WILPINJONG COAL GROUNDWATER MONITORING PROGRAM (APPENDIX … · monitoring program associated with the Mine. It also addresses relevant conditions of the Mining Lease (ML) 1573 and

WILPINJONG COAL

GROUNDWATER MONITORING PROGRAM

(APPENDIX 6)

WI-ENV-MNP-0006

May 2016

Standard for Controlled Documentation Document Number: WI-ENV-MNP-0006 Version: 2 Uncontrolled when printed 2 of 60

Document Owner Document Approver

Environmental Representative Environment and Community Manager

Version Approval Date Approver Name

1 09/05/2016 Kieren Bennetts

General Description of Changes from Previous Version

Document No. Version Date Prepared/Reviewed By Distribution Description of Change

GWMP-R01 G February

2006

WCPL, Resource Strategies,

Mr Ian Callow (AGE)

DNR, DP&I Original plan - developed for

initial development phase of

the project

GWMP-R01 H 6 March 2006 WCPL, Resource Strategies,

Mr Ian Callow (AGE)

DP&I Amended to address DP&I

comments. This version was

approved by DP&I.

GWMP-R02 B March 2009 WCPL, Resource Strategies NSW Office

of Water

(NOW)

Periodic review

GWMP-R02 C December

2010

WCPL, Mr Andrew Durick

(AGE), Dr Steve Perrens

(Evans and Peck)

OEH, NOW

and DP&I

Revision following the August

2010 Modification and to

address NOW comments

WI-ENV-MNP-

0006

1 20 June 2014 WCPL, Palaris, Dr Noel

Merrick (HydroSimulations),

Resource Strategies

OEH, NOW Revised following approval of

Mod 5 (PA 05-0021). Also

incorporates requirements of

groundwater licences, ML

1573 and Exploration

Licences (EL) 7091 and

6169.New format. Forms

appendix (Appendix 6) to

Water Management Plan

(WMP). Submitted to OEH

and NOW for consultation

WI-ENV-MNP-

0006

1.1 30 June 2014 WCPL, Palaris DP&E, OEH

and NOW

Minor amendments to address

comments by Resource

Strategies prior to submission

to DP&E.

WI-ENV-MNP-

0006

2 November

2014

WCPL, Palaris DP&E, OEH

and NOW

Minor amendments to address

comments by DP&E and

NOW.


Contents

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Purpose

1.2 Scope

1.3 GWMP Review and Update

2.0 Statutory Requirements

2.1 Project Approval

2.2 Mining Lease

2.3 Exploration Licences

2.4 Groundwater Licences

3.0 Existing Groundwater Conditions and Baseline Data

3.1 Hydrogeological Setting

3.2 Previous Groundwater Studies

3.3 Baseline Data

3.4 Wilpinjong Creek Alluvial Aquifer Investigation

3.5 Cumbo Creek Geotechnical Site Assessment

3.6 Conceptual Groundwater Model

4.0 Groundwater Impact Assessment Criteria and Triggers

4.1 Trigger Value Determination

4.2 Assessment Criteria and Adopted Triggers

4.3 Performance Indicators

5.0 Groundwater Management Measures

5.1 Drilling

5.2 Water Supply Bores

6.0 Groundwater Monitoring Program

6.1 General


6.3 Monitoring of Connectivity and Groundwater Leakage from Cumbo Creek

6.4 Monitoring of Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems (Riparian Vegetation)

6.5 Data Management Procedures

7.0 Groundwater Prediction Validation Processes

7.1 Groundwater Model Predictions

7.2 Groundwater Model Verification and Refinement

8.0 Further Definition and Monitoring Network Extension

9.0 Reporting

10.0 Responsibilities


11.0 References

12.0 Appendices

12.1 Appendix 1: Groundwater Licence Conditions

12.2 Appendix 2: Baseline Groundwater Levels and Quality

Figures

Figure 1 Existing Test Bore Sites and Piezometers (2005) .................................................. 12

Figure 2 Existing NOW Registered Bores/Wells and Bore Census Sites (2005) .................. 13

Figure 3 Groundwater Monitoring Locations (Historic and Existing) ..................................... 18

Figure 4 Wilpinjong Creek Alluvial Aquifer Delineation Drill Hole Locations ......................... 20

Figure 5 Wilpinjong and Cumbo Creeks Incised Scour Plan and Inferred Alluvial Polygon .. 22

Figure 6 Cumbo Creek Geotechnical Site Assessment Borehole Locations ........................ 23

Figure 7 Conceptual Model before Mining ........................................................................... 24

Figure 8 Conceptual Model after Mining .............................................................................. 25

Figure 9 Example of Groundwater Inflow in the Highwall ..................................................... 32

Figure 10 Simulated Groundwater Drawdown Year 21 (Ulan Coal Seam) (Hydrosimulations

(2013)) ......................................................................................................................... 41

Tables

Table 1 Specific GWMP Requirements ................................................................................. 7

Table 2 ML 1573 Conditions Relevant to this GWMP ............................................................ 8

Table 3 EL Requirements ...................................................................................................... 8

Table 4 Groundwater Licence Summary ............................................................................... 9

Table 5 Historical Groundwater Monitoring Sites Summary ................................................. 14

Table 6 Typical Baseline EC and pH Values by Aquifer Type .............................................. 15

Table 7 Additional Groundwater Monitoring Sites (2013-2014) ............................................ 16

Table 8 Alluvium Transect Drill Hole Locations .................................................................... 19

Table 9 Groundwater TARPs............................................................................................... 26

Table 10 Baseline Water Quality EC Statistics per Lithology ............................................... 28

Table 11 Baseline Water Quality pH Statistics per Lithology ............................................... 28

Table 12 Baseline Water Quality EC Statistics per Bore ...................................................... 29

Table 13 Baseline Water Quality pH Statistics per Bore ...................................................... 30

Table 14 Production Bore Trigger Levels – Reporting and Cease-to-Pump Triggers ........... 31

Table 15 Alluvial Water Level Triggers ................................................................................ 33

Table 16 Performance Indicators ......................................................................................... 34

Table 17 Groundwater Monitoring Program ......................................................................... 37

Table 18 GWMP Responsibilities ........................................................................................ 44


1.0 Introduction

1.1 Purpose

This Groundwater Monitoring Program (GWMP) has been prepared to address Condition 33

of Schedule 3 of Project Approval 05-0021. This GWMP has been developed to provide

detail on the following:

Current groundwater licences;

Existing groundwater conditions and baseline data;

Groundwater impact assessment criteria and triggers;

Delineation of the Wilpinjong Creek alluvial aquifer;

Groundwater monitoring program;

Groundwater model (prediction results, verification and refinement);

Further definition of the groundwater aquifers; and

Responsibilities for site personnel (specifically in relation to this GWMP).

Note: The protocol for the investigation, notification, and mitigation of identified exceedances

of the groundwater impact assessment criteria is contained within the Surface and Ground

Water Response Plan (SGWRP), which is contained in Appendix 7 of the Water

Management Plan (WMP).

1.2 Scope

This GWMP has been prepared in accordance with the relevant conditions of the Project

Approval to provide a detailed overview of the groundwater impact assessment criteria and

monitoring program associated with the Mine. It also addresses relevant conditions of the

Mining Lease (ML) 1573 and groundwater licences required under the Water Act 1912 and

Water Management Act 2000.

A separate Groundwater Monitoring and Modelling Plan (GWMMP) has been developed in

consultation with the NSW Office of Water (NOW) and approved by Department of Trade &

Investment – Resources & Energy (DRE) that specifically addresses the conditions of

Exploration Licences (EL) 7091 and 6169 (Version No. GWMMP-R02-A) held by Wilpinjong

Coal Pty Limited (WCPL). For completeness, this GWMP addresses the requirements of EL

7091 and 6169.

This GWMP has been prepared by Palaris Australia Pty Ltd and Dr Noel Merrick

(HydroSimulations) on behalf of WCPL. Dr Merrick has been endorsed by Department of

Planning and Environment (DP&E) (formerly Department of Planning and Infrastructure).

This GWMP should be read in conjunction with the WMP and SGWRP.

1.3 GWMP Review and Update

The original groundwater model for the Wilpinjong Coal Mine was developed as part of the

original project EIS (WCPL, 2005). The model was used to simulate the impact of open cut

mining and operation of the borefield on the groundwater regime. Subsequent changes to the

mine plan have led to alterations to the groundwater model.


This GWMP has been updated following the approval of Modification 6 to the Project

Approval on 21 November 2014. This review also considers changes in site practice,

technology and regulatory expectations since the last (approved) version (GWMP-R01-H,

dated March 2006). For details on consultation undertaken as part of this review, refer to

Section 1.6 of the WMP.

This GWMP incorporates the statutory requirements from the Groundwater Monitoring and

Modelling Plan (GWMMP-R02-A), which was developed in 2013, in consultation with NOW,

to meet the requirements of EL 7091 and EL 6169. It also addresses the conditions of ML

1573 and WCPL’s numerous groundwater licences (Appendix 1).

WCPL is currently liaising with NSW Office of Water (NOW) on a renewal of a number of

groundwater licences (Table 4). This GWMP will be updated on receipt of the new licences.


2.0 Statutory Requirements

This GWMP has been prepared to fulfil the requirements of the Project Approval (as

modified), Mining Lease (ML) 1573, EL 7091 and 6169 and WCPL’s groundwater licences.

There are no conditions in WCPL’s Environment Protection Licence (EPL) 12425 specifically

required to be addressed in the GWMP.

2.1 Project Approval

The conditions of Project Approval 05-0021, specifically related to the GWMP, and the

section of the GWMP where they are addressed, are provided in Table 1.

Table 1 Specific GWMP Requirements

Project Approval Condition GWMP Section

Condition 33 of Schedule 3 The Groundwater Monitoring Program must include:

a) detailed baseline data, based on sound statistical analysis, to benchmark the pre-mining natural variation in groundwater levels, yield and quality (including privately owned groundwater bores within the predicted drawdown impact zone identified in the EA);

Section 3.0

b) groundwater impact assessment criteria (including for monitoring bores and privately owned bores);

Section 4.0

c) a program for accurately delineating the boundary of the Wilpinjong Creek alluvial aquifer in any areas intersected by mining;

Section 3.4

d) a program to monitor:

• impacts on the groundwater supply of potentially affected landowners;

Section 6.2

• impacts of the water supply borefield; Section 6.3

• impacts on the Wilpinjong Creek alluvial aquifer; Section 6.4

• connectivity and groundwater leakage to/from Cumbo Creek following relocation;

Section 6.3

• impacts on groundwater dependent ecosystems and riparian vegetation;

Section 6.4

• the volume of groundwater seeping into the open cut mine workings;

Section 6.2

• regional groundwater levels and quality in the alluvial, coal seam, and interburden aquifers; and

Section 6.2

• the groundwater pressure response in the surrounding coal measures.

Section 6.2

e) procedures for the verification of the groundwater model; and

Section 7.0

f) reporting procedures for the results of the monitoring program and model verification.

Section 9.0 & WMP (Section 9.0)


2.2 Mining Lease

The conditions of ML 1573, specifically related to the GWMP, are illustrated in Table 2.

Table 2 ML 1573 Conditions Relevant to this GWMP

ML Condition Number ML Condition GWMP Section

Condition 15 (2) If the leaseholder drills exploratory drill holes he must satisfy the Director-general that: (c) all drill holes are permanently sealed with cement

plugs to prevent surface discharge of groundwaters;

Section 5.0

(e) if any drill hole meets an artesian or sub-artesian flow it is effectively sealed to prevent contamination of aquifers

Section 5.0

2.3 Exploration Licences

The conditions of EL 7091 and 6169, specifically related to the GWMP, are provided in Table

3.

Table 3 EL Requirements

EL Condition GWMP Section

Condition 12 Prior to conducting prospecting operations involving the construction and use of boreholes, the licence holder must:

b) Ensure that the Groundwater Monitoring and Modelling Plan:

1) Describes methods for identifying aquifers, their depths, behaviour, containing layers and connectivity with surrounding aquifers or surface water systems;

Section 3.0

2) Describes methods for collection of data relevant to the type, quantity and quality of water contained within aquifer systems likely to be encountered during prospecting operations;

Section 6.5

3) Provides for the future development of a conceptual model of regional groundwater behaviour;

Section 7.0

4) Provides for the future development of a calibrated computer model of regional groundwater behaviour, to enable the impacts of any proposed mining operations to be assessed;

Section 7.0

5) Describes how records of all data collected will be maintained;

Section 6.5

6) Describes the staging process for implementation of the plan; and

Section 8.0

Note. The Groundwater Monitoring and Modelling Plan is required to ensure:

(a) There is sufficient groundwater data available to assess future operations against the Aquifer Interference Policy (NSW Office of Water, 2012), as amended or replaced from time to time; and (b) 2 years of baseline data is available prior to submitting an application for any future production operations.

Section 6.0

Section 3.3


2.4 Groundwater Licences

Details of the current groundwater licences held by WCPL that are relevant to water

extraction and operations at the Mine are summarised in Table 4. The conditions of the

various licences are summarised in Appendix 1. Responsibility for compliance with these

licences lies with the Environment and Community Manager.

Table 4 Groundwater Licence Summary

Licence Number Description Valid to Entitlement

(ML/annum)1

Licences under the Water Management Act, 2000 (Alluvial Aquifer)

WAL 214992 Alluvial Aquifer Licence Current 474 units

3

Licences under the Water Act, 1912 (Porous Rock Aquifer)

20BL173517 Pit 1 Licence 10 June 2020

2021





20BL170147 Dewatering 30 March 20164 110

8


8

20BL1701497 Dewatering 30 March 2016

4 110

8

20BL1701507 Dewatering 30 March 2016

4 110

8


8


8


8

20BL170063 Water Supply Bore (GWs10) 18 December 2016

110

20BL170062 Water Supply Bore (GWs11) 18 December 20115 110




20BL173590 Monitoring (20 bores) Perpetuity6

N/A (monitoring bore)

20BL173727 Monitoring Bore GWa33 Perpetuity6 N/A (monitoring bore)

20BL173736 Monitoring Bore GWc33 Perpetuity6 N/A (monitoring bore)

Notes: 1)

ML/annum = megalitres per annum. 2)

Assigned to the Wollar Creek Water Source. 3)

One unit is currently equivalent

to 1.0 ML as per the Available Water Determination Order for Various NSW Unregulated and Alluvial Water Sources (No. 1)

2013. 4)

Renewal Application lodged with DPI-Water. 5)

Process commenced with DPI-Water, at this stage they are not

considered an WCPL entitlement. 6)

20BL173590 granted on 17 October 2013. 20BL173727 and 20BL173736 granted on 17

April 2014. 7)

The dewatering bores associated with these licences were destroyed during mining in Pit 2. 8) The combined

volume of these licences must not exceed 770ML in any 12 month period (commencing 1st July).


3.0 Existing Groundwater Conditions and Baseline Data

3.1 Hydrogeological Setting

The hydrogeological setting for the Mine was described in detail in the Groundwater Impact

Assessment, for the Wilpinjong Coal Project Environmental Impact Study (EIS) (WCPL, 2005).

The Groundwater Impact Assessment was prepared by Australasian Groundwater and

Environmental Consultants Pty Ltd (AGE, 2005).

Wilpinjong Coal Mine (the Mine) is located in the Western Coalfield on the north-western edge of

the Sydney-Gunnedah Basin, which contains sedimentary rocks, including coal measures, of

Permian and Triassic age. The groundwater system in the Mine area and surrounds (including

Slate Gully) is considered to consist of five aquifer systems (AGE, 2005):

1) Elevated sandstones of the Narrabeen Group;

2) Alluvium/colluvium along Wilpinjong Creek and alluvium along Cumbo Creek;

3) Overburden, encompassing Illawarra Coal Measures and lower sections of the

Narrabeen Group;

4) Ulan Seam; and

5) Marrangaroo Conglomerate.

Two distinct groundwater systems were described, as follows:

1) Porous rock groundwater system – primarily the Illawarra Coal Measures; and

2) Alluvial groundwater system – associated with Wilpinjong Creek and Cumbo Creek

(primarily Wilpinjong Creek).

Section 8.0 details additional works proposed to gain a better understanding of these systems.

3.2 Previous Groundwater Studies

In 2001 the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources (DIPNR) (now NSW

Office of Water [NOW]) conducted field surveys and groundwater assessments in the greater

Wollar Creek catchment. The field survey components were primarily conducted in 2001 and

methodology included field measurements of groundwater levels and salinities in private bores,

wells, dams and sections of creeks in the greater Wollar Creek catchment (DIPNR, 2003).

A hydrogeological study and drilling and sampling program was undertaken for the Mine in 2004

(Geoterra, 2004). The groundwater testwork program included two 24 hour pumping tests and

falling/rising head tests. The two pumping tests took place at the mid (EW4002) and east

(EW4003) test bore sites as illustrated on Figure 1.

An extraction test was not conducted at the west (EW4001) site. The pumping tests involved

pumping a bore for a period of time and observing the response/change in the aquifer by

measuring water levels in surrounding piezometers (Figure 1). The falling/rising head tests (i.e.

slug tests) involved the addition, or removal, of a known volume of water to or from a bore/well

and measurement of the subsequent water level recovery.

A DIPNR database search of registered bores and wells indicated that there are 68 registered

bores and wells within an approximate 10 km radius of the Project area (AGE, 2005). The

majority of the registered bores and wells are concentrated in the Project area (on WCPL-owned

land), at Wollar village and at Ulan Coal Mines to the west of the Project (Figure 2).


The majority of the registered bores are installed in the Illawarra Coal Measures (37 bores), with

less being installed in the Nile Subgroup/Shoalhaven Group (7 bores), Wilpinjong Creek

alluvium (5 bores), Cumbo Creek alluvium (one bore), and in a volcanic intrusion north of Wollar

village (3 bores). A number of wells are also located in the Wollar Creek and Cumbo Creek

alluvium (6 wells each), Murragamba Creek alluvium (one well), and one well in the Illawarra

Coal Measures.

In consultation with landowners, a bore census (WCPL, 2005a) was conducted by WCPL in

February 2005 to collect additional data on local registered and known bores/wells, known

springs and spring-fed dams (Figure 2). The information collected was used to supplement the

data from the above studies, all of which was collated for the groundwater assessment included

in the Wilpinjong Coal Project EIS (WCPL, 2005b).

A pumping test to determine the potential drawdown effects of developing a production bore was

conducted from July to October 2005 (Geoterra, 2005). The pumping test involved the

installation of a test production bore (PB1) and associated monitoring piezometers (Figure 1).

The test bore was pumped for a period of 42 days and the response/change in the aquifer was

observed.

Appendix 2 provides a summary table of previously recorded groundwater levels and

groundwater quality for the various studies/reports completed to date.

Since the EIS, Merrick (2005) assessed alluvial-rock leakance by using the HotSpots analytical

model to interpret the data acquired in the 42 day pumping test by Geoterra (2005). Over that

limited period of time, no observable response was found in the alluvial aquifer due to pumping

from the Ulan Coal Seam.

In 2013 HydroSimulations completed a groundwater assessment as part of the Environmental

Assessment for Modification 5 to Project Approval 05-0021 (WCPL, 2013). The assessment

determined that there would be no perceptible difference between the drawdown contour maps

for the approved mine plan and the Modification. Additional average drawdowns at the coal

monitoring bores due to the Modification are expected to be in the centimetre range. The

maximum additional drawdown is expected to be no more than 0.01 in alluvium and about 0.6 m

in coal. The incremental changes in upflows from Permian rock to alluvium are expected to

average about 0.01 ML/a, which is about 0.1% of the average upflow estimated for the approved

mine plan. The maximum incremental change in baseflows for Wilpinjong and Cumbo creeks is

expected to be about 1.5 ML/a, while the average would be about 0.5 ML/a, which is about 0.6%

of the average estimated for the approved mine plan.


Figure 1 Existing Test Bore Sites and Piezometers (2005)


Figure 2 Existing NOW Registered Bores/Wells and Bore Census Sites (2005)

Standard for Controlled Documentation

Document Number: WI-ENV-MNP-0006 Version: 2 Uncontrolled when printed 14 of 60

3.3 Baseline Data

3.3.1 Baseline Monitoring Network

A groundwater monitoring network has been in place at the Mine since April 2006. The details of

monitoring bores in the WCPL network are summarised in Table 5 and illustrated on Figure 3.

Field pH and EC readings have been taken at the same time as monthly water level readings at

GWa1-GWa8 in alluvium and at GWc1 to GWc5 in coal. This data is provided in Section 3.3.2.

Table 5 Historical Groundwater Monitoring Sites Summary

Monitoring Site Lithology Start Date End Date Frequency Location

GWa1, GWa2, GWa3, GWa4

Alluvium 20 April 2006 - monthly Wilpinjong Creek

GWa7 Alluvium 14 April 2008 - monthly Wilpinjong Creek

GWa5, GWa6 Alluvium 20 April 2006 - monthly Cumbo Creek

GWa8 Alluvium 20 April 2006 - monthly Wollar Creek

GWa10, GWa11, GWa12, GWa14, GWa15

Alluvium May-June 2007 - 15 minutes Wilpinjong Creek

GWc1, GWc2, GWc3 Ulan Coal 20 April 2006 - monthly Wilpinjong Creek

GWc4, GWc5 Ulan Coal 20 April 2006 - monthly Wollar Creek

GWc10, GWc11, GWc12, GWc14, GWc15

Ulan Coal 20 April 2006 - 15 minutes Wilpinjong Creek

DB1, DB21

Ulan Coal 23 May 2006 1 April 2007 monthly Pit 1

DB6, DB71

Ulan Coal 30 July 2006 1 April 2007 monthly Pit 1

DB3, DB4, DB51

Ulan Coal 30 July 2006 1 April 2007 monthly Pit 2 - Pit 4

Notes: 1)

A network of production bores was drilled for dewatering (DB1-DB7) and water supply (WSB1 to WSB15). Five of the DB-

series bores were pumped in May-June 2006 and all were used for water level measurement from July 2006 to April 2007. Of the

WSB-series bores, only five were ever pumped (WSB10-WSB15) and then only for a few months (March to June 2007).

3.3.2 Baseline Monitoring Results

In order to augment the existing groundwater level and water quality data recorded during the

previous studies/reports (Section 3.2), baseline groundwater quality and level monitoring was

conducted at the following locations:

Wilpinjong Coal Mine water supply bores;

Wilpinjong Creek;

Cumbo Creek;

Wollar Creek;

Wollar Village; and

Selected landholder bores, wells and waterholes.



The locations of the groundwater monitoring sites are illustrated on Figure 3. Baseline

groundwater level and quality data is provided in Attachment 2. Typical baseline electrical

conductivity (EC) and pH values are provided in Table 6.

Table 6 Typical Baseline EC and pH Values by Aquifer Type

Aquifer Type

EC (µS/cm)1,5

pH5

Average Max Recorded

Min Recorded

Max Recorded

Alluvium ~2,3502 4,100 6.9 8.4

Mesozoic Laccolith Intrusion ~2,2252 2,550

6.5 6.9

Illawarra Coal Measures ~3,200 6,1762 5.6

3 8.3

3

Nile Subgroup / Shoalhaven Group ~5,7002 6,470 7.1

4 7.1

4

Notes: 1)

µS/cm = microSiemens per centimetre. 2)

Average calculated using ratio of 0.68 EC/TDS. 3)

Range does not include two alkaline sites (EW5049 and EW5052), which were affected by cement seals at the base of the piezometers and two excessively

acidic sites (EW2004 and EW2005). 4)

There is only one pH record for the Nile subgroup. 5)

Measurements made in 2004-2005 (WCPL, 2005)

In accordance with Condition 33(a) of Schedule 3 of the Project Approval, sound statistical

analysis of the data collected by the baseline groundwater monitoring program will be reviewed

progressively and, in conjunction with the EIS groundwater model predictions (WCPL, 2005b)

(Section 7.1), will be used in the refinement of groundwater impact assessment criteria and

investigation triggers (Section 4.0).

3.3.3 Expansion to the Monitoring Network

Since 2007, additional bores have been added to the WCPL groundwater monitoring network. A

set of 28 monitoring bores (PZ01 to PZ28) was drilled adjacent to Pit 1 and Pit 2 to monitor

tailings dam seepage from tailings dams TD1 and TD2 (Figure 3). The first 14 piezometers

(PZ01 to PZ14) were monitored for water level, pH and electrical conductivity (EC) from April

2008 to December 2011. The second group (PZ15 to PZ28) were monitored for water level, pH

and EC from November 2009 to December 2011. Additional bores (PZ29 to PZ32) were

installed in 2012 adjacent to Cumbo Creek in Proposed Pits 3 and 4.

Tailings dams TD1 and TD2 are alongside PZ10-14 and PZ01-09 respectively. The monitoring

results showed that the water levels in PZ10-14 remained stable, apart from occasional rises

that coincided with wet events, suggesting that the equilibrium has been reached with the fluid in

TD11. The monitoring sites adjacent to TD2 (apart from PZ01 which remained generally stable)

show generally rising water levels from 2010 onwards. However, this coincided with rises in the

residual mass. On the whole, the responses at PZ02-PZ09 correlate closely with rainfall and do

not seem to be affected by the proximity of TD2 (HydroSimulations, 2013).

As tailings dams TD1 and TD2 have now been decommissioned, there are no plans to continue

monitoring these bores, WCPL proposes to progressively decommissioned over the next 12

months, in consultation with NOW.

1 The fluid level in TD1 and TD2 is not known (HydroSimulations, 2013).



The groundwater monitoring network has recently been expanded as illustrated on Figure 3 and

detailed in Table 7. The recent additions comprise exploration bores within ML 1573 (8 bores),

EL 7091 (4 bores) and EL 6169 (8 bores) being converted to groundwater monitoring bores, or

developed specifically for groundwater monitoring (Groundwater Exploration Services Pty Ltd,

2013). All sites have been installed with real time dataloggers.

Standpipe dataloggers have been preferentially installed at the additional groundwater

monitoring sites developed in 2013, to allow water quality data to be collected periodically at the

same hole. Hydraulic testing and water quality and level monitoring was also undertaken

(Groundwater Exploration Services Pty Ltd, 2013).

Table 7 Additional Groundwater Monitoring Sites (2013-2014)

Location New Bore

ID Easting

1 Northing

1 Rationale Installed

Wilpinjong Coal Mine

GWc17 768493.5 6420994 North-west of Pit 5 (in Pit 6). Adjacent mining in 2013-2014. Screened in coal.

Q4 2013

GWc182

767945.9 6420508 West of Pit 5 (in Pit 6). Adjacent mining in 2014. Screened in coal.

Q4 2013

GWc19 767254 6418729 South-west of Pit 5. Adjacent mining in 2016. Screened in coal.

2014

GWc20 768146 6417589 In southern Pit 5. To be mined in 2017-2018. Screened in coal.

2014

GWc212

771483 6416987 South of Pit 2. Adjacent mining in 2014. Screened in coal.

Q4 2013

GWc22 772768 6419236 In Pit 4. To be mined in 2016-2017. Located on the edge of the Cumbo Creek alluvium. Screened in coal.

Q4 2013

GWa22 772910.7 6419210 In Pit 4. To be mined in 2016-2017. Screened in alluvium.

Q4 2013

GWc232

773995 6418003 In Pit 3. To be mined in 2018. Screened in coal.

Q4 2013

EL 6169 and Surrounds

GWa16 769658.6 6421172 Between Pit 5 and Wilpinjong Creek. Will respond to mining moving northwards towards the creek. Screened in alluvium.

Q4 2013 (existing borehole)

GWc16 769612.9 6421037 Between Pit 5 and Wilpinjong Creek. Will respond to mining moving northwards towards the creek. Screened in coal.

Q4 2013

GWc24 774481.1 6416006 In Pit 3. Screened in coal. Q4 2013

GWc25 767330.4 6415897 South of Pit 5. Screened in coal. Q4 2013

GWc26 768499.1 6422995 North of Pit 6 and Wilpinjong Creek. Screened in coal.

Q4 2013

GWc27 770885.8 6415943 South of Pit 2. Screened in coal. Q4 2013



Location New Bore

ID Easting

1 Northing

1 Rationale Installed

GWc33

767022 6422990 North west of Pit 6. Screened in alluvium.

2014

GWc35

766991 6417956 South west of Pit 5 and 6. Screened in coal.

2014

EL 7091 and Surrounds

GWc28 775364 6420004 In Slate Gully. Screened in coal. 2014




GWC32 777764 6417867 In Slate Gully. Screened in coal. 2014

GWa333

777480 6412507 Approximately 3.3km south of Wollar Village on Wollar Creek at Barigan. Screened in alluvium.

2014

GWc343

777480 6412507 Approximately 3.3km south of Wollar Village on Wollar Creek at Barigan. Screened in coal.

2014

Notes: 1)

Notional location only, subject to exploration borehole locations and/or locational restrictions. Boreholes may be relocated

as required. 2)

Site is dry. Site will be dipped during each round of groundwater sampling to confirm it remains dry. 3)

Regional bore –

not expected to be affected by mining.



Figure 3 Groundwater Monitoring Locations (Historic and Existing)


3.4 Wilpinjong Creek Alluvial Aquifer Investigation

3.4.1 Investigative Drilling Program

Investigative drilling was undertaken in 2013 by Groundwater Exploration Services Pty Ltd

(2013) within alluvium associated with Wilpinjong Creek in order to gain an understanding of the

geometry of the alluvium and the contact with the underlying Permian Strata. Six shallow holes

were drilled in a single transect (Table 8 and Figure 4).

Table 8 Alluvium Transect Drill Hole Locations

Transect Drill Hole Easting (m) Northing (m) Surface Level (RL - m AHD)

WTr1 774345.5 6420760 350.8

WTr2 774322.9 6420787 351.4

WTr3 774294.6 6420804 350.2

WTr4 774282.4 6420815 352.8

WTr5 774438.6 6420671 351.4

WTr6 774466.8 6420639 353.4

The topography along the investigative transect is that of a narrow floodplain associated with

Wilpinjong Creek. There is sharp topographical transition to the north into remnant Triassic

sandstone typical along the course of the creek in this area. To the south of Wilpinjong Creek

there is a relatively rapid transition from alluvium to weathered Permian and colluvium slopes on

gently rising ground.

Generally, alluvium depths were limited to 4 – 5m thickness overlying a weathered Permian

surface. The soil structure within the alluvium varied across the transect showing no definitive

trend. Grain size varied from clays and silts to gravels with the variability consistent with a

variable fluvial depositional environment and the inter-fingering of unconsolidated soils of alluvial

and colluvial origins. The Permian coal measures are exposed within the base of Wilpinjong

Creek.


Figure 4 Wilpinjong Creek Alluvial Aquifer Delineation Drill Hole Locations


3.4.2 Geophysical Survey

Geophysical survey has been conducted along Wilpinjong and Cumbo Creeks in 2011 and 2014

by Groundwater Imaging. In addition to extensive towed transient electromagnetic (TEM)

imaging around both creeks (in the vicinity of the Mine), the 2014 survey also incorporated a

Geo-electric transect and radar transect across Wilpinjong Creek in the vicinity of the

investigative drilling alluvial transect (Section 3.4.1) to compare to the extensive TEM survey

and drilling transect results.

The geophysical survey did not identify any alluvium along the creek likely to be more than a few

metres thick. There were no distinct deep paleochannel shaped features along Wilpinjong Creek

in the geophysical data collected. The geophysical data principally identified consolidated rock

geology and salt stores (Groundwater Imaging, 2014). The images produced by the TEM survey

reveal features of geometry consistent with sub-crop geology and its erosion by intersecting

streams. In some places this same feature geometry strongly suggests shallow incised creek

scour planes. The inferred alluvium and incised scour planes of Cumbo Creek and Wilpinjong

Creek in the vicinity of the Mine, as mapped by Groundwater Imaging (2014) are shown in

Figure 5.

Based on the results of geophysical mapping (Figure 5) and the associated alluvial drilling

transect (Figure 4), the extent of alluvium as shown on the regional geology map (Figure 2)

appears to be conservative, as contemporary mapping indicates the alluvium of Wilpinjong

Creek does not extend into the Mining Lease.

3.5 Cumbo Creek Geotechnical Site Assessment

In April 2014 Barnson excavated 80 boreholes along a section of Cumbo Creek as part of a

geotechnical site assessment for the proposed Cumbo Creek relocation (Barnson, 2014). The

boreholes were excavated to a depth of 3 m in 9 grids across the creek (Figure 6). Bulk

samples were taken from the boreholes at various depths for laboratory testing i.e. Atterberg

Limit (Plasticity Index) testing.

Topsoil of approximately 0.1-0.5 m depth was encountered at most boreholes. The topsoil was

classified as sandy silts and silty sands of firm to stiff consistency.

Alluvial soils were encountered at all 80 boreholes. The depth of alluvial soils ranged from

beneath the topsoil to maximum depths of 3m at all boreholes. The alluvial profiles comprised of

silts, sands and clays with varying amounts of gravel. There are areas of possible weathered

sandstone of low strength at some borehole locations and refusal was encountered at these

locations.

Coal was encountered in four of the boreholes; BH4 at 2.6m, BH6 at 2.7m, BH79 at 1.6m and

BH80 at 2.3m.The coal was noted to be of low strength. Refusal was not encountered within any

of these layers.

Groundwater was encountered in five boreholes; BH23 at 2.6m, BH39 at 2.6m, BH40 at 2.6m,

BH41 at 2.6m and BH50 at 2.6m.


Figure 5 Wilpinjong and Cumbo Creeks Incised Scour Plan and Inferred Alluvial Polygon


Figure 6 Cumbo Creek Geotechnical Site Assessment Borehole Locations


3.6 Conceptual Groundwater Model

The groundwater assessment for the original EIS involved development of a conceptual

model of the hydrogeological regime based on a review of existing data. This conceptual

model was the basis for a regional MODFLOW groundwater model developed by AGE

(2005).

The original groundwater model was developed based on geological and topographical

maps, geological information from about 300 coal exploration bores drilled across the

Wilpinjong and Moolarben exploration areas, hydrogeological reports presented by GeoTerra

(2004) and DIPNR (2003) and relevant data from the DIPNR groundwater database.

The model was used to simulate the potential effects of the Mine on the local aquifer systems

and to estimate the potential quantity of groundwater inflow to the Mine open cuts and the

yield from the Mine water supply borefield.

The model encompasses the area between the Goulburn River, which flows from west to

east encircling the Project area to the north at a distance of between approximately 8 km and

12 km from the ML 1573 boundary, and outcrops/subcrops of the Ulan Seam and

Marrangaroo Conglomerate to the south-west, south and south-east (Figure 2). The areas of

significant thinning of the Ulan Seam to the south of the Project area are also considered to

be limits of the numerical groundwater model.

Two alluvial deposits are present within the model. One area is associated with Wilpinjong

and Cumbo Creeks in the Project area and another, some 4 km to the south-west of the

Project area, with Moolarben Creek. Colluvial deposits are also present within the model

between Wilpinjong Creek and the Goulburn River National Park (Figure 2). Figure 7 and

Figure 8 illustrate the current conceptual model for a south-north cross-section through Pit 2

both before mining (Figure 7) and during mining (Figure 8).

Figure 7 Conceptual Model before Mining


Figure 8 Conceptual Model after Mining


4.0 Groundwater Impact Assessment Criteria and Triggers

Groundwater impact assessment criteria for both groundwater levels and quality have been

developed using statistical analysis of the baseline data (Section 3.3) and data acquired

from 2006 to 2012, and the predicted effects presented in the EIS (WCPL, 2005b) and

subsequent EAs, including for Modification 5 (WCPL, 2013). Where insufficient baseline data

are available, default values from relevant guidelines have been adopted (Section 4.1).

The trigger values are not assessment criteria but are used to initiate investigations into the

groundwater levels or groundwater quality as reported by the monitoring program. Details of

the monitoring program are included in Section 6.0. Reporting requirements for this GWMP

are detailed in Section 9.0 of the WMP.

Triggers will be used to determine if the groundwater impact investigation procedure or

Trigger Action Response Plan (TARP) in the SGWRP (Appendix 7 of the WMP) should be

initiated. The SGWRP provides a protocol for the investigation, notification, and mitigation of

identified exceedances of these assessment criteria. Table 9 summarises the TARPs in the

SGWRP relevant to groundwater.

Table 9 Groundwater TARPs

TARP Section in SGWRP

Impacts on groundwater quality 3.2.2

Impacts on privately owned bores 3.2.3

Direct alluvium groundwater inflow 3.2.4

Exceedance of production bore rates 3.2.5

Changes in alluvial monitoring bore levels 3.2.6

Groundwater model variations 3.2.7

Unforseen impacts (on surface or ground water) 3.3

4.1 Trigger Value Determination

4.1.1 Water Quality

ANZECC and ARMCANZ (2000) provides a framework for the assessment of water quality in

fresh water environments. These guidelines apply to both surface water and groundwater.

The objective of the guidelines (with respect to groundwater) is to maintain groundwater

quality so that in the event it reaches the surface it will not detrimentally impact the

environmental values or water quality objectives of the surrounding ecosystem.

ANZECC and ARMCANZ (2000) recommends that wherever possible site-specific data are

used to define trigger values for physical and chemical factors which can adversely impact

the environment. However, the default values provided by ANZECC and ARMCANZ (2000)


can be used where there are insufficient baseline data available. The trigger values are not

assessment criteria but are used to initiate investigations into the groundwater quality as

reported by the monitoring program.

The approach recommended by ANZECC and ARMCANZ (2000) for developing site-specific

trigger values for highly disturbed ecosystems is to formulate trigger values based on the 80th

percentile of the site-specific monitoring data. The objective of this approach is to develop

conservative, site-specific trigger values for use as a means to improve water quality in highly

disturbed ecosystems.

This approach to the defining of site-specific trigger values does not account for the water

quality variability due to the properties of the aquifers present in the region surrounding the

Mine. It is considered that applying an 80th percentile trigger value may not adequately reflect

the water quality dynamics of the region and may initiate investigations into groundwater

quality that can be associated with natural water quality variations.

Site specific triggers have been developed for EC and pH using the baseline data provided in

Section 4.2.1. Triggers (80th percentile) for EC range between 5,240 µS/cm (coal measures)

and 8,800 µS/cm (alluvium). Triggers (80th percentile) for pH range between 7.1 (coal

measures) and 7.3 (coal and alluvium). For reference, the default trigger values defined by

ANZECC and ARMCANZ (2000) for upland rivers in slightly disturbed ecosystems in south-

east Australia are between 6.5-8.0 for pH and 30-350 µS/cm for electrical conductivity (EC).

4.1.2 Water Levels

4.1.2.1 Privately Owned Bores

The potential end of mining drawdown is not expected to exceed one metre at any privately

owned land and, as such, no specific trigger has been developed for a decrease in water

level in private bores. However, a trigger has been established to investigate any landholder

complaints relating to groundwater (Section 4.2.2.1).

4.1.2.2 Production Bores

WCPL commissioned AGE to investigate and determine reporting and cease-to-pump

triggers for licensed production bores WSB10, WSB11, WSB12, WSB14 and WSB15

(Section 4.2.2.2) (AGE, 2005).

Triggers have been determined based on the expected maximum drawdown, as a result of

the development of the open cut and water supply borefield.

Note: WCPL has not pumped water from the production bores since June 2007 (WCPL has

used the water stored in mine water storages and open cut pits for operational water

requirements).

4.1.3 Direct Alluvium Groundwater Inflow

The trigger for direct groundwater inflows is based on visual observations of any groundwater

inflow from the alluvium exposed in the final highwall of the open cut (Section 4.2.3).

4.1.4 Alluvium Groundwater Levels

The trigger for anomalous water table levels monitored by alluvial piezometers is based on

drawdowns in excess of those expected to occur through seasonal fluctuations (Section

4.2.4).


4.2 Assessment Criteria and Adopted Triggers

4.2.1 Water Quality

The baseline monitoring results indicate that despite fluctuations in some water quality

parameters, groundwater quality has remained relatively consistent at each coal monitoring

location throughout the period of monitoring. However, some alluvial monitoring bores have

very high recorded salinities and very large fluctuations that bear no apparent relationship

with rainfall or mining. The groundwater monitoring program has indicated that baseline

concentrations of EC in the aquifers are always outside of the ANZECC and ARMCANZ

(2000) default trigger values, while pH deviations from the default range are uncommon.

Water quality records have been examined for baseline data collected from 2004 to 2009

and grouped according to lithology. The means, standard deviations, 80th percentiles and

maxima are presented in Table 10 for EC and Table 11 for pH.

Table 10 Baseline Water Quality EC Statistics per Lithology

Aquifer Type

EC (µS/cm)1

Mean Standard

Deviation

80th

percentile

Maximum

Alluvium 4,610 3,830 8,800 15,340

Coal 2,740 1,250 3,600 7,500

Coal Measures 3,340 1,560 5,240 2,380

Notes: 1)

µS/cm = microSiemens per centimetre.

Table 11 Baseline Water Quality pH Statistics per Lithology

Aquifer Type

pH

Mean Standard

Deviation

80th

percentile

Maximum

Alluvium 7.0 0.4 7.3 8.4

Coal 7.1 0.5 7.3 11.9

Coal Measures 6.5 1.5 7.1 11.3

For trigger purposes, the water quality statistics for April 2006 to December 2009 have been

analysed for EC and pH at the alluvium and coal monitoring sites. The means, standard

deviations, 80th percentiles and maxima are presented in Table 12 for EC.

Although ANZECC and ARMCANZ (2000) recommend using the 80th percentile values as

being suitable for trigger values, a trigger would be initiated 20 percent of the time due to

natural causes.


For the trigger to be a meaningful indicator of a possible mining effect, an investigation

should not be triggered unless the 80th percentile value is exceeded on either of:

Three consecutive monthly monitoring events; or

Two consecutive quarterly monitoring events.

In the event that a single result is recorded above the 80th percentile value, WCPL will

undertake a preliminary investigation to ascertain whether the result was caused by an

obvious anomaly or whether further testing is required.

Table 12 Baseline Water Quality EC Statistics per Bore

Monitoring

Site Aquifer Type

EC (µS/cm)1

Mean Standard

Deviation

80th

percentile

Criteria

Maximum

GWa1 Alluvium 8,409 3,721 12,272 12,730

GWa2 Alluvium 1,816 602 2,280 3,300

GWa3 Alluvium 1,577 398 1,970 2,050

GWa4 Alluvium 2,409 340 2,596 3,100

GWa5 Alluvium 10,634 3,204 13,926 15,340

GWa6 Alluvium 5,592 1,604 6,720 10,140

GWa7 Alluvium 9,130 2,575 10,126 10,490

GWa8 Alluvium 2,342 580 2,898 3,700

GWc1 Coal 2,341 476 2,844 3,260

GWc2 Coal 1,134 159 1,290 1,400

GWc3 Coal 3,144 248 3,304 3,800

GWc4 Coal 2,314 213 2,412 2,800

GWc5 Coal 4,665 574 4,798 6,030

Notes: 1)

µS/cm = microSiemens per centimetre.

The minima, 20th percentiles, 80th percentiles and maxima are presented in Table 13 for pH.

In this case, it is recommended that the ANZECC and ARMCANZ (2000) default trigger

values (6.5 - 8.0) be used at all sites rather than using slightly different values at individual

bores, as the default range captures all 20th and 80th percentile values.


Table 13 Baseline Water Quality pH Statistics per Bore

Monitoring

Site Aquifer Type

pH

Minimum 20th

percentile

80th

percentile

Criteria

Maximum

GWa1 Alluvium 6.8 6.9 7.2 7.6

GWa2 Alluvium 6.0 6.6 7.0 7.8

GWa3 Alluvium 6.3 6.6 7.3 7.8

GWa4 Alluvium 6.1 6.8 7.1 7.4

GWa5 Alluvium 6.4 6.7 7.1 7.9

GWa6 Alluvium 7.1 7.3 7.6 7.8

GWa7 Alluvium 6.6 6.7 7.0 7.7

GWa8 Alluvium 6.6 7.0 7.4 7.7

GWc1 Coal 6.2 6.8 7.2 7.7

GWc2 Coal 6.8 7.1 7.7 8.0

GWc3 Coal 6.4 6.6 7.3 7.8

GWc4 Coal 6.5 6.7 7.1 8.0

GWc5 Coal 6.5 6.8 7.0 7.9

If the monitoring results indicate a water quality trigger is exceeded, the groundwater impact

investigation protocol in the SGWRP will be initiated.

4.2.2 Water Level

4.2.2.1 Landholder Complaints

All complaints or enquiries will be managed in accordance with the complaints procedures as

described in the WMP (Section 8.0).

In the event that a groundwater-related complaint is received from a local landholder in

relation to a potential Mine related effect on their water supply, the relevant data set will be

reviewed by an Environmental Representative who will determine if the groundwater impact

investigation protocol or TARP will be initiated, in accordance with the SGWRP. Monitoring of

the landholder’s bore, well or waterhole may also be organised, in consultation with the

landholder, depending on the complaint.

4.2.2.2 Production Bore Levels

The proposed reporting and cease-to-pump trigger levels for the licensed production bores

are provided in Table 14.


Table 14 Production Bore Trigger Levels – Reporting and Cease-to-Pump Triggers

Production

Bore

Groundwater

Monitoring

Bore1

Reporting

Trigger Level (m

AHD2)3

Cease-to-Pump

Trigger Level (m

AHD)4

Expected Maximum

Drawdown Level (m

AHD)5

WSB10 GWs10

351.5

346 341

WSB11 GWs11

353 348.5 344

WSB12 GWs12

338 332.5 327

WSB14 GWs14

328 319.5 311

WSB15 GWs15

324 314.5 305

Notes: 1)

Triggers for alluvial monitoring bores (GWsa10, GWsa11, GWsa12, GWsa14 and GWsa15) have not yet been

developed (Section 4.2.4). 2)

m AHD - metres Australian Height Datum. 3)

Based on 70% of maximum predicted drawdown from

observed/estimated pre-mining groundwater level. 4)

Based on 85% of maximum predicted drawdown from observed/estimated

pre-mining groundwater level. 5)

Equivalent to the interpreted base of the Ulan Seam.

Trigger values will be reviewed prior to the reinstatement of the production bores and on a 12

monthly basis if operational. If necessary the triggers would be adjusted in consultation with

NOW. If the monitoring results indicate the reporting trigger or cease-to-pump trigger level is

exceeded, the groundwater impact investigation protocol or TARP in the SGWRP will be

initiated.

This GWMP will be revised to include trigger levels for any additional production bores

constructed, following licensing by NOW. A coal measure monitoring bore and alluvial

monitoring bore will be installed for each additional production bore constructed.

4.2.3 Direct Alluvium Groundwater Inflow Trigger

If a visual observation identifies a perceptible groundwater inflow from the alluvium exposed

in the highwall adjacent to the mapped alluvium (Figure 5), including Pits 3, 4 and 5, the

Environment and Community Manager will be notified as soon as practicable. If confirmed,

the groundwater impact investigation protocol or TARP in the SGWRP will be initiated.

Figure 9 below shows an example of perceptible groundwater inflow in the highwall (see left

wall, behind excavator). It is noted that the inflow shown in this photo is not attributable to

alluviums – this photo is provided as a visual prompt for onsite personnel to assist them in

the identification of perceptible groundwater inflow in the highwall.


Figure 9 Example of Groundwater Inflow in the Highwall

4.2.4 Alluvial Monitoring Bore Triggers - Borefield Effect

In order to develop trigger values for the alluvial monitoring bores along Wilpinjong Creek,

WCPL will undertake a systematic process for the monitoring, analysis and reporting of the

alluvium water levels as outlined below:

1) WCPL has installed a monitoring bore in the alluvium at a site located between the

bores authorised by WCPL’s water supply licences and Wilpinjong Creek i.e.

GWa16.

2) The water levels in the alluvial bores will be recorded at daily intervals using an

automatic recorder.

3) Data generated from the above monitoring will be collated as per the licence

conditions issued for establishment of the monitoring bores.

4) In addition to the above, on a three monthly basis the monitoring data from each of

the alluvium monitoring bores will be reviewed to compare the groundwater

monitoring levels to the recorded:

Coal seam aquifer groundwater levels;

Meteorological data (i.e. rainfall);

Recorded surface water flows; and

Historical monitoring data.


This will involve a visual comparison of the alluvial monitoring bore levels during the

compilation of the environmental monitoring data to be displayed on the WCPL website.

The above data will be analysed by an Environmental Representative with technical input

from appropriately qualified hydrologists and hydrogeologists where necessary. If this

analysis indicates alluvial groundwater levels are responding to the operation of the Mine

water supply borefield, the investigation protocol or TARP in the SGWRP will be initiated.

4.2.5 Alluvial Monitoring Bore Triggers - Mining Effect

Although not strictly applicable, the rule in the NSW Aquifer Interference Policy for minimal

impact considerations for the water table for alluvial water sources can be adapted as a

suitable trigger for alluvial water levels. This essentially allows a 10 percent change in water

level beyond the natural fluctuation.

The ranges of natural fluctuations have been analysed for alluvial piezometers from April

2006 to June 2012 and trigger water elevations based on these ranges are presented in

Table 15. Again, three successive monthly exceedances (or two successive quarterly

exceedances) of the lower thresholds will trigger an investigation.

Table 15 Alluvial Water Level Triggers

Monitoring Site Minimum RWL

(mAHD)1

Range (m) Allowance (m) Trigger RWL

(mAHD)2

GWa1 384.1 2.5 0.3 383.9

GWa2 371.0 4.7 0.5 370.6

GWa3 360.5 2.1 0.2 360.3

GWa4 353.8 3.3 0.3 353.5

GWa5 372.8 1.2 0.1 372.7

GWa6 358.0 2.5 0.2 357.8

GWa7 343.4 1.4 0.1 343.2

GWa83 353.3 1.9 0.2 353.1

GWa323 Installed in 2014. Triggers to be developed based on suitable background data

availability. GWa333

Notes: 1)

RWL - Reduced Water Level; m AHD - metres Australian Height Datum. 2)

Trigger level based on Aquifer Interference

Policy rule i.e. Trigger = Minimum RWL – Allowance (10% of Range). 3)

Alluvial bores representative of alluvial impacts

associated with landholder bores.

If the monitoring results indicate a water level trigger is exceeded, the groundwater impact

investigation protocol in the SGWRP will be initiated.


4.3 Performance Indicators

The performance indicators in Table 16 will be used to assess the performance of the Mine

against the predicted impacts.

Table 16 Performance Indicators

Performance Indicator Number

Number of complaints received relating to groundwater Nil

Number of times production pumps have been shut down as a

result of triggers being exceeded

Nil

Number of observations of groundwater inflow from the alluvium

exposed in the highwall (in pits adjacent to mapped alluvial)

Nil

Number of times alluvial groundwater levels have been shown to

have fallen as a result of mining operations (as defined by the

water level triggers)

Nil

WCPL will report on progress against these performance indicators in the Annual Review

(Section 9.0 (see also Section 9.2 of the WMP). In the event that a complaint is received

relating to groundwater, it will be handled in accordance with the complaints management

protocol (refer Section 8.0 of the WMP). Contingency plans for unpredicted groundwater

impacts are discussed in the SGWRP


5.0 Groundwater Management Measures

5.1 Drilling

Exploration is undertaken within the Mine area and EL 7091 and 6169 areas in accordance

with WCPL’s Exploration Site Preparation Procedure and Exploration Site Rehabilitation

Procedure. These procedures have been developed to address the requirements of ML 1573

and EL 7091 and 6169.

All exploration drill holes that are not converted to groundwater monitoring wells will be

permanently sealed with cement plugs to prevent surface discharge of groundwaters. Drill

holes that intersect with artesian or sub-artesian flow will also be effectively sealed to prevent

contamination of aquifers.

Sealing will be undertaken in accordance with NSW Department of Trade and Investment’s

guideline EDG01: Borehole Sealing Requirements on Land: Coal Exploration (DTI, 2012).

Further information on the sealing of exploration drill holes is contained in the WCPL

Exploration Site Rehabilitation Procedure.

Monitoring bores have and will continue to be constructed in accordance with the Minimum

Construction Requirements for Water Bores in Australia (National Uniform Drillers Licensing

Committee, 2012) by an appropriately qualified water bore driller. Bore licences have been

and will continue to be obtained from NOW prior to installation of any new monitoring bores.

All bores, other than bores used solely for monitoring purposes, located within the alluvial

sediments of the Wollar Creek water source have been cased to prevent alluvial groundwater

from entering the bore.

5.2 Water Supply Bores

WCPL has approval to extract 770 ML/annum from its water supply bores (Table 4). WCPL

monitors the volume of water extracted to ensure that the volume extracted does not exceed

the licenced volume in any 12 month period (commencing 1st July).



6.1 General

The groundwater monitoring program involves the monitoring of water levels and water

quality from alluvial and coal monitoring sites, and the Mine water supply bores when

operating. Also to be monitored are groundwater seepage and surface water runoff which

collect in pit sumps during mining operations. Groundwater levels and quality are monitored

in bores which intersect alluvium associated with Wilpinjong, Wollar and Cumbo Creeks.

Groundwater monitoring, water level measurements and sample collection, storage and

transportation are undertaken in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Murray

Darling Basin Groundwater Quality Sampling Guidelines (Murray Darling Basin Commission,

1997).

Analysis is undertaken by a laboratory which has been accredited by the National

Association of Testing Authorities, Australia (NATA) to undertake testing for the parameters

being determined. Field testing is undertaken using field equipment that is well maintained

and calibrated in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Data collected will:

Enable verification and refinement (where necessary) of the groundwater modelling

results presented in the Wilpinjong Coal Mine Modification Groundwater Assessment

(HydroSimulations, 2013);

Be used in the continued development of groundwater impact assessment criteria

and investigation triggers (Section 4.0); and

Provide input to annual reviews of groundwater monitoring data (refer Section 9.2 of

WMP).

Data collected from landholder bores, wells and waterholes will be used in conjunction with

the groundwater impact investigation procedure or TARP to determine if contingency

measures are required (refer SGWRP, Appendix 7 of WMP).


Table 17 provides a summary of the WCPL groundwater monitoring program. Monitoring

locations are illustrated on Figure 3.


Table 17 Groundwater Monitoring Program

Monitoring Locations Frequency Parameters1,2

Open Cut Operations

Main pit sump(s) Monthly Volume of water extracted.

Quarterly pH, EC, TDS, Na, K, Mg, Ca, Cl, HCO3, CaCO3, SO4 and Metals (Copper, Zinc, Iron, Aluminium, Nickel, Manganese, Barium, Strontium, Lead, Arsenic and Selenium).

Water Supply Bores

3

GWs10, GwS11, GWs12, GWs14, GWs15

Monthly (During Extraction)

Water level, field pH and EC.

Volume of water extracted.

Alluvial Bores

GWa10, GWa11, GWa12, GWa14, GWa15, GWa16, GWa22, GWa32

12 Hr (logger)

Water level, Pressure, Temperature

GWa1, GWa2, GWa3, GWa4, GWa5, GWa6, GWa7

5, GWa8

5,

GWa9, GWa10, GWa11, GWa12, GWa14, GWa15, GWa16, GWa22, GWa32, GWa33

5

Monthly Water level, temperature field pH and EC.

Quarterly TDS, Na, K, Mg, Ca, Cl, HCO3, CaCO3, SO4 and Metals (Copper, Zinc, Iron, Aluminium, Nickel, Manganese, Barium, Strontium, Lead, Arsenic and Selenium).

Coal Measures Bores

GWc10, GWc11, GWc12, GWc14, GWc15, GWc16, GWc17, GWc18, GWc22, GWc23, GWc24, GWc25, GWc26, GWc27, GWc28, GWc29, GWc30, GWc31, GWc32

5

Daily (logger) Water level, Pressure, Temperature

GWc1, GWc2, GWc3, GWc45,

GWc55,

GWc10, GWc11, GWc12, GWc14, GWc15, GWc16, GWc17, GWc18,

GWc19, GWc20, GWc22,

GWc23, GWc24, GWc25, GWc26, GWc27, GWc28, GWc29, GWc30, GWc31, GWc33, GWc32

5,GWc345,

GWc35

Monthly Water level, temperature, field pH and EC.

Quarterly TDS, Na, K, Mg, Ca, Cl, HCO3, CaCO3, SO4 and Metals (Copper, Zinc, Iron, Aluminium, Nickel, Manganese, Barium, Strontium, Lead, Arsenic and Selenium).

Landholder bores, wells and waterholes4

As required To be determined

Notes: 1)

Parameters will be analysed provided sufficient volumes of water can be collected. 2)

Na = Sodium, Ca = Calcium,

HCO3 = Bicarbonate, SO4 = Sulphate, K = Potassium, Mg = Magnesium, Cl = Chloride and Total Fe = Total Iron. 3)

Water

supply bores not currently in operation. 4)

Monitoring may be undertaken, as required, in consultation with individual landholders.

Parameters to be monitored will be determined following consideration of the landholder’s concerns. 5)

Regional bore – not

expected to be affected by mining.


6.3 Monitoring of Connectivity and Groundwater Leakage from Cumbo Creek

A monitoring program to monitor the connectivity and groundwater leakage from Cumbo

Creek following its relocation will be included in the Cumbo Creek Relocation Plan, to be

prepared in accordance with Condition 29 of Schedule 3 of the Project Approval.

6.4 Monitoring of Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems (Riparian Vegetation)

A stream health monitoring program has been developed to detect any potential changes in

aquatic biology along Wilpinjong and Cumbo Creeks. Channel stability surveys are also

undertaken along Wilpinjong and Cumbo Creeks on an annual basis to detect any potential

changes in the quantity and quality of riparian vegetation and to determine the need for any

maintenance and/or contingency measures. The components of the stream health

monitoring program are detailed in the Surface Water Management and Monitoring Plan

(SWMMP, Appendix 5 of the WMP).

6.5 Data Management Procedures

6.5.1 Data Validation

All data is checked to ensure that sample handling and transportation, equipment and

containers are in accordance with AS/NZS 5667 - 1998 Water quality – Sampling.

6.5.2 Data Management

Validated data from each of the monitoring programs is entered into a digital database by an

Environmental Representative. This renders the data in a form suitable for analysis.

6.5.3 Data Review and Interpretation

The following procedures are undertaken once the data has been entered into the database:

Water quality data is compared with baseline data, concurrent data collected from

other monitoring sites including control sites and with the relevant trigger level

(Section 4.2.1);

In the event of an apparently anomalous result, WCPL will conduct a re-test as soon

as is practicable to do so; and

Data is interpreted quantitatively (using standard parametric and non-parametric

statistical methods) and qualitatively in conjunction with:

o Site activities being undertaken at the time;

o Water quality results in nearby locations;

o The prevailing and preceding meteorological and streamflow conditions; and

o Changes to the land use/activities being undertaken in the contributing

hydrogeological regime.

In the event that three consecutive monthly water quality results (or two consecutive

quarterly monitoring results) are above the trigger values (Section 4.2.1), the TARP

in the SGWRP will be implemented.


Cause-and-effect analysis of groundwater hydrographs will be undertaken at the time of the

Annual Review (refer Section 9.2 of WMP) and whenever the numerical groundwater model

is updated (Section 7.2).

6.5.4 Monitoring Records

WCPL will record the following details for all groundwater monitoring samples:

The date(s) on which the sample was taken;

The time(s) at which the sample was collected;

The point at which the sample was taken; and

The name of the person who collected the sample.

Monitoring records will be maintained in accordance with Section 6.2 of the WMP.

6.5.5 Data Sharing

WCPL will consult with neighbouring mines in regard to the sharing of groundwater data and

achieving a consistent approach to monitoring systems/techniques to optimise the value of

this data.


7.0 Groundwater Prediction Validation Processes

7.1 Groundwater Model Predictions

The original numerical groundwater model used by AGE (2005) was converted by

HydroSimulations (2013) to a more suitable software platform for water balance interrogation

(converted from PMWIN to Groundwater Vistas software) for assessment of the cumulative

impacts associated with Modification 5 (WCPL, 2013).

HydroSimulations (2013) conducted a comparison of the drawdown predictions and simulated

hydrographs from the EIS predictions (AGE, 2005) with observed groundwater changes. The

observed drawdowns in coal seam monitoring bores were in good agreement with predicted

drawdowns, with some difference in the onset due to the difference between the EIS and actual

mine schedules (HydroSimulations, 2013).

Numerical modelling of the aquifer drawdown by HydroSimulations (2013) in the Ulan Coal

Seam and the Marrangaroo Sandstone as a result of the Mine indicates a cone of depression

with a radius of approximately 3 km to the east, 1 km to the west and 4 km to the north of the

extremities of the Wilpinjong Coal Mine open pit limits (Figure 10).

The numerical model showed only a limited effect on the water levels in the alluvial/colluvial

aquifer. The model suggests that the Wilpinjong Creek alluvium receives upflow from the

underlying groundwater system in the order of 0.02 ML/day pre-mining. There is expected to be

a gradual decline in upflow from 2006 to 2015, at which time a reversal to downflow is possible

until the end of mining. The model also suggests a very minor upflow to the Cumbo Creek

alluvium in the order of 0.00001 ML/day pre-mining. The effect of mining is to quickly convert the

natural upflow to downflow, but the magnitude remains very low.

The reductions in upflow for the two alluvial systems are expected to be about 10 ML/annum at

most. The average loss is expected to be about 9 ML/annum over the full duration of mining.

After the cessation of open cut dewatering, the groundwater system would be expected to

gradually recover.

7.2 Groundwater Model Verification and Refinement

The model developed as part of the Wilpinjong Coal Mine Modification Groundwater

Assessment (HydroSimulations, 2013) will continue to be refined during the life of the Mine to

reflect the actual activities undertaken on site (e.g. mine scheduling arrangements). Data

collected by this GWMP will then be used to verify the refined groundwater model’s predictions.

A review of the monitoring data will be undertaken on an annual basis (or more frequently as

required) to compare actual groundwater drawdown levels to those predicted by the numerical

model.

The results of the groundwater model verification and any model refinements will continue to be

reported in the Annual Review.

In the event that actual groundwater drawdown levels were to exceed the predicted groundwater

drawdown levels over the life of the Mine, the groundwater model will be further refined using

any new data available to characterise the aquifer systems. The groundwater model refinement

process (if necessary) will be conducted in consultation with the NOW and a review of the

GWMP will be undertaken.


Figure 10 Simulated Groundwater Drawdown Year 21 (Ulan Coal Seam) (Hydrosimulations (2013))


8.0 Further Definition and Monitoring Network Extension

The proposed monitoring in EL 7091 and EL 6169 will continue to refine the current

groundwater and geological knowledge that has already been developed for the Mine.

Expansion of the groundwater monitoring network in support of the earlier version of the

GWMMP commenced in 2013. Continued expansion of the monitoring network will be

adapted based on the outcomes of ongoing and future monitoring and the progress and

nature of exploration activities.

Groundwater data obtained from the extended monitoring network will be compiled with

existing datasets in accordance with the procedures outline in Section 6.5.

The conceptual model and computer simulation model will be presented in any future

applications for environmental approvals for mining development in EL 7091 and EL

6169.The computer simulation model may subsequently also be re-run periodically as a

component of operational water management planning or to evaluate variations in the

proposed mine sequence and assess changes to pit inflow rates.


9.0 Reporting

The results of groundwater monitoring program are reported in the Annual Review report to

the DP&E. Further reporting details are provided in Section 9.0 of the WMP.

Section 9.0 of the WMP also details the reporting required by WCPL’s various groundwater

licences.


10.0 Responsibilities

Table 18 includes specific responsibilities for personnel in relation to this GWMP. General

responsibilities for water management are contained within the WMP. These include:

Ensuring adequate resources are available to effectively implement the requirements

of the WMP (and appendices);

Engagement of suitably qualified experts;

Stakeholder consultation;

General maintenance and operation of machinery and plant;

Liaison with Moolarben and Ulan Coal Mines on cumulative impacts;

Training;

Identifying and reporting on continuous improvement opportunities;

General mine site inspections;

Monitoring of meteorological conditions;

Management of monitoring records;

Complaints management;

Reporting; and

Management Plan reviews and updates.

Table 18 GWMP Responsibilities

Responsibility Task Timing

Environment and Community Manager

Ensure appropriate resources are available for the monitoring of all groundwater parameters to meet regulatory and operational requirements.

As required

Continue to develop and refine suitable triggers for water quality and level in conjunction with suitably quality experts

As required

Review production bore trigger levels prior to the reinstatement of the production bores and on a 12 monthly basis if operational. If necessary adjust the triggers in consultation with NOW.

Prior to the reinstatement of the production bores and on a 12 monthly basis if operational during the preceding 12 month period

Review the alluvial monitoring bore program and triggers and modify, if necessary, to the satisfaction of NOW

Within 12 months of approval of this GWMP

Oversee installation of new groundwater bores (in accordance with relevant guidelines and groundwater licence conditions in Attachment 1) and seek approval for new licences from NOW.

As required

Ensure compliance with conditions of existing groundwater licences (Attachment 1), including reporting requirements (refer also Section 9 of WMP)

At all times

Ensure a coal measure monitoring bore and alluvial monitoring bore are constructed for each additional production bore.

As required


Responsibility Task Timing

Revise the GWMP to include trigger levels for any additional production bores constructed, following licensing by NOW

As required

Maintain current groundwater licences for the Mine As required

Initiate groundwater impact investigation protocol if a visual observation confirms a perceptible groundwater inflow from the alluvium exposed in the highwall

As required

Environmental Representative

Coordinate monitoring program in accordance with Section 6.0

In accordance with Section 6.0

Ensure monitoring records are maintained in accordance with Section 6.5.4 and the WMP

At all times

Analyse data from alluvial monitoring bores, with technical input from appropriately qualified hydrologists and hydrogeologists where necessary. If this analysis indicates alluvial groundwater levels are responding to the operation of mining or the Mine water supply borefield as outlined in Section 4.2.5, commence the investigation protocol in the SGWRP

As required

Review monitoring results against triggers in Section 4.0 and implement groundwater impact investigation if triggers are exceeded (refer TARPs in SGWRP)

Monthly

Upon receiving a complaint from a landholder, review the relevant data set to determine whether a groundwater impact investigation should be implemented

Following a complaint

Ensure cease to pump limits are adhered to (Section 4.2.2.2)

At all times

Coordinate revisions, refinements and augmentation of the groundwater model in accordance with Section 7.0

As required

Coordinate further definition of the groundwater aquifers in accordance with Section 8.0.

As required

Open Cut Examiner (OCE)

Report any visual observations of any perceptible groundwater inflow from alluvium exposed in the highwall of the open cut to the Environment and Community Manager

As soon as practicable


11.0 References

Australasian Groundwater and Environmental Consultants Pty Limited (AGE) 2005,

Wilpinjong Coal Project Groundwater Impact Assessment

Barnett, B, Townley, L.R., Post, V., Evans, R.E., Hunt, R.J., Peeters, L., Richardson, S.,

Werner, A.D., Knapton, A. and Boronkay, A. (2012). Australian Groundwater Modelling

Guidelines. Waterlines report 82, National Water Commission, Canberra

Barnson Pty Ltd 2014, Geotechnical Site Assessment Report, Proposed Cumbo Creek

Diversion, Wilpinjong Coal Mine, Ulan NSW, June 2014.

Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources 2003, Greater Wollar Creek

Catchment, Dryland Salinity Groundwater Investigation

Department of Trade and Investment 2012, Environmental Management Guidelines for

Industry, EDG01: Borehole Sealing Requirements on Land: Coal Exploration

Geoterra Pty Limited 2004, Hydrogeological Assessment of the Proposed Wilpinjong Open

Cut Coal Mine, Wilpinjong, NSW

Geoterra Pty Limited 2005, Cumbo Homestead Production Bore (PB1) Test Program,

Wilpinjong, NSW

Groundwater Exploration Services Pty Ltd 2013, Groundwater Field Investigation - A

Groundwater Investigation Status Report for the Wilpinjong Coal Project for Wilpinjong Coal

Limited, March 2014.

Groundwater Imaging 2014, Cumbo and Wilpinjong Creeks groundwater connection

investigation geophysics.

HydroSimulations 2013, Wilpinjong Coal Mine Modification Groundwater Assessment.

Report HC2013/11, July 2013.

Merrick, N.P. 2005, Pumping Test Simulation – Wilpinjong Coal Project. Access UTS Pty Ltd

Report for Wilpinjong Coal Pty Ltd, Project No. C04/44/007, October 2005, 12p.

Murray Darling Basin Commission 1997, Murray Darling Basin Groundwater Quality

Sampling Guidelines

National Uniform Drillers Licensing Committee 2012, Minimum Construction Requirements

for Water Bores in Australia, 3rd Edition

Wilpinjong Coal Pty Limited 2005a, Bore Census Register

Wilpinjong Coal Pty Limited 2005b, Wilpinjong Coal Project Environmental Impact Statement

Wilpinjong Coal Pty Limited 2013, Wilpinjong Coal Mine Modification Environmental

Assessment


12.0 Appendices

12.1 Appendix 1: Groundwater Licence Conditions

Table A1: Water Supply Bore Licence Conditions (20BL170059 and 20BL170063)

Groundwater Licence Condition

(2) The volume of groundwater extracted from the works authorised by this licence shall not exceed 110 megalitres in any 12 month period commencing 1

st July.

(3) All bores, other than bores used solely for monitoring purposes, located within the alluvial sediments of the Wollar Creek water source must be cased to prevent alluvial groundwater from entering the bore.

(4) The licence holder must take measures to prevent the flow of alluvial groundwater entering the mine workings.

(5) The licence holder must provide the Office of Water with a map of the licensed site showing areas of alluvial sediments likely to be impacted by operation of each bore.

(6) The licence holder must develop and implement a methodology to estimate the annual volume of alluvial groundwater intercepted (water budget), approved by the Office of Water. Water budgets must be set and approved one month prior to the beginning of each water year to enable implementation.

(7) The licence holder must develop and implement a Groundwater Monitoring and Contingency Plan, with its reporting schedule, and approved by the Office of water. The Groundwater Monitoring and Contingency Plan is to be prepared and submitted to the Office of Water within six months of issuing the licence using the template provided by the Office of Water.

(8) Bore drilling/construction must occur in accordance with the minimum construction requirements for water bores in Australia.

(9) Construction of the bores must prevent contamination between aquifers through proper bore construction.

(10) The licence holder must, within 2 months of completion of the work, or after the issue of the licence if the bore exists, provide the Office of Water with:

(I) Details of the work on the prescribed form;

(II) A plan showing accurately the location of the work in relation to portion and property boundaries; and

(III) Details of any water analysis and/or pumping tests.

(11) If, during the construction of the water supply work (bore), saline or contaminated water is encountered above the producing aquifer, such water is to be sealed off by:

(I) Inserting the appropriate length(s) of casing to a depth sufficient to exclude the saline or contaminated water from the work, and

(II) Placing an impermeable seal between the casing(s) and the walls of the bore hole from the bottom of the casing to ground level, as specified by the Office of Water

(12) When a bore is abandoned, the licence holder must:

(I) Notify the Office of Water that the work has been abandoned, and

(II) Seal off the aquifer by backfilling the work to ground level after withdrawing the casing (lining), as specified by the Office of water,

(III) Follow decommissioning procedures that comply with minimum construction requirements for water bores in Australia or any standards specified by the Office of Water.

(13) An extraction measurement device must be installed and maintained on each bore used for



extraction of water under this licence, and such devices must be of a type and standard, and must be maintained in a manner, which is acceptable to the Office of Water.

(14) The licence holder will provide the Office of Water with an annual compliance report, to report on the results of the groundwater monitoring and contingency plan, within one month of the end of the water year being reported on. The annual compliance report must:

A) Assess compliance with the licence

B) Provide a summary of new bores or pits constructed during that year

C) Provide statistics for the monitoring data collated for each bore for the last water year

D) Summarise contingency events that impacted on groundwater during the last water year, including actions taken to remedy the situation and extra monitoring results

E) Any recommendations for improvements for the new water year.

(15) The licence holder must ensure that an independent environmental (water) audit is carried out at the end of the 5-year licence period and submitted to the Office of Water as a comprehensive audit report (environmental audit report). The audit must:

A) Be carried out in accordance with guidelines and general principles for environmental auditing and procedures for environmental auditing approved by the Office of Water;

B) Assess compliance with the requirements of the licence, including the Groundwater Monitoring and Contingency Plan;

C) Review actual impacts of the extractions on any aquifers, groundwater dependant eco-systems and any streams in the area;

D) Make comparisons between actual and predicted impacts (modelled results);

E) Provide recommendations as to works that ought to be performed or additional obligations that ought to be imposed in order to rectify any impacts on groundwater;

F) Be conducted by an independent certified auditor, nominated by the licence holder and approved in advance by the Office of Water; and

G) Be carried out at the cost of the licence holder.


Table A2: Water Supply Bore Licence Conditions (20BL170062)


(2) The licence holder must develop and implement a methodology to estimate the volume of groundwater intercepted and extracted by the open cut pit

(2) The licence holder must ensure that a record of all groundwater extracted from the open cut pit, using the method described in condition (1), is kept and supplied to DNR upon request.

(3) The licence holder must notify the Department when groundwater extraction work is to cease and ensure implementation of relevant rehabilitation works as per the approved mine closure plan.

(4) The licence holder must undertake all monitoring required by the monitoring plan, approved by the NSW Office of Water.

(5) The licensed entitlement of 85 megalitres is issued for the purpose of dewatering and water supply and is not transferable.

(6) The licence holder must ensure that an independent environmental audit is carried out at the end of the licence period. The audit must:

A) Be carried out in accordance with ISO 14010 – Guidelines and general principles for environmental auditing and ISO 14011 – Procedures for environmental auditing;

B) Assess compliance with the requirements of the licence;



E) Be conducted by an independent certified auditor, nominated by the licence holder and approved in advance by DNR; and

F) Be carried out at the cost of the licence holder.

(7) The licence holder must ensure that the results of the environmental audit must be presented in a comprehensive report (Environmental Audit Report). The report may include recommendations as to works that could be performed or additional obligations that could be imposed in order to rectify any impacts on groundwater.

(8) The volume of groundwater extracted from the works authorised by this license and by license(s) (Pit 1 Licence and Pit 2 Licence) must not exceed 697 megalitres in any 12 month period, commencing 1

st July.

(9) The volume of groundwater extracted from the works authorised by this license and by license(s) 20BL170172 shall not exceed 697 megalitres in any 12 month period, commencing 1

st July.

(10) The volume of groundwater extracted from the works authorised by this license shall not exceed 85 megalitres in any 12 month period, commencing 1

st July.


Table A3: Pit Licence Conditions (20BL173513 - Pit 5, 20BL173514 - Pit 3, 20BL173515 - Pit 4, 20BL173516 -Pit 2 and 20BL173517 - Pit 1)


(2) The licence holder must develop and implement a methodology to estimate the annual volume of alluvial water inflow (water budget), approved by the Office of Water. Water budgets must be set and approved one month prior to the beginning of each water year to enable implementation.

(3) The licence holder must provide the Office of Water with a map of the licensed site showing areas of alluvial sediments interfered by the mine works.

(4) The licence holder must take measures to prevent the flow of alluvial groundwater entering the mine works.

(5) Within 3 months of being issued the licence, the licence holder must provide the Office of Water with a management plan that identifies measures for:

A) Prevention and minimisation of ongoing seepage of alluvial groundwater entering the mine works;

B) Restoring the mine works above the final water level when they are no longer being used.

(6) The licence holder must comply with any directions issued by the Office of Water with respect to installation and operation of necessary works to isolate the mine works from groundwater flows emanating from Wilpinjong Creek.

(7) The licence holder must provide the Office of Water with an annual compliance report, to report on the results of the Groundwater Monitoring and Contingency Plan, within one month of the end of the water year being reported on. The annual compliance report must:

A) Assess compliance with the licence

B) Provide a summary of new bores or pits constructed during that year

C) Provide statistics for the monitoring data collated for each bore for the last water year

D) Summarise contingency events that impacted on groundwater during the last water year, including actions taken to remedy the situation and extra monitoring results

E) Any recommendations for improvements for the new water year.

(8) An extraction measurement device must be installed and maintained on each extraction device (pump) used for extraction of water under this licence, and such devices must be of a type and standard, and must be maintained in a manner, which is acceptable to the Office of Water.

(9) The licence holder must ensure that an independent environmental (water) audit is carried out at the end of the 1-year licence period and submitted to the Office of Water as a comprehensive report (environmental audit report). The audit must:

A) Be carried out in accordance with guidelines and general principles for environmental auditing and procedures for environmental auditing approved by the Office of Water;

B) Assess compliance with the requirements of the licence, including the Groundwater Monitoring and Contingency Plan;



E) Provide recommendations as to works that ought to be performed or additional obligations that ought to be imposed in order to rectify any impacts on groundwater;

F) Be conducted by an independent certified auditor, nominated by the licence holder and approved in advance by the Office of Water; and

G) Be carried out at the cost of the licence holder.


Table A4: Monitoring Bore Licence Conditions (20BL173590, 20BL173727 and 20BL173736)


(1) The licence shall lapse if work is not commenced and completed within one year of the date of issue

of the licence.

(2) The licensee shall within two (2) months of completion or after the issue of the licence if the work is

existing, furnish to the NSW Office of Water:

(A) Details of the work as set out in the form “A” (Must be completed by a driller, duly licenced in NSW).

(B) A plan showing accurately the location of the work in relation to portion and property boundaries

(C) Details of any pumping tests carried out

(D) Details of any water analysis.

(3)The licensee shall allow NSW Office of Water or any person authorised by it, full and free access to

the works, either during or after construction, for the purpose of carrying out inspection or test of the

works and its fittings and shall carry out any work or alterations deemed necessary by the department

for the protection and proper maintenance of the works, or the control of the water extracted and for the

protection of the quality and the prevention from pollution or contamination of sub-surface water.

(4) If, during the construction of the work, saline or polluted water is encountered above the producing

aquifer, such water shall be sealed off by:

(A) Inserting the appropriate length(s) of casing to a depth sufficient to exclude the saline or polluted

water from the work, and

(B) Cementing between the casing(s) and the walls of the bore hole from the bottom of the casing to

ground level.

Any departure from these procedures must be approved by the department before undertaking the work

(5) (A) The licensee shall notify NSW Office of Water if a flowing supply of water is obtained. The bore

shall then be lined with casing and cemented and a suitable closing gear shall be attached to the

borehead as specified by the NSW Office of Water.

(B) If a flowing supply of water if obtained from the work, the licensee shall only distribute water from the

borehead by a system of pipelines and shall not distribute it in drains, natural or artificial channels or

depressions.

(6) If a work is abandoned at any time the licensee shall notify the NSW Office of Water that the work

has been abandoned and seal off the aquifer by:

(A) Backfilling the work to ground level with clay or cement after withdrawing the casing (liner); or

(B) Such methods as agreed to or directed by NSW Office of Water.

(7) Water shall not be pumped from the bore authorised by this licence for any other purpose other than

groundwater investigation.

(8) The licensee shall not allow any tailwater/drainage to discharge into or onto:

- any adjoining public or crown land;

- any other persons land;

- any crown land;

- any river, creek or watercourse;

- any native vegetation as described under the Native Vegetation Act 2003;

- any wetlands or environmental significance.


Table A5: Pit Licence Conditions (20BL173147, 20BL173148, 20BL173149, 20BL173150, 20BL173151, 20BL173152, 20BL173153)


(1) The licence holder must ensure that the dewatering bore is located more than fifty (50) metres from the high bank of any third or higher order stream or any permanently flowing stream or spring.

(2) The licence holder must ensure that all drilling operations are carried out by a licensed driller.

(3)The licence holder must ensure that the bore is constructed in accordance with Minimum Construction Requirements in Australia 2

nd edition (Agriculture and Resource Management Council of

Australia and New Zealand: September 2003).

(4) The licence holder must install, maintain and operate any device or devices for measuring the volume of water extracted by the approved works in accordance with any manufacturer’s specifications.

The licence holder must ensure that the appliance(s) is maintained in good working order and condition.

When requested, the licence holder must provide a test certificate as to the accuracy of the appliance(s), prepared to a professional standard by an appropriately qualified person.

The licence holder must inform NSW Office of Water (NOW) within seven (7) days if the device or devices used for measuring the volume of water taken from the approved work ceases to record water usage accurately. In such cases the licence holder must notify NOW of:

A. The duration of the failure of the measuring device(s), and

B. The total hours that the work was operated while the measuring device was not functioning.

The licence holder must ensure that a record of all water extracted from the bore is kept and supplied to NOW upon request.

(5) The licence holder must decommission any groundwater extraction work when the work ceases to function or is abandoned for future use by the holder. When a groundwater extraction work is decommissioned, the licence holder must:

A. Notify NOW that the work is being decommissioned, and

B. Withdraw the casing (lining) from the work in the manner specified by NOW, and

C. Seal off the aquifer by backfilling the work to ground level, or

D. Adhere with any other standard of decommissioning as specified by NOW.

(6) The licensed entitlement of 110 megalitres for the purpose of dewatering and water supply is not transferable.

(7) The licence holder must undertake all monitoring required by the monitoring plan, approved by NSW Office of Water.

The licence holder must submit licence applications under Part 5 of the Water Act 1912, for all monitoring bores required by the approved monitoring plan.

(8) The licence holder must ensure that an independent environmental audit is carried out at the end of the licence period. The audit must:

A) Be carried out in accordance with ISO 14010 – Guidelines and general principles for environmental auditing and ISO 14011 – Procedures for environmental auditing;

B) Assess compliance with the requirements of the licence;



E) Be conducted by an independent certified auditor, nominated by the licence holder and approved in advance by DNR; and

F) Be carried out at the cost of the licence holder.



(9) The licence holder must ensure that the results of the environmental audit must be presented in a comprehensive report (Environmental Audit Report). The report may include recommendations as to works that could be performed or additional obligations that could be imposed in order to rectify any impacts on groundwater.

(10) The volume of groundwater extracted from the works authorised by this license shall not exceed 110 megalitres in any 12 month period, commencing 1

st July.

(11) The volume of groundwater extracted from the works authorised by this license and by license(s) 20BL170148, 20BL170149, 20BL170150, 20BL170151, 20BL170152, 20BL170153 shall not exceed 770 megalitres in any 12 month period, commencing 1

st July.


12.2 Appendix 2: Baseline Groundwater Levels and Quality


Table B1. Baseline Water Quality 2004-2005

Site Bore Type

Site Depth

(mbGL) Landholder Aquifer System

Field pH

Field EC

GW078107 Well 5.3 Conden Cumbo Creek Alluvium (Nile Subgroup) 6.9 1300

GW080121 Bore 60+ Rheinberger Illawara Coal Measures 6.3 2890

GW080122 Well 4 Rheinberger Illawara Coal Measures (Wollar Creek Alluvium) 8.3 2400

GW080123 Well 3.7 Rheinberger Illawara Coal Measures (Wollar Creek Alluvium) 7.2 4100

GW024774 Bore 91.1 Ulan Coal

Mines Illawarra Coal Measures

0 to 500

GW052937 Bore 42.7 King Illawarra Coal Measures 6.35 5300

WP109 Bore 33.5 McDermott Illawarra Coal Measures 6.45 5450

WP118 Well 10 WCPL Illawarra Coal Measures 8.25 1630

WP120 Bore 16.7 Woolford Illawarra Coal Measures 7.2 5400

GW063717 Well Illawarra Coal Measures (below Ulan Seam) 0 to 500

GW073038 Bore 42 Batty Illawarra Coal Measures (below Ulan Seam) 6.65 1600

EW1005 Piezo 49 WCPL Illawarra Coal Measures (Marrangaroo Conglomerate) 6.35 2500

EW2007 Piezo 51.5 WCPL Illawarra Coal Measures (Marrangaroo Conglomerate) 5.44 5400

EW4001 Well 48.1 WCPL Illawarra Coal Measures (Marrangaroo Conglomerate) 7 2700

EW5001 Piezo 33.5 WCPL Illawarra Coal Measures (Marrangaroo Conglomerate) 5.61 3900




EW1001 Open 79.4 WCPL Illawarra Coal Measures (Overburden / Ulan Seam / Marrangaroo Conglomerate) 6.63 3000

EW1002 WCPL Illawarra Coal Measures (Overburden / Ulan Seam / Marrangaroo Conglomerate) 6.14 3400


EW2004 WCPL Illawarra Coal Measures (Overburden / Ulan Seam / Marrangaroo 3.34 2800


Site Bore Type

Site Depth

(mbGL) Landholder Aquifer System

Field pH

Field EC

Conglomerate)



GW024775/ERUL27 Open 45.1 WCPL Illawarra Coal Measures (Overburden / Ulan Seam / Marrangaroo Conglomerate) 8 1020

EW1020 Open 27.4 WCPL Illawarra Coal Measures (Overburden / Ulan Seam) 6.97 2800

EW1021 Open 18.4 WCPL Illawarra Coal Measures (Overburden / Ulan Seam) 6.51 3000

GW024779/ERUL77 Open 44.4 WCPL Illawarra Coal Measures (Overburden / Ulan Seam) 7.6 2630

EW2011 Piezo 12 WCPL Illawarra Coal Measures (Overburden) 6.3 5200

EW4002 Well 27.6 WCPL Illawarra Coal Measures (Ulan Seam / Marrangaroo Conglomerate) 7.3 3720

DMCM12 Illawarra Coal Measures (Ulan Seam) 6.6 3390

EW4003 Well 36 WCPL Illawarra Coal Measures (Ulan Seam) 6.8 2470

EW5052 Piezo 16 WCPL Illawarra Coal Measures (Ulan Seam) 11.92 7500

GW024776/ERUL59 Open 48.8 WCPL Illawarra Coal Measures (Ulan Seam) 7.5 1550



WP099 Bore 15 Fields Mesozoic Laccolith Intrusion / Illawarra Coal Measures 6.5 1900

WP110 Bore 20+ Batey Mesozoic Laccolith Intrusion / Illawarra Coal Measures 6.9 2550

GW078130 Well 4.7 Parker Nile Subgroup (Cumbo Creek Alluvium) 5.4 1630

GW080128 Well 4 Robinson Nile Subgroup (Cumbo Creek Alluvium) 7.15 2830

WP117 Well 2.5 Smith Wilpinjong Creek Alluvium 8.36 400

WP125 Well 2.5 Patullo 7.09 6470

WP126 Bore 30+ Asmus 6.42 5900


Table B2. Baseline EC (µS/cm) 2006-2009

ALLUVIUM COAL

Date GWa1 GWa2 GWa3 GWa4 GWa5 GWa6 GWa7 GWa8 GWc1 GWc2 GWc3 GWc4 GWc5

20/04/2006 1500 2420 1140 2470 8700 4000 2340 2170 1000 3100 2070 5900

8/05/2006 2600 1000 2600 2600 3300 2400 2100 1000 3000 2100 4600

23/05/2006 2300 1100 2500 4600 3400 2200 2000 1000 3000 2200 3800

10/06/2006 2200 1100 2200 5200 3000 2100 1900 1000 2600 2100 3800

1/07/2006 3000 1500 3100 8300 4400 3100 2700 1400 3800 2700 5400

16/07/2006 3100 1400 2900 9600 4100 2900 2600 1300 3600 2700 5300

30/07/2006 3300 1500 3100 10800 4200 1870 3260 500 2200 2700 6030

26/08/2006 3000 1400 2700 10800 4700 3700 2600 1300 3400 2700 5500

24/09/2006 2600 1300 2800 11100 4400 3600 2300 1300 3600 2700 5300

28/10/2006 2200 1400 2700 8100 3100 3200 2000 1300 3100 2600 4800

26/11/2006 1700 1300 2600 6200 4100 2400 1900 1200 3000 2800 3400

31/12/2006 2000 1300 2400 6300 5200 2800 2300 1400 3200 2500 4500

27/01/2007 1900 1200 2300 6100 5000 2600 2000 1300 2800 2300 4400

1/03/2007 2100 1400 2500 6200 5300 2900 2200 1300 2800 2700 3900

23/04/2007 2010 1250 2420 6590 2950 2020 970 3000 2190 4780

23/05/2007 2190 1270 2410 7910 6960 2890 2120 980 2950 2150 4740

25/06/2007 1790 810 2360 9640 4780 2690 2120 980 3070 2130 4750

20/07/2007 2200 630 2280 10590 6720 1470 2600 2090 950 3020 2120 4680

22/08/2007 2170 830 2290 11550 9340 2910 2080 960 3080 2140 4760

20/09/2007 2390 1300 2910 11700 10140 2940 2120 980 3080 2170 4740

24/10/2007 2100 1780 2400 9630 5870 2470 2270 980 3090 2160 4720

22/11/2007 1890 2410 11710 5930 2560 2250 3160 2150 4030

20/12/2007 1660 1100 1720 12980 5540 2380 2210 880 3150 2150 2430

16/01/2008 1540 1800 1410 12990 5260 2470 2270 1050 3120 1860 4750


ALLUVIUM COAL


15/02/2008 1510 1860 2430 11480 8530 2220 2430 1090 3170 2110 4240

19/03/2008 1390 1990 2040 14200 8800 2100 2470 1130 3180 1990 4730

14/04/2008 2560 2020 2370 9640 5420 9700 2550 1280 1160 3190 2150 4790

8/05/2008 7880 1260 1970 2270 9200 4450 8940 2290 2620 1150 3130 2170 4610

19/06/2008 1160 1970 2500 15030 5950 9800 2920 2880 1180 3200 2290 4800

16/07/2008 8010 1150 1910 2430 15200 6030 9760 2750 2880 1170 3140 2330 4730

13/08/2008 8010 1290 2020 2410 15340 6420 9850 2620 3100 1180 3160 2310 4720

3/09/2008 8020 1420 2050 1940 14750 4510 9640 2240 3050 1200 3100 2300 4720

9/10/2008 6280 1470 1260 2230 13720 6810 9710 1870 3070 1210 3100 2320 4680

6/11/2008 6490 1390 1730 2210 13870 6760 10290 1760 3200 1220 3120 2350 4780

4/12/2008 6560 1320 1950 1320 13940 7580 10050 1680 3160 1220 3070 2300 4730

8/01/2009 3560 1260 2050 2090 13480 7950 10130 1280 3170 1150 3080 2340 4730

19/02/2009 1020 1250 2000 2520 10910 6300 10040 1750 3230 1130 3120 2290 4730

11/03/2009 9890 1280 1980 2350 10040 4300 9970 1680 2520 1140 3180 2250 4660

22/04/2009 10760 1210 1940 2560 9240 6150 1000 1700 2230 1150 3330 2370 4730

12/05/2009 11130 1200 1870 2640 8870 5030 9800 1700 2120 1150 3250 2310 4660

19/06/2009 1210 1830 2460 9370 4100 9880 1650 1760 1160 3280 2330 4500

8/07/2009 11900 1260 1810 2490 11240 5150 9880 1710 1750 1170 3330 2340 4720

12/08/2009 12560 1320 1840 2510 14870 5610 10180 1840 1860 1190 3370 2310 4550

7/09/2009 12520 1270 1920 2460 14870 5610 10110 1850 1840 1190 3340 2380 4780

13/10/2009 12540 1230 1970 2410 13980 5290 9910 1890 1920 1220 3280 2350 4730

10/11/2009 12730 1280 1920 2520 14440 5380 10490 2070 1940 1300 3410 2420 4980

4/12/2009 1300 1850 2580 12220 6370 10260 990 1960 1290 3310 2370 4940


Table B3. Baseline pH 2006-2009

ALLUVIUM COAL


20/04/2006 7.6 6.6 7.0 7.1 6.5 7.8 6.6 6.7 7.4 6.8 6.8 6.7

8/05/2006 6.8 7.3 6.9 6.9 7.6 7.2 7.0 7.4 6.6 6.8 6.5

23/05/2006 6.6 6.9 7.0 7.1 7.4 7.1 6.8 7.3 6.7 6.9 7.1

10/06/2006 6.8 7.5 7.2 7.3 7.8 7.3 7.0 7.5 6.8 7.1 6.6

1/07/2006 6.5 7.3 7.4 6.8 7.6 6.8 7.1 7.1 6.4 6.8 6.8

16/07/2006 6.9 7.2 7.3 6.9 7.6 7.1 6.9 6.9 7.1 6.7 6.9

30/07/2006 7.0 7.1 7.4 7.1 7.4 7.2 6.8 6.9 7.0 7.2 7.1

26/08/2006 6.9 7.4 6.9 7.1 7.4 7.0 7.0 7.6 7.3 7.1 6.6

24/09/2006 7.4 7.3 7.0 7.2 7.8 7.6 7.3 7.7 7.6 7.1 6.6

28/10/2006 7.8 7.5 7.3 7.8 7.3 7.6 7.6 8.0 7.8 7.3 6.8

26/11/2006 7.7 7.3 7.4 7.7 7.8 7.6 7.7 7.8 7.6 7.2 6.7

31/12/2006 6.7 7.3 6.9 6.7 7.4 7.3 7.2 7.8 7.2 6.8 7.0

27/01/2007 7.4 7.8 7.2 6.9 7.7 7.6 7.5 7.9 7.5 7.3 7.4

1/03/2007 7.3 7.7 7.0 6.8 7.7 7.5 7.4 7.7 7.3 7.2 6.9

23/04/2007 7.1 7.3 7.0 7.9 7.2 6.8 7.3 7.3 7.1 7.0

23/04/2007 7.1 7.3 7.0 7.9 7.2 6.8 7.3 7.3 7.1 7.0

23/05/2007 6.8 7.1 6.8 6.4 7.2 7.2 7.2 7.2 6.9 7.0 6.9

25/06/2007 7.5 7.3 6.5 7.0 7.1 7.4 7.7 7.2 7.1 7.0 7.9

20/07/2007 6.4 7.2 6.8 7.3 7.5 7.7 7.4 7.0 7.1 7.0 7.0 6.8

22/08/2007 6.0 7.6 6.9 7.2 7.6 7.3 6.7 7.5 7.4 7.0 6.8

20/09/2007 6.6 7.2 6.9 7.0 7.5 7.3 7.0 7.4 7.3 7.0 6.9

24/10/2007 6.6 7.2 6.9 6.9 7.4 7.3 6.7 7.6 7.3 7.1 6.8

22/11/2007 6.3 7.0 7.0 7.3 7.7 6.2 6.6 7.0 7.0

20/12/2007 6.6 6.9 6.9 6.9 7.3 7.1 7.0 7.5 6.7 7.1 6.9


ALLUVIUM COAL


16/01/2008 6.6 7.0 7.1 6.9 7.3 7.1 7.2 7.4 6.6 7.1 6.9

15/02/2008 6.6 6.8 6.9 6.7 7.3 7.4 7.2 7.4 6.6 8.0 7.0

19/03/2008 6.6 6.6 7.0 6.6 7.2 7.2 7.1 7.8 6.6 7.1 6.9

14/04/2008 7.1 6.7 6.9 6.7 7.4 6.9 7.3 6.7 7.7 6.5 7.1 6.8

8/05/2008 6.9 6.8 6.6 6.9 6.7 7.4 6.9 7.2 7.2 7.7 6.9 6.9 6.9

19/06/2008 6.7 6.6 6.9 6.9 7.4 7.0 7.2 7.0 7.5 6.8 7.1 6.8

16/07/2008 6.9 6.7 6.6 6.8 7.1 7.3 7.0 7.3 7.0 7.5 6.9 6.7 6.9

13/08/2008 6.8 6.4 6.8 6.9 7.1 7.4 7.0 7.1 6.8 7.5 6.8 6.8 6.9

3/09/2008 6.9 6.7 6.8 7.2 7.1 7.4 7.1 7.4 7.0 7.5 7.1 6.7 6.9

9/10/2008 7.0 6.5 7.0 6.9 7.1 7.2 7.0 7.0 6.9 7.3 7.3 6.7 6.8

6/11/2008 7.0 6.6 7.0 6.9 7.0 7.4 6.9 7.1 7.0 7.8 7.4 6.7 6.9

4/12/2008 7.0 6.7 6.8 7.2 7.0 7.3 7.0 7.1 7.0 7.2 7.1 6.7 6.9

8/01/2009 7.1 6.6 6.6 6.9 6.8 7.2 6.8 7.2 7.0 7.1 6.6 6.7 6.9

19/02/2009 7.2 6.6 6.6 6.8 6.5 7.2 6.7 7.0 7.0 7.0 6.6 6.8 6.8

11/03/2009 7.2 6.6 6.5 6.8 6.9 7.4 6.7 7.0 6.9 7.0 6.5 6.8 6.9

22/04/2009 7.0 6.8 6.9 6.8 6.5 7.2 6.6 7.0 6.9 7.0 6.5 6.9 6.8

12/05/2009 7.0 6.6 6.5 6.8 6.5 7.2 6.6 7.0 6.9 6.9 6.7 6.9 6.8

19/06/2009 6.8 6.8 6.8 6.8 7.5 6.8 7.2 7.1 7.2 7.0 7.0 7.0

8/07/2009 7.2 6.3 6.3 6.8 6.8 7.2 6.8 7.0 6.6 6.8 6.9 6.8 6.8

12/08/2009 7.2 6.7 6.7 6.8 7.0 7.7 7.0 7.1 7.1 7.2 7.2 6.7 6.9

7/09/2009 7.2 6.5 6.7 6.7 7.0 7.5 6.9 6.8 6.8 7.1 7.1 6.6 6.8

13/10/2009 7.0 6.6 6.6 6.7 7.0 7.5 6.8 6.9 6.9 7.1 7.1 6.6 7.0

10/11/2009 6.9 6.5 6.5 6.6 6.9 7.4 6.7 6.9 6.9 7.0 7.2 6.6 6.7

4/12/2009 6.5 6.6 6.1 6.5 7.3 6.7 6.9 6.9 7.0 7.3 6.5 6.7

Documents

WILPINJONG COAL GROUNDWATER MONITORING PROGRAM (APPENDIX … · monitoring program associated with the Mine. It also addresses relevant conditions of the Mining Lease (ML) 1573 and