1. GENERAL

PSM’s work in the fields of hydrology and hydraulic engineering is mostly conducted through our Brisbane office under the direction of Bill Meynink. While Bill has particular expertise in equatorial hydrology, one of PSM’s major studies has been for the Condamine-Balonne Basin in Queensland, that is a major part of the Murray-Darling river system.

PSM’s hydrological studies are frequently linked with design of water storage and tailings dam, and with sediment transport studies.

2. PROJECTS

2.1. Condamine-Balonne Basin

The Condamine-Balonne water resource planning process has required hydrologic assessments of various scenarios with a particular focus on water diversions, water system reliabilities and environmental flows. A whole-of-basin approach to water planning has lead to the need for a basin-wide daily flow hydrologic model. The Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines has developed such a model for the Condamine-Balonne Basin. All available information including stream gauging, rainfall, evaporation, water licensing and recorded diversions have been used in developing this model.

PSM was commissioned by the Department of Natural Resources and Mines to audit the Condamine-Balonne hydrologic model in July 2000. This is the most comprehensive audit of any hydrologic model developed by the department. A report titled “Review of Condamine-Balonne River Hydrology Final Report Revision 1” was produced in May 2001 and the department has been implementing the recommendations since that time.

2.2. Kelian Gold And Kaltim Prima Coal, East Kalimantan

From the early exploration phases at both projects in the late 1980’s, Bill Meynink has been responsible for developing hydrological databases at both these major mining developments, and has over the past decade developed the design criteria for most hydrological related issues at both these mines. The work at Kelian is now the mine closure phase and PSM is now responsible for developing stable closure landforms in sympathy with the hydrological characteristics of this site that lies almost exactly on the equator. A major component of this work has been the design and construction of a system of wetlands to mitigate long term acid generation from exposed rock faces above the water-filled pit.

2.3. Hidden Valley, PNG

The Hidden Valley prospect in PNG was under consideration for development by CRA (Rio Tinto) for many years, and during this period Bill Meynink developed the site’s hydrological database and design criteria. The prospect is not under consideration for development by Morobe Gold and PSM are responsible for water and sediment management issues for the project.

2.4. Freeport Mine

PSM has been collecting hydrological data at the Freeport Mine in Irian Jaya for much of the past decade. The work has included rainfall data, streamflow gauging, water balance modelling and ongoing advice to the mine in regard to water management and water supply issues.

2.5. Argyle Diamond Mine

PSM was retained to undertake review studies conducted by Rio Tinto and other consultants in respect to sizing pumping requirements within the proposed block cave underground mine beneath the Argyle open pit. Particular consideration had to be given to issues of probability and risk.

2.6. Hornsby Quarry

A study was undertaken on behalf of the Hornsby Council in regard to geotechnical and hydrological constraints on future use of the old quarry site which is near the centre of this northern suburb of Sydney. The work included calculation of likely water filling rates in the quarry void, and the impact of such filling on quarry wall stability.