Bylong Coal groundwater study

The Bylong Coal project is a proposed open-cut and underground coal mine located in the Upper Hunter Valley of New South Wale. It occurs within the Sydney Basin and targets the Illawarra Coal Measures. We were engaged to complete a groundwater study to form part of the Environmental Impact Statement.

The project is in a ridge area adjacent to a thin alluvial aquifer system that is utilised for agricultural purposes within the region. A key challenge was to understand the connectivity between Illawarra Coal Measures and Bylong River alluvial aquifer and to quantify potential impacts.

KEPCO implemented an extensive field program to characterise these key groundwater systems. We used this data to gain an in-depth understanding of the hydrogeological regime and to develop a conceptual groundwater model. We also developed a numerical groundwater model to simulate natural groundwater processes and replicate system stresses, including mining and bore abstraction to quantify potential changes due to the project.

Client

Hansen Bailey on behalf of KEPCO Bylong Australia Pty Ltd

Project

Bylong Coal: groundwater study

Sector

Mining

Services

Conceptual groundwater model, numerical groundwater model

Outcomes

Outcomes

The outcomes included:

  • quantification of groundwater take from the Bylong River water sources, for licensing purposes
  • predicted changes in water levels in the various aquifers, as well as the creeks and rivers
  • assessment of impacts on key receptors, including private landholder bores and groundwater dependent ecosystems.

We also assisted by responding to submissions on the project and engaging with key stakeholders including government and the community.

View all hydrogeological & environmental services

Our team’s expertise is in groundwater modelling, field services, approvals and licensing, water supply, contaminant investigation, expert advisory, and hydrogeochemistry. Learn more about our services by clicking the link below.