Groundwater Section 12 Groundwater

Vol 3 Tab Dividers:Layout 1 16/9/10 10:17 AM Page 12

Alpha Coal Project Environmental Impact Statement

12 12 Groundwater Section 12 Groundwater

12.1 Introduction In order to assess the baseline hydrogeological conditions of the Alpha Coal Project (Rail) (herein referred to as the Project) study area, a desktop review of existing data was undertaken. The objective of the data review was to describe the existing environment for groundwater resources that may be affected by the Project, during construction and operation stages. An assessment of the potential environmental impacts on local groundwater resources has also been identified so as to enable identification of mitigation measures. The following data resources have been used in the preparation of the desktop review: x published digital geological maps, 1:250 000 scale, Geological Survey of Queensland (GSQ); x Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) Groundwater Bore Database (April, 2009); x the Water Entitlements Registration Database (WERD) from DERM was unavailable at the time of writing this report; x Australian Natural Resources Atlas (ANRA) interactive website, the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (DSEWPC, 2010); and x Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) rainfall data from stations at Bowen Airport and Bowen Post Office. 12.2 Description of Environmental Values

12.2.1 DERM Groundwater Bore Database

A search of the Queensland DERM Groundwater Database (2009) identified 263 registered bores within a five km buffer of the Project (refer to Figure 12-1). Information outlining bore construction, driller’s log descriptions, water levels, water quality data and authorised purpose that were available from the database are summarised in Volume 6, Appendix D. Information obtained from the database has been used to provide information on baseline hydrogeological conditions in the vicinity of the Project. Given the vast amount of information extracted from the groundwater bore database, for ease of assessment the Project has been divided into four sections according to geographical location. The sections are summarised in Table 12-1 and can be viewed on Figure 12-1.

Table 12-1: Project sections

Chainages in Section Location Names Number of Bores kilometers 1 Windaree to Clonmell 0 – 110 25 2 Clonmell to Newlands 110 – 300 48 3 Newlands to Bogie River 300 – 430 59 4 Bogie River to Willmington Station 430 – 495 131

Section 12 | Groundwater | Page 12-1 | HC-URS-88100-RPT-0001 For each section of the alignment data for all registered groundwater bores within five km of the Project were extracted from the DERM database and reviewed in conjunction with the underlying dominant geological units. Figure 12-2 details the location of the registered bores and the mapped geology. Volume 6, Appendix D summarises extracted data (by sections) from the DERM groundwater bores database.

12.2.2 Groundwater Management in Queensland

12.2.2.1 Overview In Queensland, licensing systems of groundwater management operate in Declared Groundwater Areas (DGA). The Government declares these areas and, will continue to, where there is competition for the available resource. Groundwater resource areas are split into Groundwater Management Units (GMU), which incorporate areas that rely extensively on groundwater resources and have extensive data available for monitoring the resource; and Unincorporated Areas (UA), which are areas where there is little to no data on groundwater resources and exploitation of the resource is not well developed (DEWHA 2007). The majority of the Project traverses a groundwater UA for Yarraman and Bowen. It is not until the Project reaches the coastline where it enters a designated Groundwater Management Unit (GMU) for the Don River. Each of the management areas are shown in Figure 12-1 and described below based on information provided in the ANRA (DEWHA 2007). Table 12-2 provides statistics on groundwater characteristics within the GMU and UA, which were reported in the National Land and Water Resources Audit (NLWRA, 2001).

Table 12-2: General groundwater statistics for the groundwater management units and unincorporated areas (NLWRA, 2001)

Section Bowen Yarraman UA Don River GMU Area 153,800 km2 118,700 km2 543 km2 Total water allocated no data no data no data Total water consumed 14,900 ML/yr 100,000 ML/yr 12,792 ML/yr Average salinity 755 mg/l 994 mg/l 1,524 mg/l Depth to top of aquifer 45 m 20 m 6 m

12.2.2.2 Bowen Unincorporated Area The Bowen Unincorporated Area (UA) includes the Bowen Basin, Drummond Basin, Galilee Basin and the Anakie Inlier. The UA is bound to the west by the Great Artesian Basin (DEWHA 2007). The North-South trending Denham Range, Peak Range and the Drummond Range control the structure of the river systems that include the Suttor, Nogoa, Isaac-Mackenzie, Dawson, Belyando, Burdekin and Bowen Rivers. The rivers flow for only a few months of the year although the larger channels do contain permanent waterholes (DEWHA 2007). Aquifers within the Bowen UA generally provide groundwater for pastoral, irrigation, mining, stock and domestic, and town water requirements. Increased irrigation, developments in the local coal industry and increased mining activity in the gemfields has resulted in escalating groundwater demands (DEWHA 2007).

Section 12 | Groundwater | Page 12-2 | HC-URS-88100-RPT-0001 The major aquifers within the UA are the Quaternary alluvium, the sand and gravel horizons of the Tertiary sediments and the Tertiary basalts. Bore yields are generally below 5 l/sec and defined as marginal, however supplies of good quality groundwater are common from the alluvial and basalt aquifers. Poorer quality groundwater is typical of the coal bearing strata particularly in the Bowen Basin Stratigraphy (DEWHA 2007).

12.2.2.3 Don River Groundwater Management Unit The Don River GMU is situated in the Don River basin along the coastline. The Don River alluvial aquifers supply water to the town of Bowen as well as to the agricultural industry for irrigation purposes. Horticulture is the major agricultural industry. Bore yields range between 4 l/s and 32 l/sec. Extended drought periods have resulted in reduced yields and declining water levels in recent years (DEWHA 2007). Water quality is generally fresh to marginal and is suitable for most purposes. This is a reflection of the streamflow recharge mechanisms within these localised areas. Water quality elsewhere in the GMU predominantly falls into the brackish category (DEWHA 2007).

12.2.2.4 Yarraman Unincorporated Area The majority of groundwater in the Yarraman UA occurs in igneous and sedimentary rock aquifers. Supplies and supply rates in the UA are unsuitable or marginal for irrigation and urban supplies. Supply rates of groundwater in the fractured igneous aquifers are highly variable ranging from 0.5 to 10 l/sec and in sedimentary aquifers are usually less than 10 l/sec. No assessment of sustainable yield has been conducted for the UA (DEWHA 2007). Groundwater use in the northern region of the UA is influenced largely by the sugar industry which is the dominant primary industry. The majority of bores in the UA are suitable for stock and domestic and some irrigation facilities. Assessment of the total annual groundwater abstraction in the Yarraman UA has not been conducted (DEWHA 2007).

12.2.3 Groundwater Use

Of the 263 registered bores identified within the search area, 69 are reported as abandoned of which 52 are no longer useable (reported as abandoned and destroyed) and 194 bores are reported as existing (assumed to still be in use). The major facility role for all the bores identified are detailed in Table 12-3.

Table 12-3: Type and status of groundwater bores from the Department of Environment and Resource Management database (2009)

Facility Role Existing Abandoned (useable) Abandoned Destroyed Unknown 117 7 28 Water Supply 51 4 17 Groundwater Investigation 15 6 3 Other exploration / 4 - 2 investigation Sub-Artesian Monitoring 1 - 1 Stratigraphic Investigation 6 - -

Section 12 | Groundwater | Page 12-3 | HC-URS-88100-RPT-0001 Facility Role Existing Abandoned (useable) Abandoned Destroyed Mineral or Coal Exploration - - 1 Unknown 117 7 28 A total of 51 existing water supply bores have been identified within the five km assessment buffer of the Project; however it is possible that a proportion of the bores with a facility role described as ‘unknown’ may also abstract groundwater. The existing water supply bores are summarised in Volume 6, Appendix D. The majority of existing water supply bores are located both up-gradient and down-gradient of the Project within Section 4, and based on their location and the information provided in the database (where recorded) some are indicated to penetrate the alluvium and some the igneous bedrock. Where available, information in the database indicates that existing water supply bores located in Section 2 typically penetrate igneous bedrock with a small proportion of bores penetrating sedimentary bedrock. There are limited data to indicate the tapped aquifer for the water supply bores identified in Section 1 and Section 3, however are likely to include abstraction from both alluvium and bedrock sources.

Section 12 | Groundwater | Page 12-4 | HC-URS-88100-RPT-0001 400,000 525,000 650,000

Haughton River wa y ad gh o Hi Burdekin River rs de Irrigation Area PORT OF ABBOT POINT lin wood R F 475000 ns (Right Bank) e 500000 ! v a Construction450000 depot BOWEN r - R .! CAIRNS ! Ay ?!J" ! I# Marshalling yards

TOWNSVILLE Camp site 1 BOWEN Don River MACKAY Bogie River 425000 ! ALPHA Don River

B urd e k BRISBANE in F 7,750,000 PROSERPINE 7,750,000 a ! ll .! s

am 400000

R I# Camp site 2 o ad ! .! COLLINSVILLE

O'connell River 375000 Emu Creek

! Bowen River Campaspe River Rosella Creek 350000 Broadly Creek Broken River Br Five Mile Creek uce Highw

a y

! 325000 Little Bowen River

Cape River

Rosetta Creek Kangaroo Creek Kangaroo Bee Creek 300000 Mackay - Eungella Road ! Pioneer River MACKAY Natal Creek Exe Creek .!

Blowhard Creek

Cerito Creek 275000 Pioneer River I#! Camp site 3 GLENDEN .! Police Creek

Hail Creek 250000 Bowen Dev Road Suttor River ! uttor Cooper Creek 7,625,000 S Dev 7,625,000 Road

Blowfly Creek Bully Creek Sandy Creek Diamond Creek Koumala 225000 !

Mistake Creek

Denison Creek Gr

e Isaac River Tomahawk Creek g 200000 ! o r y North Creek Devel

o p Braeside / Nebo m MORANBAH e 175000 n .! Dyllingo Creek tal Roa Funnel Creek ! Devlin Creek Bee Creek Isaac River Carmichael River d y a w Logan Creek h I# g Camp site 4 Hi s ! Brown Creek n 150000 w F Fox Creek Harrow Creek o it zr BimbahCreek Miclere Creek D P e o Middle Creek ak ak y e D

P D e Lascelles Creek v Isaac River o R 125000 w o n a Lotus Creek d s

- ! D

y 100000 s ar

t R

oad ! Wolfe Creek Stephens Creek Gregory Creek DYSART Fiery Creek Unincorporated Area Campbell Creek .! - Bowen o 7,500,000 Table Creek s R ad 7,500,000 n w ! o 75000 D

ay Rolf Creek M

Dunda Creek WolfangCLERMONT Creek Clare Creek .! .! d Roper Creek MIDDLEMOUNT oa R e 50000 ! d ton a s o Retro Creek r e

Sandy Creek ha R Sandy Creek h Alp t Alice River - G o Seventeen Mile Creek rego C TIERI Oaky Creek rmont ry .! le Hig 25000 C h Mackenzie River w

! May Creek a

Theresa Creek ! 0 Cooroora Creek ALPHA MINE Rocky Creek

Twelve Mile Creek

Pebbly Creek I# Camp site 5 Tomahawk Creek RUBYVALE Lagoon Creek .! Nogoa River 400,000 525,000 650,000 LEGEND .! Town Proposed Alignment Proposed Alignment Section Waterbody While every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of this product, the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) makes no representations or I# Camp State Road Section 1 Groundwater warranties about accuracy, reliability, completeness or suitability for any particular Management Unit purpose and disclaims all responsibility and all liability (including without J" Marshalling Yards Existing Railway Section 2 limitation, liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages (including indirect Watercourse Section 3 5km Alignment Buffer or consequential damages) and costs which you might incur as a result of the product ?! Depot being inaccurate or incomplete in any way and for any reason. © The State of Queensland. Section 4 Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) 2009.

Source: See Copyright Details below and for full disclosure please refer to the EIS Volume 4 - References

1:1,250,000 (at A3) Job Number 41-22090 Revision A 0 5 10 20 30 40 50 REGIONAL GEOLOGY Date 21-09-2010 Kilometres AND HYDROGEOLOGY Map Projection: Universal Transverse Mercator Horizontal Datum: Geocentric Datum of Australia 1994 Grid: Map Grid of Australia, Zone 55 / Figure: 12-1 G:\41\22090\GIS\MAPS\MXD\200_Geology_and_Groundwater\41-22090_213_rev_a.mxd Copyright: This document is and shall remain the property of Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd. The document may only be used for the purpose for which it was produced. Unauthorised use of this document in any way is prohibited. © 2010. While GHD Pty Ltd has taken care to ensure the accuracy of this product, GHD Pty Ltd, Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd, GA, DMR and DERM make no representations or warranties about its accuracy, completeness or suitability for any particular purpose. GHD Pty Ltd, Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd, GA, DMR and DERM cannot accept liability of any kind (whether in contract, tort or otherwise) for any expenses, losses, damages and/or costs (including indirect or consequential damage) which are or may be incurred as a result of the product being inaccurate, incomplete or unsuitable in any way and for any reason. 440,000 445,000 450,000 455,000 460,000 465,000

13 BOWEN CHARTERS TOWERS ! ! 12 14 44456

!. 11 CreekSandy COLLINSVILLE !

10 9 MACKAY 7,450,000 ! 7,450,000 GLENDEN 8 ! 30000 !

7 6 MORANBAH ! 5 44454 4 !. !. 3 CLERMONT ! 2 1 Q ALPHA 25000 ! ! 44453 !. 7,445,000 7,445,000 Czb T

Po 20000 CPj !

44451 !C 103443

7,440,000 !. 7,440,000

33057 15000 !C 44452 33053 ! !. !. Degulla Road

! 0 Unincorporated Area - Bowen 10000 !

CPj 7,435,000 7,435,000

T !. 69730

!. 69731 ALPHA MINE Po ! 5000

90182 !. 7,430,000 7,430,000

Clermont Alpha Road

Lagoon Creek 7,425,000 7,425,000 7,420,000 7,420,000

440,000 445,000 450,000 455,000 460,000 465,000

LEGEND While every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of this product, the Department of .! Environment and Resource Management (DERM) makes no representations or Town Status Of Groundwater Bores Proposed Alignment Proposed Alignment Section Waterbody warranties about accuracy, reliability, completeness or suitability for any particular I# Camp !C Abandoned and Destroyed Existing Railway Section 1 5km Alignment Buffer purpose and disclaims all responsibility and all liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages (including indirect J" Marshalling Yards ! Abandoned but Still Useable State Road Section 2 Groundwater or consequential damages) and costs which you might incur as a result of the product Local Road Section 3 Management Unit being inaccurate or incomplete in any way and for any reason. © The State of Queensland. ?! Depot !. Existing Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) 2009. Watercourse Section 4 ! Unknown Source: See Copyright Details below and for full disclosure please refer to the EIS Volume 4 - References

1:100,000 (at A3) Job Number 41-22090 Revision A 0 0.5 1 2 3 4 5 DERM GROUNDWATER BORES Date 20-09-2010 Kilometres Map Projection: Universal Transverse Mercator Figure: 12-2 Horizontal Datum: Geocentric Datum of Australia 1994 Grid: Map Grid of Australia, Zone 55 / Sheet 1 of 14 G:\41\22090\GIS\MAPS\MXD\100_Planning\41-22090_202_rev_a.mxd Copyright: This document is and shall remain the property of Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd. The document may only be used for the purpose for which it was produced. Unauthorised use of this document in any way is prohibited. © 2010. While GHD Pty Ltd has taken care to ensure the accuracy of this product, GHD Pty Ltd, Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd, GA, DMR and DERM make no representations or warranties about its accuracy, completeness or suitability for any particular purpose. GHD Pty Ltd, Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd, GA, DMR and DERM cannot accept liability of any kind (whether in contract, tort or otherwise) for any expenses, losses, damages and/or costs (including indirect or consequential damage) which are or may be incurred as a result of the product being inaccurate, incomplete or unsuitable in any way and for any reason. 460,000 465,000 470,000 475,000 480,000 485,000

13 BOWEN CHARTERS TOWERS ! ! 12 14 7,480,000 7,480,000 11 T COLLINSVILLE !

9 MACKAY 60000 ! Cs T GLENDEN 8 ! !

7 6 MORANBAH ! !C Cu Q 5 12030098 4 T

3 CLERMONT ! 2 T 1 T

7,475,000 ALPHA Cs 7,475,000 !

89235 55000 ! !. Laglan Pioneer Road

T Q Q 7,470,000 7,470,000

Belyando River 89234 !. ! TQw 50000

T Native Companion Creek Belyando River 7,465,000 7,465,000

45000 ! Unincorporated Area - Bowen 7,460,000 7,460,000

40000 !

18225 !C

51549 33204 !C

7,455,000 !. 7,455,000

35000 !

44456 !. 7,450,000 7,450,000

30000 !

51100 460,000 44454465,000 470,000 475,000 480,000 485,000

1:100,000 (at A3) Job Number 41-22090 Revision A 0 0.5 1 2 3 4 5 DERM GROUNDWATER BORES Date 20-09-2010 Kilometres Map Projection: Universal Transverse Mercator Figure: 12-2 Horizontal Datum: Geocentric Datum of Australia 1994 Grid: Map Grid of Australia, Zone 55 / Sheet 2 of 14 G:\41\22090\GIS\MAPS\MXD\100_Planning\41-22090_202_rev_a.mxd Copyright: This document is and shall remain the property of Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd. The document may only be used for the purpose for which it was produced. Unauthorised use of this document in any way is prohibited. © 2010. While GHD Pty Ltd has taken care to ensure the accuracy of this product, GHD Pty Ltd, Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd, GA, DMR and DERM make no representations or warranties about its accuracy, completeness or suitability for any particular purpose. GHD Pty Ltd, Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd, GA, DMR and DERM cannot accept liability of any kind (whether in contract, tort or otherwise) for any expenses, losses, damages and/or costs (including indirect or consequential damage) which are or may be incurred as a result of the product being inaccurate, incomplete or unsuitable in any way and for any reason. 470,000 475,000 480,000 485,000 490,000 495,000 Clermont Laglan Road

13 BOWEN CHARTERS TOWERS ! ! 12 14 11 89426 COLLINSVILLE ! !. !C 62647 !. 10 89386 Q 9 MACKAY T ! GLENDEN 8 ! Cu 105000

7,510,000 7 7,510,000 6 MORANBAH !. ! ! 12030158 5 4

3 CLERMONT !

2 100000 62646 1 !.

ALPHA ! !

95000 Lascelles Creek

7,505,000 ! T 7,505,000

90000

Q ! T T Cs

85000 7,500,000 7,500,000 T T !

Q Cs Unincorporated Area 62792 - Bowen !.

7,495,000 80000 ! 7,495,000 TQw

Cu Ch Cr Cr

Cs Cu

Cs Cr Cs 7,490,000 75000 ! 7,490,000

Q 89364 Cu !. Cr

70000

! 7,485,000 7,485,000

65000

! Cu

470,000 475,000 480,000 485,000 490,000 495,000

1:100,000 (at A3) Job Number 41-22090 Revision A 0 0.5 1 2 3 4 5 DERM GROUNDWATER BORES Date 20-09-2010 Kilometres Map Projection: Universal Transverse Mercator Figure: 12-2 Horizontal Datum: Geocentric Datum of Australia 1994 Grid: Map Grid of Australia, Zone 55 / Sheet 3 of 14 G:\41\22090\GIS\MAPS\MXD\100_Planning\41-22090_202_rev_a.mxd Copyright: This document is and shall remain the property of Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd. The document may only be used for the purpose for which it was produced. Unauthorised use of this document in any way is prohibited. © 2010. While GHD Pty Ltd has taken care to ensure the accuracy of this product, GHD Pty Ltd, Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd, GA, DMR and DERM make no representations or warranties about its accuracy, completeness or suitability for any particular purpose. GHD Pty Ltd, Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd, GA, DMR and DERM cannot accept liability of any kind (whether in contract, tort or otherwise) for any expenses, losses, damages and/or costs (including indirect or consequential damage) which are or may be incurred as a result of the product being inaccurate, incomplete or unsuitable in any way and for any reason. 500,000 505,000 510,000 515,000 520,000 !C 89331 !. 140000 Cza 7,535,000 13 BOWEN ! 7,535,000 CHARTERS TOWERS ! ! 12 14 89265 11 !C COLLINSVILLE !

10 9 MACKAY ! 103831 GLENDEN 8 ! !. DCs 7 6 MORANBAH ! 5 4 103830 3 CLERMONT !. ! 135000 2 !

7,530,000 1 7,530,000

ALPHA !

130000

! Cr 7,525,000 7,525,000

Mistake Creek

125000

Cza 7,520,000 7,520,000 Unincorporated Area - Bowen 132188 !C

67062 120000 ! !. 67060 Cu !.

67063

7,515,000 !. 67058 7,515,000 115000 !. 67054 ! !.

Czr !. 67061

110000

!. !

105000 103144

7,510,000 !. 7,510,000 !

62646

Clermont Laglan Road

7,505,000 T 7,505,000

500,000 505,000 510,000 515,000 520,000

1:100,000 (at A3) Job Number 41-22090 Revision A 0 0.5 1 2 3 4 5 DERM GROUNDWATER BORES Date 20-09-2010 Kilometres Map Projection: Universal Transverse Mercator Figure: 12-2 Horizontal Datum: Geocentric Datum of Australia 1994 Grid: Map Grid of Australia, Zone 55 / Sheet 4 of 14 G:\41\22090\GIS\MAPS\MXD\100_Planning\41-22090_202_rev_a.mxd Copyright: This document is and shall remain the property of Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd. The document may only be used for the purpose for which it was produced. Unauthorised use of this document in any way is prohibited. © 2010. While GHD Pty Ltd has taken care to ensure the accuracy of this product, GHD Pty Ltd, Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd, GA, DMR and DERM make no representations or warranties about its accuracy, completeness or suitability for any particular purpose. GHD Pty Ltd, Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd, GA, DMR and DERM cannot accept liability of any kind (whether in contract, tort or otherwise) for any expenses, losses, damages and/or costs (including indirect or consequential damage) which are or may be incurred as a result of the product being inaccurate, incomplete or unsuitable in any way and for any reason. 515,000 520,000 525,000 530,000 535,000 10854 540,000 Czd !C

Logan Creek

13 BOWEN CHARTERS TOWERS ! ! 12 14

11 PLEa COLLINSVILLE Golden Downs Road !

7,565,000 9 MACKAY 7,565,000 ! GLENDEN 8 ! 12030173 !. Dooruna Road 7 6 MORANBAH 175000 ! ! 5 4 Cza

3 CLERMONT ! 2 1

ALPHA !

170000 7,560,000 7,560,000

165000

Brown Creek 7,555,000 7,555,000

160000 Gregory Developmental Road !

Unincorporated Area - Bowen Czd 103501 7,550,000 !C 7,550,000

155000 ! I# Camp site 4

103472 !. 7,545,000 7,545,000

150000 !

103505 103642 84042 !. !C !C !. 67319 89333 !. !C 89283

Czr

7,540,000 89417 7,540,000 145000 !. !

Miclere Creek

89334 !. 89332 !C 89331 !. 140000 Cza 7,535,000 ! 7,535,000 89265 515,000!C 520,000 525,000 530,000 535,000 540,000

1:100,000 (at A3) Job Number 41-22090 Revision A 0 0.5 1 2 3 4 5 DERM GROUNDWATER BORES Date 20-09-2010 Kilometres Map Projection: Universal Transverse Mercator Figure: 12-2 Horizontal Datum: Geocentric Datum of Australia 1994 Grid: Map Grid of Australia, Zone 55 / Sheet 5 of 14 G:\41\22090\GIS\MAPS\MXD\100_Planning\41-22090_202_rev_a.mxd Copyright: This document is and shall remain the property of Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd. The document may only be used for the purpose for which it was produced. Unauthorised use of this document in any way is prohibited. © 2010. While GHD Pty Ltd has taken care to ensure the accuracy of this product, GHD Pty Ltd, Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd, GA, DMR and DERM make no representations or warranties about its accuracy, completeness or suitability for any particular purpose. GHD Pty Ltd, Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd, GA, DMR and DERM cannot accept liability of any kind (whether in contract, tort or otherwise) for any expenses, losses, damages and/or costs (including indirect or consequential damage) which are or may be incurred as a result of the product being inaccurate, incomplete or unsuitable in any way and for any reason. 540,000 545,000 550,000 555,000 560,000 89422

13 BOWEN CHARTERS TOWERS ! ! 12 14 11 COLLINSVILLE ! Mabbin Road 10 220000 9 MACKAY ! GLENDEN 8 ! !

7 7,595,000 7,595,000 6 MORANBAH !

5 210000 4

215000 ! 3 CLERMONT ! ! 2 Czr 1

ALPHA ! DCs

Czs 205000

! 7,590,000 7,590,000

200000 ! 7,585,000 7,585,000

Unincorporated Area Diamond Creek - Bowen

195000 ! 7,580,000 7,580,000

190000

Czr

7,575,000 Czr 7,575,000

185000

10853 !C 7,570,000 7,570,000

Kilcummin - Diamond Downs Road

180000 ! 10854 Diamond Creek !C

540,000 545,000 550,000 555,000 560,000

1:100,000 (at A3) Job Number 41-22090 Revision A 0 0.5 1 2 3 4 5 DERM GROUNDWATER BORES Date 20-09-2010 Kilometres Map Projection: Universal Transverse Mercator Figure: 12-2 Horizontal Datum: Geocentric Datum of Australia 1994 Grid: Map Grid of Australia, Zone 55 / Sheet 6 of 14 G:\41\22090\GIS\MAPS\MXD\100_Planning\41-22090_202_rev_a.mxd Copyright: This document is and shall remain the property of Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd. The document may only be used for the purpose for which it was produced. Unauthorised use of this document in any way is prohibited. © 2010. While GHD Pty Ltd has taken care to ensure the accuracy of this product, GHD Pty Ltd, Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd, GA, DMR and DERM make no representations or warranties about its accuracy, completeness or suitability for any particular purpose. GHD Pty Ltd, Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd, GA, DMR and DERM cannot accept liability of any kind (whether in contract, tort or otherwise) for any expenses, losses, damages and/or costs (including indirect or consequential damage) which are or may be incurred as a result of the product being inaccurate, incomplete or unsuitable in any way and for any reason. 555,000 560,000 565,000 570,000 575,000 580,000 260000

7,630,000 13 BOWEN 7,630,000 CHARTERS TOWERS ! ! 12 14 11 COLLINSVILLE !

10 9 MACKAY ! GLENDEN 8 !

Czr 7 6 MORANBAH 255000 !

5 ! 4

3 CLERMONT ! 2

7,625,000 1 7,625,000

ALPHA ! Suttor River

Suttor Dev Road 250000

! 7,620,000 7,620,000 125850 !C ! 245000 12030095 !

Czr 7,615,000 7,615,000 125851!. Unincorporated Area - Bowen 240000 ! Cvb 7,610,000 7,610,000

235000

Eaglefield Creek

7,605,000 230000 7,605,000

7,600,000 225000 7,600,000 !

!. 89422

Mabbin Road 555,000 560,000 565,000 570,000 575,000 580,000

1:100,000 (at A3) Job Number 41-22090 Revision A 0 0.5 1 2 3 4 5 DERM GROUNDWATER BORES Date 20-09-2010 Kilometres Map Projection: Universal Transverse Mercator Figure: 12-2 Horizontal Datum: Geocentric Datum of Australia 1994 Grid: Map Grid of Australia, Zone 55 / Sheet 7 of 14 G:\41\22090\GIS\MAPS\MXD\100_Planning\41-22090_202_rev_a.mxd Copyright: This document is and shall remain the property of Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd. The document may only be used for the purpose for which it was produced. Unauthorised use of this document in any way is prohibited. © 2010. While GHD Pty Ltd has taken care to ensure the accuracy of this product, GHD Pty Ltd, Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd, GA, DMR and DERM make no representations or warranties about its accuracy, completeness or suitability for any particular purpose. GHD Pty Ltd, Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd, GA, DMR and DERM cannot accept liability of any kind (whether in contract, tort or otherwise) for any expenses, losses, damages and/or costs (including indirect or consequential damage) which are or may be incurred as a result of the product being inaccurate, incomplete or unsuitable in any way and for any reason. 575,000 580,000 585,000 590,000 595,000 600,000 Pwt Pwj ad

13 BOWEN Pwj v Ro CHARTERS TOWERS ! ! 12 14 De n e 11 w COLLINSVILLE Bo ! 10 Cerito Road 295000 9 MACKAY !

7,660,000 GLENDEN Rr 7,660,000 8 ! Czb ! 7 6 MORANBAH 125972 Pwj ! 125978 5 4 60458 !. !. 3 CLERMONT 125974 ! Czb 2 125975 1 290000 !.!. ALPHA !C ! ! 125977 Czs !C 125971 Czr 125973

7,655,000 !C 7,655,000 Czs

Czr

285000 ! Pwb

Cerito Creek 7,650,000 7,650,000

Pbx

Suttor River

! Collinsville - Elphinstone Road 280000 Unincorporated Area - Bowen 7,645,000 7,645,000

Czb

275000

I# Camp site 3 7,640,000 7,640,000

270000

! Czr 7,635,000 7,635,000 265000

Pbe Suttor Creek

260000

! 7,630,000 7,630,000 575,000 580,000 585,000 590,000 595,000 600,000

1:100,000 (at A3) Job Number 41-22090 Revision A 0 0.5 1 2 3 4 5 DERM GROUNDWATER BORES Date 20-09-2010 Kilometres Map Projection: Universal Transverse Mercator Figure: 12-2 Horizontal Datum: Geocentric Datum of Australia 1994 Grid: Map Grid of Australia, Zone 55 / Sheet 8 of 14 G:\41\22090\GIS\MAPS\MXD\100_Planning\41-22090_202_rev_a.mxd Copyright: This document is and shall remain the property of Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd. The document may only be used for the purpose for which it was produced. Unauthorised use of this document in any way is prohibited. © 2010. While GHD Pty Ltd has taken care to ensure the accuracy of this product, GHD Pty Ltd, Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd, GA, DMR and DERM make no representations or warranties about its accuracy, completeness or suitability for any particular purpose. GHD Pty Ltd, Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd, GA, DMR and DERM cannot accept liability of any kind (whether in contract, tort or otherwise) for any expenses, losses, damages and/or costs (including indirect or consequential damage) which are or may be incurred as a result of the product being inaccurate, incomplete or unsuitable in any way and for any reason. 575,000 580,000 585,000 25670 590,000 595,000 600,000 !. Pb

13 BOWEN Pbx CHARTERS TOWERS ! ! 12 14 22742 11 COLLINSVILLE Pwb ! !. Rosella Creek 10 Tb 9 MACKAY ! GLENDEN 8 ! Pbe

! 7 330000 6 MORANBAH ! 25666 5 25667 7,690,000 !. 7,690,000 4 !. 3 CLERMONT ! Ki Ki 2 Kangaroo Creek 1 Pw ALPHA ! Tb Pwb Czb 25673 !C

! 325000 Ki Pbx

Tb Ki 7,685,000 7,685,000

25671 !. Tb

Pwt

Tb Czb

! 70019 320000 Tb !. 25668 Czb !. Tb 7,680,000 7,680,000

Pwb

Tb Unincorporated Area - Bowen Pwb

! 315000

Pwj Pwj 7,675,000 33215 7,675,000 !. Rr 54108 !. Rr

Pwj

! 25635 310000 25636 !. !. Rr Pwj 25638 !.

7,670,000 C 7,670,000 o Pwt 25633 ll in !. Pwt s Pwj v i l l e -

lph Pwj

in Rr s t o

! R 305000

o a Pwj Suttor River d

Pwt

7,665,000 Pwj 7,665,000

Czb

Bowen Dev Road 300000 !

Pwt Cerito Road Pwj

Pwj

575,000 580,000 585,000 590,000 595,000 600,000

1:100,000 (at A3) Job Number 41-22090 Revision A 0 0.5 1 2 3 4 5 DERM GROUNDWATER BORES Date 20-09-2010 Kilometres Map Projection: Universal Transverse Mercator Figure: 12-2 Horizontal Datum: Geocentric Datum of Australia 1994 Grid: Map Grid of Australia, Zone 55 / Sheet 9 of 14 G:\41\22090\GIS\MAPS\MXD\100_Planning\41-22090_202_rev_a.mxd Copyright: This document is and shall remain the property of Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd. The document may only be used for the purpose for which it was produced. Unauthorised use of this document in any way is prohibited. © 2010. While GHD Pty Ltd has taken care to ensure the accuracy of this product, GHD Pty Ltd, Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd, GA, DMR and DERM make no representations or warranties about its accuracy, completeness or suitability for any particular purpose. GHD Pty Ltd, Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd, GA, DMR and DERM cannot accept liability of any kind (whether in contract, tort or otherwise) for any expenses, losses, damages and/or costs (including indirect or consequential damage) which are or may be incurred as a result of the product being inaccurate, incomplete or unsuitable in any way and for any reason. 565,000 38520 !. 570,000 575,000 580,000 585,000 590,000

Pvz 13 BOWEN CHARTERS TOWERS ! ! 12 14 11 COLLINSVILLE ! Unincorporated Area

7,725,000 10 - Yarraman 7,725,000 9 MACKAY ! GLENDEN 125402 8 ! ! !C ! !C! 7 370000 1254046 MORANBAH ! 125401 !C 5 4

3 CLERMONT ! 2 Pelican Creek 1

ALPHA !

7,720,000 Pbc 7,720,000

365000

12020022 !C

Pbc ! Ki 360000 7,715,000 7,715,000 Ki

Myuna Road (south)

Bowen River

Pbe !

Bowen Dev Road 355000 Unincorporated Area - Bowen Pb 7,710,000 7,710,000

Ki Ki 25646 !.

Pbx

! Pwb 350000 Pbx

Pwb Pwb

7,705,000 12020027 !. 7,705,000

! !. 12020026 345000

Rosella Creek

! 340000 7,700,000 7,700,000

25669 !.

! 335000 7,695,000 7,695,000 25670 !. Pb 565,000 570,000 575,000 580,000 585,000 590,000

1:100,000 (at A3) Job Number 41-22090 Revision A 0 0.5 1 2 3 4 5 DERM GROUNDWATER BORES Date 20-09-2010 Kilometres Map Projection: Universal Transverse Mercator Figure: 12-2 Horizontal Datum: Geocentric Datum of Australia 1994 Grid: Map Grid of Australia, Zone 55 / Sheet 10 of 14 G:\41\22090\GIS\MAPS\MXD\100_Planning\41-22090_202_rev_a.mxd Copyright: This document is and shall remain the property of Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd. The document may only be used for the purpose for which it was produced. Unauthorised use of this document in any way is prohibited. © 2010. While GHD Pty Ltd has taken care to ensure the accuracy of this product, GHD Pty Ltd, Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd, GA, DMR and DERM make no representations or warranties about its accuracy, completeness or suitability for any particular purpose. GHD Pty Ltd, Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd, GA, DMR and DERM cannot accept liability of any kind (whether in contract, tort or otherwise) for any expenses, losses, damages and/or costs (including indirect or consequential damage) which are or may be incurred as a result of the product being inaccurate, incomplete or unsuitable in any way and for any reason. 415000 545,000 550,000 555,000 560,000 565,000 570,000

PRw 13 BOWEN CHARTERS TOWERS ! ! 12 14 11 COLLINSVILLE ! 31877 39952 10 !. PRw !. 70067 9 MACKAY ! !. GLENDEN 8 ! 7,755,000 7,755,000

7 410000 6 MORANBAH ! ! 5 4

3 CLERMONT ! 2

1 PRw

ALPHA ! 7,750,000 7,750,000

! PRw 405000

Pvz

PRw 38511 !. PRw

7,745,000 38510 7,745,000 Pvz !. ! PRw 400000

Johnnycake Road PRw PRw

Unincorporated Area PRw - Bowen

! 38513 !. 395000 PRw 7,740,000 7,740,000

38524 12020014 ! Cug !. 60661 70371 38521 !. 12020014 ! 390000 !. !. 60840 ! !. 12020015 12020015 PRw 7,735,000 7,735,000 Pvz 12020025 38518 !. !. ! 12020024 !C 385000 38517 38515 !. !. 38519 !.

! 7,730,000 7,730,000

380000

Pelican Creek 375000 38520 Bowen River !.

Pvz

7,725,000 545,000 550,000 555,000 560,000 565,000 570,000 7,725,000

1:100,000 (at A3) Job Number 41-22090 Revision A 0 0.5 1 2 3 4 5 DERM GROUNDWATER BORES Date 20-09-2010 Kilometres Map Projection: Universal Transverse Mercator Figure: 12-2 Horizontal Datum: Geocentric Datum of Australia 1994 Grid: Map Grid of Australia, Zone 55 / Sheet 11 of 14 G:\41\22090\GIS\MAPS\MXD\100_Planning\41-22090_202_rev_a.mxd Copyright: This document is and shall remain the property of Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd. The document may only be used for the purpose for which it was produced. Unauthorised use of this document in any way is prohibited. © 2010. While GHD Pty Ltd has taken care to ensure the accuracy of this product, GHD Pty Ltd, Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd, GA, DMR and DERM make no representations or warranties about its accuracy, completeness or suitability for any particular purpose. GHD Pty Ltd, Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd, GA, DMR and DERM cannot accept liability of any kind (whether in contract, tort or otherwise) for any expenses, losses, damages and/or costs (including indirect or consequential damage) which are or may be incurred as a result of the product being inaccurate, incomplete or unsuitable in any way and for any reason. 545,000 550,000 555,000 560,000 565,000 570,000

13 BOWEN CHARTERS TOWERS ! ! 12 14 11 COLLINSVILLE !

10 9 MACKAY ! GLENDEN 39829 8 ! !.

7,785,000 7 7,785,000 6 MORANBAH ! 450000 5 4 !

3 CLERMONT ! 2 1

ALPHA !

7,780,000 445000 7,780,000

36310 !.

440000

! 7,775,000 70066 7,775,000 !. CPg Bogie River

96940

Unincorporated Area !. 435000 430000 ! - Bowen !. ! 36225 PRw 7,770,000 7,770,000

36311 !.

425000 ! 39954 !. 7,765,000 7,765,000

CPg

25579 !. 31875 !. 31878 !. 420000

60565 31876 ! !. 25523 !. 25415 PRw !.!. 70128 !C !. 25522 7,760,000 7,760,000 25380

25577 !. 30897 415000 !.

PRw

31877 39952 !. PRw !. 70067 !. 545,000 550,000 555,000 560,000 565,000 570,000

1:100,000 (at A3) Job Number 41-22090 Revision A 0 0.5 1 2 3 4 5 DERM GROUNDWATER BORES Date 20-09-2010 Kilometres Map Projection: Universal Transverse Mercator Figure: 12-2 Horizontal Datum: Geocentric Datum of Australia 1994 Grid: Map Grid of Australia, Zone 55 / Sheet 12 of 14 G:\41\22090\GIS\MAPS\MXD\100_Planning\41-22090_202_rev_a.mxd Copyright: This document is and shall remain the property of Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd. The document may only be used for the purpose for which it was produced. Unauthorised use of this document in any way is prohibited. © 2010. While GHD Pty Ltd has taken care to ensure the accuracy of this product, GHD Pty Ltd, Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd, GA, DMR and DERM make no representations or warranties about its accuracy, completeness or suitability for any particular purpose. GHD Pty Ltd, Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd, GA, DMR and DERM cannot accept liability of any kind (whether in contract, tort or otherwise) for any expenses, losses, damages and/or costs (including indirect or consequential damage) which are or may be incurred as a result of the product being inaccurate, incomplete or unsuitable in any way and for any reason. 570,000 575,000 580,000 585,000 590,000 595,000

13 BOWEN

7,805,000 CHARTERS TOWERS ! 7,805,000 ! 12 14 11 COLLINSVILLE !

10 9 MACKAY ! GLENDEN 8 !

7 6 MORANBAH ! 5 4

3 CLERMONT ! 2 1 7,800,000 7,800,000

ALPHA !

Burdekin River Irrigation Area Bruce Highway (Right Bank)

NORTH COAST LINE 7,795,000 7,795,000

!C 125677 125735 125676 !.140281 !. !C 25734 !C!C

125736 25570 7,790,000 Unincorporated Area !. 7,790,000 Qs - Yarraman 12100124 25729 ! 25571 25735 !. CPg 12100493 Unincorporated Area 140055 - Bowen !C

460000 ! 455000 !C 140283 Cud

465000 ! Construction depot 475000 ! CPg 470000 ?! !. ! 25306 !. J" ! CPg Glenore Road Qs CPg 125142 Marshalling yards 39829 # CPg !. I Camp!. site 1 7,785,000 Cud CPg 7,785,000 12100486 CPg 450000

! CPg CPg

Qs 37902 32350 CPg !. Cud Qs CPg

Cud 7,780,000 7,780,000 7,775,000 7,775,000

570,000 575,000 580,000 585,000 590,000 595,000

1:100,000 (at A3) Job Number 41-22090 Revision A 0 0.5 1 2 3 4 5 DERM GROUNDWATER BORES Date 20-09-2010 Kilometres Map Projection: Universal Transverse Mercator Figure: 12-2 Horizontal Datum: Geocentric Datum of Australia 1994 Grid: Map Grid of Australia, Zone 55 / Sheet 13 of 14 G:\41\22090\GIS\MAPS\MXD\100_Planning\41-22090_202_rev_a.mxd Copyright: This document is and shall remain the property of Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd. The document may only be used for the purpose for which it was produced. Unauthorised use of this document in any way is prohibited. © 2010. While GHD Pty Ltd has taken care to ensure the accuracy of this product, GHD Pty Ltd, Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd, GA, DMR and DERM make no representations or warranties about its accuracy, completeness or suitability for any particular purpose. GHD Pty Ltd, Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd, GA, DMR and DERM cannot accept liability of any kind (whether in contract, tort or otherwise) for any expenses, losses, damages and/or costs (including indirect or consequential damage) which are or may be incurred as a result of the product being inaccurate, incomplete or unsuitable in any way and for any reason. 600,000 605,000 610,000 615,000 620,000 7,810,000 7,810,000

13 14 BOWEN CHARTERS TOWERS ! ! 12

11 COLLINSVILLE !

10 9 MACKAY ! GLENDEN 8 !

7 6 MORANBAH ! 5 4

3 CLERMONT ! 7,805,000 2 7,805,000 1

ALPHA !

PORT OF ABBOT POINT

CPg 125273 CPg Qr !. 125271 !. !. 7,800,000 7,800,000 125270 !.125269 !. CPg 125268

! 505000

Qr !. !. 54547 Caley Valley Wetlands 54548 60185 60143 60139 60144 ! 510000 60140 60265 60261

7,795,000 60186 60258 ! 7,795,000

500000 !. CPg Qr NORTH COAST LINE Qr !. 36127 125141 Qa ! 60260 60587 Qr !. !. 125335 60259 ! 60267 495000 !. Qr Qa !!.! !. 60184 !!C.!C. !C 60051 60588 !C.!C 60142 Cud !. !!. !. ! !. 39565 39671 12100491 60262 !C 60050 !. 36390 !. 60264 ! !. 60257 !. 60589 490000 60148 32590 CPg !. 60263 Cud Cud ! 60268 60138 32589 60266 60150 76694 60591 39670 !. 24709 !. 39604 !. !. 25570 !. !. Cud !.7,790,000 7,790,000 140635 !. 485000 60656 Qa 25571!. Cud 39672 PKg !. 140634 !. PKg ! !. 25170 PKg 12100493 12100490 !C 35242 Br 36389 u c !. !C!C Cud Cud e H 480000 i gh Unincorporated Area 31121 way CPg - Yarraman 39571 ! !. 12100503 Qa !. Qa 32587 !. 12100506 CPg !. MERINDA CPg 54680 CPg 12100489 !. !. Don River

7,785,000 CPg 7,785,000 Cud CPg

25572 !. CPg CPg !. Qs 37902 CPg Qs

Qs CPg CPg

Don River 7,780,000 7,780,000

Bowen Dev Road

600,000 605,000 610,000 615,000 620,000

1:100,000 (at A3) Job Number 41-22090 Revision A 0 0.5 1 2 3 4 5 DERM GROUNDWATER BORES Date 20-09-2010 Kilometres Map Projection: Universal Transverse Mercator Figure: 12-2 Horizontal Datum: Geocentric Datum of Australia 1994 Grid: Map Grid of Australia, Zone 55 / Sheet 14 of 14 G:\41\22090\GIS\MAPS\MXD\100_Planning\41-22090_202_rev_a.mxd Copyright: This document is and shall remain the property of Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd. The document may only be used for the purpose for which it was produced. Unauthorised use of this document in any way is prohibited. © 2010. While GHD Pty Ltd has taken care to ensure the accuracy of this product, GHD Pty Ltd, Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd, GA, DMR and DERM make no representations or warranties about its accuracy, completeness or suitability for any particular purpose. GHD Pty Ltd, Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd, GA, DMR and DERM cannot accept liability of any kind (whether in contract, tort or otherwise) for any expenses, losses, damages and/or costs (including indirect or consequential damage) which are or may be incurred as a result of the product being inaccurate, incomplete or unsuitable in any way and for any reason. 12.2.4 Hydrogeological Units

12.2.4.1 Overview Analysis of existing bores and digital geological data indicates four major hydrogeological units beneath and within the vicinity of the Project. The geological units consist of complex compositions of varying sediments and structures and are outlined below:

Alluvial and colluvial deposits and miscellaneous unconsolidated sediments (Tertiary to Quaternary);

Sedimentary Bedrock (Carboniferous to Tertiary);

Igneous Bedrock (Devonian to Cenozoic); and

Metamorphic (Neoproterozoic to Cambrian). Detailed geological descriptions of the major geological units are presented in Volume 3, Section 3.2.1 of this EIS. Hydrogeological features of the major geological units are summarised below.

12.2.4.2 Alluvium, Colluvium and Miscellaneous Unconsolidated Deposits Tertiary to Quaternary aged sediments directly underlie the majority of the Project from the Alpha Coal Mine to chainage 310 km and chainage 450 km to chainage 510 km (Figure 12-1), predominantly within Sections 1, 2 and 4. Most of these sediments have been deposited by adjacent rivers, creeks and associated floodplains and consist of various compositions of sand, silt, gravel and clay. The majority of the alluvial deposits within Section 1 and Section 2 consist of ‘older fluviatile and floodplain sediments with some colluvium also mapped in Section 2. Weathering by-products such as ferricrete and laterite are also present. There is no alluvium mapped within Section 3, however presumably there are localised alluvial deposits associated with the Bowen River and its tributaries. Section 4 is dominated by granite outcrops with overlying residual and colluvial deposits for a large part of the Project before entering the lower lying area of Port of Abbot Point. Port of Abbot Point is typically underlain by alluvium and coastal mudflat deposits. Colluvium, from weathering of underlying and outcropping bedrock tends to form on slopes and in valleys. Groundwater resources within the colluvium are not expected to be significant, if present. Groundwater bores situated in areas mapped as colluvium in Section 2 and Section 4 are sourcing water from the underlying bedrock. Borehole logs from the groundwater bore database indicate that the alluvial deposits can range in thickness of between <1 m up to 50 m (Registration number (RN)18,225) in Section 1, <1 m and up to 84 m (RN84,042) in Section 2 and up to 18 m in Section 4. The permeability of the alluvial deposits will vary spatially, and their productivity will be dependent on the presence or absence of coarser-grained sediments such as sand and gravel. The alluvial aquifers are likely to be recharged via direct infiltration of precipitation and from hydraulic connection with surface water bodies. Many of the local creeks and rivers are dry for most of the year and flow only during the wet season from November to March (DEWHA 2007). Rivers with deeper channel profiles tend to have permanent waterholes all year round. Recharge of alluvial aquifers occurs during the wet season when the rivers and creeks are running. Alluvial aquifers in Section 4 receive a greater potential to recharge due to the higher rainfall along the coastline.

Section 12 | Groundwater | Page 12-7 | HC-URS-88100-RPT-0001 12.2.4.3 Sedimentary Bedrock Devonian to Cenozoic-aged sedimentary bedrock is mapped at outcrop from 300 km to 350 km (within Section 2 and Section 3 of the assessment area) (refer to Figure 12-1) and mainly consists of Carboniferous to Permian aged coal measures. The outcrop stratigraphy includes Early to Late Permian Back Creek Group (Blenheim Formation and Collinsville Coal Measures), the Permian Blackwater Group (Moranbah Coal Measures, Fair Hill Formation and the Fort Cooper Coal Measures) and the Carboniferous Drummond Group (Star of Hope Formation and Ducabrook Formation). The major rock types within these groups are sandstones and siltstones with coal measures concentrated in the north of Section 2 and south of Section 3 (Bowen Basin). Older Carboniferous aged lithic to feldspathic sandstones, siltstone and conglomerate underly the alluvium dominating the southern part of Section 2 and all of Section 1. Occasional igneous intrusions are common in sedimentary deposits in Sections 2 and 3. Recharge of these sedimentary rocks is likely to occur directly at outcrop and via infiltration through overlying alluvium. Localised structures trending north-west such as faults and intrusions intersect the alignment and may increase the rate and direction of groundwater flow through these formation units. Data analysis of the Groundwater Database indicate that sedimentary rocks have a yield ranging between 0.3 L/sec and 12 L/sec with an average yield of 4.8 L/sec.

12.2.4.4 Igneous Bedrock Carboniferous to Permian aged volcanics outcrop in Sections 3 and 4 between chainages 360 km and 450 km and include unnamed volcanics, the Lizzie Creek Volcanics and Mount Wickham Rhyolites. Tertiary aged olivine basalt outcrops in Section 3 at approximately chainage 330 km however there is no data to suggest that it bears groundwater. Small outcroppings of the Bulgonunna Volcanic Group and Silver Hills Volcanics are mapped in Sections 1 and 2. The northern most deposits typically range between rhyolitic to dacitic in composition, with some basalt and gabbro present. The southern most deposits are typically rhyolitic to dacitic in composition with minor basalt outcrops. North west trending structural features within the volcanic rocks such as faulting and fracturing will control the direction and rate of groundwater flow through this unit, and as such the yield and quality of the groundwater is variable.

12.2.4.5 Metamorphic Bedrock A large unit of the Neoproterozoic to Cambrian aged Anakie Metamorphic Group is located in Section 3 (approximately chainage 140 km to 200 km). The unit consists of siltstone, fine sandstone, phyllite, schist, commonly cleaved and multiply deformed. This unit is typically overlain by a deep weathering profile, durricrust, ferricrete, colluvium and alluvial material, with small outcropping occurring in the vicinity of the Project. There are a number of water supply bores located within the area mapped as the Anakie Metamorphic Group. Yield is variable and supplied mostly through fractured rock.

Section 12 | Groundwater | Page 12-8 | HC-URS-88100-RPT-0001 12.2.5 River and Creek Crossings There are a number of river and creek crossings along the Project. The creeks and rivers are typically underlain by alluvial deposits that potentially have a significant groundwater resource. The alluvium in these areas is a potential contamination source and a pathway to interconnected aquifers. Given the proposed construction of bridges at river and creek crossings, there is potential, albeit very low, for the groundwater to be impacted from sources of contamination at the surface such as leaks and spills and from construction activities. A list of the creek and river crossings is provided in Table 12-4.

Table 12-4: Creek and river crossings within the vicinity of the Project

Approximate Section Water Course Name Status/Notes Chainage 1 - Lagoon Creek Ephemeral, does not cross Alpha Coal Mine alignment to 110 km - Sandy Creek Ephemeral, does not cross alignment 38.8 Native Companion Creek Ephemeral 43.5 Belyando River Ephemeral 60.6 Lestree Hill Creek Ephemeral 101.3 Lascelles Creek Ephemeral 2 118.0 Mistake Creek Ephemeral Chainage 110 km to 142.0 Miclere Creek Ephemeral 300 km 170.0 Brown Creek Ephemeral 175.3 Logan Creek Ephemeral 195.9 Diamond Creek Ephemeral 223.7 Eaglefield Creek Ephemeral 262.7 Suttor Creek Ephemeral - Suttor River Ephemeral, does not cross alignment 3 301.7 Kangaroo Creek Ephemeral, does not cross Chainage 300 km to alignment 430 km ~ 345 Rosella Creek Ephemeral ~ 345 Bowen River Perennial 375.0 Pelican Creek Ephemeral 4 436.2 Bogie River Ephemeral Chainage 430 km to 495 km

Section 12 | Groundwater | Page 12-9 | HC-URS-88100-RPT-0001 12.2.6 Groundwater Levels and Aquifer Properties

12.2.6.1 Published Levels and Yields Published groundwater levels, yields and lithological descriptions (from drillers’ logs) have been obtained from the DERM groundwater bore database (2009). Interpretation of the data from the database along with geological mapping is provided in the following sections. Groundwater yield data are summarised in Table 12-5 and described below.

Table 12-5: Summary of the groundwater yield in existing groundwater bores (DERM, 2009)

Minimum Yield Predominant Flow Section and Bore ID Rock/Material Type Maximum Range Mechanism Bore Yield 1 Min RN103443 0.32 Sandstone Porous Max RN69731 10.1 Sandstone Porous 2 Min RN132188 0.03 Sandy clay Unconsolidated Max RN125974 12.0 Coarse sand Unconsolidated RN125977 12.0 Coarse sand Unconsolidated 3 Min - No Data - - Max - No Data - - 4 Min RN140051 0.14 Granite Porous RN140281 0.14 Granite Fractured Max RN140634 1.5 Basalt Fractured RN140635 1.5 Basalt Fractured On a local scale, groundwater flow is likely to follow the contours of the land surface. Major geological structures such as faults and intrusions may also control the direction of flow. Further investigations would be required to gauge the degree of interaction between groundwater in alluvial deposits and the effect that this has on regional flow. No hydraulic conductivity data were identified for the search area.

12.2.6.2 Section 1 Groundwater Levels and Flows Available groundwater level data for Section 1 are shown in Figure 12-3. Limited groundwater level data are available for groundwater bores in Section 1. Time-series groundwater levels are only available for two bores (RN12, 030,158 and RN12, 030,098). Both bores are located close by to creeks and intersect floodplain alluvium to monitor the underlying bedrock. Groundwater levels within the sedimentary bedrock range from 15.2 m below ground level (BGL) (RN12, 030,098) to 65.5 mBGL (RN89, 235). Yields within the alluvium is not well understood, with only one borehole returning a yield of 0.32 l/sec (RN103,443). This borehole is situated in an area mapped as Raymond Sandstone. This bore is classified as a water supply bore with a yield of 0.32 l/sec (indicating low permeability). Yields within the underlying sandstone units are high, with two boreholes returning values of 8.4 /sec (RN69, 730) and 10.1 l/sec (RN69, 731) indicating relatively high permeability.

Section 12 | Groundwater | Page 12-10 | HC-URS-88100-RPT-0001 12.2.6.3 Section 2 Groundwater Levels Available groundwater level data for Section 2 are shown in Figure 12-3. Limited published groundwater level data were identified for bores located within Section 2. Spot groundwater level data were identified for seven bores and time series data were identified for two bores (RN 12,030,095 and RN 12,030,173). Lithological data from the database indicates that the majority of bores are screened within sandstone and the water level ranges from 16.15 mBGL (RN 67,061) to 65.6 mBGL (RN12030095). Two bores are screened in weathered volcanics with water levels ranging from 54 mBGL (RN 89,417) to 55 mBGL (RN 89,283). Groundwater yield ranges from 0.3 l/sec in RN 132, 188 to 12 l/sec in RN 125,974 and RN 125,977.

12.2.6.4 Section 3 Groundwater Levels Available groundwater level data for Section 3 are shown in Figure 12-3. The northern part of Section 3 is underlain by the Lizzie Creek Volcanics. There are 60 groundwater bores in Section 3. Of these, spot groundwater level data were identified for 15 bores and time-series data for four bores. The time series data indicate groundwater levels in the alluvium at RN 12020014 and RN 12020015 were stable during the period of monitoring. Standing water levels (SWL) in Section 3 range from 2.4 mBGL (RN 25,380) to 17.2 mBGL (RN 31,875). The majority of these bores are in close proximity to the Bowen River, which is likely to influence the regional groundwater levels. Figure 12-3 demonstrates all bores that contain groundwater level data.

12.2.6.5 Section 4 Groundwater Levels Available groundwater level data for Section 4 is displayed in Figure 12-3. The majority of bores within the Project area monitor alluvial deposits in the Bowen region. Time series data has been identified for 27 bores, collected over a period of years (refer to Figure 12-3). Two boreholes near Willmington Station (RN60143 and RN60148) have undergone regular groundwater monitoring between July 1980 and February 2000. The groundwater levels in these holes appear to follow a somewhat regular cycle of fluctuations. Groundwater levels within these bores readily fluctuate in response to rainfall. Periods of high annual rainfall are correlated with increases in groundwater levels. Groundwater levels within the alluvium range from 0.07 mBGL (RN60 267) in June 1990 to 19.8 mBGL (RN25,734) in March 1966. A number of bores in Section 4 are located in areas mapped as igneous rock formations with water levels ranging from 2.04 mBGL (RN12,100,485) to 13.4 mBGL (RN37,903). The bores within igneous formations show a lag time response to rainfall. The groundwater level fluctuations in the alluvial bores show that recharge of the aquifer is dependant on rainfall and Figure 12-3 demonstrates how responsive the water-bearing strata is to increases in rainfall. Therefore the material is relatively permeable and hydraulically connected to surface water courses and from infiltration sources. There are no yield data available for alluvial materials within Section 4.

Section 12 | Groundwater | Page 12-11 | HC-URS-88100-RPT-0001 Figure 12-3: Reported groundwater levels

12100124_A 12100486_A

12100489_A 12100490_A

Jan-64 Jan-66 Jan-68 Jan-70 Jan-72 Jan-74 Jan-76 Jan-78 Jan-80 Jan-82 Jan-84 Jan-86 Jan-88 Jan-90 Jan-92 Jan-94 Jan-96 Jan-98 Jan-00 Jan-02 Jan-04 Jan-06 Jan-08 Jan-10 12100491_A 12100493_A 0 2500 12100503_A 12100506_A

125268_A 125269_A

125270_A 125271_A -2 125273_A 24709_A 25170_A 25306_A

25570_A 25571_A -4 2000 25572_A 25734_A

25735_A 31121_A

32350_A 32587_A

-6 32589_A 32590_A 36127_A 36389_A

36390_A 37902_A -8 1500 39571_A 39671_A 39672_A 54680_A

60050_A 60051_A -10 60138_A 60139_A 60140_A 60142_A 60143_A 60144_A

SWL Depth (mBGL) -12 1000 60148_A 60150_A 60184_A 60185_A Total Yearly Rainfall (mm/yr) Rainfall Yearly Total 60186_A 60257_A 60258_A 60259_A -14 60261_A 60262_A

60263_A 60264_A 60265_A 60266_A -16 500 60267_A 12100485_A 12100487_A 125272_A 24708_A 25568_A -18 25569_A 25573_A

36126_A 37262_A

37903_A 39575_A -20 0 54642_A To tal seasonal rainfall

Section 12 | Groundwater | Page 12-12 | HC-URS-88100-RPT-0001 12.2.7 Groundwater Quality Groundwater laboratory water quality data and recorded field data extracted from the DERM database are provided in Volume 6, Appendix D and detailed below. Table 12-6 summarises the ranges of values for the water quality parameters of pH, total dissolved solids (TDS) and electrical conductivity (EC).

Table 12-6: Lab and field results from existing groundwater bores (DERM, 2009)

Minimum and Parameter Maximum Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 Section 4 Bore Yield pH Min 7.4 6.7 7.5 6.8 Max 8.2 8.8 8.3 8.6 Average 7.8 7.5 7.9 7.6 Number of 11 6 4 69 results TDS (ppm) Min 293 495 742 318 Max 4,529 37,140 3,303 6,952 Average 1973 13363 1942 949 Number of 11 6 4 69 Results Electrical Min 545 870 1,214 350 Conductivity (uS/cm) Max 7,700 49,500 6,040 10,700 Average 3484 19570 3358 1805 Number of 11 6 23 70 Results

12.2.7.1 Section 1 Groundwater Quality Section 1 is dominated by Quaternary to Tertiary aged alluvium and Devonian aged sedimentary units. Being of older alluvial material groundwater quality is more variable due to the weathering of the underlying bedrock. Groundwater EC values range from 545 ȝS/cm (RN1,230,158) in sandstone and conglomerate to 7,700 ȝS/cm (RN89,386) in weathered sandstone.

12.2.7.2 Section 2 Groundwater Quality Groundwater quality in Section 2 is variable with the varying geological units present in the area. EC values range from 870 ȝS/cm (RN25,671) in granite to 49,500 ȝS/cm (RN89,265) in clay and sand at approximately 53 mBGL.

12.2.7.3 Section 3 Groundwater Quality Section 3 is largely dominated by the Lizzie Creek Volcanics with groundwater EC values ranging from 1,214 ȝS/cm (RN12,020,021) to 3,750 ȝS/cm (RN12,020,012). These bores are located in close

Section 12 | Groundwater | Page 12-13 | HC-URS-88100-RPT-0001 proximity to the Bowen River. A single bore within sandstone (RN60,362) to the south of Section 3 reported EC values of 6,040 ȝS/cm.

12.2.7.4 Section 4 Groundwater Quality Groundwater quality within Section 4 is highly variable due to the salt water and freshwater interface within coastal deposits (freshwater recharge from rainfall and flow from rivers/creeks and from saline water intrusion). EC values range from 350 ȝS/cm in creek gravel (RN36,311) to 10,700 ȝS/cm in sand (RN36,126) but are typically in the range of 350 ȝS/cm and 4040 ȝS/cm in weathered granite (RN25573). Water quality will also vary with geological units. 12.3 Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measures

12.3.1 Overview

No significant impacts on groundwater resources and/or groundwater quality are anticipated based on the current understanding of the Project. Construction of new infrastructure such as culverts, cuttings, embankments and bridges has the potential to result in short term, localised impacts on shallow groundwater such as an increase or decrease in groundwater levels, however no significant impacts on groundwater resources are expected given: x no long term lowering of groundwater levels are anticipated for the Project site given that no major dewatering is proposed; and x the majority of the Project site and surrounding area is mapped as an Unincorporated GMU (not requiring any special management), therefore groundwater resources and extractions are not considered threatened or vulnerable. Although no significant impacts are anticipated, the potential impacts on groundwater during construction and post construction of the Project are outlined in the following sections.

12.3.2 Construction

12.3.2.1 Potential Impacts The following potential impacts in groundwater have been identified for the construction phase: x potential for localised water logging as a result of groundwater level increases caused by construction of any embankments or as a result of pre-loading, where pre-construction groundwater levels are relatively close to ground surface, particularly in the vicinity of the major rivers and within the low lying coastal flats of Abbot Point; x potential for localised, temporary reduction in shallow groundwater levels in the vicinity of Suttor River, Bowen River and Bogie River as a result of temporary minor dewatering as part of bridge pile construction works. The dewatering is unlikely to have any significant or long term impact given the short duration, low volume and localised nature of the dewatering; and x potential for localised degradation of groundwater quality within alluvial deposits or bedrock that intersect the Project, directly beneath or down-gradient of the Project, if any accidental leaks or spills occur during construction. Local water supply bores in Sections 1 and 3 are unlikely to be impacted from construction given the distance to the bores. Bores within Sections 2 and 4 are the most likely to be impacted.

Section 12 | Groundwater | Page 12-14 | HC-URS-88100-RPT-0001 12.3.2.2 Mitigation and Management Measures The following measures are proposed to monitor and mitigate the potential impacts identified for the construction phase: x maintenance of regular groundwater monitoring (levels and quality) for a minimum 12 month period prior to the start of construction to establish baseline groundwater conditions at selected locations considered the most susceptible to impact (e.g. alluvium at river crossings). This will allow the confirmation of groundwater quality and level action criteria against which to monitor conditions during construction. This program will be agreed with the regulatory authority prior to Project commencement; x develop and implement a groundwater monitoring program to monitor groundwater levels and quality of shallow groundwater adjacent to the Project site at selected locations, to confirm any groundwater impacts during the construction phase; x regular assessment of groundwater monitoring results against baseline groundwater conditions during construction and review of monitoring program if necessary; x if impacts on groundwater levels or quality are identified an assessment of potential mitigation measures will be conducted; x storage areas for vehicles, machinery, equipment, chemicals etc. during construction will have appropriate facilities to contain spills, leaks and surface water run off to reduce the potential for contamination of groundwater through infiltration from surface; and x groundwater monitoring will be conducted by a suitably qualified and experienced professional in accordance with the AS/NZS 5667.11:1998 Australian/New Zealand Standard for water quality – sampling Part 11, Guidance on Sampling Groundwater.

12.3.3 Operation

12.3.3.1 Potential Impacts The following potential impacts on groundwater have been identified for the operational phase of the Project: x potential for the localised degradation of groundwater quality within the alluvial deposits and bedrock that intersect the Project, from the application of additional herbicide along the Project; and x there are no potential impacts on groundwater levels identified for the operational phase of the Project, based on the current Project understanding.

12.3.3.2 Mitigation Measures The following measures are proposed to monitor and mitigate the potential impacts identified for the construction phase: x develop and implement a groundwater monitoring program to monitor groundwater levels and quality in shallow groundwater adjacent to the Project site.

Section 12 | Groundwater | Page 12-15 | HC-URS-88100-RPT-0001 12.4 Conclusions Groundwater conditions vary considerably along the Project. Data obtained from the DERM groundwater bore database (DERM, 2009), indicate groundwater is abstracted from both the alluvial deposits and bedrock (including sandstone, fractured volcanics and fractured metamorphic rock). Groundwater yield and quality are variable and dependant on the aquifer rock/material type. Groundwater Standing water level (SWL) in Sections 1 and 2 appear to be at depth (i.e. greater than 15 mBGL and up to 65 mBGL in some bores). Given the complex rock units and structures in Section 3, groundwater levels and quality are highly variable. In general, groundwater resources are likely to be most vulnerable to impact in the vicinity of creeks and river, particularly if there is well developed alluvial material underlying water course as these present a contamination pathway from the surface. The most well developed groundwater resources are found within the Bowen Shire alluvial aquifers. Many of the bores in this area are for groundwater abstractions, therefore yield and quality are likely to be beneficial for agricultural use. Due to the high yields and connectivity of the aquifers, groundwater resources in Section 4 are vulnerable and source of contamination from surface are easily transported to the underlying alluvial aquifers. Potentially down-gradient groundwater abstractions may be impacted. Very little data is available on groundwater resources within the Bowen Unincorporated groundwater management area. Based on the current Project understanding, no significant impacts on groundwater resources and/or groundwater quality are anticipated. Construction of new infrastructure such as culverts, cuttings, embankments and bridges has the potential to result in short term, localised impacts on shallow groundwater such as an increase or decrease in groundwater levels, however no significant impacts on groundwater resources are expected given: x no long term lowering of groundwater levels are anticipated for the Project given that no major dewatering is proposed; and x the majority of the Project site and surrounding area is mapped as an Unincorporated GMU (not requiring any special management), therefore groundwater resources and extractions are not considered threatened or vulnerable.

Section 12 | Groundwater | Page 12-16 | HC-URS-88100-RPT-0001