Three of the 10 north-west Queensland mines to have spills and leakages into surrounding waterways due to the severe flooding have now been issued with Environmental Protection Orders (EPO).
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued the order to the Lady Annie mine last week, while the Great Australia Mine received its on March 11 and the Birla Mount Gordon, on January 20.
According to the mine update issued by the EPA, the agency is continuing investigations on all 10 sites, with results being given to appropriate government bodies including the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries and Queensland Health.
A fortnight ago, farmer Verdun Spreadborogh found a blue/green substance in a creek on his property, two months after being cut off from parts of Chinda Station, north of Mount Isa.
“I run 1000 head of cattle in that part of the property and they drink from the creek and we don’t know how harmful this stuff is” Mr Spreadborogh told The North West Star last week.
He said he was also concerned about the people downstream.
“I’m concerned for my cattle, the people that live down the river in the gulf and the environment,” he said.
“I believe the gulf people should know what is happening and that there is water that could be contaminated from the mine in the river,” he said.
An EPO is used to impose a reasonable requirement to prevent or minimise environmental harm, requiring the receiver to undertake certain actions within a specified timeframe.
An EPA plan of action on how best to handle the Lady Annie discharge will be confirmed this week, following the extensive sampling of waterways and consultation with specialist engineers.
Recent test results on the Saga and Inca creeks that flow into the Buckley River, show a low pH (acidity) level with concentrated levels of heavy metals including aluminium, copper, manganese, nickel, cobalt, chromium, zinc, iron and beryllium.
Test results on the Buckley River showed minimal contamination.
While samples taken from all three waterways on March 11, are being analysed in a private laboratory, with results expected next week.
According to the EPA, the Great Australia Mine has stopped discharging into Coppermine Creek and the water has now been deemed to meet Australian stock guidelines.
Laboratory results will guide the EPA on issuing penalties under the Environmental Protection Act.
Birla Mount Gordon - Magazine Creek was inspected on March 17 following reports of a spill.
Initial results showed no environmental impact, yet further tests will be conducted.
The EPO issued to the mine highlighted a range of issues including water management.
A further site inspection will take place from today, Monday, March 23.
Mount Oxide – samples taken from Cave Creek on March 13, show high levels of copper and aluminium, making the water unsuitable for stock.
The EPA also tested Gunpowder Creek and the Leichhardt River, with results expected on March 30.
Century Mine - has been issued with an Environmental Evaluation Notice.
Operated by Oz Minerals, the notice has been issued under the Act and requires the company undertake an independent investigation into the nature and extent of contamination and subsequent actions it must take.
Mount Isa Mines – had several discharges in January and February but have now stopped.
The results are currently being reviewed, with the EPA considering what, if any, actions will be taken.
The EPA is continuing its investigations at the Leichhardt, Selwyn and the Lorena mines and the Yurbi concrete rail loading facility.
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