Central Qld Coal Mines on Board With New Water Requirements

The minister of Climate Change and Sustainability, the Honourable Kate Jones has set new conditions for coal mines in the Fitzroy River Basin to improve the region’s water quality.  The need for these conditions came from State Government-commissioned report last year into the health of the Fitzroy River following flooding in 2008.  Further studies showed that each coal mines discharge requirements across the Fitzroy Basin were inconsistent and often did not reflect best environmental practice.

Ms Jones in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Resource Management, central Queensland coal mines and the Queensland Resource Council  have introduced new wastewater discharge management and monitoring requirements.  These conditions will provide enhanced protection of downstream environmental values and water uses.

There are now stricter circumstances under which coal mines can discharge, including discharge limits and regimes of monitoring those discharges. ELP can provide assistance for tenement holders and mining companies wanting to understand and achieve new compliance requirements, please contact Richard Davis on (07) 3239 9700.