Report card shows half of central Queensland mines breached environmental authorities
Thursday, 10/02/2011
Almost half of all mines in central Queensland have breached regulations controlling water contamination and emptying of pits into the Fitzroy River.
The Department of Environment and Resource Management says there are no water quality concerns despite mines in the Fitzroy Basin breaching their environmental authorities.
The ABC can confirm 20 mines released water from their pits outside of strict guidelines, most now have transitional environmental programs or TEP's.
TEP's allow for mines to legally breach their normal regulations to speed up their recovery and get back within the guidelines.
Since late 2010 German Creek, Dawson, Cook, Ensham, Moorvale, Callide and Blackwater Coal Mines all released water with higher electrical conductivity, or water high in salinity.
Other mines which have breached conditions include Oaky Creek, Yarrabee, Moranbah North, Rolleston, South Walker Creek, Kestrel, Baralaba and Poitrel.
Breaches have also occurred in the Coal Seam Gas industry within central Queensland.
Arrow Energy's Moranbah plant and Moura's Molopo Energy are on notice for unauthorised release of water.
APLNG's two plants at Wandoan and Westgrove, just north of Injune had controlled discharge of produced water to prevent ponds from overtopping.
