded the specified target noise emission levels in the static test conditions. Three mobile plant exceeded the specified target noise emission levels in the dynamic test conditions.

3.12 LANDSCAPING AND VISUAL SCREENENG DCPL has revised and re-submitted the Rehabilitation Management Plan (RMP) (Duralie Coal 2012d) to DoPI and was approved during the reporting period. The overall visual impacts of the Duralie Mine are generally considered low. However, some local impacts will occur and undertakings such as the following have been, and will continue to be, adopted to lessen these impacts:

Minimising (where possible) disturbance to native vegetation, especially where such vegetation

is providing visual screening;



Retention specifically of ridge Open Forest and regrowth forest (where possible); Retention of all riparian vegetation along Mammy Johnsons River and those out of pit sections

of Coal Shaft Creek; Ensuring out of pit emplacement design produces a landform which integrates with the

adjoining natural landform; Painting of substantial fabricated infrastructure with a colour (“Rivergum”) that assists it to

blend in with the adjoining landscape; Maintenance of infrastructure to retain the ability of such infrastructure to blend into the

surrounding landscape over the life of the project; and Placement, configuration and direction of lighting to reduce offsite nuisance effects of stray

light. In accordance with project approval condition a visual screen has been constructed along a section of the Bucketts Way to the north-west of the mine in consultation with DoPI, RMS, Great Lakes Council and DCM CCC. Consultation with DoPI is ongoing regarding the final completion of the visual screen.

3.13 CULTURAL AND NATURAL HERITAGE CONSERVATION

Archaeological surveys conducted at the Duralie Mine site in the 1980’s and 1990’s did not identify any Aboriginal sites or items with the exception of one site. A tree, to be subsequently referred to as the “honey tree” was the subject of a site inspection involving various parties including representatives of NPWS in November 1998. The consensus at the time of inspection was that the “honey tree”, an old ironbark, had had timber pieces inserted into the trunk in a spiral pattern to allow someone to scale the tree and access the crown – possibly to collect honey. It was not clear whether such timber insertion would have been performed by an Aboriginal person or early European settler. The “honey tree” was subsequently listed on the NPWS Aboriginal Heritage Information Management System (AHIMS) database.

The Duralie Extension Project Environmental Assessment identified 9 sites of Aboriginal heritage significance (DM2, DM3, DM4, DM5, DM6, DM9, DM10, DM11 and the “Honey Tree”) on the Mining Lease. These sites have been protected by way of signpost and fencing where required. In addition, 4 sites (DM1, DM7, DM8 and Mammy Johnson’s Grave) were identified outside of the Mining Lease. These 9 sites are tabulated below:

The Duralie Mine has a Heritage Management Plan (HMP) (Duralie Coal 2012b) that was revised and approved in June 2013. The purpose of the HMP is to address the requirements of Project Approval condition 46, (DoPi 2011). In accordance with the HMP topsoil disturbance during earthworks, construction and operation of the mine has been monitored utilising officers of the Karuah Local Aboriginal Land Council (KLALC). During the reporting period KLALC officers did not report any Aboriginal artefacts. In accordance with the HMP monitoring of the Aboriginal heritage sites at the Duralie mine was conducted each quarter during 2012/13. During the reporting period three heritage items within the mine disturbance zone were managed and removed as authorised by NSW Project Approval 08_0203 and in accordance with the HMP. Details of the heritage sites disturbance activities are as follows; In accordance with the views provided through consultation with Aboriginal Stakeholders, as required by NSW Project Approval 08_0203, site DM2 has been salvaged and relocated to the Karuah Local Aboriginal Lands Council (KLALC). Site DM2 was an isolated artefact, an irregular shaped river cobble (9.7 x 6.2 x 5.4 cm). KLALC now takes full responsibility for the above mentioned artefact. In accordance with the views provided through consultation with Aboriginal Stakeholders, as required by NSW Project Approval 08_0203, site DM5 was proposed to be salvaged and relocated to the care of Karuah Local Aboriginal Lands Council (KLALC). Site DM5 was a mature Yellow Box tree with a



scar located in an elevated position on the main trunk. The relocation was to involve only the scarred section of the tree. The scarred section is now located at the KLALC cultural centre and KLALC will now take full responsibility of the heritage item. In accordance with the views provided through consultation with Aboriginal Stakeholders, as required by NSW Project Approval 08_0203, site DM11 was proposed to be salvaged and relocated to the Karuah Local Aboriginal Lands Council (KLALC). Site DM11 was an isolated artefact, a quartzite piece approximately 5 x 5 cm in size and of low heritage significance. Prior to disturbance of the site in advance of mining operations the site was inspected by KLALC representatives, however the artefact was not able to be identified. In consultation with KLALC it was agreed that the site would be disturbed and further inspection conducted by KLALC representatives. Following this the site was still not identified and KLALC recommended no further action was required.

Table 23 – Aboriginal Heritage Sites within EA Study Area

Site Code (refer EA documentation)

Site Type Status

DM2 Isolated Artefact Salvaged DM3 Scarred Tree Existing DM4 Scarred Tree Existing DM5 Scarred Tree Salvaged DM6 Isolated Artefact Existing DM9 Open Artefact Scatter Existing DM10 Scarred Tree Existing DM11 Isolated Artefact Removed

38-1-0033 Scarred Tree – Honey Tree Existing # “Environmental Assessment, Duralie Extension Project”, DCL 2010.

In terms on non-indigenous heritage, during 2003/2004 and 2008/2009 former mine workings from mining activities conducted during the 1930’s were uncovered. Items considered to have historical significance such as a steam boiler, timber pit props, rail and broken pieces of coal skip wheels were provided to the Stroud Historical Society.

Additionally, a building inspection of the European heritage site, Weismantels Inn, was conducted in June 2013.

3.14 SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION INCIDENCE

There were no incidents of spontaneous combustion during the reporting period. Some occurrences of minor heating within the exposed faces of the waste dump have been observed.

3.15 BUSH FIRE MANAGEMENT Bushfire Management at the DCM is describe in the Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) and details activities in the mining lease and offset areas. Bushfire management related activities/works include: Improved access to sections of the DPCL landholdings has been created on the mining lease

and within the offset areas; Leighton Mining can make available an off road water cart for bushfire fighting purposes where

suitable access for this machinery is available; DCPL routinely (as required) undertakes hazard reduction burns, in consultation with



neighbouring property owners/occupiers and the local Rural Fire Service unit. A controlled burn was undertaken to the north of the main water dam during the reporting period; and

Fuel loads on cleared pasture areas on the mine site which are removed from mining operations

and adequately fenced are reduced by cattle agistment and/or periodic slashing.

3.16 AGRICULTURAL REPORT

3.16.1 Cropping Information on past cropping is contained in previous AR reports. All cropping has occurred within northern/Type III irrigation areas. As a consequence of the northerly advance of the Weismantel Pit there are currently no available areas suitable for cropping.

3.16.2 Grazing

During the reporting period there were approximately 75 head of cattle grazing within the mining lease area on either a lease or agistment basis involving two (2) separate lessees or agisters.

4 COMMUNITY RELATIONS

4.1 COMMUNITY CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE The Community Consultative Committee (CCC) for the Duralie Coal Mine is currently comprised of:

An independent Chairperson; Five (5) local community representatives; Two (2) local government representatives (Great Lakes Council); and Three (3) DCL representatives.

The CCC was formed in accordance with Schedule 5, Condition 5 of the Project Approval for the Duralie Extension Project. The Committee operates in such a manner as to generally satisfy the Guidelines for Establishing and Operating Community Consultative Committees for Mining Projects (Department of Planning, 2007) as well as satisfy the Director-General of the Department of Planning & Infrastructure. Issues raised and/or discussed during the three (3) CCC meeting held during the reporting period include but are not limited to:

Karuah River catchment Biodiversity and offsets Rehabilitation and land management Noise Visual amenity Community enhancement funding Sponsorships Environmental monitoring Air quality

The CCC chairperson provided a summation of the committee’s operations during the reporting period to the Director General, in accordance with Department of Planning and Infrastructure Guidelines for the operation of Community Consultative Committees (DoPI 2007). A copy of the report is provided in Appendix 8.



4.2 ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLAINTS

Complaints (by category) received by Duralie Coal Pty Ltd (Duralie Coal) over the last 6 reporting years are as follows: 07/08 08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 12/13

Noise 23 19 22 22 28 25

Blasting 0 4 11 11 16 21

Air Quality 0 0 3 5 0 4

Water 0 1 0 2 1$ 0

Lighting 0 0 0 1 0 1

Visual 0 0 0 0 0 1

Train Offsite 0 0 0 1 0 0

Speeding Vehicles 0 0 0 0 0 0

Notification 0 1 2 1 0 0

Total* (by Category) 23 25 36 43 43 46 * Note that a single complaint may involve multiple categories.

Comments

Years 2010/2011 to 2012/2013 produced more noise and blasting complaints. Noise

complaints constituted the most populous category of complaints received.

Total number of complaints received by category during 2012/2013 was the slighter higher than the previous year.

Duralie Coal’s Environment Protection Licence (EPL) 11701 applies to the area over which the NSW Department of Trade & Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services (DTIRIS) Mining Leases 1427 and 1646 are issued. A requirement of the EPL is to record pollution complaints regarding complaints stemming from operations within the nominated Lease areas and hence complaints relating to coal trains operating off the mining lease, speeding vehicles on public roads and exploration drilling not on the Duralie Mining Leases are not within the scope of the EPL complaint recording obligation upon Duralie Coal.

A complaints listing is provided in Appendix 6.

4.3 LIAISON AND COMPLAINT RESOLUTION

Liaison with the local community is channelled through the Community Consultative Committee (CCC). A new committee was formed following approval of Duralie Extension Project in November 2010, with three meetings (October 2012, February 2013 and May 2013) held during the reporting period.

DCPL operates a system to receive, handle, respond to and record complaints relating to operation of the Duralie Coal Mine.

A dedicated complaints telephone number is in place 24 hours per day. This number is 1300 788 131. The number is advertised within the Sensis White Pages Directory (Newcastle), a local telephone directory (Pink Pages) and in the local newspapers (Gloucester Advocate and Dungog Chronicle) on a six monthly basis.

Duralie staff, when notified of a complaint, determine an appropriate response on the basis of the nature of the complaint. This may involve a site visit/inspection, liaison with personnel on site by telephone or other appropriate action. All complaints are responded to within 24 hours of receipt.



All complaints received and responses taken in relation to each complaint are recorded in a Complaints Register. The Complaints Register is tabled at each Community Consultative Committee meeting for the period covered since the last Committee meeting.

4.4 EMPLOYMENT STATUS AND DEMOGRAPHY

As at 30 June 2013, the employment status at the mine site was as follows:

Duralie Coal Pty Ltd 8 Contractors (Leightons Mining Pty Ltd, Interail Australia Pty Ltd, Ditchfield Contracting, Trellis Contracting Pty Ltd)

205

TOTAL 213 In addition to direct permanent employment at the mine, on the basis of a conservative employment multiplier of one mine site job generating one job within the general community, up to 213 (full time equivalent) jobs are expected to have been provided in supporting services. On the basis of a review of employees’ living location, 59% of mine employees resided within the greater local area (defined as being bounded by Stroud, Gloucester and Dungog).

4.5 EMPLOYEE ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS TRAINING

The majority of operational employees at the Duralie Mine previously worked at the Stratford Mine. As such they were exposed to an Environmental Awareness Programme previously given to staff and employees of that site. This programme involved presentations on a series of environmental topics at “tool box talks”. Prior to the commencement of mining operations at the Duralie Mine site, plant operators were given a presentation by the Environmental Officer on issues of specific relevance to the Duralie site – with particular emphasis on water management and acid rock drainage. Contractors and new employees working at site are also provided with information on environmental issues as part of induction training. This includes elements such as the reporting of oil or fuel spills, removal of wastes etc.

5 REHABILITATION The primary objectives of the rehabilitation programme are:

Production of a landform which is stable and consistent with the local surrounding landscape; Minimisation of erosion; Re-instatement of pre-mining land capability for the final land uses of grazing, woodland

habitat and/or other appropriate land use; Tree and shrub establishment, mounding or bunding to provide visual amenity and to re-

establish flora and fauna corridors and habitats; and To minimise the amount of disturbed land awaiting rehabilitation.

5.1 REHABILITATION PRINCIPLES Rehabilitation of disturbed areas is undertaken concurrent with ongoing mining operations. Disturbances associated with the construction of the mine infrastructure (e.g. rail siding and access road batters, office areas) have been rehabilitated using a variety of techniques including reshaping, topsoil placement, seeding/fertilising and hydromulching.



Rehabilitation of the out of pit overburden dump involves the contouring of the outer dump faces to an overall slope of 1 in 4 followed by drainage works (ie contour drains with grade 1% flattening to 0.6%). A small proportion of the out of pit dump lies on a natural ground profile which falls away from the mining excavation. In order to limit the potential for infiltrating rain to accumulate salts and thence to charge a local waterway, a nominal 0.6m compacted clay layer was placed beneath the topsoil covering. Topsoil, previously stripped from the site, is respread to a nominal thickness of 100mm and revegetated. Direct placement of freshly stripped topsoil on areas under rehabilitation is undertaken wherever possible. The overburden dump is rehabilitated in progressive increments to the final landform so that contaminated water catchment areas are minimised. Topsoil is removed from ahead of the advancing pit or overburden dump. All suitable and accessible topsoil material is removed. The topsoil is pushed into piles by dozers and loaded into trucks by excavator. The topsoil is either immediately respread onto recontoured areas or is stockpiled for later re-use. To minimise degradation of topsoil quality during stockpiling the following measures are in place: stockpiling time is minimised whenever possible; topsoil stockpiles do not exceed 3m in height (average 1.5m) and stockpiles are reshaped, seeded with pasture grasses and fertilised to maintain biological activity. These measures help prevent erosion, soil loss and limit dust generation. Following drainage works and topsoil placement, site preparation involves chisel ploughing on level ground or ripping (300-400mm) on slopes. Areas to be rehabilitated will comprise a combination of treed and pastured areas. Trees are planted to achieve maximum aesthetic and screening effects as well as providing windbreaks, woodlots, stock shelter and habitat enhancement. Local endemic native species (particularly trees identified in the EIS) will be used wherever possible based on trialing of various species in the initial rehabilitation areas. Pasture seed utilised will consist of a mix based on previous sowings, seasonal availability and external advice. In terms of the site’s topsoil balance, it is anticipated that sufficient topsoil resources will be available to complete rehabilitation. This expectation is based on topsoil to date being stripped to at least 100mm, deeper topsoil profiles lying in the Coal Shaft Creek area and a final void ultimately being produced. An estimation of stored topsoil on hand is provided below.

5.2 TOPSOIL STRIP VOLUMES AND TOPSOIL RESERVES At the end of the reporting period an estimated 211,739 cubic metres of topsoil was held in various stockpiles. This would provide for rehabilitation of 211.7 hectares to the nominal topsoil depth of 100mm. The current area disturbed by operations is 216.5 hectares, therefore sufficient topsoil resources are available to complete rehabilitation of the operation taking in to account the final voids will not require topsoil. This does not account for areas still to be disturbed for which additional topsoil resources will be recovered.

5.3 REHABILITATION MONITORING

In accordance with the Duralie Coal Mine Rehabilitation Management Plan (Duralie Coal, 2012d) monitoring of rehabilitation areas at the Duralie mine site, using Landscape Function Analysis (LFA) was conducted during February 2013. Monitoring transects were established across four rehabilitation establishment ages on the Duralie



Coal Mine rehabilitation area. Vegetation structure was measured along the same transects, but not for the 2012 rehabilitation which was too young to monitor woody vegetation structure. LFA indices across four years of rehabilitation plantings are shown in Table 24. Soil surface stability, water infiltration and nutrient cycling were remarkably high across most of the 2008 rehabilitation. As expected, these indices were lower in the 2010 and 2011 rehabilitation, and lowest in the large 2012 area. The density of established woody vegetation is high across most of the 2008, 2010 and 2011 rehabilitation areas but growth is patchy and sparse in much of the 2008 rehabilitation. The cover of Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) contributes substantially to landscape function in the earlier rehabilitation areas. How well annual millet provides long term ground cover and root biomass in the 2012 rehabilitation remains to be seen. Table 24 - Summary of 2013 Landscape Function Indices

LFA Indices

Stability Infiltration Nutrient Cycling 2008 70.6 34.4 33.1 2010 64.6 29.6 27.0 2011 60.1 23.8 16.5 2012 46.2 23.1 13.0

Recommendations based on the above results include (Freudenberger 2013);

1 Continue monitoring of mine rehabilitation using the highly informative Landscape Function Analysis methodology.

2 Photo-monitoring is a useful complementary method for assessing rehabilitation success.

3 Monitor general floristic diversity when the more recent rehabilitation plantings establish key diagnostic features.

4 Research is required to better determine waste rock constraints to plant growth.

5.4 REHABILIATION PROGRESS

Rehabilitation has been completed in areas such as the shoulders of the site access road, cleanwater diversion drain (e.g. MWD, AD1, AD2), rail siding embankments, dam embankments and the Coal Shaft Creek diversion. Rehabilitation is now focusing on progressing the waste rock emplacements. Rehabilitation completed during the reporting period included 34.4ha on the southern waste emplacement south of the powerline corridor, 1.8ha on the Weismantel noise bund, 1.3ha on the Block plug and ground cover established on topsoil stockpiles. Rehabilitation progress is generally in accordance with the planned activities described in DCM Mining Operations Plan (MOP 2010) (i.e. Plan 4C Proposed Mining Activities – June 2013). The MOP makes provision for 84.5 hectares of rehabilitated area by Year 3 operations (end 2013). Table 25 summarises the main rehabilitation works undertaken in the reporting period.



Table 25 - Summary of Main Rehabilitation Works

Rehabilitation Type Area (ha) Sites Treated Sown Pasture and native vegetation on Topsoiled Areas

34.4 1.8 1.3

Southern waste dump emplacement up to the powerline corridor. Noise bund. Block 5 Plug

Sown Pasture on Topsoil Stockpiles or former Stockpile Locations

1 Topsoil stockpiles on the tombstone ridgeline.

Rehabilitation activities in the next 12 months will centre on: Progressing waste dump shaping, topsoiling and rehabilitation north of the power-line

corridor.

5.5 FINAL VOID TREATMENT Under the current Project Approval, a final void will be produced at the northern limit of the mining lease area. This will follow completion of surface mining. It is anticipated that issues associated with the final void will be addressed as part of mine closure planning.



Table 26 - Rehabilitation Summary

Cumulative Area Affected (hectares) To date Last

report Next

Report (estimated)

A: MINE LEASE AREA

A1 Mine Lease(s) Area 942.8

B: DISTURBED AREAS

B1 Infrastructure area (other disturbed areas to be rehabilitated at closure including facilities, roads)

25 25 25

B2: Active Mining Area(excluding items B3 – B5 below)

122 106 120

B3 Waste emplacements, (active/unshaped/in or out-of-pit)

63 67 65

B4 Tailings emplacements, (active/unshaped/uncapped)

0 0 0

B5 Shaped waste emplacement (awaits final vegetation)

6.5 33 10

ALL DISTURBED AREAS 216.5 231 222

C REHABILITATION PROGRESS

C1 Total Rehabilitated area(except for maintenance)

76.5 39 83

D: REHABILITATION ON SLOPES

D1 10 to 18 degrees 64.5 37 71

D2 Greater than 18 degrees 0 0 0

E: SURFACE OF REHABILITATED LAND

E1 Pasture and grasses 8.5 5 8.5

E2 Native forest/ecosystems 68 34 74.5

E3 Plantations and crops 0 0 0

E4 Other (include non-vegetative outcomes)

0 0 0

6 ACTIVITIES PROPOSED IN THE NEXT AR PERIOD

6.1 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT The following environmental targets have been set for the next 12 months: Minimise noise related complaints reported to the mine; and

Progress rehabilitation works to satisfy MOP nominated targets.

6.2 REHABILITATION The MOP rehabilitation target for the end of 2013 is 84.5 hectares. No additional rehabilitation is scheduled in the MOP for 2014.



7 REFERENCES Applied environmental management consultants (Aemc) (2011). Independent Environmental

Audit Duralie Coal Mine for Duralie Coal Mine. Australian Museum Business Services (AMBS) (2013). Nest Box Program for the Duralie

Offset Area Progress Reports 1, 2 & 3, April, May & June 2013.

Department of Planning and Infrastructure (DoPI) (2011). Land and Environment Court of NSW Order for Duralie Extension Project Approval, Duralie Coal Pty Ltd 10 November 2011.

Department of Planning and Infrastructure (DoPI) (2007). Guidelines for Establishing and

Operating Community Consultative Committees for Mining Projects, page 2.

Freudenberger, D, (2013). Monitoring of Landscape Function and Vegetation Structure of Rehabilitation Areas at the Duralie Coal Mine, Australian National University, Canberra

Duralie Coal (2012a). Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan for Duralie Coal Pty Ltd.

Gloucester Coal (2012b). Heritage Management Plan for Duralie Coal Pty Ltd.

Duralie Coal (2012c). Noise Management Plan for Duralie Coal Pty Ltd.

Duralie Coal (2012d). Rehabilitation Management Plan for Duralie Coal Pty Ltd.

Duralie Coal (2012e). Water Management Plan for Duralie Coal Pty Ltd.

Duralie Coal (2012f). Giant Barred Frog Management Plan for Duralie Coal Pty Ltd.

Duralie Coal (2011). Blast Management Plan for Duralie Coal Pty Ltd.

Duralie Coal (2002). Aboriginal Heritage Management Protocol for Duralie Coal Pty Ltd.

Greening Australia (2012). Duralie Coal Biodiversity Management Plan.

Horizon Environmental Soil Survey and Evaluation (2013). Duralie Coal Mine - Annual Irrigation Area Monitoring

Invertebrate Identification Australasia (2012). September 2012 Survey. Biological Monitoring of

the Streams Adjacent to the Duralie Coal Mine for Duralie Coal Pty Ltd.

Invertebrate Identification Australasia (2013). March 2013 Survey. Biological Monitoring of the Streams Adjacent to the Duralie Coal Mine for Duralie Coal Pty Ltd.



8 LIST OF PLANS (Appendix 1)

Figure 1 – Site Location Plan

Figure 2 – Monitoring Sites

Figure 3 – Areas Disturbed and Rehabilitated

9 LIST OF APPENDICES

1. Site Location, Monitoring Locations and Rehabilitation Plans

2. Meteorological Monitoring

3. Air Quality Monitoring

4. Water Monitoring

5. Blast Monitoring Results

6. Complaints List

7. Annual Biodiversity Report

8. CCC Director General Report

Appe

ndix

1:

• Site Locality Plan • Monitoring Locations • Disturbed and Rehabilitated

Land Plan.

Dungog

StroudRoad

Booral

LimeburnersCreek

Stroud

WardsRiver

Stratford

Gloucester

Craven

Krambach

Nablac

TAREE

Tuncurry

Forster

Treachery Head

PORT STEPHENS

THE

BROADWATER

Hexham

NEWCASTLE

LEGEND

Extent Of Coal Bearing Permian Sediments

MAITLAND

To Sydn

ey

See Figure 2See Figure 2

DURALIECOAL MINE

A.311

A.315

400

000

E

450

000

E

6 450 000 N

6 400 000 N

6 350 000 N

0

Kilometres

2000

A U S T R A L I AWESTERN

AUSTRALIA

NEW SOUTHWALES

QUEENSLAND

Brisbane

Sydney

GLOUCESTERBASIN

Melbourne

Hobart

Perth

Darwin

SOUTHAUSTRALIA

NORTHERNTERRITORY

VICTORIA

TAS.

Adelaide

ANNUAL REVIEW

SITE LOCATION PLAN

Kilometres

250

Figure 1Doc. No: DC-0007-001-2012-01August 2013

DURALIE OPERATIONDURALIECOAL

MWDMWD

AD1AD1

AD2AD2

DDD2DDD2

DDD3DDD3

CSC Dam 1CSC Dam 1

CSC Dam 3CSC Dam 3

SD 5SD 5

RS1RS1

RS6RS6

VC1VC1

Eastern Sediment DamEastern Sediment Dam

M1M1

M8M8

M3M3

M4M4

M5M5

M6M6

M2M2

DB1WDB1W

WR2WR2

WR1WR1

DB2WDB2W

DB3WDB3W

DB4WDB4W

DB5WDB5W

DB6WDB6W

DB7WDB7W

DB8WDB8W

DB9WDB9W

DB10WDB10W

DB11WDB11W

BH4BWBH4BWSI1WSI1WSI2WSI2W

SI3WSI3W

Twin HousesTwin Houses

HattamHattam

EdwardsEdwards

RTDM1RTDM1

HighnoonHighnoon

SW1SW1

SW2SW2

SW2 UpstreamSW2 Upstream

SW2 Rail CulvertSW2 Rail CulvertSouth DrainSouth Drain

SW3SW3

North DrainNorth Drain

SW4SW4

SW6SW6

SW9SW9

SW10SW10

Site 9Site 9

Site 11Site 11

Site 12Site 12

Site 15Site 15

GB1GB1

HighnoonHighnoonSchultz (AB1)Schultz (AB1)

Weismantel (FW1)Weismantel (FW1)

Fisher-Webster (AAAB3)Fisher-Webster (AAAB3)

Mahony (AAAB2)Mahony (AAAB2)-

NM4NM4

NM2NM2

NM3NM3

NM1NM1

RTNM1RTNM1

D3D3

D4D4

D5D5

D13D13

D8D8

D9D9

D10D10

D12D12

D7

Weather StationWeather Station

IrrigationWeatherStation

IrrigationWeatherStation

TLR1TLR1

TLR2TLR2

400

000

E400

000

E

402

000

E402

000

E

398

000

E398

000

E

396

000

E396

000

E

6 430 000 N6 430 000 N

6 428 000 N6 428 000 N

6 426 000 N6 426 000 N

6 424 000 N6 424 000 N

6 422 000 N6 422 000 N

LEGEND

Mining Lease Boundary

Surface Water

Monitoring Sites

Ground Water

Blast EC

Dust Deposition

High Volume Sampler

Meteorological

Dam

Noise

Macroinvertebrate Sampling DURALIECOAL

MONITORING SITES

Figure 2Doc. No: DC-0007-001-2013-02

ANNUAL REVIEW

August 2013

DURALIE OPERATION

Aerial Photography July 2013Aerial Photography July 2013

Stroud RoadStroud Road

ML 1646ML 1646

ML 1427ML 1427

2K

m.to

D7

1K

m.

toS

ite

19

1K

m.to

Site

19

Acc

ess

Acc

ess

Min

eM

ine

Road

Road

North

North

Coast

Coast

Railw

ay

Railw

ay

Mam

my

Mam

my

Jo

hnsons

Jo

hnsons

RiverRiver

Road

Johnson

Creek

Plant andInfrastructure

Area

Plant andInfrastructure

Area

ExplosivesMagazine

ExplosivesMagazine

MainDam

Main CreekDiversion

EasternDiversionChannel

EasternDiversionChannel

Auxiliary Dam 1Diversion Channel

Auxiliary Dam 1Diversion Channel

ActiveMiningVoid

ActiveMiningVoid

ML 1646ML 1646

ML 1427ML 1427

Auxiliary Dam 2

AuxiliaryDam 1

Legend

Workshops

Demountables

Area 1

Area 2 - Conveyors

Area 3 - Carbonaceous Removal

Area 4 - Total CHPP

Area 5 - Rail Siding

Area 6 - Workshop Apron

Area 7 - Haul and Access Roads

Area 8 - Concrete Pads

Area 9 - Car Park

Area 10 - Shaped Rehab.

Area 11 - Unshaped Rehab.

Area 12 - Active Mine Voids

Area 13 - Dirty Water

Area 14 - Clean Water

Main Creek Diversion

Area 15

Eastern Diversion Channel

Auxiliary Dam 1

Diversion Channel

Auxiliary Dam 2

Diversion Channel

Area 16 - Successful Rehabilitation

Area 17 - Prill Storage

Area 18 - Emulsion Storage

Area 19 - Explosives Magazine

Proposed Area of

Disturbance - June 2014

Proposed Area of

Rehabilitation - June 2014

6 426 000 N6 426 000 N

6 425 000 N6 425 000 N

6 427 000 N6 427 000 N

6 428 000 N6 428 000 N

400

000

E400

000

E

401

000

E401

000

E

399

000

E399

000

E

CATEGORISED AREAS DISTURBEDAND REHABILITATED

( )From Ortho Imagery - July 2013

500

Metres

0

Figure 3Doc. No: DC-0007-001-2013-03August 2013

ANNUAL REVIEW

DURALIE OPERATIONDURALIECOAL

Aerial Photography July 2013Aerial Photography July 2013

Appe

ndix

2:

Meteorological Monitoring

Figure 2-1: Monthly Rainfall for 2011 to 2013 and Historical Averages

Figure 2-2: Minimum, Maximum and Average Evaporation Rates During the Reporting Period

0

50

100

150

200

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Rain

fall

(mm

)

Duralie Mine Site - Monthly Rainfall

2013 2012 2011 2002 Average HISTORICAL AVERAGE *

0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

7.0

8.0

9.0

Jul-11

Aug-11

Sep-11

Oct-11

Nov-11

Dec-11

Jan-12

Feb-12

Mar-12

Apr-12

May-12

Jun-12

Evap

orat

ion

(mm

)

Duralie Mine Site Minimum, Average and Maximum Evaporation Rates

July 2012 to June 2013

Min

Max

Ave

Figure 2-3: Minimum, Maximum and Average Wind Speeds During the Reporting Period

Figure 2-4: Minimum, Maximum and Average Temperatures During the Reporting Period

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70W

ind

Spee

d (k

m/h

)

Duralie Mine Site Minimun, Average and Maximun Wind Speeds

July 2012 - June 2013

Ave WS

Max WS

Min WS

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

Tem

pera

ture

(°C)

Duralie Mine SiteMinimum, Maximum and Average Temperatures

July 2012 - June 2013

Min

Ave

Max

July 2012 August 2012

September 2011

September 2012 October 2012

November 2012 December 2012

January 2012

Figure 2-5: Monthly Windroses showing wind direction, speed and frequencies

January 2013

March 2013

February 2013

April 2013

May 2013 June 2013

Figure 2-5 (Continued): Monthly Windroses showing wind direction, speed and frequencies

App

endi

x 3:

Air Quality Monitoring Results

Figure 3‐1: Monthly Depositional Dust Monitoring Results during the Reporting Period

Figure 3‐2: Rolling Annual Average Depositional Dust Monitoring Results during the Reporting

Period

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

Jul‐12 Aug‐12 Sep‐12 Oct‐12 Nov‐12 Dec‐12 Jan‐13 Feb‐13 Mar‐13 Apr‐13 May‐13 Jun‐13

Dust (g/m

2/m

onth)

Duralie Dust Gauge Monitoring12 Months to June 2013

D3 D4 D5 D7 D8 D9 D10 D12 D13

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

3.0

3.5

4.0

4.5

5.0

Jul‐12 Aug‐12 Sep‐12 Oct‐12 Nov‐12 Dec‐12 Jan‐13 Feb‐13 Mar‐13 Apr‐13 May‐13 Jun‐13

Dust (g/m

2/m

onth)

Duralie Dust Deposition Annual Rolling Average 12 Months to June 2013

D3 D4 D5 D7 D8 D9 D10 D12 D13 DP&I limit

Figure 3‐3: High Volume Air Sampling (PM10) Results during the Reporting Period

Figure 3‐4: Rolling Annual Average HVAS Results during the Reporting Period

0.0

10.0

20.0

30.0

40.0

50.0

60.0

8‐Jul‐12 8‐Aug‐12 8‐Sep‐12 8‐Oct‐12 8‐Nov‐12 8‐Dec‐12 8‐Jan‐13 8‐Feb‐13 8‐Mar‐13 8‐Apr‐13 8‐May‐13 8‐Jun‐13

PM10 (µ

g/m

3)

Duralie HVAS Monitoring (PM10)12 Months to Jun 2013

Hattam Twin Houses High Noon Edwards DP&I Limit

0.0

5.0

10.0

15.0

20.0

25.0

30.0

35.0

8‐Jul‐12 8‐Aug‐12 8‐Sep‐12 8‐Oct‐12 8‐Nov‐12 8‐Dec‐12 8‐Jan‐13 8‐Feb‐138‐Mar‐13 8‐Apr‐13 8‐May‐13 8‐Jun‐13

PM

10(ug/m

3 )

Duralie HVAS Monitoring (PM10) Annual Rolling Average ‐ 12 Months to June 2013

Hattam Twin Houses High Noon Edwards DP&I Limit

Figure 3‐5: Real Time Dust Monitoring (PM10) Results during the Reporting Period

Figure 3‐6: : Rolling Annual Average TEOM (PM10) Results during the Reporting Period

05

1015202530354045

01‐Jul‐2012

15‐Jul‐2012

29‐Jul‐2012

12‐Aug‐2012

26‐Aug‐2012

09‐Sep‐2012

23‐Sep‐2012

07‐Oct‐2012

21‐Oct‐2012

04‐Nov‐2012

18‐Nov‐2012

02‐Dec‐2012

16‐Dec‐2012

30‐Dec‐2012

13‐Jan

‐2013

27‐Jan

‐2013

10‐Feb‐2013

24‐Feb‐2013

10‐M

ar‐2013

24‐M

ar‐2013

07‐Apr‐20 13

21‐Apr‐2013

05‐M

ay‐2013

19‐M

ay‐2013

02‐Jun‐2013

16‐Jun‐2013

30‐Jun‐2013

ug/m3

Duralie TEOM PM10

24 Hour AveragesJuly 2012 to June 2013

PM10 24hr

0.0

2.0

4.0

6.0

8.0

10.0

12.0

14.0

01‐Jul‐2012

15‐Jul‐2012

29‐Jul‐2012

12‐Aug‐2012

26‐Aug‐2012

09‐Sep‐2012

23‐Sep‐2012

07‐Oct‐201

2

21‐Oct‐201

2

04‐Nov‐201

2

18‐Nov‐201

2

02‐Dec‐2012

16‐Dec‐2012

30‐Dec‐2012

13‐Jan

‐2013

27‐Jan

‐2013

10‐Feb‐2013

24‐Feb‐2013

10‐M

ar‐2013

24‐M

ar‐2013

07‐Apr‐2013

21‐Apr‐2013

05‐M

ay‐2013

19‐M

ay‐2013

02‐Jun‐2013

16‐Jun‐2013

30‐Jun‐2013

ug/m3

Duralie TEOM PM10

Annual AveragesJuly 2012 to June 2013

PM10 Annual Average

Real Time Dust Monitoring (PM10) Results during the Reporting Period

1/07/2012 6.3 6.3 1/09/2012 6.6 7.2 1/11/2012 20.3 12.5 1/01/2013 14.7 12.5 1/03/2013 no data 12.4 1/05/2013 33.0 12.1

2/07/2012 2.1 4.2 2/09/2012 12.4 7.3 2/11/2012 19.9 12.6 2/01/2013 21.6 12.5 2/03/2013 no data 12.4 2/05/2013 17.2 12.1

3/07/2012 3.6 4.0 3/09/2012 21.2 7.5 3/11/2012 8.5 12.6 3/01/2013 14.9 12.5 3/03/2013 no data 12.4 3/05/2013 10.8 12.1

4/07/2012 6.8 4.7 4/09/2012 20.8 7.7 4/11/2012 16.1 12.6 4/01/2013 11.7 12.5 4/03/2013 no data 12.4 4/05/2013 42.7 12.2

5/07/2012 6.5 5.1 5/09/2012 25.9 8.0 5/11/2012 20.3 12.6 5/01/2013 10.7 12.5 5/03/2013 no data 12.4 5/05/2013 18.3 12.2

6/07/2012 6.6 5.3 6/09/2012 25.2 8.2 6/11/2012 22.0 12.7 6/01/2013 8.6 12.5 6/03/2013 no data 12.4 6/05/2013 8.3 12.2

7/07/2012 7.2 5.6 7/09/2012 22.3 8.4 7/11/2012 20.6 12.8 7/01/2013 1.5 12.4 7/03/2013 no data 12.4 7/05/2013 6.7 12.2

8/07/2012 3.6 5.3 8/09/2012 8.0 8.4 8/11/2012 16.7 12.8 8/01/2013 no data 12.4 8/03/2013 no data 12.4 8/05/2013 6.7 12.2

9/07/2012 3.2 5.1 9/09/2012 10.3 8.5 9/11/2012 19.8 12.9 9/01/2013 no data 12.4 9/03/2013 no data 12.4 9/05/2013 2.5 12.1

10/07/2012 5.9 5.2 10/09/2012 18.6 8.6 10/11/2012 14.1 12.9 10/01/2013 no data 12.4 10/03/2013 no data 12.4 10/05/2013 12.0 12.1

11/07/2012 3.1 5.0 11/09/2012 31.5 8.9 11/11/2012 8.0 12.8 11/01/2013 no data 12.4 11/03/2013 no data 12.4 11/05/2013 12.4 12.1

12/07/2012 4.6 5.0 12/09/2012 27.4 9.2 12/11/2012 9.5 12.8 12/01/2013 no data 12.4 12/03/2013 no data 12.4 12/05/2013 6.6 12.1

13/07/2012 4.8 4.9 13/09/2012 23.2 9.4 13/11/2012 24.2 12.9 13/01/2013 no data 12.4 13/03/2013 10.4 12.4 13/05/2013 12.4 12.1

14/07/2012 3.8 4.9 14/09/2012 5.8 9.3 14/11/2012 15.1 12.9 14/01/2013 no data 12.4 14/03/2013 11.9 12.4 14/05/2013 6.5 12.1

15/07/2012 2.9 4.7 15/09/2012 8.9 9.3 15/11/2012 12.7 12.9 15/01/2013 no data 12.4 15/03/2013 14.6 12.4 15/05/2013 4.1 12.1

16/07/2012 2.5 4.6 16/09/2012 9.3 9.3 16/11/2012 14.3 12.9 16/01/2013 no data 12.4 16/03/2013 11.5 12.4 16/05/2013 2.7 12.0

17/07/2012 5.0 4.6 17/09/2012 21.7 9.5 17/11/2012 11.3 12.9 17/01/2013 no data 12.4 17/03/2013 18.9 12.5 17/05/2013 9.8 12.0

18/07/2012 0.0 4.6 18/09/2012 8.6 9.5 18/11/2012 6.7 12.9 18/01/2013 no data 12.4 18/03/2013 13.4 12.5 18/05/2013 6.7 12.0

19/07/2012 0.0 4.6 19/09/2012 7.2 9.4 19/11/2012 14.4 12.9 19/01/2013 no data 12.4 19/03/2013 7.3 12.4 19/05/2013 4.6 12.0

20/07/2012 7.2 4.8 20/09/2012 9.1 9.4 20/11/2012 12.5 12.9 20/01/2013 no data 12.4 20/03/2013 5.4 12.4 20/05/2013 8.9 12.0

21/07/2012 8.0 4.9 21/09/2012 9.7 9.4 21/11/2012 10.0 12.9 21/01/2013 no data 12.4 21/03/2013 7.3 12.4 21/05/2013 18.4 12.0

22/07/2012 4.4 4.9 22/09/2012 12.8 9.5 22/11/2012 21.2 12.9 22/01/2013 no data 12.4 22/03/2013 12.5 12.4 22/05/2013 10.3 12.0

23/07/2012 5.0 4.9 23/09/2012 13.3 9.5 23/11/2012 17.8 12.9 23/01/2013 no data 12.4 23/03/2013 10.1 12.4 23/05/2013 7.1 12.0

24/07/2012 3.3 4.8 24/09/2012 19.9 9.6 24/11/2012 14.1 13.0 24/01/2013 no data 12.4 24/03/2013 13.6 12.4 24/05/2013 14.3 12.0

25/07/2012 3.7 4.8 25/09/2012 15.5 9.7 25/11/2012 14.3 13.0 25/01/2013 no data 12.4 25/03/2013 17.2 12.4 25/05/2013 0.0 11.9

26/07/2012 4.0 4.7 26/09/2012 15.3 9.8 26/11/2012 20.0 13.0 26/01/2013 no data 12.4 26/03/2013 15.7 12.4 26/05/2013 0.0 11.9

27/07/2012 3.6 4.7 27/09/2012 20.1 9.9 27/11/2012 20.5 13.1 27/01/2013 no data 12.4 27/03/2013 10.9 12.4 27/05/2013 2.7 11.8

28/07/2012 2.3 4.6 28/09/2012 27.5 10.1 28/11/2012 9.9 13.0 28/01/2013 no data 12.4 28/03/2013 11.0 12.4 28/05/2013 3.8 11.8

29/07/2012 3.0 4.5 29/09/2012 19.7 10.2 29/11/2012 11.8 13.0 29/01/2013 no data 12.4 29/03/2013 13.0 12.4 29/05/2013 0.9 11.8

30/07/2012 6.0 4.6 30/09/2012 14.1 10.2 30/11/2012 16.8 13.1 30/01/2013 no data 12.4 30/03/2013 11.6 12.4 30/05/2013 4.7 11.7

31/07/2012 3.7 4.6 1/10/2012 29.2 10.5 1/12/2012 21.0 13.1 31/01/2013 no data 12.4 31/03/2013 14.0 12.4 31/05/2013 5.5 11.7

1/08/2012 4.2 4.6 2/10/2012 28.2 10.6 2/12/2012 22.7 13.2 1/02/2013 no data 12.4 1/04/2013 7.0 12.4 1/06/2013 6.1 11.7

2/08/2012 2.7 4.5 3/10/2012 21.2 10.8 3/12/2012 7.0 13.1 2/02/2013 no data 12.4 2/04/2013 9.8 12.4 2/06/2013 ‐1.2 11.7

3/08/2012 8.0 4.6 4/10/2012 31.4 11.0 4/12/2012 11.4 13.1 3/02/2013 no data 12.4 3/04/2013 9.1 12.4 3/06/2013 3.5 11.6

4/08/2012 10.2 4.8 5/10/2012 31.2 11.2 5/12/2012 0.0 13.0 4/02/2013 no data 12.4 4/04/2013 4.8 12.3 4/06/2013 6.4 11.6

5/08/2012 6.6 4.8 6/10/2012 28.6 11.4 6/12/2012 0.0 13.0 5/02/2013 no data 12.4 5/04/2013 4.4 12.3 5/06/2013 ‐1.5 11.6

6/08/2012 6.9 4.9 7/10/2012 21.6 11.5 7/12/2012 0.0 12.9 6/02/2013 no data 12.4 6/04/2013 3.9 12.2 6/06/2013 9.2 11.5

7/08/2012 6.8 4.9 8/10/2012 18.5 11.6 8/12/2012 0.0 12.8 7/02/2013 no data 12.4 7/04/2013 3.9 12.2 7/06/2013 5.7 11.5

8/08/2012 8.6 5.0 9/10/2012 15.0 11.6 9/12/2012 0.0 12.7 8/02/2013 no data 12.4 8/04/2013 4.6 12.2 8/06/2013 5.2 11.5

9/08/2012 8.2 5.1 10/10/2012 16.7 11.6 10/12/2012 0.0 12.6 9/02/2013 no data 12.4 9/04/2013 4.4 12.1 9/06/2013 6.8 11.5

10/08/2012 5.6 5.1 11/10/2012 15.9 11.7 11/12/2012 0.0 12.6 10/02/2013 no data 12.4 10/04/2013 4.2 12.1 10/06/2013 2.9 11.5

11/08/2012 6.3 5.2 12/10/2012 2.0 11.6 12/12/2012 0.0 12.5 11/02/2013 no data 12.4 11/04/2013 4.6 12.1 11/06/2013 2.8 11.4

12/08/2012 5.9 5.2 13/10/2012 7.1 11.5 13/12/2012 0.0 12.4 12/02/2013 no data 12.4 12/04/2013 5.4 12.0 12/06/2013 4.4 11.4

13/08/2012 6.7 5.2 14/10/2012 7.0 11.5 14/12/2012 8.2 12.4 13/02/2013 no data 12.4 13/04/2013 6.2 12.0 13/06/2013 4.0 11.4

14/08/2012 3.8 5.2 15/10/2012 7.2 11.5 15/12/2012 11.5 12.4 14/02/2013 no data 12.4 14/04/2013 11.3 12.0 14/06/2013 5.7 11.4

15/08/2012 8.0 5.3 16/10/2012 14.1 11.5 16/12/2012 12.7 12.4 15/02/2013 no data 12.4 15/04/2013 18.1 12.0 15/06/2013 5.4 11.3

16/08/2012 9.6 5.4 17/10/2012 25.0 11.6 17/12/2012 20.8 12.4 16/02/2013 no data 12.4 16/04/2013 13.7 12.0 16/06/2013 6.2 11.3

17/08/2012 9.3 5.4 18/10/2012 19.5 11.7 18/12/2012 18.2 12.5 17/02/2013 no data 12.4 17/04/2013 9.7 12.0 17/06/2013 5.8 11.3

18/08/2012 4.4 5.4 19/10/2012 22.6 11.8 19/12/2012 0.0 12.4 18/02/2013 no data 12.4 18/04/2013 10.9 12.0 18/06/2013 7.1 11.3

19/08/2012 3.2 5.4 20/10/2012 25.2 11.9 20/12/2012 15.0 12.4 19/02/2013 no data 12.4 19/04/2013 12.9 12.0 19/06/2013 6.3 11.3

20/08/2012 15.7 5.6 21/10/2012 18.9 12.0 21/12/2012 18.4 12.4 20/02/2013 no data 12.4 20/04/2013 5.1 12.0 20/06/2013 8.6 11.3

21/08/2012 20.4 5.9 22/10/2012 21.1 12.0 22/12/2012 7.8 12.4 21/02/2013 no data 12.4 21/04/2013 7.9 12.0 21/06/2013 7.1 11.2

22/08/2012 17.0 6.1 23/10/2012 12.5 12.1 23/12/2012 9.4 12.4 22/02/2013 no data 12.4 22/04/2013 6.8 12.0 22/06/2013 6.5 11.2

23/08/2012 11.0 6.2 24/10/2012 14.1 12.1 24/12/2012 13.8 12.4 23/02/2013 no data 12.4 23/04/2013 10.4 11.9 23/06/2013 8.8 11.2

24/08/2012 5.8 6.2 25/10/2012 24.0 12.2 25/12/2012 10.3 12.4 24/02/2013 no data 12.4 24/04/2013 0.0 11.9 24/06/2013 6.6 11.2

25/08/2012 9.1 6.2 26/10/2012 35.2 12.4 26/12/2012 9.1 12.4 25/02/2013 no data 12.4 25/04/2013 13.7 11.9 25/06/2013 6.4 11.2

26/08/2012 10.9 6.3 27/10/2012 12.5 12.4 27/12/2012 15.9 12.4 26/02/2013 no data 12.4 26/04/2013 13.4 11.9 26/06/2013 9.0 11.2

27/08/2012 21.8 6.6 28/10/2012 15.9 12.4 28/12/2012 14.8 12.4 27/02/2013 no data 12.4 27/04/2013 11.4 11.9 27/06/2013 5.0 11.2

28/08/2012 10.3 6.7 29/10/2012 7.0 12.4 29/12/2012 18.9 12.4 28/02/2013 no data 12.4 28/04/2013 16.2 11.9 28/06/2013 4.4 11.1

29/08/2012 20.0 6.9 30/10/2012 20.2 12.4 30/12/2012 15.0 12.4 29/04/2013 16.4 11.9 29/06/2013 3.6 11.1

30/08/2012 21.1 7.1 31/10/2012 17.8 12.5 31/12/2012 13.4 12.5 30/04/2013 21.2 12.0 30/06/2013 5.4 11.1

31/08/2012 9.8 7.2

PM10

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PM10

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PM10

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PM10

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PM10 24hrPM10

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App

endi

x 4:

Surface Water and Groundwater Monitoring Results

Surface Water

SW1 - Karuah River (Mine Entrance)

Date Category Comment ph EC Turbidity DO TSS Alkalinity Acidity SO4 Cl Ca Mg Al Mn Zn Fe Cu

uS/cm NTU % mg/l

(as CaCO3)

mg/l

(as CaCO3)

mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l23-Jul-12 Event High flow 7.7 210 46.0 21 54 3 2 24 9 6 1.84 0.028 0.014 1.62 0.00229-Aug-12 Monthly Low flow 7.9 170 6.0 <5 43 4 4 22 8 4 0.23 0.01 <0.005 0.28 <0.00127-Sep-12 Monthly Low flow 7.8 193 3.5 52 <5 41 4 <1 29 9 5 0.15 0.013 <0.005 0.44 <0.00129-Oct-12 Monthly Low Flow 6.7 197 3.3 70 6 46 5 3 32 12 6 0.1 0.019 0.009 0.34 0.00129-Nov-12 Monthly Low Flow 8.2 188 3.0 49 <5 39 5 4 29 10 5 0.1 0.029 0.013 0.40 0.00210-Dec-12 Event Low Flow 7.5 196 4.6 10 45 6 3 25 10 5 0.1 0.3 <0.005 0.41 <0.00128-Jan-13 Event Low Flow 7.4 160 6.0 <5 37 5 <1 27 9 4 0.11 0.043 0.006 0.56 0.00123-Feb-13 Event High flow 6.8 62 217.0 91 294 10 7 6 12 2 1 7.9 0.209 0.036 6.96 0.00727-Mar-13 Monthly Low flow 7.1 125 5.0 75 <5 22 5 4 21 6 3 0.15 0.013 <0.005 0.29 <0.0014-Apr-13 Event Low-mod flow 7.9 135 4.0 70 <5 29 4 3 23 7 3 0.11 0.016 0.009 0.30 <0.001

24-May-13 Event Low-mod flow 8.3 145 10.0 82 7 34 3 4 20 7 4 0.23 0.015 0.011 0.33 0.00227-Jun-13 Event High flow 7.3 145 52.0 90

Min 6.7 62.0 3.0 49.0 6.0 10.0 3.0 2.0 12.0 2.0 1.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.3 0.0Avg 7.6 160.5 30.0 72.4 67.6 36.4 4.6 3.7 24.0 8.1 4.2 1.0 0.1 0.0 1.1 0.0Max 8.3 210.0 217.0 91.0 294.0 54.0 7.0 6.0 32.0 12.0 6.0 7.9 0.3 0.0 7.0 0.0Var 0.3 1730.8 3759.2 247.1 16053.3 151.3 1.5 1.3 29.8 6.9 2.2 5.5 0.0 0.0 3.9 0.0SD 0.5 41.6 61.3 15.7 126.7 12.3 1.2 1.1 5.5 2.6 1.5 2.3 0.1 0.0 2.0 0.0

ANZECC* 6.5-8.0 200-300 6-50 0.055 1.9 0.008 ID 0.0014

ID: Insufficient Data*: ANZECC Guidelines for Fresh & Marine Water Quality 2000 (Aquatic Ecosystems) - slightly to moderately disturbed ecosystems.Bolded indicates exceedance of ANZECC criteria

SW2 - Coal Shaft Creek


uS/cm NTU % mg/l

(as CaCO3)

mg/l

(as CaCO3)

mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l23-Jul-12 Event Low flow 6.7 300 129 66 24 7 68 27 15 8 5.14 0.053 0.036 4.5 0.00229-Aug-12 Monthly Trickle 7.6 455 26 7 52 8 80 45 20 12 1.04 0.423 0.012 1.96 <0.00112-Sep-12 Macro 6 132 7 31 102 25 22 0.54 0.001 0.027 0.96 0.00127-Sep-12 Monthly Trickle 7.3 690 6 40 <5 142 11 <1 121 26 21 0.09 0.103 0.008 0.8 <0.001

29-Oct-12 Monthly Trickle 7.2 384 4 14 7 87 16 6 86 21 13 0.12 0.508 0.016 1.5 0.001

29-Nov-12 Monthly No flow

10-Dec-12 Event Low flow 7.3 715 6 14 88 15 67 121 26 20 0.46 0.320 0.023 1.42 <0.001

28-Jan-13 Event Low flow 6.8 765 10 <5 142 11 40 130 31 25 0.21 0.121 0.006 0.75 <0.001

23-Feb-13 Event High flow 7.6 468 58 75 56 83 5 36 40 13 14 2.21 0.150 0.093 2 0.00327-Mar-13 Monthly Trickle 7.1 230 18 40 9 37 17 17 26 10 8 0.81 0.316 0.022 1.92 0.0024-Apr-13 Event Low flow 7.4 207 24 40 7 45 8 21 23 10 7 0.64 0.077 0.025 1.27 0.00221-Apr-13 Discharge Low flow 7.4 220 38 42 20

21-May-13 Ecotox Low flow 7.2 260 7 <5 52 8 31 31 12 10 0.32 0.055 0.009 1.02 <0.001

24-May-13 Event Backed up from river 7.2 260 70 10 48 5 28 34 12 9 0.74 0.047 0.018 1.15 0.001

3-Jun-13 Discharge Backed up from river 8.1 280 63 8

4-Jun-13 Discharge Backed up from river 8.3 323 90 49

26-Jun-13 Discharge Mod flow 7.5 370 43

27-Jun-13 Event Mod flow 7.5 370 43

28-Jun-13 Discharge Mod flow 7.6 506 41 14



1-Jul-13 Discharge Mod flow 7.8 310 120 32




Min 6.7 207.0 4.2 14.0 6.0 24.0 5.0 6.0 23.0 10.0 7.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.8 0.0

Avg 7.4 378.5 52.9 45.9 23.3 77.7 9.8 38.6 65.5 18.4 14.1 1.0 0.2 0.0 1.6 0.0

Max 8.3 765.0 129.0 75.0 66.0 142.0 17.0 80.0 130.0 31.0 25.0 5.1 0.5 0.1 4.5 0.0

Var 0.1 25965.8 1687.9 427.5 325.2 1750.1 17.4 546.1 1834.1 53.7 39.7 2.0 0.0 0.0 1.0 0.0SD 0.4 161.1 41.1 20.7 18.0 41.8 4.2 23.4 42.8 7.3 6.3 1.4 0.2 0.0 1.0 0.0

ANZECC* 6.5-8.0 200-300 6-50 0.055 1.9 0.008 ID 0.0014


SW2 RC - Coal Shaft Creek at Rail Siding Culvert (Entrance)

Date Category Comment ph EC Turbidity DO TDS TSS Hardness Alkalinity Acidity SO4 Cl Ca Mg Al Mn Zn Fe CO3 Bicarb BOD Na

uS/cm NTU % mg/l mg/l mg/l

(as CaCO3)

mg/l

(as CaCO3)

mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l

CaCO3)

mg/l

(as CaCO3)

mg/l mg/l mg/l23-Jul-12 Event Low flow 7.4 455 83 318 43 38 3 117 36 22 12 3.54 0.023 0.048 3.11 <1 38 4529-Aug-12 Monthly Trickle 8.1 815 7 466 <5 188 40 2 192 95 39 22 0.23 0.026 0.039 0.24 <1 40 <2 8527-Sep-12 Monthly Trickle 8.6 695 4.2 90 408 6 156 139 <1 <1 126 26 22 0.15 0.012 <0.005 0.21 17 122 <2 7529-Oct-12 Monthly No flow29-Nov-12 Monthly No flow 7.7 1040 12.8 65 676 6 213 72 6 107 182 39 28 0.14 0.109 0.047 0.28 <1 72 3 11310-Dec-12 Event Low flow 7.8 715 28.4 465 22 159 89 4 84 104 29 21 0.73 0.034 0.030 0.71 <1 89 <2 7728-Jan-13 Event Low flow 7.0 650 27 423 20 172 104 3 90 94 31 23 0.54 0.034 0.028 0.53 <1 104 <2 6923-Feb-13 Event High flow 7.5 344 87 84 224 103 77 71 5 24 40 11 12 4.12 0.278 0.028 4.04 <1 71 <2 3127-Mar-13 Monthly Trickle 7.3 230 26 85 148 49 60 <1 27 39 25 11 8 1.13 0.124 0.72 1.68 <1 <1 5 274-Apr-13 Event Low flow 7.8 287 65 95 185 26 74 36 3 59 56 15 9 1.61 0.064 0.038 1.93 <1 36 <2 23

24-May-13 Event Low flow 7.6 330 90 214 62 92 42 2 85 39 17 12 2.82 0.041 0.036 2.28 <1 42 <2 3827-Jun-13 Event Mod flow 7.7 445 150 100

Min 7 230 4 65 148 6 60 36 2 24 25 11 8 0.140 0.012 0.028 0.21 17 36 3 23Avg 8 546 49 87 353 37 132 70 6 89 80 24 17 1.501 0.075 0.113 1.50 17 68 4 58

Max 8 546 49 87 353 37 132 70 6 89 80 24 17 1.501 0.075 0.113 1.50 17 68 4 58

Var 0 65085 2175 125 27222 965 3222 1268 63 2423 2482 111 49 2.191 0.006 0.052 1.80 1008 2 890

SD 0 255 47 11 165 31 57 36 8 49 50 11 7 1.480 0.081 0.228 1.34 32 1 30ANZECC* 6.5-8.0200-300 6-50 0.055 1.9 0.008 ID


SW2 RC - Coal Shaft Creek at Rail Siding Culvert (Entrance)

Date As Ba Cd Cr Cu Pb Mo Ni Se Ag U B Hg F NH3 NO2 NO3 N P

mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l

(as N) mg/l

(as N) mg/l

(as N) mg/l mg/l mg/l

23-Jul-12 <0.001 0.041 <0.0001 0.002 0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.002 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 <0.01 <0.01 0.08 0.7 0.1229-Aug-12 <0.001 0.059 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.03 <0.01 0.07 0.5 0.0927-Sep-12 <0.001 0.035 <0.0001 <0.001 0.002 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 <0.01 <0.01 0.03 0.4 <0.0129-Oct-1229-Nov-12 <0.001 0.058 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.01 <0.01 0.48 1.4 0.0210-Nov-12 <0.001 0.044 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 <0.01 <0.01 0.29 0.7 0.0528-Jan-13 0.001 0.035 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 0.1 0.01 <0.01 0.27 1 0.0123-Feb-13 <0.001 0.043 <0.0001 0.002 0.006 <0.001 <0.001 0.003 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.07 <0.01 0.43 1.9 <0.0127-Mar-13 <0.001 0.021 <0.0001 <0.001 0.004 <0.001 <0.001 0.002 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.07 <0.01 8.94 11.5 <0.014-Apr-13 <0.001 0.027 <0.0001 0.001 0.002 <0.001 <0.001 0.002 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 0.1 0.09 <0.01 0.76 1.4 0.02

24-May-13 <0.001 0.03 <0.0001 0.001 0.002 0.001 <0.001 0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.03 <0.01 0.17 0.6 0.04

Min <0.001 0.02 <0.0001 0.001 0.001 0.001 <0.001 0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 0.10 0.01 <0.01 0.03 0.40 0.01Avg <0.001 0.04 <0.0001 0.002 0.003 0.001 <0.001 0.002 <0.01 <0.001 <0.01 <0.05 <0.0001 0.10 0.04 <0.01 1.15 2.01 0.05

Max <0.001 0.04 <0.0001 0.002 0.003 0.001 <0.001 0.002 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 0.10 0.04 <0.01 1.15 2.01 0.05

Var 0.00 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.00 0.00 7.54 11.35 0.00

SD 0.01 0.001 0.002 0.001 0.00 0.03 2.75 3.37 0.04ANZECC* 0.013 0.0002 0.001 0.0014 0.0034 0.011 0.011 5E-05 0.37 0.0006 0.9


SW2 Up - Coal Shaft Creek Upstream of Workings

Date Category Comment pH EC Turbidity DO TDS TSS Hardness Alkalinity Acidity SO4 Cl Ca Mg Al Mn Zn Fe Cu CO3 Bicarb BOD Na


(as CaCO3)

mg/l(as

CaCO3) mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l

(as CaCO3)

mg/l(as

CaCO3) mg/l mg/l2-Jul-12 Weekly Trickle 7.7 1690 16.0 <5 341 15 23 387 71 70 0.11 1.20 0.007 1.22 <0.0019-Jul-12 Weekly Trickle 7.7 1268 28.0 8 286 12 13 201 44 46 1.19 0.40 0.017 1.94 <0.00118-Jul-12 Weekly Trickle 7.5 770 40.0 24 162 12 17 122 27 28 3.76 0.53 0.010 3.99 0.00223-Jul-12 Event Low-mod flow 7.2 275 102.0 252 58 52 6 10 45 11 10 5.51 0.09 0.013 5.2 0.003 <1 52 2830-Jul-12 Weekly Low flow 7.5 970 42.0 22 186 18 22 189 38 38 1.88 0.75 0.012 2.9 0.0026-Aug-12 Weekly Trickle 7.4 1520 23.0 13 348 23 20 292 55 52 0.45 1.30 0.006 2.37 <0.001

14-Aug-12 Weekly Mod flow 7.2 585 62.0 <5 106 6 16 87 18 17 3.6 0.23 0.009 3.47 0.00320-Aug-12 Weekly Trickle 7.3 1060 37.0 10 234 13 20 200 39 39 0.62 0.78 0.006 1.86 0.00129-Aug-12 Monthly Trickle 7.4 1765 12.0 912 <5 461 420 25 19 376 71 69 0.1 1.28 0.009 0.9 0.002 <1 420 <2 2063-Sep-12 Weekly Trickle 7.4 1960 9.0 <5 443 20 20 423 65 77 0.02 1.27 <0.005 0.7 <0.001

10-Sep-12 Weekly Trickle 7.3 2130 9.3 <5 472 32 19 485 79 81 0.03 0.97 0.013 0.49 0.00217-Sep-12 Weekly Trickle 7.0 2250 6.0 <5 508 26 18 545 87 86 0.02 0.71 <0.005 0.43 <0.00127-Sep-12 Monthly Trickle 7.7 2460 16.0 45 1280 13 529 488 18 <1 536 70 86 0.11 0.95 <0.005 0.6 <0.001 <1 488 <2 2813-Oct-12 Weekly Trickle 7.6 2296 11.5 75 17 456 20 <1 541 72 86 0.43 0.52 0.009 1 <0.0019-Oct-12 Weekly Trickle 7.9 2390 5.0 55 16 453 10 <1 555 80 86 0.38 0.32 <0.005 0.8 <0.001

16-Oct-12 Weekly Trickle 7.7 2380 3.9 60 14 452 12 14 569 54 94 0.11 0.207 0.022 0.41 0.00123-Oct-12 Weekly Trickle 7.8 2363 4.5 47 8 458 <1 14 542 78 83 0.08 0.303 0.016 0.23 0.001

29-Oct-12 Monthly No Flow6-Nov-12 Weekly No Flow

13-Nov-12 Weekly Trickle 7.8 2110 4.6 29 8 447 20 9 547 78 85 0.14 0.984 0.022 0.43 0.00220-Nov-12 Weekly Trickle 7.8 2333 3.5 37 <5 449 19 7 533 83 90 0.05 0.935 0.021 0.44 0.00229-Nov-12 Monthly Trickle 7.7 2450 6.3 40 1593 6 532 430 16 6 522 73 85 0.06 1.22 <0.005 0.39 <0.001 <1 430 3 2774-Dec-12 Weekly No Flow10-Dec-12 Event Trickle 7.8 1950 29.4 1268 18 486 386 12 <10 443 66 78 0.58 3.75 <0.005 1.13 <0.001 <1 386 3 24919-Dec-12 Weekly Low Trickle, sample from pool 7.8 1020 102.0 64 189 2 35 219 37 39 2.33 3.51 0.016 2.81 0.00427-Dec-12 Weekly Low flow, disturbed by cattle 7.6 670 68.5 48 113 11 30 147 25 23 2.0 0.808 0.016 3.67 0.00303-Jan-13 Weekly Low Trickle, sample from pool 7.7 956 21.7 9 194 10 25 193 37 35 0.57 1.84 0.006 1.63 <0.00108-Jan-13 Weekly No Flow15-Jan-13 Weekly No Flow22-Jan-13 Weekly No Flow28-Jan-13 Event Fast trickle 7.2 1090 13 709 5 280 235 11 6 219 43 42 0.1 0.584 <0.005 0.58 0.001 <1 235 <2 1376-Feb-13 Weekly Low Flow 7.2 476 27 60 12 87 11 18 83 18 16 1.57 0.333 0.02 1.93 0.004

13-Feb-13 Weekly Trickle 7.3 748 31 47 60 146 14 16 146 31 28 2.43 1.41 0.01 3.9 0.00218-Feb-13 Weekly Trickle 7.3 918 6 34 9 184 15 11 171 33 33 0.64 1.32 0.035 1.63 0.00223-Feb-13 Event High flow 6.5 94 267 91 61 312 20 9 6 14 15 3 3 14.7 0.193 0.034 13.8 0.009 <1 9 <2 114-Mar-13 Weekly High flow 6.9 275 85 75 16 27 6 40 38 11 9 4.68 0.241 0.06 4.06 0.00212-Mar-13 Weekly Mod flow 7.1 910 21 27 10 161 15 39 161 37 34 0.87 1.25 0.026 1.57 <0.00122-Mar-13 Weekly Trickle 7.4 1470 6 40 <5 260 26 30 256 61 55 0.06 1.39 <0.005 0.64 <0.00127-Mar-13 Monthly Trickle 7.3 1630 9 40 1060 <5 374 304 24 19 306 49 61 0.12 1.12 0.01 0.52 <0.001 <1 304 <2 1784-Apr-13 Event Trickle - fast 7.6 1655 25 45 1077 <5 433 329 19 18 338 71 62 0.12 0.368 0.016 0.52 <0.001 <1 329 <2 1709-Apr-13 Weekly Trickle, turbid 7.3 1134 150 6 80 206 13 37 241 46 41 2.94 0.681 0.026 2.59 0.00215-Apr-13 Weekly Trickle, slightly turbid 7.3 1594 30 54 15 239 22 25 314 62 56 0.29 0.808 0.013 0.83 <0.00121-Apr-13 Event Low flow 7.4 660 95 58 40 139 12 29 132 26 24 2.41 0.289 0.011 2.77 0.00230-Apr-13 Weekly Trickle 7.2 1484 25 43 11 266 17 26 268 54 50 0.34 0.22 0.013 1.01 0.0017-May-13 Weekly Trickle 7.5 1560 12 52 10 298 13 25 299 58 57 0.24 0.2 0.045 0.67 <0.001

14-May-13 Weekly Trickle 7.3 1551 22 49 10 330 14 18 306 63 60 0.16 0.167 0.044 0.42 0.00224-May-13 Weekly Low flow 7.4 1450 20 40 940 12 410 326 17 18 336 62 62 0.34 0.208 0.007 0.64 <0.001 <1 326 <2 1803-Jun-13 Weekly Low flow 7.8 190 160 90 38 38 5 14 36 7 6 5.41 0.077 0.025 5.02 0.00511-Jun-13 Weekly Low flow 7.1 980 57 26 31 176 19 17 162 33 32 1.63 0.716 0.049 2.37 0.00418-Jun-13 Weekly Trickle 7.0 1045 57 40 29 188 17 22 186 37 34 1.88 1.27 0.024 2.68 0.00425-Jun-13 Weekly Trickle 7.0 1700 9 2927-Jun-13 Event Mod flow 7.1 202 180 94

Min 6.5 94.0 3.5 6.0 61.0 5.0 20.0 9.0 2.0 6.0 15.0 3.0 3.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.2 0.001 <1 9.0 3.0 11.0Avg 7.4 1357.3 42.8 49.2 915.2 31.1 391.7 273.2 15.2 20.0 288.9 49.2 51.1 1.5 0.9 0.0 2.0 0.003 <1 297.9 3.0 171.7Max 7.9 2460.0 267.0 94.0 1593.0 312.0 532.0 508.0 32.0 40.0 569.0 87.0 94.0 14.7 3.8 0.1 13.8 0.009 <1 488.0 3.0 281.0Var 0.1 483491 2972.0 418.8 219638 2828 25653 20445 41.1 72 28613.0 523.5 698 6 1 0 5.2 0.000 25104.3 0.0 8664SD 0.3 695.3 54.5 20.5 468.7 53.2 160.2 143.0 6.4 8.5 169.2 22.9 26.4 2.5 0.8 0.0 2.3 0.002 158.4 0.0 93.1

ANZECC* 6.5-8.0 200-300 6-50 0.06 1.9 0.008 ID 0.0014


SW2 - Coal Shaft Creek Upstream of Workings

Date As Ba Cd Cr Pb Mo Ni Se Ag U B Hg F NH3 NO2 NO3 N P

mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l

(as N) mg/l

(as N) mg/l


23-Jul-12 <0.001 0.034 <0.0001 0.004 <0.001 <0.001 0.003 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 <0.01 <0.01 0.05 1.4 0.3629-Aug-12 <0.001 0.102 <0.0001 0.002 <0.001 <0.001 0.003 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 0.20 0.05 <0.01 0.25 0.6 <0.0127-Sep-12 0.001 0.125 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 0.10 <0.01 <0.01 0.01 0.3 <0.0129-Nov-12 <0.001 0.072 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 0.20 0.05 <0.01 0.1 0.9 0.2410-Dec-12 <0.001 0.102 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.002 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 0.10 0.18 <0.01 <0.01 0.9 0.0428-Jan-13 0.001 0.063 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 0.10 0.04 <0.01 0.08 0.7 0.0523-Feb-13 <0.001 0.045 <0.0001 0.012 0.002 <0.001 0.01 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 0.14 1.4 0.127-Mar-13 <0.001 0.087 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.003 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 0.20 0.02 <0.01 0.03 0.4 <0.014-Apr-13 <0.001 0.088 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.002 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 0.20 0.06 <0.01 <0.01 0.3 0.01

24-May-13 <0.001 0.064 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 0.20 0.01 <0.01 0.02 0.4 0.01

Min 0.001 0.034 <0.0001 0.002 0.002 <0.001 0.002 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 0.1 0.0 <0.01 0.0 0.3 0.0Avg 0.001 0.078 <0.0001 0.006 0.002 <0.001 0.004 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 0.2 0.1 <0.01 0.1 0.7 0.1Max 0.001 0.125 <0.0001 0.012 0.002 <0.001 0.010 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 0.2 0.2 <0.01 0.3 1.4 0.4Var 0.000 0.001 0.000 0.000 0.0 0 0 0 0.0SD 0.000 0.028 0.005 0.003 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.4 0.1

ANZECC* 0.013 0.0002 0.001 0.0034 0.011 0.011 0.00005 0.37 0.0006 0.9


SW6


uS/cm NTU % mg/l

(as CaCO3)

mg/l

(as CaCO3)

mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l23-Jul-12 Event Low flow 7.6 700 97 54 67 3 124 73 28 19 3.53 0.03 0.012 3.56 0.001

29-Aug-12 Monthly No flow27-Sep-12 Monthly No flow29-Oct-12 Monthly No flow29-Nov-12 Monthly No flow10-Dec-12 Event Low flow 8.0 333 727 306 35 4 84 24 18 9 8.86 0.157 0.039 8.78 0.00528-Jan-13 Event Low flow 6.2 190 583 329 27 4 37 11 11 5 3.27 0.135 0.034 3.35 0.00423-Feb-13 Event High flow 6.7 267 29 89 18 13 4 66 25 9 7 1.37 0.016 0.011 1 0.00227-Mar-13 Monthly No flow4-Apr-13 Event Low flow 7.6 610 29 75 <5 67 5 146 62 36 20 0.23 0.024 0.008 0.82 <0.001

24-May-13 Event Low flow 7.7 245 1100 95 554 26 2 67 16 17 7 17.5 0.259 0.072 15 0.0127-Jun-13 Event Mod flwo 7.5 540 350 100

Min 6.2 190.0 29 75.0 18.0 13.0 2.0 37.0 11.0 9.0 5.0 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.8 0.0Avg 7.3 412.1 416 89.8 252.2 39.2 3.7 87.3 35.2 19.8 11.2 5.8 0.1 0.0 5.4 0.0Max 8.0 700.0 1100 100.0 554.0 67.0 5.0 146.0 73.0 36.0 20.0 17.5 0.3 0.1 15.0 0.0Var 0.4 40495.1 166353 116.9 48502.2 514.6 1.1 1639.9 666.2 107.0 43.4 41.7 0.0 0.0 30.3 0.0SD 0.6 201.2 408 10.8 220.2 22.7 1.0 40.5 25.8 10.3 6.6 6.5 0.1 0.0 5.5 0.0

ANZECC* 6.5-8.0 200-300 6-50 0.055 1.9 0.008 ID 0.001


SW9 - Un-named Tributary (Fisher-Webster)

Date Category Comment ph EC Turbidity DO TDS TSS Hardness Alkalinity Acidity SO4 Cl Ca Mg Al Mn Zn Fe Cu CO3 Bicarb BOD Na


(as CaCO3)

mg/l

(as CaCO3)

mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l

(as CaCO3)

mg/l

(as CaCO3)

mg/l mg/lmg/l

23-Jul-12 Event Mod flow 7.0 220 41 210 18 18 6 8 47 7 4 2.54 0.034 0.015 2.96 0.002 <1 18 2329-Aug-12 Monthly No Flow12-Sep-12 Macro No Flow 393 66 20 <10 96 14 9 0.16 0.689 0.014 7.06 0.00227-Sep-12 Monthly No Flow29-Oct-12 Monthly No flow29-Nov-12 Monthly No flow10-Dec-12 Event No flow28-Jan-13 Event No flow29-Jan-13 Spot Mod Flow 7.0 364 91 237 46 61 8 13 55 70 13 7 2.91 0.176 0.026 3.98 0.004 <1 8 4323-Feb-13 Event High flow 6.2 70 103 88 46 184 9 9 7 <10 14 2 1 4.19 0.07 0.023 3.76 0.004 9 3 827-Mar-13 Monthly No Flow

4-Apr-13 Event No flow

24-May-13 Event Low flow 7.5 85 31 75 55 12 13 3 6 <1 25 2 2 1.14 0.047 0.03 0.79 0.003 <1 3 <2 1227-Jun-13 Event Mod flow 7.5 190 49 95

Min 6.2 70 31 75 46 12 9 3 6 8 14 2 1 0.16 0.034 0.014 0.79 0.002 <1 3.0 3.0 8

Avg 7.0 186 63 86 137 131 28 21 10 32 50 8 5 2.19 0.203 0.022 3.71 0.003 <1 9.5 3.0 22

Max 7.5 364 103 95 237 393 61 66 20 55 96 14 9 4.19 0.689 0.030 7.06 0.004 < 18.0 3.0 43

Var 0.3 14128 1022 103 10111 26402 837 668 37 1105 1111 33 11 2.47 0.077 0.000 5.10 0.000 39.0 246

SD 0.5 119 32 10 101 162 29 26 6 33 33 6 3 1.57 0.277 0.007 2.26 0.001 6.2 16

ANZECC* 6.5-8.0 200-300 6-50 0.06 1.90 0.008 ID 0.0014

ID: Insufficient Data

*: ANZECC Guidelines for Fresh & Marine Water Quality 2000 (Aquatic Ecosystems) - slightly to moderately disturbed ecosystems.

Bolded indicates exceedance of ANZECC criteria

SW9 - Un-named Tributary (Fisher-Webster)



(as N) mg/l

(as N) mg/l


23-Jul-12 0.001 0.051 <0.0001 0.001 0.001 <0.001 0.002 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.01 <0.01 0.17 2.1 0.8129-Jan-13 0.002 0.068 <0.0001 0.002 0.002 <0.001 0.005 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 <0.01 <0.01 0.34 1.6 0.2523-Feb-13 0.002 0.056 <0.0001 0.002 0.003 <0.001 0.002 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.02 <0.01 0.11 1.9 0.4624-May-13 <0.001 0.029 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.01 <0.01 <0.01 1.5 0.09

Min 0.001 0.029 <0.0001 0.001 0.001 <0.001 0.002 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.010 <0.01 0.1 1.5 0.1

Avg 0.002 0.051 <0.0001 0.002 0.002 <0.001 0.003 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.013 <0.01 0.2 1.8 0.4

Max 0.002 0.068 <0.001 0.002 0.003 <0.001 0.005 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.020 <0.01 0.3 2.1 0.8

Var 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.0 0.1 0.1

SD 0.001 0.016 0.001 0.001 0.002 0.006 0.1 0.3 0.3

ANZECC* 0.013 0.0002 0.001 0.0034 0.011 0.011 0.00005 0.9 0.0006 0.9




SW10 - Coal Shaft Creek (Holmes Upstream)

Date Category Comment ph EC Turbidity DO TDS TSS Hardness Alkalinity Acidity SO4 Cl Ca Mg Al Mn Zn Fe Cu CO3 Bicarb Na COD BOD


(as CaCO3)

mg/l

(as CaCO3)


(as

CaCO3)

(as

CaCO3) mg/l mg/l mg/l

23-Jul-12 Event Low flow 6.6 120 100 19 39 6 <1 18 6 4 6.23 0.078 0.016 6.01 0.00429-Aug-12 Monthly No flow

27-Sep-12 Monthly No flow

29-Oct-12 Monthly No flow29-Nov-12 Monthly No flow10-Dec-12 Event Trickle 8.2 1080 12.7 702 11 482 <1 4 65 33 52 0.17 0.271 <0.005 0.72 <0.001

16-Jan-13 Spot Trickle 7.7 764 20.9 16 218 319 8 <10 68 28 36 0.16 0.287 0.02 1.26 0.008 <1 319 93 46 5

28-Jan-13 Event Trickle 7.8 700 13 455 10 202 266 10 9 69 28 32 0.17 0.473 0.007 1.04 <0.001 <1 266 84 <223-Feb-13 Event High flow 6.4 76 67 64 49 <5 13 11 6 <1 8 2 2 5.84 0.03 0.024 5.17 0.005 <1 11 8 <2

27-Mar-13 Monthly No flow

4-Apr-13 Event No flow

24-May-13 Event Low flow 7.7 137 70 75 89 19 45 38 6 <1 27 8 6 3.78 0.06 0.013 3.97 0.004 <1 38 17 <227-Jun-13 Event Low flow 7.4 70 149 85

Min 6.4 70 13 64 49 10 13 11 6 4 8 2 2 0.16 0.030 0.007 0.72 0.004 <1 11 8 46 5

Avg 7.4 421 62 75 324 15 120 193 7 7 43 18 22 2.73 0.200 0.016 3.03 0.005 <1 159 51 46 5

Max 8.2 1080 149 85 702 19 218 482 10 9 69 33 52 6.23 0.473 0.024 6.01 0.008 <1 319 93 46 5

Var 0.4 173876 2604 110 96965 19 11134 37118 3 13 778 185 435 8.55 0.030 0.000 5.35 0.000 24531 1952

SD 0.7 417 51 11 311 4 106 193 2 4 28 14 21 2.92 0.174 0.007 2.31 0.002 157 44

ANZECC* 6.5-8.0 200-300 6-50 0.055 1.9 0.008 ID 0.0014




SW10 - Coal Shaft Creek (Holmes Upstream)



(as N) mg/l

(as N) mg/l


16-Jan-13 <0.001 0.034 0.0012 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.002 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 0.2 0.08 <0.01 0.16 1.5 0.03

28-Jan-13 0.001 0.035 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 0.2 0.04 <0.01 0.09 0.9 0.0723-Feb-13 <0.001 0.023 <0.0001 0.003 <0.001 <0.001 0.003 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 <0.01 <0.01 0.04 1.2 0.0924-May-13 <0.001 0.01 <0.0001 0.002 <0.001 <0.001 0.002 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 0.6 <0.01

Min 0.001 0.010 0.001 0.002 <0.001 <0.001 0.002 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 0.2 0.04 <0.01 0.04 0.6 0.03

Avg 0.001 0.026 0.001 0.003 <0.001 <0.001 0.002 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 0.2 0.06 <0.01 0.10 1.1 0.06

Max 0.001 0.035 0.001 0.003 <0.001 <0.001 0.003 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 0.2 0.08 <0.01 0.16 1.5 0.09

Var 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.0 0.00 0.00 0.2 0.00

SD 0.012 0.001 0.001 0.0 0.03 0.06 0.4 0.03

0.013 0.0002 0.001 0.0034 0.011 0.011 0.00005 0.9 0.0006 0.9




GB1 - Mammy Johnsons River


uS/cm NTU % mg/l mg/l mg/l(as CaCO3)

mg/l

(as CaCO3)

mg/lmg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l

(as CaCO3)

mg/l

(as CaCO3)

mg/lmg/l mg/l

2-Jul-12 Weekly Low flow 7.5 185 20.0 <5 52 <1 9 50 11 7 1.02 0.029 <0.005 1.60 0.0109-Jul-12 Weekly 7.6 295 16.0 6 49 4 8 52 11 6 0.83 0.028 0.007 1.14 <0.00118-Jul-12 Weekly Low flow 7.7 305 18.0 <5 51 4 10 50 12 7 0.78 0.019 <0.005 1.06 <0.00123-Jul-12 Event High flow 7.3 220 62.0 179 39 34 4 8 36 8 5 3.11 0.059 0.006 3.09 <0.001 <1 34 2230-Jul-12 Weekly Low-mod flow 7.5 235 35.0 <5 41 5 12 42 9 6 1.69 0.021 <0.005 1.50 <0.0016-Aug-12 Weekly Low flow 7.6 265 25.0 8 47 3 10 51 11 7 1.53 0.025 <0.005 1.64 <0.00114-Aug-12 Weekly High flow 7.5 175 59.0 6 21 4 6 24 5 3 3.16 0.030 0.007 2.00 <0.00120-Aug-12 Weekly Low flow 7.5 230 41.0 5 33 5 10 34 8 5 2.34 0.025 0.005 1.63 <0.00129-Aug-12 Monthly Low flow 7.8 280 25.0 178 8 52 46 4 11 48 11 6 1.08 0.029 <0.005 1.13 <0.001 <1 46 <2 293-Sep-12 Weekly Low flow 7.5 300 18.0 <5 51 4 10 52 12 7 0.71 0.034 <0.005 1.06 <0.00110-Sep-12 Weekly Low flow 7.4 330 15.0 5 59 7 9 55 14 8 0.24 0.037 <0.005 0.72 <0.00117-Sep-12 Weekly Low flow 6.5 355 7.0 <5 74 8 9 63 16 10 0.22 0.056 <0.005 0.68 <0.00127-Sep-12 Monthly Low flow 7.4 370 4.3 40 270 <5 84 65 6 <1 74 17 10 0.14 0.054 <0.005 0.63 <0.001 <1 65 <2 403-Oct-12 Weekly Low flow 7.4 378 3.3 80 <5 69 9 <1 72 16 9 0.14 0.054 <0.005 0.60 <0.0019-Oct-12 Weekly Very Low Flow 7.5 389 3.4 44 5 74 5 <1 78 17 10 0.11 0.066 0.006 0.57 0.00116-Oct-12 Weekly Low flow 7.4 399 5.5 60 6 73 15 10 81 18 11 0.09 0.068 0.009 0.51 0.00223-Oct-12 Weekly Very Low Flow 7.6 419 2.0 30 7 86 6 9 82 19 11 0.06 0.106 0.008 0.44 <0.001

29-Oct-12 Monthly Low flow 7.1 435 2.5 27 232 <5 108 88 9 8 92 22 13 0.07 0.145 0.010 0.51 <0.001 <1 88 <2 506-Nov-12 Weekly Very Low Flow 7.6 435 3.8 33 <5 86 10 8 76 21 12 0.07 0.274 0.031 0.50 <0.001

13-Nov-12 Weekly Low flow 7.8 440 3.8 36 6 99 11 7 84 22 13 0.06 0.243 <0.005 0.72 <0.00120-Nov-12 Weekly Low flow 7.7 494 5.4 30 <5 113 11 5 85 25 14 0.05 0.273 0.010 0.77 <0.00129-Nov-12 Monthly Low flow 7.5 562 3.3 26 365 <5 124 114 9 5 94 25 15 0.04 0.443 0.011 0.91 <0.001 <1 114 <2 594-Dec-12 Weekly Low flow 7.2 515 2.5 13 <5 105 15 4 89 21 13 0.10 0.410 <0.005 0.76 <0.001

10-Dec-12 Event Low flow 7.4 502 4.8 326 6 108 112 9 3 87 22 13 0.06 0.310 0.006 0.59 <0.001 <1 112 <2 5819-Dec-12 Weekly 7.4 402 3.2 <5 91 4 8 67 20 12 0.10 0.199 <0.005 0.70 <0.00127-Dec-12 Weekly 7.4 422 3.8 <5 99 10 6 68 24 13 0.06 0.219 0.006 0.70 <0.00103-Jan-13 Weekly 7.4 379 3.2 <5 79 8 7 68 21 11 0.05 0.143 0.008 0.71 <0.00108-Jan-13 Weekly Very Low Flow 7.1 411 5.0 12 81 9 7 65 21 11 0.10 0.506 0.006 0.99 <0.00115-Jan-13 Weekly Very Low Flow 7.2 412 6.4 11 84 13 4 69 21 11 0.10 1.040 0.006 1.77 <0.00122-Jan-13 Weekly Low flow 7.1 403 5.8 <5 82 11 1 67 19 10 0.04 0.533 0.012 0.91 <0.001

28-Jan-13 Event Low flow 7 380 7 247 <5 86 79 7 <1 64 18 10 0.05 0.296 <0.005 0.91 <0.001 <1 79 <2 376-Feb-13 Weekly Mod/Low Flow 6.9 175 16 63 <5 18 5 9 39 6 4 1.76 0.027 0.035 1.15 0.00113-Feb-13 Weekly Low flow 7.2 233 5 63 10 32 7 10 47 10 6 1.26 0.290 0.007 1.67 <0.00118-Feb-13 Weekly Low flow 7 245 2 61 9 36 8 9 47 10 6 0.45 0.062 0.010 0.94 <0.00123-Feb-13 Event High flow 6.8 63 120 82 41 182 9 8 7 <10 14 2 1 5.06 0.124 0.017 3.81 0.003 <1 8 3 94-Mar-13 Weekly High flow 6.7 135 42 85 28 15 5 6 30 5 3 0.96 0.032 0.006 0.79 <0.001

12-Mar-13 Weekly Mod flow 6.8 205 17 80 5 31 <1 7 41 8 4 0.68 0.031 0.006 1.11 <0.00122-Mar-13 Weekly Low flow 7.4 265 9 70 <5 32 9 8 48 11 6 0.12 0.033 <0.005 1.00 <0.00127-Mar-13 Monthly Low flow 7.1 285 7 60 186 <5 59 46 7 12 50 12 7 0.25 0.046 <0.005 1.03 <0.001 <1 46 <2 324-Apr-13 Event Low flow 7.5 302 48 65 195 30 64 60 5 7 52 14 7 1.07 0.051 0.005 1.33 <0.001 <1 60 <2 309-Apr-13 Weekly Low flow 7.5 269 6 65 <5 44 5 7 58 11 6 0.22 0.023 0.009 0.88 <0.001

15-Apr-13 Weekly Low flow 7.7 285 6 60 36 45 7 6 59 12 7 0.10 0.028 <0.005 0.72 <0.00121-Apr-13 Event Low-mod flow 7.5 250 38 68 25 51 7 7 46 10 6 0.79 0.036 0.006 1.02 0.00130-Apr-13 Weekly Low flow 7.5 218 21 67 <5 37 7 10 45 8 5 0.88 0.027 0.010 1.07 0.0017-May-13 Weekly Low flow 7.6 252 14 62 10 46 5 10 51 10 6 0.47 0.042 0.014 0.88 <0.00114-May-13 Weekly Low flow 7.8 266 10 67 6 50 7 7 53 10 6 0.85 0.044 0.047 1.36 <0.00121-May-13 Ecotox Low flow 7.6 300 9 55 195 <5 59 53 9 8 55 12 7 0.44 0.370 0.006 1.13 <0.001 <1 53 <2 3424-May-13 Event High flow 7.6 175 80 95 114 60 40 26 3 8 44 8 5 2.26 0.090 0.034 2.50 0.002 <1 26 <2 233-Jun-13 Weekly High flow 7.8 165 65 90 16 27 4 7 38 7 4 1.88 0.057 0.008 1.95 0.0024-Jun-13 Discharge High flow 7.5 131 55 23

11-Jun-13 Weekly Mod flow 7.7 174 33 83 8 28 4 8 33 7 4 1.48 0.024 0.032 2.91 0.00418-Jun-13 Weekly Mod-low flow 7.4 219 18 83 6 40 4 7 44 9 5 1.10 0.018 0.006 1.20 <0.00125-Jun-13 Weekly Low flow 7.7 235 15 7826-Jun-13 Discharge Mod flow 7.7 230 15 8527-Jun-13 Event High flow 7.6 208 72 9528-Jun-13 Discharge High flow 7.9 120 65 2829-Jun-13 Discharge High flow 7.9 120 65 2830-Jun-13 Discharge High flow 7.1 96 90 48

Min 6.5 63 2 13 41 5 9 8 3 1 14 2 1 0.04 0.018 0.01 0.44 0.001 <1 8 3 9

Avg 7.4 292 24 62 211 22 72 58 7 8 57 14 8 0.79 0.142 0.01 1.17 0.003 <1 61 3 35Max 7.9 562 120 95 365 182 124 114 15 12 94 25 15 5.06 1.040 0.05 3.81 0.010 <1 114 3 59Var 0.1 13188 704 477 7611 1060 1143 761 9 5 339 35 11 1.01 0.036 0.00 0.48 0.000 1069 220SD 0.3 115 27 22 87 33 34 28 3 2 18 6 3 1.00 0.189 0.01 0.69 0.003 33 15

ANZECC* 6.5-8.0 200-300 6-50 0.06 1.900 0.008 ID 0.0014


GB1 - Mammy Johnsons River


mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l(as N) mg/l

(as N) mg/l

(as N) mg/l

mg/l mg/l

23-Jul-12 <0.001 0.050 <0.0001 0.002 0.001 <0.001 0.002 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.001 <0.1 0.01 <0.01 0.07 1.2 0.1829-Aug-12 <0.001 0.040 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.03 <0.01 0.06 0.5 0.0227-Sep-12 <0.001 0.051 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 <0.01 <0.01 0.06 0.5 0.0429-Oct-12 <0.001 0.062 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.01 <0.01 0.04 0.6 0.0429-Nov-12 <0.001 0.064 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.10 <0.01 0.11 0.7 0.1910-Dec-12 0.001 0.065 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.03 <0.01 0.20 0.7 0.0428-Jan-13 0.002 0.054 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.06 <0.01 0.19 0.6 0.0223-Feb-13 <0.001 0.670 <0.0001 0.002 0.003 <0.001 0.002 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 2.1 0.2327-Mar-13 <0.001 0.045 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.000 <0.1 0.12 <0.01 0.19 0.6 <0.014-Apr-13 <0.001 0.052 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 0.2 <0.01 <0.01 0.02 0.2 <0.01

21-May-13 <0.001 0.043 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.02 <0.01 0.03 0.4 0.0324-May-13 <0.001 0.051 <0.0001 <0.001 0.002 <0.001 0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 <0.01 <0.01 0.08 0.5 <0.01

Min 0.001 0.040 <0.0001 0.002 0.001 <0.001 0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.010 <0.01 0.020 0.20 0.02Avg 0.002 0.104 <0.0001 0.002 0.002 <0.001 0.002 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.048 <0.01 0.095 0.72 0.09Max 0.002 0.670 <0.0001 0.002 0.003 <0.001 0.002 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.120 <0.01 0.200 2.10 0.23Var 0.000 0.032 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.002 0.005 0.25 0.01SD 0.001 0.178 0.000 0.001 0.001 0.042 0.067 0.50 0.09

ANZECC* 0.013 0.0002 0.001 0.0034 0.011 0.01 5E-05 0.37 0.0006 0.90


Highnoon - Mammy Johnsons River

Date Category Comment ph EC Turbidity DO TDS TSS Hardness Alkalinity Acidity SO4 Cl Ca Mg Al Mn Zn Fe CO3 Bicarb BOD Na Cu


(as CaCO3)

mg/l

(as CaCO3)


(as CaCO3)

mg/l

(as CaCO3)

mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l

2-Jul-12 Weekly Low flow 7.5 185 24.0 5 55 <1 10 47 11 7 0.89 0.032 0.014 1.27 0.0039-Jul-12 Weekly 7.6 319 17.0 <5 46 4 8 53 11 6 0.81 0.024 0.007 1.23 <0.00118-Jul-12 Weekly Low flow 7.6 325 19.0 8 51 4 12 53 13 8 1.03 0.024 0.005 1.25 <0.00123-Jul-12 Event High flow 7.5 250 64.0 186 23 40 4 13 43 10 6 2.55 0.055 0.012 2.63 <1 40 25 0.00130-Jul-12 Weekly Low-mod flow 7.5 240 37.0 <5 38 5 10 44 8 6 2.47 0.030 0.009 2.04 <0.0016-Aug-12 Weekly Low flow 7.6 270 30.0 12 46 4 10 48 11 7 1.56 0.030 <0.005 1.51 <0.00114-Aug-12 Weekly High flow 7.5 175 23.0 8 21 8 5 24 4 3 3.34 0.032 0.007 2.06 <0.00120-Aug-12 Weekly Low-mod flow 7.3 225 42.0 <5 32 4 10 34 8 5 0.76 0.022 0.006 0.86 <0.00129-Aug-12 Monthly Low flow 7.8 275 24.0 172 8 50 42 3 10 50 10 6 0.94 0.042 0.008 1.08 <1 42 <2 30 <0.0013-Sep-12 Weekly Low flow 7.2 295 20.0 9 50 4 11 54 12 8 0.86 0.048 <0.005 1.15 <0.00110-Sep-12 Weekly Low flow 7.4 390 15.0 8 76 8 16 66 16 12 0.36 0.044 0.010 0.86 <0.00117-Sep-12 Weekly Low flow 6.8 365 8.5 <5 70 9 10 61 15 10 0.19 0.049 <0.005 0.68 <0.00127-Sep-12 Monthly Low flow 7.3 381 4.2 50 274 <5 84 66 7 <1 76 17 10 0.11 0.048 <0.005 0.66 <1 66 <2 40 <0.0013-Oct-12 Weekly Low flow 7.3 390 2.6 80 <5 70 10 <1 75 16 10 0.09 0.074 0.009 0.56 <0.0019-Oct-12 Weekly Very Low Flow 7.3 410 3.9 70 7 69 7 <1 84 16 10 0.12 0.115 0.025 0.65 0.00416-Oct-12 Weekly Low Flow 7.5 422 2.8 40 <5 78 11 9 80 19 12 0.08 0.112 0.018 0.56 0.002

23-Oct-12 Weekly Low Flow 7.6 415 2.5 25 10 83 6 10 86 19 12 0.06 0.221 0.014 0.51 0.00129-Oct-12 Monthly Low flow 7.3 441 3.6 38 262 5 106 85 10 10 95 21 13 0.12 0.183 0.028 0.80 <1 85 <2 54 0.011

6-Nov-12 Weekly Low flow 7.8 488 2.4 49 <5 87 8 9 89 21 13 0.07 0.210 0.062 0.64 0.00213-Nov-12 Weekly Low flow 7.7 470 2.6 38 <5 90 13 9 95 22 13 0.06 0.205 0.010 0.56 <0.00120-Nov-12 Weekly Low flow 7.8 499 12.1 47 <5 95 9 7 87 21 13 0.03 0.230 0.019 0.74 <0.00129-Nov-12 Monthly Low flow 7.6 543 3.7 34 353 6 115 92 6 7 95 23 14 0.05 0.185 0.008 0.63 <1 92 <2 56 <0.0014-Dec-12 Weekly Low flow 7.3 493 3.1 18 <5 95 12 6 91 20 13 0.04 0.241 0.008 0.57 0.002

10-Dec-12 Event Low flow 7.3 519 6.4 337 6 103 95 9 6 96 20 13 0.06 0.216 0.013 0.57 <1 95 <2 60 <0.00119-Dec-12 Weekly 7.6 481 4.0 <5 88 6 7 100 23 14 0.07 0.165 <0.005 0.78 0.00127-Dec-12 Weekly 7.4 452 5.5 7 99 8 8 87 23 13 0.16 0.222 0.020 0.72 0.00103-Jan-13 Weekly 7.6 418 3.9 <5 92 6 6 73 23 12 0.06 0.171 <0.005 0.65 <0.00108-Jan-13 Weekly Low flow 7.2 449 5.2 12 94 9 6 73 22 12 0.05 0.340 0.006 0.74 0.01315-Jan-13 Weekly Low flow 7.3 468 5.8 <5 98 12 4 87 24 13 0.10 0.432 0.018 0.85 <0.00122-Jan-13 Weekly Low flow 7 490 4.4 <5 99 10 3 84 21 13 0.02 0.399 0.008 0.76 0.001

28-Jan-13 Event Low flow 6.8 485 5 315 <5 108 94 7 6 89 22 13 0.05 0.237 <0.005 0.73 <1 94 <2 53 <0.0016-Feb-13 Weekly Mod/Low Flow 6.8 206 17 55 <5 28 7 11 42 7 5 1.68 0.043 0.032 1.26 0.00213-Feb-13 Weekly Low flow 7.2 252 5 49 5 34 10 10 47 10 6 0.81 0.089 0.012 1.15 <0.00118-Feb-13 Weekly Low flow 7 260 2 58 6 37 10 9 49 10 6 0.45 0.106 0.023 1.15 <0.00123-Feb-13 Event High flow 6.6 73 126 85 47 240 9 10 6 <10 18 2 1 7.84 0.181 0.027 6.01 <1 10 <2 11 0.0044-Mar-13 Weekly High flow 6.7 135 37 85 14 14 5 6 27 5 3 1.15 0.030 <0.005 0.88 <0.001

12-Mar-13 Weekly Mod flow 6.8 205 19 68 6 30 <1 8 40 7 4 0.51 0.037 <0.005 0.98 <0.00122-Mar-13 Weekly Low flow 7.4 255 10 75 <5 40 8 8 48 10 6 0.28 0.038 <0.005 1.19 <0.00127-Mar-13 Monthly Low flow 7.1 280 7 70 180 <5 59 37 9 29 51 12 7 0.25 0.054 <0.005 1.03 <1 37 <2 32 <0.0014-Apr-13 Event Low flow 7.6 315 6 60 205 <5 61 54 6 9 57 13 7 0.11 0.074 0.019 0.95 <1 54 <2 32 <0.0019-Apr-13 Weekly Low flow 7.4 276 11 47 13 40 12 9 51 12 7 0.37 0.075 0.011 1.01 <0.001

15-Apr-13 Weekly Low flow 7.5 289 8 45 8 16 17 6 60 12 7 0.08 0.036 0.006 0.82 <0.00121-Apr-13 Event Low-mod flow 7.5 280 15 55 8 50 6 8 57 11 7 0.17 0.044 0.016 0.74 0.00430-Apr-13 Weekly Low flow 7.6 198 22 55 13 28 8 8 43 8 5 1.33 0.034 0.013 1.20 0.0047-May-13 Weekly Low flow 7.9 239 15 47 14 42 6 10 49 9 6 0.72 0.054 0.010 1.08 0.00214-May-13 Weekly Low flow 7.9 265 13 52 12 47 6 9 53 10 6 0.84 0.056 0.013 1.28 <0.00121-May-13 Weekly Low flow 7.8 290 10 55 5 53 8 9 53 11 8 0.49 0.049 0.015 1.18 0.00124-May-13 Event High flow, slightly turbid 7.8 310 62 65 200 60 65 57 7 12 65 13 8 1.62 0.124 0.007 2.16 <1 57 <2 42 <0.0013-Jun-13 Weekly High flow 7.8 175 67 85 <5 28 6 8 37 6 4 1.92 0.056 0.008 1.96 0.0024-Jun-13 Discharge High flow 7.9 131 58 23

11-Jun-13 Weekly Mod flow 7.7 171 35 64 11 27 5 7 32 6 4 1.80 0.025 0.013 1.45 0.00118-Jun-13 Weekly Mod-low flow 7.3 217 22 60 8 37 4 8 46 9 5 1.48 0.024 0.009 1.50 <0.00125-Jun-13 Weekly Low flow 7.6 238 16 7026-Jun-13 Discharge Mod flow 7.8 245 50 7027-Jun-13 Event High flow 7.4 245 80 9528-Jun-13 Discharge High flow 8.1 111 72 2229-Jun-13 Discharge High flow 8.1 111 72 2230-Jun-13 Discharge High flow 7.2 106 82 27

Min 6.6 73 2 18 47 <5 10 <1 <1 18 2 1 0.02 0.022 <0.005 0.51 <1 10 <2 11 <0.001

Avg 7.4 309 23 58 230 19 58 8 9 62 14 8 0.81 0.111 0.014 1.14 <1 61 <2 40 0.003Max 8.1 543 126 95 353 240 99 17 29 100 24 14 7.84 0.432 0.062 6.01 <1 95 <2 60 0.013Var 0.1 15279 693 312 7958 1629 724 8 14 473 36 13 1.60 0.010 0.000 0.70 785 232 0.000SD 0.3 124 26 18 89 40 27 3 4 22 6 4 1.27 0.101 0.010 0.84 28 15 0.003

ANZECC* 6.5-8.0 200-300 6-50 0.06 1.900 0.008 ID 0.0014


Highnoon - Mammy Johnsons River



(as N) mg/l

(as N) mg/l


23-Jul-12 <0.001 0.052 <0.0001 0.001 0.001 <0.001 0.002 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.01 <0.01 0.11 1.1 0.2829-Aug-12 <0.001 0.041 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 <0.01 <0.01 0.05 0.4 0.0127-Sep-12 <0.001 0.049 <0.0001 0.002 <0.001 <0.001 0.002 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 <0.01 <0.01 0.02 0.4 0.0429-Oct-12 <0.001 0.065 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 0.1 <0.01 <0.01 0.06 0.7 0.0429-Nov-12 <0.001 0.059 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.02 <0.01 0.12 0.5 0.1210-Dec-12 0.001 0.065 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.02 <0.01 0.29 0.8 0.0428-Jan-13 <0.001 0.068 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.03 <0.01 0.09 3.7 0.0223-Feb-13 0.001 0.092 <0.0001 0.003 0.004 <0.001 0.002 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 <0.01 <0.01 0.17 1.8 0.1627-Mar-13 <0.001 0.044 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.04 <0.01 0.44 0.8 <0.014-Apr-13 <0.001 0.048 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 0.1 0.04 <0.01 0.05 0.4 0.03

24-May-13 0.001 0.059 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 <0.01 <0.01 0.07 0.4 0.02Min <0.001 0.041 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 <0.01 <0.01 0.02 0.4 <0.01Avg 0.001 0.058 <0.0001 0.002 0.003 <0.001 0.002 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 0.1 0.027 <0.01 0.13 1.0 0.08Max 0.001 0.092 <0.0001 0.003 0.004 <0.001 0.002 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 0.1 0.040 <0.01 0.44 3.7 0.28Var 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.0 0.000 0.02 1.0 0.01SD 0.000 0.014 0.001 0.002 0.001 0.0 0.012 0.13 1.0 0.09

ANZECC* 0.013 0.0002 0.001 0.003 0.011 0.01 5E-05 0.37 0.0006 0.90


Site 9 - Karuah River (Near Stroud Road Village)


uS/cm NTU % mg/l mg/l mg/l(as CaCO3)

mg/l

(as

CaCO3) mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l

(as

CaCO3)

(as

CaCO3) mg/l mg/l

23-Jul-12 Event High flow 7.7 230 49.0 182 23 57 4 3 31 11 6 2.79 0.036 0.010 2.71 <1 57 2229-Aug-12 Monthly Low flow 7.9 175 8.0 95 5 36 41 2 5 27 8 4 0.25 0.009 <0.005 0.30 <1 41 <2 1612-Sep-12 Macro 6 62 7 10 57 14 9 0.13 0.048 <0.005 0.6927-Sep-12 Monthly Low flow 7.6 192 3.2 45 129 <5 46 44 3 <1 31 10 5 0.08 0.007 <0.005 0.25 <1 44 <2 1629-Oct-12 Monthly Low flow 7.1 207 2.6 50 138 <5 59 50 5 4 37 12 7 0.09 0.018 <0.005 0.34 <1 50 <2 2029-Nov-12 Monthly Low flow 7.6 203 3.0 46 132 6 48 43 4 4 32 11 5 0.10 0.026 0.008 0.38 <1 92 3 17

10-Dec-12 Event Low flow 7.5 218 4.6 142 8 52 48 5 3 32 11 6 0.11 0.043 <0.005 0.43 <1 48 <2 19

28-Jan-13 Event Low flow 7.4 185 5.0 120 <5 46 43 4 <1 30 10 5 0.09 0.039 <0.005 0.53 <1 43 <2 1823-Feb-13 Event High flow 6.7 105 31.0 79 68 18 18 21 6 <1 16 4 2 2.42 0.018 0.035 2.35 <1 21 <2 1827-Mar-13 Monthly Low flow 7.6 125 3.5 85 82 <5 34 26 5 6 24 7 4 0.09 0.014 0.020 0.26 <1 26 4 164-Apr-13 Event Low-mod flow 7.7 135 6.0 60 200 <5 36 33 3 4 24 8 4 0.13 0.012 <0.005 0.33 <1 33 <2 14

24-May-13 Event Low-mod flow 8.0 150 5.0 87 97 6 34 36 3 5 29 7 4 0.28 0.009 <0.005 0.33 <1 36 <2 1827-Jun-13 Event high flow 7.3 200 120.0 95

Min 6.7 105 2.6 45 68 5 18 21 2 3 16 4 2 0.08 0.007 0.008 0.25 <1 21 3 14Avg 7.5 177 20.1 68 126 10 41 42 4 5 31 9 5 0.55 0.023 0.018 0.74 <1 45 4 18Max 8.0 230 120.0 95 200 23 59 62 7 10 57 14 9 2.79 0.048 0.035 2.71 <1 92 4 22Var 0.1 1570 1194.1 414 1619 52 136 141 2 5 96 7 3 0.93 0.000 0.000 0.72 357 1 5SD 0.4 40 34.6 20 40 7 12 12 1 2 10 3 2 0.97 0.015 0.012 0.85 19 1 2

ANZECC* 6.5-8.0 200-300 6-50 0.055 1.9 0.008 ID


Site 9 - Karuah River (Near Stroud Road Village)


mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l(as N) mg/l

(as N) mg/l

(as N) mg/l

mg/l mg/l

23-Jul-12 <0.001 0.028 <0.0001 0.002 0.002 <0.001 <0.001 0.002 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.02 <0.01 0.06 0.8 0.1329-Aug-12 <0.001 0.018 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 <0.01 <0.01 0.21 0.4 <0.0112-Sep-12 <0.00127-Sep-12 <0.001 0.019 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 <0.01 <0.01 0.02 0.3 0.0229-Oct-12 <0.001 0.028 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 <0.01 <0.01 0.09 0.5 0.0729-Nov-12 <0.001 0.02 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.04 <0.01 0.20 0.7 0.1

10-Dec-12 <0.001 0.023 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.03 <0.01 0.19 0.7 0.07

28-Jan-13 <0.001 0.021 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.05 <0.01 0.17 0.7 0.0523-Feb-13 <0.001 0.024 <0.0001 0.002 0.007 0.002 <0.001 0.002 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.01 <0.01 0.81 2.8 0.3627-Mar-13 <0.001 0.016 <0.0001 <0.001 0.004 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.00 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.04 <0.01 0.44 0.8 <0.014-Apr-13 <0.001 0.019 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 0.1 0.02 <0.01 0.35 0.6 0.01

24-May-13 <0.001 0.016 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.01 <0.01 0.04 0.2 <0.01

Min <0.001 0.016 <0.0001 0.002 0.002 0.002 <0.001 0.002 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 0.1 0.010 <0.01 0.020 0.2 0.01Avg <0.001 0.021 <0.0001 0.002 0.004 0.002 <0.001 0.002 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 0.1 0.028 <0.01 0.235 0.8 0.10Max <0.001 0.028 <0.0001 0.002 0.007 0.002 <0.001 0.002 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 0.1 0.050 <0.01 0.810 2.8 0.36Var 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.053 0.5 0.01SD 0.004 0.000 0.003 0.015 0.230 0.7 0.11

ANZECC* 0.013 0.0002 0.001 0.0014 0.003 0.011 0.011 5E-05 0.37 0.0006 0.9


Site 11 - Mammy Johnsons - Downstream of High Noon



CaCO3)

mg/l

CaCO3)


CaC

O3)

CaCO

3) mg/l mg/l2-Jul-12 Weekly Low [email protected] 7.5 190 24.0 <5 52 <1 10 51 12 8 0.79 0.024 <0.005 1.16 0.0019-Jul-12 Weekly 7.7 319 14.0 <5 46 4 8 57 11 7 0.85 0.023 0.007 1.28 <0.001

18-Jul-12 Weekly Low-mod flow @ 0.11m (low) 7.6 335 20.0 6 57 4 13 55 14 8 0.77 0.021 <0.005 1.13 <0.00123-Jul-12 Weekly High flow @ 0.55m (low) 7.5 250 67.0 188 43 40 5 12 44 10 6 2.46 0.066 0.011 2.75 0.001 <1 40 2630-Jul-12 Weekly Low-mod flow @ 0.14m (low) 7.6 240 36.0 <5 39 5 11 45 9 6 1.58 0.025 <0.005 1.49 <0.0016-Aug-12 Weekly Low flow @ 0.10m (low) 7.6 280 28.0 9 50 4 10 44 10 6 1.05 0.027 <0.005 1.27 <0.00114-Aug-12 Weekly High flow@ 0.40m (low) 7.8 180 59.0 8 23 5 5 24 5 3 2.96 0.031 0.005 1.87 <0.00120-Aug-12 Weekly Low-mod flow @ 0.13m (low) 7.5 220 41.0 <5 32 4 10 33 8 5 2.53 0.030 0.008 1.76 <0.00129-Aug-12 Monthly Low flow @ 0.08m (low) 7.8 275 25.0 177 8 56 48 3 10 48 11 7 1.32 0.034 <0.005 1.33 <0.001 <1 48 <2 303-Sep-12 Weekly Low flow @ 0.07m (low) 7.5 300 18.0 8 50 4 10 46 11 7 0.23 0.030 <0.005 0.86 <0.001

10-Sep-12 Weekly Low flow @ 0.05m (low) 7.4 400 13.0 <5 76 8 17 67 17 12 0.27 0.038 <0.005 0.86 <0.00117-Sep-12 Weekly Low flow @ 0.05m (low) 7.4 380 8.5 <5 71 7 12 62 15 10 0.18 0.035 <0.005 0.69 <0.00127-Sep-12 Monthly Low flow @ 0.04m (low) 7.2 398 3.3 51 250 <5 81 68 6 <1 76 16 10 0.11 0.027 <0.005 0.64 <0.001 <1 68 <2 393-Oct-12 Weekly Low flow @ 0.04m (low) 7.6 400 2.1 90 <5 73 9 <1 75 18 11 0.1 0.068 <0.005 0.53 <0.0019-Oct-12 Weekly Very Low flow @ 0.03m (low) 7.3 412 6.1 50 <5 75 4 <10 80 16 10 0.09 0.038 <0.005 0.47 <0.001

16-Oct-12 Weekly Low flow @ 0.05m (low) 7.2 419 3.6 60 80 10 10 80 20 12 0.08 0.047 <0.005 0.55 <0.00123-Oct-12 Weekly Low flow @ 0.03m (low) 7.8 433 3.4 30 12 85 5 10 90 20 12 0.06 0.063 <0.005 0.43 <0.001

29-Oct-12 Monthly Low flow @ 0.03m (low) 7.3 462 5.0 40 298 <5 112 89 7 10 100 22 14 0.05 0.050 <0.005 0.37 <0.001 <1 89 <2 53

6-Nov-12 Weekly Low flow @ 0.01m (low) 7.8 531 1.8 47 <5 97 6 9 97 24 14 0.04 0.126 0.006 0.47 0.00113-Nov-12 Weekly Low flow @ 0.03m (low) 7.5 520 1.8 40 <5 100 12 9 108 25 16 0.05 0.231 0.013 0.43 <0.00120-Nov-12 Weekly Low flow @ 0.01m (low) 7.8 530 2.0 43 <5 105 8 6 95 24 15 0.04 0.126 0.006 0.54 <0.00129-Nov-12 Monthly Low flow @ 0.02m (low) 7.5 594 3.1 38 386 <5 124 101 6 6 101 25 15 0.04 0.195 <0.005 0.49 <0.001 <1 101 <2 6004-Dec-12 Weekly Low flow @ 0.01m (low) 7.3 518 8.5 29 6 100 10 6 96 21 14 0.04 0.203 <0.005 0.33 <0.001

10-Dec-12 Event Low flow @ 0.02m (low) 7.4 570 4.1 371 6 126 105 6 5 107 24 16 0.03 0.229 <0.005 0.41 <0.001 <1 105 <2 6419-Dec-12 Weekly 7.5 533 3.0 <5 96 7 6 107 24 15 0.06 0.170 <0.005 0.68 <0.00127-Dec-12 Weekly 7.4 470 3.5 <5 91 11 6 95 23 13 0.07 0.182 0.006 0.79 <0.00103-Jan-13 Weekly Low Flow 7.6 458 4.1 <5 108 7 6 79 25 14 0.04 0.158 <0.005 0.55 <0.00108-Jan-13 Weekly Low flow @ 0.01m (low) 7 473 2.5 14 110 7 6 73 23 14 0.05 0.171 <0.005 0.56 0.00215-Jan-13 Weekly Low flow @ 0.01m (low) 7 488 3.7 <5 102 12 4 92 25 14 0.04 0.276 0.006 0.66 0.00222-Jan-13 Weekly Low flow @ 0.01m (low) 6.9 518 3.4 <5 106 11 1 91 24 14 0.03 0.261 0.008 0.46 0.002

28-Jan-13 Event Low flow @ 0.04m (low) 7 535 5 348 <5 127 107 6 2 100 26 15 0.07 0.358 0.006 0.57 0.001 <1 107 <2 566-Feb-13 Weekly Mod Flow @ 0.22m 6.8 215 16 71 5 28 6 11 41 7 5 1.49 0.037 0.015 1.20 0.00113-Feb-13 Weekly Mod Flow @ 0.06m 7.2 246 6 78 <5 32 8 10 47 10 6 0.77 0.047 <0.005 1.06 <0.00118-Feb-13 Weekly Mod/Low Flow 7.1 275 2 73 <5 38 8 10 50 10 7 0.43 0.054 <0.005 1.05 <0.00123-Feb-13 Event High flow 6.7 87 125 79 57 254 13 12 9 <1 18 2 2 5.61 0.170 0.024 4.63 0.003 <1 12 3 124-Mar-13 Weekly High flow @ 0.20m (mid board) 6.8 130 40 85 16 12 5 6 29 4 3 1.03 0.030 <0.005 0.72 <0.001

12-Mar-13 Weekly Mod flow @ 0.17m (low) 6.8 205 19 85 6 30 <1 8 41 7 4 0.62 0.035 <0.005 1.07 <0.00122-Mar-13 Weekly Low flow 7.4 255 10 70 <5 35 8 9 46 10 6 0.17 0.041 0.006 1.07 0.00127-Mar-13 Monthly Low flow 7.4 317 7 65 207 <5 59 47 3 9 52 12 7 0.18 0.044 0.006 1.04 <0.001 <1 47 <2 324-Apr-13 Event Low flow @ 0.06m (low) 7.5 310 5 57 203 <5 61 53 6 8 56 13 7 0.1 0.056 <0.005 0.98 <0.001 <1 53 <2 329-Apr-13 Weekly Low flow 7.6 281 9 76 18 51 5 8 52 13 7 0.36 0.045 0.014 1.00 <0.001

15-Apr-13 Weekly Low flow 7.5 289 6 73 <5 45 6 6 61 12 7 0.14 0.048 0.007 0.95 <0.00121-Apr-13 Event Low-mod flow @ 0.12 (low) 7.5 280 15 75 9 52 7 7 58 11 7 0.21 0.045 <0.005 0.81 <0.00130-Apr-13 Weekly Low flow 7.8 199 23 82 8 34 6 8 44 8 5 0.64 0.033 <0.005 0.92 <0.0017-May-13 Weekly Low flow 7.9 242 16 77 10 42 5 10 50 10 6 0.58 0.041 <0.005 1.06 <0.00114-May-13 Weekly Low flow 7.9 273 13 76 6 49 4 9 55 10 7 0.17 0.041 <0.005 0.90 <0.00121-May-13 Ecotox Low flow 7.8 290 10 75 188 <5 63 51 4 9 56 12 8 0.42 0.042 <0.005 1.16 <0.001 <1 51 <2 3424-May-13 Event High flow @ 0.70m 7.8 294 58 63 190 97 63 54 7 12 60 12 8 2.28 0.176 0.007 3.04 0.001 <1 54 <2 383-Jun-13 Weekly High flow @ 0.85m 7.8 170 72 85 27 27 5 8 37 6 4 1.97 0.058 0.007 1.94 0.002

11-Jun-13 Weekly Mod flow 7.8 175 36 93 10 29 4 7 33 7 5 1.49 0.023 <0.005 1.31 <0.00118-Jun-13 Weekly Mod low flow 7.3 228 22 88 10 37 5 8 44 9 6 1.12 0.022 0.006 1.25 0.00125-Jun-13 Weekly Low flow 7.7 240 17 9027-Jun-13 Event High flow @ 0.95 7.4 225 100 95

Min 6.7 87 2 29 57 5 13 12 3 1 18 2 2 0.03 0.021 0.005 0.33 0.001 <1 12 3 12Avg 7.4 337 20 68 239 26 80 62 6 8 64 15 9 0.70 0.087 0.009 1.05 0.001 <1 65 3 40Max 7.9 594 125 95 386 254 127 110 12 17 108 26 16 5.61 0.358 0.024 4.63 0.003 <1 107 3 64Var 0.1 16777 647 366 9219 2859 1373 849 5 8 599 46 16 1.06 0.007 0.000 0.56 0.000 886 241SD 0.3 130 25 19 96 53 37 29 2 3 24 7 4 1.03 0.082 0.005 0.75 0.001 30 16

ANZECC* 6.5-8.0 200-300 6-50 0.055 1.900 0.008 ID 0.001


Site 11 - Mammy Johnsons - Downstream of High Noon



(as N) mg/l

(as N) mg/l


23-Jul-12 <0.001 0.055 <0.0001 0.001 0.001 <0.001 0.002 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.03 <0.01 0.12 1.3 0.2429-Aug-12 <0.001 0.041 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 0.05 0.6 0.0527-Sep-12 <0.001 0.049 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 <0.01 <0.01 0.02 <0.1 <0.0129-Oct-12 <0.001 0.055 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.01 <0.01 0.02 0.4 0.0429-Nov-12 <0.001 0.053 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.03 <0.01 0.23 0.5 0.0810-Dec-12 0.001 0.059 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.03 <0.01 0.1 0.5 <0.0128-Jan-13 0.002 0.059 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.05 <0.01 0.09 0.6 0.2123-Feb-13 0.001 0.076 <0.0001 0.002 0.003 <0.001 0.002 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.01 <0.01 0.2 1.8 0.1727-Mar-13 <0.001 0.044 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.02 <0.01 8.08 10.3 <0.014-Apr-13 <0.001 0.047 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 0.1 <0.01 <0.01 0.02 0.3 0.03

21-May-13 <0.001 0.042 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.04 <0.01 0.03 0.4 0.0424-May-13 0.001 0.064 <0.0001 <0.001 0.002 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.02 <0.01 0.1 0.4 0.04

Min 0.001 0.041 <0.0001 0.001 0.001 <0.001 0.002 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 0.1 0.010 <0.01 0.02 0.3 0.03Avg 0.001 0.054 <0.0001 0.002 0.002 <0.001 0.002 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 0.1 0.027 <0.01 0.76 1.6 0.10Max 0.002 0.076 <0.0001 0.002 0.003 <0.001 0.002 <0.01 <0.001 <0.0001 <0.05 <0.0001 0.1 0.050 <0.01 8.08 10.3 0.24Var 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 5.33 8.6 0.01SD 0.001 0.010 0.001 0.001 0.000 0.013 2.31 2.9 0.08

ANZECC* 0.013 2E-04 0.001 0.003 0.011 0.011 0.00005 0.37 0.0006 0.9


Site 12 - Mammy Johnsons - Relton Property

Date Category Comment ph EC Turbidity DO TDS TSS Hardness Alkalinity Acidity SO4 Cl Ca Mg Al Mn Zn Fe CO3 Bicarb COD BOD Na


(as CaCO3)

mg/l

(as CaCO3)


(as

CaCO3)

(as CaCO3)

mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l

23-Jul-12 Event High flow 7.6 220 52 177 29 36 4 8 41 9 5 2.97 0.047 0.01 3.04 <1 36 23

29-Aug-12 Monthly Low flow 7.8 280 26 216 7 59 55 3 10 46 12 7 0.96 0.029 <0.005 1.09 <1 55 <2 30

12-Sep-12 Macro 6 56 6 9 51 13 8 0.55 0.036 0.007 0.92

27-Sep-12 Monthly Low flow 7.3 370 3 40 262 <5 81 65 5 <1 67 16 10 0.08 0.036 <0.005 0.59 <1 65 <2 37

29-Oct-12 Monthly Low flow 7.1 389 3 22 234 <5 97 80 9 7 78 19 12 0.06 0.291 0.018 0.49 <1 80 <2 45

29-Nov-12 Monthly Low flow 7.6 322 2 27 209 6 95 82 7 4 73 20 11 0.03 0.257 0.006 0.71 <1 82 <2 42

10-Dec-12 Event Low flow 7.4 402 6 261 6 86 82 9 2 66 18 10 0.06 0.418 0.022 0.85 <1 82 <2 40

28-Jan-13 Event Mod flow 6.9 370 35 241 32 89 65 12 <1 74 19 10 0.34 0.656 0.01 3.03 <1 65 <2 36

30-Jan-13 Spot Mod flow 7.4 154 32 8 25 10 5 7 31 5 3 1.10 0.031 <0.005 0.76 <1 10 51 <2 17

23-Feb-13 Event High flow 6.5 61 125 90 40 136 9 7 7 <10 13 2 1 4.65 0.099 0.013 3.31 <1 7 <2 9

27-Mar-13 Monthly Low flow 7.3 275 6 60 180 <5 56 46 8 8 50 11 7 0.18 0.04 0.015 1.02 <1 46 4 31

4-Apr-13 Event Low flow 7.7 300 15 65 195 6 61 52 6 7 49 13 7 0.46 0.033 0.008 0.94 <1 52 <2 29

24-May-13 Event High flow 7.4 140 75 95 91 58 34 21 4 3 37 7 4 2.28 0.079 0.018 2.04 <1 21 <2 20

27-Jun-13 Event High flow 7.6 160 70 100Min 6.5 61 2 22 40 6 9 7 3 2 13 2 1 0.03 0.029 0.006 0.49 <1 7 51 4 9Avg 7.4 265 35 62 191 29 63 51 7 7 52 13 7 1.06 0.158 0.013 1.45 <1 50 51 4 30Max 7.8 402 125 100 262 136 97 82 12 10 78 20 12 4.65 0.656 0.022 3.31 <1 82 51 4 45Var 0.1 11967 1382 948 4837 1704 898 663 6 7 365 33 11 2.00 0.038 0.000 1.06 721 120SD 0.4 109 37 31 70 41 30 26 3 3 19 6 3 1.41 0.195 0.005 1.03 27 11

ANZECC* 6.5-8.0 200-300 6-50 0.055 1.9 0.008 ID


Site 12 - Mammy Johnsons - Relton Property



(as N) mg/l

(as N) mg/l


23-Jul-12 <0.001 0.052 <0.0001 0.002 <0.001 0.001 <0.001 0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.03 <0.01 0.05 0.8 0.2

29-Aug-12 <0.001 0.042 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 <0.01 <0.01 0.05 0.4 <0.01

12-Sep-12 <0.001

27-Sep-12 <0.001 0.048 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 <0.01 <0.01 0.06 0.5 0.04

29-Oct-12 <0.001 0.063 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.03 <0.01 0.02 0.5 0.05

29-Nov-12 <0.001 0.053 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.06 <0.01 0.15 0.8 0.11

10-Dec-12 0.001 0.067 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.02 <0.01 0.13 0.7 0.07

28-Jan-13 0.003 0.066 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.04 <0.01 0.16 0.7 0.2

30-Jan-13 <0.001 0.035 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.02 <0.01 0.19 0.2 0.2

23-Feb-13 <0.001 0.058 <0.0001 0.002 0.002 0.003 <0.001 0.002 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 <0.01 <0.01 0.16 1.8 0.13

27-Mar-13 <0.001 0.045 <0.0001 <0.001 0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.06 <0.01 0.46 1.2 <0.01

4-Apr-13 <0.001 0.048 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 0.10 <0.01 <0.01 0.03 0.2 0.02

24-May-13 0.001 0.042 <0.0001 <0.001 0.002 0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 <0.01 <0.01 0.09 0.7 0.03

Min 0.001 0.035 <0.0001 0.002 0.001 0.001 <0.001 0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 0.1 0.020 <0.001 0.020 0.2 0.02Avg 0.002 0.052 <0.0001 0.002 0.002 0.002 <0.001 0.002 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 0.1 0.037 <0.001 0.129 0.7 0.11Max 0.003 0.067 <0.0001 0.002 0.002 0.003 <0.001 0.002 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 0.1 0.060 <0.001 0.460 1.8 0.20Var 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.014 0.2 0.01SD 0.001 0.010 0.000 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.017 0.119 0.4 0.07

ANZECC* 0.013 0.0002 0.001 0.0014 0.003 0.011 0.011 0.00005 0.37 0.0006 0.9


Site 15 - Mammy Johnsons - Tereel



(as CaCO3)

mg/l(as

CaCO3) mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l

(as CaCO3)

mg/l(as

CaCO3) mg/l mg/l

23-Jul-12 Event Mod-high flow 7.3 215 27.0 145 14 36 3 8 40 8 5 1.52 0.019 <0.005 1.16 <1 36 2229-Aug-12 Monthly Low flow 8.1 225 21.0 137 6 40 33 2 8 41 8 5 0.53 0.014 <0.005 0.73 <1 33 <2 2327-Sep-12 Monthly Low flow 7.6 275 3.3 53 178 <5 50 34 3 <1 58 10 6 0.12 0.027 <0.005 0.51 <1 34 <2 2529-Oct-12 Monthly Low flow 7.0 301 2.1 31 194 12 74 43 6 6 72 15 9 0.08 0.073 0.009 0.89 <1 43 <2 3329-Nov-12 Monthly Low flow 7.6 322 6.2 209 <5 68 44 5 5 65 14 8 0.06 0.079 0.012 0.48 <1 44 <2 31

10-Dec-12 Event Low flow 7.4 326 6.8 212 6 65 48 10 5 60 13 8 0.20 0.236 0.020 0.80 <1 48 <2 30

28-Jan-12 Event Mod flow, tannins 7.2 260 8.0 169 5 50 26 4 3 58 10 6 0.09 0.111 0.007 1.69 <1 26 <2 2623-Feb-13 Event No safe access, river in flood and roads closed.27-Mar-13 Monthly Low flow 7.2 195 4.0 85 128 <5 40 24 6 4 42 8 5 0.20 0.014 0.010 0.60 <1 24 <2 244-Apr-13 Event Low flow 7.6 200 6.0 95 130 <5 36 25 3 6 42 8 4 0.15 0.017 0.008 0.59 <1 25 <2 21

24-May-13 Event High flow 7.4 130 60.0 90 85 34 25 10 3 <1 38 5 3 1.68 0.044 0.007 1.16 <1 10 <2 1927-Jun-13 Event High flow 8.0 130 67.0 100

Min 7.0 130 2 31 85 5 25 10 2 3 38 5 3 0.06 0.014 0.007 0.48 <1 10 <2 19Avg 7.5 234 19 76 159 13 50 32 5 6 52 10 6 0.46 0.063 0.010 0.86 <1 32 <2 25Max 8.1 326 67 100 212 34 74 48 10 8 72 15 9 1.68 0.236 0.020 1.69 <1 48 <2 33Var 0.1 4780 541 753 1661 121 268 130 6 3 152 10 4 0.38 0.005 0.000 0.14 130 21SD 0.3 69 23 27 41 11 16 11 2 2 12 3 2 0.62 0.069 0.005 0.38 11 5

ANZECC* 6.5-8.0 200-300 6-50 0.055 1.9 0.008 ID


Site 15 - Mammy Johnsons - Tereel



(as N) mg/l

(as N) mg/l


23-Jul-12 <0.001 0.038 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 <0.01 <0.01 0.03 0.4 0.0429-Aug-12 <0.001 0.033 <0.0001 0.003 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.002 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 <0.01 <0.01 0.02 0.4 <0.0127-Sep-12 <0.001 0.040 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 0.3 0.0429-Oct-12 <0.001 0.050 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 <0.01 <0.01 0.02 0.4 0.0329-Nov-12 <0.001 0.045 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.03 <0.01 0.11 0.6 0.08

10-Dec-12 0.001 0.053 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.03 <0.01 0.16 0.9 0.03

28-Jan-12 0.001 0.049 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.01 <0.01 0.08 0.5 0.0423-Feb-13 No safe access, river in flood and roads closed.27-Mar-13 <0.001 0.034 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.02 <0.01 <0.01 0.1 <0.014-Apr-13 <0.001 0.036 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 0.10 0.02 <0.01 <0.01 0.2 0.04

24-May-13 <0.001 0.036 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.02 <0.01 0.1 0.6 0.06

Min 0.001 0.033 <0.0001 0.003 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.002 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 0.1 0.01 <0.01 0.02 0.1 0.03Avg 0.001 0.041 <0.0001 0.003 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.002 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 0.1 0.02 <0.01 0.07 0.4 0.05Max 0.001 0.053 <0.0001 0.003 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.002 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 0.1 0.03 <0.01 0.16 0.9 0.08Var 0.000 0.000 0.00 0.00 0.1 0.00SD 0.000 0.007 0.01 0.05 0.2 0.02

ANZECC* 0.013 0.0002 0.001 0.0014 0.0034 0.011 0.011 0.00005 0.37 0.0006 0.9


Site 19 - Karuah River (Washpool Turnoff)



(as CaCO3)

mg/l

(as CaCO3)


(as CaCO3)

mg/l

(as CaCO3)

mg/l mg/l mg/l02-Jul-12 Weekly Mod flow 7.5 160 14.0 <5 43 <1 7 38 10 6 0.37 0.014 <0.005 0.64 <0.00109-Jul-12 Weekly Mod flow 7.9 326 15.0 <5 55 4 7 47 12 7 0.56 0.017 0.010 0.87 <0.00118-Jul-12 Weekly Mod flow 7.9 290 17.0 <5 49 3 10 42 14 8 0.58 0.016 <0.005 0.84 <0.00123-Jul-12 Event High flow 7.7 269 63.0 215 33 48 4 10 45 10 7 2.92 0.046 0.007 2.87 0.001 <1 48 2730-Jul-12 Weekly Mod flow 7.7 260 31.0 <5 46 5 9 37 10 6 2.05 0.023 <0.005 1.86 <0.001

06-Aug-12 Weekly Mod flow 7.6 285 17.0 8 51 3 7 33 10 6 0.41 0.016 <0.005 0.72 <0.00114-Aug-12 Weekly High flow 7.7 180 53.0 10 26 4 4 21 5 3 2.57 0.027 <0.005 1.79 <0.00120-Aug-12 Weekly Mod flow 7.5 215 31.0 <5 35 3 8 27 8 5 0.63 0.016 <0.005 0.72 <0.00129-Aug-12 Monthly Low-mod flow 7.9 215 13.0 130 6 50 47 2 7 32 10 6 0.65 0.015 <0.005 0.70 <0.001 <1 47 <2 2203-Sep-12 Weekly Low-mod flow 7.5 245 9.0 <5 46 3 6 29 10 5 0.16 0.014 <0.005 0.43 <0.00110-Sep-12 Weekly Low-mod flow 7.3 250 9.0 <5 48 5 6 33 10 6 0.13 0.015 <0.005 0.31 <0.00117-Sep-12 Weekly Low flow 7.2 240 4.0 <5 52 4 6 33 11 6 0.16 0.010 <0.005 0.31 <0.00127-Sep-12 Monthly Low flow 7.4 227 3.5 51 157 <5 52 51 3 <1 39 11 6 0.09 0.012 <0.005 0.29 <0.001 <1 51 <2 2003-Oct-12 Weekly Low flow 7.4 240 3.5 90 <5 50 4 <1 33 12 6 0.10 0.022 <0.005 0.29 <0.00109-Oct-12 Weekly Very Low Flow 7.1 230 4.8 80 6 51 4 <1 38 11 6 0.12 0.021 <0.005 0.30 <0.00116-Oct-12 Weekly Low Flow 6.9 220 3.2 72 <5 50 4 4 39 12 6 0.12 0.019 <0.005 0.29 <0.001

23-Oct-12 Weekly Low Flow 7.4 248 4.2 54 6 61 3 6 38 12 7 0.07 0.026 <0.005 0.21 <0.00129-Oct-12 Monthly Low Flow 7.2 242 4.0 60 148 <5 61 58 5 5 42 13 7 0.08 0.024 <0.005 0.28 <0.001 <1 58 <2 23

06-Nov-12 Weekly Low Flow 7.9 280 2.7 57 <5 61 <1 5 39 14 8 0.08 0.026 <0.005 0.28 <0.00113-Nov-12 Weekly Low Flow 8 200 3.3 63 6 43 5 4 25 10 5 0.13 0.023 0.007 0.39 <0.00120-Nov-12 Weekly Low Flow 8.1 260 3.3 62 <5 46 7 4 35 12 6 0.08 0.035 0.006 0.35 <0.00129-Nov-12 Monthly Low Flow 7.7 217 4.1 45 142 <5 55 45 4 4 34 12 6 0.10 0.042 <0.005 0.36 <0.001 <1 45 <2 2004-Dec-12 Weekly Low Flow 7.0 191 2.9 36 <5 46 5 4 28 10 5 0.08 0.043 <0.005 0.40 <0.001

10-Dec-12 Event Low Flow 7.5 244 6.1 159 <5 55 54 5 4 36 12 6 0.09 0.080 <0.005 0.44 <0.001 <1 54 <2 2219-Dec-12 Weekly 8.0 332 4.4 <5 70 3 5 53 16 10 0.11 0.047 <0.005 0.44 <0.00127-Dec-12 Weekly 7.8 246 6.4 8 60 7 4 31 15 8 0.14 0.103 0.044 0.69 0.00303-Jan-13 Weekly Low Flow 7.8 280 5.0 6 58 4 5 46 15 8 0.12 0.072 0.009 0.40 0.00108-Jan-13 Weekly Low Flow 6.9 276 3.9 <5 57 5 5 39 14 7 0.05 0.088 <0.005 0.35 0.00115-Jan-13 Weekly Low Flow 6.8 287 3.7 <5 60 9 4 48 15 8 0.11 0.084 <0.005 0.42 <0.00122-Jan-13 Weekly Low Flow 6.6 236 4.5 <5 49 10 1 36 12 6 0.04 0.082 <0.005 0.50 0.002

28-Jan-13 Event Mod-low flow 7.4 205 6 133 <5 46 44 5 2 33 10 5 0.13 0.050 <0.005 0.58 <0.001 <1 44 <2 186-Feb-13 Weekly Mod Flow 7 226 15 56 <5 24 7 9 32 7 4 1.24 0.024 0.011 0.98 0.001

13-Feb-13 Weekly Mod Flow 7.4 136 15 88 6 20 6 4 21 6 3 1.10 0.022 <0.005 0.90 <0.00118-Feb-13 Weekly Mod Flow 7.5 225 4 78 5 28 6 6 28 6 4 0.56 0.030 <0.005 0.72 <0.00123-Feb-13 Event High flow 6.8 82 112 85 53 192 13 13 5 <10 18 2 2 5.95 0.103 0.014 5.20 0.003 <1 13 <2 124-Mar-13 Weekly High flow 7.1 110 45 95 12 17 4 5 24 5 3 1.30 0.028 0.028 0.99 <0.00112-Mar-13 Weekly Mod flow 6.8 145 12 85 6 26 <1 5 29 6 3 0.16 0.018 <0.005 0.40 <0.00122-Mar-13 Weekly Mod flow 7.5 165 6 75 <5 28 6 4 31 8 4 0.12 0.018 0.017 0.42 0.00827-Mar-13 Monthly Mod flow 7.8 170 5 70 112 <5 36 34 4 3 29 8 4 0.18 0.058 0.020 0.48 0.002 <1 34 3 214-Apr-13 Event Mod flow 7.6 214 10 60 140 <5 46 42 4 5 36 10 5 0.15 0.038 0.031 0.63 <0.001 <1 42 <2 209-Apr-13 Weekly Mod flow 7.7 209 6 65 7 44 4 5 39 10 5 0.19 0.016 0.006 0.55 <0.00115-Apr-13 Weekly Mod flow 8 196 5 55 <5 42 5 4 38 10 5 0.10 0.015 0.009 0.43 0.00221-Apr-13 Event Mod flow 7.3 285 60 83 35 54 5 6 56 12 8 1.22 0.032 <0.005 1.30 <0.00130-Apr-13 Weekly Low flow 8.1 184 13 67 7 30 6 6 36 8 4 0.49 0.016 <0.005 0.63 0.0017-May-13 Weekly Low flow 8.4 186 7 80 20 39 3 6 32 7 5 0.25 0.015 <0.005 0.46 <0.001

14-May-13 Weekly Mod flow 8.4 198 6 63 8 40 3 5 34 7 5 0.26 0.015 <0.005 0.46 <0.00121-May-13 Weekly Low flow 8 180 5 95 117 <5 41 3 5 30 9 5 0.18 0.012 <0.005 0.42 <0.00124-May-13 Event Mod flow 8 200 7 85 130 5 50 42 3 6 42 10 6 0.30 0.016 0.010 0.55 <0.001 <1 42 <2 253-Jun-13 Weekly High flow 8.2 215 70 85 23 36 4 9 43 9 6 2.21 0.051 0.009 2.18 0.00211-Jun-13 Weekly High flow 8.3 171 25 88 13 34 3 6 31 8 5 0.88 0.017 0.009 0.90 <0.00118-Jun-13 Weekly Mod flow 7.5 219 26 70 <5 39 3 7 41 10 6 0.66 0.015 0.008 0.85 <0.00125-Jun-13 Weekly Mod flow 7.9 184 10 9327-Jun-13 Event High flow 7.4 248 115 95

Min 6.6 82 3 36 53 5 13 13 2 1 18 2 2 0.04 0.010 0.006 0.21 0.001 <1 13 3 12Avg 7.6 222 18 72 136 19 46 44 5 6 35 10 6 0.60 0.033 0.014 0.76 0.002 <1 43 3 21Max 8.4 332 115 95 215 192 61 70 10 10 56 16 10 5.95 0.103 0.044 5.20 0.008 <1 58 3 27Var 0.2 2480 630 251 1392 1561 182 150 3 4 59 8 2 1.03 0.001 0.000 0.67 0.000 144 15SD 0.4 50 25 16 37 40 14 12 2 2 8 3 2 1.01 0.025 0.010 0.82 0.002 12 4

ANZECC* 6.5-8.0 200-300 6-50 0.06 1.900 0.008 ID 0.001


Site 19 - Karuah River (Washpool Turnoff)



(as N) mg/l

(as N) mg/l


23-Jul-12 <0.001 0.044 <0.0001 0.002 0.001 <0.001 0.002 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.02 <0.01 0.09 1.1 0.1829-Aug-12 <0.001 0.025 <0.0001 0.002 <0.001 <0.001 0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 <0.01 <0.01 0.05 0.4 <0.0127-Sep-12 <0.001 0.023 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 <0.01 <0.01 0.02 0.3 0.0729-Oct-12 <0.001 0.026 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.04 <0.01 0.01 0.3 0.0329-Nov-12 <0.001 0.023 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.03 <0.01 0.13 0.5 0.0910-Dec-12 <0.001 0.027 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 <0.01 <0.01 0.07 0.6 0.0728-Jan-13 <0.001 0.024 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.06 <0.01 0.18 0.6 0.1323-Feb-13 0.001 0.058 <0.0001 0.003 0.003 <0.001 0.002 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 <0.01 <0.01 0.11 1.9 0.2227-Mar-13 <0.001 0.023 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.05 <0.01 0.02 0.8 <0.014-Apr-13 <0.001 0.027 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 0.10 0.02 <0.01 0.06 0.4 0.04

24-May-13 0.001 0.024 <0.0001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.01 <0.01 0.08 0.4 0.08Min 0.001 0.023 <0.0001 0.002 0.001 <0.001 0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.010 <0.01 0.010 0.300 0.030Avg 0.001 0.029 <0.0001 0.002 0.002 <0.001 0.002 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.033 <0.01 0.075 0.664 0.101Max 0.001 0.058 <0.0001 0.003 0.003 <0.001 0.002 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.05 <0.0001 <0.1 0.060 <0.01 0.180 1.900 0.220Var 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.003 0.225 0.004SD 0.011 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.018 0.052 0.474 0.064

ANZECC* 0.013 0.000 0.001 0.003 0.011 0.011 0.0001 0.37 0.0006 0.9


6.0

6.5

7.0

7.5

8.0

8.5

9.0


Duralie Surface Water Monitoring ‐ pHJuly 2012 to June 2013

SW1 ‐ Schultz (KR) SW2 ‐DCPL (CSC) SW2 RC ‐Rail Culvert DCPL (CSC)

SW2 Upstream ‐Cheerup Rd DCPL (CSC) SW6 ‐DCPL SW9 ‐ Fisher Webster (UNT)

SW10 ‐DCPL (CSC) GB1 ‐DCPL (MJR) Highnoon ‐ (MJR)

Site 9 ‐ Stroud Road Bridge (KR) Site 11 ‐ Schultz (MJR) Site 12 ‐Relton (MJR)

Site 15 ‐Tereel (MJR) Site 19 ‐Washpool Bridge (KR)

0200400600800

10001200140016001800200022002400


Duralie Surface Water Monitoring ‐ EC (µS/cm)July 2012 to June 2013

SW1 ‐ Schultz (KR) SW2 ‐ DCPL (CSC) SW2 RC ‐ Rail Culvert DCPL (CSC)

SW2 Upstream ‐ Cheerup Rd DCPL (CSC) SW6 ‐ DCPL SW9 ‐ Fisher Webster (UNT)

SW10 ‐ DCPL (CSC) GB1 ‐ DCPL (MJR) Highnoon ‐ (MJR)



0

100

200

300

400

500

600


Duralie Surface Water Monitoring ‐ TSS (mg/L)July 2012 to June 2013

SW1 ‐ Schultz (KR) SW2 ‐ DCPL (CSC) SW2 RC ‐ Rail Culvert DCPL (CSC)

SW2 Upstream ‐ Cheerup Rd DCPL (CSC) SW6 ‐ DCPL SW9 ‐ Fisher Webster (UNT)

SW10 ‐ DCPL (CSC) GB1 ‐ DCPL (MJR) Highnoon ‐ (MJR)



Duralie Coal Project

Biological Monitoring of the Streams Adjacent to the

Duralie Coal Mine Study 1, Survey 22, September 2012.

INVERTEBRATE IDENTIFICATION AUSTRALASIA 51 Panorama Parade, Panania, NSW 2213, Phone (02) 6771 1458 Mobile 0412 372 388

Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


2

Table of Contents

Executive Summary ................................................................................................. 3

Introduction .............................................................................................................. 4

Study Area and Sampling Sites ............................................................................... 4

General Description ................................................................................................. 4

Mammy Johnsons River .......................................................................................... 4

Karuah River ............................................................................................................ 4

Small Tributary Sites (Sites M6 and M8) .............................................................. 6

Methodology ............................................................................................................. 7

Macroinvertebrate Sampling .................................................................................. 7

Identification ............................................................................................................. 7

September 2012 Site Images .................................................................................... 8

Data Analysis .......................................................................................................... 10

Measured Indices .................................................................................................... 10

Comparative Indices .............................................................................................. 11

Silt Tolerant Species ............................................................................................... 12

Physico-Chemical Data .......................................................................................... 12

Results ..................................................................................................................... 12

Macroinvertebrate Data ........................................................................................ 12



Discussion ................................................................................................................ 25

Acknowledgements ................................................................................................. 26

References ............................................................................................................... 26

Appendix 1 .............................................................................................................. 28

Appendix 2 .............................................................................................................. 30

Cover photograph – Dense riparian vegetation upstream of Site M3, Mammy Johnsons River.

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Executive Summary

Duralie Coal Pty Ltd commenced the establishment of an open cut coalmine in 2002, adjacent to the Mammy Johnsons River, and upstream from the village of Stroud Road. As part of Duralie Coal’s environmental monitoring program, Invertebrate Identification Australasia was commissioned to conduct biological monitoring of the streams near the mine including portions of the Mammy Johnsons and Karuah Rivers. This report is the 22nd environmental assessment of the aquatic ecosystems associated with the Duralie Mine and is the 21st since the mine became operational. A total of seven sites were sampled on the 12th September 2012 for aquatic macroinvertebrates and water quality using rapid assessment techniques. This includes one site on the Karuah River above the junction with Mammy Johnsons River and five sites on the Mammy Johnsons River above and below the mining operations (including Site M6 - Coal Shaft Creek). Site M8 has also continued as a control site to monitoring the natural variability of water quality and the local macroinvertebrate community of a small intermittent tributary of the Mammy Johnsons River system . The previous survey site, Site DDD1 has been discontinued due to the establishment of a larger onsite water storage dam (DDD3) and will therefore not be included in this or future surveys. This was a water storage dam within the mining operation area, which was established to assess any impacts of potential saline run-off from the irrigation of saline mine water onto the ridges and slopes surrounding the mining area. A total of 76 genera of aquatic macroinvertebrates were recorded representing 53 families. This included 23 EPT taxa (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera feeding guild) and 10 silt tolerant taxa. In addition, six biological indices were used to determine the condition of the streams in and adjacent to the study area. Over the last 6 months, only 3 significant rainfall events (i.e. > 20mm) have occurred, with both events occurring in early to mid June. There were no major rainfall events (i.e. > 50mm) in the six months prior to the current survey, and only 10 small events (between 10-20mm) totally 136.8mm over the six month period. The lack of major events and only small sporadic rainfall events has resulted in an extended period of low flows. Available data indicates that even though the streams have experienced low flow conditions all sites have continued to retain healthy macroinvertebrate communities with increased numbers of both the shredder/grazer community and silt tolerant taxa across most sites due to the consistently high water quality conditions and low scouring impact on the substrate of the low flows. At this stage there has been little to no fine sediment or algae build on the substrate. The results of the current survey indicate that there has been a consistent high level in ecosystem condition compared with the same period in previous years and there is no evidence of any adverse effects on the aquatic macroinvertebrate community over the last six months. Therefore, there appears to be no adverse effects on the aquatic ecosystem as a result of the mine’s operations.

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Introduction Duralie Coal Pty Ltd commenced an open cut coalmine operation in 2002, adjacent to the Mammy Johnsons River, upstream of the township of Stroud Road. As part of Duralie Coal’s environmental monitoring program, Invertebrate Identification Australasia was commissioned to conduct biological monitoring of the streams near the mine. Seven sites were sampled on the 12th September 2012 for aquatic macroinvertebrates and water quality using rapid assessment techniques. This is the 22nd environmental assessment of the aquatic ecosystems of Mammy Johnsons River and the Karuah River above the junction with Mammy Johnsons River. Aquatic macroinvertebrate communities have been used consistently across Australia as a reliable and cost effective environmental indicator of stream and aquatic ecosystem condition for more than 30 years. These invertebrate communities have long been recognised as being ideally suited for the assessment of river health and condition as they are diverse, occupy every niche within a water body including the riverbed, water column and surface, are one of the major contributors to the processing of energy through a river system and respond directly to physico-chemical changes within the aquatic environment. The composition of this community consists of a range of predators, grazers, shredders and filter feeders and reliably reflects both natural and threatening processes operating within a catchment. The ubiquitous distribution and specific habitat and physiological requirements of each component at both the species and community levels, enables the use of their diversity as an indicator of ecological disturbance within a catchment.

Study Area and Sampling Sites General Description The Duralie Coal Mine is situated approximately 5 km northeast of the village of Stroud Road on the western side of Mammy Johnsons River on the New South Wales lower North Coast. The Mammy Johnsons River is a tributary of the Karuah River. The Mammy Johnsons and the Karuah Rivers are the two major watercourses which have the potential to be affected by operations from the Duralie mine. Seven sites were sampled for aquatic macroinvertebrates and water quality using rapid assessment techniques (Figure 1, Table 1). Low flow conditions have been a common feature of both river systems over the last 3-4 years although there has been high flow periods in the later part of 2011 and the first six months of 2012. Over the last six months there has been a return to low flow levels resulting in an extended period of low flows up to the current survey. Four sites are located along Mammy Johnsons River, with two located above the mine (Sites M1 and M2) and two below the mining area (Sites M3 and M4). One site is located on the Karuah River (Site M5) at Stroud Road, upstream of the junction with Mammy Johnsons River. Two sites are located on small tributaries of the Mammy Johnsons River, one site (Site M6) is located on Coal Shaft Creek, which drains the mining lease and one site (Site M8) is located on a small unnamed tributary which enters the river between Sites M1 and M2 and drains clean water from the catchment in the northern section of the mining lease. Mammy Johnsons River (See Photos 1-8, 15-18) For a more complete description of Sites M1-M4 see Survey 13. During the current survey the pools and riffles were slightly turbid with very low water levels. Macrophytes were present in most riffles in Mammy Johnson River with no green filamentous algae or silt build up on the substrate found at any of the sites. All river sites had substantial leaf pack build up associated with the riffle section of the stream. Karuah River (See Photos 9-10) For a more complete description of Site M5 see Survey 13. The water visibility was again slightly turbid, similar to that observed within the Mammy Johnsons River for the current survey and with very low water levels. No green filamentous algae were observed in the Karuah River, and the cobbles and boulders in the riffles were clean of any algae or silt. The Karuah also had substantial leaf packs develop within the riffle section of the river.

5

Figure 1. Map showing the locations of Sites M1 - M8. Map supplied by Duralie Mine.

6

Site code Site name and description Grid Reference

M1 Mammy Johnsons River (MJR) above mine area. 400771E 6430982N

M2 MJR - downstream of Site M1, above the mine area 401510E 6425850N

M3 MJR - downstream of Site M2 and below mine area 400760E 6425310N

M4 MJR - downstream of Site M3 below mine area, 30m W. of Johnsons Ck Rd 400280E 6422510N

M5 Karuah River at Stroud-Dungog Rd, Stroud Road 398940E 6420530N

M6 Coal Shaft Creek at last pool before it enters the MJR above Site M3. 400740E 6425410N

M8 Small tributary stream that joins with MJR between Sites M1 & M2. 400282E 6430092N

Table 1. Sampling sites.

Small Tributary Sites (Sites M6 and M8) (See Photos 11-12, 13-14) These two sites are small tributaries of the Mammy Johnsons River. Site M6 (= Water Quality Site SW2) was added in Survey 14 in order to monitor the ecosystem within Coal Shaft Creek. Coal Shaft Creek (Site M6) is a small ephemeral stream, which lies partially within the mining lease and has been diverted around the mining operation. This watercourse discharges into the Mammy Johnsons River approximately 50-100m upstream of survey Site M3. The diverted section of stream has limited vegetation in the upper section but has a dense native riparian zone in the lower reaches adjoining Mammy Johnsons River. This dense vegetation provides substantial shading and terrestrial habitat for both terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates and buffers overland sediment transport. The stream, below the diversion, contains permanent water in large pools which are very probably fed and sustained by groundwater seepage. The stream in the lower reaches does respond quickly to rainfall events but still continues to have a low flow for extended periods after rain. The substrate within the lower pools is bedrock lined with deep fine sediments, clay and detrital material. The sediments are anoxic at depth due to the buildup of allochthonous matter (leaves and twigs) and the accumulation of fine grained clays. The pool at the time of the survey was slightly turbid or cloudy with a low flow. Site M8 is a control site added in September, 2009 to replace Site M7 (= Site SW7) and is located downstream of Site SW7, north of the mine lease on the same small unnamed tributary (see Figure 1). The purpose of monitoring the northern, unnamed stream is as a control site and was established to provide background data in light of a then proposed (now approved) application to extend existing approved mining operations to the north. The sampling location is downstream of approved areas for mining. Site M8 is on a very small drainage line/tributary stream of Mammy Johnsons River. The stream drains into the Mammy Johnsons River between Sites M1 and M2. The stream consists of a steep, mostly dry ephemeral upper gully section that only flows during rainfall, with a dense, open, dry sclerophyll riparian zone. The channel of the stream narrows down in the lower portion to a series of small pools connected by small runnels or subsurface (hyporheic) flow and is surrounded by a narrow riparian zone of Paper Bark (Melaleuca sp.) and wet sclerophyll species. The sampling site consists of several small permanent/semi-permanent pools in the lower reaches of the stream that are connected after rain. The stream is essentially ephemeral, consisting of a sand bed substrate. The pools in the lower half of the stream are essentially fed by groundwater seepage as indicated by the semi-permanent pools and the elevated salinity levels. Several springs/seepage zones were found upstream of the site during the initial survey, which accounts for the relatively high biodiversity recorded i.e. the semi-permanent nature of the water supply allows for a greater diversity and different composition than would have been possible in a truly temporary/ephemeral stream. Most of the surrounding slopes have been cleared and are currently used for cattle grazing. There is some minor erosion on the banks caused by the cattle along the stream and around the seepage zones. The stream substrate consists mainly of a clay base with fine sands and gravels within the central channel with small amounts of allochthonous material (leaves and twigs) on

7

top. During the current survey there was no flow, however, the pools were full. There was no green surface alga and fine allochthonous matter in the pools, due to earlier higher flows. The water had a very dark colour as a result of the leaching of tannins from the riparian vegetation.

Methodology Macroinvertebrate Sampling Each site was sampled using two standardized methods outlined in the River Bioassessment Manual (Anonymous, 1994) and the NSW AUSRIVAS (Australian River Assessment System) sampling and processing manual (Turak et al., 2004). For a more detailed outline of the methods used see Survey 13. In addition to the method previously described, edges (pools) and riffles were sampled separately and live picked in the field as described below. Live picking in the field Once the sample has been collected, it is placed in a large white tray. Live sorting in the field is conducted according to the following rules:

Collect approximately 200 invertebrates (plus or minus 40) in 30 minutes, If new taxa are found in the last five minutes of the 30 minute sorting period, continue sorting for an

additional 10 minutes beyond the original 30 minutes, focusing on the search for new taxa. If new taxa are found in this time then sorting continues for an additional 10 minutes. This can continue for up to a maximum of 60 minutes.

If the sample has a particularly low abundance of invertebrates (for example fewer than 100 invertebrates have been found in 30 minutes), continue sorting for an additional 10 minutes. If no new taxa are found in the extra 10 minutes, cease sorting. If new taxa are found, continue as previously described for up to a maximum of 60 minutes.

Once the live pick has been completed, the sample is labeled, preserved and returned to the lab for further sorting and identification.

The remaining material is also packaged, labeled, preserved and returned to the lab for further sorting and identification in order to give a more comprehensive assessment of overall biodiversity. All samples are preserved in the field with 100% ethanol and returned to the laboratory for sorting and identification. Physico-Chemical Data Physical and chemical parameters were measured at each site in situ and included temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity and pH using a calibrated water quality multimeter. Water samples were collected in the field at the time of the macroinvertebrate surveys using the method below and analyzed by a NATA accredited Laboratory. Nutrients: Water samples were collected for laboratory analysis of total phosphorus (TP), nitrates and nitrites (NOx), Alkalinity and Turbidity. The protocols described below are followed during their collection and storage:

Collection of water samples for water chemistry is conducted before the site is disturbed by other sampling activities.

Collect the sample in an area of flow and upstream of the sample collector’s position in the stream. For nutrient samples only, the bottles and caps are rinsed the bottles with stream water two to three times

before filling them. Identification Specimens were identified to genus where possible, (except for Chironomidae, Oligochaeta and Platyhelminthes which were identified to family/subfamily), using a combination of current taxonomic works and keys and comparison with voucher specimens in the reference collections of Invertebrate

8

Identification. Identification references included Williams (1981) and the taxonomic identification series produced by the Murray Darling Freshwater Research Centre. September 2012 Site Images The following eighteen photographs (Photos 1-18) illustrate the prevailing conditions at each site along the two rivers, and the two tributaries.

1. 2. Site M1, viewed downstream stream (1); viewed upstream (2), taken September, 2012.

3. 4. Site M2, viewed downstream (3), viewed upstream (4), taken September, 2012.

5. 6.

Site M3, viewed downstream (5); viewed upstream (6), taken September, 2012.

7. 8.


9

9. 10.


11. 12. Site M6, viewed downstream (11); viewed upstream (12), taken September, 2012.

13. 14. Site M8, viewed downstream (13); viewed upstream (14), taken September, 2012.

Riparian Condition A preliminary examination of the condition of the instream riparian zone was conducted 100m upstream and downstream at each of the sites to determine if there had been any impacts to the structure and health of this component of riverine ecosystem. All sites, except for Sites M1 had an intact bank structure and riparian zone vegetation.

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15. 16. Site M1, erosion of eastern, downstream bank, taken September, 2012.

17. 18. Site M2, viewed downstream, erosion of eastern bank (17); Site M4, viewed downstream, erosion of eastern bank (18), taken September, 2012. Three sites were found to have an impacted/degrading bank structure. These were Sites M1, M2 and M4. In each case the erosion is occurring where there has previously been either a roadway or cattle access track. The downstream edges of the tracks are located at the downstream terminus of riffles, which has created an embankment which is being progressively eroded during numerous flood events. This is resulting in the loss of bank structure, exposure of the riparian root zones of the riparian trees and the loss of several trees at Site M1. The erosion of Sites M2 and M4 is relatively small, localized and recent with only one tree being impacted at Site M2 (Photo 17.) while at Site M4 a small bench/island of Lomandra sp. and Tea tree (Melaleuca sp.) (Photo 18) are starting to be undercut. The current and future adverse effects of this erosion will be the loss of the immediate riparian trees, the input of sediments to the stream and the possible spread of the erosion edge downstream.

Data Analysis Measured Indices AUSRIVAS. The Australian Rivers Assessment System, or AUSRIVAS, is a predictive modeling tool for assessing river ecosystem health (Davies 2000, Simpson & Norris 2000). Using a suite of mathematical models, AUSRIVAS predicts the invertebrates that should be present in specific stream habitats under reference conditions. It does this by comparing a test site with a group of reference sites which are as free as possible of environmental impacts, and have similar physical and chemical characteristics to those found at the test site. Sometimes the AUSRIVAS models do not produce an O/E score for a given site and instead describe the site as being ‘outside the experience of the model’. This indicates that one or a combination of the environmental predictor variables places the test site beyond the scope of that encompassed by the reference sites used to build the model. In these cases, no assessment can be made using the AUSRIVAS index and assessments must be based on the other indices(RBA, 2003). See Table 2 for a breakdown of the AUSRIVAS index values and water quality status.

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Band categories for AUSRIVAS O/E Family Scores.

Band Label Band Name Comments

X Richer than reference

More families found than expected; potential biodiversity ‘hot spot’ or possible mild organic enrichment.

A Reference Score is within range of the central 80% of reference sites.

B Below reference Fewer families than expected; loss of families due to mild impact on water and/or habitat quality.

C Well below reference

Many fewer families than expected; loss of families due to moderate to severe impact on water and/or habitat quality.

D Impoverished Very few families collected; highly degraded site; very poor water and/or habitat quality.

Table 2. AUSRIVAS Index. SIGNAL. SIGNAL is an acronym for ‘Stream Invertebrate Grade Number - Average Level’, and is a biotic index of pollution tolerance or sensitivity of stream invertebrates and was originally developed for use in the lower Blue Mountains (Chessman, 1995). Chessman et al., (1997) released a modified version; SIGNAL-HU97B, developed for the Hunter Valley, which is to the south, and its aquatic communities are more comparable to those found within the study area. See Table 3 for a breakdown of the SIGNAL-HU97B values and water quality status.

SIGNAL-HU97B Water Quality Status >7 Excellent 6-7 Good 5-6 Fair 4-5 Poor <4 Very poor

Table 3. Interpretation of the water quality status using SIGNAL-HU97B scores (Chessman et al., 1997). EPT Richness. The EPT (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera) score is based on the observation that the majority of these taxa are particularly pollution sensitive (Lenat, 1988, see Table 4). For further details sees Survey 13.

EPT genus richness Water Quality Status >6 Healthy 5-6 Slightly impaired 3-4 Moderately impaired 1-2 Severely impaired 0 Grossly impaired

Table 4. Interpretation of the water quality status using EPT genus richness scores (Besley et al., 1996; Besley & Growns, 1998). Comparative Indices Number of Families. All macroinvertebrate families are separated and counted. The number of families present generally decreases with decreasing water quality and is used as a comparative measure of community change over time. Functional Feeding Groups. Ratio of shredder taxa to total number of taxa. As with Numbers of Families the higher the ratio of shredders the better the water quality and is used as a comparative measure of community changes over time.

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Silt Tolerant Species The Environmental Management Plan of the Duralie Mine states that the aquatic fauna assemblages need to be assessed for silt tolerant fauna, as the presence of such fauna can provide an indication of the degree of heavy sediment pollution. The main indicator families are the Dugesiidae, Lymnaeidae, Ancylidae, Planorbidae, Psephenidae, Chironomidae, Caenidae, Pyralidae and Ecnomidae. The silt tolerant taxa values are best examined against the total number of taxa sampled from each site i.e. the silt tolerant ratio, as the variation of values is significantly reduced compared with examining the number of taxa alone. This index is used as a comparative measure of community changes over time. Physico-Chemical Data Physical and chemical parameters were measured at each site in situ and included temperature, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity and pH. The results are presented in Table 5. Rainfall and water chemistry data is supplied by Duralie Coal Pty Ltd from data from their regular water quality monitoring program.

Results Macroinvertebrate Data Synopsis of Indices The results for each index are presented in Table 5 with the ‘Taxa Based’ and ‘Ratio Based’ values graphed in Figures 2-3 respectively. A total of 76 genera representing 53 families were recorded during the current survey. The indices demonstrated that all of the Karuah and Mammy Johnsons River system sites were in fair to healthy condition. All indices were comparable or showed a substantial increase in condition at each site compared with the previous survey. The results were also comparable or substantially greater to those observed for the previous spring survey at each site. Silt tolerant taxa recorded an increase all most sites. Most observed values were stable or increased in condition or ecological health from upstream to downstream within the Mammy Johnsons River, with some variation between sites depending on whether the values were based on numbers of taxa or were based on ratios. There was a general increase in overall number of species at each site compared with previous survey. The variations in condition values along the stream are a reflection of the variable geomorphology of the stream and stream bed at each site and the structure of the associated invertebrate community. In terms of total numbers of species collected, they were higher across all sites, except Site M6, compared with the previous survey (Survey 21) and comparable or higher than the previous spring survey (Survey 20). Site M2 recorded the lowest diversity of the river sites with 39 taxa, while Sites M3 and M4 recorded the highest values of 44 and 45, respectively. Sites M6 and M8 recorded the lowest overall numbers of taxa with 16 and 22 taxa, respectively.

Survey 22 M1 M2 M3 M4 M5 M6 M8 Totals AUSRIVAS- Edge BR BR WBR WBR R AUSRIVAS- Riffle R R BR R BR SIGNAL - HU97B 5.8 5.4 5.5 5.4 5.9 4.1 4.2

No of Families 31 28 32 36 31 14 18 53 No of Genera 41 39 44 45 41 16 22 76 EPT 15 13 16 13 18 1 3 23 EPT ratio 0.36 0.33 0.36 0.28 0.44 0.06 0.13

Shredder Ratio 0.56 0.51 0.56 0.51 0.68 0.25 0.32 Silt Tolerant Taxa 6 5 4 8 8 1 3 10

Silt Tolerant Taxa Ratio 0.14 0.13 0.09 0.17 0.19 0.062 0.13

Table 5. Summary of observed values of all counts and indices for each site (see Appendix 1 for a list of the species recorded). Abbreviations: R – reference; BR – below reference; WBR – well below reference.

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Figure 2. The variation in taxa based indices recorded for all river sites in September 2012. The variation in the number of genera recorded at each site since September, 2002 is presented in Table 6 and Figure 4. The biodiversity values (= number of recorded genera) for the current survey are higher than, or similar to, those observed for all Mammy Johnsons River sites for the same period last year (see Survey 20, 2011). The normal pattern of diversity recorded along the river commences with Site M1 having a high diversity followed by a drop in diversity at Sites M2 and M3 followed by an increase downstream at Sites M4 and M5, although for this survey the overall results showed a small increase at Site M3 and a small decrease at Site M5. A similar pattern is observed for the number of families (see Table 6). These values have remained relatively consistent since Survey 3 in September, 2003. Only Sites M6 and M8 recorded substantially lower values than the previous surveys.

Figure 3. The variation in ratio based indices recorded for all river sites in September 2012.

0

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Taxa Related Indices for September 2012

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Ratio Related Indices for September 2012

EPT ratio

Shredder Ratio

Silt Tolerant Taxa Ratio

14

No of Genera M1 M2 M3 M4 M5 M6 M8

Survey 01 – 3/09/2002 33 18 16 22 25 Survey 02 – 28/03/2003 30 29 20 44 32 Survey 03 – 25/09/2003 38 43 34 33 35 Survey 04 – 19/03/2004 30 42 31 29 31 Survey 05 – 3/06/2004 36 35 31 30 Survey 06 – 21/09/2004 32 29 33 37 42 Survey 07 – 10/03/2005 31 30 27 39 29 Survey 08 – 15/09/2005 29 32 30 34 27 Survey 09 – 7/04/2006 31 47 44 45 30 Survey 10 – 19/09/2006 36 31 34 38 25 Survey 11 – 7/03/2007 38 37 33 43 31 Survey 12 – 12/09/2007 38 37 29 32 34 Survey 13 – 29/02/2008 31 22 26 28 29 Survey 14 – 16/09/2008 37 33 30 35 43 28

Survey 15 – 5/03/2009 29 30 27 29 33 20 Survey 16 – 18/9/2009 35 33 35 39 43 19 26

Survey 17 – 19/2/2010 43 40 37 39 32 20 25

Survey 18 – 15/9/2010 32 34 33 35 34 11 27

Survey 19 – 7/03/2011 34 36 34 36 39 17 22

Survey 20 – 12/09/2011 38 39 36 43 44 19 21

Survey 21 – 28/02/2012 34 35 32 38 41 21 17

Survey 22 – 12/09/2012 41 39 44 45 41 16 22 Table 6. The variation in the number of genera recorded for all sites since September, 2002.

Figure 4. The variation in the biodiversity (number of taxa) values for all sites since September 2002 (See Appendix 2 for the spring only samples since 2003). The AUSRIVAS results are divided into edge and riffle habitats at each site instead of a combined site result that is calculated for the other indices (see Tables 5 and 6). As stated earlier the AUSRIVAS index predicts the invertebrates that should be present in specific stream habitats under reference conditions. It does this by comparing a test site with a group of reference sites which have similar physical and chemical characteristics. In this case the reference sites are on the Karuah River, which although similar to the Mammy Johnsons River, it has been demonstrated to be slightly different in geomorphology, size, water chemistry and, consequently, species composition and with consistently higher biodiversity.

05

101520253035404550

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ener

a

Aquatic Biodiversity

M1M2M3M4M5M6M8

15

Bearing this in mind, the sites are still comparable and results were achieved that demonstrated reference site conditions in the edges at Site M5 and below reference conditions at Sites M1 and M2 while Sites M3 and M4 recording slightly impaired condition. The riffle habitats recorded higher condition values with reference conditions at Sites M1, M2, and M4 and below reference at Sites M3 and M5. The results were comparable to those of the SIGNAL values indicating overall good ecological conditions and consistent values over time. The SIGNAL-HU97B values recorded consistent values along the river with no major deviations (see Table 7 and Figure 5). The taxa related indices such as number of genera and EPT numbers recorded similar patterns and only small variations along the river reflecting the influences of flow on the different components of the aquatic community during the recent high flow conditions. The overall pattern was a slightly higher diversity at Sites M1 and M3 with a small decrease at Site M2 followed by an increase downstream to Sites M4 and M5. Silt tolerant taxa demonstrate a different pattern to previous surveys (in particular those surveys during low flow periods) by demonstrating a small increase downstream within the Mammy Johnsons River and the Karuah River. The SIGNAL-HU97B values differed from the biodiversity values by showing consistent values along the length of the Mammy Johnsons River as well as within the Karuah River. The values were higher at all river sites and very comparable in values relative to the previous surveys. The SIGNAL-HU97B values for the current survey ranged from 5.4 (Site M4) to 5.9 (Site M5) for the river sites. The lowest overall value observed for the stream sites was 4.1 for Site M6. A significant feature of the above results is the consistently moderate to higher values recorded along the surveyed length of the Mammy Johnsons River and its comparative similarity to the Karuah River site (Site M5). These values indicate that all river sites are in fair to healthy condition, while Sites M6 and M8 are still in poor condition. These results are to be expected as the indice was developed solely for streams with permanent flow. Those streams outside of these conditions will normally record a much lower figure as their faunal composition will vary considerably from the expected riverine faunal composition. These sites should more correctly be compared with each other rather than the river sites.

Figure 5. The variation in the SIGNAL-HU97B values for all sites since September 2002 (see Appendix 2 for the autumn only samples since 2003). The ratio indices recorded a general increase along the river sites for EPT taxa and the Shredder taxa with a small decreased at Site M4 which was comparable to Site M2. The only difference between the indices

0

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16

was that the Silt tolerant taxa increased at Site M4 whereas the EPT and shredder taxa recorded a small decline Therefore, there was no significant difference in proportions of the filter feeders and predators compared with the grazers and shredder feeding guilds along the river with both functional feeding groups generally increasing along the river with the highest numbers still being recorded in the lower sections of the river than in the upper section. In terms of changes in numbers of each feeding guild at each site there was an increase in EPT and shredder taxa at most sites compared with previous surveys in the river sites. The silt tolerant taxa ratio demonstrated a similar pattern unlike previous years with an increase in numbers of species. The normally muted relationship with flow i.e. numbers of silt tolerant taxa increase with decreased flow, did not occur as they increased downstream. This response is due to the extended low flow reducing the scour in the riffles and encouraging an increase in numbers of animals and taxa.

SIGNAL - HU97B M1 M2 M3 M4 M5 M6 M8 Survey 01 – 3/09/2002 6.0 6.0 6.3 5.9 6.0

Survey 02 – 28/03/2003 5.3 4.8 5.2 5.2 5.2 Survey 03 – 25/09/2003 5.6 5.6 5.9 5.7 5.4 Survey 04 – 19/03/2004 5.7 5.3 5.5 5.8 5.4 Survey 05 – 3/06/2004 5.0 5.4 5.5 5.6

Survey 06 – 21/09/2004 5.4 6.0 5.9 5.9 6.0 Survey 07 – 10/03/2005 5.4 5.5 5.5 5.5 6.2 Survey 08 – 15/09/2005 6.4 5.9 5.7 6.3 6.4 Survey 09 – 7/04/2006 5.7 5.3 5.8 5.7 5.6 Survey 10 – 19/09/2006 5.8 6.0 5.6 6.1 6.7 Survey 11 – 7/03/2007 5.2 5.5 5.5 5.3 6.6 Survey 12 – 12/09/2007 5.9 6.1 6.0 6.7 6.2 Survey 13 – 29/02/2008 5.8 6.8 6.4 6.4 6.7 Survey 14 – 16/09/2008 6.3 6.1 5.9 5.9 6.0 5.1

Survey 15 – 5/03/2009 5.0 5.5 5.7 6.2 6.4 4.5 Survey 16 – 18/9/2009 5.4 5.7 5.3 5.3 5.5 4.6 4.3

Survey 17 – 19/2/2010 5.5 5.4 6.1 5.4 6.3 4.9 5.0 Survey 18 – 15/9/2010 5.0 5.4 5.4 5.0 5.6 5.6 4.5 Survey 19 – 7/03/2011 5.3 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.8 4.4 4.2

Survey 20 – 12/09/2011 5.2 5.3 5.3 5.4 5.1 5.0 5.4 Survey 21 – 28/02/2012 5.4 5.6 5.5 5.5 5.6 4.3 4.4 Survey 22 – 12/09/2012 5.8 5.4 5.5 5.4 5.9 4.1 4.2

Table 7. The variation in the SIGNAL-HU97B values for all sites since September, 2002. The variations in the results along the Mammy Johnsons River reflect the impact of both the varying flow velocities encountered along the stream and the impact of general high or low flow conditions (via the different stream geomorphologies and habitat availability at each site) have on the different elements of the aquatic community. In this case, longer periods of low flow conditions have caused flow dependent species to decrease in biodiversity and populations while species that rely on no flow conditions have increased relative to previous surveys particularly in the higher flow regime reaches such as at Site M5. The lower water levels result in lower velocities within the riffle and cause a lower degree of scour of the river bed resulting in generally higher numbers of animals being present on the surface of the streambed (where the sampling is carried out) and further increasing the fine grained sediments within the streambed substrate. A notable feature of these two river systems that has been consistently recorded is the high numbers of the EPT/shredder/grazer functional feeding groups within the invertebrate community. The major components of these feeding groups include: the coleopteran family Elmidae, the Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera and Gastropoda. The presence of this guild is significant, as they normally comprise a large proportion of healthy aquatic communities. The high consistent numbers of EPT and Shredder taxa, particularly the trichopteran and ephemeropteran families Baetidae and Leptophlebiidae,

17

indicates that all river sites have very healthy environmental conditions. The river sites recorded an increase in numbers between 15 and 22 taxa within these groups. The EPT index values (see Figure 6) increased in number across Sites M1, M3 and M5, whereas the other sites registered a reduction in numbers compared with the previous survey. Irrespective of the variation between sites the high numbers of EPT taxa recorded at all river sites is a substantial indicator of a healthy, diverse and functional ecosystem. The minimal number of taxa recorded at Sites M2 and M4 was 13 taxa, which was more than double the number needed to assign the river condition as healthy. The maximum number recorded at one site was 18 taxa which was recorded at Site M5. The EPT values are usually best examined against the total number of taxa sampled i.e. the EPT ratio, as the variation of values is normally significantly reduced. Figure7 illustrates the EPT ratio for all sites since 2002. The EPT ratio results illustrate the same pattern recorded with the taxa data. The EPT ratio values ranged from 0.28 to 0.44 for the river sites, while Sites M6 and M8 recorded the lowest value of 0.06 which was in sharp contrast to the last survey where this site recorded the highest value for the survey at 0.23. Therefore, Sites M1, M4, M5 had the highest proportion of EPT taxa with 0.36, 0.36 and 0.44, respectively, while Sites M2 and M4 had the lowest numbers for the river sites recording 0.33 and 0.28, respectively.

Figure 6. The variation in the EPT values for all sites since September 2002 (See Appendix 2 for the autumn only samples since 2003). The shredder ratio values are illustrated below in Figure 8 and are similar to the EPT Ratio index, however unlike the EPT index where it recorded a decrease at two sites the shredder index recorded an increase or comparable values at all sites compared with the previous survey. The community structure observed during this survey is similar to those of the previous surveys. The common and consistently recorded taxa belonging to the following groups: the freshwater shrimp Paratya

australiensis, the coleopteran family Elmidae (beetles); the dipteran subfamilies Chironominae and Orthocladinae (midges); the Ephemeroptera families, Leptophlebiidae and Baetidae (mayflies), the plecopteran family Grypopterygidae (stone flies), the trichopteran family’s Hydropsychidae, Philopotamidae, Hydrobiosidae and Leptoceridae(caddis flies) and the molluscan family’s Sphaeriidae (pea clams) and the Hydrobiidae (snails).

02468

101214161820

No.

of T

axa

No. of EPT Taxa

M1M2M3M4M5M6M8

18

Figure 7.The variation in the EPT ratio values for all sites since September 2002 (See Appendix 2 for the autumn only samples since 2003).

Figure 8. The variation in the Shredder ratio values for all sites since September 2002. (See Appendix 2 for the autumn only samples since 2003). The increase in numbers of dipterans at all sites is indicative of lower flow conditions. The chironomid subfamilies Chironominae and Tanypodinae form the dominant component of all the Chironomidae recorded in the still or low velocity water sites (Sites M6 and M8), whereas the Orthocladinae on the other hand dominated the rivers where higher velocities produced minimal silt build up and recorded higher water quality. Under low flow conditions there is normally an increase in dipteran groups due to the stable flow conditions and concentration of nutrients. This is also reflected in an increase in green filamentous algae growth, particularly within the riffle sections. However, during the current survey this was not observed, as the earlier high degree of scour from high water levels reduced the fine grain sediments in the stream bed, removed algae from surfaces or prevented algal development.

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alue

Shredder Ratio

M1M2M3M4M5M6M8

19

Some notably sensitive taxa were found in most or all river sites. These are associated with pristine or near pristine systems. These include: the Midge subfamily Orthocladinae; the Stonefly Illiesoperla

brevicauda (Grypopterygidae); the aquatic beetle family Elmidae; the ephemeropteran family Leptophlebiidae; the trichopteran family’s Leptoceridae, Helicopsychidae, Conoesucidae, Hydrobiosidae and Calamoceratidae; as well as the hydrobiid snail Posticobia brazieri. There were larger numbers of the plecopteran family Grypopterygidae found at all river sites, which is consistent with the previous surveys. The high numbers of Plecoptera were represented by the species Illiesoperla brevicauda. This plecopteran was found in high numbers at all river sites. They are usually absent from the non-river sites. Most of the EPT and shredder taxa register 8 - 10 on the SIGNAL index, as they are highly sensitive to pollution. This indicates that the Mammy Johnsons and Karuah Rivers are both in very good condition. The dragonflies, Austrogomphus (Gomphidae), and Diplacodes (Libellulidae) are characteristic of gravel and sandy bed streams with high water quality and were found at Sites M1, M2 and M4 and Sites M2 and M3, respectively. Another notable feature of this survey was the conspicuous absence of the crustacean, Australatya

striolata, family Atyidae. This species is commonly collected as far upstream as Site M2 and can be classed as estuarine species or at least require connectivity with the estuary to during its life cycle. Their dispersal is dependent on flow such that during periods of moderate to low flow they are able travel or move upstream to live or breed. It is suggested that the frequent higher flood levels may have prevented them from being able to move upstream due to the higher flow velocities. The higher flow velocities earlier in the year also appear to have also markedly reduced the number of the Diptera family Simuliidae from all sites to the point that they were only recorded in very low numbers at all sites. As this family is a significant indicator of higher nutrient levels and low flows, the prevailing low nutrient and higher water quality have impacted on their presence. Silt Tolerant Species The graph below (see Figure 9) illustrates the changes in proportion of silt tolerant taxa in the aquatic community both along the catchment and over time. All river sites, except Site M6 recorded an increase in values from the last survey (Survey 21). Site M6 recorded the same number as the previous survey. Site M3 recorded the lowest numbers of taxa and ratio values for the river sites in this survey at 4 taxa and 0.09 ratio, which is double that of the previous survey. While Sites M4 and M5 both recorded the highest number and ratio values with 8 taxa and 0.17 and 0.19, respectively. The results demonstrate a substantial increase on the previous survey. However, they are consistent with values recorded during earlier spring surveys.

Figure 9. The variation in the silt tolerant taxa ratio values since September 2002 (See Appendix 2 for the autumn only samples since 2003).

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Physico-Chemical Data All physico-chemical parameters were again remarkably consistent along the length of the study area (see Table 8) and all were well above the minimum requirements as set out by the ANZECC (Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council) and ARMCANZ(Agricultural and Resource Management Council of Australia and New Zealand) guidelines (2000) (see website http://www.mincos.gov.au/publications/national_water_quality_management_strategy). The range and variation of the physico-chemical parameters and rainfall figures for the Mammy Johnsons River catchment can be seen in Figures 10-19. Rainfall over the last six months has been significantly lower than for the same six month period last year recording just 358mm from March to September 2012 compared with 615.2 mm for the same period in 2011. Yearly rainfall has increased to 1266.4 mm from 1221.2 mm for the previous 12 months. This is highest annual rainfall recorded so far and is only comparable to the years 2004-5 and 2007-8. The discrepancy between having the highest annual rainfall volume and a very low later six months volume is due to the first six months (Sept 2011-March 2012) recording the highest six month figures since 2002 with 908.4 mm.

Survey 22 Units M1 M2 M3 M4 M5 W6 M8 Temperature °C 12.9 12.5 12.2 13.1 13.3 13.8 12.5

DO mg/l 2.6 5.5 5.2 6.6 5.9 1.4 1.2 Conductivity mS 271 292 294 358 165 552 225

pH ph units 7.0 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.2 7.4 6.7 Table 8. Physico-chemical data from each site sampled. Over the last six months, only three significant rainfall events (i.e. > 20 mm) have occurred (see Figures 10-11), with both events occurring in early to mid-June. There were no major rainfall events (i.e. > 50 mm) in the six months prior to the current survey, and only 10 small events (between 10-20 mm) totally 136.8 mm over the six month period. The lack of major events and only small sporadic rainfall events has resulted in an extended period of low flows.

Figure 10. Rainfall values for the Mammy Johnsons River catchment since 2002.

020406080

100120140

Rai

nfal

l (m

m)

Time (Days)

Durallie Daily Rain (mm)

21

Figure 11. Rainfall values for the Mammy Johnsons River catchment over the last 12 months up to September 2012. The temperatures for the current survey are slightly higher but comparable to those recorded for the corresponding time the previous year, and have a narrow range across all river sites ranging from 12.2C at Sites M3 to 13.3C at Site M5 (see Table 9; Figure 12). The extremes were 12.2C at Site M3 to 13.8C at Site M6.

Figure 12. Water temperature values for all sites since September 2002 (See Appendix 2 for the spring only samples since 2003). On the day of the survey electrical conductivity was slightly elevated in Site M6 but comparable for the other sites with the previous survey and still low for all river sites compared with the last eleven surveys. The values ranged in the river sites from 165 µS/cm at Site M5 to 358 µS/cm at Site M4 to 552 at Site M6

0.0

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(see Table 9; Figure 13). Annual levels of conductivity have remained low in both river systems over the last twelve months (see Figure 14) and demonstrate the direct correlation with flow. Falls in conductivity in June and July correspond with the higher rainfall events as indicated by data supplied by Michael Plain (Duralie Coal).

Figure 13. Electrical Conductivity values for all sites since September 2002 (See Appendix 2 for the spring only samples since 2003).

Figure 14. Electrical conductivity recorded in each river system for the 12 months up to September 2012. See Figure 1 for site locations.(MJ = Mammy Johnsons River, K = Karuah River) The pH was again essentially neutral and varied little across all sites ranging from 7.0 at Sites M1 and M2 and to 7.2 units at Sites M4 and M5. The two extremes records ranges from the highest reading of 7.4 at Site M6 to the lowest reading of 6.7 at Site M8. The pH has remained very constant over time varying no more than 1.5 pH units throughout the entire monitoring program (see figures 15-16).

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Duralie Surface Water Monitoring - Electrical Conductivity

Twelve Months to September 2012

Site 9 (M5) - K above junction Site 19 - K below junction

GB1 (M2) - MJ above mine Site 11(M4) - MJ below mine

23

Figure 15. pH values for all sites since September 2002 (See Appendix 2 for the spring only samples since 2003).

Figure 16. pH recorded in each river system from the 12 month up to September 2012. See Figure 1 for site locations. Dissolved oxygen (DO) showed a small decrease or comparable values on the levels of the last survey (see Table 9; Figure 17). The DO values showed a similar variability to the previous years’ results. All river sites’ DO readings were within the healthy range for aquatic organisms as set out by the ANZECC guidelines, ranging from 2.6 mg/l at Site M1 to 6.6 mg/l at Site M5. These values are indicative of running water conditions. The tributary sites were considerably lower, recording 1.4 mg/l at Site M6 and 1.2 mg/l at Site M8, indicating no flow conditions.

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Duralie Surface Water Monitoring - pH 12 Months to September 2012



24

Figure 17. Dissolved Oxygen values for all sites since September 2002 (See Appendix 2 for the spring only samples since 2003). Turbidity levels increased substantially during the rainfall events of June, July and August but decreased rapidly afterwards. The regular flow events increased suspended sediment loads within the streams. However, due to their higher flows, they also removed it from the system thus not allowing the development of a build-up of sediment on the substrates. At the time of the September survey, both rivers had visible, slight turbidity conditions. Figure 18 illustrates the rapid change in total suspended solids and demonstrates that there is little to no difference in sediment loads between the rivers or between the stream sections above or below the mine workings and correlate to rainfall events.

Figure 18. Turbidity levels recorded in each river system for the 12 months up to September 2012. See Figure 1 for site locations.

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Duralie Surface Water Monitoring - Turbidity

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25

Alkalinity levels show an inverse relationship to river flow or rainfall events. In the period up to September, 2012 survey alkalinity gradually decreased as the flows increased and dropped substantially during the rainfall events over the last six months. Figure 19 demonstrates the fluctuations in alkalinity between the rivers systems and below and above the mining area.

Figure 19. Alkalinity levels recorded in each river system for the 12 months up to September 2012. See Figure 1 for site locations.

Discussion The results of the current survey indicate that both the Mammy Johnsons and Karuah Rivers are still in fair to healthy condition and possess a healthy, highly complex and diverse aquatic ecosystem. In summary, the biodiversity, community structure and indices show a general increase in overall numbers of taxa collected at all sites. However, unlike previous surveys as the proportion of EPT and shredder taxa have increased, the number of silt/disturbance tolerant taxa has also increased. The persistent increase in the flow dependent groups as well as an increase in still water dependent silt tolerant groups indicates that there has been an extended period of low flow conditions. The consistency in the community structure indicates that the flow conditions at the time of this survey and over the last six months has had a stimulatory effect on the most sensitive flow dependent taxa as well as the more disturbance tolerant elements of the community. This is the result of a combination of moderate to high flows over the autumn/ early winter period which stimulated the propagation of the EPT and shredder community, and the low flow conditions over the winter and early spring period that has stimulated the silt tolerant community such as the Diptera. Under higher sustained flow conditions there is an increase in the amount of available habitat for the grazer and shredder fauna which normally results in a corresponding increase in the presence of these groups. These conditions will also reduce green filamentous algae growth if there are excessive amounts of nutrients in the water, particularly within the riffled sections. However, the lack of green filamentous algae at any site during these periods indicates there have been no significant artificial nutrient additions or organic pollution sources upstream of the survey sites and/or that there has been sufficient rainfall and flow to dilute nutrients and sediment that may enter from the surrounding landscape into the river systems. The overall condition values at each river site for all community indices have either increased compared with the previous survey or were comparable with the previous spring survey. There has been a consistently high number of sensitive taxa groups remaining within the river systems. These indice values and biodiversity indicate that the water quality has remained high and the overall environmental condition

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26

of the catchment, stream structure and riparian zone has remained intact and constant. The discernible increases in the numbers of the more sensitive EPT and shredder taxa and the continuation of high water quality indicate that the riverine ecosystem condition values at Sites M1-M5 are in good to excellent condition. This signifies that the community composition has remained very consistent over time in a highly dynamic flow regime. Therefore, the results of the current survey confirm what has previously been predicted and demonstrated, i.e. that the aquatic biodiversity is continuing to show the same or similar trends to that recorded in previous years and under similar environmental conditions. The continued presence of high numbers of EPT taxa recorded at all river sites (13-18 taxa per site) indicates that both river systems are very healthy. The other off-river sites recorded lower values than the river sites. However, as they are much smaller systems they do not have the same scale of resources, flow levels and niches to support a highly complex biodiversity. They are also more impacted by decreases in flow or changes in environmental conditions. Site M8 had the greatest change in condition with the stream experiencing high flow levels which has led to the development of ephemeral pools and thus provided a sustained environment at the time of the survey. In conclusion, the results from the current survey suggest that the overall biodiversity and river environmental conditions have remained very good and that there are no apparent adverse effects on the aquatic macroinvertebrate fauna in the Mammy Johnsons River as a result of any activities arising from the operations of the Duralie Mine.

Acknowledgements We are grateful to Michael Plain for his continued assistance in the field and for providing background information on water quality and site history.

References Anonymous. 1994. National River Processes and Management Program Monitoring River Health Initiative. River Bioassessment Manual Version 1.0. Department of the Environment, Sport and Territories, Canberra. Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council and Agriculture and Resource Management Council of Australia and New Zealand 2000, Australian Water Quality Guidelines for Fresh

and Marine Waters, National Water Quality Management Strategy, Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council, Canberra. Besley, C.H., McEvoy, P.M. and Chessman, B.C. 1996. Biological Assessment of the Streams in the Stratford Coal Project Area. Australian Water Technologies, Ensight, Report Number 96/152. Besley, C.H. and Growns, I. 1998. Biological Assessment of the Streams in the Stratford Coal Project Area. Australian Water Technologies, Ensight, Report Number 98/144. Chessman, B.C. 1995. Rapid assessment of rivers using macroinvertebrates: a procedure based on habitat-specific sampling, family-level identification and a biotic index. Australian Journal of Ecology 20(1):122-129. Chessman, B.C., Growns, J.E. and Kotlash, A.R. 1997. Objective derivation of macroinvertebrate family sensitivity grade numbers for the SIGNAL biotic index: application to the Hunter River system, New South Wales. Marine and Freshwater Research48:159-172. Davies, P.E. (2000) Development of a national river bioassessment system (AUSRIVAS) in Australia. In: Assessing the Biological Quality of Freshwaters : RIVPACS and other techniques. Eds. Wright, J.F., Sutcliffe, D.W. and Furse, M.T., pp.113-124, Freshwater Biological Association, Ambleside, Cumbria, UK.

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Lenat, D.R. 1988. Water quality assessment of streams using a qualitative collection method for benthic macroinvertebrates. Journal of the North American Benthological Society7(3):222-233. Simpson, J. and Norris, R.H. (2000) Biological assessment of river quality: development of AUSRIVAS models and outputs. In: Assessing the Biological Quality of Freshwaters - RIVPACS and other

techniques. Eds. Wright, J.F., Sutcliffe, D.W. and Furse, M.T., Freshwater Biological Association, Ambleside, Cumbria, UK. Williams, W.D. 1981. Australian Freshwater Life. The Invertebrates of Australian Inland Waters. Macmillan Education Australia Pty Ltd. Melbourne. Turak, E., Waddell, N. and Johnstone, G. 2004. New South Wales (NSW) Australian River Assessment System (AUSRIVAS) Sampling and Processing Manual. (http://ausrivas.canberra.edu.au/Bioassessment/Macroinvertebrates/).

http://ausrivas.canberra.edu.au/Bioassessment/Macroinvertebrates/

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Appendix 1

A list of the macroinvertebrate species collected at the seven sample sites on the Mammy Johnsons and the Karuah Rivers on the 12th September 2012.

Order Family Species M1 M2 M3 M4 M5 W6 M8 Acarina Hygrobatidae undetermined *

* * * *

Bivalvia Hyriidae Alathyria * *

* Bivalvia Sphaeriidae Pisidium * * * *

* * Coleoptera Dystiscidae Barratthydrus

*

Coleoptera Dystiscidae Bidessodes * *

* * Coleoptera Dystiscidae Bidessus

*

Coleoptera Dystiscidae Chostonectes

*

Coleoptera Dystiscidae Necterosoma

*

* * *

Coleoptera Elmidae Austrolimnius * * * * *

* Coleoptera Elmidae Kingolus * * *

*

Coleoptera Elmidae Notriolus *

* * Coleoptera Elmidae Simsonia

* *

*

Coleoptera Gyrinidae Macrogyrus * *

* * Coleoptera Haliplidae Haliplus * * * *

* *

Coleoptera Hydraenidae undetermined

*

Coleoptera Hydrophilidae Berosus * * * * Coleoptera Hydrophilidae Enochrus

*

*

Coleoptera Hydrophilidae Helochares

*

Coleoptera Psephenidae Sclerocyphon maculatus

* *

Coleoptera Scirtidae Undetermined

*

Decapoda Atyidae Paratya australiensis * * * * * * * Diptera Ceratopogonidae Bezzia

*

* *

Diptera Chironomidae Chironominae * * * * * * * Diptera Chironomidae Orthocladinae * *

* *

Diptera Chironomidae Tanypodinae * * * * * Diptera Culicidae Culicinae

*

Diptera Dixidae Dixa

*

*

Diptera Psychodidae Pericoma

*

Diptera Simuliidae Simulium * * * * *

* Diptera Stratiomyidae Odontomyia

*

Diptera Tipulidae sp. * * * * * Ephemeroptera Baetidae Bungona sp. 1 * * * * * *

Ephemeroptera Baetidae Bungona sp. 2

* *

Ephemeroptera Caenidae Caenid Genus C sp.

* *

Ephemeroptera Caenidae Tasmanocoenis * * * * * Ephemeroptera Leptophlebiidae Atalophlebia sp. AV12 * * * * *

* Ephemeroptera Leptophlebiidae Austrophlebioides sp. AV9 * * * * *

*

Ephemeroptera Leptophlebiidae Jappa *

*

Ephemeroptera Leptophlebiidae Nousia * * * * Ephemeroptera Leptophlebiidae Ulmerophlebia sp. AV1

*

Ephemeroptera Leptophlebiidae Kirrara

*

Ephemeroptera Ameletopsidae Mirawar

*

Gastropoda Ancylidae Ferrissia petterdi *

* * Gastropoda Hydrobiidae Posticobia brazieri * * * * * Gastropoda Physidae Haitia acuta

*

Gastropoda Planorbidae Gyraulus

*

*

Hemiptera Corixidae Micronecta * * * * Hemiptera Gerridae Limnogonus

*

Hemiptera Hydrometridae Hydrometra strigosa

*

29

Hemiptera Notonectidae Anisops

* *

Hemiptera Veliidae Microvelia *

* *

* * Isopoda Sphaeromatidae Cymodetta

*

Megaloptera Corydalidae Archichauloides guttiferus * * * * * Odonata Aeshnidae Aeshna

*

Odonata Coenagrionidae Ischnura * * *

* * Odonata Gomphidae Austrogomphus * *

*

Odonata Libellulidae Diplacodes

* *

Odonata Telephlebiidae Notoaeschna germinata

*

Oligochaete Lumbriculidae Lumbricus variegatus * * *

* * Oligochaete Tubificidae Undetermined

* *

Platyhelminthes Dugesiidae Undetermined * * * * *

* Plecoptera Grypopterygidae Illiesoperla * * * * *

Trichoptera Calamoceratidae Anisocentropus *

* * * Trichoptera Conoesucidae Coenoria sp. AV1

*

Trichoptera Ecnomidae Ecnomus * *

* Trichoptera Glossosomatidae Agapetus sp. AV1

* *

*

Trichoptera Helicopsychidae Helicopsyche

*

Trichoptera Hydrobiosidae Apsilochorema *

* * Trichoptera Hydropsychidae Asmicridea sp.AV1 * * * * * Trichoptera Hydropsychidae Cheumatopsyche sp.AV1 * * * * * Trichoptera Leptoceridae Notalina spira * * *

Trichoptera Leptoceridae Oecetis * * * * * Trichoptera Leptoceridae Triplectides ciuskus cuiskus * * * * * * *

Trichoptera Leptoceridae Triplectides volda

*

*

Trichoptera Philopotamidae Chimarra *

* * * Trichoptera Philopotamidae Hydrobiosella *

*

*

Totals 53 76 41 39 44 45 41 16 22

30

Appendix 2 Graphs (Figures 20-30) of the biological and physico-chemical parameters for the spring only surveys, since 2003.

Figure 20. The recorded variation in the SIGNAL-HU97B values for the spring only samples since 2003.

Figure 21. The recorded variation in the biodiversity (number of taxa) values for the spring only samples since 2003.

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Figure 22. The recorded variation in the number of EPT Taxa values for the spring only samples since 2003.

Figure 23.The variation in the EPT ratio values for the autumn only samples since 2003.

Figure 24.The variation in the shredder ratio values for the spring only samples since 2003.

02468

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Figure 25.The variation in the silt tolerant taxa ratio values for the spring only samples since 2003.

Figure 26. The variation in the water temperature values for the spring only samples since 2003.

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33

Figure 27. The variation in the electrical conductivity values for the spring only samples since 2003.

Figure 28. The variation in the pH values for the spring only samples since 2003.

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34

Figure 29. The variation in the dissolved oxygen values for the spring only samples since 2003.

0123456789

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M1M2M3M4M5M6M8

Duralie Coal Project

Biological Monitoring of the

Streams Adjacent to the

Duralie Coal Mine

Study 1, Survey 23, March 2013.

INVERTEBRATE IDENTIFICATION AUSTRALASIA 51 Panorama Parade, Panania, NSW 2213, Phone (02) 6771 1458 Mobile 0412 372 388

Email: [email protected] or [email protected]



2

Table of Contents

Executive Summary ................................................................................................. 3

Introduction .............................................................................................................. 4

Study Area and Sampling Sites ............................................................................... 4

General Description ................................................................................................. 4

Mammy Johnsons River .......................................................................................... 4

Karuah River ............................................................................................................ 4

Small tributary sites (Sites M6 and M8) ................................................................ 6

Methodology ............................................................................................................. 7

Macroinvertebrate Sampling .................................................................................. 7

March 2013 Site Images ........................................................................................... 7

Identification ............................................................................................................. 7

Data Analysis .......................................................................................................... 10

Measured Indices .................................................................................................... 10

Comparative Indices .............................................................................................. 11



Results ..................................................................................................................... 12

Macroinvertebrate Data ........................................................................................ 12


Discussion ................................................................................................................ 24

Acknowledgements ................................................................................................. 25

References ............................................................................................................... 25

Appendix 1. Species List ........................................................................................ 27

Appendix 2. Autumn ............................................................................................. 29

Cover photograph – Strangler vine attached to a eucalypt in the riparian vegetation adjacent to Site M3, Mammy Johnsons River.

3

Executive Summary

Duralie Coal Pty Ltd commenced the establishment of an open cut coalmine in 2002, adjacent to the Mammy Johnsons River, and upstream from the village of Stroud Road. As part of Duralie Coal’s environmental monitoring program, Invertebrate Identification Australasia was commissioned to conduct biological monitoring of the streams near the mine including portions of the Mammy Johnsons and Karuah Rivers. This report is the 23rd environmental assessment of the aquatic ecosystems associated with the Duralie Mine and is the 22th since the mine became operational. A total of seven sites were sampled on the 12 March 2013for aquatic macroinvertebrates and water quality using rapid assessment techniques. This includes one site on the Karuah River above the junction with the Mammy Johnsons River and five sites on the Mammy Johnsons River above and below the mining operations (including Site M6 - Coal Shaft Creek). Site M8 has continued to be used as a control site for monitoring the natural variability of the water quality and local macroinvertebrate community of small intermittent tributaries of the Mammy Johnsons River system. A total of 64 genera of aquatic macroinvertebrates were recorded representing 43 families. This included 21 EPT taxa (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera Feeding Guild) and seven silt tolerant taxa. In addition, six biological indices were used to determine the condition of the streams above and below the area of mining activity. Over the last six months, there were 10 significant rainfall events (i.e. > 20mm), with all events occurring in the three months between early December, 2012 and March, 2013. There were also three major rainfall events (i.e. > 50mm) in the month prior to the current survey. The rainfall totaled 536.8mm over the six month period, which was about double the previous six month period. The lack of major events leading up to December, 2012 - January, 2013 with only small sporadic rainfall events has resulted in an extended period of low flows during the summer period. The biological data indicates that even though the streams experienced extended low flow conditions at all sites over the spring and summer period the macroinvertebrate communities continued to maintain healthy numbers of both the shredder and grazer communities. In addition there was a reduction in silt tolerant taxa across most sites due to the consistently high water quality conditions and low scouring impact on the substrate. At this stage there has been little to no fine sediment or algae build on the substrate. The results of the current survey indicate that there has been a consistent high level in ecosystem condition compared with the same period in previous years and there is no evidence of any adverse effects on the aquatic macroinvertebrate community over the last six months. Any changes in the community such a reduction in biodiversity were the result of increased scour from the high rainfall/flow events just prior to the survey with the trends being consistent across all sites. Therefore, there appears to be no adverse effects on the aquatic ecosystem as a result of the mine’s operations.

4

Introduction Duralie Coal Pty Ltd commenced an open cut coalmine operation in 2002, adjacent to the Mammy Johnsons River, upstream of the township of Stroud Road. As part of Duralie Coal’s environmental monitoring program, Invertebrate Identification Australasia was commissioned to conduct biological monitoring of the streams near the mine. Seven sites were sampled on the 12th March 2013 for aquatic macroinvertebrates and water quality using rapid assessment techniques. This is the 23rd environmental assessment of the aquatic ecosystems of Mammy Johnsons River and the Karuah River above the junction with Mammy Johnsons River. Aquatic macroinvertebrate communities have been used consistently across Australia as a reliable and cost effective environmental indicator of stream and aquatic ecosystem condition for more than 30 years. These invertebrate communities have long been recognised as being ideally suited for the assessment of river health and condition as they are: diverse; occupy every niche within a water body including the riverbed, water column and surface; are one of the major contributors to the processing of energy through a river system; and respond directly to physico-chemical changes within the aquatic environment. The composition of this community consists of a range of predators, grazers, shredders and filter feeders and reliably reflects both natural and threatening processes operating within a catchment. The ubiquitous distribution and specific habitat and physiological requirements of each component at both the species and community levels, enables the use of their diversity as an indicator of ecological disturbance within a catchment.

Study Area and Sampling Sites General Description

The Duralie Coal Mine is situated approximately 5 km northeast of the village of Stroud Road on the western side of Mammy Johnsons River on the New South Wales lower North Coast. The Mammy Johnsons River is a tributary of the Karuah River. The Mammy Johnsons and the Karuah Rivers are the two major watercourses which have the potential to be affected by operations from the Duralie mine. Seven sites were sampled for aquatic macroinvertebrates and water quality using rapid assessment techniques (Figure 1, Table 1). Low flow and sporadic high flow conditions has been a common feature of both river systems over the last five years. Over the last six months there was a return to low flow levels resulting in an extended period of low flows throughout the spring/early summer period followed by high flows in later summer leading up to the current survey. Four sites are located along Mammy Johnsons River, with two located above the mine (Sites M1 and M2) and two below the mining area (Sites M3 and M4). One site is located on the Karuah River (Site M5) at Stroud Road, upstream of the junction with Mammy Johnsons River. Two sites are located on small tributaries of the Mammy Johnsons River, one site (Site M6) is located on Coal Shaft Creek, which drains the mining lease and one site (Site M8) is located on a small unnamed tributary which enters the river between Sites M1 and M2 and drains clean water from the catchment in the northern section of the mining lease. Mammy Johnsons River (See Photos 1-8, 15)

During the current survey the pools and riffles were slightly turbid with moderate water levels. Macrophytes were present in most riffles in Mammy Johnson River with no green filamentous algae or silt build up on the substrate found at any of the sites. All river sites had minimal leave pack build up within the riffle section of the stream. Karuah River (See Photos 9-10)

The water visibility was again turbid, similar to that observed within the Mammy Johnsons River for the current survey and with moderate to high water levels. No green filamentous algae were observed in the Karuah River, and the cobbles and boulders in the riffles were clean of any algae or silt. The Karuah also had minimal leave packs develop within the riffle section of the river.

5

Figure 1. Map showing the locations of Sites M1 - M8. Map supplied by Duralie Mine.

6

Site code Site name and description Grid Reference

M1 Mammy Johnsons River (MJR) above mine area, near gauging station. 400771E 6430982N

M2 MJR - downstream of Site M1, above the mine area 401510E 6425850N

M3 MJR - downstream of Site M2 and below mine area 400760E 6425310N

M4 MJR - downstream of Site M3 below mine area, 30m W. of Johnsons Ck Rd 400280E 6422510N

M5 Karuah River at Stroud-Dungog Rd, Stroud Road 398940E 6420530N

M6 Coal Shaft Creek at last pool before it enters the MJR above Site M3. 400740E 6425410N

M8 Small tributary stream that joins with MJR between Sites M1 & M2. 400282E 6430092N

Table 1. Sampling sites.

Small Tributary Sites (Sites M6 and M8) (See Photos 11-12, 13-14)

These two sites are small tributaries of the Mammy Johnsons River. Site M6 (= Water Quality Site SW2) was added in Survey 14 in order to monitor the ecosystem within Coal Shaft Creek. Coal Shaft Creek (Site M6) is a small intermittent stream with large permanent pools, which lies partially within the mining lease and has been diverted around the mining operation. This watercourse discharges into the Mammy Johnsons River approximately 50-100m upstream of survey Site M3. The diverted section of stream has limited vegetation in the upper section but has a dense native riparian zone in the lower reaches adjoining Mammy Johnsons River. This dense vegetation provides substantial shading and terrestrial habitat for both terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates and buffers overland sediment transport. The stream, below the diversion, contains permanent water in large pools which are very probably fed and sustained by groundwater seepage. The stream in the lower reaches does respond quickly to rainfall events but still continues to have a low flow for extended periods after rain. The substrate within the lower pools is bedrock lined with deep fine sediments of clay and detrital material. The sediments are anoxic at depth due to the buildup of allochthonous matter (leaves and twigs) and the accumulation of fine grained clays. The pool at the time of the survey was turbid with a low flow. Site M8 is a control site added in September, 2009 to replace Site M7 (= Site SW7) and is located downstream of Site SW7, and north of the mine lease on the same small unnamed tributary (see Figure 1). The purpose of monitoring the northern, unnamed stream is as a control site and was established to provide background data in light of a then proposed (now approved) application to extend existing approved mining operations to the north. The sampling location is downstream of approved areas for mining. Site M8 is on a very small drainage line/tributary stream of Mammy Johnsons River. The stream drains into the Mammy Johnsons River between Sites M1 and M2. The stream consists of a steep, mostly dry ephemeral upper gully section that only flows during rainfall, with a dense, open, dry sclerophyll riparian zone. The channel of the stream narrows down in the lower portion to a series of small pools connected by small runnels or subsurface (hyporheic) flow and is surrounded by a narrow riparian zone of Paper Bark (Melaleuca sp.) and wet sclerophyll species. The sampling site consists of several small permanent/semi-permanent pools in the lower reaches of the stream that are connected after rain. The stream is essentially ephemeral, consisting of a sand bed substrate. The pools in the lower half of the stream are essentially only flow during rain events but are also fed by groundwater seepage as indicated by the semi-permanent nature of the pools and the elevated salinity levels. Several springs/seepage zones were found upstream of the site during the initial survey, which accounts for the relatively high biodiversity recorded i.e. the semi-permanent nature of the water supply allows for a greater diversity and different composition than would have been possible in a truly temporary/ephemeral stream. Most of the surrounding slopes have been cleared and are currently used for cattle grazing. There is some minor erosion on the banks caused by the cattle along the stream and around the seepage zones and into the survey site. The stream substrate consists mainly of a clay base with fine sands and gravels within the central channel with small amounts of allochthonous material (leaves and twigs) on top. During the

7

current survey there was minimal flow and the pools were full. There was no green surface alga and fine allochthonous matter in the pools, due to earlier higher flows. The water had a very dark colour as a result of the leaching of tannins from the riparian vegetation.

Methodology Macroinvertebrate Sampling

Each site was sampled using two standardized methods outlined in the River Bioassessment Manual (Anonymous, 1994) and the NSW AUSRIVAS (Australian River Assessment System) sampling and processing manual (Turak et al., 2004). For a more detailed outline of the methods used see Survey 13. In addition to the method previously described, edges (pools) and riffles were sampled separately and live picked in the field as described below. Live picking in the field

Once the sample has been collected, it is placed in a large white tray. Live sorting in the field is conducted according to the following rules:

• Collect approximately 200 invertebrates (plus or minus 40) in 30 minutes, • If new taxa are found in the last five minutes of the 30 minute sorting period, continue sorting for an

additional 10 minutes beyond the original 30 minutes, focusing on the search for new taxa. If new taxa are found in this time then sorting continues for an additional 10 minutes. This can continue for up to a maximum of 60 minutes.

• If the sample has a particularly low abundance of invertebrates (for example fewer than 100 invertebrates have been found in 30 minutes), continue sorting for an additional 10 minutes. If no new taxa are found in the extra 10 minutes, cease sorting. If new taxa are found, continue as previously described for up to a maximum of 60 minutes.

• Once the live pick has been completed, the sample is labeled, preserved and returned to the lab for further sorting and identification.

• The remaining material is also packaged, labeled, preserved and returned to the lab for further sorting and identification in order to give a more comprehensive assessment of overall biodiversity. All samples are preserved in the field with 100% ethanol and returned to the laboratory for sorting and identification. Physico-Chemical Data

Physical and chemical parameters were measured at each site in situ and included temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity and pH using a calibrated water quality multimeter. Water samples were collected in the field at the time of the macroinvertebrate surveys using the method below and analyzed by a NATA accredited Laboratory. Nutrients:

Water samples were collected for laboratory analysis of nutrients (NOx), Alkalinity and Turbidity. The protocols described below are followed during their collection and storage:

• Collection of water samples for water chemistry is conducted before the site is disturbed by other sampling activities.

• Collect the sample in an area of flow and upstream of the sample collector’s position in the stream. • For nutrient samples only, the bottles and caps are rinsed the bottles with stream water two to three times

before filling them. Identification

Specimens were identified to genus where possible, (except for Chironomidae, Oligochaeta and Platyhelminthes which were identified to either family/subfamily), using a combination of current taxonomic works and keys and comparison with voucher specimens in the reference collections of

8

Invertebrate Identification. Identification references included Williams (1981) and the taxonomic identification series produced by the Murray Darling Freshwater Research Centre. March 2013 Site Images The following fifteen photographs (Photos 1-15) illustrate the prevailing conditions at each site along the two rivers, and the two tributaries.

1. 2.

Site M1, viewed downstream stream (1); viewed upstream (2), taken March, 2013.

3. 4.

Site M2, viewed downstream (3), viewed upstream (4), taken March, 2013.

5. 6.

Site M3, viewed downstream (5); viewed upstream (6), taken March, 2013.

9

7. 8.


9. 10.


11. 12.


13. 14.


Riparian Condition

10

A preliminary examination of the condition of the in stream riparian zone was conducted 100m upstream and downstream at each of the sites to determine if there had been any impacts to the structure and health of this component of riverine ecosystem. All sites, except for Site M1 had an intact bank structure and riparian zone vegetation.

15.

Photograph 15: Site M1, erosion of eastern, downstream bank, taken March, 2013. Three sites were found to have an impacted/degrading bank structure. These were Sites M1, M2 and M4. In each case the erosion is occurring where there has previously been either a roadway or cattle access track. The downstream edges of the tracks are located at the downstream terminus of riffles, which has created an embankment which is being progressively eroded during numerous flood events. This is resulting in the loss of bank structure, exposure of the riparian root zones of the riparian trees and the loss of several trees at Site M1. The erosion of Site M2 and M4 is only relatively small, localized and has not progressed from previous surveys.

Data Analysis Measured Indices

AUSRIVAS. The Australian Rivers Assessment System, or AUSRIVAS, is a predictive modeling tool for assessing river ecosystem health (Davies 2000, Simpson & Norris 2000). Using a suite of mathematical models, AUSRIVAS predicts the invertebrates that should be present in specific stream habitats under reference conditions. It does this by comparing a test site with a group of reference sites which are as free as possible of environmental impacts, and have similar physical and chemical characteristics to those found at the test site. Sometimes the AUSRIVAS models do not produce an O/E score for a given site and instead describe the site as being ‘outside the experience of the model’. This indicates that one or a combination of the environmental predictor variables places the test site beyond the scope of that encompassed by the reference sites used to build the model. In these cases, no assessment can be made using the AUSRIVAS index and assessments must be based on the other indices (RBA, 2003). See Table 2 for a breakdown of the AUSRIVAS index values and water quality status. SIGNAL. SIGNAL is an acronym for ‘Stream Invertebrate Grade Number - Average Level’, and is a biotic index of pollution tolerance or sensitivity of stream invertebrates and was originally developed for use in the lower Blue Mountains (Chessman, 1995). Chessman et al., (1997) released a modified version; SIGNAL-HU97B, developed for the Hunter Valley, which is to the south, and its aquatic communities are more comparable to those found within the study area. See Table 3 for a breakdown of the SIGNAL-HU97B values and water quality status. EPT Richness. The EPT (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera) score is based on the observation that the majority of these taxa are particularly pollution sensitive (Lenat, 1988, see Table 4). For further details sees Survey 13. Band categories for AUSRIVAS O/E Family Scores.

11

Band Label Band Name Comments

X Richer than reference

More families found than expected; potential biodiversity ‘hot spot’ or possible mild organic enrichment.

A Reference Score is within range of the central 80% of reference sites.

B Below reference Fewer families than expected; loss of families due to mild impact on water and/or habitat quality.

C Well below reference

Many fewer families than expected; loss of families due to moderate to severe impact on water and/or habitat quality.

D Impoverished Very few families collected; highly degraded site; very poor water and/or habitat quality.

Table 2. AUSRIVAS Index.

SIGNAL-HU97B Water Quality Status >7 Excellent

6-7 Good 5-6 Fair

4-5 Poor

<4 Very poor Table 3. Interpretation of the water quality status using SIGNAL-HU97B scores (Chessman et al., 1997).

EPT genus richness Water Quality Status >6 Healthy

5-6 Slightly impaired 3-4 Moderately impaired

1-2 Severely impaired

0 Grossly impaired Table 4. Interpretation of the water quality status using EPT genus richness scores (Besley et al., 1996; Besley & Growns, 1998).

Comparative Indices

Number of Families. All macroinvertebrate families are separated and counted. The number of families present generally decreases with decreasing water quality and is used as a comparative measure of community change over time. Functional Feeding Groups. Ratio of shredder taxa to total number of taxa. As with Numbers of Families the higher the ratio of shredders the better the water quality and is used as a comparative measure of community changes over time. Silt Tolerant Species

The Environmental Management Plan of the Duralie Mine states that the aquatic fauna assemblages need to be assessed for silt tolerant fauna, as the presence of such fauna can provide an indication of the degree of heavy sediment pollution. The main indicator families are the Dugesiidae, Lymnaeidae, Ancylidae, Planorbidae, Psephenidae, Chironomidae, Caenidae, Pyralidae and Ecnomidae.

12

The silt tolerant taxa values are best examined against the total number of taxa sampled from each site i.e. the silt tolerant ratio, as the variation of values is significantly reduced compared with examining the number of taxa alone. This index is used as a comparative measure of community changes over time. Physico-Chemical Data

Physical and chemical parameters were measured at each site in situ and included temperature, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity and pH. The results are presented in Table 5. Rainfall and water chemistry data is supplied by Duralie Coal Pty Ltd from data from their regular water quality monitoring program.

Results Macroinvertebrate Data

Synopsis of Indices

The results for each index are presented in Table 5 with the ‘Taxa Based’ and ‘Ratio Based’ values graphed in Figures 2 and 3 respectively. A total of 64 genera representing 43 families were recorded during the current survey. The indices demonstrated that all of the Karuah and Mammy Johnsons River system sites were in general fair to healthy condition. All indices were comparable or showed consistent results in condition at each site and a general reduction compared with the previous survey. The results were also comparable or substantially greater to those observed for the previous autumn survey at each site. Silt tolerant taxa recorded a decrease at all sites. Observed values along the length of the Mammy Johnsons River were stable or increased in condition or ecological health from upstream to downstream, with some variation between sites depending on whether the values were based on numbers of taxa or were based on ratios. There was a general decrease in overall number of taxa at each site compared with previous survey. The variations in condition values along the stream are a reflection of the variable geomorphology of the stream and stream bed at each site and the structure of the associated invertebrate community. In terms of total numbers of species collected, they were lower across all sites, except Site M8, compared with the previous survey (Survey 22) and comparable or higher than the previous autumn survey (Survey 21). Sites M3 and M2 recorded the lowest diversity of the river sites with 32 and 33 taxa, respectively, while Sites M5 and M4 recorded the highest values of 42 and 36, respectively. Sites M8 and M6 recorded the lowest overall numbers of taxa with 15 and 20 taxa, respectively.

Survey 23 M1 M2 M3 M4 M5 M6 M8 Totals

AUSRIVAS- Edge C B C B A AUSRIVAS- Riffle B B B A B SIGNAL - HU97B 4.8 4.7 4.8 5.2 5.7 4.3 3.9

No of Families 29 25 25 28 31 14 13 43

No of Genera 35 33 32 36 42 20 15 64

EPT 12 14 7 11 18 4 3 21

EPT ratio 0.34 0.42 0.21 0.30 0.42 0.20 0.20 Shredder Ratio 0.48 0.45 0.37 0.47 0.59 0.30 0.35

Silt Tolerant Taxa 4 3 4 4 7 1 2 7

Silt Tolerant Taxa Ratio 0.11 0.09 0.12 0.11 0.16 0.05 0.13

Table 5. Summary of observed values of all counts and indices for each site (see Appendix 1 for a list of the species recorded).

13

Figure 2. The downstream variation in taxa based indices recorded for all river sites in March, 2013. The variation in the number of genera recorded at each site since September, 2002 is presented in Table 6 and Figure 4. The biodiversity values (= number of recorded genera) for the current survey are similar or slightly higher than, or similar to, those observed for all Mammy Johnsons River sites for the same period last year (see Survey 21, 2012). The normal pattern of diversity recorded along the river commences with Site M1 having a high diversity followed by a drop in diversity at Sites M2 and M3 followed by an increase downstream at Sites M4 and M5. A similar pattern is observed for the number of families (see Table 6). These values have remained relatively consistent since Survey 3 in September, 2003. Only Site M8 recorded a significantly lower value than previous surveys.

Figure 3. The variation in ratio based indices recorded for all river sites in March, 2013. The AUSRIVAS results are divided into edge and riffle habitats at each site instead of a combined site result that is calculated for the other indices (see Tables 5 and 6). As stated earlier the AUSRIVAS index predicts the invertebrates that should be present in specific stream habitats under reference conditions. It does this by comparing a test site with a group of reference sites which have similar physical and chemical characteristics. In this case the reference sites are on the Karuah River, which although similar to the Mammy Johnsons River, it has been demonstrated to be slightly different in geomorphology, size, water chemistry and, consequently, species composition and with consistently higher biodiversity. Bearing this in mind, the sites are still comparable and results were achieved that demonstrated reference site conditions in the edges at Site M5 and the riffle at Site M4. Below reference conditions were also recorded at all sites in at least one habitat indicating a general decrease in condition at all sites to slightly impaired condition. The riffle habitats recorded slightly higher condition values whereas well below reference values were recorded for the edge samples at Sites M1 and M3. The results were comparable to

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14

those of the SIGNAL values indicating a general decrease in condition, however, still maintaining an overall good ecological conditions and consistent values over time.

No of Genera M1 M2 M3 M4 M5 M6 M8

Survey 01 – 3/09/2002 33 18 16 22 25 Survey 02 – 28/03/2003 30 29 20 44 32 Survey 03 – 25/09/2003 38 43 34 33 35 Survey 04 – 19/03/2004 30 42 31 29 31 Survey 05 – 3/06/2004 36 35 31 30 Survey 06 – 21/09/2004 32 29 33 37 42 Survey 07 – 10/03/2005 31 30 27 39 29 Survey 08 – 15/09/2005 29 32 30 34 27 Survey 09 – 7/04/2006 31 47 44 45 30 Survey 10 – 19/09/2006 36 31 34 38 25 Survey 11 – 7/03/2007 38 37 33 43 31 Survey 12 – 12/09/2007 38 37 29 32 34 Survey 13 – 29/02/2008 31 22 26 28 29 Survey 14 – 16/09/2008 37 33 30 35 43 28

Survey 15 – 5/03/2009 29 30 27 29 33 20 Survey 16 – 18/9/2009 35 33 35 39 43 19 26

Survey 17 – 19/2/2010 43 40 37 39 32 20 25

Survey 18 – 15/9/2010 32 34 33 35 34 11 27

Survey 19 – 7/03/2011 34 36 34 36 39 17 22

Survey 20 – 12/09/2011 38 39 36 43 44 19 21

Survey 21 – 28/02/2012 34 35 32 38 41 21 17

Survey 22 – 12/09/2012 41 39 44 45 41 16 22

Survey 23 - 12/03/2013 35 33 32 36 42 20 15

Table 6. The variation in the number of genera recorded for all sites since March, 2013.

Figure 4. The variation in the biodiversity (number of taxa) values for all sites since September, 2002 (See Appendix 2 for the spring only samples since 2003). The SIGNAL-HU97B values recorded consistent, although generally reduced values along the river with no major deviations, except for Site M5 and M6, which recorded small increases (see Figure 5). The taxa

05

101520253035404550

No.

of

Gen

era

Aquatic Biodiversity

M1

M2

M3

M4

M5

M6

M8

15

related indices such as number of genera and EPT numbers recorded similar patterns and only small variations along the river reflecting the influences of flow on the different components of the aquatic community during the recent high flow conditions. Silt tolerant taxa demonstrate a similar pattern to previous surveys by recording a small increase in numbers downstream within the Mammy Johnsons River and the Karuah River. The SIGNAL-HU97B values differed from the biodiversity values by showing consistent values along the length of the Mammy Johnsons River as well as within the Karuah River. The values were lower at all river sites except Site M6, relative to the previous surveys. The SIGNAL-HU97B values for the current survey ranged from 4.7 (Site M2) to 5.7 (Sites M5). The lowest overall value observed for the stream sites was 3.9 for Site M8. A significant feature of the above results is the lower values recorded along the surveyed length of the Mammy Johnsons River. These values indicate that all river sites are in fair to healthy condition, while Sites M6 and M8 are still in poor condition. These results are to be expected as the indice was developed solely for streams with permanent flow. Those streams outside of these conditions will normally record a much lower figure as their faunal composition will vary considerably from the expected riverine faunal composition. These sites should more correctly be compared with each other rather than the river sites. The ratio indices recorded a general increase along the river sites for EPT taxa and the Shredder taxa with a small decrease from Site M2 to Site M3. Therefore, there was no significant difference in proportions of the filter feeders and predators compared with the grazers and shredder feeding guilds along the river with both functional feeding groups generally increasing along the river with the highest numbers still being recorded in the lower sections of the river than in the upper section. In terms of changes in numbers of each feeding guild at each site there was a decrease in EPT and shredder taxa at most sites compared with previous surveys in the river sites. The silt tolerant taxa ratio demonstrated a similar pattern with an increase in numbers of species. The normally muted relationship with flow i.e. numbers of silt tolerant taxa increase with decreased flow, did not occur as they increased downstream. This response is due to the extended low flow earlier reducing the scour in the riffles and encouraging an increase in numbers of animals and taxa.

Figure 5. The variation in the SIGNAL-HU97B values for all sites since September, 2002 (see Appendix 2 for the autumn only samples since 2003).

SIGNAL - HU97B M1 M2 M3 M4 M5 M6 M8 Survey 01 – 3/09/2002 6.0 6.0 6.3 5.9 6.0

Survey 02 – 28/03/2003 5.3 4.8 5.2 5.2 5.2

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

SIG

NA

L V

alu

es

SIGNAL 97

M1

M2

M3

M4

M5

M6

M8

16

Survey 03 – 25/09/2003 5.6 5.6 5.9 5.7 5.4 Survey 04 – 19/03/2004 5.7 5.3 5.5 5.8 5.4 Survey 05 – 3/06/2004 5.0 5.4 5.5 5.6

Survey 06 – 21/09/2004 5.4 6.0 5.9 5.9 6.0 Survey 07 – 10/03/2005 5.4 5.5 5.5 5.5 6.2 Survey 08 – 15/09/2005 6.4 5.9 5.7 6.3 6.4 Survey 09 – 7/04/2006 5.7 5.3 5.8 5.7 5.6 Survey 10 – 19/09/2006 5.8 6.0 5.6 6.1 6.7 Survey 11 – 7/03/2007 5.2 5.5 5.5 5.3 6.6 Survey 12 – 12/09/2007 5.9 6.1 6.0 6.7 6.2 Survey 13 – 29/02/2008 5.8 6.8 6.4 6.4 6.7 Survey 14 – 16/09/2008 6.3 6.1 5.9 5.9 6.0 5.1

Survey 15 – 5/03/2009 5.0 5.5 5.7 6.2 6.4 4.5 Survey 16 – 18/9/2009 5.4 5.7 5.3 5.3 5.5 4.6 4.3

Survey 17 – 19/2/2010 5.5 5.4 6.1 5.4 6.3 4.9 5.0 Survey 18 – 15/9/2010 5.0 5.4 5.4 5.0 5.6 5.6 4.5 Survey 19 – 7/03/2011 5.3 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.8 4.4 4.2 Survey 20 – 12/09/2011 5.2 5.3 5.3 5.4 5.1 5.0 5.4 Survey 21 – 28/02/2012 5.4 5.6 5.5 5.5 5.6 4.3 4.4 Survey 22 – 12/09/2012 5.8 5.4 5.5 5.4 5.9 4.1 4.2

Survey 23 - 12/03/2013 4.8 4.7 4.8 5.2 5.7 4.3 3.9 Table 7. The variation in the SIGNAL-HU97B values for all sites since September, 2002. The variations in the results between sites along the Mammy Johnsons River reflect the impact of both the varying flow velocities encountered along the stream and the impact of general high or low flow conditions (via the different stream geomorphologies and habitat availability at each site) have on the different elements of the aquatic community. In this case, very high flow conditions prior to the survey have caused flow dependent species to decrease in biodiversity. The higher water levels resulted in higher velocities within the riffles causing a higher degree of scour of the river bed resulting in generally lower numbers of animals being present on the surface of the streambed (where the sampling is carried out) and further decreasing the fine grained sediments within the streambed substrate. A notable feature of these two river systems that has been consistently recorded is the high numbers of the EPT/shredder/grazer functional feeding groups within the invertebrate community, even during periods of high flow. The major components of these feeding groups include: the coleopteran family Elmidae, the Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera and Gastropoda. The presence of this guild is significant, as they normally comprise a large proportion of healthy aquatic communities. The high consistent numbers of EPT and Shredder taxa, particularly the plecopteran trichopteran and ephemeropteran families Baetidae and Leptophlebiidae, indicates that all river sites have very healthy environmental conditions. The river sites recorded a slight decrease in numbers between 7 and 18 taxa within these groups. The EPT index values (see Figure 6) varied in number across sites with Sites M1, M3 and M5, recording a decrease and the remaining sites recording an increase in numbers compared with the previous survey. Irrespective of the variation between sites the high numbers of EPT taxa recorded at all river sites is a substantial indicator of a healthy, diverse and functional ecosystem. The lowest number of taxa recorded was seven which is more than the number needed to assign the river condition as healthy. The maximum number of taxa recorded at one site was 18 recorded at Site M5. The EPT values are usually best examined against the total number of taxa sampled i.e. the EPT ratio, as the variation of values is normally significantly reduced. Figure 7 illustrates the EPT ratio for all sites since 2002. The EPT ratio results illustrate the same pattern recorded with the taxa data. The EPT ratio values ranged from 0.21 to 0.42 for the river sites, while Sites M6 and M8 recorded the lowest value of 0.2. Therefore, Sites M1, M2, and M5 had the highest proportion of EPT taxa with 0.34, 0.42 and 0.42,

17

respectively, while Sites M3 and M4 had the lowest numbers for the river sites recording 0.21 and 0.3, respectively.

Figure 6. The variation in the EPT values for all sites since September, 2002 (See Appendix 2 for the autumn only samples since 2003).

Figure 7.The variation in the EPT ratio values for all sites since September, 2002 (See Appendix 2 for the autumn only samples since 2003). The shredder ratio values are illustrated below in Figure 8 and are similar to the EPT Ratio index, however unlike the EPT index where it recorded a decrease at two sites the shredder index recorded an increase at Site M5 compared with the previous survey.

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20N

o. o

f T

axa

No. of EPT Taxa

M1

M2

M3

M4

M5

M6

M8

0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

Rat

io V

alu

es

No. of EPT Ratio

M1M2M3M4M5M6M8

18

The community structure observed during this survey is similar to those of the previous surveys. The common and consistently recorded taxa belonging to the following groups: the freshwater shrimp Paratya australiensis, the coleopteran family Elmidae (beetles); the dipteran subfamilies Chironominae and Orthocladinae (midges); the Ephemeroptera families, Leptophlebiidae and Baetidae (mayflies), the plecopteran family Grypopterygidae (stone flies), the trichopteran family’s Hydropsychidae, Philopotamidae, Hydrobiosidae and Leptoceridae(caddis flies) and the molluscan family’s Sphaeriidae (pea clams) and the Hydrobiidae (snails).

Figure 8. The variation in the Shredder ratio values for all sites since September, 2002. (See Appendix 2 for the autumn only samples since 2003). The relative decrease in numbers of dipterans at all sites is indicative of higher flow conditions. The chironomid subfamilies Chironominae and Tanypodinae form the dominant component of all the Chironomidae recorded in the still or low velocity water sites (Sites M6 and M8), whereas the Orthocladinae on the other hand dominated the rivers where higher velocities produced minimal silt build up and recorded higher water quality. Under high flow conditions there is normally a decrease in dipteran groups due to the stable flow conditions and concentration of nutrients. This is also reflected in a decrease in green filamentous algae growth, particularly within the riffle sections. This was observed during the current survey as the high degree of scour from high water levels reduced the fine grain sediments in the stream bed, removed algae from surfaces or prevented algal development. Some notably sensitive taxa were found in most or all river sites. These are associated with pristine or near pristine systems. These include: the Midge subfamily Orthocladinae; the Stonefly Illiesoperla brevicauda (Grypopterygidae); the aquatic beetle families Elmidae and Psephenidae; the ephemeropteran family Leptophlebiidae; the trichopteran family’s Leptoceridae, Helicopsychidae, Conoesucidae, Hydrobiosidae and Calamoceratidae; as well as the hydrobiid snail Posticobia brazieri. There were larger numbers of the plecopteran family Grypopterygidae found at all river sites, which is consistent with the previous surveys. The high numbers of Plecoptera were represented by the species Illiesoperla brevicauda. This plecopteran was found in high numbers at all river sites. They are usually absent from the non-river sites. Most of the EPT and shredder taxa register 8 - 10 on the SIGNAL index, as they are highly sensitive to pollution. This indicates that the Mammy Johnsons and Karuah Rivers are both in very good condition. The dragonflies, from the families Megapodagrionidae, Gomphidae, and Diplacodes (Libellulidae) are characteristic of gravel and sandy bed streams with high water quality and were found at most river sites. Another notable feature of this survey was the reappearance of the shrimp, Australatya striolata, family Atyidae, after being absent from the previous survey. This species is commonly collected as far upstream as Site M2 and can be classed as estuarine species or at least require connectivity with the estuary to during its life cycle. Their dispersal is dependent on flow such that during periods of moderate to low flow they are able travel or move upstream to live or breed. It is suggested that the frequent higher flood

0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

Rat

io V

alu

e Shredder Ratio

M1

M2

M3

M4

M5

M6

M8

19

levels may have prevented them from being able to move upstream due to the higher flow velocities. The higher flow velocities earlier in the year also appear to have markedly reduced the number of the Diptera family Simuliidae to the point that they were only recorded in very low numbers at two sites, Sites M1 and M4. As this family is a significant indicator of higher nutrient levels and low flows, the prevailing low nutrient and higher water quality have impacted on their presence. Silt Tolerant Species

The graph below (see Figure 9) illustrates the changes in proportion of silt tolerant taxa in the aquatic community both along the catchment and over time. All river sites recorded a decrease in values from the last survey (Survey 22). Site M2 recorded the lowest number of taxa and ratio values for the river sites in this survey at 3 taxa and 0.09 ratio, while Site M5 recorded the highest number and ratio values with 7 taxa and 0.16. The results are a significantly decrease to the previous survey, however, consistent with values recorded during earlier spring surveys.

Figure 9. The variation in the silt tolerant taxa ratio values since September, 2002 (See Appendix 2 for the autumn only samples since 2003). Physico-Chemical Data

All physico-chemical parameters were again remarkably consistent along the length of the study area (see Table 9) and all were well above the minimum requirements as set out by the ANZECC (Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council) and ARMCANZ(Agricultural and Resource Management Council of Australia and New Zealand) guidelines (2000) (see website http://www.mincos.gov.au/publications/national_water_quality_management_strategy). The range and variation of the physico-chemical parameters and rainfall figures for the Mammy Johnsons River catchment can be seen in Figures 10-19. Rainfall over the last six months has been significantly lower than for the same six month period last year recording just 536.8mm from September, 2012 to March, 2013 compared with 908.4mm for the same period in 2012 (see Figures 10-11).

Survey 23 Units M1 M2 M3 M4 M5 W6 M8 Temperature °C 19.2 19.1 19.1 19.1 18.8 20.5 19.2

DO mg/l 4.2 3.6 3.6 3.3 4.2 1.6 2.1 Conductivity mS 210 206 208 210 198 147 487

pH ph units 6.8 6.9 6.8 6.8 6.9 7.0 6.6

Table 8. Physico-chemical data from each site sampled.

0

0.05

0.1

0.15

0.2

0.25

0.3

Rat

io V

alu

e

Ratio of Silt Tolerant Taxa

M1

M2

M3

M4

M5

M6

M8

20

Figure 10. Rainfall values for the Mammy Johnsons River catchment since 2002. Over the last 6 months, there were 10 significant rainfall events (i.e. > 20mm), with all events occurring in the 3 months between early December, 2012 and March, 2013. There were also three major rainfall events (i.e. > 50mm) in the month prior to the current survey. The rainfall totaled 536.8mm over the six month period, which was about double the previous six months period. The lack of major events leading up to December, 2012 – January, 2013 with only small sporadic rainfall events has resulted in an extended period of low flows during the summer period.

Figure 11. Rainfall values for the Mammy Johnsons River catchment over the last 12 months up to March, 2013. The temperatures for the current survey are slightly lowered but comparable to those recorded for the corresponding time the previous year, and have a narrow range across all river sites ranging from 18.8°C at Sites M5 to 19.2°C at Site M1 (see Table 9; Figure 12). The extremes were 18.8°C at Sites M5 to 20.5°C at Site M6.

0

50

100

150

Rai

nfa

ll (

mm

)

Time (Days)

Durallie Daily Rain (mm)

0.0

20.0

40.0

60.0

80.0

100.0

Rai

nfa

ll (

mm

)

Time (Days)

Durallie Daily Rain (mm) over the Twelve Months to March 2013

21

Figure 12. Water temperature values for all sites since September, 2002 (See Appendix 2 for the spring only samples since 2003). On the day of the survey electrical conductivity was elevated at Site M8 but lower for the other sites with the previous survey and still low for all river sites compared with the last twelve surveys. The values ranged in the river sites from 198µS/cm at Site M5 to 210µS/cm at both Sites M1 and M4, while the extremes were at M6 with 147µS/cm at Site M6 and 487µS/cm at Site M8 (see Table 9; Figure 13). Annual levels of conductivity have remained low in both river systems over the last twelve months (see Figure 14) and demonstrate the direct correlation with flow. Increases in levels between September and early February correspond to the extended dry period and falls in conductivity in June and mid-February correspond with the higher rainfall events as indicated by data supplied by Michael Plain (Duralie Coal).

Figure 13. Electrical Conductivity values for all sites since September, 2002 (See Appendix 2 for the spring only samples since 2003).

0

5

10

15

20

25

Tem

p (

Deg

rees

Cel

ciu

s)

Time

Temperature

M1

M2

M3

M4

M5

M6

M8

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

EC

Time


M1

M2

M3

M4

M5

M6

M8

22

Figure 14. Electrical conductivity recorded in each river system for the 12 months up to March, 2013. See Figure 1 for site locations. (MJ = Mammy Johnsons River, K = Karuah River). The pH was again essentially neutral and varied little across all sites ranging from 7.0 at Site M6 to 6.6 units at Site M8, while the average value in the river sites is 6.8. The pH has remained very constant over time varying no more than 1.5 pH units throughout the entire monitoring program (see Figures 15-16).

Figure 15. pH values for all sites since September, 2002 (See Appendix 2 for the spring only samples since 2003). Dissolved oxygen (DO) showed variable trends values compared with the levels of the last survey (see Table 9; Figure 17). All river sites DO readings were within the healthy range for aquatic organisms as set out by the ANZECC guidelines, ranging from 3.3 mg/l at Site M4 to 4.2 mg/l at Site M1. These values are indicative of running water conditions. The tributary sites were considerably lower, recording 1.6 mg/l at Site M6 and 2.1 mg/l at Site M8, indicating no flow conditions.

0200400600800

Duralie Surface Water Monitoring - Electrical Conductivity

Twelve Months to March 2013



0123456789

Ph

Un

its

Time

Ph

M1

M2

M3

M4

M5

M6

M8

23

Figure 16. pH recorded in each river system from the 12 month up to March, 2013. See Figure 1 for site locations.

Figure 17. Dissolved Oxygen values for all sites since September, 2002 (See Appendix 2 for the spring only samples since 2003). Turbidity levels increased substantially during the rainfall events of June, July, August and February but decreased rapidly afterwards. The regular flow events increased suspended sediment loads within the streams. However, due to their higher flows, they also removed it from the system thus not allowing the development of a build-up of sediment on the substrates. At the time of the March survey, both rivers had visible, slight turbidity conditions. Figure 18 illustrates the rapid change in total suspended solids and demonstrates that there is little to no difference in sediment loads between the rivers or between the stream sections above or below the mine workings and correlate to rainfall events.

0

5

10

Duralie Surface Water Monitoring - pH 12 Months to March 2013

Site 9 (M5) - K above junction

Site 19 - K below junction

GB1 (M2) - MJ above mine

Site 11(M4) - MJ below mine

0123456789

10

mg/

l

Time

Dissolved Oxygen

M1

M2

M3

M4

M5

M6

M8

24

Figure 18. Turbidity levels recorded in each river system for the 12 months up to March, 2013. See Figure 1 for site locations. Alkalinity levels show an inverse relationship to river flow or rainfall events. In the period up to January, 2013 survey alkalinity gradually increased as the flows decreased and dropped substantially during the rainfall events over the last six months. Figure 19 demonstrates the fluctuations in alkalinity between the rivers systems and below and above the mining area.

Figure 19. Alkalinity levels recorded in each river system for the 12 months up to March, 2013. See Figure 1 for site locations.

Discussion The results of the current survey indicate that both the Mammy Johnsons and Karuah Rivers are still in fair to healthy condition and possess a healthy, highly complex and diverse aquatic ecosystem. In summary, the biodiversity, community structure and indices show a general decrease in overall numbers of taxa collected at all sites, and as in previous surveys that have followed large rainfall and flow events the proportion of both EPT / shredder taxa have decreased, and the number of silt/disturbance tolerant taxa has also decreased. The consistency in the community structure however, indicates that the

020406080

100120140

Duralie Surface Water Monitoring - Turbidity Twelve Months to March 2013



020406080

Duralie Surface Water Monitoring - Alkalinity 12 Months to March 2013



25

low flow conditions over the last six months has had a stimulatory effect on the most sensitive flow dependent taxa as well as the more disturbance tolerant elements of the community. This is the result of a combination of moderate to high flows over the autumn / early winter period in 2012 which stimulated the propagation of the EPT and shredder community, and the low flow conditions over the spring / early summer period has stimulated the silt tolerant community such as the Diptera. The high flow in late summer reduced general numbers of all taxa but did not substantially change the community structure. Under higher sustained flow conditions there is an increase in the amount of available habitat for the grazer and shredder fauna which normally results in a corresponding increase in the presence of these groups. These conditions will also reduce green filamentous algae growth if there are excessive amounts of nutrients in the water, particularly within the riffled sections. However, the short duration of the high flows at the end of the summer breeding season simply removed taxa. The lack of green filamentous algae at any site during these periods indicates there have been either no significant artificial nutrient additions or organic pollution sources upstream of the survey sites and/or that the high flows scoured the algae from the substrate prior to the survey. The overall condition values at each river site for all community indices have either decreased slightly compared with the previous survey and were comparable with the previous 2011 autumn survey or were comparable with the previous autumn survey (see autumn SIGNAL and Biodiversity values figures 20-21). There have also been a consistently high number of sensitive taxa groups remaining within the river systems. These indice values, biodiversity and water chemistry results indicate that the water quality has remained high and the overall environmental condition of the catchment, stream structure and riparian zone has remained intact and constant. The discernible increases in the numbers of the more sensitive EPT and shredder taxa and the continuation of high water quality indicate that the riverine ecosystem condition values at Sites M1-M5 are in good to excellent condition. This signifies that the community composition has remained very consistent over time in a highly dynamic flow regime. Therefore, the results of the current survey confirm what has previously been predicted and demonstrated, i.e. that the aquatic biodiversity is continuing to show the same or similar trends to that recorded in previous years and under similar environmental conditions. The continued presence of high numbers of EPT taxa recorded at all river sites (7-18 taxa per site) indicates that both river systems are very healthy. The other off-river sites recorded lower values than the river sites. However, as they are much smaller systems they do not have the same scale of resources, flow levels and niches to support a highly complex biodiversity. They are also more impacted by decreases in flow or changes in environmental conditions. Site M8 had the greatest change in condition with the stream experiencing high flow levels that has provided ephemeral pools to develop which has provided a sustained environment at the time of the survey. In conclusion, the results from the current survey suggest that the overall biodiversity and river environmental conditions have remained very good and that there are no apparent adverse effects on the aquatic macroinvertebrate fauna in the Mammy Johnsons River as a result of any activities arising from the operations of the Duralie Mine.

Acknowledgements We are grateful to Michael Plain for his continued assistance in the field and for providing background information on water quality and site history.

References Anonymous. 1994. National River Processes and Management Program Monitoring River Health Initiative. River Bioassessment Manual Version 1.0. Department of the Environment, Sport and Territories, Canberra. Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council and Agriculture and Resource Management Council of Australia and New Zealand 2000, Australian Water Quality Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Waters, National Water Quality Management Strategy, Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council, Canberra.

26

Besley, C.H., McEvoy, P.M. and Chessman, B.C. 1996. Biological Assessment of the Streams in the Stratford Coal Project Area. Australian Water Technologies, Ensight, Report Number 96/152. Besley, C.H. and Growns, I. 1998. Biological Assessment of the Streams in the Stratford Coal Project Area. Australian Water Technologies, Ensight, Report Number 98/144. Chessman, B.C. 1995. Rapid assessment of rivers using macroinvertebrates: a procedure based on habitat-specific sampling, family-level identification and a biotic index. Australian Journal of Ecology 20(1):122-129. Chessman, B.C., Growns, J.E. and Kotlash, A.R. 1997. Objective derivation of macroinvertebrate family sensitivity grade numbers for the SIGNAL biotic index: application to the Hunter River system, New South Wales. Marine and Freshwater Research 48:159-172. Davies, P.E. (2000) Development of a national river bioassessment system (AUSRIVAS) in Australia. In: Assessing the Biological Quality of Freshwaters: RIVPACS and other techniques. Eds. Wright, J.F., Sutcliffe, D.W. and Furse, M.T., pp.113-124, Freshwater Biological Association, Ambleside, Cumbria, UK. Lenat, D.R. 1988. Water quality assessment of streams using a qualitative collection method for benthic macroinvertebrates. Journal of the North American Benthological Society7(3):222-233. Simpson, J. and Norris, R.H. (2000) Biological assessment of river quality: development of AUSRIVAS models and outputs. In: Assessing the Biological Quality of Freshwaters - RIVPACS and other techniques. Eds. Wright, J.F., Sutcliffe, D.W. and Furse, M.T., Freshwater Biological Association, Ambleside, Cumbria, UK. Williams, W.D. 1981. Australian Freshwater Life. The Invertebrates of Australian Inland Waters. Macmillan Education Australia Pty Ltd. Melbourne. Turak, E., Waddell, N. and Johnstone, G. 2004. New South Wales (NSW) Australian River Assessment System (AUSRIVAS) Sampling and Processing Manual. (http://ausrivas.canberra.edu.au/Bioassessment/Macroinvertebrates/).

http://ausrivas.canberra.edu.au/Bioassessment/Macroinvertebrates/

27

Appendix 1 A list of the macroinvertebrate species collected at the seven sample sites on the Mammy Johnsons and the Karuah Rivers on the 12th March 2013.

Order Family Taxa M1 M2 M3 M4 M5 M6 M8

Bivalvia Hyriidae Alathyria * *

* Bivalvia Sphaeriidae Pisidium

* * * * *

Coleoptera Dystiscidae Antiporus

*

* * Coleoptera Dystiscidae Barratthydrus

*

*

Coleoptera Dystiscidae Batrachomatus *

*

Coleoptera Dystiscidae Bidessodes * * *

* * Coleoptera Dystiscidae Chostonectes

* *

Coleoptera Dystiscidae Hyphydrus

* Coleoptera Dystiscidae Necterosoma

* *

*

Coleoptera Dystiscidae Rhantus * * * Coleoptera Elmidae Austrolimnius

* * * *

Coleoptera Elmidae Kingolus

* Coleoptera Elmidae Notriolus

* *

Coleoptera Gyrinidae Macrogyrus * * * * * Coleoptera Haliplidae Haliplus *

* *

Coleoptera Hydrophilidae Berosus *

* * * Coleoptera Psephenidae Sclerocyphon maculatus *

* *

Coleoptera Scirtidae Undetermined *

* *

* *

Decapoda Atyidae Australatya striolata

*

* Decapoda Atyidae Paratya australiensis *

* * * *

Diptera Ceratopogonidae Bezzia

* * *

* Diptera Chironomidae Chironominae

* * * * * *

Diptera Chironomidae Orthocladinae * * * * *

*

Diptera Chironomidae Tanypodinae * * * * * * Diptera Simuliidae Simulium *

*

Diptera Tipulidae sp. *

*

* * *

Ephemeroptera Baetidae Bungona sp. 1

* *

* Ephemeroptera Baetidae Bungona sp. 2 * *

* *

Ephemeroptera Caenidae Tasmanocoenis

*

* Ephemeroptera Leptophlebiidae Atalophlebia sp. AV12 * * * * * Ephemeroptera Leptophlebiidae Austrophlebioides sp. AV9 *

*

*

*

Ephemeroptera Leptophlebiidae Jappa *

* * Ephemeroptera Leptophlebiidae Nousia

* *

Gastropoda Ancylidae Ferrissia petterdi *

* * * Gastropoda Hydrobiidae Posticobia brazieri *

* * *

Gastropoda Planorbidae Gyraulus

*

* Hemiptera Corixidae Micronecta *

* * * * *

Hemiptera Mesoveliidae Mesovelia

*

*

Hemiptera Pleidae Plea *

* Hemiptera Veliidae Microvelia *

*

* * *

Hirudinea Erpobdellidae Undetermined

* Hirudinea Glossiphoniidae Undetermined

*

Megaloptera Corydalidae Archichauloides guttiferus * *

* * Odonata Coenagrionidae Ischnura

*

Odonata Gomphidae Austrogomphus

* * Odonata Gomphidae Hemigomphus

*

Odonata Libellulidae Diplacodes * * Odonata Megapodagrionidae Austroargiolestes * * *

* *

*

Oligochaete Lumbriculidae Lumbricus variegatus

* * *

* *

Platyhelminthes Dugesiidae Undetermined *

* * *

*

Plecoptera Grypopterygidae Illiesoperla * * * * * Trichoptera Calamoceratidae Anisocentropus *

* * *

Trichoptera Conoesucidae Coenoria sp. AV1

*

* Trichoptera Ecnomidae Ecnomus * *

*

Trichoptera Helicopsychidae Helicopsyche

*

28

Trichoptera Hydrobiosidae Apsilochorema

* * * * Trichoptera Hydropsychidae Asmicridea sp.AV1

* *

Trichoptera Hydropsychidae Cheumatopsyche sp.AV1 * * * * * Trichoptera Hydroptilidae Hydroptila scamandra

*

Trichoptera Leptoceridae Notalina spira * *

* Trichoptera Leptoceridae Oecetis * * *

* *

Trichoptera Leptoceridae Triplectides * *

* * * *

Trichoptera Philopotamidae Hydrobiosella * *

* * Trichoptera Polycentropidae Plectocnemia * *

Totals 43 64 35 33 32 36 42 20 15

29

Appendix 2 Graphs (Figures 20-29) of the biological and physico-chemical parameters for the autumn only surveys, since 2003.

Figure 20. The recorded variation in the SIGNAL-HU97B values for the autumn only samples since 2003.

Figure 21. The recorded variation in the biodiversity (number of taxa) values for the autumn only samples since 2003.

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Mar-03 Mar-05 Mar-07 Mar-09 Mar-11 Mar-13

M1

M2

M3

M4

M5

M6

M8

SIGNAL (HU97B) - Autumn

SIG

NA

L V

alu

e

05

101520253035404550


M1

M2

M3

M4

M5

M6

M8

Aquatic Biodiversity - Autumn

No.

of

taxa

30

Figure 22. The recorded variation in the number of EPT Taxa values for the autumn only samples since 2003.

Figure 23.The variation in the EPT ratio values for the autumn only samples since 2003.

02468

1012141618


M1

M2

M3

M4

M5

M6

M8

EPT Index - Autumn

No.

of

EP

T t

axa

0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6


M1

M2

M3

M4

M5

M6

M8

EPT Ratio Index - Autumn

Rat

io V

alu

es

31

Figure 24.The variation in the shredder ratio values for the autumn only samples since 2003.

Figure 25.The variation in the silt tolerant taxa ratio values for the autumn only samples since 2003.

0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8


M1

M2

M3

M4

M5

M6

M8

Shredder Ratio Index - Autumn

Rat

io V

alu

es

0

0.05

0.1

0.15

0.2

0.25


M1

M2

M3

M4

M5

M6

M8

Silt Taxa Ratio Index - Autumn

Rat

io V

alu

es

32

Figure 26. The variation in the water temperature values for the autumn only samples since 2003.

Figure 27. The variation in the electrical conductivity values for the autumn only samples since 2003.

0

5

10

15

20

25

Mar-03 Mar-05 Mar-07 Mar-09 Mar-11

Te

mp

(D

eg

ree

s C

elc

ius

)

Time

Temperature - Autumn

M1

M2

M3

M4

M5

M6

M8

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700


EC

Time

Electrical Conductivity - Autumn

M1

M2

M3

M4

M5

M6

M8

33

Figure 28. The variation in the pH values for the autumn only samples since 2003.

Figure 29. The variation in the dissolved oxygen values for the autumn only samples since 2003.

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9


Ph

Un

its

Time

Ph - Autumn

M1

M2

M3

M4

M5

M6

M8

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9


m/l

Time

Dissolved Oxygen - Autumn

M1

M2

M3

M4

M5

M6

M8

Groundwater

DB1W

Parameter Units 27-Aug-12 27-Nov-12 19-Feb-13 1-May-13 Min Avg Max Variance Std Dev

Depth to standing WL (m) 15.61 15.84 15.68 15.65 15.6 15.70 15.84 0.01 0.10pH 6.0 5.9 6.0 6.1 5.9 6.00 6.10 0.01 0.08

Conductivity @ 250C (µS/cm) 4560 5020 4370 4090 4090 4510 5020 152867 391ORP (mV) - 47 25 11 11 28 47 329 18Dissolved Oxygen (%) 18 26 30 18 25 30 38 6TDS (mg/L) 3263 2841 2454 2454 2853 3263 163722 405Alkalinity as CaCO3 (mg/L) 137 126 123 114 114 125 137 90 9Acidity as CaCO3 (mg/L) 113 171 176 163 113 156 176 841 29Sulphate (mg/L) 407 361 359 343 343 368 407 758 28Chloride (mg/L) 1170 1230 1090 1040 1040 1133 1230 7092 84Calcium (mg/L) 281 309 250 262 250 276 309 662 26Magnesium (mg/L) 68 72 70 65 65 69 72 9 3Sodium (mg/L) 559 601 522 526 522 552 601 1342 37Aluminium (mg/L) 0.26 0.44 0.76 1.30 0.26 0.69 1.30 0.21 0.46Manganese (mg/L) 1.160 1.160 1.250 1.020 1.020 1.148 1.250 0.009 0.095Zinc (mg/L) 0.064 0.067 0.052 0.086 0.052 0.067 0.086 0.000 0.014

Iron (mg/L) 38.40 38.50 36.70 37.30 36.70 37.73 38.50 0.76 0.87

DB2W



Conductivity @ 250C (µS/cm) 1275 1432 1295 1240 1240 1311 1432 7078 84ORP (mV) 28 -13 4 -13 6 28 424 21Dissolved Oxygen (%) 27 27 40 27 31 40 56 7TDS (mg/L) 931 842 744 744 839 931 8749 94Alkalinity as CaCO3 (mg/L) 164 166 164 163 163 164 166 2 1Acidity as CaCO3 (mg/L) 76 102 120 105 76 101 120 334 18Sulphate (mg/L) 180 136 147 139 136 151 180 408 20Chloride (mg/L) 244 233 228 209 209 229 244 214 15Calcium (mg/L) 90 90 74 85 74 85 90 57 8Magnesium (mg/L) 24 22 23 22 22 23 24 1 1Sodium (mg/L) 141 151 127 132 127 138 151 112 11Aluminium (mg/L) 0.21 <0.01 0.01 <0.01 0.01 0.11 0.21 0.02 0.14Manganese (mg/L) 1.020 0.988 1.460 0.952 0.952 1.105 1.460 0.057 0.238Zinc (mg/L) 0.006 0.008 <0.005 0.006 0.006 0.007 0.008 0.000 0.001

Iron (mg/L) 16.0 15.2 20.9 14.8 14.8 16.7 20.9 8.0 2.8

DB3W



Conductivity @ 250C (µS/cm) 155 170 123 90 90 135 170 1264 36ORP (mV) 45 3 55 3 34 55 761 28Dissolved Oxygen (%) 58 58 45 45 54 58 54 7TDS (mg/L) 111 80 54 54 82 111 814 29Alkalinity as CaCO3 (mg/L) 32 34 33 27 27 32 34 10 3Acidity as CaCO3 (mg/L) 24 23 31 12 12 23 31 62 8Sulphate (mg/L) 25 26 5 5 5 15 26 140 12Chloride (mg/L) 18 25 13 16 13 18 25 26 5Calcium (mg/L) 4 4 <1 2 2 3 4 1 1Magnesium (mg/L) 2 2 <1 2 2 2 2 0 0Sodium (mg/L) 27 38 21 17 17 26 38 84 9Aluminium (mg/L) 22 108 112 12 12 63 112 2922 54Manganese (mg/L) 0.846 1.680 1.200 0.644 0.644 1.093 1.680 0.206 0.454Zinc (mg/L) 0.169 0.407 0.348 0.100 0.100 0.256 0.407 0.021 0.145Iron (mg/L) 31.5 158.0 116.0 21.4 21.4 81.7 158.0 4384.8 66.2

DB4W



Conductivity @ 250C (µS/cm) 4010 4620 4340 4090 4010 4265 4620 75767 275ORP (mV) 7 14 -70 -70 -16 14 2172 47Dissolved Oxygen (%) 24 13 30 13 22 30 79 9TDS (mg/L) 3003 2820 2454 2454 2759 3003 78141 280Alkalinity as CaCO3 (mg/L) 170 163 161 162 161 164 170 17 4Acidity as CaCO3 (mg/L) 66 117 114 126 66 106 126 728 27Sulphate (mg/L) 375 326 336 322 322 340 375 587 24Chloride (mg/L) 1040 1130 1070 1120 1040 1090 1130 1800 42Calcium (mg/L) 168 200 166 191 166 181 200 285 17Magnesium (mg/L) 99 112 113 111 99 109 113 43 7Sodium (mg/L) 560 610 524 559 524 563 610 1252 35Aluminium (mg/L) 0.09 0.21 0.48 <0.01 0.09 0.26 0.48 0.04 0.20Manganese (mg/L) 1.990 2.130 2.550 2.300 1.990 2.243 2.550 0.058 0.241Zinc (mg/L) 0.012 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 0.012 0.012 0.012

Iron (mg/L) 8.19 8.36 8.19 9.20 8.2 8.49 9.20 0.23 0.48

DB5W



Conductivity @ 250C (µS/cm) 2940 3870 3290 2920 2920 3255 3870 196967 444ORP (mV) 50 28 26 26 35 50 177 13Dissolved Oxygen (%) 29 12 30 12 24 30 108 10TDS (mg/L) 2516 2139 1752 1752 2136 2516 145932 382Alkalinity as CaCO3 (mg/L) 57 41 40 49 40 47 57 63 8Acidity as CaCO3 (mg/L) 213 257 271 176 176 229 271 1871 43Sulphate (mg/L) 347 396 374 319 319 359 396 1113 33Chloride (mg/L) 797 914 788 717 717 804 914 6658 82Calcium (mg/L) 42 48 39 40 39 42 48 16 4Magnesium (mg/L) 58 66 62 55 55 60 66 23 5Sodium (mg/L) 489 583 486 472 472 508 583 2588 51Aluminium (mg/L) 0.04 0.06 0.05 0.02 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.00 0.02Manganese (mg/L) 1.740 2.090 2.200 1.860 1.740 1.973 2.200 0.044 0.210Zinc (mg/L) 0.072 0.109 0.106 0.055 0.055 0.086 0.109 0.001 0.026

Iron (mg/L) 79.6 98.5 93.4 86.9 79.6 89.6 98.5 67.0 8.2

DB6W



Conductivity @ 250C (µS/cm) 5850 6860 5010 1690 1690 4853 6860 5017092 2240ORP (mV) 10 -18 -46 -46 -18 10 784 28Dissolved Oxygen (%) 17 20 65 17 34 65 717 27TDS (mg/L) 4459 3257 1014 1014 2910 4459 3057313 1749Alkalinity as CaCO3 (mg/L) 632 577 566 164 164 485 632 46558 216Acidity as CaCO3 (mg/L) 122 122 136 16 16 99 136 3105 56Sulphate (mg/L) 109 89 95 30 30 81 109 1215 35Chloride (mg/L) 1570 1810 1610 445 445 1359 1810 382106 618Calcium (mg/L) 349 362 262 90 90 266 362 15699 125Magnesium (mg/L) 220 224 224 54 54 181 224 7116 84Sodium (mg/L) 665 713 630 182 182 548 713 60531 246Aluminium (mg/L) 0.09 0.05 0.15 0.69 0.05 0.25 0.69 0.09 0.30Manganese (mg/L) 0.332 0.368 0.328 0.106 0.106 0.284 0.368 0.014 0.120Zinc (mg/L) 0.025 <0.005 0.008 0.268 0.008 0.100 0.268 0.021 0.145Iron (mg/L) 4.35 4.18 4.06 1.48 1.48 3.52 4.35 1.86 1.36

DB7W


Depth to standing WL (m) 10.11 10.72 10.77 10.04 10.0 10.41 10.77 0.15 0.39

pH 6.8 6.6 6.8 6.8 6.6 6.8 6.8 0.0 0.1

Conductivity @ 250C (µS/cm) 3010 3080 2840 2650 2650 2895 3080 36833 192

ORP (mV) -90 -120 -188 -188 -133 -90 2521 50Dissolved Oxygen (%) 18 18 30 18 22 30 46 7TDS (mg/L) 2002 1846 1590 1590 1813 2002 43269 208

Alkalinity as CaCO3 (mg/L) 398 363 360 360 360 370 398 344 19

Acidity as CaCO3 (mg/L) 46 44 51 37 37 45 51 34 6

Sulphate (mg/L) 136 96 105 109 96 112 136 296 17

Chloride (mg/L) 711 693 645 620 620 667 711 1768 42

Calcium (mg/L) 149 156 118 145 118 142 156 277 17

Magnesium (mg/L) 59 55 54 54 54 56 59 6 2

Sodium (mg/L) 415 433 365 389 365 401 433 886 30

Aluminium (mg/L) 0.70 0.19 0.48 0.16 0.16 0.38 0.70 0.07 0.26

Manganese (mg/L) 0.756 0.749 0.760 0.741 0.741 0.752 0.760 0.000 0.008

Zinc (mg/L) <0.005 0.007 0.007 0.008 0.007 0.007 0.008 0.000 0.001

Iron (mg/L) 0.49 0.30 0.49 0.36 0.30 0.41 0.49 0.01 0.10

DB8W



DB9W



pH 7.2 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.0 7.1 7.2 0.0 0.1


ORP (mV) -27 -75 -72 -75 -58 -27 723 27Dissolved Oxygen (%) 24 22 55 22 34 55 342 19TDS (mg/L) 2698 2314 1854 1854 2289 2698 178565 423



Sulphate (mg/L) 319 285 270 242 242 279 319 1029 32

Chloride (mg/L) 1020 1080 877 796 796 943 1080 16888 130

Calcium (mg/L) 206 213 159 165 159 186 213 766 28

Magnesium (mg/L) 25 23 20 19 19 22 25 8 3

Sodium (mg/L) 635 650 528 523 523 584 650 4605 68

Aluminium (mg/L) 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.9 0.02 0.26 0.90 0.19 0.43

Manganese (mg/L) 0.321 0.316 0.397 0.298 0.298 0.333 0.397 0.002 0.044

Zinc (mg/L) 0.960 0.006 0.024 0.139 0.006 0.282 0.960 0.208 0.456

Iron (mg/L) 0.96 0.97 1.48 1.81 0.96 1.31 1.81 0.17 0.42

DB10W



pH 5.5 5.7 6.3 6.1 5.5 5.9 6.3 0.1 0.4


ORP (mV) 64 57 97 57 73 97 456 21Dissolved Oxygen (%) 14 44 60 14 39 60 545 23TDS (mg/L) 2594 2646 2214 2214 2485 2646 55621 236



Sulphate (mg/L) 452 410 414 397 397 418 452 559 24

Chloride (mg/L) 1050 1090 958 968 958 1017 1090 4100 64

Calcium (mg/L) 77 86 70 74 70 77 86 46 7

Magnesium (mg/L) 80 84 84 76 76 81 84 15 4

Sodium (mg/L) 676 731 624 650 624 670 731 2091 46

Aluminium (mg/L) 0.59 1.36 1.36 0.30 0.30 0.90 1.36 0.29 0.54

Manganese (mg/L) 0.791 0.859 0.912 0.845 0.791 0.852 0.912 0.002 0.050

Zinc (mg/L) 0.126 0.160 0.163 0.199 0.126 0.162 0.199 0.001 0.030

Iron (mg/L) 14.4 15.7 13.2 11.1 11.1 13.6 15.7 3.8 2.0

BH4BW



Conductivity @ 250C (µS/cm) 225 318 228 160 160 233 318 4214 65ORP (mV) 100 8 42 8 50 100 2164 47Dissolved Oxygen (%) 55 63 30 30 49 63 298 17TDS (mg/L) 207 148 96 96 150 207 3084 56Alkalinity as CaCO3 (mg/L) 69 86 78 69 69 76 86 67 8Acidity as CaCO3 (mg/L) 85 44 49 22 22 50 85 682 26Sulphate (mg/L) 28 39 10 26 10 26 39 143 12Chloride (mg/L) 22 24 21 25 21 23 25 3 2Calcium (mg/L) 6 18 9 10 6 11 18 26 5Magnesium (mg/L) 4 9 8 6 4 7 9 5 2Sodium (mg/L) 28 50 24 31 24 33 50 133 12Aluminium (mg/L) 175.0 75.2 29.4 21.2 21.2 75.2 175.0 4991.2 70.6Manganese (mg/L) 6.51 4.14 2.93 6.87 2.93 5.11 6.87 3.58 1.89Zinc (mg/L) 0.727 0.329 0.182 0.366 0.182 0.401 0.727 0.054 0.231Iron (mg/L) 198.0 82.0 26.9 50.8 26.9 89.4 198.0 5748.3 75.8

SI1W



pH 7.1 7.2 7.0 7.2 7.0 7.1 7.2 0.0 0.1


ORP (mV) 37 -20 55 -20 24 55 1533 39Dissolved Oxygen (%) 12 25 30 12 22 30 85 9TDS (mg/L) 1846 1632 1470 1470 1649 1846 35569 189



Sulphate (mg/L) 487 528 585 589 487 547 589 2390 49

Chloride (mg/L) 408 375 340 307 307 358 408 1904 44

Calcium (mg/L) 161 173 131 173 131 160 173 393 20

Magnesium (mg/L) 135 138 146 144 135 141 146 26 5

Sodium (mg/L) 212 235 216 226 212 222 235 107 10

Aluminium (mg/L) 0.07 0.03 0.04 0.03 0.03 0.04 0.07 0.00 0.02

Manganese (mg/L) 0.002 0.002 0.004 <0.001 0.002 0.003 0.004 0.000 0.001

Zinc (mg/L) 0.011 0.009 <0.005 0.010 0.009 0.010 0.011 0.000 0.001

Iron (mg/L) 0.07 <0.05 <0.05 0.11 0.07 0.09 0.11 0.00 0.03

SI2W



pH 7.2 7.2 7.0 7.1 7.0 7.1 7.2 0.0 0.1


ORP (mV) 79 -4 55 -4 43 79 1824 43Dissolved Oxygen (%) 33 24 30 24 29 33 22 5

TDS (mg/L) 1918 1827 1572 1572 1772 1918 32170 179



Sulphate (mg/L) 509 566 683 671 509 607 683 7052 84

Chloride (mg/L) 483 401 292 272 272 362 483 9721 99

Calcium (mg/L) 162 165 97 148 97 143 165 995 32

Magnesium (mg/L) 132 128 138 132 128 133 138 17 4

Sodium (mg/L) 368 367 341 348 341 356 368 185 14

Aluminium (mg/L) 0.06 0.01 0.02 0.06 0.01 0.04 0.06 0.00 0.03

Manganese (mg/L) 0.033 0.014 0.009 0.007 0.007 0.016 0.033 0.000 0.012

Zinc (mg/L) 0.014 0.006 <0.005 0.020 0.006 0.013 0.020 0.000 0.007

Iron (mg/L) 0.1 <0.05 <0.05 0.14 0.10 0.12 0.14 0.00 0.03

SI3W



pH 7.1 7.0 6.8 7.2 6.8 7.0 7.2 0.0 0.2


ORP (mV) 77 -1 15 -1 30 77 1697 41Dissolved Oxygen (%) 36 36 60 36 44 60 191 14

TDS (mg/L) 4745 4414 4020 4020 4393 4745 131737 363



Sulphate (mg/L) 782 713 717 720 713 733 782 1075 33

Chloride (mg/L) 1760 1920 1880 1730 1730 1823 1920 8425 92

Calcium (mg/L) 596 592 494 567 494 562 596 2235 47

Magnesium (mg/L) 167 162 177 166 162 168 177 41 6

Sodium (mg/L) 890 924 851 849 849 879 924 1276 36

Aluminium (mg/L) 10.2 2.09 1.73 1.88 1.73 3.98 10.20 17.24 4.15

Manganese (mg/L) 1.030 0.584 1.590 1.130 0.584 1.084 1.590 0.170 0.413

Zinc (mg/L) 0.248 0.170 0.079 0.250 0.079 0.187 0.250 0.007 0.081

Iron (mg/L) 8.1 2.04 1.43 2.2 1.43 3.44 8.10 9.75 3.12

0.00

1.00

2.00

3.00

4.00

5.00

6.00

7.00

8.00

9.00

Nett Change

(m)

Groundwater Nett RL Change ‐ Pit to River

BH4BW DB1W DB2W DB3W DB4W DB5W

0.00

0.50

1.00

1.50

2.00

2.50

3.00

3.50

Nett Change

(m)

Groundwater Nett RL Change ‐Upgrade of Pit

DB6W

0.00

2.00

4.00

6.00

8.00

10.00

12.00

Nett Change

(m)

Groundwater Nett RL Change ‐Western Irrigation Area

SI1W SI2W SI3W

Appe

ndix

5:

Blast Monitoring

Shot # Location Date TimeOverpressure

Site Exceedance 1

Overpressure "Cumulative Exceedance"

1

Ground Vibration Site Exceedance 1

Ground Vibration

"Cumulative Exceedance" 1

Monitored Blasts1

24hr mm/s dBL mm/s dBL mm/s dBL mm/s dBL % %B839 Weis Strip 04-Jul-12 12:39:00 <0.22 <110.0 1.05 103.5 0.60 112.5 0.71 114.0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 1C841 Clareval So 06-Jul-12 14:34:00 <0.22 <110.0 0.66 101.0 <0.22 <110.0 0.37 103.8 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 2C841 Clareval So 11-Jul-12 12:47:00 0.24 97.1 1.02 95.9 <0.22 <110.0 0.61 98.7 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 3C842 Clareval So 12-Jul-12 12:40:00 <0.22 <110.0 0.63 94.0 <0.22 <110.0 0.30 95.8 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 4C843 Clareval So 18-Jul-12 12:45:00 <0.22 <110.0 2.57 106.0 0.32 104.5 1.15 108.3 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 5C844 Clareval So 24-Jul-12 12:44:00 <0.22 <110.0 0.81 103.5 <0.22 <110.0 0.46 103.8 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 6C846 Clareval So 26-Jul-12 12:38:00 <0.22 <110.0 0.80 98.8 <0.22 <110.0 <0.22 <110.0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 7C847 Clareval So 27-Jul-12 14:27:00 <0.22 <110.0 <0.22 <110.0 0.25 103.4 0.41 98.1 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 8C845 Clareval So 01-Aug-12 13:10:00 <0.22 <110.0 1.69 106.5 0.30 105.5 0.92 109.6 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 9B840 Weis Strip 02-Aug-12 12:38:00 <0.22 <110.0 <0.22 <110.0 0.25 102.5 0.30 99.9 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 10B840 Weis Strip 06-Aug-12 12:44:00 <0.22 <110.0 <0.22 <110.0 0.40 99.2 0.41 96.6 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 11B839B Weis Strip 09-Aug-12 12:47:00 <0.22 <110.0 0.80 101.9 0.55 109.6 0.59 113.7 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 12C853 Clareval So 10-Aug-12 10:04:00 <0.22 <110.0 <0.51 <110.0 <0.22 <110.0 <0.22 <110.0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 13B818B Weis Strip 14-Aug-12 12:39:00 <0.22 <110.0 0.56 100.0 0.27 101.0 0.36 105.4 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 14C854 Clareval Blo 15-Aug-12 12:37:00 <0.22 <110.0 1.48 98.8 <0.22 <110.0 0.63 107.4 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 15B839D Weis Strip 22-Aug-12 12:41:00 <0.22 <110.0 0.91 107.0 0.82 98.8 0.75 111.4 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 16B854 Weis Strip 23-Aug-12 12:38:00 <0.22 <110.0 <0.51 <110.0 <0.22 <110.0 0.26 98.1 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 17C851 Clareval So 29-Aug-12 12:47:00 <0.22 <110.0 0.71 97.5 <0.22 <110.0 0.38 101.4 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 18C855 Clareval So 30-Aug-12 12:38:00 <0.22 <110.0 <0.51 <110.0 <0.22 <110.0 0.25 105.1 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 19C857 Clareval Blo 04-Sep-12 12:36:00 <0.22 <110.0 1.01 109.2 <0.22 <110.0 0.96 114.6 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 20C856 Clareval Blo 06-Sep-12 12:39:00 <0.22 <110.0 1.30 104.2 0.31 107.0 0.78 112.5 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 21C858 Clareval Blo 12-Sep-12 12:37:00 <0.22 <110.0 1.31 112.3 0.29 104.9 1.07 115.1 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 22C860 Clareval Blo 13-Sep-12 12:37:00 <0.22 <110.0 1.07 101.0 <0.22 <110.0 0.62 106.9 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 23C861 Clareval So 19-Sep-12 12:43:00 0.61 95.0 1.25 106.5 0.48 95.9 0.81 96.6 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 24B859 Weismante 25-Sep-12 15:32:00 <0.22 <110.0 0.87 112.0 0.57 105.5 0.61 116.9 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 25C862 Clareval Blo 27-Sep-12 12:38:00 0.26 92.0 1.11 104.9 0.25 111.2 0.74 109.3 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 26B863B Weismante 05-Oct-12 12:38:00 <0.22 <110.0 <0.51 <110.0 <0.22 <110.0 0.26 104.4 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 27C864 Clareval So 09-Oct-12 12:32:00 <0.22 <110.0 <0.51 <110.0 <0.22 <110.0 <0.22 <110.0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 28B865 Weismante 10-Oct-12 12:36:00 <0.22 <110.0 0.69 106.5 0.43 103.4 0.48 111.5 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 29C866 Clareval Blo 12-Oct-12 10:56:00 <0.22 <110.0 1.27 109.2 0.25 98.5 0.76 115.7 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 30C867 Clareval So 18-Oct-12 12:38:00 <0.22 <110.0 <0.51 <110.0 <0.22 <110.0 0.38 103.8 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 31C866B Clareval Blo 19-Oct-12 12:41:00 <0.22 <110.0 1.08 108.0 <0.22 <110.0 0.88 114.0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 32C872 Clareval So 23-Oct-12 12:40:00 <0.22 <110.0 <0.51 <110.0 <0.22 <110.0 0.37 108.1 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 33

Weismante 30-Oct-12 12:38:00 <0.22 <110.0 0.86 103.5 0.56 96.9 0.70 110.0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 34B871 Weismante 05-Nov-12 12:36:00 <0.22 <110.0 <0.51 <110.0 0.58 93.8 0.49 107.4 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 35B875 Weismante 07-Nov-12 12:41:00 <0.22 <110.0 <0.51 <110.0 <0.22 <110.0 0.11 115.5 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 36B876 Clareval Blo 09-Nov-12 12:41:00 <0.22 <110.0 1.44 103.5 0.23 96.0 1.14 106.0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 37

Schultz Mahony Fisher-Webster Weismantal Inn


Site Exceedance 1


1


Ground Vibration


Monitored Blasts1

24hr mm/s dBL mm/s dBL mm/s dBL mm/s dBL % %C874 Clareval So 13-Nov-12 12:39:00 <0.22 <110.0 0.86 95.9 <0.22 <110.0 <0.22 <110.0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 38C877 Clareval So 14-Nov-12 12:35:00 <0.22 <110.0 0.83 104.9 <0.22 <110.0 0.44 111.4 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 39C878 Clareval So 19-Nov-12 12:36:00 0.37 93.6 1.29 103.5 0.51 96.9 0.68 108.1 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 40C879 Clareval So 21-Nov-12 12:39:00 <0.22 <110.0 1.23 110.2 <0.22 <110.0 0.64 111.5 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 41C876 Clareval Blo 23-Nov-12 12:33:00 0.41 105.3 1.68 110.2 0.43 96.0 1.59 116.7 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 42C880 Weismante 28-Nov-12 12:38:00 <0.22 <110.0 0.81 107.4 0.28 96.9 0.69 113.7 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 43C880A Weismante 29-Nov-12 12:36:00 <0.22 <110.0 <0.51 <110.0 0.38 97.8 0.39 112.7 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 44C882 Clareval Ra 04-Dec-12 12:39:00 <0.22 <110.0 0.77 106.0 <0.22 <110.0 0.68 105.9 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 45C883 Clareval Blo 06-Dec-12 12:38:00 0.27 98.9 1.86 108.4 <0.22 <110.0 1.45 113.8 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 46C885 Clareval Blo 13-Dec-12 12:29:00 <0.22 <110.0 1.73 112.0 0.38 98.5 1.66 113.5 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 47C884 Weismante 11-Jan-13 12:38:00 <0.22 <110.0 0.78 108.4 0.71 96.0 0.84 110.1 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 48C887 Clareval So 14-Jan-13 12:38:00 <0.22 <110.0 <0.51 <110.0 <0.22 <110.0 <0.22 <110.0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 49C890 Clareval Blo 16-Jan-13 12:37:00 0.22 95.0 2.96 102.8 0.38 95.0 2.09 102.4 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 50C889 Clareval So 18-Jan-13 12:42:00 0.35 97.1 <0.51 <110.0 0.41 96.9 0.50 96.7 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 51C891 Weismante 22-Jan-13 12:52:00 <0.22 <110.0 <0.51 <110.0 <0.22 <110.0 0.49 111.2 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 52C889C Clareval So 24-Jan-13 12:40:00 <0.22 <110.0 <0.51 <110.0 <0.22 <110.0 <0.22 <110.0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 53C892 Clareval Blo 25-Jan-13 12:39:00 <0.22 <110.0 0.60 111.5 <0.22 <110.0 0.73 116.2 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 54

Clareval So 30-Jan-13 12:46:00 <0.22 <110.0 <0.51 <110.0 <0.22 <110.0 <0.22 <110.0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 55C884B Weismante 31-Jan-13 12:40:00 <0.22 <110.0 <0.51 <110.0 0.30 96.9 0.40 108.0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 56C870 Weismante 01-Feb-13 12:40:00 <0.22 <110.0 <0.51 <110.0 0.30 98.5 0.30 94.0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 57B893 Weismante 06-Feb-13 12:35:00 <0.22 <110.0 1.19 101.0 0.89 96.0 0.46 106.3 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 58C895 Clareval Blo 09-Feb-13 12:32:00 <0.22 <110.0 4.39 105.5 0.30 95.0 1.78 112.9 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 59C894 Clareval Blo 12-Feb-13 12:36:00 <0.22 <110.0 1.77 109.9 0.28 95.0 1.37 113.9 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 60C897 Clareval Ra 25-Feb-13 12:32:00 <0.22 <110.0 <0.22 <110.0 0.53 106.3 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 61C894C Clareval Ra 01-Mar-13 12:37:00 <0.22 <110.0 1.29 111.8 <0.22 <110.0 0.93 116.3 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 62C898 Clareval Blo 07-Mar-13 12:31:00 <0.22 <110.0 2.50 108.0 <0.22 <110.0 1.45 114.7 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 63B896A Weismante 14-Mar-13 12:35:00 0.21 95 0.48 93.8 1.00 110.6 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 64B896C Weismante 20-Mar-13 12:37:00 <0.22 <110.0 0.30 90.9 0.94 113.2 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 65B902 Weismante 22-Mar-13 12:33:00 <0.22 <110.0 1.72 104.2 0.68 92.5 0.75 108.8 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 66B901 Weismante 26-Mar-13 12:38:00 <0.22 <110.0 1.39 107.0 0.30 93.8 0.31 112.7 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 67B904 Weismante 28-Mar-13 12:37:00 <0.22 <110.0 0.81 107.5 0.46 92.5 0.43 112.8 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 68C900 Clareval Blo 04-Apr-13 12:35:00 <0.22 <110.0 2.09 110.6 0.30 89.0 1.30 116.6 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 69B908 Weismante 05-Apr-13 12:37:00 <0.22 <110.0 <0.51 <110.0 <0.22 <110.0 <0.22 <110.0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 70B909 Weismante 09-Apr-13 12:37:00 <0.22 <110.0 0.61 108.8 0.53 92.5 0.45 114.2 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 71C900B Clareval Blo 12-Apr-13 12:31:00 <0.22 <110.0 1.49 112.0 0.30 89.0 1.15 115.4 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 72C911 Clareval Blo 15-Apr-13 12:37:00 <0.22 <110.0 1.38 107.0 <0.22 <110.0 0.65 108.0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 73B904B Weismante 18-Apr-13 12:47:00 <0.22 <110.0 0.89 106.0 0.56 89.0 0.54 109.2 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 74C912 Clareval So 19-Apr-13 12:34:00 <0.22 <110.0 <0.51 <110.0 <0.22 <110.0 0.37 89.9 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 75


No Result (Equipment Fail)

No Result (Equipment Fault)No Result (Equipment Fault)


Site Exceedance 1


1


Ground Vibration


Monitored Blasts1

24hr mm/s dBL mm/s dBL mm/s dBL mm/s dBL % %C914 Clareval Blo 24-Apr-13 12:37:00 <0.22 <110.0 1.03 108.8 0.33 96 0.87 111.0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 76C Clareval So 01-May-13 12:41:00 0.4 92 1.22 104.9 0.41 89.0 0.74 92.8 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 77B917 Weismante 02-May-13 12:30:00 <0.22 <110.0 <0.51 <110.0 0.28 89.0 0.25 110.6 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 78C918B Clareval Blo 06-May-13 12:38:00 <0.22 <110.0 <0.51 <110.0 <0.22 <110.0 0.30 108.8 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 79C920A Clareval So 08-May-13 12:43:00 0.25 98.1 0.86 102.8 0.33 89.0 0.52 104.9 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 80B921 Weismante 15-May-13 12:42:00 <0.22 <110.0 1.04 101.9 0.81 89.0 0.74 107.4 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 81C913 Clareval Blo 20-May-13 10:19:00 <0.22 <110.0 1.94 111.5 0.63 86.5 1.75 115.5 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 82B916B Weismante 21-May-13 12:44:00 <0.22 <110.0 <0.51 <110.0 <0.22 <110.0 0.37 108.8 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 83C919 Clareval Blo 23-May-13 10:11:00 <0.22 <110.0 1.26 105.5 <0.22 <110.0 1.18 111.3 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 84C924 Clareval So 24-May-13 10:11:00 0.31 102.7 1.03 118.1 0.6 114.4 0.60 114.4 1.2% 1 0.0% 0 85C925B Clareval Blo 28-May-13 12:44:00 <0.22 <110.0 1.35 110.2 <0.22 <110.0 0.84 112.8 1.2% 1 0.0% 0 86B923 Weismante 31-May-13 12:42:00 <0.22 <110.0 1.16 109.5 0.96 93.8 0.69 115.4 1.1% 1 0.0% 0 87B927 Weismante 05-Jun-13 12:42:00 <0.22 <110.0 1.92 106.0 0.41 86.5 1.07 108.8 1.1% 1 0.0% 0 88C930 Clareval So 07-Jun-13 12:32:00 <0.22 <110.0 2.05 115.3 0.35 89.0 0.94 119.4 2.2% 2 0.0% 0 89C928 Clareval Blo 13-Jun-13 12:35:00 <0.22 <110.0 1.79 113.4 0.30 92.5 1.72 116.9 2.2% 2 0.0% 0 90B933 Weismante 18-Jun-13 12:43:00 <0.22 <110.0 0.35 105.5 <0.22 <110.0 0.29 109.2 2.2% 2 0.0% 0 91C928B Clareval Blo 20-Jun-13 13:22:00 <0.22 <110.0 2.03 114.2 0.38 99.8 1.82 117.4 2.2% 2 0.0% 0 92C934 Clareval Blo 24-Jun-13 12:42:00 <0.22 <110.0 0.92 107.2 <0.22 <110.0 0.78 110.9 2.2% 2 0.0% 0 93C922 Clareval Blo 26-Jun-13 12:39:00 <0.22 <110.0 0.89 111.5 <0.22 <110.0 0.63 113.8 2.1% 2 0.0% 0 94C935 Clareval Blo 28-Jun-13 12:39:00 <0.22 <110.0 0.49 106.7 <0.22 <110.0 0.40 111.3 2.1% 2 0.0% 0 95

Note 1 Site exceedance, monitored blasts & cumulative exceedances reference blasts between 1/7/12 and most recent blast.Note 2 Ground vibration triggered monitor prior to blast.Note 3 Wind trigger prior to blastNote 4 Blast exceedance of 115dBL or 5mm/s.Note 5 Blast exceedance of 120dBL or 10mm/s

*Note: Blast compliance,· No more than 5% of total blasts for annual monitoring period to exceed an overpressure of 115dB(L) or ground vibration of 5mm/s.· No blast is to exceed an overpressure of 120dB(L) or ground vibration of 10mm/s. · Weismantel’s Inn – No blast is to exceed 10 mm/s ground vibration. No limit on overpressure.· Mammy Johnson’s Grave - No blast is to exceed 5 mm/s ground vibration. No limit on overpressure.


Appe

ndix

6:

Complaints

Time/Date of

Complaint

Complainant

Location

Method of

Complaint

Nature of

Complaint Outcome

2:44pm 11/05/12

Approx 2.3km SW of

blast

Phone Stratford

Administration Noise & Blasting

Complaint mostly general in nature. No specific details

for noise complaint. Blast site possibly closer to

resident than previous blasts. Blast vibration and

overpressure within statutory limits.

12:50pm 17/05/12

Approx 2.4km WSW of

blast

Phone Stratford

Administration Blast

Discussed concerns with resident. Blast rexults within

statutory limits.

12:39pm 25/05/12

Approx 2.3km SW of

blast

Phone Stratford

Administration Blast

Discussed complaint with resident. Blast results within

statutory limits. Additional management of company

staff near resident property during the blast.

12:23am 28/05/12 Wards River village

Community

Hotline & OEH Noise - mining

Returned call to resident. Operations in same location

below ground level as previous nights. Additional

noise monitoring to be undertaken for management in

near future.

9:12am 01/06/12

Approx 2.3km SW of

blast

Phone Stratford

site Admin Blast

Discussed concerns with resident. Blast results within

statutory limits. Additional temporary blast

monitoring to be undertaken.

8:45pm 09/06/12

Approx 1.5km SW of

mining operation

Community

Hotline Noise

Discussed concerns with resident. Operations in same

location as previous nights. Additional noise

monitoring to be undertaken for management in near

future.

7:55pm 18/06/12

Approx 1.5km SW of

mining operation

Community

Hotline Noise

Liaison with resident. Management included changing

locations of excavators to reduce potential noise

transfer to residents

12:50pm 22/06/12

Approx 2.4km SW of

blast

Phone Stratford

site Admin Blast

Discussed concerns with resident. Blast results within

statutory limits.

10:18am 26/06/12 re

previous night

Approx 3.7km from

Duralie work area

Community

Hotline Noise

Noted resident concern. No unusual activity or noise

occurred during noted time period. Real time noise

monitoring has commenced for operational

management purposes.

12:41pm 27/06/12 4.4km east of blast

SMS Manager

Community Liaison Blast

Blast results within statutory limits. Weather

conditions may have contributed to impact received

by the resident. Advised resident

12:51pm 27/06/12 6km SSW of blast

Community

Hotline Blast

Discussed blast concern with resident, who then

provided feedback regarding Community Hotline

Message Service. Blast results within statutory limits.

Weather conditions may have contributed to impact

noted by resident. Provided additional information to

Messaging Service for call handling.

12:49pm 29/06/12

Approx 3.7m east of

blast

SMS to Manager


Blasting location same as months earlier but closer to

resident than recent months. Blast results within

statutory limits. Blast expert reviewed blasting

procedures

10:40am 04/07/12

Approx 2.3km north of

operations

Community

Hotline

Noise from evening

operations & Blast

Equipment with highest noise emissions operating

below ground level. Truck movements limited to

below natural surface at night.

Blast location within a pit that had not blasted for

months. Blast results within statutory limits. Provided

feedback to resident.

12:46pm 24/07/12 6km SSW of blast

Community

Hotline Blast


statutory limits.

1:10pm 01/08/12

Approx 2.3km SSW of

blast Ph Stratford admin Blast

Noted resident concerns. Blast results within statutory

limits.

1:13pm 01/08/12

Approx 5.2km SSW of

blast

Community

Hotline Blast

Discussed with resident. Blast results within statutory

limits.

1:17pm 01/08/12

Approx 3.7km East of

blast

SMS to Manager


Resident advised concerns. Blast within statutory

limits.

12:37pm 10/10/12

Approx 3.1km NNE of

blast

Phone Stratford

Environmental

Officer Blast

Resident concern re vibration at house and dust from

blast. Blast results well within statutory limits at

monitor between resident & blast. Dust observed to

rise with thermal uplift. Resident provided with

feedback.


Community

Hotline Noise

Noise from mining operations. Noise levels within

statutory limits.

12:43pm 30/10/12

Approx 3.1km NNE of

blast

Community

Hotline Blast


statutory limits.

1:16pm 07/11/12

Approx 3.1km NE of

blast

Community

Hotline Blast

Blast results within statutory limits. Advised resident

that blasting occurring in closer proximity to resident

than previously, so overpressure & ground vibration

likely to be more noticable than previously.

1:25pm 12/11/12 re

events last week

Approx 2-2.5km NNE

of current mining

operations

Community

Hotline Blasts & Lighting

Results from both blasts within statutory limits.

Mobile lighting had been moved since night of

complaint. Discussed with resident, who agreed to

provide advice when disturbance occurs, to allow

appropriate action to be taken.

Duralie Complaint SummaryFor the period 01/07/12 - 30/06/13

Period: 12 Months

Total No. of Complaints: 46 (25 noise, 21 blasting, 1 lighting, 4 air quality, 1 visual)

Total No. of Complainants: 15


Community

Hotline Noise

Resident advised hearing truck noise, and dumping

into truck noises. Changes to operations made where

practical to reduce noise transfer to residents.

12:49pm 22/11/12 re

Mon 19/11/12 &

general

Weismantels (North of

current mining

operations)

Community

Hotline Blast, Noise, Dust

Blast monitoring results within statutory limits; wind

direction conducive to noise transfer to this resident

throughout time of complaint.

10:51am 14/12/12

Wards River (rural).

Approx 3.7km from

Duralie mining

operations

Community

Hotline Noise - night-time

Discussed complaint with resident who referred to

night-time noise disturbance this week. Operations

this week near ground surface level which can

contribute to higher noise levels than when below

surface.

9:03am 14/01/13


Approx 3.7km from

Duralie mining

operations

Community

Hotline

Noise - irregular rev of

engines during previous

night

Ongoing management to reduce levels of noise

transfer to residents wherever practicable. Weather

conditions condusive to noise transfer in residence

direction during the night

2:53pm 14/01/13

regarding issue 3pm

11/01/13

Adjacent to mining

activities. Wards River

village resident.

Phone via Sydney

office Dust

Dust from general mining operations. Investigation

found that appropriate dust mitigation measures were

undertaken.

4:20pm 23/01/13


Approx 3.7km from

Duralie mining

operations

Community

Hotline Blast

No blasting, or activity that may cause resident house

to shake, occurred during time of complaint.

12:35am 02/02/13 Wards River Village

Community

Hotline

Noise - machinery noise,

irregular thudding

Resident advised noise was louder than usual from

around 11:30pm. Investigation found that no unusual

operations occurred around time of complaint, and

excavators in very similar positions as previous few

nights.


Community

Hotline

Noise - moving machinery

sound

No unusual operations or vehicle positioning.

Consideration given to equipment location for night-

time operations to reduce noise transfer to residents

wherever practicable.

11:39am 05/02/13 re

11:20pm 03/02/13 Unknown Email from EPA Noise

Response to EPA queries. No unusual operations

during time of complaint.

12:51pm 06/02/13


Approx 3.7km from

Duralie mining

operations

Community

Hotline Blast

Blast results within statutory limits. Provided Blast

Hotline telephone number to resident to allow the

resident to be aware when blasting is planned to

occur.

9:16pm 31/03/13

Approx 2.6km North of

Duralie Operations

Community

Hotline Noise - Mining machinery

Change in mining operations (occurring at higher level

than previously) likely to contribute to noise travel.

Noise level reduced before 10pm by ceasing one

machine for the night which was contributing to noise.


Community

Hotline Noise - Mining machinery

Change in mining operations (occurring at higher level

than previously) likely to contribute to noise transfer.

12:39pm 04/04/13

Approx 2.6km North of

Duralie Operations

Community

Hotline

Blast. Noise from previous

week

Blast results within statutory limits. Height of mining

operations at night likely to contribute to noise travel.

2:40pm 09/04/13 re

11:58pm 08/04/13 Wards River village

Phone Manager

Community Liaison Noise

Equipment type & locations investigated; no unusual

operations occurring.


Community

Hotline Noise

Equipment type & locations investigated; no unusual

operations occurring.

10am 22/04/13 re

11:26pm 16/04/13 Wards River village

Phone Manager


Activities investigated; no unusual mining operations

around time of complaint

10am 22/04/13 re

close to midnight

16/04/13 Wards River village

Phone Manager




10am 22/04/13 re

from midnight

19/04/13 Wards River village

Phone Manager




3pm 23/04/13 re

midnight - 1am Wards River village

Phone Manager


No unusual operations; noise very limited 12:25am -

1:05am during crew break

9:14am 03/05/13 re

9:30pm-1:00am

27/04/13 Wards River Village

Phone call from

EPA Noise

Response to EPA queries. No unusual operations

during time of complaint.

12:54pm 15/05/13

Wards River rural

(approx 1.7km NE of

mining operations)

Phone Manager

Community Liaison Air Quality after blast.

Dust from blast dissipated quickly within Mine Lease.

Westerly wind at time of blast. Blast times consider

predicted wind direction to reduce potential impacts

to residents.

2:00pm 31/05/13

Approx 2.6km SW of

mining operations

Phone Manager

Community Liaison Air Quality

Unable to determine cause of odour. Review of blast

activity and weather conditions did not support

resident's concern.

12:27pm 08/06/13,

regarding afternoon

07/06 & evening

06/06

Approx 5km SE of

mining activities

Community

Hotline Noise

Description of noise provided, but uncertainty of times

did not allow a determination of noise source.

3:40pm 18/06/13 Stratford

Phone Manager

Community Liaison

Visual (screen along

Bucketts Way)

Works are in accordance with Project Approval.

Advised resident of the screen's purpose & future

works before its completion.

App

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x 7:

Duralie Coal Mine – Annual Biodiversity Report 2013

DURALIE COAL LTD | PART OF THE YANCOAL AUSTRALIA GROUP

Duralie Coal Mine – Annual Biodiversity

Report 2013 FOR THE YEAR ENDING 30 JUNE 2013

Annual Biodiversity Report FOR THE YEAR ENDING 30 JUNE 2013 11 September 2013

DURALIE COAL LTD | PART OF THE YANCOAL AUSTRALIA GROUP PAGE 2 OF 10

CONTENTS

1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................................... 3 2 Summary Progress Report ................................................................................................................................................. 3

2.1 Performance Criteria ............................................................................................................................. 3 2.2 Status ..................................................................................................................................................... 3 2.3 Proposed Activities ................................................................................................................................ 5

3 Vegetation Clearance Report ............................................................................................................................................ 6 4 Seed Collection and Propogation ...................................................................................................................................... 6 5 Salvaged and Reused Material for Habitat Enhancement ................................................................................................ 6 6 Controlling Access and Managing Grazing ........................................................................................................................ 6 7 Weed Control and Monitoring .......................................................................................................................................... 6 8 Feral Animal Control and Monitoring................................................................................................................................ 7 9 Nest Box Programme ......................................................................................................................................................... 7 10 Vegetation Management Unit (VMU) Monitoring ........................................................................................................ 7 11 Bushfire Management ................................................................................................................................................... 8 12 Mammy Johnsons River Stabilisation ............................................................................................................................ 8 13 Long Term Security and Conservation Bond ................................................................................................................. 8 14 Commonwealth Approval Compliance Reports ............................................................................................................ 8



1 INTRODUCTION

The Duralie Coal Mine (DCM) Annual Biodiversity Report contains a review of DCPL’s environmental performance and

progress against the requirements of the Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) covering the mining lease rehabilitation,

and biodiversity offset areas.

The Annual Biodiversity Report is included as an Appendix of the DCM Annual Review which will be made publicly

available on the Duralie Coal website.

2 SUMMARY PROGRESS REPORT

2.1 Performance Criteria

The performance criteria for the rehabilitation and offset areas are presented in Table 13 of the BMP (shown below as

Table 1). The performance criteria have been developed to meet the objectives for the areas described in Section 2 of the

Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP). All performance criteria are linked to the management specifications listed in the

BMP Section 6, and monitoring/reporting specifications in the BMP Section 7. Further detail on the status of performance

criteria is provided in the subsequent sections.

2.2 Status

A summary of the status of performance criteria is provided in Table 1.



Table 1: Biodiversity Management Plan Performance Criteria

Performance Criteria Timeframe

Status Comment

The long-term security has been provided for the Offset areas (Section 13). Year 1 (2013)

DOPI extension of required timing to 31st December 2013. Consultation with DOPI regarding a suitable mechanism for securing the biodiversity offset area in the long-term is ongoing.

The conservation bond has been calculated (Section 13). A preliminary estimate of the conservation bond amount for implementing the offset strategy has been calculated by Greening Australia (for an initial period of 3 years), and is currently under review.

Seed collection (for required species as specified) has commenced during vegetation clearance (Section 4) or an alternate seed source has been obtained.

Requirements for seed collection will be identified in the Operation Plan being developed by Greening Australia expected December 2013.

A baseline Landscape Function Analysis Report has been undertaken for the Offset area (Section 10).

Field surveys undertaken February 2013. Report completed June 2013.

Hollow bearing habitat features (nest boxes) have been installed (Section 9). Nest box Programme: 18 squirrel glider boxes installed February 2013, 105 additional boxes installed in August 2013 to replace cleared vegetation.

Suitable material for habitat enhancement has been salvaged during any vegetation clearance activities and placed into areas undergoing revegetation (Section 5).

Material salvaged. Review of BMP undertaken to place salvaged material in the rehabilitation area rather than the offset area.

A detailed design for the in-stream rehabilitation of a severely eroded section of Mammy Johnsons River has been prepared (Section 12).

Mammy Johnsons River Design Report completed in June 2013.

Initial feral animal study has been undertaken, with control program initiated where required (Section 8).

Initial feral animal surveys undertaken in March 2013. Report completed June 2013.

Pre-cultivation spraying has been undertaken in all installation Vegetation Management Units (revegetation) as well as initial weed treatment of all remnant enhancement and regrowth management Vegetation Management Units (Section 7).

Initial weeds assessment undertaken in April/May 2013 and report completed.

Intention to undertake weeds management activities in appropriate upcoming season i.e. spring 2013.

Operational review for road and fire trail construction, culverts and cultivation has been completed (Section 6).

Operational review completed in October 2012.

Access tracks, fire trails, firebreaks, fencing and culverts have been completed (Section 6).

Completed September 2013.

Roads and Maritime Services consultation has been commenced regarding placement of traffic calming devices and signage on the Johnson’s Creek Road bisect area of the Offset.

Consultation with Great Lakes Council is ongoing.



Assessment has been completed regarding evaluation of surrounding landholders and the local community regarding participation in implementation of this Biodiversity Management Plan.

DCPL have held discussions with several land holders and all were interested in the Biodiversity Offset Area adjoining and near their land, and advised they are willing to keep DCPL informed about matters on their properties (e.g. feral animals and control of same, weeds, fencing, bushfires) that may affect the Offset Area.

Weed control of woody weeds in all Vegetation Management Units has been commenced (Section 7).

Intention to undertake weeds management activities in appropriate upcoming season i.e. spring 2013.

Monitoring and reporting has been undertaken. Completed. Monitoring reports are detailed in the following sections.

Legend Not commenced In progress Completed

2.3 Proposed Activities

Proposed activities for the DCM biodiversity offset areas will focus on the completion of all remaining Year 1 deliverables and undertaking the Year 2 deliverables as per the

BMP Table 12 (Proposed project stages and sequence).

Table 12: Proposed Project Stages and Sequence

Project Stage

Deliverable BMP Section Reference/

Specification Location

Anticipated

Time Frame

Preliminary Restoration

Continue seed collections if necessary to obtain required seed quantities for future revegetation. 6.1 Year 2 (2014)

Undertake maintenance of all access tracks and fire trails. 6.9/6.7

Undertake fire management activities as required.

Continue feral animal control if applicable. 6.5

Undertake second cultivation spray in all installation Vegetation Management Units (revegetation) including control of exotic Sporobolus and fireweed where necessary.

6.11

Undertake follow-up weed treatment of all remnant enhancement and regrowth management Vegetation Management Units. Undertake trial revegetation for Vegetation Management Units I, S, U and AB. Results from this trial can then be applied to rest of the installation area using the adaptive management process. Key treatments to trial should be gapped mounding of floodplain areas as well as performance of various proposed species.



3 VEGETATION CLEARANCE REPORT

Vegetation clearance for the period January 2012 to June 2013 was undertaken in accordance with the BMP Section 5.4

Vegetation Clearance Plan. Prior to any clearance operations vegetation pre-clearance surveys were undertaken.

Appendix 1 contains a summary of the habitat features cleared and any fauna observed (species, number and condition)

during clearance operations. This information is used to determine the requirements for nest box replacement in offset

areas (refer Section 8).

Areas cleared of vegetation during the reporting period included the Weismantel and Clareval pit advancements.

During the vegetation clearance operations for the reporting period no threatened species were observed or

encountered. At the end of the reporting period a total of 105 tree hollows from 37 trees had been removed (Appendix

1).

4 SEED COLLECTION AND PROPOGATION

Greening Australia has been contracted by DCPL to develop any operational plan for the implementation of the BMP

deliverables. Included in this operational plan will be details on seed collection and propagation requirements for the

offset area. This is expected to be completed by December 2013.

5 SALVAGED AND REUSED MATERIAL FOR HABITAT ENHANCEMENT

The BMP is in the process of being revised for salvaged material to be used for habitat enhancement within the

rehabilitation areas and not specifically for the offset area.

During the reporting period cleared vegetation was managed in two ways:

Salvaged and stockpiled for reuse;

Mulched and incorporated into topsoil for rehabilitation.

6 CONTROLLING ACCESS AND MANAGING GRAZING

To assist with controlling access to the offset area an operational review for the construction of access tracks, culverts,

gates and fences was completed in October 2012. Following the review contractors were engaged to undertake the works

as shown in the BMP Figure 9, with all works completed as of September 2013. Additionally, signs have been installed at

entry points to the offset.

All livestock has been excluded from the offset area.

7 WEED CONTROL AND MONITORING

Greening Australia were contracted to undertake an initial weeds assessment of the offset area. The aim of the weed

assessment was to assist in setting priorities and developing on-ground actions for weed control and is presented in the

form of a mapping survey. The mapping survey provides reference to individual weed infestations within each vegetation

management unit (VMU) for the biodiversity offset area. Each weed occurrence was allocated a priority ranking based on

the species status i.e. noxious or agricultural, and the size and density of the infestation. The survey information will

facilitate the development of a strategic approach to the control of priority weeds and allow contractors to locate

infestations using the mapping files. Additionally it will assist in tracking weeds to gauge the effectiveness of control

measures and the potential spread and future distribution.



Weed control activities will be undertaken during the appropriate upcoming season dependent on the target species, i.e.

spring, summer.

8 FERAL ANIMAL CONTROL AND MONITORING

Australian Museum Consulting (AMC) was commissioned to undertake the initial invasive animal survey, in accordance

with Section 5.10 of the BMP. The objectives of the study was to determine the range of invasive animals that occur or

are likely to occur within the DCM and offset areas and provide recommendations for invasive animal control.

Invasive animal control recommendations will be assessed and implemented as required during the next reporting period.

A subsequent survey will be untaken in two years to determine the effectiveness of control measures.

9 NEST BOX PROGRAMME

Australian Museum Consulting was commissioned to implement the nest box programme as described in the BMP Section

5.4.2 and Section 6.4. The nest box programme consists of two main components:

Replacing 18 boxes specifically targeting the Squirrel Glider

Replacing boxes on a like for like basis for any hollow bearing trees cleared during vegetation clearance

operations (refer Section 3).

Implementation of the nest box programme requires installation of the boxes described above followed by monitoring

and maintenance of the nest boxes. Prior to the installation of nest boxes surveys were undertaken by AMC to determine

nest box locations, positioning and densities based on existing hollow bearing trees and suitable habitat.

Eighteen Squirrel Glider boxes were installed in February 2013 and monthly monitoring has been undertaken since March

2013. At the end of the reporting period twelve of the nest boxes were either occupied by vertebrates or showed signs of

occupation. Of these boxes one was occupied by the target species, with two individual Squirrel Gliders.

In August 2013, 105 nest boxes were installed in the offset area to replace tree hollows removed during vegetation

clearance operations (Appendix 1). Monitoring of these boxes will commence in September 2013.

A nest box monitoring report will be completed at the end of the first year of monitoring and will be reported in the

Annual Biodiversity Report for 2014.

10 VEGETATION MANAGEMENT UNIT (VMU) MONITORING

To monitor the effectiveness of revegetation in the offset areas Green Australia was commissioned to undertake the

baseline monitoring of Landscape Function Analysis (LFA) and vegetation structure in the offset area. The objective of the

baseline monitoring is to provide information for the development of an operational plan to achieve the BMP

management outcomes and track progression towards meeting the completion criteria.

The baseline vegetation monitoring involved the establishment of fixed transects within each VMU to monitor the

following 5 components:



Landscape Function Analysis

Vegetation structure analysis

Ephemeral drainage line assessment (select VMU’s only)

Photo point monitoring

Statistical analysis

The results and recommendations will be considered for ongoing management of the VMUs.

Further monitoring will be undertaken following the first year of implementation of the operational plan and will include

the criteria detailed in Section 7.1 and 7.2 of the BMP

11 BUSHFIRE MANAGEMENT

Where possible fire will be exclude from the offset area during the first three years of management and revegetation. To

assist with bushfire management access tracks have been constructed in the offset area as shown in the BMP Figure 9.

During spring of 2012 back-burning activities on adjacent property to the east of the offset area caused a section of the

offset to catch fire. The local RFS was called to assist with managing the fire. A section of the offset to the east of

Johnson’s Creek Road along the Buckley’s Range was affected by the fire.

12 MAMMY JOHNSONS RIVER STABILISATION

In accordance with Section 6.8 of the BMP a detailed design for the in-stream rehabilitation of a severely eroded section

of Mammy Johnsons River has been prepared by Alluvium (Mammy Johnson’s River –Bank Stabilisation Detailed Design

2013 electronic files available in DCM environment office). No works on the MJR bank stabilisation are scheduled for the

coming reporting period.

13 LONG TERM SECURITY AND CONSERVATION BOND

Long-term Security

As provided in correspondence from the DOPI (dated 18 April 2013), long-term security of the biodiversity offset area is

required by 31 December 2013. A mechanism for securing the biodiversity offset area in the long-term (as required by

Condition 42 of Schedule 3 of Project Approval (08_0203) is currently the subject of consultation between DCPL and the

DOPI.

Conservation Bond

A preliminary estimate of the conservation bond amount required to implement the offset strategy for the biodiversity

offset area has been calculated by Greening Australia for an initial period of 3 years, and is currently under review.

14 COMMONWEALTH APPROVAL COMPLIANCE REPORTS

In accordance with the Commonwealth Approval [EPBC 2010/5396] DCPL have submitted to SEWPaC a report on the

implementation of the BMP in January 2013, and a report addressing compliance with the conditions of the

Commonwealth Approval in April 2013. These reports will continue to be submitted annually for the first five years

following the commencement of the operation. The Department has advised that it will accept a single report including

the requirements of Condition 20 and Condition 14(i) on or before the anniversary of commencement (11 April 2012).



Appendix 1:

Duralie Coal Mine - Nest Box Replacement Requirements *Note: Accounts for vegetation clearance post approval of the amended NSW Project Approval 08_0203. i.e. 10 November 2011

*Note: Habitat trees cleared as at April 2013. Include up to Strip 15 and Block 4.

Area Cleared Date cleared Tree

#

Habitat Features Fauna Observed

Total # Feature

Feature Height Dimensions Species Comments

Weismantel - Strip 15 10/01/2012 1 1 LH 4 100mm

3 2 LH 15 50mm

5 2 LH 20 50mm

6 Bird nest only Un-used

11 5 LH 15-25 50-200mm

12 3 LH,RH 10 200mm Antechinus Not caught

13 2 LH, RH 10-15 50-200mm

14 2 LH 15 50mm

15 2 LH 15 50mm

20 3 LH, RH 10-15 50-100mm

21 3 LH 20 100mm

22 3 LH, CH 15-20 50-200mm Brush-tailed Possum Caught and released

23 3 LH 15-20 50-250mm Sugar Gliders x 2 Caught and released

Tombstone West Face 24/05/2012 1 3 LH 15-20 100mm Lace Monitor Left in tree

2 3 LH, RH 20-25 100-250mm Feral Bee Hive

4 5 LH, RH 20-30 50-250mm

5 5 LH, RH 20-30 50-250mm

Clareval South Limb - South of Pump Rd 15/06/2012 1 2 F, LH 10-20 100mm Glider nest Unoccupied

2 3 CH, MSH 10-20 100-200mm Glider nest Unoccupied

3 5 LH, RH 10-20 100-250mm Possum Caught and released

5 1 CH, MSH 15 100mm



8 1 LH, RH 15 100mm Antechinus nest Unoccupied

11 2 F, LH 10-15 50mm Glider nest Unoccupied

Clareval South Limb - Pump Rd to CSC Dam 4 22/06/2012 1 5 RH, LH 15-30 50-300mm Sugar Gliders From Photo surveillance

Clareval - Block 4 2/10/2012 1 1 RH 15 100mm

2 2 RH 15-20 50-100mm Bee Hive

3 3 LH, RH 15-20 50-100mm Glider nest Unoccupied

8 3 LH, RH 10-15 50-100mm Crimson Rosella Nest Self relocated, 2 eggs collected

16 2 LH 10-15 50mm

17 2 LH 10-15 50mm

19 3 LH 10-20 50-100mm

20 2 LH 10 50mm Ring Tailed Possum Self Relocated

22 10 RH,LH 20-30 100-300mm

Clareval - Block 4 Plug 11/01/2013 2 1 LH 10 50mm

3 5 LH 15-25 25-50mm Micro bat roost, approx 30 bats. Self relocated to Tree #1

5 2 RH 10 100mm

Between Strip 15 and Block 4 4/03/2013 1 3 LH, RH 15-20 100-300mm

App

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x 8:

Community Consultative Committee - Chairperson Report to the Director General