Licence conditions for pollution studies and reduction program


  

Licence conditions for pollution studies and reduction programs

Summary
 
Licence number: 767
Title: Ongoing Waterway Monitoring and Coal Removal Program
Start date: 15 May 2023
 
Licence Condition
Background In response to discharges of coal sediment from the premises in July and September 2022 (the incidents) the EPA issued legal notices requiring the removal of the coal from Camp Gully Creek and the Hacking River.  These clean up activities required planning approval from the National Parks and Wildlife Service and were undertaken in accordance with approved protocols and with ecological oversight. While the main clean up of material from these incidents has been completed, coal material has reappeared periodically in these waterways, usually after rainfall.  It is possible that rainfall and elevated water levels remobilise some deposited coal remaining in the waterways. Aim The aim of this condition is to oversee the development and implementation of an ongoing monitoring and clean up response program to any remobilised coal from the 2022 incidents.   Requirements Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the EPA: 1.  By 1 June 2023, the licensee must submit a draft Ongoing Monitoring and Clean up Response Program methodology to the EPA.  The program must include, but may not be limited to: ·  The geographical extent to the monitoring; ·  The monitoring locations in Camp Gully Creek and the Hacking River; ·  Ecological oversight; ·  The triggers which will prompt monitoring e.g. time period, rainfall quantity; ·  The criteria which will prompt clean up e.g. scale of deposited material; ·  The clean up response including size of clean up crew, clean up methods, site access, liaison with landowners, removal of material, management of collected coal; and ·  Proposed program length and review steps. Complete (DOC23/528729) 2.  By 30 June 2023, the licensee must implement the program. 3.  By 30 November 2023, the licensee must submit an Interim (6 monthly) Report which includes a summary of inspections and clean up works undertaken to date. 4.  By 30 May 2024, the licensee must submit a Final Report on the program which includes all inspection reports, a summary of activities including clean up events, and recommendations (supported by an ecologist) for any ongoing monitoring and clean up. Due Date: 30 May 2024