6.2 2013–14 Activity Visitor/organisation Date Riparian vegetation assessment on Gulungul Dr Anita Chalmers, The University of Newcastle, NSW 15–29 June 2014 Annual data collection and survey of erosion points at Tin Camp Creek for erosion monitoring. Associate Professor Greg Hancock, The University of Newcastle, NSW 16–19 June 2014 Work on the role of vegetation in stabilising channel islands in Gulungul Creek. Dr Anita Chalmers, The University of Newcastle, NSW 1–16 June 2014 Collaboration on long-term modelling of a conceptual rehabilitated Ranger mine landform for 10,000 Updating and enhancement of the CAESAR model to incorporate weathering and soil development. Presentation to staff. Professor Tom Coulthard, University of Hull, UK 25 May – 4 June 2014 Discussion on the collaboration on long-term modelling of a conceptual rehabilitated Ranger mine landform for 10,000 years. Presentation to staff. Associate Professor Greg Hancock, The University of Newcastle, NSW 28–2 May 2014 Swampfox UAS delivery and training. Lew Woods, Skycam, NZ 28 April – 2 May 2014 Discussion on the collaboration on long-term modelling of a conceptual rehabilitated Ranger mine landform for 10,000 years. Associate Professor Greg Hancock, The University of Newcastle, NSW 10–14 February 2014 Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) tests at Kakadu. Dr Erskine, Dr Andrew Fletcher, Ashray Doshi, Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, University of Queensland Lew Woods, Skycam, NZ 7–11 October 2013 Collection of annual data for erosion monitoring and landform evolution modelling research (Tin Camp Creek). Associate Professor Greg Hancock, The University of Newcastle, NSW 22–26 July 2013 Development of a satellite imagery catalogue. Javier Chen (student), Charles Darwin University, NT March - May 2013 Processing of UAS imagery. Sandra Grant (student), Charles Darwin University, NT - May 2013 Presentations given at Coffee Break seminar series and met to discuss current and future projects. Dr Anthony Chariton, CSIRO and Dr Donald Baird, University of New Brunswick, Canada 19 March 2013
1 ARRTC Overall objective To undertake relevant research that will generate knowledge leading to improved management and protection of the ARR and monitoring that will be sufficiently sensitive to assess whether or not the environment is protected to the high standard demanded by the Australian Government and community. Background In assessing the Key Knowledge Needs for research and monitoring in the Alligator Rivers Region, ARRTC has taken into account current mining plans in the region and the standards for environmental protection and rehabilitation determined by the Australian Government. The assumptions made for uranium mining operations in the region are: mining of uranium at Ranger ceased in 2012. This will be followed by milling about 2020 and final rehabilitation expected to be completed by about 2026. Nabarlek is decommissioned but has not reached a status where the NT Government will agree to issue a Revegetation Certificate to the mine operator. Assessment of the success of rehabilitation at Nabarlek is ongoing and may provide valuable data for consideration in the design and implementation of rehabilitation at Ranger. Jabiluka will remain in a care and maintenance condition for some years. ERA, the project owner, has stated that further mining will not occur without the agreement of the traditional owners; and grant of an exploration title at Koongarra is required under the terms of the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 before the mining company can apply for a mining title. As such, any future activity at Koongarra is subject to the agreement of the traditional owners and the Northern Land Council. This scenario is considered to be a reasonable on which to base plans for research and monitoring, but such plans may need to be amended if mining plans change in the future. ARRTC will ensure the research and monitoring strategy is flexible enough to accommodate any new knowledge needs. The Australian Government has specified primary and secondary environmental objectives for mining at Ranger in the Ranger Environmental Requirements. Similar standards would be expected for any future mining development at Jabiluka or Koongarra. Specifically, under the Ranger Environmental Requirements (ERs):
supervision process in environmental assessments of uranium mines 8–9 surface water pathway 138–139 surface quality x, 22–42, 59–61, 142 Swift Creek see Ngarradj (Swift Creek) T tailings 16, 143 Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) ix, 16 terminology (definitions) 160–166 toxicity monitoring x, 42–46, 86–92 toxicity of magnesium to Green hydra 76–83 toxicity of manganese to tropical freshwater species 83–85 toxicity testing methods for tropical marine species 120 traditional owners see Indigenous peoples training and development 122, 130–131 trigger values, water quality x, 76, 83–85 tropical marine species 120 turbidity 22, 27, 38, 41, 60, 142 Two Rocks prospect 64 U unpublished papers and reports 153–154 Uranium Equities Limited (UEL) xi, 4, 5, 8, 62, 63 uranium in freshwater mussels x, 48–49 uranium mining 2–4, 8–9, 74 see also environmental management; environmental protection; Jabiluka uranium mine; Nabarlek uranium mine; Ranger uranium mine UXA Resources Limited Nabarlek Project V visitors 127–128 W waste management 16 water management 12–15, 57, 59–61 water quality guidelines, national 117–118 quality influence on snail egg production 89–91 water quality monitoring x, 22–42, 59–61, 140, 142 water quality trigger values (TVs) 76, 83–85 water temperature 22, 46, 87, 89–91 water treatment plants ix, 15 waterbodies and atmospheric monitoring sites xv website 126 West Alligator 2 West Arnhem College 124 West Arnhem Land 64–65, 149 wet season characteristics ix, x, 12, 14 wet season median difference 33 wet season monitoring x wet season reports 9, 22 wetland filtration 19, 139 wildlife radionuclide uptake 117 Wiluna Uranium Project 74 Wirnmuyurr Billabong 55, 56 work health and safety 131 workforce management 130–131 Y Yea and Acheron Rivers, Victoria 12