Southern Cross Operations Annual Environmental Report 2008 - 2009

2009 Annual Environmental ReportSouthern Cross OperationsBarbara. Disturbance comprised approximately 200 metres of linear trenching. Lettersdetailing the incident were prepared and sent to the DEC, DMP and local police.Saline Water Spill- 3 February 2009A saline water sub-surface transfer line ruptured between two production bores onFrog Rock – Marvel Loch Road resulting in a saline water (TDS 80 000mg/l) spill ofapproximately 10,000-15,000 litres. Saline water was released and confined to thecouncil road reserve where it flowed in a westerly direction for approximately 150metres. Adjacent properties were not affected and no native vegetation communitieswere impacted.TSF Freeboard Breach- 12 March 2009During a routine daily inspection of the TSF, the freeboard of the active cell along thewest wall was observed to be less than the prescribed 300mm (condition W7(b) of theSXO EP Act Licence 4597/12). Immediate actions to prevent a further reduction infreeboard included ceasing tailings deposition on the west wall and diverting tailings tospigots located on the south wall where sufficient embankment freeboard wasavailable. When the inactive cell’s wall raise was complete and spigots establishedtailings were directed to this cell.Process Water Spill- 15 June 2009While operating under normal circumstances the process water tank was observed tobe leaking process water from the base of the tank. It is believed that the corrosivenature of the water within the tank caused the deterioration of the tank over time,however integrity testing conducted in the months preceding the spill failed to detectany irregularities. Aquacrete was used to seal the leak temporarily until the tank couldbe emptied and the floor joins repaired. Spill material was captured and pumped intothe milling circuit.35