Will
an open cut coal mine go ahead at South
Bickham?
Not necessarily. There are a number of
social, economic and environmental factors
that need to be assessed by the NSW Government
to confirm that a mine is sustainable
in the area before a coal mine goes ahead.
The ultimate decision on the proposed
mine will be made by the Minister for
Planning.
If approved, how long will it be before
an open cut coal mine is fully operational
at Bickham?
If a mine at Bickham is approved in
June 2007, it is estimated that it
will not be until mid 2008 that coal
can be exported.
What about the Pages River and groundwater?
How will fragile ecosystems be protected
from your mine?
BCC is undertaking two comprehensive
studies on water issues which are essential
to identify any potential impacts.
A Water Resource Assessment and Water
Management Plan will be carried out
to determine what effects an open cut
coal mine will have on groundwater
and the Pages River. The Water Resource
Assessment will determine the relationship
between groundwater and the Pages River,
what runoff will reach the river, if
any, and its long term effects. A Water
Management Plan will provide procedures
for water usage during the life of
an open cut coal mine to reduce any
impact on the water resource.
The two
studies will be assessed by an independent
review panel, established
by the Department of Planning, who
will oversee the scope and analyse
the technical issues and results.
The panel will report their findings
to
the key government agencies including
Department of Natural Resources (DNR),
Department of Environment and Conservation
(DEC), Department of Primary Industries-Minerals
and the Department of Planning. The
Department of Planning will then
indicate whether further environmental
assessment
of the proposed mine is required. Will the Water Resource Assessment
and Water Management Plan be made publicly
available?
Yes, the report to be submitted to
the Department of Planning’s
independent review panel will be made
publicly available on this website.
Bulk Sample
Why was there such a reduction in
the volume of ground water predicted
to be generated in the bulk sample
void?
The initial water model for the first
REF assumed worst case estimates.
The revised REF information is the
result of more extensive testing and
uses more realistic estimates of water
management.
Was there any water drawn out of the
Pages River during the Bulk Sample?
- Either pumped out for use or flowing
through the aquifer?
No. The predictive studies and environmental
monitoring results showed there is
no geological link between the Pages
River and the Bulk Sample site. In
addition, water from the bulk sample
void was more than adequate for all
the requirements of the project.
Was the Pages River contaminated as
a result of the project?
No. The predictive studies and environmental
monitoring results showed there were
no in-flows to the Pages River from
the site.
Water quality testing on the Pages
River was carried out during 2002 and
2003. This was continued throughout
the bulk sample process and no significant
changes in water quality were detected.
In fact, the water monitoring program
showed no evidence of any water quality
impact on the Pages River as a result
of the dewatering, and no evidence
of any direct hydraulic connection
between groundwater and the Pages River. |