Fault Zone Hydrogeology and Risk: A case study from the Southern Coalfield, NSW
Presenter: Stuart Brown
When: Tuesday 18th July, 17:30 for a 18:00 start
Where: Level 27, 680 George Street, Sydney
Online: Teams Link
Bio
Stuart Brown is a principal hydrogeologist with two decades of experience in groundwater resource evaluation and environmental impact assessments. He received a PhD in geology from the University of Canterbury and MSc in hydrogeology from UTS. Stuart started his career at the University of Western Australia working on industry funded research on the regional geology and geochronology of mineralised terranes. Since 2004 Stuart has worked as a groundwater consultant, focussing on mine site hydrogeology, impact assessment, water supply and infrastructure projects.
Abstract
This talk presents results of a detailed investigation into the structure and hydrogeology of a fault zone in the Southern Coalfield, NSW. The Elouera Fault is a complex fault zone within Permo-Triassic sedimentary rocks of the Sydney Basin. Displacement across the fault prevented the northward progression of the Elouera Coal Mine in 2003. As Dendrobium Mine approached the fault from the north, detailed field investigations were carried out to evaluate hydrogeological risks associated with the structure which passed close to planned mine workings and Lake Avon. The investigation included drilling of more than 3 km of HQ core, down-hole geophysical surveys and imagery, permeability testing and cross-hole tracer tests. The results were used to assess the permeability structure of the fault zone at a range of scales and inform groundwater and surface water impact assessments.
