The draft report prepared by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) into the cumulative impacts of mining on water quality in the Fitzroy River Basin was finally released this week after months of preparation.

It was originally prompted by concerns about water quality in local waterways following the discharge of huge volumes of water from mines in the Basin from February to September 2008, following monsoonal rain and widespread flooding in the region.

The report, yet to be considered by government agencies, found that discharge quality limits and operating requirements for coal mine water discharges are inconsistent, and in the case of some coal mines, do not adequately protect downstream environments.

It also found that based on risk assessment using salinity, six CQ mines were identified as being the highest contributors to potential cumulative impacts - Coppabella, North Goonyella, Goonyella Riverside, Millennium and Peak Downs, all located near Moranbah, and Central Highland's mine, Ensham, near Emerald.

Currently all of the mines in the Basin except two are permitted to discharge water under varying conditions set out in environmental authorities under the EP Act.

The report's key recommendations include the need to improve the management of waste water in mining activities; reduce the potential for cumulative impacts; and improve water quality data.

It also states that environmental authorities for coal mines in the Fitzroy River Basin be reviewed, and where necessary, amended, before the 2009/2010 wet season to reflect appropriate contaminant limits for water discharges that will protect all relevant downstream water uses including the protection of drinking water and aquatic ecosystems.

* Extract from a full report to appear in Queensland Country Life, March 5 edition.