Alligator Rivers Region Technical Committee
Meeting 35
23 – 26 November 2015
Meeting Summary
This document is a detailed summary record of the scientific information presented to, and the discussion and actions arising from, the 35th meeting of the Alligator Rivers Region Technical Committee.ARRTC meeting summaries are used to informplanning and prioritisation of scientific research activities.
ARRTC35 Meeting SummaryPage 1 of 45
Alligator Rivers Region Technical Committee - Meeting 35
Agenda
Monday, 23 november 2015 (1330 – 1700)
pre-meeting discussion (members only)(1300 – 1330)
1.opening session
1.1Welcome and Introductions
1.2Apologies and Observers
1.3Correspondence
1.4Conflict Of Interest Declarations
1.5Governance ad Appointments
1.6Eriss/ERA Publications
2.ARRTC34 Outcomes
2.1ARRTC34 - Summary Record
2.2ARRTC34 - Actions Arising
3Stakeholder reports
3.1Energy Resources of Australia Ltd (Including Operational Update)
3.2Uranium Equities Ltd
3.3Environment NGOs
3.4Department Of Mines and Energy (Including Regulatory Decisions and Supporting Science)
3.5Northern Land Council
3.6Supervising Scientist
3.7Parks Australia
Tuesday, 23 november 2015 (0900 – 1700)
4Research reports
4.1ERA – research overview
Presentation: ERA – Research Overview
Presentation: Update On Groundwater Modelling and Response to the Perceived Knowledge Gaps In Groundwater Research (Intera)
4.2ERISS 2014-15 research overview
Presentation: Eriss 2014-15 Research Overview
Presentation: Development of Soil Radiological Guidelines for Terrestrial (Non-Human) Biota
Presentation: Development of a Synthetic Long-Term Rainfall Dataset
Presentation:Assessment of Erosion on the Rehabilitated Landform using Empirical Data and Modelling (Incorporating TLF Bedload results and most recent Long-Term LEM Results)
5.approach for development of rehabilitation/closure research priorities
- Refresh on Rehab/Closure Risk Assessment Outcomes
- Structure of Sessions on Day 3
- KKN Identification Process – Summary of Process and Breakout Groups
- Reporting back processes
Wednesday, 25 november 2015 (0900 – 1700)
6.Breakout groups - key knowledge needs addressing risk assessment outcomes [this may commence on day 2 time permitting]
- four Groups (Contaminants; Landscape; Radiological; Landform)
7.Plenary Session
7.1Discussion/Reports from Groups
7.2Synthesis
7.3Next Steps For Finalising ARRTC KKNs
thursday, 26 november 2015 (0900 – 1200)
8.Outcomes of ARRTC efficiency and governance review
8.1Revised Governance and Committee Arrangements
9.summary of meeting outcomes
9.1Key Outcomes and Actions arising this Meeting
9.2Issues for Chair’s ARRTC35 Report
10.strategic review and next meeting agenda (members only)(1130 – 1200)
11.Next meeting dates and Future ARRTC fieldtrips
ARRTC35 Meeting SummaryPage 1 of 45
Attendance
MembersDr Simon Barry / Independent Scientific Member and Chairperson
Ms Jane Coram / Independent Scientific Member
Prof Paul Boon / Independent Scientific Member
Prof David Mulligan / Independent Scientific Member
Dr Jenny Stauber / Independent Scientific Member
Mr Andrew Johnston / Independent Scientific member
Dr Gavin Mudd / Environment NGO stakeholder member
Mr Tim Eckersley / Energy Resources of Australia Ltd [Day 2 and 3 only]
Mr Adam Thompson / Northern Land Council
Dr Diana Wright / Supervising Scientist/ FAS Science Division
Apologies
Mr James Merrillees / Uranium Equities Limited
Mr Phil Hausler / NT Department of Mines and Energy
Mr Justin O’Brien / Permanent Observer - Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation
Ms Anna Morgan / Parks Australia Division
Presenters/ Observers and Workshop participants
Mr Richard McAllister / AS, Supervising Scientist Branch
Dr Geoff Pickup / Consulting Geomorphologist
Ms Melanie Impey / Permanent Observer - Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation
Ms Lucy Lytton / Geoscience Australia
Ms Brooke Cawood / NT Department of Mines and Energy
Mr Matt Salmon / Parks Australia
Dr KasiaGabrys / Parks Australia
Dr Danielle Verdon-Kidd / University of Newcastle
Prof Greg Hancock / University of Newcastle
Ms Shelly Iles / Energy Resources of Australia Ltd
Ms Sharon Paulka / Energy Resources of Australia Ltd
Dr Ping Lu / Energy Resources of Australia Ltd
Dr Graeme Esslemont / Energy Resources of Australia Ltd
Ms Linda Pugh / Energy Resources of Australia Ltd
Mr Andrew McLellan / Energy Resources of Australia Ltd
Ms Kyla Valdron-Clark / Energy Resources of Australia Ltd
Mr Peter Anderson / Energy Resources of Australia Ltd
Mr Keith Tayler / Office of the Supervising Scientist
Ms Kate Turner / Office of the Supervising Scientist
Mr John Miller / Office of the Supervising Scientist
Dr Rick van Dam / Environmental Research Institute of the Supervising Scientist
Dr Andrew Harford / Environmental Research Institute of the Supervising Scientist
Dr Andreas Bollhöfer / Environmental Research Institute of the Supervising Scientist
Dr CheDoering / Environmental Research Institute of the Supervising Scientist
Dr Chris Humphrey / Environmental Research Institute of the Supervising Scientist
Dr Amy George / Environmental Research Institute of the Supervising Scientist
Dr Renée Bartolo / Environmental Research Institute of the Supervising Scientist
Dr Mike Saynor / Environmental Research Institute of the Supervising Scientist
Dr Tim Whiteside / Environmental Research Institute of the Supervising Scientist
Mr John Lowry / Environmental Research Institute of the Supervising Scientist
Mr James Boyden / Environmental Research Institute of the Supervising Scientist
Ms Sandra Grant / Environmental Research Institute of the Supervising Scientist
Mr Scott Parker / Secretary - Office of the Supervising Scientist
ARRTC35 Meeting SummaryPage 1 of 45
monday, 23 november 2015
pre meeting discussion (members only) (1300 - 1400)
The Chair (Dr Barry) provided an introduction to the objectives and proposed order of business for the meeting.He noted the members only sessions provide a valuable opportunity for members to discuss key issues and concerns. Dr Barry noted the Septemberworkshop had assisted in refining the approach for ranking risks during the closure and rehabilitationphases and that this meeting was focused on mappingthe risks and associated information gaps into the Key Knowledge Needs. There was general agreement that closure is now the prime focus at Ranger and therefore accurately mapping KKNs to risks for the decommissioning and post decommissioning phases is critical. It was also recognised that the knowledge derived from the risk assessment will be important in terms of providing assurance to stakeholders.
Dr Barry noted a number of members had raised concerns about the role of ARRTC in developing the Key Knowledge Needs and whether ARRTC should maintain a degree of independence from the process. It was agreed that ARRTC members should contribute to the development of KKNs so they havea degree of ownership. Ms Coram suggested ARRTC should consider the appropriateness and implications of being involved in identifying and categorising risks given its statutory role as an independent advisory committee. She suggested the rationale for ARRTC being involved in developingthe KKNs versus just endorsing and providing comment needs to be made clearer. Dr Stauber noted that approach would be at odds with the previous approach adopted when the KKNs were developed and “owned” by ARRTC. Dr Barry suggested that it was appropriate for ARRTC to have ownership of the KKNs during the operational phase but the intent now is to move to a new model. Dr Barry noted another key issue for this meeting will be considering information from ERA and Intera following up on some of the issues raised in the groundwater report by Ms Lytton. He notedanother key issue to be addressed was how to assess and manage identified risks, a number of which are multidimensional in nature.
Dr van Dam noted that at the workshop in September, ARRTC had tasked ERISS with coordinating the development of a set of KKNs and significant work had been done since then. Dr Barry suggested that given there is a substantial body of work already done, ARRTC is essentially reviewing not actually drafting the KKNs. Ms Iles noted part of ARRTC’s statutory role is to provide advice on the focus and level of scientific research required to ensure the environment is protected. Ms Coram acknowledged this but stressed ARRTC needs to do this independently – so ARRTC’s role is directing not doing but she conceded there will always be some degree of ambiguity. Dr van Dam indicated he is comfortable that ARRTC is not actually doing the work but was happy to hear if others have a different view. Dr Stauber asked who will be drafting the actual KKNs and associated narratives and Dr van Dam advised that ERA and ERISS staff would do this based on the outputs from this meeting and subsequent work. Dr Wright noted that the KKNs will be provided to ARRTC for endorsement once finalised. Dr Barry noted the proposed break out groups will provide a constructive review of the work already done, and the outputs from this will be collated and used to draft the actual KKNs which will then bebrought back to ARRTC for endorsement.
1.Preliminary session
1.1Welcome and Introductions
Dr Barry welcomed members and observers to the 35th meeting of the Alligator Rivers Region Technical Committee (ARRTC).He outlined the proposed approach and key objectives for the meeting, noting the main priority was for ARRTC members to review the outputs from the risk assessment process and subsequent work undertaken by SSB and ERA staff, to ensure that revised Key Knowledge Needs and associated research priorities for the decommissioning and post decommissioning phases at Ranger can be finalised as soon as possible.
1.2Apologies and Observers
Dr Barry noted apologies received from the following members:
Mr James Merrillees / Uranium Equities LimitedMr Justin O’Brien / Permanent Observer - Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation
Ms Anna Morgan / Parks Australia Division
Dr Barry notedDr Diana Wrightisagain attending the meeting in her capacity as the Supervising Scientist. He also noted that staff from the Supervising Scientist Branch, ERA and NTDME would also be attending the meeting as observers. Dr Barry also noted Dr Geoff Pickup has been invited to attend the meeting again as an observer to ensure ARRTC can continue to benefit from his knowledge and expertise.
1.3Correspondence
Dr Barry noting the following outgoing correspondence:
Outgoing - 23/12/14 - Report from ARRTC Chair to Parliamentary Secretaryon ARRTC 34 outcomes
Dr Barry noted that he had not yet received a reply to his letter to the Parliamentary Secretary. Mr Parker advised that the Chair’s letter had been received by the Parliamentary Secretary but a response had been overtaken by the recent machinery of government changes. He noted that as a result of these changes, responsibility for the Environment Protection (Alligator Rivers Region) Act 1978now rests with the Minister for the Environment, the Hon Greg Hunt MP. ARRTC agreed that Dr Barry should include the outcomes of the ARRTC34 meeting and the September workshop in his report to Minister Hunt following this meeting.
ARRTC35 -1:Dr Barry to include the outcomes from the ARRTC34 meeting and September workshop in his report to Minister Hunt following this meeting.
1.4Conflict of Interest Declarations
Dr Barry called for conflict of interest declarations. Dr Mudd advised that he is continuing to provide advice to the Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation on Ranger mine including the closure criteria, and is also keeping other interested environmental NGOs informed. Dr Stauber advised that she is continuing to work with ERISS staff in relation to a number of ecotoxicological project activities, including the development of a Guideline Value for uranium in sediments. Ms Coram noted that Geoscience Australia (GA) is continuing to provide advice on uranium mining related matters to the Department of the Environment, including the Supervising Scientist. Dr Barry noted while there were no actual conflict of interests declared, members should remain cognisant of their obligation to declare any actual or potential conflicts of interest to the Chair as soon as they arise.
1.5Governance and Appointments
Mr Parker noted there are currently four vacancies on ARRTC including one Independent Scientific Member position. It was noted that action to fill these vacancies had been delayed asfuture arrangements for ARRTC had beeninitially subject to consideration in the Budget context and subsequently ongoing review under the Government’s Smaller Government agenda. Mr Parker advised that the outcomes of this review should be known by the end of the year. Mr Parker advised that ARRTC’s Terms of Reference, Operating Protocol and associated governance arrangements for the Committee are also being reviewed and proposed measures to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the Committee should be submitted to Minister Hunt for approval in early 2016. He noted that, as previously advised, thesemeasureswill likely include fixed terms for members and changes toARRTC membership structure and business model.
1.6ERISS/ERA publications
ARRTC noted the list of ERISSand ERA publications since last meeting.
2.ARRTC34 Outcomes
2.1ARRTC34 - Summary Record
The ARRTC34 Meeting Summary was approved as tabled.
ARRTC35 -2:ARRTC approved the ARRTC34 Meeting Summary as tabled.
ARRTC35 Meeting SummaryPage 1 of 45
3.2ARRTC34 Actions Arising - Status
item / Carried over action items / statusARRTC31-6 / ARRTC requested that Parks Australia provide a presentation to next meeting on the SAV monitoring approach for groundwater, vegetation management and cap integrity aspects including aims, rationale and results / It was noted that an update report will be tabled this meeting. Completed.
ARRTC32-4 / Mr Issaverdis to provide a response to the committee regarding causes of cap settlement, at the next meeting. / Mr Salmon advised that the SAV containment was now armoured and that ARPANSA had been satisfied with the cap settlement at the last inspection. Completed.
ARRTC32-9 / ARRTC requested a copy of David Parry’s recommendations regarding sediment sampling program for future / Ms Iles advised the report is still in draft but the recommendations had been considered as part of recent sediment work. Report to be circulated once finalised. Ongoing.
ARRTC32-11 / Run a qualitative risk assessment process for decommissioning. Provide an update at the next ARRTC meeting / Completed.
ARRTC32-14 / ERA to identify appropriate methodologies to investigate subsurface profile of Magela Creek sand channel and assess potential for solute migration.. Also discuss rationale and recommendations with SSD. / It was noted that these issues will be addressed by Intera in the site wide model due for completion in early 2016. It was also noted that INTERA have reported that sensitivity studies indicate that the current model is insensitive to changes in the hydraulic conductivity of the Magela sand bed.Ongoing.
ARRTC33-4 / ARRTC agreed Ms Strohmayr will approach UEL and request a compendium of their information on Nabarlek / It was noted that NTDME currently holds data and other information from Nabarlek but UEL hasn’t been approached to provide information as yet. It was agreed that information and data from Nabarlek will be of direct relevance and assistance in terms of Ranger rehabilitation. Ms Coram expressed concern that this information hasn’t been collated into a central repository as yet and requested this be done as soon as practicable.Dr Stauber asked what would be the most efficient way to do this. Dr van Dam indicated that he was hoping the analysis of Nabarlekgroundwater data would be done by OWS but he wasn’t sure where this was up to. Ms Coram suggested this was becoming more urgent, particularly as relevant people were retiring. Ms Paulka noted that groundwater data from Nabarlek had been collated in 2012 as part of the NTDME groundwater review. Ms Strohmayerstated she was unsure if DME actually received the data and would follow up. It was suggested that reports had been provided to previous ARRTC meetings and out of session. Mr Johnston suggested there should be a spreadsheet linked to the relevant data. Dr Mudd noted that Nabarlek is important because some of the earlier perceptions about Nabarlek ground water werelater proved to be incorrect. Dr Barry noted that ARRTC had agreed previously that there would be significant value in analysing Nabarlekdata and providing lessons for Ranger. Ms Coramacknowledged that collating all of the data would be a significant task. Prof Mulligan agreed there would be significant value in having the data and other information from Nabarlek collated as soon as possible.Ongoing.
ARRTC33-5 / ARRTC requested Ms Strohmayr to provide an update on DME audits at next meeting / Completed.
ARRTC33-7 / ARRTC noted Dr van Dam will discuss prioritisation mechanisms for 180 data streams on cap integrity with Professor Mulligan and Dr Mudd out of session. / It was suggested this item had been overtaken as Parks Australia has commissioned the Centre for Mine Rehabilitation to undertake a review of the monitoring programat El Sherana. It was agreed that Mr Salmon would report back to ARRTC on the outcomes of this review.Completed.
ARRTC34 ACTIONS ARISING
ARRTC34 -1 / Supervising Scientist and ERA to ensure the regional groundwater context is explicitly addressed and considered as part of proposed review of KKNs next meeting. / Completed
ARRTC34 -2 / Supervising Scientist and ERA to keep ARRTC informed on identification of appropriate methodologies to investigate subsurface profile of Magela Creek sand channels and assess potential for solute migration. / It was noted that this work has been postponed and to merge action ARRTC32-9 with this item.Ongoing.
ARRTC34 -3 / NT DME to provideNabarlek ground water data to ARRTC out-of-session. / Ms Coram advised she is particularly interested in seeing the trend analysis. Ms Strohmayr advised this was on the list of things to do but had not been done due to resource constraints. Dr van Dam noted this work is not unrelated to what SSB is looking to get OWS to assist with. Ongoing
ARRTC34 -4 / NT DME to request UEL to provide any information (including data sets) they hold for the Nabarlek site and make available to ARRTC out-of-session. / Mr McAllister noted that NTDME used to collate and report this information to ARRAC. Ms Coram suggested it would be useful if this information was also provided to ARRTC. Dr Stauber suggested that a synthesis of this information is also required not just the data. Ms Coram suggested it was important that ARRTC see the information even if it proves to be less relevant. It was agreed to redraft action items ARRTC33–4, ARRTC34-3 and ARRTC34-4 into a single new action item.Completed.
ARRTC34 -5 / NT DME to provide ARRTC with further detail on the outcomes (including relevant audit findings where possible) of NT DME audits of other mine sites out-of-session. / There was some uncertainty regarding the basis for this action and it was agreed that the Secretariat would follow up with Mr Waggitt.Completed.
ARRTC34 -7 / Dr Bartolo to provide a presentation on progress in developing UAS for vegetation monitoring to next meeting / It was agreed that this item would be carried over to ARRTC36.Carried Over.
ARRTC34 -8 / ARRTC requested that a report on progress in addressing the recommendations in the Lytton report, including the proposed data management strategy, be provided next meeting. / It was noted the report is not yet finalised. Dr van Dam advised there will be discussion regarding some of the recommendations this meeting. Ms Iles noted that there was further information in the appendix to ERA’s report for this meeting. Dr van Dam suggested that most of the perceived gaps should be addressed as part of the KKN identification process. Carried Over.