❓ Question on Notice regarding groundwater levels near Prospecting Licence 26/3126 and KCGM's licence conditions, focusing on potential environmental harm from mining activities and the DoE's oversight.
AnsweredQoN 2886Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to a letter dated October 10 2005, signed by D Carew Hopkins, Acting Director General, Department of Environment (DoE) reference ceo1162/05 addressed to Mr L Mills -
(1) Can the Minister state and identify what are the current groundwater levels in metres below ground level in each of the monitoring bores on the perimeter of Prospecting Licence 26/3126?
(2) If no to (1), why not?
(3) Is it correct that the DoE did not impose a licence condition on the licensee reissued to KCGM on September 30 2005, which stated ‘The Licensee shall ensure that the groundwater level, caused by seepage is deeper below the ground surface level prior to it entering onto any mining tenement not owned by the licensee’ because the groundwater levels in some of the monitoring bores closest to Prospecting Licence 26/3126 were less than four metres below ground level?
(4) If yes to (3), why and for what reasons?
(5) If no to (3), what is correct and for what reasons was the condition not imposed on the licensee?
(6) Will the DoE write to KCGM directing them to reduce the groundwater levels to below four metres on Prospecting Licence 26/3126 so as to ensure and minimise the likelihood of pollution or environmental harm being caused?
(7) If no to (6), why not?
(8) Is the environment contained with Prospecting Licence 26/1848 not owned or occupied by KCGM considered by the DoE to be a holding facility under KCGM’s licence reissued on September 30 2005, which enables KCGM to discharge emissions of saline, alkaline, cyanide constituents and heavy metals and toxic chemicals?
(9) If yes to (8), why?
(10) If no to (8), why not?
(1) Can the Minister state and identify what are the current groundwater levels in metres below ground level in each of the monitoring bores on the perimeter of Prospecting Licence 26/3126?
(2) If no to (1), why not?
(3) Is it correct that the DoE did not impose a licence condition on the licensee reissued to KCGM on September 30 2005, which stated ‘The Licensee shall ensure that the groundwater level, caused by seepage is deeper below the ground surface level prior to it entering onto any mining tenement not owned by the licensee’ because the groundwater levels in some of the monitoring bores closest to Prospecting Licence 26/3126 were less than four metres below ground level?
(4) If yes to (3), why and for what reasons?
(5) If no to (3), what is correct and for what reasons was the condition not imposed on the licensee?
(6) Will the DoE write to KCGM directing them to reduce the groundwater levels to below four metres on Prospecting Licence 26/3126 so as to ensure and minimise the likelihood of pollution or environmental harm being caused?
(7) If no to (6), why not?
(8) Is the environment contained with Prospecting Licence 26/1848 not owned or occupied by KCGM considered by the DoE to be a holding facility under KCGM’s licence reissued on September 30 2005, which enables KCGM to discharge emissions of saline, alkaline, cyanide constituents and heavy metals and toxic chemicals?
(9) If yes to (8), why?
(10) If no to (8), why not?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
14 March 2006
Responded by
Minister for Education and Training representing the Minister for the Environment
Response time
124 days
The Minister for the Environment; Science has provided the following response: The following information is correct as at 13 December 2005. (1) Monitoring bores MB F10, MB F11 and MB F12 lie nearest to the perimeter of prospecting lease 26/3126. The most recent groundwater level data that has been reported to the DoE shows that all groundwater levels are greater than 4 metres below ground level with the exception of MB F11 on the 7 June 2005 which was marginally less than 4 metres. Depth to Groundwater (Metres Below Groundwater Level) Adjacent to Prospecting Lease Number 26/3126 Bore ID Date MB F10 MB F11 MB F12 7/4/2005 4.11 4.01 6.20 8/5/2005 4.11 4.02 6.23 7/6/2005 4.15 3.97 6.05 (2) Not applicable. (3) The Department of Environment (DoE) considered applying a condition on KCGM's latest licence that groundwater levels be maintained at least 4 metres below ground level. The DoE decided not to impose this condition as the ramifications of that condition could not be completely considered prior to the issuing date. However, in line with my appeal determinations, the DoE did impose a condition on KCGM to implement a Seepage and Groundwater Management Plan for the site to progressively reduce groundwater levels. Another important component of this plan is to determine the historical groundwater levels of the area, in a contemporary setting, by 31 March 2006. The DoE may consider imposing a groundwater level condition when sufficient information is available to justify that decision. (4-5) Not applicable. (6) Refer Question (3). (7) Not applicable. (8) No. (9) Not applicable. (10) KCGM's Tailings Storage facility is located on leases owned by KCGM. Emissions from this facility need to be managed so as not to cause an unacceptable environmental impact.
The following information is correct as at 13 December 2005. (1) Monitoring bores MB F10, MB F11 and MB F12 lie nearest to the perimeter of prospecting lease 26/3126. The most recent groundwater level data that has been reported to the DoE shows that all groundwater levels are greater than 4 metres below ground level with the exception of MB F11 on the 7 June 2005 which was marginally less than 4 metres. Depth to Groundwater (Metres Below Groundwater Level) Adjacent to Prospecting Lease Number 26/3126 Bore ID Date MB F10 MB F11 MB F12 7/4/2005 4.11 4.01 6.20 8/5/2005 4.11 4.02 6.23 7/6/2005 4.15 3.97 6.05 (2) Not applicable. (3) The Department of Environment (DoE) considered applying a condition on KCGM's latest licence that groundwater levels be maintained at least 4 metres below ground level. The DoE decided not to impose this condition as the ramifications of that condition could not be completely considered prior to the issuing date. However, in line with my appeal determinations, the DoE did impose a condition on KCGM to implement a Seepage and Groundwater Management Plan for the site to progressively reduce groundwater levels. Another important component of this plan is to determine the historical groundwater levels of the area, in a contemporary setting, by 31 March 2006. The DoE may consider imposing a groundwater level condition when sufficient information is available to justify that decision. (4-5) Not applicable. (6) Refer Question (3). (7) Not applicable. (8) No. (9) Not applicable. (10) KCGM's Tailings Storage facility is located on leases owned by KCGM. Emissions from this facility need to be managed so as not to cause an unacceptable environmental impact.
(1) Monitoring bores MB F10, MB F11 and MB F12 lie nearest to the perimeter of prospecting lease 26/3126. The most recent groundwater level data that has been reported to the DoE shows that all groundwater levels are greater than 4 metres below ground level with the exception of MB F11 on the 7 June 2005 which was marginally less than 4 metres. Depth to Groundwater (Metres Below Groundwater Level) Adjacent to Prospecting Lease Number 26/3126 Bore ID Date MB F10 MB F11 MB F12 7/4/2005 4.11 4.01 6.20 8/5/2005 4.11 4.02 6.23 7/6/2005 4.15 3.97 6.05 (2) Not applicable. (3) The Department of Environment (DoE) considered applying a condition on KCGM's latest licence that groundwater levels be maintained at least 4 metres below ground level. The DoE decided not to impose this condition as the ramifications of that condition could not be completely considered prior to the issuing date. However, in line with my appeal determinations, the DoE did impose a condition on KCGM to implement a Seepage and Groundwater Management Plan for the site to progressively reduce groundwater levels. Another important component of this plan is to determine the historical groundwater levels of the area, in a contemporary setting, by 31 March 2006. The DoE may consider imposing a groundwater level condition when sufficient information is available to justify that decision. (4-5) Not applicable. (6) Refer Question (3). (7) Not applicable. (8) No. (9) Not applicable. (10) KCGM's Tailings Storage facility is located on leases owned by KCGM. Emissions from this facility need to be managed so as not to cause an unacceptable environmental impact.
Depth to Groundwater (Metres Below Groundwater Level) Adjacent to Prospecting Lease Number 26/3126 Bore ID Date MB F10 MB F11 MB F12 7/4/2005 4.11 4.01 6.20 8/5/2005 4.11 4.02 6.23 7/6/2005 4.15 3.97 6.05 (2) Not applicable. (3) The Department of Environment (DoE) considered applying a condition on KCGM's latest licence that groundwater levels be maintained at least 4 metres below ground level. The DoE decided not to impose this condition as the ramifications of that condition could not be completely considered prior to the issuing date. However, in line with my appeal determinations, the DoE did impose a condition on KCGM to implement a Seepage and Groundwater Management Plan for the site to progressively reduce groundwater levels. Another important component of this plan is to determine the historical groundwater levels of the area, in a contemporary setting, by 31 March 2006. The DoE may consider imposing a groundwater level condition when sufficient information is available to justify that decision. (4-5) Not applicable. (6) Refer Question (3). (7) Not applicable. (8) No. (9) Not applicable. (10) KCGM's Tailings Storage facility is located on leases owned by KCGM. Emissions from this facility need to be managed so as not to cause an unacceptable environmental impact.
Bore ID Date MB F10 MB F11 MB F12 7/4/2005 4.11 4.01 6.20 8/5/2005 4.11 4.02 6.23 7/6/2005 4.15 3.97 6.05 (2) Not applicable. (3) The Department of Environment (DoE) considered applying a condition on KCGM's latest licence that groundwater levels be maintained at least 4 metres below ground level. The DoE decided not to impose this condition as the ramifications of that condition could not be completely considered prior to the issuing date. However, in line with my appeal determinations, the DoE did impose a condition on KCGM to implement a Seepage and Groundwater Management Plan for the site to progressively reduce groundwater levels. Another important component of this plan is to determine the historical groundwater levels of the area, in a contemporary setting, by 31 March 2006. The DoE may consider imposing a groundwater level condition when sufficient information is available to justify that decision. (4-5) Not applicable. (6) Refer Question (3). (7) Not applicable. (8) No. (9) Not applicable. (10) KCGM's Tailings Storage facility is located on leases owned by KCGM. Emissions from this facility need to be managed so as not to cause an unacceptable environmental impact.
(2) Not applicable. (3) The Department of Environment (DoE) considered applying a condition on KCGM's latest licence that groundwater levels be maintained at least 4 metres below ground level. The DoE decided not to impose this condition as the ramifications of that condition could not be completely considered prior to the issuing date. However, in line with my appeal determinations, the DoE did impose a condition on KCGM to implement a Seepage and Groundwater Management Plan for the site to progressively reduce groundwater levels. Another important component of this plan is to determine the historical groundwater levels of the area, in a contemporary setting, by 31 March 2006. The DoE may consider imposing a groundwater level condition when sufficient information is available to justify that decision. (4-5) Not applicable. (6) Refer Question (3). (7) Not applicable. (8) No. (9) Not applicable. (10) KCGM's Tailings Storage facility is located on leases owned by KCGM. Emissions from this facility need to be managed so as not to cause an unacceptable environmental impact.
(3) The Department of Environment (DoE) considered applying a condition on KCGM's latest licence that groundwater levels be maintained at least 4 metres below ground level. The DoE decided not to impose this condition as the ramifications of that condition could not be completely considered prior to the issuing date. However, in line with my appeal determinations, the DoE did impose a condition on KCGM to implement a Seepage and Groundwater Management Plan for the site to progressively reduce groundwater levels. Another important component of this plan is to determine the historical groundwater levels of the area, in a contemporary setting, by 31 March 2006. The DoE may consider imposing a groundwater level condition when sufficient information is available to justify that decision. (4-5) Not applicable. (6) Refer Question (3). (7) Not applicable. (8) No. (9) Not applicable. (10) KCGM's Tailings Storage facility is located on leases owned by KCGM. Emissions from this facility need to be managed so as not to cause an unacceptable environmental impact.
(4-5) Not applicable. (6) Refer Question (3). (7) Not applicable. (8) No. (9) Not applicable. (10) KCGM's Tailings Storage facility is located on leases owned by KCGM. Emissions from this facility need to be managed so as not to cause an unacceptable environmental impact.
(6) Refer Question (3). (7) Not applicable. (8) No. (9) Not applicable. (10) KCGM's Tailings Storage facility is located on leases owned by KCGM. Emissions from this facility need to be managed so as not to cause an unacceptable environmental impact.
(7) Not applicable. (8) No. (9) Not applicable. (10) KCGM's Tailings Storage facility is located on leases owned by KCGM. Emissions from this facility need to be managed so as not to cause an unacceptable environmental impact.
(8) No. (9) Not applicable. (10) KCGM's Tailings Storage facility is located on leases owned by KCGM. Emissions from this facility need to be managed so as not to cause an unacceptable environmental impact.
(9) Not applicable. (10) KCGM's Tailings Storage facility is located on leases owned by KCGM. Emissions from this facility need to be managed so as not to cause an unacceptable environmental impact.
(10) KCGM's Tailings Storage facility is located on leases owned by KCGM. Emissions from this facility need to be managed so as not to cause an unacceptable environmental impact.
The following information is correct as at 13 December 2005. (1) Monitoring bores MB F10, MB F11 and MB F12 lie nearest to the perimeter of prospecting lease 26/3126. The most recent groundwater level data that has been reported to the DoE shows that all groundwater levels are greater than 4 metres below ground level with the exception of MB F11 on the 7 June 2005 which was marginally less than 4 metres. Depth to Groundwater (Metres Below Groundwater Level) Adjacent to Prospecting Lease Number 26/3126 Bore ID Date MB F10 MB F11 MB F12 7/4/2005 4.11 4.01 6.20 8/5/2005 4.11 4.02 6.23 7/6/2005 4.15 3.97 6.05 (2) Not applicable. (3) The Department of Environment (DoE) considered applying a condition on KCGM's latest licence that groundwater levels be maintained at least 4 metres below ground level. The DoE decided not to impose this condition as the ramifications of that condition could not be completely considered prior to the issuing date. However, in line with my appeal determinations, the DoE did impose a condition on KCGM to implement a Seepage and Groundwater Management Plan for the site to progressively reduce groundwater levels. Another important component of this plan is to determine the historical groundwater levels of the area, in a contemporary setting, by 31 March 2006. The DoE may consider imposing a groundwater level condition when sufficient information is available to justify that decision. (4-5) Not applicable. (6) Refer Question (3). (7) Not applicable. (8) No. (9) Not applicable. (10) KCGM's Tailings Storage facility is located on leases owned by KCGM. Emissions from this facility need to be managed so as not to cause an unacceptable environmental impact.
(1) Monitoring bores MB F10, MB F11 and MB F12 lie nearest to the perimeter of prospecting lease 26/3126. The most recent groundwater level data that has been reported to the DoE shows that all groundwater levels are greater than 4 metres below ground level with the exception of MB F11 on the 7 June 2005 which was marginally less than 4 metres. Depth to Groundwater (Metres Below Groundwater Level) Adjacent to Prospecting Lease Number 26/3126 Bore ID Date MB F10 MB F11 MB F12 7/4/2005 4.11 4.01 6.20 8/5/2005 4.11 4.02 6.23 7/6/2005 4.15 3.97 6.05 (2) Not applicable. (3) The Department of Environment (DoE) considered applying a condition on KCGM's latest licence that groundwater levels be maintained at least 4 metres below ground level. The DoE decided not to impose this condition as the ramifications of that condition could not be completely considered prior to the issuing date. However, in line with my appeal determinations, the DoE did impose a condition on KCGM to implement a Seepage and Groundwater Management Plan for the site to progressively reduce groundwater levels. Another important component of this plan is to determine the historical groundwater levels of the area, in a contemporary setting, by 31 March 2006. The DoE may consider imposing a groundwater level condition when sufficient information is available to justify that decision. (4-5) Not applicable. (6) Refer Question (3). (7) Not applicable. (8) No. (9) Not applicable. (10) KCGM's Tailings Storage facility is located on leases owned by KCGM. Emissions from this facility need to be managed so as not to cause an unacceptable environmental impact.
Depth to Groundwater (Metres Below Groundwater Level) Adjacent to Prospecting Lease Number 26/3126 Bore ID Date MB F10 MB F11 MB F12 7/4/2005 4.11 4.01 6.20 8/5/2005 4.11 4.02 6.23 7/6/2005 4.15 3.97 6.05 (2) Not applicable. (3) The Department of Environment (DoE) considered applying a condition on KCGM's latest licence that groundwater levels be maintained at least 4 metres below ground level. The DoE decided not to impose this condition as the ramifications of that condition could not be completely considered prior to the issuing date. However, in line with my appeal determinations, the DoE did impose a condition on KCGM to implement a Seepage and Groundwater Management Plan for the site to progressively reduce groundwater levels. Another important component of this plan is to determine the historical groundwater levels of the area, in a contemporary setting, by 31 March 2006. The DoE may consider imposing a groundwater level condition when sufficient information is available to justify that decision. (4-5) Not applicable. (6) Refer Question (3). (7) Not applicable. (8) No. (9) Not applicable. (10) KCGM's Tailings Storage facility is located on leases owned by KCGM. Emissions from this facility need to be managed so as not to cause an unacceptable environmental impact.
Bore ID Date MB F10 MB F11 MB F12 7/4/2005 4.11 4.01 6.20 8/5/2005 4.11 4.02 6.23 7/6/2005 4.15 3.97 6.05 (2) Not applicable. (3) The Department of Environment (DoE) considered applying a condition on KCGM's latest licence that groundwater levels be maintained at least 4 metres below ground level. The DoE decided not to impose this condition as the ramifications of that condition could not be completely considered prior to the issuing date. However, in line with my appeal determinations, the DoE did impose a condition on KCGM to implement a Seepage and Groundwater Management Plan for the site to progressively reduce groundwater levels. Another important component of this plan is to determine the historical groundwater levels of the area, in a contemporary setting, by 31 March 2006. The DoE may consider imposing a groundwater level condition when sufficient information is available to justify that decision. (4-5) Not applicable. (6) Refer Question (3). (7) Not applicable. (8) No. (9) Not applicable. (10) KCGM's Tailings Storage facility is located on leases owned by KCGM. Emissions from this facility need to be managed so as not to cause an unacceptable environmental impact.
(2) Not applicable. (3) The Department of Environment (DoE) considered applying a condition on KCGM's latest licence that groundwater levels be maintained at least 4 metres below ground level. The DoE decided not to impose this condition as the ramifications of that condition could not be completely considered prior to the issuing date. However, in line with my appeal determinations, the DoE did impose a condition on KCGM to implement a Seepage and Groundwater Management Plan for the site to progressively reduce groundwater levels. Another important component of this plan is to determine the historical groundwater levels of the area, in a contemporary setting, by 31 March 2006. The DoE may consider imposing a groundwater level condition when sufficient information is available to justify that decision. (4-5) Not applicable. (6) Refer Question (3). (7) Not applicable. (8) No. (9) Not applicable. (10) KCGM's Tailings Storage facility is located on leases owned by KCGM. Emissions from this facility need to be managed so as not to cause an unacceptable environmental impact.
(3) The Department of Environment (DoE) considered applying a condition on KCGM's latest licence that groundwater levels be maintained at least 4 metres below ground level. The DoE decided not to impose this condition as the ramifications of that condition could not be completely considered prior to the issuing date. However, in line with my appeal determinations, the DoE did impose a condition on KCGM to implement a Seepage and Groundwater Management Plan for the site to progressively reduce groundwater levels. Another important component of this plan is to determine the historical groundwater levels of the area, in a contemporary setting, by 31 March 2006. The DoE may consider imposing a groundwater level condition when sufficient information is available to justify that decision. (4-5) Not applicable. (6) Refer Question (3). (7) Not applicable. (8) No. (9) Not applicable. (10) KCGM's Tailings Storage facility is located on leases owned by KCGM. Emissions from this facility need to be managed so as not to cause an unacceptable environmental impact.
(4-5) Not applicable. (6) Refer Question (3). (7) Not applicable. (8) No. (9) Not applicable. (10) KCGM's Tailings Storage facility is located on leases owned by KCGM. Emissions from this facility need to be managed so as not to cause an unacceptable environmental impact.
(6) Refer Question (3). (7) Not applicable. (8) No. (9) Not applicable. (10) KCGM's Tailings Storage facility is located on leases owned by KCGM. Emissions from this facility need to be managed so as not to cause an unacceptable environmental impact.
(7) Not applicable. (8) No. (9) Not applicable. (10) KCGM's Tailings Storage facility is located on leases owned by KCGM. Emissions from this facility need to be managed so as not to cause an unacceptable environmental impact.
(8) No. (9) Not applicable. (10) KCGM's Tailings Storage facility is located on leases owned by KCGM. Emissions from this facility need to be managed so as not to cause an unacceptable environmental impact.
(9) Not applicable. (10) KCGM's Tailings Storage facility is located on leases owned by KCGM. Emissions from this facility need to be managed so as not to cause an unacceptable environmental impact.
(10) KCGM's Tailings Storage facility is located on leases owned by KCGM. Emissions from this facility need to be managed so as not to cause an unacceptable environmental impact.
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