The available hydrogeological data support a conclusion that...

The available hydrogeological data support a conclusion that there is a negligible risk of impacts onthe Nullagine drinking water supply bores from the proposed mining activities, for the followingreasons: The waste material has limited sources of acidity and the potential for the waste material to beacid forming is low. As much PAF material as possible will be placed as pit backfill below thewater table to minimise oxidation. Any remaining PAF material will be placed in encapsulatedcells and covered waste rock dumps (WRDs) to prevent oxidation of PAF material andmobilisation of potential contaminants by meteoric waters. Conceptualisation of the hydrogeological system (including groundwater levels, groundwaterquality and hydraulic data) supports a conclusion that the FBAs in the mining area are highlycompartmentalised and there is no hydrogeological connection between the Nullagine drinkingwater supply bores and the location of proposed mining activities. Additionally, no impacts on groundwater dependent ecosystems (GDEs) or stygo fauna areanticipated from the proposed mining activities.Novo has applied for an increase to the groundwater abstraction licence to 227,000 kL/yr. Thisincrease is to accommodate dewatering the maximum estimated inflows during mining Grants HillPit. This estimate has been derived from numerical modelling using conservative assumptions andthe actual maximum dewatering rate is anticipated to be due to the high degree ofcompartmentalisation and limited connection within the FBA.